Title: True Love and Secret Crushes 3/?
Author: Kristen
Email: daydreamer257@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in the Harry Potter books. Their creation solely belongs to J.K. Rowling
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairings: Sirius/Hermione, Percy/Luna, Ginny/Draco
Spoilers: Up to Book 5, Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. Characters and situations from the book Except the major character death may be mentioned. If you haven't read it and wish to remain unspoiled, turn back now!
Summary: Answer to Shannon's Shades of Grey challenge with a Harry Potter twist. Fred and George's new invention causes everyone to admit to past or present crushes. The results inspire some very interesting changes.
Feedback: Is appreciated and cherished. This is my first HP fic I've been brave enough to post. Let me know what you think.
A.N. Obviously this is slightly AU since Sirius is still alive in this fic and it's set in the future, post-Hogwarts. Just assume that everything else in Book 5 happened with one exception: Sirius didn't die. Now that we're all clear, enjoy!
A.N. 2. Much thanks to Emmy for looking over all parts for me and pointing out my mistakes, thereby making this a better read for you readers, and also for the encouragement.
A.N. 3: Thanks also to those who have reviewed this story: ali-cat-21, who reviewed first and let me know that it was being read and not languishing in cyberspace, Vanyaria Darkshadow, whose reviewed more than once and assured me there are people still reading this, Avestia, your reveiw made me smile, Bijuu whose words were one of the best compliments I've ever received, and finally Siriusly Mione. Your review was short but still much appreciated. All this feedback has inspired and encouraged me and made me want to get the next part out that much faster.
Part 3
Hermione woke up in time for dinner. She ran a brush through her hair then headed down. The kitchen was brimming with noise and people.
Harry, Ron, and Draco were sitting at one end of the table discussing Quidditch. Luna and Ginny were sitting nearby taking a quiz in the Quibbler. Fred and George were sitting with Sirius as far away as they could get discussing their joke shop. Even after all their success and their help during the War, Mrs. Weasley still didn't entirely approve of the twins' career. Sirius threw his head back laughing at something Fred (or was it George?) had said. Absently Hermione noted how attractive Sirius looked when he laughed. He had a great smile and when he laughed his eyes took on the most charming twinkle Hermione had ever seen. Her stomach flipped.
"Hermione!" Ginny and Luna had looked up and spotted Hermione. Her gaze jerked in their direction. She willed the blush from rising on her cheeks. What had she been thinking? She prayed no one had noticed. A speculative look from Ginny warned her that Ginny had and she might be in for some questions later. Luckily no one else seemed to. Luna had dropped her gaze back to the magazine.
Hermione took a seat next to Luna and tried to act as if nothing had happened. She could pass the blush off as the heat from the fire in the room later. Never mind that the fire was across the room from where she had been standing in the doorway. If she did nothing else to bring suspicion to herself Ginny couldn't call her on it. Hermione pointedly didn't look in Sirius' direction. "So...what sort of quiz are you taking?"
Luna airily replied. "Just a quiz on what type of guy is suited for you." She rattled off a few of the results. "The Outgoing Wizard, the Romantic, the Older Man..."
At those last words Ginny's gaze focused on Hermione with all the passion of an inspector who knows she's got a good lead. "You should take the quiz Hermione. Maybe you're suited for the older man. You did go with Viktor Krum to the Yule Ball in your fourth year right?"
Hermione nervously nodded. "Yes. But he wasn't that much older than me, really!"
Ginny slanted a sly glance at Sirius and Hermione started to panic. Please don't let her say what I think she's going to say. "Maybe you should start dating older guys again. Guys like-"
"I'll take the quiz!" Hermione desperately snatched the magazine from Luna. Luna gave Hermione a weird look and she tried not to think of how fast things had spun out of control. Today was just a bad day all around now that Luna of all people was giving Hermione weird looks.
Mercifully, Ginny seemed willing to droop the matter now that Hermione was taking the quiz. Not that there was a matter to drop, Hermione assured herself. There was nothing going on. Nothing at all! So she had noticed today that Sirius had an adorable twinkle in his eyes. Lots of men had twinkles. She didn't want to date them all. So Sirius had long hair, and that face that showed his experiences in an attractively rugged way, or that smile that seemed to draw you in and give your stomach butterflies. Bill Weasley had long hair and was good looking too, but Hermione didn't want to date him. Though she had noticed in the past how good looking Bill was when she first met him. Never mind that! It didn't mean anything. Surely you could notice how attractive some people were without it meaning a thing. It was just an appreciation of nature's beauty.
And that was exactly what she would tell Ginny later when she cornered her. Which Ginny surely would. If that didn't work Hermione would just bring up Draco to distract her. She'd turn the tables and inquire about Ginny's feelings for him.
Hermione rushed through the quiz despite her distraction. When Luna saw she was done, she reached for the magazine. "Let me see what you got?" Hermione reluctantly handed over the quiz. Honestly, she scolded herself. It's just a quiz. Those things are ridiculous anyway.
"Hmm." Luna said. "According to this, Ginny was right." Luna turned her intent stare on Hermione. Hermione nervously remembered how perceptive Luna could be when she wanted to. She willed herself not to glance at Sirius. "The quiz says that you go for the older, experienced man." Hermione absently wondered how experienced Sirius was before she could stop herself. She blushed at the thought and laughed weakly. "Oh. Imagine that."
"Yes," Ginny said archly. "Imagine that."
Luckily Mrs. Weasley's voice rang out over the noise in the kitchen saving Hermione from further speculation. "Alright everyone supper's ready! Clear the table. Fred! George! Put that away, and set the table" Fred and George dutifully hopped up and got busy. "Hermione. Sirius. Would you get the drinks? Ginny, Luna, Harry, Ron; Carry this stuff to the table please."
Soon everything was on the table, bowls and plates of food were passed around and everyone began to eat. Hermione was thankful to be sitting between Percy and Draco. Ginny and Luna were sitting at the other end of the table now and unable to continue to question her. Draco was telling everyone at their end of the table now what Hermione had done to Mrs. Black's portrait. Sirius, who was sitting across from Hermione, looked up in surprise before favoring Hermione with a grin that nearly stunned her speechless at the sight of it. Thankfully no one noticed her reaction, too busy reacting themselves to the news. "Really? You threatened her with my portrait?" Sirius burst out laughing. "Damn I wish I could have seen that! I can just imagine the look on her face!" And with that he lost control, laughing all over again.
"Ingenious those muggles are," Arthur remarked. "They'll think of a way to do anything without magic, and even those things we can't do! Wonderful people muggles are."
The conversation soon turned to other things. Hermione would catch herself staring at Sirius and look away before someone noticed. So she welcomed the distraction of chatting with Percy. She could focus entirely on him and not embarrassing herself. They discussed the latest gossip and goings on in the Ministry. This inevitably led to a discussion about dating. Or rather how they weren't while everyone else was. "I haven't been on a date in quite a while," Percy noted grumpily. "Not a lot of people truly understand what I did or know the full story. There are all kinds of assumptions made."
"I'm so sorry to hear that, Percy. Maybe you should date someone who actually lived it. Someone who was involved in the Order?" Hermione suggested. "How about Tonks? I think she's single."
"Um, I'd rather not." Percy glanced down the table at Remus. "I heard she was dating Remus. Probably not wise to infringe on a werewolf's territory," Percy said with a grin.
"I suppose not," Hermione laughed. "Well what are you looking for?"
"Well she'd have to be intelligent, not intimidated by my family, and willing to know the real me and not what people say about me. She'd have to understand how important my job is but also have a good sense of humor and interest in life." Percy leaned in with a conspiratorial smile and whispered, "Not many people would believe it of me but work isn't everything."
Hermione burst out laughing earning her weird looks from the other Weasleys who wondered just how Percy had managed to say anything that entertaining. Percy just wore a straight face and they soon dropped all interest. Only Hermione noticed the twinkle of amusement in his eyes. Wait, that's not true. Over Percy's shoulder Hermione spotted someone watching Percy surreptitiously with a very interested expression. Caught, Luna looked away with a small blush. Aha! Luna likes Percy! I see I'm not the only one with a thing for older men. Hmm. Glancing back at Percy she wondered what he'd think of the idea brewing in her head. She seemed to fit Percy's requirements.
"Um Percy, I think I've just thought of the perfect person for you."
Lowering his voice so as not to be overheard Percy asked, "Who?"
Lowering her voice as well Hermione whispered, "Luna."
Surprised Percy responded hesitantly, "Luna?"
Nodding earnestly Hermione listed his requirements back at him. "She's very intelligent. She was in Ravenclaw. We both know how you like Ravenclaw girls," she teased Percy. Percy laughed but agreed. Hermione continued. "She'd be willing to know the real you. She knows how image and gossip can be deceiving. She's dealt with being called Looney Lovegood and the fact that people didn't want to get to know her just because of that. Plus, your family definitely does not intimidate her. How much time has she spent with them? She's practically a Weasley by now anyway."
"That is true," Percy conceded. "But," he paused with a glance down the table. "I thought she had a thing for Ron?"
"She got over that years ago," Hermione assured him.
Percy remained unconvinced. "Why would she want to date me? I'm the least attractive and interesting one of the bunch."
"That is not true, Percy!" Hermione denied hotly. "You're very good looking. You just don't put yourself out there like your brothers do. You'd be surprised how many girls in Gryffindor thought you were cute."
"Really?" Percy asked intrigued.
"Really." Hermione stated decidedly.
"Hmm." Percy looked with interest down the table at Luna. She was talking animatedly to Ginny about something. She seemed to glow with this otherworldly energy. Her long, blond hair swung as she shook her head at something Ginny said. She was beautiful, Percy had to admit. But would she date him?
He turned back to Hermione. "I'll think about it."
And Hermione knew he would.
End Part 3
Author: Kristen
Email: daydreamer257@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in the Harry Potter books. Their creation solely belongs to J.K. Rowling
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairings: Sirius/Hermione, Percy/Luna, Ginny/Draco
Spoilers: Up to Book 5, Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. Characters and situations from the book Except the major character death may be mentioned. If you haven't read it and wish to remain unspoiled, turn back now!
Summary: Answer to Shannon's Shades of Grey challenge with a Harry Potter twist. Fred and George's new invention causes everyone to admit to past or present crushes. The results inspire some very interesting changes.
Feedback: Is appreciated and cherished. This is my first HP fic I've been brave enough to post. Let me know what you think.
A.N. Obviously this is slightly AU since Sirius is still alive in this fic and it's set in the future, post-Hogwarts. Just assume that everything else in Book 5 happened with one exception: Sirius didn't die. Now that we're all clear, enjoy!
A.N. 2. Much thanks to Emmy for looking over all parts for me and pointing out my mistakes, thereby making this a better read for you readers, and also for the encouragement.
A.N. 3: Thanks also to those who have reviewed this story: ali-cat-21, who reviewed first and let me know that it was being read and not languishing in cyberspace, Vanyaria Darkshadow, whose reviewed more than once and assured me there are people still reading this, Avestia, your reveiw made me smile, Bijuu whose words were one of the best compliments I've ever received, and finally Siriusly Mione. Your review was short but still much appreciated. All this feedback has inspired and encouraged me and made me want to get the next part out that much faster.
Part 3
Hermione woke up in time for dinner. She ran a brush through her hair then headed down. The kitchen was brimming with noise and people.
Harry, Ron, and Draco were sitting at one end of the table discussing Quidditch. Luna and Ginny were sitting nearby taking a quiz in the Quibbler. Fred and George were sitting with Sirius as far away as they could get discussing their joke shop. Even after all their success and their help during the War, Mrs. Weasley still didn't entirely approve of the twins' career. Sirius threw his head back laughing at something Fred (or was it George?) had said. Absently Hermione noted how attractive Sirius looked when he laughed. He had a great smile and when he laughed his eyes took on the most charming twinkle Hermione had ever seen. Her stomach flipped.
"Hermione!" Ginny and Luna had looked up and spotted Hermione. Her gaze jerked in their direction. She willed the blush from rising on her cheeks. What had she been thinking? She prayed no one had noticed. A speculative look from Ginny warned her that Ginny had and she might be in for some questions later. Luckily no one else seemed to. Luna had dropped her gaze back to the magazine.
Hermione took a seat next to Luna and tried to act as if nothing had happened. She could pass the blush off as the heat from the fire in the room later. Never mind that the fire was across the room from where she had been standing in the doorway. If she did nothing else to bring suspicion to herself Ginny couldn't call her on it. Hermione pointedly didn't look in Sirius' direction. "So...what sort of quiz are you taking?"
Luna airily replied. "Just a quiz on what type of guy is suited for you." She rattled off a few of the results. "The Outgoing Wizard, the Romantic, the Older Man..."
At those last words Ginny's gaze focused on Hermione with all the passion of an inspector who knows she's got a good lead. "You should take the quiz Hermione. Maybe you're suited for the older man. You did go with Viktor Krum to the Yule Ball in your fourth year right?"
Hermione nervously nodded. "Yes. But he wasn't that much older than me, really!"
Ginny slanted a sly glance at Sirius and Hermione started to panic. Please don't let her say what I think she's going to say. "Maybe you should start dating older guys again. Guys like-"
"I'll take the quiz!" Hermione desperately snatched the magazine from Luna. Luna gave Hermione a weird look and she tried not to think of how fast things had spun out of control. Today was just a bad day all around now that Luna of all people was giving Hermione weird looks.
Mercifully, Ginny seemed willing to droop the matter now that Hermione was taking the quiz. Not that there was a matter to drop, Hermione assured herself. There was nothing going on. Nothing at all! So she had noticed today that Sirius had an adorable twinkle in his eyes. Lots of men had twinkles. She didn't want to date them all. So Sirius had long hair, and that face that showed his experiences in an attractively rugged way, or that smile that seemed to draw you in and give your stomach butterflies. Bill Weasley had long hair and was good looking too, but Hermione didn't want to date him. Though she had noticed in the past how good looking Bill was when she first met him. Never mind that! It didn't mean anything. Surely you could notice how attractive some people were without it meaning a thing. It was just an appreciation of nature's beauty.
And that was exactly what she would tell Ginny later when she cornered her. Which Ginny surely would. If that didn't work Hermione would just bring up Draco to distract her. She'd turn the tables and inquire about Ginny's feelings for him.
Hermione rushed through the quiz despite her distraction. When Luna saw she was done, she reached for the magazine. "Let me see what you got?" Hermione reluctantly handed over the quiz. Honestly, she scolded herself. It's just a quiz. Those things are ridiculous anyway.
"Hmm." Luna said. "According to this, Ginny was right." Luna turned her intent stare on Hermione. Hermione nervously remembered how perceptive Luna could be when she wanted to. She willed herself not to glance at Sirius. "The quiz says that you go for the older, experienced man." Hermione absently wondered how experienced Sirius was before she could stop herself. She blushed at the thought and laughed weakly. "Oh. Imagine that."
"Yes," Ginny said archly. "Imagine that."
Luckily Mrs. Weasley's voice rang out over the noise in the kitchen saving Hermione from further speculation. "Alright everyone supper's ready! Clear the table. Fred! George! Put that away, and set the table" Fred and George dutifully hopped up and got busy. "Hermione. Sirius. Would you get the drinks? Ginny, Luna, Harry, Ron; Carry this stuff to the table please."
Soon everything was on the table, bowls and plates of food were passed around and everyone began to eat. Hermione was thankful to be sitting between Percy and Draco. Ginny and Luna were sitting at the other end of the table now and unable to continue to question her. Draco was telling everyone at their end of the table now what Hermione had done to Mrs. Black's portrait. Sirius, who was sitting across from Hermione, looked up in surprise before favoring Hermione with a grin that nearly stunned her speechless at the sight of it. Thankfully no one noticed her reaction, too busy reacting themselves to the news. "Really? You threatened her with my portrait?" Sirius burst out laughing. "Damn I wish I could have seen that! I can just imagine the look on her face!" And with that he lost control, laughing all over again.
"Ingenious those muggles are," Arthur remarked. "They'll think of a way to do anything without magic, and even those things we can't do! Wonderful people muggles are."
The conversation soon turned to other things. Hermione would catch herself staring at Sirius and look away before someone noticed. So she welcomed the distraction of chatting with Percy. She could focus entirely on him and not embarrassing herself. They discussed the latest gossip and goings on in the Ministry. This inevitably led to a discussion about dating. Or rather how they weren't while everyone else was. "I haven't been on a date in quite a while," Percy noted grumpily. "Not a lot of people truly understand what I did or know the full story. There are all kinds of assumptions made."
"I'm so sorry to hear that, Percy. Maybe you should date someone who actually lived it. Someone who was involved in the Order?" Hermione suggested. "How about Tonks? I think she's single."
"Um, I'd rather not." Percy glanced down the table at Remus. "I heard she was dating Remus. Probably not wise to infringe on a werewolf's territory," Percy said with a grin.
"I suppose not," Hermione laughed. "Well what are you looking for?"
"Well she'd have to be intelligent, not intimidated by my family, and willing to know the real me and not what people say about me. She'd have to understand how important my job is but also have a good sense of humor and interest in life." Percy leaned in with a conspiratorial smile and whispered, "Not many people would believe it of me but work isn't everything."
Hermione burst out laughing earning her weird looks from the other Weasleys who wondered just how Percy had managed to say anything that entertaining. Percy just wore a straight face and they soon dropped all interest. Only Hermione noticed the twinkle of amusement in his eyes. Wait, that's not true. Over Percy's shoulder Hermione spotted someone watching Percy surreptitiously with a very interested expression. Caught, Luna looked away with a small blush. Aha! Luna likes Percy! I see I'm not the only one with a thing for older men. Hmm. Glancing back at Percy she wondered what he'd think of the idea brewing in her head. She seemed to fit Percy's requirements.
"Um Percy, I think I've just thought of the perfect person for you."
Lowering his voice so as not to be overheard Percy asked, "Who?"
Lowering her voice as well Hermione whispered, "Luna."
Surprised Percy responded hesitantly, "Luna?"
Nodding earnestly Hermione listed his requirements back at him. "She's very intelligent. She was in Ravenclaw. We both know how you like Ravenclaw girls," she teased Percy. Percy laughed but agreed. Hermione continued. "She'd be willing to know the real you. She knows how image and gossip can be deceiving. She's dealt with being called Looney Lovegood and the fact that people didn't want to get to know her just because of that. Plus, your family definitely does not intimidate her. How much time has she spent with them? She's practically a Weasley by now anyway."
"That is true," Percy conceded. "But," he paused with a glance down the table. "I thought she had a thing for Ron?"
"She got over that years ago," Hermione assured him.
Percy remained unconvinced. "Why would she want to date me? I'm the least attractive and interesting one of the bunch."
"That is not true, Percy!" Hermione denied hotly. "You're very good looking. You just don't put yourself out there like your brothers do. You'd be surprised how many girls in Gryffindor thought you were cute."
"Really?" Percy asked intrigued.
"Really." Hermione stated decidedly.
"Hmm." Percy looked with interest down the table at Luna. She was talking animatedly to Ginny about something. She seemed to glow with this otherworldly energy. Her long, blond hair swung as she shook her head at something Ginny said. She was beautiful, Percy had to admit. But would she date him?
He turned back to Hermione. "I'll think about it."
And Hermione knew he would.
End Part 3