Sorry that it took so long to finally get posted. It was a hard chapter. I had too many ideas for one chapter. I hope that the next chapter will not take quite as long to get posted. But you never know. So just to let you know that it might be a while before the next chapter is posted. My brain can be very difficult sometimes, like right now I can't seem to type but anyway the third chapter is finally here.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for the plot...yet. J.K.Rowlingowns all of the characters so far.
Chapter Three
A Week with Hermione
Harry watched the Dursley's house get smaller out of the back window of Hermione's car. He still couldn't believe that Hermione had actually said everything she did. He had to pinch himself several times to make sure that he wasn't dreaming. Indeed, everything had actually happened. Harry could just imagine what the Dursley's were saying at this very moment.
"Why the nerve of that, that little freak. How dare she come into our house and treat us like that. She had no right. My poor little Diddydums, he didn't do anything wrong and she just up and punched him."
Harry was in the middle if thinking about this when a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Harry, Harry are you with me?" Hermione asked.
"Yes of course. I was just thinking about what Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and Dudley are saying right now."
"Oh," said Hermione. She had a frightened look on her face. "About that, I am really sorry about not keeping my promise. It's just they..."
"Hermione, don't worry about it. I am not mad at you. In fact I am actually happy that you did that. They really needed it. I know that you tried your best and that is all that matters." Harry said with a huge grin on his face.
"I really did try. I didn't mean to lose my temper. I should have never said any of those awful things. I don't even know those people."
Harry went to say something but Mr. Granger beat him to it.
"Hermione hon, look, you should not feel guilty about anything you said or did back there. Those people were rude and very inconsiderate," said her father. He sounded like he was still quite angry.
"Hermione please don't feel bad. If you let it bother you, you are going to miss having fun with your boyfriend," said Mrs. Granger.
Harry was staring out the window when she said this. He turned immediately to Hermione, looking very confused.
"What! Since when was I your boyfriend? Not that I am disgusted by the idea but I thought our relationship was just friend," Harry said whispered quickly so that only Hermione could hear. If Harry had been paying any attention to Hermione he would have noticed that her face portrayed just as much shock as Harry's.
"Mum we're not together. We don't like each other like that. It is just strictly friends," Hermione said in a hurry; though she couldn't help it but she could feel her cheeks getting very warm. It wasn't as though she hadn't thought about maybe pursuing the relationship further, because she had; but she also knew that it was never meant to be. There was always someone else he seemed to fancy every time she thought to talk to him about it.
"Besides mum there is someone else that I like." Hermione told her mother. "But I doubt that he even knows that I exist." Hermione said woefully more to herself then to anyone else.
"Who do you like? Is it Ron?" asked Harry curiously.
"No it is not Ron and I am not telling you."
"Why not?" Harry asked try to sound like he was hurt that she didn't tell him. Harry could hear Hermione's parents laughing up front. He knew that once Hermione had committed to something like this there wasn't any way of changing it. He doubted very much that she would change her mind if he kept after her. To tell the truth Harry knew that if he kept bugging her about it, she was likely to get ticked at him; and that was the last thing that he wanted.
Harry quickly got over the fact that Hermione wouldn't tell him who she liked. I wouldn't tell her who I liked if she asked me either so why should I be upset with her," he thought to himself.
Hermione on the other had was not about to let him drop it. She decided that it would be fun to tease Harry about who she liked. She would give him small useless hints to try to figure out who it was. Finally after and hour of hints he gave up. 'I won't bother her ever again about who she likes,' he thought to himself.
For the next two hours Harry and Hermione talked like they had never talked before. Harry had never seen Hermione quite like this before. She was willing to talk about anything and everything. She even talked about Quidditch. While Hermione was stating her opining about the new Gryffindor team, he noticed that there was a sparkle in her eyes that he had never seen before; or how beautiful her lips were. For the tiniest second he felt that he almost wanted to kiss them, to see if they were as soft as they looked. He shook himself mentally. He couldn't feel this way about her. She obviously liked someone else and so did he.
Twenty minutes went by and they couldn't seem to keep a conversation going so Hermione decided to talk to her parents. Harry took this as an opportunity to make sure that he had his feelings in check. How could he have feelings for his best friend? It just didn't seem to make sense. It is Ron that was supposed to like her not me. I can't have feelings like this. I couldn't do that to Ron. I mean he is my best friend that would make him really mad to fine out that I went after the same girl that he liked. I cannot have feelings for her. Harry thought to himself. When Harry was sure that he didn't like Hermione he was able to participate in the conversation that Hermione and her parents were having.
"Harry just to let you know we will be at the house in about half an hour," said Hermione's mother.
"Wow, I didn't know that you lived so far away. That makes sense, no wonder you were up at 4:00 in the morning."
Hermione nodded as she was trying to stifle a yawn. As she finished yawning Harry felt the urge to suppress a yawn as well. The attempt was unsuccessful just like Hermione's.
The car grew quite. The lack of noise was causing Harry want to go to sleep. He looked over at Hermione and saw that she had already fallen asleep. Harry turned to look out the window, laid his head on the back of the seat. His eyes were getting heavier and heavier; before he knew it he was asleep.
He felt like he had only been asleep for a few minutes when he was being shaken awake. Harry opened his eyes to see in front of him one of the most beautiful housed he had ever seen. The house must have had three stories. It was white with black shutters. It looked like it belonged in the 1800's. The front lawn was big enough to comfortably fit Uncle Vernon's house. There were flowers her and there. Some were yellow, some were purple, and some were white. Harry was standing there trying to take everything in. Hermione appeared at his side. She looked a bit nervous for some reason.
"Welcome to my house. I hope you like it," she said anxiously.
"Like it. Hermione, you know that I have never been inside a house this big in my entire life." Harry said looking awestruck.
"Well, I will give you a tour later, I think that we both need to have a small lie down, don't you?" Harry nodded remembering how tired he was. "Come with me and I will show you to your room," she said. Harry followed her obediently. If Harry was awestruck by the outer appearance of the house it was nothing compared to the inside. Harry didn't know where to look first. He almost felt like he did when he first set foot inside Hogwarts for the first time.
Harry followed Hermione up two flights of stairs and cam to a hall. He followed her down the hall and then turned left into another hall. But the strange thing was there was only one door at the end of the hall. Hang on; this cannot be where I am sleeping. This looks way too big for me. Harry thought to himself.
Hermione stopped at the door and turned to face Harry. "I know that you are not used to something like this but I decided that I wanted you to have one of the best guestrooms in the house. I hope you like it." And with that she flung the double doors open and walked into the room. Harry hesitated. The size of the room was at least if not bigger than the Dursley's living room. Harry walked into the room and smiled despite himself. He was actually going to be sleeping in this room. The bed had an oak frame and the mattress was a king size. The sheets were what looked to be silk.
Harry walked over to the bed and flopped down. He was so tired, he thought that maybe he heard the doors close but he didn't move; he just slept. Harry was woken up the next morning by Hermione standing over him. It took him a few seconds to realize that she was standing there. Harry stared at her wondering what she was doing there.
"Good Morning" she said
"Morning" said Harry groggily.
"Do you know what time it is Harry?"
"No why what time is it?"
"It is quarter to nine," she said matter-of-factly. "Mum and Dad are downstairs making breakfast. They sent me up to see if you were hungry and wanted something to eat. Besides we have so much to do today."
"Yeah hang on; I will be down in a few minutes," said Harry as was trying to wake up fully. When Hermione had left the room Harry went over to his trunk and started to pull out clothes. He got dress and then went downstairs to breakfast. It took him a while to find the kitchen. He kept getting lost in the house. How he ended up in the same sitting room three times in a row he had no idea. Every single time he took a different approach to find the kitchen. Finally he found it and walked in to find that the table was so full of food that Harry thought that Mrs. Granger must have been up for hours making all of it.
Harry sat down across from Hermione and looked hungrily at the food. He hadn't realized that he was so hungry. His stomach growled so loudly that everyone in the kitchen turned to look at him. Hermione sat there and laughed at him. Harry felt as though it was about 100 degrees in there.
"Harry, go on and eat. It sounds like you are really hungry."
"Yeah I am. I haven't had anything to eat since yesterday morning. I think I slept through dinner last night as well,"
"That's ok Harry so did I, and besides mum and dad were not here. Remember the appointment that they had to go to well it ran over by quite a bit. So they didn't get home until later anyway."
Harry couldn't say anything because his mouth was so full of food that if he opened his mouth food would have fallen out. Hermione looked at him with a disgusted look on her face.
"You remind me of Ron when you do that." She said, almost sounding annoyed, but she also sounded like she missed him.
"Sorry, so what do you have planned for us today? I hope that is doesn't involve reading or learning. I would rather wait until we go back to Hogwarts before I have to think about reading something." Harry said as he couldn't help but smile at the look on Hermione's face.
"Well actually I was going to give you a tour of the house and then I thought that we could walk around town for a while so you could see the sights. Mum and Dad took the week off so that we could go out if we wanted to, we wouldn't have to stay here."
The rest of breakfast went well and then Hermione offered to show Harry the rest of the house. When they had left the kitchen Harry told Hermione about getting lost three times in a row.
"Which room did you end up in?" Hermione asked.
"I am not sure," Harry said uncertainly. "I know I would recognize it if I saw it. But how I got there I am not sure. I took three different was every time."
"Okay, well we'll start here I guess."
They turned down one hall and walked into a room. It wasn't the same room but it was just as nice and comfortable. Hermione immediately started in about how the room was special in some way or another. Harry was overwhelmed at all the information that Hermione threw at him, that he didn't catch all of it. But what little of it he caught he found pretty interesting. It figures that she would look up the history of the house that she lives in.
After an hour and a half of walking around the house they still hadn't come to the room Harry had been to. Hermione was starting to think that maybe they had already been to it but Harry was sure that they hadn't.
"Maybe it's like the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts," suggested Harry. "Were there any other witches or wizards that lived here?" Harry asked. He almost expected Hermione to not know the answer but he knew her too well he knew that she would have researched the house.
"Well actually yes, this whole town used to be mainly witches and wizards. But I don't think that this house had a Rom of Requirement," she said, but she didn't sound all that convinced. And then suddenly she took off down the hall. Harry ran after her when he caught up with her he asked:
"What was that all about?"
"I just remembered that there is one more room that I haven't shown you. It might just be the one we were looking for," she said excitedly.
They walked along the hall, Harry was looking around "I think I have seen this before," he said softly. They came to a door and opened it. It was indeed the room that Harry had been in.
"Is this it?" Hermione asked looking very proud of herself.
"Yeah it is," he said.
They walked in and sat down on a very squishy leather couch and talked. Hermione asked him how he was doing after what happened at the Ministry. Harry had completely forgotten to tell her about what Dumbledore had told him.
After Harry had finished telling Hermione about what happened there was a soft knock at the door. Hermione's mother came in carrying a large snowy white owl. There was something attached to the leg.
"Harry hon, this owl just arrived with a letter for you," she said slowly petting Hedwig. "What a beautiful owl." Harry had forgotten that he had written to Ron.
"Hedwig come here," said Harry calling the owl. She lightly took off from Mrs. Granger's arm and flew to Harry. She landed lightly on his shoulder and nipped at his ear affectionately.
"That is your owl Harry?" Mrs. Granger asked. Harry nodded as he stroked her feathers.
"Well, your father and I are going to the market; we will be back in an hour or two. Ok." Mrs. Granger said talking to Hermione.
"Mrs. Granger, thanks for bringing Hedwig to me." Harry said.
She smiled to say that it wasn't problem, and then turned to leave the room. Harry took the letter from Hedwig and noticed that there was another one. One was from Ron and the other was from Sirius.
Harry was about to open the letter from Ron when he heard Hermione say something.
"Oh — I forgot...I have to go ask mum to pick up something for me at the market. I will be right back."
"Um...ok," Harry said.
Once Hermione was out of the room Harry opened Ron's letter. He had no idea what he had written but Harry didn't want Hermione to read it because what if Ron's said something about liking her. The letter read:
Dear Harry,
I just got your letter. Everything is ok here, except for that mum and dad just had a row about Percy. But otherwise everything is ok. The others are taking it ok, but when Charlie found out about what Percy said to Dad, he went nuts. He couldn't believe Percy would say something like that to Mum and Dad. He called Percy an 'immature, insufferable, pompous prat' and he told him that "if he thought that way, then he didn't deserve to be a part of this family." Mum was so surprised to hear that, she started crying all over again. Dad actually agreed with some of what Charlie said. Now it looks like no one from the family is on great speaking terms with Percy. A couple days after the row that Charlie and Percy had Percy sent an owl to Dad's office. Whatever he said really riled up Dad. So if you thought that things were tense when ever Percy's name was mentioned before can you imagine what it is like now? So that is everything that is going on with Percy.
Listen please don't tell Hermione that like her. I probably don't have a chance with her but maybe just maybe if I can get up the courage to talk to her then I don't know. Oh yeah...you probably be at her house when you get this. Great now she will want to read it. PLEASE don't let her read it. Fred and George saw me writing this, and they haven't let up on me yet. They are still firmly convinced that she and Percy will end up together. But I think that they were just trying to pull my leg. But does she even talk to Percy? I didn't think that she did. Thanks for the offer to help me though.
Anyway did Dumbledore really come to Privet Drive? I can't even imagine what your Aunt and Uncle would have done. They must have a fit. I remember what they were like when we picked you up for the Quidditch world cup. I am sure that they must have treated Dumbledore with a little more respect then they show us. But that is not saying much. Anyway what did Dumbledore tell you? Why won't you tell me? It better be something good.
Well I hope that you and Hermione have a good week together and I can't to see both of you. By the way Ginny says that she can't wait until you get here. I think that she fancies you more than she used to mate. But I keep telling her that you don't like her that way, you consider her a sister. Right? Anyway she tells me that I don't know what I am talking about and that 'you are free to make up your own mind about who you like.' Cause she really knows what she is talking about. Anyway can't wait 'til you get here.
Your Best Mate,
Ron
Harry rolled up Ron's letter and just started unsealing the wax on the letter that Sirius had written him, when Hermione came back into the room looking flush.
"I just caught them, though I had to run after them. So who are the letters from?" she asked.
"One was from Ron and the other is from Sirius. I haven't read that one yet. But I think that I was supposed to get it before I saw him the other night."
Harry finished unrolling the letter and found that it only had three small loopy words on it. Harry turned the parchment over to see if he had for some reason missed a message on that side, but there was nothing there. Harry looked somewhat deflated.
"What's wrong, what does it say?" Hermione asked sounding worried.
"There is nothing wrong it's just that it is really short. It only says 'I am alive.' That's it, nothing more."
"Really that is all that is says. Maybe he didn't want to attract too much attention to himself, so he wrote you a short letter. You have talked to him, so maybe he didn't say much because he knew that he was going to see you." Hermione said.
"Yeah, you're right," Harry said as he rolled up the parchment and put it into his pocket.
"So what did Ron have to say?" She asked it seemed like she was trying to get him to let her read the letter.
"Um...nothing much, he was just telling me about what happened when Charlie found out what Percy had said to Mrs. and Mr. Weasley. Apparently Charlie said that Percy didn't deserve to be a part of the family." Harry said looking at Hermione expecting her to say something like 'that's awful' or 'how can he say something like that' but no such thing came.
"You know I actually agree with Charlie. Percy has no right to act like that, and if he values his career over his family then he indeed does not deserve them. You know that I never thought that Percy would ever do something like this. I mean yeah he was a little pompous but he always talked about his family with such high regards. I really liked him for that. I also used to really fancy him. But that was a long time ago so you don't have to go picking on me about it. And don't tell Ron." She stared at Harry as to say that if he told anyone what she has just confided in him she would kill him.
Harry did his best to keep the smile that pulling at the corners of his mouth from surfacing. Harry had no idea why but he was shocked that Hermione liked Percy at one point. It seemed to make sense though, Percy was always worried about his grades and so is Hermione. Maybe they would have been good together. Who knows Percy might have even liked Hermione. But with the way that Percy was acting there was no chance of them getting together. Harry had no intention of telling Ron that Hermione had liked Percy because he would never let her live it down, and then Fred and George would find out and that would be really bad. Harry reassured her that he wouldn't tell anyone.
They talked again for two hours. Harry learned some things about Hermione that he never knew and Harry told Hermione some things that she never knew about him. I didn't realize that it was this easy to talk to Hermione about this type of stuff. I always thought that I told Hermione everything and I thought that she told me everything as well. I guess that I didn't really no her as well as I thought I did. I know that I would never be able to tell Ron stuff like this. He would just laugh and pick on me about it. Harry thought to himself.
When Harry and Hermione left the sitting room it was 3:30 p.m. They went into the kitchen to get something to snack on because they had missed lunch and they knew that dinner was not too far away. When they were finished eating, Hermione gave Harry a tour of the grounds around her house. Harry was amazed that Hermione lived this comfortably. Harry knew that she never had problems with money but he had no idea that she had this much. She was never one to brag about having money. Unlike Malfoy, who won't shut up about it. Harry thought to himself.
"I know this seems like a lot but I haven't always lived like this. I hope you know that Harry. I have only lived here for a little over a year now. My parents are doing really well with their practice, that's why they decided to move into a house like this. And they were really needed here. Can you believe that there was not a dentist in this town before we moved here. I guess from what mom and dad of told me if someone really needed to go to the dentist then they had to travel like three hours to the nearest town."
"Well what about going to the city? Aren't there dentists in the city?"
"Yes but they are usually booked three months ahead. Sometimes someone will get lucky and there will be a cancellation. But no usually."
"Wow so your parents must be really busy," said Harry.
"Not a busy as they first were but they are still pretty busy. We used to spend so much time together. We would always go one hiking trips and go skiing, or camping but no we are lucky if we can spend a weekend together." Hermione said looking at her feet. Harry could tell that she was pretty upset about it. Maybe that is why she insisted that I come and spend a week here before we went to Ron's. Harry thought but he would never say something to Hermione about it. But he did feel sorry for her. She is always talking about what her and her parents do during the holidays. Harry was about to asked if she was alright but she changed the subject indicating that she didn't want to talk about it anymore.
"We should probably get back to the house. Dinner might be ready." Hermione said and started to walk back towards the house.
Harry was not sure how to react to this. He had always pictured that the Granger family as the "perfect family." He didn't know why but he was worried about Hermione. He knew that she wouldn't let anyone know if she needed help or if there was something bothering her. Harry wanted to ask her if she was doing anything that she shouldn't be. But how exactly do you ask your best friend if she is doing something that would be dangerous for them. So Harry opted to just plain ask what was wrong.
"Hermione, wait before we head back, there is something that I want to ask you." Harry said suddenly.
Hermione looked around and tried to wipe away the tears that were in her eyes. She was hoping that Harry wouldn't notice. "What?"
"I was just...just wondering if you are alright." Harry said sounding a little nervous.
"Of course I am. What would make you think that there was something wrong?" she asked trying to sound casual.
"Well first off you were just crying and when you came back from talking to your parents you had tears in your eyes. You also haven't really been eating much since I have been here. Hermione what is wrong? I know that there is something bothering you. Is there something that I can do to help you in any way?"
"No, Harry there isn't anything that you can do. This is something that I need to work out on my own. Wait a minute there is something that you can do. You can just be there when ever I need someone to talk to."
"Ok, but if there is anything else that you need you would tell me right?"
"Yes, of course, now let's get going. I don't know about you but I am getting a little hungry," she said and turned to walk off a second time. "At least I think I am," she said to herself.
Harry had noticed that was tugging at the sleeves of her sweatshirt when Harry was talking to her. She couldn't be. NO Hermione would never cut herself. She's too dignified to do that" Harry thought worriedly.
Instinctively Harry reached out and grabbed Hermione's left wrist. Before Hermione could do anything or object, Harry yanked up her sleeve to reveal...nothing. I guess that I was wrong. I honestly thought that she was cutting herself.
"Harry what do you think you are doing?" Hermione asked. There was a look confusion, hurt, and anger in her eyes. "Wait — you don't actually thing that I would — cut myself, do you?"
"Well, I thought...I thought that there might be a possibility. I didn't want to believe it. I was hoping that I would find nothing. But I still think that there is something wrong." Harry said. "Look Hermione I am really sorry about what just happened. I hope that you are not mad at me, but I just want you to know that I really do care about you."
Hermione said nothing, but she just stood there tears silently streaming down her face. The fact was that this wasn't something that just started. She had been doing this since her third year. She never told anyone, especially not Harry or Ron. She had no idea how they react if they found out. Hermione was just standing there being just about the most scared that she had ever been. How is Harry going to take this? She thought. How do I explain why I have been doing this?
"Look I will tell you everything after dinner I promise. But please don't tell mom or dad. They have too much to worry about now. This isn't a regular thing either. It's just when I get stressed or overwhelmed. Harry please will you keep this between us." Hermione pleaded. She was cry hard now.
Harry nodded to show that he wouldn't say anything to her parents. Then he said "I still want to know what is wrong and what you are doing to yourself because you don't look healthy."
"Yes, I will tell you everything. But can we please go back to the house?"
"Sure let's go. You don't want your parents to see you like that do you? Maybe we should walk slowly."
"Yeah, you're right. They would ask what is wrong and I just can't tell them yet. To tell you the truth I am surprised that they haven't noticed yet"
They walked back to the house in silence. When they entered the kitchen they found Mr. and Mrs. Granger sitting at the table waiting for Harry and Hermione.
"We were just about to yell out to you guys. Well have a seat and then we can eat," said Mr. Granger.
Hermione sat across from her mother and Harry sat next to Hermione. All in all the dinner went very well. Hermione didn't let it show that there was anything bothering her, except that she wouldn't eat hardly anything.
"Hermione, sweet-heart is there something wrong? You are not eating." Mrs. Granger asked looking uneasy.
"No mother, I'm just not all that hungry right now." Hermione said as she played with the peas on her plate.
"Well I guess if you aren't hungry then we won't make you eat. But I have noticed something," her father said quite suddenly.
Hermione froze for the slightest of seconds and then looked up trying to look as though she was not worried about what he might say. "What is it Dad?"
"I have noticed that you have not been eating all summer. Is it because you don't feel well or is there something bothering you so much that you won't eat."
Hermione was taken aback by what her father had just said. Maybe she was wrong when she thought that they didn't know. Perhaps they did know after all. What if I told them? Would they be upset with me? Of course they would be upset with me, I'm anorexic. How would they take it? Maybe I should tell them. No, I can't then they will think that I am doing it all the time and then they might not let me go and see Ron or let me go back to Hogwarts. Then I would never see him again. Not that it really matters but maybe just maybe he will notice me. Possibly Blaise Zabini will want to talk to me. I can't tell them yet I can't risk not being able to see him again. I can't tell them...Yet. Hermione thought to herself. She said nothing to her parents. Harry however seemed to be know exactly what was going through Hermione's mind. She wouldn't tell them now. At least I don't think that she would. If she did then she might now be able to some to Ron's with me and then what happens if she does not get to go back to Hogwarts. Harry thought uncomfortably.
Suddenly there was a voice that broke his thoughts.
"Harry dear, if you are done then you can go," said Mrs. Granger.
"Thank you, Mrs. Granger it —"
"Harry please call, me Isabelle."
"Thank you, Mrs. Isabelle for dinner it was delicious." Harry said.
Harry left the kitchen and went back to his room. He sat on the bed thinking about what was going on with Hermione. So she's not cutting herself. Hermione would never get addicted to anything. It not in her nature. She is way to smart for that. But why isn't she eating. I have never seen Hermione not eat. Of course she doesn't eat as much a Ron, but she can eat. Hang on...she can't possibly be anorexic. If she was then that's why she would not be eating.
Harry was so immersed in his thoughts that he did not hear Hermione knock at his door, and then come in. She stood there for a few minutes watching Harry, trying to figure out how to tell him. How is he going to react? I really hope that he doesn't start yelling. This is going to be so hard. I know I should trust him completely, but I thought that I could do this on my own, that I wouldn't need to tell anyone. Well I have no choice, I have to tell him. I told him that I would. Hermione thought to herself anxiously.
"Harry," she said startling him, "can I talk to you?" she asked timidly.
Harry didn't answer right away. "Sure," but before Hermione could even say anything Harry was bombarding her with questions.
"Harry, slow down. I can only answer one question at a time. Actually I think that it would be easier if you just let me explain what has happened," she said already on the verge of tears.
"This all started when we were in our third year. Remember when I had the time turner, I didn't realize it in the beginning but I had bitten off more than I could chew. I was trying to do too much in not enough time. I started not eating. At first it was when I was overwhelmed. But as the year went on the stress just kept building and building. So I almost stopped eating altogether. I went to the hospital wing because I was starting to think that I was becoming anorexic. But according Madame Pomfrey to I already was." Hermione stopped to collect herself.
So I was right. Harry thought to himself. But when does it sound like it's about to get worse.
"Anyway Madame Pomfrey gave me a potion that would help me get over this disorder. She warned me that it was a very addictive potion and to be very careful about how much I drank at a time. At first I was really careful; it seemed to help. But when exams came around it started to get worse again. So naturally, I would take more. When that dose didn't wasn't strong enough then I would take more. At the end of the term feast, McGonagall wanted to talk to me. She told me that Madame Pomfrey was worried about me. She told McGonagall that I had been to get more potion three times in two days. McGonagall told me that next year I was not to apply for the time turner and that I had no homework over the summer. I needed to get better. Well I did get better for a while but every time I get stress out or overwhelmed I stop eating, and then I drink the potion. I looked in the library before we left school to see if I could find out how to make the potion. When I found out that brewing it wouldn't take long. I got the ingredients together and started brewing. I brewed enough to get me through the summer. But then I realized that I wouldn't be able to drink it so I used it for the next year. I knew that I would not be able to get anymore from Madame Pomfrey," she said. She was silently crying. How was she ever going to get better?
Harry was shocked. He couldn't say anything, he didn't know how he felt. He felt betrayed because she thought that she couldn't tell him this. But then again he felt sorry for her; because she felt that she had no on to tell. She wasn't really close enough to any of the other girls in their year. The only real girlfriend that she had was Ginny. But if she told Ginny about this, Ginny would have told Harry and Ron for sure. But his first instinct was to be mad at her, but he couldn't. She was his best friend. She needed his help. Although he had no idea how he was going to help her. He did know one thing he was going to try everything he could to help her.
"I don't know what I'm going to do. If I don't stop I'm going to end up killing myself. Harry, what do I do?"
"I...I don't know Hermione. Why didn't you tell us about this? If you told us then we might have been able to help you and this may not have gotten this far," Harry said.
"I didn't tell you because I wasn't sure how you guys would take it. I was afraid that you guys would abandon me," she said and then added hastily seeing the look on Harry's face: "I know that you guys would never do that; but I'm not sure but some small part of me felt that you would."
After she finished, she broke down completely. Harry went over to her and hugged her tightly. He wasn't going to lose one of his best friends because she thought that they wouldn't be there to help her when she needed it. He was going to stay right there until she told him that she felt better. This was the only thing that Harry could think of doing. Before the realized it Hermione has fallen asleep in his arms. Harry picked her up and carried her over to the bed and laid her down gently. He covered her up with the blankets and gently kissed her on the forehead.
"I will always be here for you Hermione no matter what happens I will never abandon you." Harry said softly. Even if he was talking to Hermione, he was also talking to himself.
Harry woke up the next morning wondering why he was sleeping in the chair. He looked over at the bed and found Hermione sleeping comfortably. Then everything that she had told him last night hit him full force. She was anorexic and addicted to a potion. Was she going to tell Ron? She had to. Maybe he could help her is some way. Maybe if she told everyone then they could make her see that she needs to stop this destructive behavior.
Just then Hermione woke up. She looked at Harry and Harry smiled back. She gave a half hearted smile and then flopped back down on the bed.
"Hermione, I just want you to know that you can trust us. We won't abandon you no matter what. We are going to get through this together. We have been through some pretty tough stuff before so we can get through this."
"Thank you Harry. I really appreciate you being there for me. I guess this means that I have to tell mom and Dad, right."
"Don't forget Ron and Ginny." Harry pointed out.
"Yeah, I can't forget them." Hermione said with a sigh.
A/N:Please review. I would really appreciate it. I am thinking of changing the title. Tell me what you think. Constructive criticism is ok.
