Please R/R.
A/N
The Hogwarts Express was about to leave as Hermione stepped onto it. It was hard to believe that this was the last time that she would take this train to school. Hermione shifted Crookshanks into a more comfortable position as she looked for a compartment. Hermione spotted Ginny heading into a compartment and followed her in. Inside were Ron and Harry too. Hermione sat down beside Harry and plopped Crookshanks on Ron. Crookshanks began to purr and fell asleep. Harry looked like he was asleep too. "How long has he been like this?" Hermione whispered to Ron.
"As soon as we got on the train," Ron whispered back, "He said he didn't sleep much last night."
"Oh did he have a bad night?" Hermione asked.
"He didn't say much. All he said was that he had something on his mind all night," Ron shrugged.
The food trolley came by just as Harry woke up. All four of them bought enough treats to last the whole train ride there and back. They began to talk about the year and Ginny wondered what was going to happen in her 6th year. She got pointers from all three of them and Ron began to discuss the best parts to listen to in class. Harry looked to Hermione. "So," he said nervously, "How was your summer?"
"Not bad," she said looking to the floor. His eyes looked to her as she felt
her face going warm. She looked out the window. "It looks like we're here"
She rested her hand onto the seat to push herself up. The seat felt soft and
warm. Hermione looked down and saw that her hand was covering Harry's. She
felt her face go warm and she knew that it was bright red. Harry looked into
her eyes and then quickly looked away. Hermione grabbed Crookshanks and left
the train. She got into a carriage alone and thought about what had
happened. Nobody knew her feelings for Harry, did he really like her? How
could something so wrong feel like the right thing to do?
--
"Hey Ron." Harry greeted his friend as they climbed onto the train.
"Hey mate." Ron replied as they searched for a compartment.
"It looks like everything's full." Harry pointed out.
"There's room with Neville." Ron said pulling open the door.
"Right." Harry sat down all the sudden nervous, he would be seeing her soon.
"Tired?" Neville asked as Harry yawned.
"Yeah, I didn't sleep much last night." Harry replied.
"What's up, Harry?" Ron asked worriedly.
"Nothing I was just thinking is all." Harry replied closing his eyes and within seconds he was asleep.
"Hermione slow down." Harry called trying to get her stop running.
She was currently dragging him down the hall towards graduation.
They were finally graduating today and a very nervous Hermione was scaring
him.
"We don't have a long time." Hermione replied continuing her pace.
"But I need to tell you something before we go in." Harry told her coming to a halt causing her to stop as well.
"Ow." Hermione rubbed her shoulder.
"Sorry baby." Harry smiled at her.
"Ooh, baby? What's happening Hun?" Hermione asked, "What's so important?"
"This." Harry leaned forward and kissed her pulling away and leaving a lingering feeling on her lips.
"Mmm." Hermione smiled.
"I love you, you know that?" Harry told her seriously.
"Uhh...umm...thank you?" Hermione bit her lip.
"Your welcome." Harry shook his head.
"Oh god Harry I'm sorry. Try it again, go on say it!" Hermione urged.
"I really, really love you." Harry repeated.
"I love you too." Hermione kissed him soundly on the lips.
"Thank you." Harry mocked.
"hey! At least I was polite." Hermione cried indignantly.
"That's right," Harry put his arm around her beginning to walk,
"You were very polite, my studious little angel." Harry pinched her cheek
causing Hermione to stick her tongue out at him.
--
--
Harry watched as Hermione ran out of the compartment. He thought of the dream he had had before the food trolley had come. Was it a vision? He had had those before. Or was it just what he wanted in life? Harry shook his head as he walked with Ron to find a carriage. He felt bad that Hermione had run off. Maybe she didn't like him. But for that moment when he had looked into her eyes, he was sure that he saw compassion and caring, maybe even longing. Harry was forced out of his thought as Ron began to speak to him. "Where do you think she went?" Ron asked worriedly.
"I don't know, let's find a carriage before they all leave," Harry said pulling open the door of the nearest carriage.
"Harry!" Hermione said surprised as she looked up. She saw Ron climb in after him and he sat down beside her.
"Where did you go?" Ron asked.
"Umm… I just…umm…" Hermione began. She looked over to Harry and then quickly looked to the floor.
"You wanted to get to school didn't you?" Ron joked, "Can't wait to start classes."
"Ya that's it," Hermione agreed. He was so clueless. The carriage bumped as it began its journey to the castle. Hermione gazed out the window and before she knew it, she was asleep.
Hermione was walking down the stairs toward the Gryffindor common room.
She was wearing a pale blue sleeveless prom dress that floated as she
walked.
As she walked down the stairs, she noticed that someone was standing by the
fireplace. As Hermione glided down the stairs, the dark figure turned
around.
"Harry?" Hermione questioned.
"What took you so long? I've been waiting," Harry looked up and his mouth
dropped,
"Hermione you look beautiful."
"Thanks Harry. Are you ready to go?" Hermione walked toward the door.
"One minute. I have to talk to you," Harry pointed to a chair.
"What? What is it?" Hermione asked sitting down.
"Hermione I've know you for so many years and before now I've never noticed how beautiful you are. I feel stupid for that and I hope that you can forgive me because I love you," Harry said taking her hands.
"Oh Harry I love you too," Hermione kissed Harry passionately.
"Hermione, Hermione…" came a distant voice.
"I'm awake," Hermione answered looking up. She saw Harry looking down at
her.
He was sitting beside her, one hand on her shoulder, the other on her leg.
As soon as he saw her looking his hands shot to his sides.
"We're here," he mumbled as he stepped out of the carriage. Hermione
stepped out slowly as her brain swam with new feelings. Maybe he did like
her.
After all did friends touch other friends in the way he did. Would he have
done
the same thing when they were eleven? Hermione thought about the dream she
had.
I wish that was the way things were.' she thought as she headed up to the
castle. A new year was about to begin.
--
Don't tell me what to think! Harry thought angrily as he heard McGonagall
telling them that he knew they were all happy about the war ending, how he
knew
everyone was sad about the loses...Harry rolled his eyes. She didn't know
shit
about how he felt, he had lost so much during the war and happiness wasn't
exactly his first thought when he thought of the end. Thrilled barely,
content maybe, relief definitely. It was over and that was all that
mattered
to him that was it. No more immortal danger for himself and no more
endangering
his friends. It was brilliant in his opinion, but he couldn't call himself
happy
about the end when he knew about everything that was lost and the little
amount that
was gained.
"Harry!" Hermione called, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"What?" Harry looking a round trying to find who was calling his name.
"It was me," Hermione giggled.
"Oh." Harry said – since when did Hermione giggle?
"Come on eat – her ridiculous speech is over." Hermione giggled again.
"Oh right, sorry." Harry started choosing his foods, and began to pick at his plate.
"Are you actually going to eat that?" Hermione asked.
"Not hungry." Harry told her.
"What's up?" Hermione questioned.
"Just not hungry." Harry repeated.
"Come on Harry, tell me." Hermione pushed.
"Just stop it Mione. Stop pushing it doesn't concern you." Harry stood up
and
walked out. Actually it did concern her but Harry wasn't about to tell her
that.
Harry sighed sitting on the stairs and putting his head in his hands.
--
Hermione watched Harry walk angrily out of the Great Hall. 'It's all my
fault'
Hermione thought. 'Why can't I do something right for once when I'm around
him'
Hermione fought back tears as she got up from the table and ran toward the
Gryffindor
common room. Ron watched as his best friends ran from the hall. 'Something's
up.' Ron
thought. 'I think she's beginning to like me.' Ron smiled and thought of him
and
Hermione together.
Hermione raced up the stairs toward the Gryffindor tower and ran right into
Malfoy.
"Watch it Mudblood, now I have to change clothes. I don't want any part of
you
lingering on me," he smirked.
"Oh shove it Malfoy," Hermione said pushing past him.
"Touchy are we? All alone with out Weasel and Potter to protect you?" he encouraged.
Hermione ran up to him and punched him in the nose. "Watch what you say
Malfoy.
Third times the charm after all," she said as she walked away.
Hermione walked into the common room and saw Harry sitting alone by the
fire.
"Hi," Hermione greeted.
"Hi," Harry said glumly.
"Are you okay?" Hermione asked putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah," Harry said looking at her, "Hermione why is there blood on your robes?"
"Oh," Hermione laughed looking down, "I punched Malfoy again."
"I just might have to punish you for this," Harry warned.
"Yeah right and what would you do?" Hermione asked.
Harry leaned close and kissed her passionately. As he stopped she reached for his head and pulled him back into another kiss.
Well that is what he imagined. Harry shrugged his shoulders and looked back to the fire. "Don't you have potions homework?" Hermione asked.
"Shit. Can you help me?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked into the deep emerald pools and kissed him as he kissed her back.
Hermione laughed and headed over to a table in the corner. "Grab your books and hurry. I'm pretty sure you have other homework that you want me to help you with."
"You know me too well," Harry walked up to the boys' dormitory to get his
books.
Hermione watched as he left the room. 'Wow that Quidditch does wonders to
his ass.
Stop he's your best friend. But he's so cute. Well yeah but...oh who are you
kidding you love him.' Hermione thought. 'And he does have a nice ass.'
--
"So this goes in this potion and makes it work but in this one it makes it
void"
Harry asked.
"Yes in the wolfsbane potion ashphol is essential and in sleeping draught it causes the potion to be defective." Hermione used the correct terms.
"That's what I said." Harry pointed out.
"Sure." Hermione said sarcastically rolling her eyes.
"Now what?" Harry asked.
"What other homework do you have?" Hermione questioned.
"Charms and transfiguration." Harry answered.
"Did you do anything this summer?" Hermione rolled her eyes.
"No." Harry shook his head.
"I see, well let's do transfiguration first." Hermione suggested.
"Okay trans it is." Harry nodded pulling it out.
"If I remember correctly you have to change a pillow into a chair and a couch into a desk and record how many tries it took you." Hermione told him.
"That's just weird." Harry shook his head.
"What is?" Hermione asked imagining Harry playing with her hair as they talked.
"You know what the homework was, you memorized it." Harry shrugged his shoulders.
"So?" Hermione asked not seeing the flaw.
Harry laughed and he began to do his homework.
--
"Okay it only took you 20 tries to change the pillow and 15 to change the couch," Hermione looked down at the recording sheet, "Not bad."
"Yeah sure," Harry shrugged.
"Now onto charms," Hermione reached for the book and Harry's hand covered
hers.
They both looked at each other as the portrait hole opened and Ron emerged
from
it. Their hands immediately separated as Ron approached them.
"Hi guys what's up?" Ron asked looking at them both. "Summer homework I see."
"Yeah...uhh...just moving onto charms," Hermione stuttered, "Do you need help to?"
"No I finished mine over the summer," Ron answered proudly, "I can help Harry if you want."
"No," Hermione answered to quickly. Both Harry and Ron looked at her funny.
"I'm tired I guess. I'll see you guys in the morning."
Hermione walked off towards the girls' dormitory. Harry was disappointed that Hermione had left and watched as she left the room. "Harry I have to tell you something," Ron said.
"Sure what is it? But first help me or help me and tell me," Harry answered.
"Okay. I think Hermione likes me," Ron admitted.
"WHAT?" Harry said a bit too loud.
"Sorry mate but I think she does and I hear that there is a Halloween dance in the works so I'll ask her to that," Ron explained.
"Oh okay, now help me with my charms," Harry said and they began to work.
An hour later, Harry dragged himself up to his dormitory. He flopped onto his bed and thought about what Ron said. 'Hermione doesn't like him. She can't. I love her.' Harry thought as he began to drift off to sleep. 'I'll ask her to the dance first. I will.'
--
The days flew by and neither Ron nor Harry had gotten the courage to
ask her to the dance. It was now the tenth a whole week and a half of
school
had passed already and there were nine days left until Hermione's birthday.
Harry and Ron had never really done much for her birthday but this year
Harry
was planning a surprise party with a little help from Ginny. Ginny was
setting
up the decorations in the field and Harry was in charge of everything else.
The decorations weren't being set up until the last minute because if it was
raining they would move the party to the room of requirements. It was
lunchtime
and Hermione was in the library so Harry figured this would be a good time
to
find all of the Gryffindor in their year plus Ginny, Colin and Dennis and
invite
them. If it didn't seem like enough people Ginny suggested inviting Luna,
Justin,
Hannah, Padma, and other people they had gotten to know through the years
that
weren't in Gryffindor.
"Hey Dean, Seamus." Harry stopped them in the halls.
"What's up mate?" Dean asked.
"There's a surprise party on the 19th for Hermione's birthday be there.
And don't say a word to anyone not even other Gryffindor's if they're
invited
they'll know." Harry told them.
"Sounds good." Seamus said in his heavy accent and they kept walking.
Harry was making his way to Dumbledore's office for permission
to use the field or the room of requirements. There were no conflicting
practices from quidditch teams so Harry figured it would be all right.
Harry was also going to ask for an extra two hours past curfew seeing as it
was a party, and thought maybe Dumbledore could give them all hall passes to
be out past their bedtime. Harry laughed to himself at the thought of
curfew
being anyone's bedtime. Most of the 7th years were up way past midnight and
curfew was ten o'clock.
--
Hermione woke up on the 19th feeling as happy as ever. Today was her birthday and nobody was going to ruin it. Not even Malfoy. Hermione checked her clock and changed quickly. Harry and Ron would obviously be downstairs in the common room getting ready to say happy birthday to her. The probably got her some more books. Hopefully good ones. Hermione headed down to the common room only to find that it was empty. Hermione's heart fell but she continued on toward the Great Hall. She spotted Harry and Ron sitting with a group of people and she ran over with a huge smile. "Hi everybody! Guess what day it is today?" she asked as she approached.
"The 19th. What's so special?" Harry asked, "Listen I have to go finish some homework. I'll see you later Hermione. Ron can you help me?"
"Sure," Ron answered following Harry out. The crowd left and Hermione was left standing in the middle of the Great Hall. She ran from the Hall and went to her first class, her heart heavy. How could my best friends forget my birthday? Hermione wondered. She tried to concentrate in her classes but her mind wondered and she shot stares filled with hate and sadness at Harry and Ron, who didn't seem to notice. At lunch Hermione ate alone. Nobody from Gryffindor had wished her a happy birthday. Well that's not true. Only people that were not in her year wished her a happy birthday. Ginny didn't even say a word. After classes were finished Hermione headed back to the Gryffindor tower. When she walked into the common room it was deserted, so Hermione decided to go to her room and do her homework. When she approached the door there was a note pinned onto it. Hermione snatched the letter and ripped the envelope open.
Hermione,
Meet us at the Quidditch pitch at 8 pm.
Harry and Ron
Hermione opened her door and tossed her books on the bed and checked her clock. It read 7:55 pm. She decided to leave homework for the weekend, it being Friday and all. Hermione slammed her door and raced down the stairs. She wondered why she was going since she was mad at them but Hermione decided that going would give her the chance to yell her lungs out at them. Hermione smiled as she walked across the grounds toward the Quidditch pitch. It was a beautiful night and the stars were beginning to emerge. What a perfect day tp do something outside. she thought. Hermione saw lights in the Quidditch pitch. What's going on? she asked herself. Well I'll soon find out.
--
--
"SURPRISE!" Everyone yelled.
"Oh my god." Hermione gasped looking out at all of the people that had showed up for her birthday…and she had thought they had forgotten.
"Happy birthday Mi!" Ginny ran at her friend and hugged her.
"Thank you! I thought you'd forgotten." Hermione squealed.
"Never girl, you're my bestest, you know that." Ginny hugged her again.
"Touché." Hermione giggled and hugged and smiled at people as they said happy birthday and seemed relieved as she finally reached Harry and Ron at the back of the crowd.
"Happy birthday Mione!" Ron hugged her tightly.
"Thanks you guys, did you do all this?" Hermione asked as she hugged Harry.
"Actually," Ginny began before Ron could answer and take credit, "It was all Harry's idea he invited everyone one by one, he came up with the idea, he organized it all, Ron and I only did what he told us." Ginny explained.
"Oh?" Hermione asked.
"It wasn't a big deal." Harry looked away shyly.
"Sure it was thank you Harry." Hermione smiled at him.
"Whatever," Harry said, "Hey Seamus." Harry called making an excuse to get away.
--
"Come on Hermione it's time for presents!" Ginny squealed, grabbing Hermione's hand and pulling her through the crowd.
"Nobody had to get me anything," Hermione said.
"Hermione what is a birthday party without presents," Ginny laughed, "Hey everyone! Time for the birthday girl to open her presents!"
Everyone crowded around Hermione as she sat in a chair that someone had put there. It seemed like Hermione was in a mall seeing all the presents around her. Hermione spent half an hour opening up presents. All around her was candy, chocolate, clothes, books, everything. Ginny, Ron and Harry had waited until last to give her presents. Ginny gave Hermione a huge bag. Inside were clothes and a years supply of make-up. Hermione hugged Ginny as Ron handed her his present. Hermione unwrapped what looked to be a book about Magic Spells. "Uhh, thanks Ron," Hermione said disappointed.
Ron turned bright red and looked down at the floor. Harry handed her his present and walked away, looking embarrassed. Hermione looked at the tiny box in her hands, trying to figure out what it was. Hermione delicately unwrapped the small box and pulled out a small charm bracelet. Hermione looked at the charms, there was a picture of her, Harry and Ron in first year and a picture of them now. The initials "MI" were on it to in gold. There were also charms of books and other things that she enjoyed. The whole charm bracelet was filled. Hermione's eyes filled with tears. She held on tightly to the charm bracelet and ran out of the Quidditch pitch and toward the lake, her tears beginning to fall.
--
Hermione thought about how silly she was being, sitting down here crying while everyone was having a great time at her birthday party. It's just the bracelet meant so much to her especially compared to the book Ron had given her.
"Mi?" Harry called looking down at the lake.
"Hey Harry." Hermione wiped away her tears.
"Did you not like my present?" Harry asked.
"Oh god Harry don't think that! I loved it I think it was the best anyone's ever given me, it means so much to me. I'm just being silly is all." Hermione shook her head.
"You don't have to say that just because I asked." Harry told her, "We've been best friends forever what you think of one gift isn't going to change that."
"Best friends…" Hermione said in a whisper disappointed.
"What?' Harry asked.
"Nothing. And I'm serious Harry, I love it." Hermione smiled standing up.
"Good." Harry laughed.
"Besides compared to Ron's half-ass present anything would be good." Hermione laughed loudly.
Harry joined her but then stopped himself, "You'll hurt his feelings."
"I'd never say it to his face." Hermione giggled.
"Who would bother to look at his face?" Harry asked.
"Touché." Hermione hugged him tightly, "Thank you for everything."
"Anytime. Best friends?" Harry questioned.
"For always and forever." Hermione nodded and they went back to the party her arm through his.
--