Disclaimer: Must I go over this every time? I don't own Harry Potter.
periwrinklemagic: Read and the story will slowly, but surely unravel. Thanks for your review!
Invisible Voice: Thanks!
Pigwigeon188: I'm glad you like it! Here's the update!
NeLLy22: It is rather scandalous, isn't it? We'll see what happens with Lavender.
Smily chic best bud: Draco saved Harry's life in his final duel with Voldemort and also helped Harry in defeating him. If it weren't for Draco, Harry wouldn't be alive. I'm happy that you're happy.
shedraconis: Glad you liked it!
Starry: Here's the update!!
Jelly beans beware: Love your penname! I agree that Lavender was a good touch to the story. Yes, I like angst as much as the next teenager, but for what I have planned... Anyway, it wouldn't have worked if Hermione stayed mad at Harry and the Weasleys.
frifri: Not exactly, you'll just have to wait and see. Don't want to give away secrets now. It'll ruin the surprises saved for later.
XxGuMmYbEaRxX: Hehehe, read on to find out about Lavender. I know, I'm awfully cruel.
citcat299: Maybe I should keep you waiting? Just kidding, here's the update.
YamiClara: Read this chapter and find out what Draco's new job is.
Karana Belle: Here's the update! I'm happy you enjoyed it!
fpg: Erin is the twin's best friend from the US. She's way awesome. Maybe it will... You should read to find out....
Chapter 4:
"Bye Gin. I have to go to work early today." Hermione gave an apologetic look to Ginny. "I got an owl last night, there is an emergency meeting today, and attendance is mandatory."
"You must be able to stay for breakfast at least. The Ministry can't deny you a proper meal," Ginny protested.
Hermione shook her head. "Yeah, I thought of that too, but the letter said that breakfast will be served at my department today."
Ginny said reluctantly. "Ok, I guess there's nothing we can do. I'll talk to you later,"
Hermione smiled at the red-head. "Thanks for understanding." After bidding Ginny goodbye, she apparated to her department.
She heard loud shouts of protest coming from a crowd made up of her co workers. She squeezed through the horde of people to see Mr. Lupin giving a speech.
Mr. Lupin cleared his voice. "I'm really sorry everyone, but working at Hogwarts has been my childhood dream." Lupin had a faraway look in his eyes. "Now, I've been asked to take the position of Headmaster, at Hogwarts."
Hermione smiled, glad that her boss had been given a second chance. She had always felt awful that Mr. Lupin had quit his job at Hogwarts, after being found out by the parents that he was a werewolf. Hermione had thought secretly that part of the reason his secret was exposed was because of her.
Over the years, the guilt was building up inside her. So much that she developed a remedy that would stop the transformation. It was a shot that neutralized the werewolf DNA and had to be taken once a year. Ever since this injection, her old Professor had been offered many jobs.
Hermione was too busy reminiscing about the past that she missed the important remainder of Lupin's speech. Ellie, one of her co-workers tapped Hermione on the shoulder and said the speech was over. She also said that the new Head of the department was going to personally introduce himself to everyone there.
She sighed, while sitting back down and started on the report on the goblins. Hermione was putting the finishing touches on her when she noticed a letter lying on her desk. She opened it up, and read who it was from. It was from Harry.
It said that he wanted to buy dinner for her that day. Hermione hurriedly wrote a response saying yes and sent the letter off with one of the Ministry's owls. She leaned back in her chair and thought of the next thing to write. When someone knocked on her office door.
Hermione looked up, startled. 'Who would come and see her at this time of day-oh, my new boss of course.' She straightened up her desk and smoothed out her clothes. She did not intend on showing her boss that she was unskilled at her job. She surveyed her office one more time, satisfied.
She sat back down. "Come in."
"Hello, I'm going to be your new boss-" The new Head managed to get out.
Hermione stared at her new boss. "Draco Malfoy. No, don't tell me you're my new boss. Great my life can't get any worse."
Draco smirked. "Is that anyway to speak to the new Head of the department. More importantly, I hold in my hands your future. In a way that is, I could fire you if I didn't like your attitude."
"Why you." Hermione calmed herself. "Mr. Malfoy, since you seem to be about done. Could you leave, I have a very important report to wrap up."
"But what if I don't want to?" Said Draco grinning, which infuriated Hermione even more.
She gave him a strained smile. "Don't you need to introduce yourself to the other employees."
"Nope, you're my last stop," He answered nonchalantly.
Hermione got out of her seat, her eyes suspicious. "You took this job knowing I was here didn't you? Do you live to make my life a nightmare?"
"Excellent deduction Detective Granger," Said Draco.
She was furious. 'How dare he intentionally take the job, and to annoy her no less.' She gave a silent scream. 'It's bad enough that I have to put up with him at my house.' She started twirling around her quill. 'Maybe I should just hex him and get it over with.'
"This is really good," Draco said putting the goblin report back on her bed. "But you made a mistake the Goblin Liberation Movement was in 1620 not 1720."
"Oh really?" She asked forgetting all about her plans. Hermione grabbed the report and turned the pages looking to find the mistake and fix it.
"Don't bother. I corrected it for you." Then he looked at her sheepishly. "I also took the liberty of fixing or making suggestions in other parts of the report. Sorry."
Hermione gawked at Draco then she closed her eyes. 'He just apologized to me. Ok, this is a dream. A horrible nightmare, come on girl you can do it. Wake up and this will be all over.' She slowly opened up her eyes again and saw Draco's leering figure. 'Great, so much for my dream theory.'
"Sleeping on the job?" Draco asked.
"Malfoy, I mean Mr. Malfoy. You know that I wouldn't do that." She picked up her report again. "About the report thank you. You didn't need to apologize for reading it for me."
Draco frowned. "Don't call me Mr. Malfoy. It makes me feel old."
"You are old. What I mean to say is we both are old now." Hermione laughed. "Do you want me to just call you Malfoy then?"
"Can't you just call me Draco? This old grudge is getting really tiresome," Said Draco wearily.
Hermione was shocked. "What would people think if I called you Draco?" The word tasted foreign in her mouth. "I can't call you by your first name anywhere, especially here. This is where I work, I don't want nasty rumors to fly around about me and you." She shuddered at what could happen if her co-workers found out about their living arrangements.
"Let them think what they want. I don't really care," Draco said shrugging it off.
Five minutes passed without a word from either of them, Hermione tapped her quill on her desk feeling uncomfortable in the growing silence. She couldn't take it anymore she got up and announced. "I'm going to say goodbye to Mr. Lupin. I trust that you leave this room soon and intact."
She let out a sigh of relief, as she closed her office door behind her. 'That was one of the oddest conversations I've had with him yet.' Hermione walked towards the Head's office, where Lupin was packing the rest of his things.
She knocked on the door and heard a muffled come in. She went inside and saw Mr. Lupin busy cramming his things into worn suitcases. Hermione coughed to cover up a laugh that was starting. She never understood why her old Professor still carried those worn suitcases, when everyone knew that now he was very successful and rich.
Lupin greeted Hermione, happily. "Ah, Miss Granger. So nice to see you again."
"You too. I'm really glad that you were finally able to get the Headmaster position at Hogwarts," She said in an equally cheerful tone.
"Yes, yes. I had been waiting so long..." Lupin trailed off, after a few moments he snapped back into reality. "I see you have taken Draco Malfoy being your new boss well."
Hermione nodded. "Yes, I figured that it could have been much worse. It could have been Fudge that became the new Head of the department."
"Yes, very true." Lupin laughed. The two of them did not have a high regard of Fudge, especially since the incident in fifth year. "As a matter of fact, after I sent the letter to Draco asking if he wanted this job, Fudge came to talk to me. He asked if it would be ok if the Minister of Magic would be allowed to control what happens in this department. Luckily, I sent the letter beforehand, so I could refuse him. Merlin knows what would have happened if I said yes."
Hermione shuddered; she didn't even want to think of what would have happened. She wished there was someway to get rid of Fudge. She always wondered how he managed to stay Minister after all the things he had done. "Good luck at Hogwarts, and don't forget to take the werewolf vaccination before the school year starts."
"Thanks." Lupin shrunk his numerous suitcases and stuck them in his pocket. "Come visit me at Hogwarts sometime and tell Harry where I am. In case he needs me."
Lupin apparated out of the building, while Hermione trudged back to her office, praying that Draco had left. She slowly opened the door and peered inside. Hermione let out a sigh of relief, as she walked inside, he had left her office.
She sat down at her desk, while picking up her goblin report. The last time she scanned through it, she read the suggestions Draco made. Although she didn't want to admit it, they did make the report more accurate and sound better. She whipped out her Quickwrite Quill and it started scratching on the parchment what she said. She was in the middle of a sentence, when an owl dropped a letter.
She stopped the quill from writing, and then opened up the letter. It read:
Dear Mione,
It's me Gwen. I wrote to say that your friend is more then welcome to stay at my place. I was feeling lonely ever since you got your own place. Tell her she can swing by tonight, around eight. Hope you can come too!
Love,
Gwen
Hermione quickly wrote to Ginny about the great news. Hermione beamed, two of her most favorite people in the world were going to meet each other. She could hardly remain in her seat. 'Hold on, most favorite people...Harry I almost forgot that I promised I'd meet him today. She glanced at her watch, if she left now, she could still make it to the café in time.
She walked out onto the apparating zone of the Ministry, and was about to whisk herself out of there. Unfortunately for Hermione, her worst nightmare stopped her from leaving.
"Hermione, hold on. Where do you think you're going?" Asked a panting Draco.
"It's 7:00 Malfoy, which means it's after work hours." She glared at him irritated. "Didn't I tell you, not to call me Hermione?"
"Yes, I know, but I need to ask you to do something for me," Draco said desperately.
She rolled her eyes, but nodded. "What is it? I have to meet someone right now."
"Well you see-" Draco paused. "You know what? Never mind."
Hermione checked her watch again. "Oh great, I'm late. If that all you needed to ask me, I'll be going now."
She got back into the apparating zone and went to The Black Cat. Once she got there, she stared open-mouthed at the restaurant. It was very beautiful and had a soft floating image to it. She stopped one of the waiters and asked. "Is Harry Potter here yet?"
The waiter nodded. "Right this way Miss Granger."
She followed him passed several tables into a secluded area. Hermione spotted Harry in an instant. "Hey Harry."
"Hermione, you're here," Harry said, grinning.
"Yeah," Hermione said, looking embarrassed. "Sorry I'm late."
"It's ok, at least you made it," Said Harry.
Hermione muttered under her breath, "Stupid Malfoy. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have been late."
"What did you say?" Harry asked his eyes laced with concern.
Hermione looked up and gave a fake smile. "Nothing."
Harry shrugged and ordered their food. Hermione remained silent, as Harry talked, happy just to be with him. Their steaming food came out quickly, and her mouth was starting to water, Hermione didn't realize how hungry she was. She took a bite of the salmon, when Harry started speaking again.
Harry's eyes were serious. "Hermione, do you have a boyfriend?"
Hermione's breath hitched, causing her to choke on her food. She started coughing, and Harry handed her a glass of water. She drank it and calmed down in a few moments.
Harry asked worried. "Are you ok Mione?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Said Hermione.
"Hermione you still didn't answer my question." Harry reminded her.
"No, Harry I don't have a boyfriend." She hesitated. "But I do have someone I fancy a lot. Why do you ask? We've never talked about things like this before."
Harry replied. "I was just curious and I wanted to ask you if you wanted to be my date for the Ministry ball."
"Really?" Hermione said surprised. "Sure, of course I'll go with you."
"Thanks," Said Harry. "If you're done eating, let's go get some ice- cream."
Hermione smiled. "Ok, let's go." She was really giddy right now. This seemed more like a date to her then a night out with a friend.
She was sat at one of the tables outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, strumming her fingers on the table. Harry had gone to go buy the ice cream for them, while she saved them a table. Hermione looked up at the sky. 'It's beautiful out tonight. I wish it could be like this everyday.'
Then practical Hermione said. 'Don't forget Harry came here as your friend. He doesn't think of you that way.'
Romantic Hermione replied. "But he did ask me to the ball, he must have some feelings for me. If he thought of asking me.'
Harry interrupted her thoughts when he put Hermione's ice cream on the table. "Strawberry right? It's always been your favorite."
Hermione nodded. "Of course, it has been ever since I was three." She glanced at the ice cream Harry bought, it was Butter Pecan. "New favorite flavor?"
"Yeah," Harry said, eating a spoonful of his ice cream.
Hermione gave him a forced smile. "Which means, you have a new girlfriend."
"You know me too well," Harry said grinning. "But she's not really my girlfriend, I just met an interesting person."
Flashback:
Harry was walking out of his house when he noticed someone who looked like Lavender. He walked to over to greet her, but was shocked at what he saw. Gone was the professional clothing and attitude. She was heading out of a corner store eating an ice pop and was wearing an overlarge off-white shirt and yoga pants. Her hair was sticking out as if she had just gotten out of bed.
Intrigued, Harry continued to follow her. She sat down on one of the swings at the playground and was talking to her mother.
Mrs. Brown shouted at her daughter. "I'm not paying off your bills Lavender."
"But mum, that is so unfair," Complained the brunette.
Her mother shook her head. "I don't understand why you let those muggles do surgery on you. It's unnatural."
"I think that's a small price to pay for beauty. I mean compare me now to how I looked back at Hogwarts," Lavender huffed.
"I really don't think you should get any more. I don't like the sound of this plastic surgery you're always raving about," Said her mother concerned.
"Well, just because you're not going to pay off my bills isn't going to stop me," Lavender said before apparating.
Harry chuckled to himself. 'That must be why I didn't recognize her.'
End of flashback:
"Harry, what do you mean?" Hermione asked trying to remain calm.
Harry laughed. "It's a long story, I'll tell you later, I promise,"
"Can you at least tell me what she's like?" Asked Hermione, trying hard not to sound so eager.
Harry thought for a moment and said, "Well she's pretty, smart, and sophisticated." Hermione opened her mouth to respond, but Harry shook his head no. "If that were really the case I wouldn't like her." He laughed. "She's different, after you think you know who she is, she shows a different side. She's like an onion, with many layers."
Hermione hesitated then said, "Is that all?"
"There is one more thing, she's the only girl beside you, that can make me laugh," Said Harry, he then took a bite of his ice cream.
"Oh," Hermione said and that was the last thing she said to Harry for the remainder of the night.
The rest of the night was a blur for Hermione. She couldn't believe that Harry had a new girlfriend, or at least a girl he was interested in. How could he not see that she is waiting for him right by his side? She had dropped off Ginny at Gwen's and left early, saying that she didn't feel well. She washed up, changed into her pajamas, and fell into an uneasy sleep.
A/N: That's it for chapter 4 of Harry's Favor. I found it very hilarious that all my reviewers for chapter 3 commented about Lavender's appearance. Well, what did you think of the latest development. Please read and review. I cherish and treasure every single one.
periwrinklemagic: Read and the story will slowly, but surely unravel. Thanks for your review!
Invisible Voice: Thanks!
Pigwigeon188: I'm glad you like it! Here's the update!
NeLLy22: It is rather scandalous, isn't it? We'll see what happens with Lavender.
Smily chic best bud: Draco saved Harry's life in his final duel with Voldemort and also helped Harry in defeating him. If it weren't for Draco, Harry wouldn't be alive. I'm happy that you're happy.
shedraconis: Glad you liked it!
Starry: Here's the update!!
Jelly beans beware: Love your penname! I agree that Lavender was a good touch to the story. Yes, I like angst as much as the next teenager, but for what I have planned... Anyway, it wouldn't have worked if Hermione stayed mad at Harry and the Weasleys.
frifri: Not exactly, you'll just have to wait and see. Don't want to give away secrets now. It'll ruin the surprises saved for later.
XxGuMmYbEaRxX: Hehehe, read on to find out about Lavender. I know, I'm awfully cruel.
citcat299: Maybe I should keep you waiting? Just kidding, here's the update.
YamiClara: Read this chapter and find out what Draco's new job is.
Karana Belle: Here's the update! I'm happy you enjoyed it!
fpg: Erin is the twin's best friend from the US. She's way awesome. Maybe it will... You should read to find out....
Chapter 4:
"Bye Gin. I have to go to work early today." Hermione gave an apologetic look to Ginny. "I got an owl last night, there is an emergency meeting today, and attendance is mandatory."
"You must be able to stay for breakfast at least. The Ministry can't deny you a proper meal," Ginny protested.
Hermione shook her head. "Yeah, I thought of that too, but the letter said that breakfast will be served at my department today."
Ginny said reluctantly. "Ok, I guess there's nothing we can do. I'll talk to you later,"
Hermione smiled at the red-head. "Thanks for understanding." After bidding Ginny goodbye, she apparated to her department.
She heard loud shouts of protest coming from a crowd made up of her co workers. She squeezed through the horde of people to see Mr. Lupin giving a speech.
Mr. Lupin cleared his voice. "I'm really sorry everyone, but working at Hogwarts has been my childhood dream." Lupin had a faraway look in his eyes. "Now, I've been asked to take the position of Headmaster, at Hogwarts."
Hermione smiled, glad that her boss had been given a second chance. She had always felt awful that Mr. Lupin had quit his job at Hogwarts, after being found out by the parents that he was a werewolf. Hermione had thought secretly that part of the reason his secret was exposed was because of her.
Over the years, the guilt was building up inside her. So much that she developed a remedy that would stop the transformation. It was a shot that neutralized the werewolf DNA and had to be taken once a year. Ever since this injection, her old Professor had been offered many jobs.
Hermione was too busy reminiscing about the past that she missed the important remainder of Lupin's speech. Ellie, one of her co-workers tapped Hermione on the shoulder and said the speech was over. She also said that the new Head of the department was going to personally introduce himself to everyone there.
She sighed, while sitting back down and started on the report on the goblins. Hermione was putting the finishing touches on her when she noticed a letter lying on her desk. She opened it up, and read who it was from. It was from Harry.
It said that he wanted to buy dinner for her that day. Hermione hurriedly wrote a response saying yes and sent the letter off with one of the Ministry's owls. She leaned back in her chair and thought of the next thing to write. When someone knocked on her office door.
Hermione looked up, startled. 'Who would come and see her at this time of day-oh, my new boss of course.' She straightened up her desk and smoothed out her clothes. She did not intend on showing her boss that she was unskilled at her job. She surveyed her office one more time, satisfied.
She sat back down. "Come in."
"Hello, I'm going to be your new boss-" The new Head managed to get out.
Hermione stared at her new boss. "Draco Malfoy. No, don't tell me you're my new boss. Great my life can't get any worse."
Draco smirked. "Is that anyway to speak to the new Head of the department. More importantly, I hold in my hands your future. In a way that is, I could fire you if I didn't like your attitude."
"Why you." Hermione calmed herself. "Mr. Malfoy, since you seem to be about done. Could you leave, I have a very important report to wrap up."
"But what if I don't want to?" Said Draco grinning, which infuriated Hermione even more.
She gave him a strained smile. "Don't you need to introduce yourself to the other employees."
"Nope, you're my last stop," He answered nonchalantly.
Hermione got out of her seat, her eyes suspicious. "You took this job knowing I was here didn't you? Do you live to make my life a nightmare?"
"Excellent deduction Detective Granger," Said Draco.
She was furious. 'How dare he intentionally take the job, and to annoy her no less.' She gave a silent scream. 'It's bad enough that I have to put up with him at my house.' She started twirling around her quill. 'Maybe I should just hex him and get it over with.'
"This is really good," Draco said putting the goblin report back on her bed. "But you made a mistake the Goblin Liberation Movement was in 1620 not 1720."
"Oh really?" She asked forgetting all about her plans. Hermione grabbed the report and turned the pages looking to find the mistake and fix it.
"Don't bother. I corrected it for you." Then he looked at her sheepishly. "I also took the liberty of fixing or making suggestions in other parts of the report. Sorry."
Hermione gawked at Draco then she closed her eyes. 'He just apologized to me. Ok, this is a dream. A horrible nightmare, come on girl you can do it. Wake up and this will be all over.' She slowly opened up her eyes again and saw Draco's leering figure. 'Great, so much for my dream theory.'
"Sleeping on the job?" Draco asked.
"Malfoy, I mean Mr. Malfoy. You know that I wouldn't do that." She picked up her report again. "About the report thank you. You didn't need to apologize for reading it for me."
Draco frowned. "Don't call me Mr. Malfoy. It makes me feel old."
"You are old. What I mean to say is we both are old now." Hermione laughed. "Do you want me to just call you Malfoy then?"
"Can't you just call me Draco? This old grudge is getting really tiresome," Said Draco wearily.
Hermione was shocked. "What would people think if I called you Draco?" The word tasted foreign in her mouth. "I can't call you by your first name anywhere, especially here. This is where I work, I don't want nasty rumors to fly around about me and you." She shuddered at what could happen if her co-workers found out about their living arrangements.
"Let them think what they want. I don't really care," Draco said shrugging it off.
Five minutes passed without a word from either of them, Hermione tapped her quill on her desk feeling uncomfortable in the growing silence. She couldn't take it anymore she got up and announced. "I'm going to say goodbye to Mr. Lupin. I trust that you leave this room soon and intact."
She let out a sigh of relief, as she closed her office door behind her. 'That was one of the oddest conversations I've had with him yet.' Hermione walked towards the Head's office, where Lupin was packing the rest of his things.
She knocked on the door and heard a muffled come in. She went inside and saw Mr. Lupin busy cramming his things into worn suitcases. Hermione coughed to cover up a laugh that was starting. She never understood why her old Professor still carried those worn suitcases, when everyone knew that now he was very successful and rich.
Lupin greeted Hermione, happily. "Ah, Miss Granger. So nice to see you again."
"You too. I'm really glad that you were finally able to get the Headmaster position at Hogwarts," She said in an equally cheerful tone.
"Yes, yes. I had been waiting so long..." Lupin trailed off, after a few moments he snapped back into reality. "I see you have taken Draco Malfoy being your new boss well."
Hermione nodded. "Yes, I figured that it could have been much worse. It could have been Fudge that became the new Head of the department."
"Yes, very true." Lupin laughed. The two of them did not have a high regard of Fudge, especially since the incident in fifth year. "As a matter of fact, after I sent the letter to Draco asking if he wanted this job, Fudge came to talk to me. He asked if it would be ok if the Minister of Magic would be allowed to control what happens in this department. Luckily, I sent the letter beforehand, so I could refuse him. Merlin knows what would have happened if I said yes."
Hermione shuddered; she didn't even want to think of what would have happened. She wished there was someway to get rid of Fudge. She always wondered how he managed to stay Minister after all the things he had done. "Good luck at Hogwarts, and don't forget to take the werewolf vaccination before the school year starts."
"Thanks." Lupin shrunk his numerous suitcases and stuck them in his pocket. "Come visit me at Hogwarts sometime and tell Harry where I am. In case he needs me."
Lupin apparated out of the building, while Hermione trudged back to her office, praying that Draco had left. She slowly opened the door and peered inside. Hermione let out a sigh of relief, as she walked inside, he had left her office.
She sat down at her desk, while picking up her goblin report. The last time she scanned through it, she read the suggestions Draco made. Although she didn't want to admit it, they did make the report more accurate and sound better. She whipped out her Quickwrite Quill and it started scratching on the parchment what she said. She was in the middle of a sentence, when an owl dropped a letter.
She stopped the quill from writing, and then opened up the letter. It read:
Dear Mione,
It's me Gwen. I wrote to say that your friend is more then welcome to stay at my place. I was feeling lonely ever since you got your own place. Tell her she can swing by tonight, around eight. Hope you can come too!
Love,
Gwen
Hermione quickly wrote to Ginny about the great news. Hermione beamed, two of her most favorite people in the world were going to meet each other. She could hardly remain in her seat. 'Hold on, most favorite people...Harry I almost forgot that I promised I'd meet him today. She glanced at her watch, if she left now, she could still make it to the café in time.
She walked out onto the apparating zone of the Ministry, and was about to whisk herself out of there. Unfortunately for Hermione, her worst nightmare stopped her from leaving.
"Hermione, hold on. Where do you think you're going?" Asked a panting Draco.
"It's 7:00 Malfoy, which means it's after work hours." She glared at him irritated. "Didn't I tell you, not to call me Hermione?"
"Yes, I know, but I need to ask you to do something for me," Draco said desperately.
She rolled her eyes, but nodded. "What is it? I have to meet someone right now."
"Well you see-" Draco paused. "You know what? Never mind."
Hermione checked her watch again. "Oh great, I'm late. If that all you needed to ask me, I'll be going now."
She got back into the apparating zone and went to The Black Cat. Once she got there, she stared open-mouthed at the restaurant. It was very beautiful and had a soft floating image to it. She stopped one of the waiters and asked. "Is Harry Potter here yet?"
The waiter nodded. "Right this way Miss Granger."
She followed him passed several tables into a secluded area. Hermione spotted Harry in an instant. "Hey Harry."
"Hermione, you're here," Harry said, grinning.
"Yeah," Hermione said, looking embarrassed. "Sorry I'm late."
"It's ok, at least you made it," Said Harry.
Hermione muttered under her breath, "Stupid Malfoy. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have been late."
"What did you say?" Harry asked his eyes laced with concern.
Hermione looked up and gave a fake smile. "Nothing."
Harry shrugged and ordered their food. Hermione remained silent, as Harry talked, happy just to be with him. Their steaming food came out quickly, and her mouth was starting to water, Hermione didn't realize how hungry she was. She took a bite of the salmon, when Harry started speaking again.
Harry's eyes were serious. "Hermione, do you have a boyfriend?"
Hermione's breath hitched, causing her to choke on her food. She started coughing, and Harry handed her a glass of water. She drank it and calmed down in a few moments.
Harry asked worried. "Are you ok Mione?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Said Hermione.
"Hermione you still didn't answer my question." Harry reminded her.
"No, Harry I don't have a boyfriend." She hesitated. "But I do have someone I fancy a lot. Why do you ask? We've never talked about things like this before."
Harry replied. "I was just curious and I wanted to ask you if you wanted to be my date for the Ministry ball."
"Really?" Hermione said surprised. "Sure, of course I'll go with you."
"Thanks," Said Harry. "If you're done eating, let's go get some ice- cream."
Hermione smiled. "Ok, let's go." She was really giddy right now. This seemed more like a date to her then a night out with a friend.
She was sat at one of the tables outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, strumming her fingers on the table. Harry had gone to go buy the ice cream for them, while she saved them a table. Hermione looked up at the sky. 'It's beautiful out tonight. I wish it could be like this everyday.'
Then practical Hermione said. 'Don't forget Harry came here as your friend. He doesn't think of you that way.'
Romantic Hermione replied. "But he did ask me to the ball, he must have some feelings for me. If he thought of asking me.'
Harry interrupted her thoughts when he put Hermione's ice cream on the table. "Strawberry right? It's always been your favorite."
Hermione nodded. "Of course, it has been ever since I was three." She glanced at the ice cream Harry bought, it was Butter Pecan. "New favorite flavor?"
"Yeah," Harry said, eating a spoonful of his ice cream.
Hermione gave him a forced smile. "Which means, you have a new girlfriend."
"You know me too well," Harry said grinning. "But she's not really my girlfriend, I just met an interesting person."
Flashback:
Harry was walking out of his house when he noticed someone who looked like Lavender. He walked to over to greet her, but was shocked at what he saw. Gone was the professional clothing and attitude. She was heading out of a corner store eating an ice pop and was wearing an overlarge off-white shirt and yoga pants. Her hair was sticking out as if she had just gotten out of bed.
Intrigued, Harry continued to follow her. She sat down on one of the swings at the playground and was talking to her mother.
Mrs. Brown shouted at her daughter. "I'm not paying off your bills Lavender."
"But mum, that is so unfair," Complained the brunette.
Her mother shook her head. "I don't understand why you let those muggles do surgery on you. It's unnatural."
"I think that's a small price to pay for beauty. I mean compare me now to how I looked back at Hogwarts," Lavender huffed.
"I really don't think you should get any more. I don't like the sound of this plastic surgery you're always raving about," Said her mother concerned.
"Well, just because you're not going to pay off my bills isn't going to stop me," Lavender said before apparating.
Harry chuckled to himself. 'That must be why I didn't recognize her.'
End of flashback:
"Harry, what do you mean?" Hermione asked trying to remain calm.
Harry laughed. "It's a long story, I'll tell you later, I promise,"
"Can you at least tell me what she's like?" Asked Hermione, trying hard not to sound so eager.
Harry thought for a moment and said, "Well she's pretty, smart, and sophisticated." Hermione opened her mouth to respond, but Harry shook his head no. "If that were really the case I wouldn't like her." He laughed. "She's different, after you think you know who she is, she shows a different side. She's like an onion, with many layers."
Hermione hesitated then said, "Is that all?"
"There is one more thing, she's the only girl beside you, that can make me laugh," Said Harry, he then took a bite of his ice cream.
"Oh," Hermione said and that was the last thing she said to Harry for the remainder of the night.
The rest of the night was a blur for Hermione. She couldn't believe that Harry had a new girlfriend, or at least a girl he was interested in. How could he not see that she is waiting for him right by his side? She had dropped off Ginny at Gwen's and left early, saying that she didn't feel well. She washed up, changed into her pajamas, and fell into an uneasy sleep.
A/N: That's it for chapter 4 of Harry's Favor. I found it very hilarious that all my reviewers for chapter 3 commented about Lavender's appearance. Well, what did you think of the latest development. Please read and review. I cherish and treasure every single one.