A/N: Guess who's back. Back again. Witchangel's back. Tell some men (Nelli, you should really copy write that cause I'm gonna use it all over :-D) Well, another chapter is coming straight for ya! Ron comes into the story today and secrets may or may not be revealed about him and/or Hermione. There are no secrets that I can think of for Harry so until I think of some, hang tight and just read my damn fic.
6/6/04- OMG, I JUST SAW HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN! AND I SAW IT IN IMAX THEATERS! THE SCREEN IS HUMONGOUS!! THE MOVIE ROCKED! My favorite part is when Ron roared like a lion. I thought that was cool. And the quidditch scene was really short but it was awesome. Anyway, back to the fic.
Disclaimer: Ok, you KNOW I did not create Harry Potter or any other of his little friends so sod off.
All Is Fair in Love and War
Chapter 4: Surprise! x2
Birds chirped all around the peaceful sleeping forms. An orange cat with a squashed face sauntered over to the hammock where the couple lay and hopped on, causing it to rock a bit. None awoke, to the feline's dismay, so he gently pawed at the laced fingers. The boy stirred slightly as his eyes opened halfway. He groaned slightly and fell back asleep, his grip on the girl tightening slightly. The girl's body shifted and the smooshed-faced kitty clawed her stomach a bit. Her eyes opened to see a furry ball of orange on her tummy. She shrieked in surprise, waking the boy, as the hammock flipped over and sent the three tumbling to the grass...
Harry groaned in pain as his whole body throbbed. He struggled to breathe as Hermione tried to pull herself up off of him.
said Hermione. That blasted cat! Frightening the shit out of me!
You think you've got it bad? Harry moaned, his voice very much off key. You've hurt regions of my body that I find rather useful in life!
He shoved her off of him and pulled himself into a sitting position against the tree, his eyes shut tight in pain. Hermione's eyes widened in shock and she gasped.
Oh, Harry I'm sorry! she said. I didn't mean–!
Harry held up his hand to silence her.
It's okay, Hermione! Really. Just give me a second. Ugh.
Harry groaned as he pulled himself slowly to his feet and helped Hermione off the ground. Then he wrapped his arms around her waist and was about to pull her close when all of a sudden, the orange fur ball, named Crookshanks jumped between them. The two sprang back to keep the cat from latching itself on to a particle of their clothing. Hermione swore in frustration and bent down to picked the smooshed-faced cat up by its middle and started off towards the door to the house. Harry followed close behind her, though walking a bit odd due to the hammock incident. Once inside and letting Crookshanks run into the den, Hermione heaved a sigh,
I love my cat and all but, Hermione said, rolling her eyes, Crookshanks can be a nuisance at times!
Tell me about it! Harry said exasperatedly while wincing a bit every time he took a step.
Hermione noticed his funny step and fought back a giggle.
she said, You should really take a hot bath or shower because you're going to be hurting all day without one.
I guess I should take a shower anyway, Harry commented. Seeing that I'm wearing yesterday's clothes and I haven't had one yet today. Thanks, Minny.
Hermione's face went scarlet as she glared at Harry.
Don't call me that! she said indignantly.
Sorry, Minny, Harry said cheekily as he walked to the stairs.
Oh, Harry, Hermione said to airily herself. How do you manage to get on every nerve in my body and still have my heart?
---
Upstairs in the Granger's shower, Harry enjoyed the hot water engulfing his body as the pain in his groin slowly ebbed away. He used a wash towel to clean his face. His hand worked its way down past his neck, his chest, his stomach, and suddenly jolted forward as his fingers touched the tip of his manhood. (A/N: Oo) He drew in a sharp breath and continued to wash around it but it stood out like Hagrid on a crowded Muggle sidewalk. Frustrated, he jammed on the cold water and twisted the handle to turn the hot water off. The freezing water satisfied him a bit but he was sure he could've had a better time with his other option. What you need is a cold shower. Hermione's father's words rang in his head and he laughed. He turned the knob on the shower and stepped out, grabbing a towel and running it through his wet hair.
Father knows best, Harry said and laughed some more.
Exactly what is so funny? came Hermione's voice.
Harry's head whipped around to see Hermione standing in the doorway, arms folded across her chest and her eyes started on Harry's face but ended at his feet. Harry quickly removed the towel from his head and wrapped it around his waist.
Hermione! How long have you been standing there? he said, shocked.
Long enough, she replied with a grin. And I'm not just talking about the amount of time which I've been watching you, either.
Harry's eyes widened as he grabbed his glasses off of the sink and put them on his face. His face flushed bright red as he picked his clothes off of the floor.
Remind me to lock the door when I'm taking a shower.
I'll remind myself to forget to tell you.
Harry said sarcastically.
He walked to Hermione and gave her a peck on the cheek.
Good morning! he said brightly to her.
I'll say. Happy Birthday, Harry! she called out after him.
Harry stopped dead in the hallway and scratched his head in confusion. Birthday? OH! Birthday! How could he have forgotten his own birthday? What had he been thinking about? Hermione. That would explain the temporary memory loss. He turned around slowly to see Hermione beaming at him.
he said. It's my birthday!
She shook her head and went down the stairs, but not before Harry heard her say, Harry grinned from ear to ear, practically skipping to his room. He still couldn't believe he had completely forgotten his very own birthday. Putting on some clean clothes from his trunk, he noticed Hedwig sitting on the window sill with a wax-sealed note tied to her leg. It had the Hogwarts seal on it and had Dumbledore's curly handwriting on it.
To Harry,
Tomorrow is the beginning of your sixth year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. I would like to inform you that after the Sorting and the feast that you would not be joining your fellow students to the Gryffindor Tower but will report to my office instead. There is something very important that we need to discuss. Happy Birthday and good luck during sixth year.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Hmm' Harry thought. I wonder what is so important that we need to talk about it the first day of school.'
Harry put on his trainers, laced them up, fed Hedwig, and left the room to go downstairs. Waiting in the kitchen were Hermione's parents and Hermione herself, sitting at the table. Hermione sat, absentmindedly stirring her cup of tea (A/N: It's fricken July 31st...what are she doing drinking hot tea?), reading the Daily Prophet. From where he was standing, Harry could see the headline on the front page. THE BOY WHO LIVED ESCAPES HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED ONCE AGAIN' Harry groaned inwardly. He had been trying not to think about that fateful night. It was the night when the life of the closest person to a father had been taken from him by his very own cousin. It was the night when Harry's fate had been decided. Kill or be killed. It was saddening that he hadn't even told Hermione or Ron. Ron. Harry wondered why he hadn't heard from him all summer. Strange.
Happy Birthday, Harry! Mrs. Granger told Harry, interrupting his thoughts.
Thank you, Mrs. Granger, Harry replied graciously.
Hermione suddenly looked up from the newspaper and said,
What she said.
Harry laughed and sat next to Hermione.
And I thought you were supposed to be the intellectual, he said.
Compared to the ridiculous sentences you produce, I still am.
Harry had no comeback so Hermione smiled as her eyes traveled back to the newspaper. Hermione's father spoke for the first time that morning.
What would you like to do today, Harry? he said.
Um...I really didn't have anything planned, Harry said truthfully.
Don't have anything planned? Mr. Granger said as if it was the most ridiculous thing in the world.
I don't usually make a big deal out of my birthday.
I see. Well, the Weasleys sent a..uh...note inviting us all over to the Burrow tonight at 7 o' clock.
Harry said brightly. Maybe he could catch up with Ron and finally talk with him.
That's wonderful! said Hermione in an equally bright tone. I absolutely love the Weasleys!
More than me?
I'm sorry Harry but since it's nine against one I'm going to have to say yes.
Harry drew his hand up to his heart and pretended to be wounded.
I'm hurt! he said dramatically.
Then my job is done here!
Hermione folded up the newspaper and nearly skipped out of the room. Harry stood for a few seconds while Hermione's parents were deep in conversation and then ran after her. Upstairs, Hermione's bedroom door was closed. Harry pressed his ear to the door, unsure of what he was listening for. Then, without warning, it opened and Harry went tumbling into her room. Hermione stood above him giggling.
Eavesdropping gets you nowhere, Mr. Potter.
It got me this far, didn't it? Harry said, pulling himself to his feet.
As he stood up he nearly fell back down at the sight of what Hermione was wearing. She was clad in an orange bikini that was covered in thick white bubble letters that spelled out phrases like, Hot, Hot, Hot or Palm Trees even Board Rider (A/N: That's the bathing suit I have!). The only extra garment she had on was a white towel which was tied around her waist. It took Harry a good minute to regain the power of speech.
Where are you going? he finally managed to sputter out.
To the public pool, a few blocks from here, Hermione said. Would you like to come with?
Do you even have to ask?
Within minutes Harry was in black swimming trunks that reached the middle of his knee and his black trainers. He swung a towel over his shoulder and they headed towards the front door. They were halfway through it when,
Where do you think you're going dressed like that?
Mr. Granger had spotted them in the midst of their escape. Hermione sighed.
We're going for a dip in the pool, Daddy, she said.
Where's your shirt?
I'm not bringing it because I'd just take it off later and I won't be wearing it home because it'd get wet.
Mr. Granger surveyed them in silence through his narrowed eyes before saying,
Alright then. Be back by one o' clock.
We will, Daddy.
Hermione stood on her tiptoes and kissed her father's cheek and she and Harry finally made it out the door and down the street. They walked as fast as they could down the block because they knew that Mr. Granger was probably watching them through the front window. As they turned a corner, they slowed down a bit. (A/N: listens to PoA soundtrack and continues typing) As they neared the pool Harry could hear joyful screaming, laughing, and a series of splashes. Harry looked at Hermione and she smiled at him. Just then a tall boy with brown hair and bright blue eyes walked up to them.
Hey, Hermione, the boy said in a smooth voice.
Harry could sense that Hermione was uncomfortable just with the arrival of this guy. She kept shifting from one foot to another.
she replied emotionlessly. (A/N: is that a word?...lets go with coldly')
Where have you been? I missed you over the school year. What's the name of that boarding school you go to?
Don't worry about it, Hermione said through gritted teeth. I wouldn't want your sorry ass stalking me.
Aww, you know I would never do that. Harry noted that Andrew quickly changed the subject. Why don't you come hang out at my place sometime?
I'm busy today, Andrew. And tomorrow and the next day. As long as you're still breathing I will be too busy to deal with the likes of you, she spat.
This Andrew guy didn't seem shaken at all. In fact, he smiled a greasy smile. Harry instantly put his arm around Hermione's waist. He didn't like this guy. He could tell Hermione didn't either.
Aww, Hermione. Just come by. We can have a bit of...fun.
Andrew had put an emphasis on the word fun and Hermione visibly shuddered. Harry decided he wasn't going to stay quiet anymore.
Listen...Andrew, that's your name, right? Harry said angrily. Obviously Hermione doesn't want anything to do with you so why don't you go pick on someone your own damn size?
Andrew looked at Harry curiously as if he had just noticed he was standing there. He stepped so close to Harry he was now standing in what Harry liked to call his personal space.' They were the same height so they looked each other dead in the eye.
Like you? Andrew said. Who do you think you are anyway?
It doesn't matter who I think I am. It matters who I think you are. And I think you're a sick creep who needs to get a life and stop picking on innocent girls!
Andrew smirked.
Innocent? Hermione? Not likely. Last time I checked she was far from innocent.
Hermione shuddered again and Harry tightened his grip on her.
In fact, Andrew continued. She's just a little whore.
WHAM!!!
Andrew flew back a few feet, hit the tree behind him, and slumped to the ground, his nose bleeding heavily. Harry, furious, stormed up to Andrew and pulled him up by the front of his shirt so he could look him dead in the eye. As soon as Andrew looked into Harry's face his eyes widened with shock.
Harry said in a deadly voice hat Hermione'd never heard before. You should be because next time you insult Hermione or harass her in any form I will make sure you won't even be able to use your face properly to look scared. Harry let go of Andrew and he fell to the ground, scrambling to get up. Now get out of our way you filthy rat, Harry spat.
Andrew stood up slowly and turned to Hermione.
He started to say but thought better of it as Harry gave him a glare that clearly said Don't even talk to her.'
Andrew backed away slowly, walked down to the corner, and then broke off at a run, out of sight. Harry gave an exasperated sigh as he turned to Hermione. She was looking down at her feet and scraping the soles of her shoes on the pavement. Harry put his finger under her chin to get her to look into his eyes. As soon as Hermione got a glance she gasped. It was Harry's turn to look away slightly.
Hermione gasped. Your eyes! They're, they're–!
Harry finished.
And indeed they were. The emerald green in his eyes had been replaced with the color of blood with flecks of gold in them.
But how?
It's been happening all summer when I'm particularly angry at something or in some cases someone. Which was usually myself. Care to tell me who that Andrew fucker was?
Hermione scolded him for language.
I don't play around with people who mess with the people I love. Did you follow that? Because I lost myself at with.
Hermione smiled dryly.
That was Andrew Suskan. Biggest creep in the universe.
What did he do to you?
Hermione sighed and looked away from Harry.
It's in the past. It doesn't matter anymore.
Yes it does, Hermione. He did something and I want to know what.
Harry, forget it. Let's just get to the pool.
She was hiding something. Harry could tell. What she was hiding was still a mystery.
(A/N: I was going to do the pool scene but I've realized that the chapter would be too long and I'm trying to get to the Burrow fast. And it's like 5 o' clock in the morning, I should really go to bed. BTW nothing important happens at the pool. Well...they swam and splashed each other. End of pool scene. LOL.)
After returning to the Grangers' household after their swim, Harry and Hermione went to their bedrooms and changed into some dry clothes to get ready to go to the Burrow. Harry's eyes had changed back to their original green color but there were still specks of red and gold here and there.
Harry! Hermione! Mrs. Granger called up the stairs. It's time to go!
Harry who had been in Hermione's bedroom, watching the TV with her mind you, grabbed her hand and bolted out the room and down the stairs. Once in the foyer Harry began to grin like an idiot.
Harry, care to let me in on the joke? she giggled.
I just can't wait to see the Weasleys. They are the first real family I came to know in my life. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Fred and George, Ginny, and...Ron.
Hermione noticed his hesitation at Ron's name.
I'm sure he has a reasonable explanation for not writing to us. Maybe Errol finally gave in and died. Or he was just a bit busy.
I suppose, Harry said scratching his chin.
Just then Hermione's parents walked in.
Okay, kids, Mrs. Granger said cheerfully. It's time to go! Happy Birthday, Harry, she added, giving Harry a tight hug.
Harry grinned and blushed at the motherly gesture.
Thank you Mrs. Granger.
They all left the house, got into the car, and pulled out of the driveway. About halfway to the Burrow, Harry's dull attention sprang into action as he felt Hermione's fingers walk from his his knee, upwards. He stared wide-eyed at Hermione, who leaned over and whispered into his ear.
she said.
Harry looked puzzled.
But Hermione said nothing more. She gave him a mischevious smile. Harry opened his mouth to say something when the car pulled into the Weasley's driveway. (A/N: Dirt road. Reminds me of down South. Holla back to Georgia Alabama) Once everyone had gotten out of the car, the front door to the house burst open and the Weasley twins came bounding out. They were obviously running from someone, or something for that matter. Fred and George came skidding to a halt in front of Harry.
Mum's caught us eavesdropping with these again, Fred panted, holding up a long flesh colored string. The Extendable Ears.
She swears she is going to shove our brooms up our arses, pardon the language, George added to the Grangers. And I don't think she was kidding!
By the way, mate, Fred said to Harry. Happy Birthday.
And with that he dropped the Extendable Ears into Harry's hands and the both of them Dissapparated with a CRACK! Hermione's parents seemed a bit stunned.
Wh-Where'd they go? Hermione's father asked uncertainly.
They Dissapparated, Dad, Hermione piped up. To where, I don't know.
No doubt they'll turn up later though, Harry said.
Harry pocketed the Extendable Ears and headed towards the door. As soon as he opened it a Weasley-load of voices shouted HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY! at him. Harry grinned widely and took a hop, skip, and a jump into Mrs. Weasley's arms.
Happy Birthday, dear, Mrs. Weasley cooed as Mr. Weasley patted his back. ginny was next, as she gave him a hug. Bill and Charlie were, of course, absent. Percy was also, but for a completely different reason, not present. Harry looked around and saw Ron standing in the back of the living room looking nervous. Hermione came up behind Harry and saw him too. Ron looked up and made eye contact with the pair. Then, as soon as Harry took a step forward, Ron ducked behind Fred and George, who had just Apparated in front of him, and bolted up the stairs. Hermione and Harry glanced at each other and made to follow Ron. As they approached Ron's bedroom door, they heard the noisy scratching of a quill on parchment. Harry slowly pushed open the door to see Ron laying on his bed writing a lengthy letter to someone. He, obviously, had not seen on heard the two enter because he didn't look up. They were trying to be as quiet as possible, craning their necks and trying to see what he was writing, when Hermione pushed the door further and it creaked loudly. Ron jerked his head up at the sound and pushed the parchment and quill off the side of his bed, that faced the wall, in one swift movement. He hopped off his bed and put on a false grin.
Erm, hey guys! he said nervously.
Hermione stepped forward and enveloped Ron in a big hug.
Ron! Why haven't you owled us all summer? she said.
I've–er–been busy.
That was the truth. As long as they didn't ask what he was busy doing, he wasn't lying.
Busy doing what? Harry asked not waiting for his answer. Where have you been hiding? In the closets?–
Harry hadn't noticed Ron tense at that phrase but Hermione had.
Under the bed? Harry continued, Or with the ghoul in the attic?
Ron grinned sheepishly and chose not to answer the questions.
Sorry I haven't been writing. I was meaning to, really. Never quite got around to it.
We were beginning to get worried, Harry said smiling genuinly and hugging Ron.
Hermione, again, noticed Ron's eyes shift. He, then, shifted his eyes to her. Harry let go and started talking about Quidditch. But Hermione wasn't listening. Like she ever did in the first place. But now her brain was processing Ron's strange behaviour. What could be his problem?' she thought. Unless he...no...but...I want to hear it from him.'
She jumped at the call of her name.
I think I just found out what is wrong with our Ronniekins, Harry said grinning.
Hermione wanted to know if her assumptions were correct.
He's went and got himself a girlfriend!
Hermione said again, incredulously.
Of course!' she thought. How could I have been so stupid? I knew he couldn't possibly have–'
What's her name, Ron? she asked innocently.
I'm not telling you! Ron said, blushing a deep scarlet.
Does she go to Hogwarts?
Ron mumbled, his voice barely audible.
Our year?
Yes, Hermione!!! Ron was getting impatient and uncomfortable. In fact, tiny wisps of steam were beginning to creep out of his ear.
Harry snickered. Ickle Ronniekins is cranky? Does he need his nap?
Fred and George have a bad influence on you, my friend, Ron said.
After a bit more teasing, they headed down for cake and ice cream. The cake was yellow with chocolate icing and green iced-letters that spelled out HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY' and an iced snitch zoomed across the cake. (A/N: btw, if the story seems a bit rushed at the moment, it's because I'm going away to camp soon after school ends, which in June 25th, and I have to get this done before that. The present date is Wed. June 16th and I am currently typing at 12:20:21 [and counting] AM. I have school tomorrow which I will be late for tomorrow anyway because I have to pick up my prom dress. It's so beautiful! OK, back to the fic. Sorry for the interruption.)
Ron seemed to loosen up a bit after the trio's brief interlude but Hermione could tell he was still hiding something. Someone, more like it. (12:33AM...you see how long it takes me to type a few sentences?)
Everyone sat in the living room chattering animatedly with explosions, pops, and bangs coming from the twins who seemed to be showing off their new products. Harry was talking low to Ron and Hermione about the Prophecy Dumbledore had shown him.
Basically what the Prophecy said was I either must– Harry was cut off by Mrs. Weasley placing a large cardboard box in front of him.
The box had holes in various places and it began to wobble a bit and Harry heard a scratching noise similar to the sound of claws scratching paper. Harry eyed it uncertainly when Mrs. Weasley nudged him in his arm.
Go on, she said. Open it!
Harry lifted the lid, cautiously, when out popped a shiny black furry thing. It was a puppy! It jumped onto Harry's chest and started licking his face. Arf arf! it yapped.
Hermione squealed, It's a puppy!! She's sooo adorable!
Harry grinned widely.
Thank you Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley!
He had taken an instant liking to the dog, for it reminded him a little of Sirius.
Oh, Harry! Ginny cooed. What are you going to name her?
Harry said instantly.
He hadn't even thought about it, the name just rolled off his tongue.
he repeated. Daffy for short.
The dog hopped around the trio yapping and licking their faces. (12:47AM) Ron reached out to pet Daffodil's head. She pulled her ears back and closed her eyes, enjoying the massage. She, then, rolled over on her back so Ron could rub her belly. (A/N: I love when dogs do that, it's so cute!) Ron laughed heartily.
She is kind of cute, he admitted.
---
Later, when most of the Weasley's were tired and were just hanging around listening to the Wireless (not including Mr. Weasley who was busy facinating himself with the Grangers), Hermione and Harry cornered Ron on the roof.
Okay, Ron, Hermione started. What is really going on? You're hiding something and I want to know what it is–!
–Hermione you wouldn't– Ron began.
Okay! Okay! Untwist your knickers already!
Harry remained remotely silent because he hadn't really suspected that Ron had been hiding anything. He'd been taking in everything like he would drink Butterbeer. Ron ran his hands through his long, ginger hair (A/N: OMG, Rupert Grint has b-e-a-utiful hair! btw 1:01:14AM) nervously and opened his mouth to speak.
See here, he said. Everyone has a door, right? The guys' and girls' doors usually swing towards a specific way. Well um.
Ron stopped and ran his hands through his hair again.
My door swings the opposite way.
(1:07AM)
There was a stunned silence that seemed to last for hours. Hermione was first to open her mouth.
Holy shit!
Both Harry and Ron turned to stare at her. She rarely ever used foul language. Only when something major happens. And this was obviously something major.
Harry said slowly. What you're saying is, you're–
GAY, HARRY! I'M GAY!
A/N: How's that for surprise, eh? Bet you didn't see that coming. Okay, some did but that's besides the point. I'm sorry for all those female Ron lovers. I don't know why but Ron needed a role in this story and that's what the spinner landed on. All the male Ron lovers out there. I guess today's just your lucky day, lol. Well...REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!!! Look out for Chapter 5: Love, Lust, and Chocolate Pudding ;-) It probably won't be completed and posted for another few months though because of summer camp (sings At Camp Caprice-price-price we don't say mooses we say meese and we are proud proud proud so we sing our song out loud. lol. I got that from As Told By Ginger' luv that show) but hang tight anyway just in case. There is a computer lab at my camp so you never know what I might use it for. (hint hint: TYPING AND NEOPETS lol) This is Witchangel, signing off now. (1:19:25AM) REVIEW GOT DAMMIT!