A/N: Woo! I'm posting like I said I would!! Um, thank you to DarkSyaoran for the review! Preciate it. Ooh! Score! The horizontal ruler works once more!! My life isn't over or meaningless!!
Lock and Key
Chapter 15
Ginny did not forget about Hermione's near revelation. She kept probing Hermione about it, forcing the brunette to come up with a lie. (The number of lies she had already dished out since the start of seventh year bothered Hermione). It was difficult to tell whether Ginny truly believed the fib, but she let the subject drop much to Hermione's relief.
On Thursday, there was a Quidditch game between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor; it was the last match of the year before winter break. On Tuesday Harry scheduled practice, though it didn't appear as if they would have another on Wednesday—the weather was rather nasty. (Harry hoped it would get somewhat better by game day).
"Hey Harry, did you notice something?" Ron asked, after practice had ended. He was tying his shoe and they were the only ones left in the locker room.
"Notice what?" Harry answered, stuffing his gloves in his locker.
"Hermione's left Rice alone. I wonder why," Harry stopped what he was doing, feeling paralyzed, "I mean, she talks to him occasionally but it's not like before. That's a good thing though, yeah?"
"Uh, yeah…"
"Maybe she's finally realized he's a wanker, because he is, no matter what anyone says." Harry simply nodded, feeling it was okay to breathe normally again.
"Oi, do you know what the idiot did to me?!" Ron half-yelled, suddenly animated.
"What?" Harry smiled, picking up his broom.
"He went behind my back and took Rebecca! They're going to Hogsmeade together!"
"So you finally asked her?"
"Yes, and that's what she told me."
"You're out of it, mate," Harry said, "But… Luna's still there, right?"
"Yeah," he confirmed, arms crossed.
"So, are you taking her?"
"Yeah," grinned Ron, "That's why I wasn't too let down when Rebecca told me she was going with Mr. Yawn."
"Well good for you." The boys walked out into the fierce snow.
"Looks like it's just you and Hermione! It'll be your first date." Ron jokingly remarked, not knowing the effect of his words. Harry stopped walking and his mouth went dry. Dear Merlin… he was right. Ron stared at him, dumbfounded.
"Have you gone off your rocker? In case you've forgotten, it's near freezing out here! Why are you stopping?!" he howled.
"I… er—right. Sorry," Harry stumbled, starting up, "Shocked by the cold." It was going to be only Harry and Hermione on Saturday… did it constitute as a date? Did he have to ask her, or could he casually mention it? Harry had to force down a grin so as to not appear even crazier to Ron. His first date with Hermione… what a milestone, and one which had once seemed so unreachable. He suddenly couldn't wait for Saturday.
Harry leaned against the desk, talking with Parvati. Potions had ended and they were lingering behind.
"A Slytherin?" wondered Harry, face contorted with disgust.
"Yes," she responded.
"Which one?"
"Daniel Marx."
"A Slytherin? You're going to Hogsmeade with a Slytherin?!"
"Yes!," Parvati laughed, "You know, they're not all like Malfoy. Some are decent!"
"Hmph," he surveyed, not convinced, "Well, if he tries anything, just let me know; I'll be happy to test out a few spells on him."
"Thanks for the offer," she commented, smiling shrewdly.
"A-hem," came a voice. The two turned to see a sour looking Severus Snape, "This is not social hour in the Gryffindor common room. Class has been dismissed." Harry sighed in an agitated manner, getting up, and Parvati gave a small smile.
"I've got Astronomy anyway," she quietly told him.
"I'll walk you halfway," he suggested.
"Potter." Snape said, indicating he wanted a word.
"Or not!" Harry silently growled.
"Later Harry!" Parvati said, giggling and leaving.
"Yes?" he remarked, glaring at the professor.
"I know you have a selective memory, so I will notify you only once: you will be here promptly at eight on Friday night for your lesson. I will not have you tie up my schedule only to be irresponsible and inconsiderate." Snape lectured, organizing parchment.
"I had no intentions of forgetting, sir. How could I? It's time spent with you." Harry dryly replied. Before Snape could fire back, clearly infuriated, Harry left. He didn't care. He didn't care if Snape had saved his life, helped with the dementors in third year (in a sense), not cooperated with Umbridge, and was currently helping with his fight against Voldemort—it didn't matter. Harry would never look at Snape with anything other than loathing; too much had happened between them.
Harry walked miserably back to the Tower. He had homework waiting for him, and much of it. He wished he could find some way to elude it, if only for a little while longer. As if an answer to his prayers, someone tapped his shoulder. It was Hermione and she looked particularly breathtaking.
"Hi," she exhaled, sweeping hair away.
"You've come to rescue me!" Harry grinned.
"From?" He shrugged and she smiled.
"So I take it you're not exactly… busy?" Hermione inquired.
"No," he responded, dismissing the mountain of work.
"Want to come to the Head Room?" she asked, dropping her voice as people passed.
"Malfoy?" Harry wondered.
"Class: Astronomy."
"You know his schedule?"
"Yes. I plan my time spent there around it." Hermione replied. He smiled, not needing to say anything, and followed her. Five minutes later they were alone. They sat on the black sofa, a fire inexorably going. (Hermione was seated much closer to Harry than she ever would have been when they were just friends).
"What are you doing for Christmas?" he asked, looking at her. He had to fight down the instinct to stop talking and simply kiss her. (He thought it was amazing that he was actually allowed to do that now).
"I'm spending time with my parents." Hermione reported.
"All of it?"
"No! I mean, I'll be at home the first few days, at least. My parents claim they'll die if I abandoned them on another holiday."
"What about Christmas day?"
"I'll come to Grimmauld Place in the afternoon," she remarked.
"Early afternoon," he corrected.
"Early afternoon," smiled Hermione.
"And stay until we come back to Hogwarts." Harry went on, lacing his fingers through hers.
"And stay until we come back to Hogwarts," she dreamily repeated, grinning.
"Good. It's our first holiday together, you know… together," he muttered, eyes on her hand. Hermione flushed. He made her feel magnificent without even trying.
"Harry?" she started.
"Yeah?"
"What are you going to do this summer?," Hermione pondered, studying him with concern and pride, "You're not… going back to your uncle's, are you?"
"Only to pick up whatever of mine is left over there. My time with the Dursleys is over! I'm of age and they can't make me, no matter what they say." Harry passionately said. She nodded approvingly, their hands still together.
"Are you going to get your own flat? With Ron?"
"Hopefully," he replied, liking the Ron idea and making a mental note to tell him about it, "I can stay with the Weasleys or Remus until I find one." It was silent for a moment as the flames cackled. He needed to bring up the Hogsmeade issue. What was she going to do? Say no?!
"So… did you hear about Ron going with Luna to Hogsmeade?" Harry began.
"Yes," Hermione smiled, "It's cute!"
"He wanted to go with Rebecca Mesh initially. Was right upset to know David beat him to it." Her smile immediately left.
"Yes, well, he can't have his cake and eat it too!" she noted. He laughed.
"You're not taking someone, are you?" she teasingly grinned.
"Well, actually… yes. I'd hoped it be our-our first date." Harry informed her. She stared at him.
"I want this to be our first date, Hermione," he said, "Unless you've suddenly decided that you hate me." She was stunned. Her first date with Harry! Okay, yes—she knew they would end up going with each other. But she hadn't thought of it in that light. The idea, however, was nothing short of romantic. They obviously wouldn't be able to display any kind of affection as to tip someone off, but it didn't matter; they knew the significance of it.
"Harry, I…" Hermione began.
"Am for it? Think it's stupid?" Harry helped.
"No," She shook her head, "I, I think it's perfect. I'd love to."
"Yeah?" he smiled.
"Yes."
"Can I kiss you now? I'll go mad if I have to wait any longer."
"Please do." Hermione smiled invitingly.
"Thank you." Harry whispered, taking her face in his hands and covering her mouth with his own. She inhaled and melted into it, hopelessly losing herself.
Gryffindor won their match against Hufflepuff, despite less than lovely weather and biased comments from Ernie Macmillan. Harry had caught the Snitch in record time, probably still high off the parade of kisses Hermione had given him in the locker room 20 minutes before game time. His lesson with Snape had gone exceptionally well too, much to Snape's dismay. (For some reason Potter was in good spirits and could not be broken easily).
Harry awoke on Saturday only to find himself whistling before breakfast. Ron looked bewildered and gaped.
"I feel like it, all right?!" Harry told him, his socks in his hand. On the other side of the room Seamus was talking to Dean and Neville about his vacation plans.
"I'll be Apparating over to Lavender's a lot. I think Apparition is the best thing I've ever learned with magic. It makes life so much easier," he said. Dean nodded in agreement while Neville smiled nervously; he had been too scared to take the test that summer. Harry, on the other hand, had been very eager to take the exam, but had not been permitted. Most of the Order concurred that the risk for his safety was too big with Voldemort on the prowl, so they had denied him. Harry, enraged, vowed he would try for Apparition his very first day out of Hogwarts and dared anyone to stop him. Ron and Hermione, being the best friends they were, had not taken the test either as a mark of loyalty, and would go with him in June.
They five boys waited in the Great Hall for their respective partners. (Hannah Abbot had agreed to go with Neville).
"What is taking Luna so long?" Ron wondered, when their three roommates were gone. Harry shrugged, tearing his eyes away from Hermione.
"She's Luna," he merely stated.
"Tell me about it," He glanced down the hall for a sign of her, "Sorry to leave you and Hermione by yourselfs. Try not to be too bored."
"It's no bother at all." Harry remarked, involuntarily staring at her again. Maybe they should forget Hogsmeade and spend an undisturbed afternoon in his room….
"Hello Ronald, Harry," Luna greeted, waving vaguely, "Ready Ronald?"
"Yes," he answered.
"Have fun." Harry advised.
"Weasel!," Malfoy gleefully called from the other side of the door, "You're taking that?! She's not much better than Longbottom!" Ron's ears went red while Luna's head tilted to one side. Hermione paid no attention to the Slytherins hurrying past her without conformation.
"Souls that boast are as useful as wet toast," Luna remarked. Harry snorted and Malfoy looked flabbergasted, "Come Ronald." She took his wrist and they left. Hermione caught Harry's eye and they smiled.
Ten minutes later the two were walking the trail to Hogsmeade, chatting idly. (They were the last ones on the trail; Malfoy and another female partner were many yards ahead).
"What do you want to do first?" he asked. He wanted nothing more than to grab her hand.
"I don't know… the pub is fine," she said.
"Hog's Head?"
"Oh, no!" she grinned, whishing desperately that they could at least hold hands.
"Fine, Three Broomsticks it is," he sighed dramatically, in jest.
"We could go to Madam Puddifoot's." Harry glanced at her sharply.
"You… you're serious?"
"No!," laughed Hermione, touching his arm, "Just thought you'd like to relieve your, pleasant, first date."
"Never in a million years," Harry said, shuddering. She laughed again, "How can you even compare the two?"
"I'll make sure today isn't traumatizing for you," she lightheartedly assured.
"You know, that's really why Cho broke up with me."
"What?"
"You. I know you knew she was jealous, but you didn't know just how much. I guess she had great reason to be," he told her. Hermione looked at him, speechless, and then ahead, beet red. He was doing it again, being amazing….
They stayed in Madam Rosmerta's establishment for little over an hour. Many of their friends were also there and beckoned for them to join the table. They observed they'd be out of place since they didn't have dates (which, of course, was false), but Ron insisted and pointed out Ginny & Colin were dateless as well. Coughs and nervous shifts in chairs ensued, and Harry and Hermione sat down. They only stayed for 20 minutes, and then left to find a table for themselves near the back. They had an agreeable time simply talking to and making one another smile. Somehow, it was different speaking now… more thrilling (probably because they shared a secret) and less tense (probably because in the past they had carried the unknown burden of feelings for each other).
After the pub, Hermione and Harry walked around the village. He dragged her into Zonko's where she was forced to turn her back on some of the products he bought-- he claimed they were Ron's Christmas gifts. In Honeydukes, Harry bought her her favorite candies. Hermione swore it wasn't necessary but he wouldn't hear it.
"That's what a gentleman is supposed to do on dates," he noted, grabbing a box of Crystal Fairies, "Buy candy and flowers." He picked up a flower made of colorful gummies and handed it to her. She took it and smiled.
"My parents won't appreciate this. Have you forgotten their occupation?" Harry grinned in response and went to purchase everything.
Albus Dumbledore dipped his quill in his inkbottle and rolled up the parchment. He stood up and walked over to his phoenix's perch.
"Take this to the Minister of Magic please, Fawkes," he remarked, stroking him. The bird complied and disappeared with the letter in beak. Dumbledore sighed, putting his wand to his head. He extracted a memory and moved to place it in his Pensieve. As he closed the cabinet's doors, something inside suddenly gripped him, causing him to lurch forward. When it passed, he looked about wildly, powerfully, and seriously all at the same time. Something was wrong. Something was horribly wrong.
"I've had a wonderful time Harry." Hermione commented, strolling alongside him.
"So I've done something right!," he said excitedly, "Wait… had?"
"I know there's still quite some time left, but I thought we could go back to the castle. It's cold, and… I've come up with a way to warm ourselves up."
"That sounds fantastic," Harry grinned mischievously, "An excellent way to end this part of the day!"
The two walked by the post office. The Head Boy stood against the window with his dull companions Crabbe and Goyle, his date not in sight. What? Had he gotten everything he wanted out of her? Tired of the girl?
"Oh, look—how precious. Two losers, alone. Enjoying yourselves?" Malfoy said. The two trolls laughed. It was clear Harry wanted to retort, but Hermione made sure he pushed on.
"Good day Malfoy!" she called.
"I'm of age," Harry stated when there was fair distance between them, "I can fight him now, right?"
"Don't waste your hexes." Hermione said warily.
That's when he heard it, the familiar, radio-like static. Harry stopped suddenly, throwing out an arm. She looked at him, confused.
"What?" Please… no…
His heart began to pump faster. No… not Harry…
He tried to block it out, blinking several times. It then, however, became much colder—drastically colder. Lights began to blow out and the buzz of the village died. Harry seized his wand, petrified.
Kill me instead!
"Hermione!" he shouted. She didn't hear him, for she had screamed and backed away a few paces. He whipped around, afraid of what he'd view. Floating into the numerous streets of Hogsmeade were dementors. Multitudes of dementors.
A/N: Okay, was it just me, or when I wrote that bit about Dumbledore putting the wand to his head, did it sound like he was committing suicide?! LoL!! That'd be great! No, no… my fic isn't that weird. Erm… oh, crappy news. Next week is winter vacation (yes!) and I'm going home. I don't know when I'll be able to post during the two weeks, but I'll try to at least get one more chapter up. I don't want to leave the story hanging like this, lol. If not, which would suck, then I'll post the day I come back to this expensive prison—the 3rd of January. God, that sounds so far away. But yeah, like I said, I'll try my hardest to post before then. Yo. Flying monkeys!!