CHAPTER THREE – SMALL TALK

Hermione was sitting on the front row and her eyes were focused on McGonagall. She was determined not to look at Ron who was sitting a few seats behind her, he hadn't said anything since morning.

McGonagall was saying something about their N.E.W.T.s, but she just couldn't pay attention, it was too hard. Everything that had happened since yesterday was goind through Hermione's mind.

When the bell rang, Hermione was very quick to get her stuff and go to the library, she had a free period.

She was reading a book when someone sat next to her. She thought she knew who it was, but when she turned, it wasn't Ron who was sitting next to her, but Harry, who was just staring at the table.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I don't know what got into me. I just…"

"It's ok Harry. I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have kissed Ron. It was stupid. I was stupid…I'm sorry."

Harry looked up and found Hermione's eyes. She looked so beautiful just sitting there, looking at him.

"Did you tell him what happened?" asked Harry slowly.

"I… yeah… I did," she answered. "It's ok, right? I mean, I had to explain…"

"Yeah, sure... of course."

Harry knew it would be mad to do it. But he had to see, just this once. He couldn't stand it anymore. He leaned over and placed a soft kiss on Hermione's lips. It felt too good to be true. Hermione hadn't stopped him! He put his hand on her neck and turned the kiss into a more passionate one.

But just then, Hermione pulled away. "No Harry, it's not right," she said sadly. She couldn't do this. She wasn't going to let him do it. Hermione felt tears filling her eyes.

"I'm sorry. I really am," Harry said looking into her beautiful, brown eyes. She was so pretty.

When she was about to stand up, he felt the urge to stop her. He just didn't want her to leave. He wanted to be able to at least look at her, talk to her, if he couldn't have her.

"Don't. Please don't go."

"I don't know Harry… I just…" a single tear came down and Harry wiped it away. His hand rested on his cheek for a couple of seconds before he took it down.

"I promise I won't do it again," he said and smiled. "We could just talk. It feels like a long time since we sat down and had a real conversation."

Hermione smiled at him and agreed to stay. Although she felt that it would be hard to talk to Harry after all that had happened between them.

"So what's up? How are you?" asked Harry casually.

"I'm fine… great… you?"

"Yeah same I guess…"

Hermione looked at him and shook her head. "There's no point Harry," she said sadly. "We both know how hard this is. And I hate small talk, I just wish we could be like we used to."

"Why can't we?" asked Harry.

"No Harry, it's not the same. It never will be. It just won't," she closed her eyes and shook her head again.

"What about Ron… are you two… will you…?" said Harry awkwardly.

"Yes?"

"Will you two get together? I mean… It's obvious between you two." Harry said sadly. He wanted Hermione to be happy, although it hurt him a lot to say that.

"Oh no… I… no… I couldn't," answered Hermione quickly. She looked at her hands and started to play with her fingers.

"Oh… I see."

"Yeah…" said Hermione still very interested on her fingers.

There was an awkward silence and Harry chuckled. Hermione looked up at him and frowned. "What's so funny?" she asked him.

"Nothing, it's just that I think from now on you will have to get used to small talk, you know…" Harry said and grinned.

And as if it had been meant to, the bell rang, saving Hermione from her lack of words.

"I have Ancient Runes, I'd better get going, I don't want to be late," she said and stood up.

"Oh… right… ok," said Harry disappointed. He had wanted this period to last forever. "I'll see you later," he smiled at her.

"Right. Bye," Hermione grabbed the book she had been trying to read and took it to Madam Pince's desk.

She turned to look at Harry and smiled at him. He had been really nice to her. She just wished things could be normal between them again. She waved at him and disappeared through the door.

Harry sighed and wished impossible things for him and Hermione.

A.N. – I know it's short, but as it's called small talk, lol ok that didn't have anything to do.. I promise I'll make chapters larger from now on. I just wanted to leave it there, I have lots of plans for the future! Hopeyou liked it! Please review… love, andre