Chapter Two
Disclaimer: Don't own them.
A/N: I was a little unsure about posting this chappie but here it is. I hope you like. The later chapters are better though. (at least I think so). Happy reading!
"Mmmm something smells great in here!" Harry called from the hallway.
Hermione appeared in the kitchen doorway wearing a chef's hat and apron, waving a spatula around dangerously, "Why thank you Mr Potter I am so utterly thrilled to receive your approval" she replied, smiling sweetly.
"You know I read somewhere that sarcasm actually lowers your IQ?" Harry retaliated, grinning.
"Well whoever wrote that is a complete nitwit because it is completely untrue." Hermione replied smugly, "I've been using sarcasm for years."
"Well aren't we pretentious this evening?" He chuckled, "By the way…you look hideous in that hat."
"Yes, I believe that this is your hat my dear," she retorted, smiling sweetly once again.
Am almost inaudible cough of impatience came from behind Harry. "Oh I'm sorry darling" he said to his girl as he turned to face her, "Hermione, I'd like you to meet Sheree," he added, pushing her forward.
Hermione offered her free hand to Sheree, "It's nice to meet you" she greeted her, smiling politely.
Sheree smiled and took Hermione's hand, "Hello Hermione, it's nice to finally meet you after hearing so much about you!"
Hermione blushed, "So I've heard" she replied, uncomfortably, "I'm sorry, I really should get back to cooking dinner," she excused herself abruptly, exiting the room. She leant up against the kitchen cupboard and felt tears stinging her eyes, "I can't do this" she thought, "I can't keep pretending that everything's OK."
"I knew it!" Luna cried, pulling Hermione into the dining room, "You still love Harry don't you?"
"What? How did you know…I mean, Shhhh!" Hermione hissed, "They'll hear you."
"Hermione you have to tell him!"
"But, it could ruin everything between him and Sheree!"
"That doesn't matter now!" Luna replied, "You can't go on pretending that this feeling doesn't exist."
Hermione sighed, "Come on, let's finish up with dinner."
Luna frowned. It was clear she was not going to reach Hermione tonight.
3 A.M. the next morning.
After a few hours of relatively peaceful slumber, Hermione was awoken by a dull thud. She sat up and rubbed her eyes sleepily. After a few moments of silence she told herself that it was merely possums, laid back down and closed her eyes once more.
Thud. Thud. Thud. Footsteps.
This time, Hermione was certain this was no possum. She flung herself out of bed and felt around in the dark. After failing to locate her wand, she grabbed Ron's old broomstick and waited cautiously behind the door.
Thud. Thud. They grew louder as each moment passed. Thud. Thud. They were right outside her bedroom door. She watched as the doorknob turned slowly. Her heart pounded in her chest as a tall figure forced the door open. She waited with baited breath, silently praying he was unarmed, and then without warning, knocked him to the floor.
Hermione flicked on the lights, pointing the broom at the intruder, "Don't make me call the…Harry?"
The light revealed the intruder to be a very confused Harry who seemed to have no idea why he had just been hit over the head or why he was now lying barely conscious on the floor.
"Whyd'you'itmeeErymynee?" he slurred. His breath smelt strongly of alcohol.
Hermione, stunned, rushed to his side, "I'm sorry…I thought you were a burglar."
"No, it's me 'Arry!" he tried sitting up, but failed and flopped to the floor.
"Well you don't usually sneak into my bedroom at three in the morning do you? Now come on, let's get you into bed. Where have you been all night anyway?"
"Turn out I'm not getting married," he answered bluntly.
Hermione's eyes became bright with sympathy for her friend, "Harry…I'm so sorry to hear that."
Harry nodded sadly, turning a pale shade of green.
Hermione became increasingly aware of his need for a bathroom, "Harry, can you get up if I help you?" she asked, "You need to get to a bathroom" Harry nodded once more, turning greener still. Hermione stood up, taking hold of his hand and hoisted him as gently as she could off the ground and supported him into her en suite. She placed him beside the toilet, "Now, if you feel like you're going to be ill, aim for the toilet. I'm going to let Ron know what's going on. He's probably heard it all anyway-but I'll be back soon with a cold cloth OK?"
Hermione tiptoed down the stairs to find a sleeping Ron in the kitchen. His wand rested beside him on the table. She shook him gently, "Ron," she whispered. He opened one eye sleepily, "That you Hermione?" he mumbled.
"Yeah it's me," she reassured him, "Why are you out here?"
"I heard a noise but after you didn't scream I figured it was OK."
"My hero," she rolled her eyes, "You're lucky it was just Harry. He's blind drunk. He decided to drown his sorrows and now he's facing the consequences over a toilet bowl. Turns out there won't be a wedding."
"Eep," was Ron's response.
"Yeah, but it seems to be under control now. You should get some sleep, I can handle it." Hermione smiled softly.
"Alright then. Night 'Mione," he mumbled, kissing her on the cheek, "Good luck with Harry."
"Thanks. 'Night Ron."
Minutes later she returned to Harry with a cold cloth and a glass of water, "Were you sick?" she asked hesitantly.
He nodded, "But I think it's all gone now."
She leant down beside him, placing the cloth on his forehead and handed him the water, "This will help flush the alcohol out of your body."
"Thanks" he replied gratefully, sipping the water.
"Maybe you should try and get some sleep. It's quite late," Hermione offered, "You can take my bed if you'd like."
"Ok," he replied weakly.
Hermione supported him once more across the room and gently rested him on her bed. He sank into her pillow straight away and it wasn't long before he was sleeping soundly. She laid down beside him, stroking his hairline gently before removing the cloth to her bedside table. She kissed his cheek gently before closing her own eyes in an attempt to sleep at least a few more hours.