Things hadn't been going very well for Harry since Hermione had moved out, quite the reverse in fact. To start with, Harry had lost his first game since playing for the Stars. Secondly, Ron and Ginny were in a rotten mood with him because of what he had said to Hermione. Thirdly, Angelica had gone off to the Daily Prophet and told them a whole lot of lies about him and Hermione when he dumped her and lastly, Harry hadn't spoken to Hermione since she said goodbye to him three weeks previously. To make matters worse, Harry had a match in today against the Chudley Cannons. This brought with it a number of problems; Ron was in the team and was the captain, and a new seeker had recently joined and his identity was unknown. It was crucial that the Stars one this game if they wanted to make the finals. If they didn't it would be down to Puddlemore United to lose to the Comets and the Comets were coming second to last on the table. All the pressure was on Harry to catch the Snitch before this mysterious seeker did.
The Stars were a reasonably new team that had only been around for five seasons. Fortunately for Harry, it was just like old days back at Hogwarts. Angelina, Alicia, Katie, Oliver and Fred and George who had joined this season were all on the team. And together the Stars were a wining combination. The three chasers, Angelina, Alicia and Katie, worked seamlessly and as a team. The same went for Fred and George, who like the chasers, had been playing together for more than six seasons. As for Harry, well there was nothing wrong about him. He had won Seeker of the year for all the five years he was in the Stars. Wood was much the same. He had been a flawless keeper in his Hogwarts days and was still that. The team was second on the table, only because of their previous loss.
As Harry pulled on his robes and took his broom, he lined up with team ready to make their entrance into the stadium. Lee Jordan was the commentators for the match and Bryan Eastley was the referee.
"And now present to you the Stars!" Lee's voice filled the stadium. "I give you seeker and captain Mr Harry Potter!" Tumultuous applause erupted from the crowd as Harry flew out. He noticed Hermione in the stands in her usual place, she gave him a small smile and he smiled right back.
"And the chasers Angelina and Alicia Weasley and Katie Jordan!" More applause echoed through the stadium. "Not to mention my two best friends, team beaters; Fred and George Weasley! And last but not least, deputy captain and keeper, Oliver Wood!" The applause was deafening; the Stars were the favourites for the match even though the Cannons were first on the table.
"Now put your hands together for the Cannons! I give you the captain Ronald Weasley, Ardene Harper, Simon Newell, Caleb Ralph, Mandy Smith, Tracey Vance, and the all new seeker Josh Finley!" The applause in the stadium was loud, but not deafening. The Cannons flew into the stadium and Harry got to have a good look at Josh for the first time, he thought he looked vaguely familiar but couldn't place him. Then all fourteen players landed on the ground for the Captains to shake hands. Harry and Ron shook hands and Harry made sure that he gripped Ron's hand a little harder than necessary before returning to his team. Everyone mounted their brooms, and on the whistle, took off.
It was clear from the first few minutes of the game that the only way the Cannons could win was by catching the snitch. Their three beaters; Caleb Ralph, Mandy Smith and Ardene Harper didn't work so well as team and compared to Angelina, Alicia and Katie, were nothing. Besides, they couldn't outsmart Wood who had only let the quaffle through twice. And as for their keeper, well it's best not to go there. Ron was usually a good keeper but today it seemed there was a little problem with his technique. It was probably because he still used the tactics that the three chasers had taught him and was rather easy to get past. The stars were rather pleased when the score reached 160-20 to them. In fact Harry was sure that they would win.
So far, the snitch had appeared only a few times so far and the two of them had had not much to do. The game had been going on for almost an hour now and Harry was quite frankly getting sick and tired of waiting for some action. He turned his attention from looking for the snitch to checking how the team was doing. This was a fatal mistake. If Lee Jordan hadn't been such a good commentator, Harry would have been in a whole lot of trouble with the team manager. Harry turned to see Josh diving to the ground, a glimmer of gold his target. Harry immediately dived in this direction and luckily Harry hadn't been that far behind when Josh went into the dive. They were drawing close, then they were neck in neck. With both their hands outstretched, the reached out for the snitch and pulled up out of the dive. There was only one difference between the two seekers; Josh's hand was outstretched and the snitch was tightly in his fist.
Harry sighed and tried to ignore the guilty feeling he was experiencing. This was his entire fault if only he had caught the snitch they could have won. He had lost again. He wasn't quite sure why Angelina came flying up to him hugging him and shouting, "We've won Harry, we've won!" Harry was in shock.
"But Angelina, I didn't catch the snitch."
"I know you didn't. But while you were diving we scored two goals! We won!" Harry looked up at the scoreboard and saw, Stars 180 Cannons 170, flashing in bold letters. Finally Harry relaxed, they had won. They were in the finals. He, along with the rest of the team, floated down to the ground. Harry saw Hermione running towards him arms outstretched. But instead of hugging him, she hugged Josh. Then it all made sense to Harry. Josh was Hermione's boyfriend.
Harry hurried to the changing rooms ignoring the cheers from the crowd and the flash of the cameras. He didn't care anymore. He wasn't going to let Hermione get him down. No, he was going to move on and show her that he didn't need her to do well. He could succeed in life without her by his side. He quickly changed and apparated straight home. When Harry was walking up to his room a sudden idea came to him. He wasn't going to get jealous over Hermione, not when he could have his pick of almost any women. So with that in his mind, Harry changed into some of his nicer clothes and flooed in to see Angelica.
Almost an hour later, Harry and Angelica made their way to the Golden Snitch; one of the best restaurants in the wizarding world. It was know for it's good food and extremely high prices. It was basically, where all the people of recognition went. Usually you had to book months in advance for this place, but with a few extra galleons and the mention of his name, Harry was able to get a table straight away. As they walked in, Harry noticed that Hermione and Josh were seated at a table near the back of the restaurant and Harry asked the waiter if they could opposite them. The waiter politely agreed and showed them to their table. Angelica sat with her back to Josh and Hermione and Josh sat with his back to Harry and Angelica so Harry was looking straight at Hermione.
After ordering their meals, Angelica was telling Harry a story about some model that was threatening to steal her place as one of the most popular models. But Harry wasn't listening. He was too busy looking at Hermione who also kept on looking at him. Their eyes locked and Harry was unable to read the expression that crossed her face. Was it anger? Jealousy? Sadness? Harry couldn't tell. Angelica's voice broke his thoughts.
"So what do you think Harry? Yes or no?"
"Yes."
"What? You think that I look ugly in the summer catalogue for Andrew Capriani!"
"No of course not."
"Can I ask you something Harry?"
"Yeah."
"Why did you bring me here tonight? Because if it was just to stare at Hermione Granger and not even listen to a word I'm saying then I better get going." Harry didn't reply. "Harry?"
"Sorry I was just-"
"Staring at Hermione. I know."
"Angelica it's not like that."
"I know. You're jealous, you're confused. You brought me here to help you forget."
"Something like that."
"Well if you're trying to forget don't keep on looking at her. Look at me instead."
"Okay. Angelica do you want to dance?"
"Now that's the spirit. And yes I would." Harry stood up and offered Angelica his hand and the two of them moved towards the centre of the room where a few couples were already dancing. Slowly they began to sway in time with music but Harry's thoughts along with his eyes were still trained on Hermione. He tried to draw his eyes away and look at Angelica who had her head resting against his chest but he couldn't. There was something about the way she was laughing at something that josh had just said that made Harry want to keep on looking. Feeling his gaze Hermione looked up. Her eyes immediately turned cold as she stared right back. Then seconds later Josh and Hermione were making there way towards Harry and Angelica to dance. Harry's heart skipped a beat she was moving closer and closer to him. Her hand was reaching out. Harry moved away from Angelica. She was going to touch his cheek. Hermione moved closer and closer to. Then smack! Hermione slapped Harry on the face.
"How dare you!" she screamed. "How dare you come here and try to intimidate me! What is your problem?"
"Shut up! I had no idea you would be here Hermione! I just happened to chose this restaurant for my date with Angelica."
"Angelica! So I take you two are back together again?"
"What do you care? You've never worried for me!"
"I'm not worried for you Harry, it's Angelica I'm worried about."
"Angelica?"
"Yes. Now you listen to me Angelica. I'd get out now while you can. He's very slippery he is. Don't trust him, whatever you do. He cant be trusted. Besides, he's not ready for another relationship albeit it last 2 days," Hermione seemed a little drunk to Harry. Her words were slightly slurred and she was swaying form side to side. She seemed a bit like Winky when she was drunk.
"I think that's up to me to decide if I'm ready for a new relationship."
"I know you better than anyone else Harry and in know you're still pining after me even though you won't dare to admit it to anyone. I think you're an embarrassment Harry. You have no life, you're hopeless. Can't you grow up already? There's actually the real world waiting for you when you're ready. You know, the one in which you have to get your act together. You're just a mess. You need to start learning the difference between what's right and what's easy. You-"
"I may need those but what I don't need is a lecture from you! You're a nasty, spiteful, frustrated, ohhh-I'm-so-confused, scrawny little cow!"
"And you're a conceited, up-himself tart who sucks face with stupid skanks because nobody decent would ever want you!"
"I think it's time you-"
"God how I loathe you," the venom in Hermione's voice stopped Harry in mid-sentence and something about the Hermione said it made the breath hitch in Harry's throat. Harry and Hermione had screamed at each other for a good 10 minutes but those five words spoken by Hermione so softly yet so savagely wounded Harry far deeper than anything else had ever done. He stared at her then walked straight out of the restaurant not bothering to look back or wait for Angelica.
Ever since the night at the Golden Snitch, Hermione had felt rather guilty. Her behaviour that night was just horrible. It was just uncalled for and now Hermione was really feeling the guilt and seriousness of her actions. She had not only lied to Harry and Josh, but to herself. Then she had badmouthed Harry to the press in an interview that was really just a whole bunch of lies with little truth.
Hermione wasn't surprised that now Harry really didn't want anything to do with her. It was understandable. Hermione now was feeling the opposite. She found she wanted Harry more than anything at the moment. However, of course Hermione would never admit this to anyone. She wouldn't swallow her pride and admit to Harry that he had been right from the beginning. No, she would make this relationship with Josh work. And she would not let a certain person with unruly raven hair, green almond shaped eyes and a lightning bolt scar get in her way.
Hermione reached down under the bed and pulled out a box. She slowly opened the lid and pulled out the item that lay inside it. It was a scrapbook. Not just an ordinary scrapbook. This scrapbook contained every and I mean every article about Harry every written. It was magically enhanced to hold as mush as needed and so far, it had over 200 pages. Hermione flicked to the back end an found what she was looking for; the more recent articles of Harry. These articles told of a changed Harry. A better Harry. The old Harry. Slowly and carefully she read the first article.
Potter Quits Quidditch To Pursue Auror Dream
In a recent interview with sports reporter Agnes Moran from the Prophet Harry Potter told of his resignation from the Stars. 'There has been a lot of thought put into this discission I assure you. Yes I am leaving the Stars for good and yes I will not be returning to playing professional quidditch.' When asked why he decided to quit quidditch Potter said, 'It was a matter of evaluating my life. I was thinking about what I wanted in life and of that, what I had accomplished. I found that I had three main goals and none of them had been accomplished. I guess I just had an sudden thought that I hadn't done what I wanted with my life. So I decided it was time for a change.'
'You mentioned three goals Mr Potter, presuming one of them is to be an Auror, what are the other two?'
'Nothing that I'm at liberty to say, I'm afraid.'
Mr Potter will begin his Auror training this coming week. He will graduate with this class in 3 months and then will begin his job. His has only a short time in training because on numerous occasions he has proven his skills and abilities. He was offered not to go through the 3-year programme but Mr Potter declined eager to try out the training…
Hermione Granger Speaks Out: Why I Severed Ties With The Boy-Who-Lived
Miss Granger and Mr Potter have been best friends since their first year at Hogwarts some 14 years ago. But this has all fallen apart due to recent alligations. 'He tried to bed me,' a thoroughly angered Miss Granger says. 'If I hadn't used the leg locker curse I probably would be standing here as one of the many unfortunate girls that have fallen for Mr Potters fame and undoubted charm and have spent what would have been for me one of the worst nights of my life. I was distraught. He moved towards me with this look on his face. I thought he was going to hurt me so I did what I had to do. I sent the leg locker curse in his direction and ran like hell. I was terrified. I still am now. I have dreams – nightmares about it at night. I guess that's why I sort of erupted at him in the Golden Snitch. I was scared he would try to do it to me again. I didn't know what to expect. I was so terrified. If Josh wasn't there I think I might have either burst into tears or apparated straight out. But I had to be strong. I knew I couldn't let it show that he had got to me. It would only please him.'
'So that was you main reason for severing ties with Mr Potter?'
'One of many. I was sick of being the girl who has to do everything. I mean I was in charge of the cleaning, cooking, dealing with all the reporters that came, answering all the calls he got, doing what he asked me to do. It just wasn't fair. If he wanted to talk to me I had to listen but when I wanted to talk to him he wouldn't listen it had to suite him. Plus he either doesn't know any silencing charms or is to caught up in the moment to realise that there are other people in the house trying to work. He was so insensitive. Actually if you think about it he still is.'
'Is it true that you once liked Mr Potter?'
'Of course I was one of the many young girls who fell for our darling Mr Potter's charm and good looks. I was young immature and stupid. I mean who hasn't had an adolescent schoolgirl crush on Mr Potter at some stage? The problem is that Mr Potter is so shallow that, even if I'd wanted him to, he would never consider dating me unless of course he wanted a quick shag. He may have wanted a quick shag, yes, but Harry Potter and dating don't go together. Harry Potter and shagging do however…'
So there it is Miss Granger's account. Fact or fiction? To me this young woman was distraught. Torn apart inside by something bigger. Did Mr Potter succeed in hurting her and was Miss Granger just too scared of him to admit it? Something was bothering her and I feel for that girl. So much she has had to go through being best friends with one of the most powerful people alive.
No More Girls For Harry Potter
You're probably used to seeing this space filled with a picture of Mr Potter and some airless bimbo he's decided to bed but we can confidently say that you have seen the end of that. Ever since an argument between Mr Potter and Miss Granger broke out in the Golden Snitch has Potter been seen with a girl. Maybe Miss Granger's biting comment had something to do with it. Her few chosen words weren't the nicest; 'And you're a conceited, up-himself tart who sucks face with stupid skanks because nobody decent would ever want you!'
Well the bottom line is that Potter has changed his ways. Now training to be an Auror Potter seems to have become that little extra bit mature. Here at the Prophet we were shocked. I mean Harry Potter not sleeping around! Harry Potter single! It just doesn't sound right but it's true.
When asked why he has changed his ways Potter said, 'It's all about that evaluating I did earlier. I realised that my behaviour wasn't how it should be. I realised it just wasn't right.' He didn't admit to any of the things Miss Granger accused him of though he did admit to having feeling stronger than those of friendship for her at one stage…
Granger Accuses Potter Of Sending Death threats To Her
'It started tow weeks ago,' Granger says from her London apartment, ' a rather large amounts of letters began to arrive for me. All say something along the lines of 'lose Josh or lose your life, it's up to you'. Of course I was terrified and of course I stand firm in my belief that Potter is behind this. He has on numerous occasions expressed feelings more deeper than friendship before and tried to bed me. I have applied for an Auror guard to accompany myself and Josh everywhere we go because now I fear for my life. If this anonymous writer turns out to be Potter I myself will make sure that he is prosecuted and sent to Azkaban for his actions.'
Potter was officially cleared as a suspect under lack of evidence. Head Auror Remus Lupin said, 'there is absolutely no proof whatsoever that Mr Potter is responsible for the death threats. Miss Granger's claims were ludicrous and obviously made by a very jealous and spiteful woman. I do not believe that Harry did this as does none of the Auror division. He still has our full support and none of these alligations of Miss Granger's albeit ones about him 'trying to bed her' or 'sending her death threats' will ever change that. Mr Potter would never do such things as she has said and we have had him veritaserum tested to prove that. He is innocent. Just a victim of Miss Granger's innuendo spreading. Quite frankly I think that that woman has it in for him. We will be providing her with a Auror to guard her and her house will be under constant surveillance. The identity of the guard will stay classified until the ministry see fit to release it.'
Well Remus Lupin gives his vote of confidence and quashed rumours about Mr Potter…
Potter Graduates Top Of Class
Harry Potter has graduated top of his class at Auror training. Now a fully qualified Auror Mr Potter begins his first job on Monday. Auror Head of Division, Agent Remus Lupin says 'Mr Potter's standards were high his goal barely achievable. Yet he achieved everything he set out to do. He is without a doubt one of the best Aurors we have ever seen. I wish him the best of luck as he begins his first case on Monday…'
He had changed. Even Hermione had to admit that. He seemed so much more mature now. This was the real Harry. The Harry she knew and loved. Hermione had had a rough few weeks what with all the death threats and the media. Of course after they had veritaserumed Harry and found him innocent there had been an immediate uproar as to why Hermione had spread rumour so now she wasn't only dealing with death threats but hate mail form Harry Potter fans telling her how horrible she was. Hermione didn't blame them. What she had done was so wrong and she knew it. But now she was very scared with the death threats. Whoever it was had gone as far as to send her howlers and more and more threats arrived each day. Today she was going to meet the Auror assigned on her case.
After asking the receptionist (who had given her a very cold glare) where to find the room where the Auror would be waiting for her, Hermione nervously opened the door in front of her. She was shocked to see none other than Harry standing there.
"Harry," she said timidly thinking about how mad he must be.
"Hermione Jane Granger? ID Number 2511 970 2554?" his voice was cold and detached and Hermione did not blame him in the slightest.
"Yes."
"Security number?'
"1362 RPM 2355 JAM."
"Very well. I am Agent Harry Potter and I have been assigned on your case. I can assure that now that I am here you will be safe. I will be accompanying you everywhere you go and your house will be under constant surveillance. You will be fine. Don't worry." Harry paused, his facial expression changed until it wasn't one of coldness but worry. His voice was softer, just audible, "I won't let them hurt you Hermione. I promise." Then his voice changed again. It was now an aggravated, angry voice. "Not that you'll believe me! I better not come to close or I'll be done in for harassment. Or maybe they'll discover that it was me sending those death threats!" he said sarcastically. "No don't tell me you're going to use the leg locker curse again aren't you? Or maybe you're going to run like hell away from me in fear that I'll hurt you!"
"Stop it Harry!"
"Don't tell me to stop it Hermione! How could you? You knew what you were doing was wrong but you did it anyway! How do you think I feel? It almost jeopardized my place here!"
"But Remus Lupin said-"
"Only after he had tested me with veritaserum! Can't you see what you've done Hermione! You almost got me kicked out! Now tell me why should I bother to help you?"
"Because I know you want to, that's why."
"Yeah that's right I'm still though I'm still trying to figure out why."
"I think I know why."
"Yeah?"
"You're still hung up on me."
"So what if I am?"
"For Merlin's sake Harry, I've got a boyfriend. Why cant you just move on?"
"Maybe I don't want to."
"It doesn't matter if you don't want to, you don't have a choice! You have to move on."
"Don't tell me what to do Hermione! The only reason I'm doing this is because I have to. If it were optional I wouldn't be here!"
"Yes you would and you know it just as well as I do."
"I don't know you anymore Hermione. You're not the same, you've changed."
"Maybe I have Harry. But you have too and I don't think I know you anymore either. Now can we please cut out all of this crap and get going. I do have things to do and you're supposed to be following me."
"Fine let's go then."
How Harry loathed his job. It sucked. It just wasn't fair one little bit. He was never good at separating emotions from his work and now it was harder than ever. He had to endure all the dates Josh and Hermione went on and had to sit there and watch them closely to make sure everything was okay. It was a living hell. It had been almost four months since his job had begun and every day he felt like quitting but told himself that he had to endure. It was for Hermione's safety. He wouldn't let her get hurt, he had promised her that and he didn't intended to break his promise to her of all people. He was just getting ready for tonight. Hermione and Josh were going on a date to the Golden Snitch and again he had to be present. Harry was dressed appropriately for tonight. The golden Snitch was a high-class place and he couldn't just turn up in any old thing. At the moment he was wearing dress robes, a button down white shirt and slacks. For him, tonight would be the same as many other nights. He'd go to the restaurant, sit at the table next to Hermione and Josh, keep eye on everything and try to ignore the jealousy and anger that coursed through his body when he looked at the two of them so happy and in love. It hurt. Seeing the time, he apparated straight for Josh's house where he was to meet the two of them before the date.
When Harry walked in the door he found Josh and Hermione kissing on the couch and that just did wonders for his mood. He cleared his throat rather impatiently and tapped his foot on the polished wood floor. Realizing that they weren't any longer alone, Josh and Hermione broke apart. Hermione was rather embarrassed and Harry had to look away as he realised her lips were red and swollen from what had obviously been some passionate snogging. Right now he wished he was Josh. Harry never thought h would wish for something like that but after seeing this… Josh was dressed like Harry and Hermione was looking the prettiest Harry could ever remember in a floor length black dress.
"Hello Harry," Hermione said. She at least was being slightly civil towards him whereas Josh just grunted to acknowledge him.
"Good evening Hermione, Josh. We had better be going now.
Dinner for Harry was a royal pain in the arse. It was officially the worst night of his life and things were going from bad to worst. First he had to sit through what seemed like hours of conversation between Josh and Hermione. Then he had to watch them dance and kiss and after all of that he really wished he was Josh. Now we come to the worst part. Josh and Hermione were sitting together enjoying desert when josh moved from his seat. Harry gaze immediately focused on him. Hermione looked at him questionably, what was he doing. The he got down on one knee in front of her and she seemed to realise what was going on. Harry did too. He sat frozen in his seat, his eyes trained on the pair. Josh pulled out a little black box and flipped it open. Inside was one of the most beautiful rings Hermione had ever seen. Josh looked into Hermione's eyes questionably before he asked the question Harry knew he was going to ask.
A/N Sorry to leave you on such a cliffie. I promise I'll update sooner than I did last time. Thank you to those two people who reviewed my story. DeLiRiOuS aka CAPTAIN obvious and VictoriaM thanks guys you rock. Reviews are really great to get so please if you have the time drop me one.
In the next chapter we'll see the result of Josh's question and Hermione's answer and what Harry thinks of it all. Will it spell the end of a relationship or the beginning of plans for a marriage, read on to find out.
