Title: True Love and Secret Crushes 6/?
Author: Kristen
Email:
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in the Harry Potter books. Their creation belongs solely to J.K. Rowling.
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairings: Sirius/Hermione, Percy/Luna, Draco/Ginny
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. 1: 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! Also, much, much thanks to everyone who left me a review or sent some feedback. This part is dedicated to you. All individual replies to feedback are at the bottom of this part.
Part 6
"Would you just shut up?" Hermione screamed at Ron in exasperation.
Ron was seething on the couch glaring mournfully at his sister and his partner and moaning about his eyes, "They'll never be clean again after witnessing this abomination."
Said abomination, Ginny and Draco, continued ignoring him and kissing each other. After that first kiss they had pulled apart and stared at each other in surprise. Why hadn't they done this before? In unspoken agreement they had reached for each other again and begun kissing in a slow exploration of finding what the other liked. Draco had backed up, or Ginny had pulled, neither was quite sure which maybe it was a bit of both, themselves over to the nearest upright surface which happened to be the corner by the door. Draco was leaning back against the wall and supporting Ginny's weight against him. The explosion of passion that had gotten them to that point was now on a slow simmer as they were lost in familiarizing themselves with the body they had wanted to touch for weeks. Said exploration wasn't nearly as intimate as Ron was making it out to be. They knew they weren't alone and it was too soon for that anyway. Still, there was no reason they couldn't enjoy themselves a bit either.
"Aah!" Ron screamed. He pointed furiously at Draco. "Hands, hands! Take that hand off my sister's arse right now!"
Harry rolled his eyes in irritation. This had been going on for too long now. "Shouldn't you be more worried about Draco's hand that you can't see?" Ginning wickedly he pointed out, "I can't see both of Ginny's either."
Ron let off a shriek like a teakettle coming to a boil and seemed to be speechless with the horror of it all. His mouth kept opening to say something then closing when only inadequate words came to mind. Hermione enjoyed the blessed silence. It didn't last long before a certain animagus ruined it.
Sirius gazed at Ron sympathetically before he offered in an air of giving comfort, ruined by his smirk, "At least she's not enamored with Snape anymore."
"Snape! That greasy git! I've seen elephants with smaller noses than him," Ron muttered angrily. After a second look at his sister (it was like a train wreck he couldn't look away) Ron yelled out," Ginevra Weasley those hands better not be where I think they are!"
Ginny ignored him.
"We are going to have a talk about your unnatural fascination with Slytherins," Ron continued. "Draco's bad enough but Snape?" He turned to Neville and asked, "Snape? What was she thinking? A Death Eater! A Death Eater who went out of his way to make our lives miserable!" Ron's eyes were beginning to look a little wild the more he thought about Ginny's lunacy.
"There he goes again," Hermione swung on Sirius in irritation. "You just had to do it didn't you?"
Sirius offered an unrepentant grin. "What?" Noticing Ron's face steadily getting redder as his mutters rose to a bellow he mused, "Was it something I said?"
"Ooo! Sirius Black, if you don't stop right there I'll-I'll-" She stood up searching her brain for a suitable punishment.
Sirius grinned at her. She really was hot when she was mad. He slid a thoughtful glance toward Ron thinking back over all the arguments Ron and Hermione had been involved in. He snorted inwardly in discovery. I knew he couldn't have been that ignorant of the effects of his words.
Hermione sure was sexy when she was mad. Sirius leaned back to enjoy the full view of his efforts.
"If you don't quit I'll stun Snuffles one day and take him to a muggle veterinarian. You'll never be able to make little Snuffles ever again. You won't even be able to think of it."
Sirius winced and made an effort not to cover the Snuffles factory. Then gain, there was a point when mad stopped being sexy and just became scary. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!" He apologized profusely. Desperate measures were called for. He got down on his knees in front of Hermione, laid his hands on that slender waist, and turned on the puppy eyes. "It was immature and thoughtless of me to make such a statement." He rubbed soothing circles on her waist. "Forgive me, I'll never do such a horrible thing again."
Hermione wavered. The puppy eyes were good. She did love his eyes… No! She must not give in! But, the heat of his palms was burning through her robes. The movement of his hands was sending jolts of pleasure to her nerve endings and making her stomach jump in a really good way. And that was just her waist! The thought of his hands moving to a more interesting location nearly made her knees give out and she fought back a shudder. In defense, she grabbed those hands to still their motions. He has really nice hands she thought before she could stop herself. Back on track Hermione! She sighed. "Fine, you're forgiven." She rolled her eyes at his big grin. "Now get up off the floor, you look ridiculous."
Sirius ignored that but dutifully rose. He had felt her trembling and seen her cheeks flush. He should look ridiculous more often. He took stock of the room. He hadn't noticed before but he couldn't hear Ron anymore. His eyes swept to where he last remembered seeing him and snickered.
Unable to take the noise anymore, Percy had wrapped rope around Ron and gagged him. He was being levitated close to the ceiling while Percy lectured him. Ron's insults were muffled but the look on his face spoke volumes. Percy glanced meaningfully at the wardrobe in the corner. "Shut up, or I'll stuff you in the wardrobe. I doubt it's been cleaned in a long while so it's probably filled with spiders. Ginny likes Draco," he paused and raised his eyes at the ceiling, "God knows why." He turned his attention back to Ron. "But she does, and your ranting about a certain past crush isn't going to change anything on that front either." He glanced at Ginny and Draco and couldn't control a sneer of distaste, but he just sighed and turned back to Ron. "It's her choice and you need to respect it, so shut up and get over it or I'll stuff you in the wardrobe. If there aren't any spiders I'll conjure up some big hairy ones for your benefit. Don't push me."
Ron's eyes widened at this threat. With an effort he held back his comments and glared pointedly at Percy.
"All right," Percy sighed in reluctance. He waved the wand and Ron returned to the floor while the rope and gag disappeared. "I liked you better that way," he muttered under his breath.
Ron glowered at that but miraculously didn't say anything. He stalked back to the couch and sat next to Harry. He glared at him in accusation, "Why didn't you do anything?"
Harry spread his hands and shook his head. "You deserved it. You were getting on my nerves too."
Ron grumpily folded his arms and let out an angry, "Humph."
Harry just rolled his eyes and ignored him. There was no dealing with him when he was in this mood. "While that was fun we really should be concentrating on getting out of here."
"And what we'll do to the twins when we do," Hermione added ominously in a low voice that promised painful retribution.
Neville did a double take at Hermione.
Noticing, she shook it off. "Please, we may be Gryffindors," at appointed cough she amended, "and one Ravenclaw and supposedly above a bit of revenge…" She paused and glanced at Malfoy. "I doubt he is being Slytherin, but the twins have gone too far! They really need to be beaten at their own game," she muttered darkly.
"Hear, hear!" agreed Percy. "I've said it for years that they need a little taste of their own medicine."
"So we're agreed?" Hermione glanced around the group pleased at the nods and smirks she gained in response. Draco and Ginny had finally stopped making out long enough to notice what was going on. "Now you're talking, Granger. Though I for one am not as peeved at the results as you are," he smiled and tickled Ginny. Ron manfully tried to ignore her giggles. He was blind. He. Wasn't. Seeing. Anything. Draco continued, "I'm always up for a little Weasel revenge.'
Ginny slapped him lightly. "Don't say Weasel, ferret-face."
Draco snorted. "You whisper such sweet nothings, Ginevra."
"Yes, well, back to the subject," Hermione reminded them. "I'd like to suggest we get together after this unfortunate incident has passed," Harry smiled at her wording of what they were going through, "and after the holidays to plan our retaliation. We'll get them when they least expect it," she said with relish.
Resolve echoed in every face. Fred and George wouldn't know what hit them.
"That said, perhaps we should just get this over with quickly," Percy suggested.
Sighs answered him. "As much as I don't like it, you're right. We should all admit our crushes. The magic will make us do it anyway. Might as well be on our terms," Harry said resigned. He thought wistfully of just using Parseltongue to get out of this mess. Unfortunately, names didn't really translate to other words in Parseltongue. Those would come through clearly and recognizably. Even if they didn't, Harry wasn't exactly the only Parselmouth in the room. Ginny had gained the ability as a leftover reminder of her possession by Tom Riddle in her first year.
"Speaking of terms," Ron began. "Hermione, I think you should draw up another one of your contracts. Nothing we say should go beyond this room or be used as blackmail or humiliation." He glanced pointedly at Malfoy who just gazed back with an innocent expression as if to say, who me? Ron snorted. "In fact, we shouldn't mention what happens at all. It'll drive them nuts if they can't figure out what happened."
Draco wiped at a fake tear. "It's so nice to see my influence wearing off on you, Weasley. You do me proud."
Ron rolled his eyes and shifted on the couch looking for everyone's reaction. "Well?"
"It's a great idea," Neville said.
Luna gazed dreamily at Ron, "They will reap their rotten fruit. Perhaps we shall feed them to the Loch Ness serpents. They eat troublemakers you know," she informed them gravely.
"Right," Ron nodded warily.
Hermione rolled her eyes. There was no such thing as Loch Ness serpents. However, friendship with Luna had taught her to ignore such statements. Sometimes she wondered if Luna said those sorts of crazy things on purpose just to throw people off when she said something normal. Instead, she pulled out parchment, quill, and ink from the desk against the far wall. She quickly outlined the terms of the contract they had agreed on and performed a charm to make it binding. They all agreed to include suitable consequences if the contract were broken, well more like Ron insisted and Harry agreed, but the rest went along with it to humor them including a reluctant Malfoy. Mentioning what happened would have made their training sessions so much more interesting but Draco dutifully signed with only a small amount of regret that disappeared when Ginny smiled brightly at him. Revenge was their banner and they were united under it. Soon enough all of their signatures decorated the parchment and the room was silent, filled only with the weight of the magic waiting expectantly for the rest of them to spill their collective guts.
"Great, who goes first then?" Sirius asked to break the silence.
"Harry!" Ron volunteered quickly.
Harry jumped in surprise and turned a questioning glance on his best friend.
"Consider it payback for not helping me with Percy earlier," Ron informed him.
"Good grief," Harry muttered. "Alright here we go. I'm not in love with anyone at the moment but my crushes have included Cho, Gabrielle, Katie, Ginny, and Tonks," he listed with an air of getting it over with. Draco sent him a warning glare when Ginny's name was mentioned. Harry ignored it while Ginny just rolled her eyes at Draco. She refrained from calling him names until later. Honestly, that ship had sailed long ago. "Ron, it's your turn," Harry ordered.
Ron took a deep breath. "FleurLavenderPansyParvatiandHermione," he babbled in a rush.
Draco snickered. "One more time for those of us who speak English?"
Ron glared but slowly enunciated each name. "Fleur. Lavender. Pansy. Parvati. Hermione."
"Thanks Weasley for the clarification," Draco laughed. "I thought I heard pug-face's name in their somewhere."
"Not another word, Malfoy," Ron said between clenched teeth.
"Moving on," Hermione interrupted before a fight could break out. "How about you, Neville?" she asked gently.
Neville nodded then calmly offered, "Ginny, Hannah, Susan, Luna, Padma, and Pansy."
Draco bristled at Ginny's name on Neville's list and Ginny gave him a warning pinch. One jealous reaction was okay; two was just being annoying. There was no way she was going to let him keep this up with everyone who had ever had a crush on her if he wanted a relationship with her. There was absolutely no reason; she wasn't the cheating type. Besides, she and Neville both knew there wasn't anything there. They had both dated briefly in Ginny's sixth year and decided they were better off as friends..
Harry laughed. "Do you realize you named at least one girl from each house?"
Neville smiled and replied with laughing eyes, "I like all kinds of girls."
"Longbottom, you slut," Draco sniggered.
"Nah," Sirius disagreed. "He's just a connoisseur of the female form like me," he said with a roguish grin. "We know how to appreciate a lady wherever we may find her."
Harry rolled his eyes and shoved Sirius off the arm of the couch next to him.
When the laughter died down Luna volunteered to go next. Hermione noticed that Percy was giving her all of his attention. Luna swung her long hair behind her and said, "In the past there was Ronald, Blaise, Mr. Lupin, and Lee Jordan. Quidditch matches were always more interesting when he was commentator," she mused absently. Luna gathered herself a few seconds later and fixed an intent gaze on Percy. "Lately, I've been enamored of tall redheads wearing sexy glasses and such a sexy demeanor that I sense hides a passion underneath," She tilted her head. "I think you're as wonderful and mysterious as a crumple-horned snorckack."
Harry and Ron turned slightly disgusted faces to each other. Passion? Percy? What had Luna been smoking? Well if you considered an obsession for rules and cauldron bottoms passionate…
They turned to Percy to see his reaction to Loony Lovegood's devotion. He blushed but kept a steady gaze on Luna. "I must confess my past consists merely of Penelope and Imogen, but my present is filled with thoughts of you. I'd like to see what could be between us."
Ron turned to Harry, "Mental, the both of them."
Harry chuckled in disbelief. "I guess it's a perfect match."
End Part 6
Well that's it. Sorry it took so long to get this out. My writer's block struggled with this one. Even though I know how I want to end this I had trouble getting it down on paper. Then I wasn't satisfied with what I had and this went through several re-writes. My characterization may be a bit off in this one too. I really had a hard time with Luna in this one. If it is I apologize. And I really do love Ron despite how I treat him in this fic or portray him. I have a huge spider phobia too due to a few horrific experiences best left repressed. So, I wouldn't really let Percy follow through on his threat. Ron's one of my favorite characters, Percy and Ginny too… I think all the Weasleys are really as well as too many other characters to name. Really, how can I pick just one? But, I'm getting off topic. Let me just get a few more things out of the way and then I'll respond to all of your reviews.
Before everyone reviews asking who the heck Imogen is I'll put a brief explanation here. Lacking a good list of characters Percy's age besides those on the Quidditch team and Penelope I made one up for Percy to have a crush on. Imogen was a year below Percy in Ravenclaw and works in the Ministry of Magic. That's really all you need to know since she's only briefly mentioned here.
I don't see too many more parts to this. One more should do it, and maybe an epilogue. I'm debating whether or not to make it longer and whether to include the group's payback over Fred and George's prank into this fic as a short piece of revenge or a longer story in a sequel. Your input is appreciated since you're who I'm writing for. So tell me what you'd like to see.
Speaking of which, I've created a group for myself where I can post new parts, notify about updates to my website, or just give an update on why something is taking awhile or what I'm working on. If you'd like to join the addy is
You can leave feedback there for me, discuss the fics if you've a mind to, issue me a challenge (I've a weakness for them and I may be inspired to answer yours) or vote in the polls for a pairing. I created it since most places like don't allow you to leave author's notes or reply to reviews in the place of a chapter. If you'd like to join I'd be happy to see you there. I've also got the basics of my website up. All of my fics are uploaded at least, except for this chapter. The addy is I'm trying to finish the rest of it. I've got plans for other pages, but I also need someone to make some cover art for my fic and banners for elsewhere on the site. If you'd like to help me out let me know in a review or email me at
Once more I'd like to thank you guys for all the reviews and emails about this story. It's my first pure Harry Potter fic and your words have encouraged and welcomed me so nicely in this fandom. You've made it a pleasure to write for you and inspired me to keep writing in this universe. I have a few more ideas I'd like to write and have already started one of them which hasn't been posted yet. For anyone who's interested, the title is Hermione Granger and the Mermaid's Curse. The basic summary is that Hermione was cursed by Lucius Malfoy to become a mermaid part of the time and the only way to break it is to get married or she'll lose her magic and become a mermaid forever. It's slightly based on some mermaid legends in the Orkney Islands. Very slightly based. I'm already on part three but I'm a bit stuck on deciding a pairing. If you'd like to see a certain pairing you can either leave your vote in a review for this fic, email me, or post your vote in a message at my group. But please don't suggest Harry. I don't like Harry and Hermione together.
Now that that's out of the way, it's time to reply to your reviews individually. I know I'm still not done yet. This is the longest author's notes you've ever read huh?
Siriusly Mione: sorry, no Sirius/Hermione resolution in this one but there was a smidge of interaction in this one. I do hope that was enough to tide you over
Poetrychik: Thanks for the feedback. Happy you enjoyed it. I've taken care of quite a few True Confessions in this one. You'll notice all that's left is Sirius and Hermione.
Avestia: I'm glad you liked the Ginny/Draco piece in the last part. They've been really fun to write though I seem to be stuck on reading Harry/Ginny fic lately. Hopefully that hasn't affected my writing too much.
Hiril Narwain: Wow. My first threat. Just curious what would you have done to try to persuade me? Maybe send a rescued Sirius my way? Here's hoping….
LinNicole: Oh, you made me smile. I love to hear that you thought it was that funny. I sometimes wonder if people are laughing in the right places. My family is always saying my sense of humor is a bit off. But, if you think it's funny I'm pleased!
DSMelody: Hmm. I don't know. Dumbledore and Snape weren't exposed to Fred and George's little holiday gift but I bet the results would be interesting if they were.
Summery-ice: WooHoo! Another Percy fan. I really don't think he's all that evil despite what Ron and Harry think in the books. It seems to me, Percy's been dropping hints left and right that he's not quite the prat he seems. I plan to write a fic featuring Percy soon answering a Hermione/Percy challenge exploring just that possibility. Ron doesn't have a pairing in this fic though you'll notice he's confessed his crushes in this part.
Tracy: Well, here's the next part. Hope you enjoy.
Captain Oblivious: You know what I thought of when I saw your name? An episode of Who's Line when they play superheroes and Colin I think, though I'm not sure if that's right was Captain Obvious. Fantastic name! And you giggled till you toppled over? LoL What a compliment! I'm glad you enjoyed.
Rane2920072: Not sure what you mean by juice. I hope the Sirius/Hermione interaction in this part satisfies.
Phoenix: Thanks for the feedback. It's so encouraging to know you liked the same parts I do. Snape may not be the handsomest bloke on the planet but he's sure got the sexiest voice in my opinion.
s. s. harry: I'm happy you liked it. It's reassuring that you think it was hilarious. It really was intended to be. I laughed like a loon when I wrote the poem inside the cards. I kept laughing so much my sister wondered what on earth I was doing.
AliasRedPhoenix: I'm glad you like the pairings! I know this probably wasn't updated as soon as you would have liked but I hope it was worth the wait.
Klear-Moonshine: Oh you did flatter me, you really did. And your hint was noted and taken. If not for writer's block you'd have had this sooner. So, how's the update?
Natalie Black: Thanks for the wonderful compliments! You made me blush. Reviews like yours are very appreciated.
Accio Flaming Stake: Oh, reviews like yours make me grin like a fool. Ron is soooo much fun to write. Tell me what you think of him in this part, please. J A lot of people are waiting for what Hermione has to say. Unfortunately, you won't find out until the next part.
Mysticalecho: Sorry this wasn't a quick update. Hope you liked it anyway.
DarkLadyDragon: Thanks for the feedback!
Cybeleflame: Thank you! It's been really fun to write. Enjoy the update!
Isnani: Sirius' turn is up next along with a certain brainy gryffindor gal.
Silverbutterfly: Well it's not too original, since it's based on a challenge by Shannon. It originally called for Buffy and Angel characters. But the greeting cards and the Luna/Percy pairing ideas are all mine. Thanks for the lovely feedback!
Satern Mya: Thanks! Hope you like the update.
KTB: Thanks! I like to think I'm witty too. J About your concerns about Draco and Ginny resigning too soon, they didn't really. I have been dropping hints in earlier parts that they were into each other but they weren't admitting it and afraid to take the chance. Really, all that they've done is admit they have feelings for each other. I don't really see everything being all happily tied up from that point. There's still the settling into a new relationship to be done and getting to know each other better before they get a happy ending. They have admitted they wanted one, which was big for them. It's really a new beginning for them rather than an ending. I suppose I didn't make that as clear as I should have. I hope that clears things up. About Neville's lack of reaction, you're right! That was a mistake on my part to leave that out. I got distracted with everything else that was going on and didn't include it. I've included an explanation in this part. And all current crushes are admitted last, all past crushes are admitted in no particular order. And if you'd like to be notified of updates, why don't you join my group? The address is above, hope to see you there.
Rana Eressea: Thanks! I love all of the characters in this fic. Rowling created so many fantastic characters to work with and I try to stay in character, though the situation and the pairings call for a little bit of OOC, I think. Which part was over the top? Let me know and I'll try not to err again in the future. Btw, what did you think of this part?
Freyja39: Here's another part. Enjoy!
Firennissi Assassin: Thanks for the feedback! Every word was appreciated.
Joann: No, I haven't given up, I was just fighting with writer's block. This part went through many rewrites because I just couldn't get anything worthy written down. This fic is definitely not abandoned and will be finished. Thanks for the feedback!
LadyEvergreen: Thanks for the review. I don't care if you were too lazy to sign in as long as you're not too lazy to leave feedback! J
Babybear089: I know. Don't worry, this fic has not been abandoned. I've every intention of finishing it. I'll try not to let this go so long without an update again. Thanks for the review.
Kelly: I didn't know anyone was recommending this fic. Wow, that's a wonderful compliment. Thanks for letting me know, I've needed to hear some good news like that. Thanks for the review!