Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. And that is about it.
*Chapter 2: First Experiences*
Up until 9:00 a.m., Cho Chang had been sleeping peacefully, dreaming of things that she wished she had. But unfortunately for her, Cho had two siblings that tended to run amuck every Saturday morning. She was forced awake as her little brother and sister, Michael and Anna, came charging into her room, jumping up on to her bed. "Will you two quit using me as your trampoline?" she cried painfully as she sat up, tackling them to the side. They giggled loudly as she tickled them with her fingers. "Now, please go bug Mom and Dad," she sighed. Michael and Anna quickly ran from the room, trampling each other in the hallway.
Cho relaxed lightly, lying back on her bed. She was just about ready to drift off to sleep when her cell phone started to ring. "Alright, I'll stay awake," she grumbled as her hand groped around for the cell phone, before finally grabbing it. "Hello?"
"Oh, damnit, did I wake you?"
"Don't worry, Padma. Michael and Anna already paid me a visit."
"Cho, I can't calm down. I'm way too excited about tonight. Are you going to be home for awhile?" Padma asked.
"Harry and I are going to go to Barnes and Nobles later today."
"And I assume you're just going to spend time with him, right?"
"You know me, Padma. I don't like reading that much. No matter how boring it may end up being, just getting to do something with him today will be worth it," Cho explained. After a few seconds of silence, Cho could hear a small whining sound emanate from Padma's end. "What's wrong?"
"I can't decide what to wear! I'm going to go insane!" she cried.
"Calm down. Look, give me about forty-five minutes and I will be over, okay? I'm going to go shower first."
"Alright, but you better hurry."
"I will," Cho said before hanging up. She slowly got up and made her way towards her bathroom, grabbing a towel off of her towel rack. Cho sighed as the warm water hit her skin, soaking her hair. It felt wonderful to be in the shower, and she almost wished that she could take her time, but she knew she had to hurry along. After spending ten minutes in the shower, Cho got out, dried off, and got dressed. She combed her hair out, blowing it dry with a hairdryer as soon as she had it in place. She left the apartment about twenty-five minutes later, giving her only ten minutes until she was supposed to be at Padma's. Unfortunately, the subway train arrived late, and Cho found herself answering her ringing cell phone yet again.
"Where are you?" Padma asked.
Cho sighed. "Would you please just calm down? I will be there in five to ten minutes I promise. Quit spazzing out," she said before hanging up. Cho entered the apartment building after exiting the subway and proceeded straight to the elevator. Just as the doors shut and the elevator began to move up to the sixth floor, Cho's Nokia cell phone rang once more.
"What the hell is wrong with her?" she asked herself as she pulled it out of her purse again. "Listen, Padma, I'm in the elevator at this very moment so please calm the fuck down and quit calling me!"
Silence came from the other end until a female voice that wasn't Padma's spoke. "I'm sorry, but am I speaking with Cho Chang?"
Cho could have killed herself. "Oh my god, I am so sorry. A friend of mine keeps calling me. Yes, this is Cho."
"Well, you probably won't remember me, but we used to be good friends in elementary back in Boston."
Cho thought carefully before answering. "Hermione? Hermione Granger? Oh my god! How have you been? Do you still live in Boston?"
"No, I'm actually now living here in New York now. In fact, we just moved in last night to our apartment," Hermione explained.
"That's great! So I'm guessing your parents got new jobs with a publishing company here in New York?" Cho asked as the elevator door opened.
"Yes they did, actually. My mother is extremely happy about it."
"I bet she would be."
"Anything to advance her career," Hermione chimed in at the same time with Cho. Both girls laughed together. Cho was now standing outside of Padma's door, and Padma surprisingly hadn't dragged her in yet.
"What school are you enrolling in?" Cho asked.
"New York High School."
"Awesome! My boyfriend and I go there, along with our friends."
"Maybe we can get together sometime this weekend to try to catch up, as awkward as it might get. Plus, you can talk to me about the school and teachers," Hermione muttered.
"Sure. That would be a wonderful idea. N fact, what are you doing this afternoon?"
"Well, nothing actually," Hermione replied, sounding like she was surprise that Cho would ask so suddenly.
"Would you like to come out with Harry and I later?"
"Oh no, I wouldn't want to interfere or anything," Hermione mumbled nervously.
"Don't worry about it. We're only going to Barnes and Nobles, and maybe someplace to eat."
"Are you sure it would okay for me to come?"
"Absolutely. Harry loves to meet new people, and I'm sure he'll love meeting you."
"Alright. Plus, I love going to Barnes and Nobles," Hermione said with a laugh.
Hermione gave Cho her address, and Cho carefully copied it down on a piece of paper in her purse. After hanging up, Cho knocked on the door to Padma's apartment. Padma opened the door immediately, looking very flustered. "You're later."
"I'm sorry," Cho pleaded. She then explained to Padma why she was late, because Hermione, an old friend, called. "She probably got my cell number from my parents."
"Just get in here and help me before I go insane," Padma said, pulling Cho into the apartment.
"Before I help you, I have to make a quick call to Harry."
"I'm sorry, Cho, but the words "quick call" and "Harry Potter" don't go together because you talk forever with him."
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------*
Around three o'clock on Saturday afternoon, Harry left his home. Cho had called him several hours earlier from Padma's house. She had told him all about an old friend who had moved to New York, who was also going out with them this afternoon. Harry didn't mind meeting someone new, possibly making a new friend because he loved to meet new people despite his shyness. What did bother him was that Cho stuck the job of retrieving her friend on him, instead of doing it herself. Harry was indeed nervous, because Cho's friend, Hermione, did not know who he was, so he was curious to what her reaction would be. Not to mention that he was always nervous before meeting someone new. Once they became his friends, however, he was fine.
Cho had relayed Hermione's address to him over the phone, and when Harry carefully looked at it, he realized she lived only a few blocks away.
"Where are you going, tiger?" Harry's father, James, asked.
"I'm just going out with some of my friends, Dad."
"Okay. Have fun. Be careful."
"I will," Harry said as he left the apartment, shutting the door behind himself. He was soon down the stairs and out through the main lobby doors, heading out on to the street. Harry quickly wrapped his jacket around himself. It was slowly turning into fall, and it was a lot cooler than it had been the day before. October had just begun, and Harry realized he would have to dress a lot warmer at the next tennis practice.
Harry watched the many cars drive by as he waited for the walk symbol to light up. He looked skyward, gazing at the many buildings that stretched up high above. Harry finally got a red light on the one side, and he was able to cross the street safely without getting hit by a car. He was soon at the apartment building that Hermione lived in, according to the address. Just as he was entering the lobby, a cold voice drawled on from behind him. "What are you doing here, Potter? You don't live here."
Harry turned and came face to face with Draco Malfoy. Draco had blond hair that was slicked back, cold gray eyes, and he was slightly taller than Harry was. He had an angry demeanor on his face, and Harry knew from experience that Draco was not a nice person, nor someone you would easily cross.
"It's none of your business, Malfoy."
"Well, Potter, you are in the apartment building that my parents own, so I believe it is my business."
"Why don't you just go hide behind your father some more? Oh wait, I forgot. He's too busy with his job to even try to pay attention to you," Harry snapped as he turned on his heel and sped off towards the staircase, passing the elevators. He felt bad about saying such a cruel thing to Malfoy, but he figured that it was payback from all of the times that Malfoy had picked on him. Though depressing, what harry had said was true. Lucius Malfoy, Draco's father, was so busy with his job he had no time for his family. Harry knew this because Draco would seek out Harry when they were friends to talk about it. But then Harry's father went up against Draco's, and narrowly beat him in a trivial murder case. Lucius's prosecutional efforts had failed, and he and the rest of his family had hated the Potters ever since. Harry and Draco ceased communication.
But hate for the Potters went deeper than Lucius Malfoy. The boos of the firm that Malfoy worked for, Tom Riddle, also disliked the Potters, mainly because they didn't join his firm when he offered them jobs many years ago. Harry's parents also won several cases against Riddle's lawyers, which would also turn his discontent to hatred since his lawyers were losing. Tom Riddle own Riddle Incorporated, which was engraved on a sign in front of their law firm offices, along with their symbol: a lightning bolt. Several people believed that there were many corruptions in Riddle Inc., but it had never been proved.
Harry breathed in lightly as he climbed the stairs. After playing tennis for several years, Harry was in perfect shape, well built with muscles, and enjoyed exercising. He didn't mind walking up many flights to get up to Hermione's apartment, for he was at her door within five minutes. Apartment number 8A was on a small plaque on the door. Harry slowly pushed the doorbell button in, and he heard it ring from the inside of the apartment.
For some reason unknown to Harry, he was even more nervous than he usually would be. He took in a deep breath as the doorknob turned, and was suddenly opened. Harry could have gasped, but he didn't.
Hermione Granger stood on the other side of the now open door. Her light brown/auburn colored hair glistened in the sunlight that came in through a window behind her. She was slightly shorter than Harry was, around Cho's height. She looked at him with her dark brown eyes. "Can I help you?" she asked slowly.
It took Harry a few seconds before he realized how to speak again. "Yes, actually you can. I'm looking for Hermione Granger."
"Well, you've found her. And who are you?"
"I'm Harry Potter," he said, offering her his hand. "Cho didn't call and tell you that I was coming to get you, did she?"
"No, she didn't. Oh! So you're Harry, Cho's boyfriend," Hermione said as she shook his hand. "It's nice to meet you."
"And it is a pleasure to meet you."
"Where is Cho?" Hermione asked, looking out in to the hallway.
"She is going to meet us at Barnes and Nobles, though she doesn't really like to go there. Too many books scare her," Harry joked. Hermione laughed lightly.
"Well, I love books, so you won't see me running away."
Harry couldn't help smiling, wondering if she had just hit on him like he thought she did. He quickly disregarded it and stepped back. "Well, Hermione, shall we go?" he asked smoothly.
"Absolutely. Just give me one second to grab my purse." Hermione disappeared around the corner of a tall pile of boxes for a second before re-emerging. "Sorry about that. We just moved in last night, and we're still unpacking."
On the way to Barnes and Nobles, Harry and Hermione talked little, but they spoke enough to learn some things about each other. Hermione had grown up and lived in Boston for her whole life up until the previous days. She had no siblings, though she always wished she had a little brother or sister. Harry didn't have any siblings either.
Hermione learned that Harry had originally grown up in Seattle. His parents had graduated from Harvard before moving out to Seattle. He was born there, and lived there until he was ten years old. Then Harry and his parents had moved to New York, where his parents' careers had flourished as lawyers.
As they neared Barnes and Nobles, Hermione opened her mouth to speak after a small period of silence between them. "So, what were you upset about?"
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"When I opened the door, you looked slightly upset."
"Oh, it was nothing. I just ran into someone who I'd rather not run into often."
"Who did you run in to?" Hermione asked.
"Draco Malfoy. He's also a senior and..."
"I know who he is," Hermione interrupted.
Harry looked stunned. "How?"
"Well, his parents own the building that I live in. Plus, my parents used to be good friends wit his parents in Boston, so we knew each other," she explained.
For some reason, Harry felt like she was not telling him everything, but he decided not to pursue it as they arrived at the large bookstore. Cho was soon there, and she and Hermione pulled each other into a large hug. They easily got caught up standing outside for twenty minutes, sitting on a bench to stay out of the way of other people.
"It is just so great seeing you. It has been way too long. Listen, I have to go across the street to pick up a few things for my friend's birthday. Would you like to come with me, Hermione?" Cho asked.
"Actually, if you don't mind, I think I'm going to go into Barnes and Nobles with Harry, if it is okay with him that is."
Harry looked at Cho. "It's okay with me. I can show her around."
Cho hesitated slightly before answering. "That's fine. Have fun," she said as Harry and Hermione headed in to Barnes and Nobles. She sighed softly as she turned and crossed the street.
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------*
Her breath came out in a fast pace as she ran down the alley. The woman was trying to get away from something, but she feared that she wasn't running fast enough. Tears streaked down her face as she turned the corner, coming to a dead end. She turned, prepared to fight whatever came her way. Unfortunately, the person who was chasing her had a gun, and she had already emptied her clip on one of them. Pulling a small, yellow disk from her pocket, she threw it up and over the high fence, the disk landing on the other side of top of a parked delivery truck. The woman would have climbed the fence, but barbed wire lined the top of it.
Suddenly, a dark figure came around the corner, a revolver in his hand. It pulled the trigger, firing twice. Both bullets caught the woman in the chest, and she tumbled backward. Even as her body rested there in a puddle in the alley, the figure approached. "That's what you get for messing with Mr. Riddle and Mr. Malfoy," the man rasped. He carefully took aim, before pulling the trigger once more.
Several hours later, the delivery truck left, with the disk still on top.
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------*
"So what section do you look in usually?" Harry asked Hermione as they strolled between the hundreds of bookshelves.
"I look at everything, but mainly reading science fiction, fantasy, and psychology interests me."
"Me too. Are you thinking of going into a career involving psychology?"
"Yes, I am actually. I think it would be so much fun to have patients and try to help them with their problems. How about you?" Hermione asked.
"I want to, but both of my parents are lawyers."
"And because of that, they want you to follow in their footsteps?"
"Exactly."
"Haven't you tried talking to them?" Hermione asked.
"Killing myself would be more effective," Harry retorted.
"Well, if it is more effective, I promise to come to your funeral."
Harry smiled at the same time as Hermione. "I've got to go to the bathroom, so don't run off, okay?"
"I won't. It's just straight ahead and to the right."
Hermione followed the path that Harry told her and found the bathroom easily. Just as she was about ready to open the door, an all too familiar voice spoke to her. "Hello, Hermione."
She turned slowly, a chill creeping up her spine. "Take one more step and the restraining order I have against you will take affect." Hermione stared maliciously into the gray eyes of Draco Malfoy.
"It has been a long time since I last saw you," he said as he stepped closer.
"Not long enough, unfortunately."
"Oh really? If I remember, last time we saw each other you couldn't pull yourself away from me."
"You must be mistaken, Draco, because the last time we saw each other was when I put a restraining order on you in court with my parents."
"And the time before that?" he sneered.
"How would you remember anything? You were drunk."
"I remember enough to know what happened that night."
"Then I guess that you remember me kicking your sorry ass and throwing it down the walkway."
Malfoy glared at her, because he knew that was what really happened.
Without another word, Hermione entered the bathroom and slammed the door in Draco's face, locking it.
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------*
The band had been playing a slow, romantic song for several minutes now. Padma and Ron were sitting nearby, eating quietly together. Ron was wearing a black tuxedo, while Padma wore a beautiful light blue dress with matching jewelry.
"Ron, this has just been such a wonderful evening," Padma said softly as she finished her meal. The waiter soon came by, taking their plates.
"There's more," Ron said with a smile on his face.
"What else can there be?" Padma asked while she laughed, sounding excited.
"This," Ron said as he pulled the small rectangular black box from his pocket and handed it to her.
"Oh, Ron," she said as she took it from him. Her hands grasped it, slowly opening it. Padma's breath was caught in her chest. "Oh my god." The diamond necklace shimmered in the light from above, and Ron stood from his chair.
"Let me help you put it on," he said as he helped her put it on. A few tears slipped down her cheek as he fastened it on. "It looks marvelous on you."
They kissed as they left the restaurant. They continued to kiss in the taxi, and by the time they were back at Ron's empty apartment, clothing was being shed. Ron kissed Padma passionately, as they lay naked on his bed.
"Are you ready?" he whispered to her. She nodded her head slowly. After sliding on a condom, Ron slowly eased into her. She moaned softly, her fingernails digging lightly into his back. Despite the mild pain, she urged him to continue, and Ron always obeyed the woman he loved.
Several hours later, when Padma was resting in Ron's arms, they kissed softly. "Happy Birthday," Ron said.
Padma smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too," Ron said before they fell asleep together.
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------*
By the time Hermione came out of the bathroom nearly fifteen minutes later, Draco had left to her knowledge. He was nowhere insight. She slowly headed out to look for Harry, and soon found him in the science fiction section, looking at the Lord of the Rings books. He looked up and smiled when she approached.
"There you are," he said.
"Sorry it took so long. There was a line."
"It's alright," Harry said.
Harry and Hermione looked for another half an hour before paying for the books that they had found. Harry bought the Lord of the Rings series while Hermione picked up a book or two on psychology that Harry recommended. They were about ready to get across the street to get Cho in the department store when Harry's cell phone rang.
"I know that we were all supposed to go out for dinner, but my parents just called me and they need me to come baby-sit for my brother and sister. I'm so sorry," Cho said.
"It's alright, honey," Harry said back to her. She hung up seconds later.
"What was that about?" Hermione asked.
"Cho can't come with us to eat. She has to get home to baby-sit."
"Anna and Michael?"
"Yeah," Harry said. "So, where would you like to go to eat?"
"Actually, I should get home too. My parents might worry, since it is getting dark out, and this is my first real night in New York City."
"Can I walk you home?" Harry asked.
"That's okay. I'll be fine," Hermione forced herself to say.
Harry looked like he was slightly disappointed. "Then I guess I will see you Monday, at school?" he asked.
"Of course you will," she said with a smile. Hermione turned and headed the opposite way. Harry watched her go, and reluctantly went home himself.
As he lay awake later that evening, he couldn't top thinking about Hermione. And a few blocks away, she couldn't stop thinking about him.
Author's Note: The scene between Ron and Padma was the first time I have written a mild sex scene like that, so if it is corny, I apologize, but again it was my first time writing a scene like that. However, I promise to improve them for the next time, whenever that may be.
*Chapter 2: First Experiences*
Up until 9:00 a.m., Cho Chang had been sleeping peacefully, dreaming of things that she wished she had. But unfortunately for her, Cho had two siblings that tended to run amuck every Saturday morning. She was forced awake as her little brother and sister, Michael and Anna, came charging into her room, jumping up on to her bed. "Will you two quit using me as your trampoline?" she cried painfully as she sat up, tackling them to the side. They giggled loudly as she tickled them with her fingers. "Now, please go bug Mom and Dad," she sighed. Michael and Anna quickly ran from the room, trampling each other in the hallway.
Cho relaxed lightly, lying back on her bed. She was just about ready to drift off to sleep when her cell phone started to ring. "Alright, I'll stay awake," she grumbled as her hand groped around for the cell phone, before finally grabbing it. "Hello?"
"Oh, damnit, did I wake you?"
"Don't worry, Padma. Michael and Anna already paid me a visit."
"Cho, I can't calm down. I'm way too excited about tonight. Are you going to be home for awhile?" Padma asked.
"Harry and I are going to go to Barnes and Nobles later today."
"And I assume you're just going to spend time with him, right?"
"You know me, Padma. I don't like reading that much. No matter how boring it may end up being, just getting to do something with him today will be worth it," Cho explained. After a few seconds of silence, Cho could hear a small whining sound emanate from Padma's end. "What's wrong?"
"I can't decide what to wear! I'm going to go insane!" she cried.
"Calm down. Look, give me about forty-five minutes and I will be over, okay? I'm going to go shower first."
"Alright, but you better hurry."
"I will," Cho said before hanging up. She slowly got up and made her way towards her bathroom, grabbing a towel off of her towel rack. Cho sighed as the warm water hit her skin, soaking her hair. It felt wonderful to be in the shower, and she almost wished that she could take her time, but she knew she had to hurry along. After spending ten minutes in the shower, Cho got out, dried off, and got dressed. She combed her hair out, blowing it dry with a hairdryer as soon as she had it in place. She left the apartment about twenty-five minutes later, giving her only ten minutes until she was supposed to be at Padma's. Unfortunately, the subway train arrived late, and Cho found herself answering her ringing cell phone yet again.
"Where are you?" Padma asked.
Cho sighed. "Would you please just calm down? I will be there in five to ten minutes I promise. Quit spazzing out," she said before hanging up. Cho entered the apartment building after exiting the subway and proceeded straight to the elevator. Just as the doors shut and the elevator began to move up to the sixth floor, Cho's Nokia cell phone rang once more.
"What the hell is wrong with her?" she asked herself as she pulled it out of her purse again. "Listen, Padma, I'm in the elevator at this very moment so please calm the fuck down and quit calling me!"
Silence came from the other end until a female voice that wasn't Padma's spoke. "I'm sorry, but am I speaking with Cho Chang?"
Cho could have killed herself. "Oh my god, I am so sorry. A friend of mine keeps calling me. Yes, this is Cho."
"Well, you probably won't remember me, but we used to be good friends in elementary back in Boston."
Cho thought carefully before answering. "Hermione? Hermione Granger? Oh my god! How have you been? Do you still live in Boston?"
"No, I'm actually now living here in New York now. In fact, we just moved in last night to our apartment," Hermione explained.
"That's great! So I'm guessing your parents got new jobs with a publishing company here in New York?" Cho asked as the elevator door opened.
"Yes they did, actually. My mother is extremely happy about it."
"I bet she would be."
"Anything to advance her career," Hermione chimed in at the same time with Cho. Both girls laughed together. Cho was now standing outside of Padma's door, and Padma surprisingly hadn't dragged her in yet.
"What school are you enrolling in?" Cho asked.
"New York High School."
"Awesome! My boyfriend and I go there, along with our friends."
"Maybe we can get together sometime this weekend to try to catch up, as awkward as it might get. Plus, you can talk to me about the school and teachers," Hermione muttered.
"Sure. That would be a wonderful idea. N fact, what are you doing this afternoon?"
"Well, nothing actually," Hermione replied, sounding like she was surprise that Cho would ask so suddenly.
"Would you like to come out with Harry and I later?"
"Oh no, I wouldn't want to interfere or anything," Hermione mumbled nervously.
"Don't worry about it. We're only going to Barnes and Nobles, and maybe someplace to eat."
"Are you sure it would okay for me to come?"
"Absolutely. Harry loves to meet new people, and I'm sure he'll love meeting you."
"Alright. Plus, I love going to Barnes and Nobles," Hermione said with a laugh.
Hermione gave Cho her address, and Cho carefully copied it down on a piece of paper in her purse. After hanging up, Cho knocked on the door to Padma's apartment. Padma opened the door immediately, looking very flustered. "You're later."
"I'm sorry," Cho pleaded. She then explained to Padma why she was late, because Hermione, an old friend, called. "She probably got my cell number from my parents."
"Just get in here and help me before I go insane," Padma said, pulling Cho into the apartment.
"Before I help you, I have to make a quick call to Harry."
"I'm sorry, Cho, but the words "quick call" and "Harry Potter" don't go together because you talk forever with him."
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------*
Around three o'clock on Saturday afternoon, Harry left his home. Cho had called him several hours earlier from Padma's house. She had told him all about an old friend who had moved to New York, who was also going out with them this afternoon. Harry didn't mind meeting someone new, possibly making a new friend because he loved to meet new people despite his shyness. What did bother him was that Cho stuck the job of retrieving her friend on him, instead of doing it herself. Harry was indeed nervous, because Cho's friend, Hermione, did not know who he was, so he was curious to what her reaction would be. Not to mention that he was always nervous before meeting someone new. Once they became his friends, however, he was fine.
Cho had relayed Hermione's address to him over the phone, and when Harry carefully looked at it, he realized she lived only a few blocks away.
"Where are you going, tiger?" Harry's father, James, asked.
"I'm just going out with some of my friends, Dad."
"Okay. Have fun. Be careful."
"I will," Harry said as he left the apartment, shutting the door behind himself. He was soon down the stairs and out through the main lobby doors, heading out on to the street. Harry quickly wrapped his jacket around himself. It was slowly turning into fall, and it was a lot cooler than it had been the day before. October had just begun, and Harry realized he would have to dress a lot warmer at the next tennis practice.
Harry watched the many cars drive by as he waited for the walk symbol to light up. He looked skyward, gazing at the many buildings that stretched up high above. Harry finally got a red light on the one side, and he was able to cross the street safely without getting hit by a car. He was soon at the apartment building that Hermione lived in, according to the address. Just as he was entering the lobby, a cold voice drawled on from behind him. "What are you doing here, Potter? You don't live here."
Harry turned and came face to face with Draco Malfoy. Draco had blond hair that was slicked back, cold gray eyes, and he was slightly taller than Harry was. He had an angry demeanor on his face, and Harry knew from experience that Draco was not a nice person, nor someone you would easily cross.
"It's none of your business, Malfoy."
"Well, Potter, you are in the apartment building that my parents own, so I believe it is my business."
"Why don't you just go hide behind your father some more? Oh wait, I forgot. He's too busy with his job to even try to pay attention to you," Harry snapped as he turned on his heel and sped off towards the staircase, passing the elevators. He felt bad about saying such a cruel thing to Malfoy, but he figured that it was payback from all of the times that Malfoy had picked on him. Though depressing, what harry had said was true. Lucius Malfoy, Draco's father, was so busy with his job he had no time for his family. Harry knew this because Draco would seek out Harry when they were friends to talk about it. But then Harry's father went up against Draco's, and narrowly beat him in a trivial murder case. Lucius's prosecutional efforts had failed, and he and the rest of his family had hated the Potters ever since. Harry and Draco ceased communication.
But hate for the Potters went deeper than Lucius Malfoy. The boos of the firm that Malfoy worked for, Tom Riddle, also disliked the Potters, mainly because they didn't join his firm when he offered them jobs many years ago. Harry's parents also won several cases against Riddle's lawyers, which would also turn his discontent to hatred since his lawyers were losing. Tom Riddle own Riddle Incorporated, which was engraved on a sign in front of their law firm offices, along with their symbol: a lightning bolt. Several people believed that there were many corruptions in Riddle Inc., but it had never been proved.
Harry breathed in lightly as he climbed the stairs. After playing tennis for several years, Harry was in perfect shape, well built with muscles, and enjoyed exercising. He didn't mind walking up many flights to get up to Hermione's apartment, for he was at her door within five minutes. Apartment number 8A was on a small plaque on the door. Harry slowly pushed the doorbell button in, and he heard it ring from the inside of the apartment.
For some reason unknown to Harry, he was even more nervous than he usually would be. He took in a deep breath as the doorknob turned, and was suddenly opened. Harry could have gasped, but he didn't.
Hermione Granger stood on the other side of the now open door. Her light brown/auburn colored hair glistened in the sunlight that came in through a window behind her. She was slightly shorter than Harry was, around Cho's height. She looked at him with her dark brown eyes. "Can I help you?" she asked slowly.
It took Harry a few seconds before he realized how to speak again. "Yes, actually you can. I'm looking for Hermione Granger."
"Well, you've found her. And who are you?"
"I'm Harry Potter," he said, offering her his hand. "Cho didn't call and tell you that I was coming to get you, did she?"
"No, she didn't. Oh! So you're Harry, Cho's boyfriend," Hermione said as she shook his hand. "It's nice to meet you."
"And it is a pleasure to meet you."
"Where is Cho?" Hermione asked, looking out in to the hallway.
"She is going to meet us at Barnes and Nobles, though she doesn't really like to go there. Too many books scare her," Harry joked. Hermione laughed lightly.
"Well, I love books, so you won't see me running away."
Harry couldn't help smiling, wondering if she had just hit on him like he thought she did. He quickly disregarded it and stepped back. "Well, Hermione, shall we go?" he asked smoothly.
"Absolutely. Just give me one second to grab my purse." Hermione disappeared around the corner of a tall pile of boxes for a second before re-emerging. "Sorry about that. We just moved in last night, and we're still unpacking."
On the way to Barnes and Nobles, Harry and Hermione talked little, but they spoke enough to learn some things about each other. Hermione had grown up and lived in Boston for her whole life up until the previous days. She had no siblings, though she always wished she had a little brother or sister. Harry didn't have any siblings either.
Hermione learned that Harry had originally grown up in Seattle. His parents had graduated from Harvard before moving out to Seattle. He was born there, and lived there until he was ten years old. Then Harry and his parents had moved to New York, where his parents' careers had flourished as lawyers.
As they neared Barnes and Nobles, Hermione opened her mouth to speak after a small period of silence between them. "So, what were you upset about?"
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"When I opened the door, you looked slightly upset."
"Oh, it was nothing. I just ran into someone who I'd rather not run into often."
"Who did you run in to?" Hermione asked.
"Draco Malfoy. He's also a senior and..."
"I know who he is," Hermione interrupted.
Harry looked stunned. "How?"
"Well, his parents own the building that I live in. Plus, my parents used to be good friends wit his parents in Boston, so we knew each other," she explained.
For some reason, Harry felt like she was not telling him everything, but he decided not to pursue it as they arrived at the large bookstore. Cho was soon there, and she and Hermione pulled each other into a large hug. They easily got caught up standing outside for twenty minutes, sitting on a bench to stay out of the way of other people.
"It is just so great seeing you. It has been way too long. Listen, I have to go across the street to pick up a few things for my friend's birthday. Would you like to come with me, Hermione?" Cho asked.
"Actually, if you don't mind, I think I'm going to go into Barnes and Nobles with Harry, if it is okay with him that is."
Harry looked at Cho. "It's okay with me. I can show her around."
Cho hesitated slightly before answering. "That's fine. Have fun," she said as Harry and Hermione headed in to Barnes and Nobles. She sighed softly as she turned and crossed the street.
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------*
Her breath came out in a fast pace as she ran down the alley. The woman was trying to get away from something, but she feared that she wasn't running fast enough. Tears streaked down her face as she turned the corner, coming to a dead end. She turned, prepared to fight whatever came her way. Unfortunately, the person who was chasing her had a gun, and she had already emptied her clip on one of them. Pulling a small, yellow disk from her pocket, she threw it up and over the high fence, the disk landing on the other side of top of a parked delivery truck. The woman would have climbed the fence, but barbed wire lined the top of it.
Suddenly, a dark figure came around the corner, a revolver in his hand. It pulled the trigger, firing twice. Both bullets caught the woman in the chest, and she tumbled backward. Even as her body rested there in a puddle in the alley, the figure approached. "That's what you get for messing with Mr. Riddle and Mr. Malfoy," the man rasped. He carefully took aim, before pulling the trigger once more.
Several hours later, the delivery truck left, with the disk still on top.
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------*
"So what section do you look in usually?" Harry asked Hermione as they strolled between the hundreds of bookshelves.
"I look at everything, but mainly reading science fiction, fantasy, and psychology interests me."
"Me too. Are you thinking of going into a career involving psychology?"
"Yes, I am actually. I think it would be so much fun to have patients and try to help them with their problems. How about you?" Hermione asked.
"I want to, but both of my parents are lawyers."
"And because of that, they want you to follow in their footsteps?"
"Exactly."
"Haven't you tried talking to them?" Hermione asked.
"Killing myself would be more effective," Harry retorted.
"Well, if it is more effective, I promise to come to your funeral."
Harry smiled at the same time as Hermione. "I've got to go to the bathroom, so don't run off, okay?"
"I won't. It's just straight ahead and to the right."
Hermione followed the path that Harry told her and found the bathroom easily. Just as she was about ready to open the door, an all too familiar voice spoke to her. "Hello, Hermione."
She turned slowly, a chill creeping up her spine. "Take one more step and the restraining order I have against you will take affect." Hermione stared maliciously into the gray eyes of Draco Malfoy.
"It has been a long time since I last saw you," he said as he stepped closer.
"Not long enough, unfortunately."
"Oh really? If I remember, last time we saw each other you couldn't pull yourself away from me."
"You must be mistaken, Draco, because the last time we saw each other was when I put a restraining order on you in court with my parents."
"And the time before that?" he sneered.
"How would you remember anything? You were drunk."
"I remember enough to know what happened that night."
"Then I guess that you remember me kicking your sorry ass and throwing it down the walkway."
Malfoy glared at her, because he knew that was what really happened.
Without another word, Hermione entered the bathroom and slammed the door in Draco's face, locking it.
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------*
The band had been playing a slow, romantic song for several minutes now. Padma and Ron were sitting nearby, eating quietly together. Ron was wearing a black tuxedo, while Padma wore a beautiful light blue dress with matching jewelry.
"Ron, this has just been such a wonderful evening," Padma said softly as she finished her meal. The waiter soon came by, taking their plates.
"There's more," Ron said with a smile on his face.
"What else can there be?" Padma asked while she laughed, sounding excited.
"This," Ron said as he pulled the small rectangular black box from his pocket and handed it to her.
"Oh, Ron," she said as she took it from him. Her hands grasped it, slowly opening it. Padma's breath was caught in her chest. "Oh my god." The diamond necklace shimmered in the light from above, and Ron stood from his chair.
"Let me help you put it on," he said as he helped her put it on. A few tears slipped down her cheek as he fastened it on. "It looks marvelous on you."
They kissed as they left the restaurant. They continued to kiss in the taxi, and by the time they were back at Ron's empty apartment, clothing was being shed. Ron kissed Padma passionately, as they lay naked on his bed.
"Are you ready?" he whispered to her. She nodded her head slowly. After sliding on a condom, Ron slowly eased into her. She moaned softly, her fingernails digging lightly into his back. Despite the mild pain, she urged him to continue, and Ron always obeyed the woman he loved.
Several hours later, when Padma was resting in Ron's arms, they kissed softly. "Happy Birthday," Ron said.
Padma smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too," Ron said before they fell asleep together.
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------*
By the time Hermione came out of the bathroom nearly fifteen minutes later, Draco had left to her knowledge. He was nowhere insight. She slowly headed out to look for Harry, and soon found him in the science fiction section, looking at the Lord of the Rings books. He looked up and smiled when she approached.
"There you are," he said.
"Sorry it took so long. There was a line."
"It's alright," Harry said.
Harry and Hermione looked for another half an hour before paying for the books that they had found. Harry bought the Lord of the Rings series while Hermione picked up a book or two on psychology that Harry recommended. They were about ready to get across the street to get Cho in the department store when Harry's cell phone rang.
"I know that we were all supposed to go out for dinner, but my parents just called me and they need me to come baby-sit for my brother and sister. I'm so sorry," Cho said.
"It's alright, honey," Harry said back to her. She hung up seconds later.
"What was that about?" Hermione asked.
"Cho can't come with us to eat. She has to get home to baby-sit."
"Anna and Michael?"
"Yeah," Harry said. "So, where would you like to go to eat?"
"Actually, I should get home too. My parents might worry, since it is getting dark out, and this is my first real night in New York City."
"Can I walk you home?" Harry asked.
"That's okay. I'll be fine," Hermione forced herself to say.
Harry looked like he was slightly disappointed. "Then I guess I will see you Monday, at school?" he asked.
"Of course you will," she said with a smile. Hermione turned and headed the opposite way. Harry watched her go, and reluctantly went home himself.
As he lay awake later that evening, he couldn't top thinking about Hermione. And a few blocks away, she couldn't stop thinking about him.
Author's Note: The scene between Ron and Padma was the first time I have written a mild sex scene like that, so if it is corny, I apologize, but again it was my first time writing a scene like that. However, I promise to improve them for the next time, whenever that may be.