A/N: Hello everyone, I just wanted to say... DIE J.K ROWLING! HOW COULD SHE! HOW IN BLOODY HELL COULD SHE! SHE FRICKIN RUINED MY BLOODY LIFE! I WAS SO CLOSE TO BURNING THE BOOK! FRICKING GINNY WEASLEY! ARGH! Sorry, now that's over I am going to give this to my editor and I bet he's going to laugh. Well, anyway here you guys go, the next chapter. By the way I was in Australia and New Zeland, that's why I couldn't update. Sorry. This might be a little annyoing though, I hate Ginny, hate, hate, HATE! By the way, I'm giving this to my editor after I post it for a few days...aren't you all lucky? So sorry for the mistakes...
Disclaimer: I DON'T BLOODY OWN HARRY POTTER BUT IF I DID HARRY COULD MOST CERTAINLY NOT GO FOR THE FRICKIN HARLET GINNY!
Hermione's Requiem
Chapter Four
After telling his best friends about the vision he had recieved nothing changed, gratefully. Harrry's heart rate increased everytime he looked at Hermione and it was just because he feared for her. Her hair was long and wavy, silky and soft to touch and her eyes were the brightest orbs around. She was beautiful and kind with every fiber of her being and something about her made Harry just want to stare. He loved looking at her. He still knew Ron had fancied her and that caused a bit of a problem for him, even though Hermione had gotten over her fancy for Ron over the summer. For some reason Harry was utterly grateful for it. Hermione had increased her studies, Harry knew, because of Voldemort and kept on testing Harry. Harry, however welcomed the new challanges with much desire, as Hermione was issuing them. Harry had no idea why he didn't like her desire for excellence in the past, for he loved it now.
Harry and Hermione went to drop Ron off to class as usual. Ron, however, seemed even more resistant to go to class than usual and as soon as it was over he was the first one to go out and join them again. Harry knew, however, that it was just to be by Hermione's side more often than not. Harry didn't like that nearly as much as he should have. He and Hermione were just friends. Ron was their friend too. Why not have him join as well? It was the Golden Trio after all. However Harry couldn't help shake the feeling that Ron was treating Hermione as if she was on her death bed. Harry wanted to protect her as well! She was hid best friend too! Ron couldn't have her all the time! Harry wanted to keep her safe too...
It was a couple weeks before the start of Christmas week. Harry, Ron and Hermione all went to Hogsmeade with the school to buy their Christmas gifts. Ginny, Luna and Neville went with them. At the entrance to Hogsmeade Harry split up with the guys and the girls went together. They were chatting excitedly about shopping and irrelevent things. Harry noticed Ron staring at Hermione with a dreamy look to his face and to be frank quite longingly. As inconspiciously as he could Harry hit Ron on the arm to break him out of his trance. Ron blushed and turned around to talk to the guys. In a few minutes both the guys and the girls split up. Harry glanced at Hermione before taking off with the other guys. His heart fluttered at the very sight of her.
Before the thought even came to him he tried to stop it. But she just looked rather gorgeous in her long black pea coat. The Griffindor scarf hung arond her neck in a fashionable knot. The ends and collar of her coat had gold trimmings that perfectly accented the coat and scarf. The shape itself brought out some of Hermione's feautres and fit her beautifully. It made Harry want to rip off her coat to see what was under it, all of it. Harry jumped at the thought. Why was he thinking such things? Hermione was a friend! And friends didn't think of eachother like that! It was simply unheard of, unimaginable, just not right! But, Harry had to admit...she did look good.
Harry noticed Ron looking at him.
"I'm worried about her too mate," Ron said.
Harry nodded.
"Yeah," he said distantly.
If only Ron knew of what Harry was thinking about...
After the shopping was completed, and for the guys that didn't take very long, the boys headed out to the Quidditch store. Harry looked at all the brooms and expensive equipment with distance in his eyes. He started to think of the Quidditch staduim at Hogwarts. The sounds echoed through his ears and ran throughout his body. He remembered back to when he and Hermione were walking down the path they took every time they had off days. Hermione, Harry remembered, looked at the Quiddtich staduim with such longing that made Harry shiver. That longing Harry wanted for himself.
"Hermione, every time we come here, you look at the stadium with...such a passionate longing," and I want you to look at me that way," and I wanted to know what was wrong." Harry said.
Hermione looked up at Harry then looked away.
"It's such a bloody stupid request," Hermione said quietly.
"What is it?" Harry asked looking at the back of Hermione's head. He felt his heart beating and her wanted her to say something, needed her to. He wanted her to tell him each and every little thing that bothered her. He was her best friend, and besides, she didn't need to have some many things to worry about.
Harry watched as Hermione smiled faintly. She turned her head around to face him and then her body followed. She smiled brightly and her eyes held amusement. Harry didn't understand her, but wasn't complaining. What, however, was going on? he wondered. His heart was beating madly. Something in her eyes caused his heart to beat so much, something in them that held...wildness.
"You know that rush, Harry? The one you always get when you fly dangerously, or the do something utterly stupid?" Hermione asked.
Harry nodded not really sure where she was leading.
"Well I, I too wish to, experience that feeling. I mean, I know I've been a bugger about flying before but I want to try it. If you and Ron do it so easily and with so much passion why can't I?" Hermione explained.
Harry tilted his head to the side and felt his messy jet-black hair fall infront of his eyes.
"Are you, Herms, asking a question? I daresay you forgot to raise you hand," Harry said softly but smilingly (is that a word? I think so...)
Hermione smiled and nodded.
"Would you please teach me how to fly? I mean, properly?" Hermione asked with much hope in her eyes.
Harry grinned widely. He couldn't help but be happy at Hermione's request.
"Of course Herms, but Ron will have to come, you know how he gets about you," Harry said smiling.
Hermione beamed and ran to Harry and hugged him.
"Thanks Harry!"
Harry felt as if he were on fire. He gently pushed away from Hermione.
"But one condition," Hermione nodded, "you can't get this from books. Ron and I will teach you everything you need to know."
Hermione nodded determined. Harry saw the fire within her gaze and let it burn him a few degrees.
Harry shook his head gently to regain his thoughts. Hermione wanted to learn how to fly. It made Harry want to jump with joy. Hermione was finally coming out of her shell. Harry couldn't wait for it. Sure she wasn't going to be great at it but that's why she was going to learn. He'd love to see her flying. If anything she'd be great at it, like everything else she did. Harry had a feeling she just never gave herself the chance. Excitment rushed through him at the thought of being able to teach Hermione how to fly.
"Hey mate," Ron's voice said.
And then he remembered Ron would be there to. The excitement was leaving.
"Hey, Ron," Harry said smiling faintly.
Ron walked over.
"You've been looking here for a while, are you going to buy or not?" Ron asked. "The clerks getting a bit unnerved."
Harry jumped.
"Oh, sorry," Harry said. "I was thinking about what broom to buy Hermione."
Ron raised an eyebrow.
"The brooms are on the other side of the shop and besides that Hermione hates flying, you know that," Ron said unconvinced.
Harry chuckled.
"Oh, I forgot to mention to you. After Quidditch practices Hermione wants to lean to fly. Yes Ron, fly," Harry added after looking at Ron's face.
Ron looked shocked.
"Merlin, are you pulling one?" Ron asked.
Harry shook his head.
"No, I am serious, she asked me last week sometime," Harry replied.
Ron looked happy.
"Wow! This is great! Never thought I'd live to see the day 'Mione would want to fly!" Ron said excitedly.
Harry laughed.
Harry, Ron and Neville left the Quidditch store a hour later to meet the girls at the Three Broomsticks. Ron kept suggesting Harry let her use the school brooms. Harry knew very well Ron wanted Harry to get him a broom, but that wasn't going to happen. They saved seats and ordered waiting for the girls to arrive. Within two minutes Hermione's head came into view through the window and then into the cafe she came. She looked around for a second before spotting Harry, Ron and Neville. She walked over smiling. Her hands were filled with bags and large objects.
"Hello everyone!" she said brightly.
The boys said their greetings.
"Ginny and Luna are still out. Flirting or something like that," Hermione said with distaste. Then she brightened up. "Harry, I saw Professour MaGonagall on the way here, she wants us to go to Professour Dumbledore's office after tea. Don't worry Ron, it's nothing bad, just Heads business." Herimione said sitting down.
Harry felt a bit worried.
"Do you know as to the occasion?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head. She smiled after taking some of Neville's Butterbeer. Neville flushed.
"It shouldn't be too bad, I mean we haven't done anything bad...yet," Hermione said smiling gently, but that gentleness held mystery.
Ginny and Luna walked into the pub with smiles on their flushed face. Harry looked curiously at Hermione before ordering three more Butterbeers and some snacks.
After their drinks and some of the snacks were finished the Heads of Hogwarts returned to the castle. After placing their bags into their dorm they went to the Headmaster's Office. Harry noticed Hermione was wearing a very pretty black sweater and jeans that fit her body perfectly. She looked firery and was wearing something so simple. Harry's mind went racing. Why in the bloody world did he look upon her so? They were only best friends... What were these, not so friendly, thoughts going through his mind at top speed?
On the way to the Headmaster's office, Hermione had stopped three first years, two second years and some sixth years she found in the Astronomy Tower. Harry waited at the bottom of the entrance to the tower simply because he feared going up there with Hermione would give him ideas. He already had ideas so even more would hardly suit him well. After Hermione came down with the two Sixth years, put a jinx on them so they'd have to go to detention with thier house leader, she and Harry went to the Headmaster's office.
"Mr Potter, Miss Granger, please take a seat," Dumbledore, the Headmaster (because he isn't dead!) at Hogwarts said kindly.
Harry and Hermione sat down in the chairs provided. Harry had so many memories but chose not to reel them at the moment.
"Now, you aren't in trouble so don't worry. You haven't done anything...yet," Dumbledore said with that in his eyes. Harry noticed Hermione smirk. He had the feeling she was thinking "told you so."
"I digress, as Heads you have many a responsibility and a few pleasures as well, as you two well know. Hogwarts will be hosting a Christmas formal. Two days before the Christmas vacation. It you recall, it will be like the Yule ball in your fourth year. I have requested the Weird Sisters preform for us this year, they have replied and they will be preforming," Dumbledore paused to look at Harry and Hermione then he continued.
"Now as Heads, you have a duty to inform the students of this event. I would like some sort of attachment on the bulletin boards. And the decorations must be, ah how do you say, carry the essence of the holiday. You have two weeks, that should be sufficient time."
Harry nodded. He noticed that Hermione seemed to be taking notes.
"Ah, is that all, sir?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore seemed to ponder the question as if it were life saving.
"Tell me Harry, how are you feeling?" he asked after a minute or so.
The question caught Harry off guard.
"I feel fine sir, thank-you for asking," Harry replied.
Dumbledore shook his head.
"Forgive me, I must not have been clear," Dumbledore said gently. "How do you feel?"
Harry opened his mouth to speak but closed his mouth in recongnition.
"Oh," he said softly. "I feel, uncertain I guess...scared. Unwilling and weak against him."
Harry was going to say something else but thought better of it infront of Dumbledore. Hermione placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled encouragingly. Harry felt better.
Dumbledore nodded.
"That is to be expected, Harry," Dumbledore said quietly. "Harry, take refuge in your friends. Tell them what is wrong, commit to them. They are, and will be your light Harry."
Harry nodded. Dumbledore was right. It was as he said in the beginning of the school term. Harry knew his friends were his light in the dark life he had to live. They were really the reason he kept on going, kept on living, kept on trying. They were why he did what he did. They were the only thing that kept him going. But that light was beginning to become something else. Something more, something different, something dealing with Hermione.
Harry and Hermione went to work on the Christmas formal notices. By the middle of the next day Hermione had them posted all over the school. Everyone was pleasantly suprised about the new even. Then all hell broke loose. Classes soon became unmanagable as girls began to fret about their clothes, makeup and everything under the sun. They wanted to look perfect, better then everyone else. There were rivalries between girl cliques. The guys on the other hand were being macho and while trying not to seem as worried, they were just as, if not more worried about their apperences in the foraml. They all asked out girls trying to make themselves look better all the while. Some were however flustered to take a girl to a social event. Harry and Hermione smiled at their handiwork. Harry made the design while Hermione made them. The school was in high spirits again.
Harry now faced the problem of asking someone out to the ball. Sure probably every girl he asked would say yes, but he didn't want any girl. Harry wanted someone close to him, if possible, someone like his best girl friend. Unfortunately for him Ginny came to him one night in the common room. Harry noticed she looked quite flirtatious and ready. And at one time this would have made him happy, but now it did nothing for him. It held nothing for him.
"Hey Harry," Ginny said wagging her hips as she strolled to Harry. " I have a question."
"Hey Gin," Harry said smiling his 'pretty boy' smile. "What's your question?"
Ginny blushed a bit and smiled.
"Would you like to go with me to the Christmas formal?" she asked with clear determination.
Harry's heart stopped. He really didn't like this.
"Pardon?" he asked gently.
"Would you like to go with me to the Christmas formal, Harry?" Ginny repeated, this time with a bit of sex appeal.
Harry most certainly would not. Just then Hermione walked into the room with a few first years. 'Thank Merlin!' Harry thought as Hermione walked over. Ginny moved into Harry's line of vision bending forward giving Harry ample view of her cleavage. Harry didn't enjoy this.
"Sorry Gin, I promised I'd go with Herms. I mean, I already asked her," Harry said smoothly.
Hermione walked over.
"Hey Harry, hey Ginny," Hermione said pleasantly.
Ginny froce and looked abashed.
"You-you did?" she asked looking at Hermione.
Harry prayed Hermione didn't mess this up and played along. His heart fluttered when she smiled.
"Oh, is about this afternoon then? Yes, Ginny Harry asked me already, sorry about that," Hermione said smiling her cutely pleasant smile. Harry noticed a glint in Hermione's eyes when Ginny left. They were shining with a bit of triumph. Harry had no idea what that was about. Harry smiled at Hermione who looked down at Harry. She placed her hands on her hips and frowned.
"Okay, Potter, spill it," she said quietly knowing Ginny was still close. Harry laughed and stood up. He stood taller than Hermione by a head or so. It was his ideal height.
"Trying to intimidate me, Miss Granger?" Harry asked tiliting his head to the side and folding his arms across his chest. Hermione stuck out her tongue. Harry had to fight the urge not to take hold of her tongue with his own and suck on it.
"I'd be foolish to try," Hermione replied gently, alluringly. "But I shall retire. You should too, even if you finished all your assignments, we still have other things to do."
Harry grinned cheekily.
"Hermione, I thought you wanted to wait a few days," Harry said in his 'let's-play-that-game' sort of voice. "We did do a lot of damage last time we did...things." Harry's voice was dangerously low, and it startled even him.
"And Harry, let's not forget the time we did things. You were in pain for two days afterwards," Ron's voice suddenly said.
Harry and Hermione jumped then laughed.
"Ron!" Hermione said through her laughter. "That was good timing!"
Ron gave a chuckle.
"I was a good line too," he said.
Harry nodded.
"I have one after that but I'll save it for another time," he said.
"Oh, hey night you guys. I have loads to finish," Hermione said before waving and retiring to her room. The boys said their good byes and soon after followed Hermione to the room. In their common room, Harry noticed Hermione waiting for him. He smiled.
"Thanks Herms, for back there, with Ginny," Harry said.
Hermione shrugged.
"No problem. I know you don't fancy her anymore so I don't want her getting false impressions of you," Hermione said. "It doesn't suit an Englishwoman to be so salacious. I mean, that's what Americans do... anyway, it's alright. I wanted to go with you anyway."
Harry's heart was pounding.
"R-Really?" he asked suprised.
Hermione nodded. She looked out of the window and Harry moved closer to her.
"With you Harry, I hope you take this the wrong way, but I've been friends with no one, except you and Ron and those at Hogwarts now, and Harry you, you make me feel the safest," Hermione said quietly. "I love being in your pressence, not because of the "Chosen One" business, but because..." Hermione sighed. Harry was getting very interested and touched her shoulder to have her continue. His heart was pounding wildly and he felt an anxiety well within him. What was she going to say?
Hermione smiled at Harry and stood up. She paced around the room smiling as did. Harry watched her with interest and longing. He felt it. It was much stronger than anything before. She was so beautiful. Harry saw her pure and smiling before him, wearing a wedding gown of snow white. Then an image not so pure popped into his mind and he instantly looked at the ground and waited for Hermione to continue.
"Harry I don't know what I'm saying. It's just... I'm glad you're you, powerful and handsome and I'm me...I'm so grateful we're friends. I'm so happy you asked me to the ball and even though it was to get away from Ginny, I'm glad I was there to help." Harry noticed Hermione a bit flustered and his pride swelled.
While Hermione was still talking and being utterly cute when flushed, Harry walked towards her. he was about a foot away when she noticed him. She stopped talking a blushed furiously. Harry found it cute a chuckled. He lifted the palm of her hand and gently and without much thought, pressed his lips against it. The skin there was so soft and warm. Harry had no idea what he was doing but didn't mind at all. It was all on impulse.
"Hermione," he said, his voice deeper than usual. "Would you like to accomany me to the Christmas formal?" No mistakes, nothing to get out of, just pure friendly asking.
Or was it?
Harry wasn't so sure, but could care less as long as Hermione said she would come with him to the formal. Hermione gave a giggle and hugged Harry.
"You're so silly Harry," she said smiling, "of couse I'll go with you. If you were paying attention to the speech."
Harry laughed.
"Okay Herms, thanks," he said inhaling Hermione's beautifully intoxicating sent.
"No problem Harry," Hermione said smiling brightly. "Oh before I forget Harry..."
Harry looked at Hermione curiously. In a second a bright flash of light hit Harry and bounced of him and into the air. Hermione grinned smugly while Harry looked shocked. He recongnized those flashes of light.
"It seems to work all all types of curses," Hermione said smiling.
Harry's mouth was gaping open.
"What did you do!" he asked Hermione wildly.
Hermione grinned.
"A combination of spells from that bloody book of yours," Hermione replied. "Levicorpus and Sectumsempra."
Harry's mouth fell to the floor.
"You did both of them? At the same time! NON-VERBALLY!" he asked shocked and amazed.
Hermione nodded.
"I had been practising in Bulgaria you know. If I am to protect you then sometimes... I must go out of my way to help you..."
Harry still stared.
"BOTH OF THEM!"
Hermione giggled. Harry could only do one of them at a time! Both of them at the same time was bloody amazing..!
"But-how- when the ministry-?"
Hermione gave Harry's head a ruffle making his head more messy, if possible.
"They were worrying about Voldemort and you," Hermione replied. "Anyway, time for bed. We'll do some more stuff in the morning."
Harry nodded barely able to grasp what was going on. Hermione really was a great witch!
"Herms," Harry said quietly. "I want you to be happy too. Make yourself happy stop worrying about me..."
Hermione stopped her ascent up the stairs turned to look at Harry and smiled.
"You more than me," she replied before continuing up the stairs to her room.
Harry followed His view of Hermione was even better than before as he looked at her now. She really was something, that beautiful witch...
A/N: Hope you liked it! Sorry for the long wait and sorry it's kind of short. Well until next time! HARRY AND HERMIONE FOREVER! Don't give up hope guys! It'll happen! It BETTER!