Too Long In The Rain
Chapter 19
Harry was at his apartment shared with Katie when Ginny appeared. He stood up and walked over to greet her when he saw that her face was grim. He walked over and asked," Ginny what's wrong? Is it John?"
She shook her head," No he's fine…it's Hermione."
He was now fully aware and he asked," What happened?"
She sat him down on the couch and said," Well I went to go an see her since it's been a while since I last did and when I got there, well look, uh, something happened with Hermione and Oliver, Hermione's in bad shape. I mean, she's down, Harry. And I did all that I could, but I think you oughta come. She needs you."
"Oh my God. Is she hurt?"
Ginny shook her head," No, not physically. Just come, okay?"
Harry nodded and said," Thanks Gin, you should can go home now." Ginny nodded and disapparated.
Harry went to get his coat when Katie walked in the door and kissed him smiling and said," Hey you." She saw him walking to get his coat and asked," You're not leaving are you? You promised it would just be us tonight."
Harry closed his eyes in a wince and remembered," I'm so sorry, but Her-"
She rolled her eyes," Yes, yes, Hermione needs you, again. I give her once or twice a month with you, and you're always working! I just want one 'us' night." She said coming closer trying to seduce him.
He looked away knowing what she was doing and said," Katie please, she really needs me."
She back away in disgust," God you'd think she was your girlfriend instead of me."
He looked at her," She's my best friend."
She looked angry," But I'm your girlfriend."
He backed up," I've known her for years, she helped me defeat Voldemort."
She flinched at the name and said finally," If you leave, don't come back."
He snorted a bit and said," No competition." He grabbed his coat and broom then walked to the door then said," I'll get my stuff later." He walked out the door and apparated as close to Hogwarts as he could then he hopped on his broom and flew to the castle where he ran inside and to Hermione's common room.
As Harry walked into Hermione's room and saw her lying on her side staring at the wall and crying. He walked over and asked," Hermione what happened?"
She didn't even look at him she just said," He left, he just left."
Harry laid down next to her (friendly, get your mind out of the gutter) and asked," Who left? Oliver?"
"I should have done something, I just sat there and watched him leave, god I'm so stupid."
"You are not stupid Hermione, come on, try to sit up."
"He hates me, I blew it, I blew everything."
"I don't understand. What happened?" Asked Harry.
"He needed to think, it was a big decision, but I needed an answer, I didn't wait. Now he's gone."
"He won't just walk away, he waited for you."
"It's over." She said to herself.
"This isn't you. Lying in bed like this."
"You should go back to Katie, back to the ministry, somewhere where you can be happy."
"I'm not leaving you like this Hermione."
"I really screwed up this time." She said fresh tears starting.
"Try to sleep."
She had finally tired herself out and fell into a deep dreamless sleep.
--
The next morning Hermione woke up and looked over at Harry who was lying next to her and looking at her, he smiled and then asked," Are you okay?"
She nodded," I'm good."
He shook his head," No you're not."
She mimicked him and said," No, I'm not."
He hugged her and said," It's okay 'Mione."
She gently pulled back and said," You should go home."
He shook his head," Nope, I'm in for the long haul."
She sighed and said," I don't want to put you out, Katie's gonna be mad."
He shrugged," So what. Hey, when was the last time you ate?"
She shrugged back," A little while ago."
He shook his head," There's no evidence that you've eaten or had anything to drink."
She sat up," I'm not thirsty or hungry."
He sighed," You need to drink something."
"I guess water." She said finally.
He smiled a bit," See."
She smiled back sadly and hugged him again and said softly," He could have been the one."
He nodded and hugged her back and kissed her on the forehead," I know, he'll come around, shh…"