Chapter Seven
Couple's Therapy

Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews! They rock! To khstennis01- Alicia was from the third chapter, at the Men's Club tennis game thing, Lol. Sorry it took me so long to update I've been really busy lately, I have like seven projects due in the same week, I have another crapload of homework, I just got an awesome telescope and I've been spending alot of time in the backyard looking at planets and stuff, it's definitely some cool beans! Lol. Here's chapter seven, hope you guys like it! Thanks for reading!

Hermione lay on her couch, clad in a white tank top, gray sweatpants, and pink fuzzy slippers. She lay on her side, remote control in hand, flicking through channels. Soon she heard the doorbell ring, she wondered who could be at her door and scolded herself as a moment of fleeting hopefullness passed through her. Maybe it was Harry. She stood up, dropped the remote control on the couch, and shuffled over to the door, pulling the hem of her shirt farther over her stomach.

She unlocked the door and opened it slightly so only her eye was visible. It was indeed Harry.

she asked, deliberately sounding ticked off.

he asked, not sure if it was her, ya know the shadowed eye wasn't enough to match with the whole person.

she asked again, trying to sound even more pissed.

Can we talk? he asked, trying to sound as if the fight' they were in was all his fault. In truth Harry thought it was completely ridiculous. She was mad at him because of a damn lemon tree! He had tried to save the mohawk dog hadn't he? he had stood up for her? he had told off the rich bitch whose family was in love with him, right down to the jeweled pomeranian. What more did she want from him?

she was about to close the door but he quickly spoke.

Please! I'm really sorry about the tree, it's just I was late for work and my boss would've-

She opened the door again.

What do you want to talk about? she asked icily.

Harry thought for a second, in truth he wasn't quite sure, he wasn't even quite sure why he had even come. He was beginning to think that putting himself through mental hell wasn't worth the Green Case, but then Neville had so easily reminded him of the gloating Ron would be doing and convinced Harry to go talk to Hermione. Now that he was there he had no idea what to say. Shit.

She began to tap her fuzzy-slippered foot on the wooden floor.

I-Uh-Can I come in? he asked.

Now really, what was the point of that? What are you gonna suddenly know what to say by going inside the house! he asked himself.

She looked like she was seriously considering not having him come in, I guess, she stepped aside and opened the door even more for him to come in.

he kissed her lightly on the cheek and entered the apartment.

Now what're you gonna do dipshit? a little voice in the back of Harry's head asked as he thought quickly for something to say.

Look I'm sorry for- he began but Hermione quickly cut in.

Where's the lemon tree? she asked.

he asked.

The lemon tree, where is it? she pressed.

I don't have it, he said obviously.

She rolled her eyes.

I'm really sorry, I would've gotten it, I swear I would've but it was just I was already in deep shit, I was late, I had barely done any work this morning, he would've killed me, I'm sorry, he looked at her defeatedly.

She shook her head, That tree symbolizes our relationship! Would you abandon our relationship like that because of some other unimportant event! she said in a loud, worried tone.

His tolerance was wearing thin now, not only had they only known each other for five days, she was mad at him because of a stupid lemon tree!

he began with a smile as the laughter surfaced. It's just a tree.

And as her face fell into a frown, he realized what he said was a mistake. Correction: A BIG mistake.

she paused. Just a tree? she looked on the verge of tears as she slowly sat on the edge of her couch. So you think our relationship is just a relationship! It means nothing to you!

Harry took a moment to stop himself from screaming and/or biting her head off.

No, no that's not what I meant, he sat down next to her. We don't need a lemon tree to tell us how we feel, he tried to talk his way out of it.

At first Hermione didn't know what to say to that but then she swiftly turned to him and shot, Why were you at lunch with Alicia anyway! she cocked an eyebrow.

Before Harry could stop himself he rolled his eyes.

What was that! Hermione shouted.

he asked quickly.

That eye roll! What's that supposed to mean! Do you think I'm stupid or soemthing? she pressed.

Don't put words in my mouth! he shook his head. And I told you why I was with Alicia, I was supposed to be having lunch with her parents today, not just her, they couldn't make it. she folded her arms over her chest and looked away.

Look I'm sorry, okay? he looked hopefully at her, his eyes pleading.

She looked at him, as if examining his face, then she looked away, her arms still folded.

Harry was beginning to consider getting up and walking out right there, then the conversation Ron and Neville had had right in front of him came back into his mind.

It's not you're fault you think women are falling in love with you when they're really running in the other direction.Don't you think that's a little harsh, Ron? Neville asks.

No it's true. I bet Harry couldn't make a woman fall in love with him if he wanted to...

Then Harry had spoke up and said he could, making an ass out of himself. Now he was stuck in this mess and the only way to get out of it was to make her fall in love with him, make it last nine more days, take her to Dean's wedding, make sure she convinces Ron and Neville that she loves him, then he'd figure out what to do... No problem he thought... Clearly he was on crack.

Harry snapped out of his thoughts, looking at Hermione who was still looking away from him, Please forgive me, I'll do anything, just please forgive.

Hermione kept her face set but inside she was saying, God, I've made him reduce to groveling.'

Then he got down on one knee, put his hands together as if pleading and looked up at her with begging eyes, Please, I'm so sorry.

Hermione was thinking what to say. She had thought she knew what she was doing, she had had him pissed, he was about to walk out. Now, now he was begging for forgiveness, she began to think about giving up herself.

Get up, she said. Just get up.Please anything, he stood up.

a little lightbulb blinked on in Hermione's head. Couples therapy.Couples therapy? he asked.

Couples therapy, she nodded curtly.

He was about to say but we've only been seeing each other for five days', but then thought against it.

he nodded slowly. Couples therapy it is. she smiled, she had held her ground, she hadn't given in. She was going to lose him. Her smile faltered.
...

I need you to do me a favor, Hermione said suddenly, standing on the outside of Lavendar's door, she was still wearing the same outfit she had on when Harry come over, right down to the fuzzy slippers. Right after Harry had left she hurried over to Lavendar's flat to discuss the couples therapy situation.

At first Lavendar just stared at the interestingly dressed Hermione, then she gestured for her to come in, her eyes not once lingering from her attire.

Hermione walked into Lavendar's apartment and immediately turned to her and began talking, I need you to do me a BIG favor, she declared.

She rose an eyebrow, Does it involve peanut butter or monkeys in anyway?

Hermione knotted her eyebrows, What the hell?Just answer the question! Hermione replied.

Then I'm up for it, what is it?I need you to be a couple's therapist, she looked at her hopefully.

Lavendar asked.

Because Harry said he was sorry about not getting the lemon tree and he would do anything if I forgave him, well I said he'd have to go to couples therapy with me and you need to be the therapist because he's never really seen you and I need someone to go along with it, she said all in one breath.


...

Couples therapy?

Harry nodded.

Couples therapy? he asked again.

Neville asked as he and Harry walked into a small bar just outside of London.

Because I'm a moron and I said I'd do anything if she'd forgive me and she said we should go to couple's therapy, he rolled his eyes as they entered the building.

Neville laughed, That sucks.Not completely, I'm hoping this this therapist can help Hermione realize she needs to mellow out, or whatever.

Neville laughed again, Let's hope so.
...

Don't hold back, Hermione said reassuringly as she knocked on the door of Lavendar's apartment. Show your true spirit, she said dreamily.

Harry replied.

The door opened and they were greeted with a very interestingly dressed Lavendar. Her skinny frame was clad in an over-sized white tunic, black leggings, and her blonde hair was pinned tightly to the back of her and it was sticking up in all different directions.

Hermione Granger? Lavendar asked as if she didn't know her.

When Hermione stopped gawking at Lavendar she nodded, Yes, I'm Hermione and this is Harry, she put a hand on Harry's arm.

Welcome, please come in, she stepped aside and gestured inside the house.

Hermione stared at Lavendar for a few minutes before entering the apartment with Harry.

As Hermione walked further into the apartment she couldn't help but gape at it all. It didn't look like Lavendar's flat at all, it was cleaned up considerably (all of the extra, non-professional looking stuff stuffed in Lavendar's bedroom, no doubt), there were scented candles lit all around the room, and the curtains on the windows were pulled back so the sunlight spilled out over the living room.

Please, have a seat, she pointed to the couch and they sat down, and she sat on an armchair across from them. I'm Idylle, she said, holding a clipboard and a pen.

Oh. My. God. Hermione thought, she's definitely over the top with this.

Okay, shall we get started? How long have you two been together? she asked, drawing a curly line across the paper on her clipboard as if she were taking notes.

Six days, they replied in unison, apparently both of them had been keeping track.

I see, she made another curl.

Is that too soon to be seeing a couple's therapist? Harry asked.

Harry, I know it's not long but still- she tried to sound hurt.

It's not even a week, he pointed out.

It will be tomorrow, Hermione whimpered, trying to sound like she was about to cry.

Harry began, looking at her. No, I sweetie I didn't mean it like that-

She sniffed.

Hermione, please don't cry, please, he placed a hand on her knee. Because if you do I will scream bloody murder.

No, we haven't even been going out a week, why should you care about me? she said, and inside she laughed.

Please, don't be like this, he slouched.

Oh and now it's a she said, using air quotations. Are you seeing all of this? she turned sharply to Lavendar.

Lavendar nodded solemnly, There's a wall, she made a hand motion, as if she was stuck in a box. A large, brick, wall... she trailed off dreamily. A large wall blocking the communication between you two, she nodded again.

Hermione stared at Lavendar, where the hell was this coming from?

When she came back to realization she nodded, Exactly! He just doesn't understand me, he doesn't hear me, she snatched up a tissue from the box on the table in front of her and began to dab at her invisible tears.

I don't hear you! he was on the edge of his seat, anger gnawing at him once again.

No, you don't! she sniffed.

Are you bloody mad!

She let out a wail.

That's it, just let it out, Lavendar said dreamily.

He doesn't even care about what I want! I mean he was even having lunch with another girl! she wailed again and her shoulders shook with many I told you already, I was supposed to be having lunch with her parents too but they couldn't come so I just had lunch with her! I couldn't cancel just because they weren't coming! Not like it matters now because they pretty much hate me because of what I said to her, he emitted.

she said after glancing at Harry then looking back at Lavendar. He doesn't listen to me, or care about my feelings! she grabbed another tissue, issued a noise between a snort and a sob.

Lavendar nodded calmly, I don't listen to you! I don't care about your feelings? What the hell are you smoking! he shouted, all the feelings he had held back were gushing out of his mouth and he couldn't stop it.

Woah, woah, Lavendar said in a startled, but still extremely solemn, voice.

You don't care about my feelings! You don't care if I'm pissed about something, you don't give a shit if I make an ass out of myself! Hermione, all I've done for the past five fucking days was made sure you were happy!Okay we can stop letting it out! Lavendar shouted over him. Harry you need to calm down, just breathe, he looked at her. In, out, deep breaths.

Harry took a deep breath and counted to ten just to make sure he wouldn't choke anyone.

Now Harry, maybe we should find you some anger management classes, she flipped through the blank pages on her clipboard.

Harry fell back against the couch shouting, For christ's sake!

Hermione came out from behind the tissues in which she was actually laughing.

Lavendar stopped flipping and looked up at her, her face placid and a overly-calm smile on her face, Why don't you two, explain the past five days starting from day one. Hermione began, not waiting for Harry at all. I was at a night club with some friends of mine and I met Harry, she looked at him quickly as he sat back up.

And I was there with my two mates, Ron and Neville, he interjected.

Okay, go on, Lavendar nodded.

Harry came up to me and we talked for a bit then we went and got ice cream and walked around, she looked at Harry who nodded in agreement.

Then the next day I called her to see if she could go for coffee, he said. Then I invited her to this men's club my friend belongs tp because I had to watch him play for some charity and I wanted her to come with me-So I did, she cut in. And he introduced me to a whole bunch of people, she replied, deciding not to mention Alicia.

Then the next day she made me go see Pooh's Heffalump movie, he turned swifly to Hermione. And I did, because she said she had a soft spot for Winnie the friggin' Pooh! Lavendar warned, reminding him of his temper.

Right sorry, anyway then the next day I invited her over for dinner, as Hermione watched him speak she couldn't help feeling bad for the things she did to him. And she wouldn't eat the lobster, so I took her out to dinner then she makes me go buy her a box of tampons, and makes me scream the brand name across the room and then they weren't the good kind' so I had to go buy a new kind. Which reminds me you, you owe me some cash! he turned to her.

Lavendar nodded, And what's wrong with her asking you to buy you tampons?

Harry looked disbelievingly at them, he said defeatedly. Absolutely nothing.

Hermione bit her lip as Lavendar spoke again, Then what happened.

she responded before Harry could. I bought him a puppy and a lemon tree, which he forgot on the streets and didn't even go back to get it.

He was about to say something but she spoke before he could again.

Yeah I know you were late for work, and when I gave him the stuff he was at lunch with another woman, she added.

Harry, why were you with Alicia? Lavendar turned to ask him his side of the story.

I told you why I- Wait how'd you know her name?

Hermione's eyes widened, You mentioned it, she said quickly.

No I didn't, he looked at her.

SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT, Hermione thought.

No Hermione, he's right he didn't mention it. I have ESC, she said knowingly.

Hermione hissed.

Right, that's what I said, she looked quite nervous.

You have ESP? Harry asked, clearly not convinced.

Lavendar laughed. I can see into the future and stuff, she said, sounding slightly unprofessional.

Okay, well do you see anything that can help us right now? he asked.

A triumphant smile spread across Lavendar's face, I know what you two need.Do you? Thank God, he mumbled.

A little time seperated, you've been spending so much time with each other you're both finding the other annoying.

You've got that right, Harry thought.

Neither of them spoke.

So give it a few days then maybe you'll feel differently, she smiled serenly.

They both said,
...

Harry you go get the car, I just want to have one last quick word with the therapist, she called after Harry.

When he was out of sight and earshot she turned swiftly to Lavendar and whispered, You don't know how lucky you are!I know, I know I'm sorry! she replied.

With one last look at Lavendar's outfit Hermione said, Not only did you slip-up you got waaaaay to into it.Yeah but you don't get it, she said. He's so sick of you he'll be glad you're spending time away from each other, but tomorrow when you go and see him anyway he'll jump out of his skin, she grinned.

Hermione said with a slight forced smile.

Author's Note:There ya go! Sorry again for the wait, as I said, so much crap going on! Hope you liked it! Thanks for reading! And especially reviewing! Wink wink, cough cough, nudge nudge, eyebrow raise eyebrow raise... Lol. Sorry had a moment.