Chapter 2: Confrontation
Harry lay in his bed restlessly for what seemed like ages thinking of Hermione and Cho. He was feeling very guilty about what had happened in the common room and he honestly didn't know how to deal with it. He thought that he could keep his feelings for Hermione a secret, but now he wasn't so sure he could control them. Holding her in his arms after she fell had been like heaven. In fact, she had felt so good in his arms, he was most anxious to have her there again, and soon. It wasn't long until Ron clambered into the room and Harry pretended to be asleep to avoid talking to him. He soon heard Ron snoring, so he turned on his back and stared into space once again. After considering his options he decided that there was only one thing for him to do. He would have to convince Hermione how he felt about her. It wouldn't be easy, but he was certain that if he didn't do something soon he would explode.
He had to know if his feelings for Hermione were real, and the first thing he needed to do was end it with Cho. It was the right thing to do, but he frowned at the prospect of having that particular conversation with her. He wasn't sure how she would take it, but it was over and he knew it. Surely she could sense how distant they had become over the past couple of months? Their relationship just wasn't what it should be, and Harry needed to be with her for the right reasons. He didn't think Cho could ever be apart of him the way Hermione always would be. His face softened as a girl with bushy brown hair and ink stains on her fingers pushed her way into his thoughts. It wasn't long before his dreams consumed him once again only this time there wasn't any nightmares; only the sweet hot caresses of love.
The next morning Hermione awoke and flipped off her covers with a secret smile. Lavender and Parvati were not there, but apparently someone had sent her an owl. There was an unopened letter lying at the foot of her bed. The pretty pink and red parchment made her think of Valentines Day, and she gently tore open the envelope and read:
Dear Hermione,
Could you meet me in the North tower today after Transfiguration around 1 o'clock? We really need to talk.
Love Harry
PS. Do not tell Ron okay?
"Goodness!" Hermione's mouth formed a small "Oh" of surprise as she re read the letter. Did Harry really say Love? She slipped the parchment back into the envelope and smiled sweetly to herself. Whatever he wants to talk about I bet it has to do with last night, she thought to herself and giggled nervously. She held the letter close to her body and ran to her dressing table where she hid it in one of her notebooks. Oh my! She would never be able concentrate on her school work today! Not with the promise of a clandestine meeting with Harry! Excitement began to build within her breast and she couldn't wait to see him any longer. She dressed as quickly as possible and hurried down to breakfast, but Harry was no where in site. She had a pretty good idea of where he was since Cho Chang seemed to be missing as well, but she refused to dwell on this unfortunate bit of information. Hermione was disappointed to say the least, but she sat down beside Ron and Ginny and tried to appear calm. If it wasn't for Cho she would be sitting with the love of her life right about now she thought dreamily. Ron just stared at her and shook his head at her obvious melancholy mood
Breakfast was almost over when she saw him enter the hall with the one and only Cho. Jealousy was brewing in her heart and she couldn't stop herself from giving Cho a nasty little glare. Cho acknowledged Hermione with a smug grin and latched onto Harry's arm very possessively. Hermione had a feeling that the pretty Ravenclaw knew about her feelings for Harry, and her heart dropped like a stone into the pit of her stomach. How could Harry arrange to meet her secretly when he was still obviously attached to another girl? Hermione managed to swallow the last of her pumpkin juice before racing for the large double doors. Once she was out in the hall she stopped and leaned up against the wall to calm down. Suddenly, Cho was beside her with arms crossed, eyes blazing and taping her toe impatiently on the hard stone floor beneath them. With a swish of her long black hair she began to speak in a high pitched voice that betrayed her nerves. Hermione thought she sounded a little like professor Gridley, who taught her Muggle Studies class.
"So you are the tramp that is making Harry doubt how he feels about me. I should have known it was you the way you are constantly tagging along."
Hermione wheeled around and gave her an icy stare. "How long did it take for you to think that one up Cho?"
"Oh you think you're so smart don't you?" Cho hissed. "You are wrong you know, Harry doesn't love you he loves me! Besides, after my plans this weekend I don't think there will be any question to how he feels about me."
Hermione rolled her eyes and interrupted, "Merlin! Do they ever shut up on your planet? I don't have time to listen to your ramblings Cho I have class in 15 minutes." Hermione turned her back on the incensed girl intent on going to class, but she soon heard cursing. Hermione twisted around to face Cho who had drawn her wand. Hermione almost giggled over such an incredible situation. There was Cho Chang standing in front of her with her wand drawn and it was all over Harry! It seemed insane, but she steadily drew her wand and pointed it straight between Cho's eyes.
"Don't start with me Chang, you won't win." Hermione was dead serious now and just waiting for the other girl to make the first move. "Do you really think that after all these years of being with Harry and helping him learn all those wonderfully advanced spells that I haven't picked up a few good hexes myself? Remember Marietta? Perhaps another Baklava will be in order." Hermione shook her head in a pitiful fashion and smiled a satisfied smile when Cho hesitated. "Go on make your move if your going to I don't have all day you know."
Cho just stared at Hermione with fright building in her eyes and when they heard a group of students stampeding their way out of the Great Hall she dropped her wand to her side. "This isn't over Granger, Harry is mine! Make sure you remember that!" Cho turned tail and stalked toward the stairs totally missing a confused Harry who had seen and heard the last exchange between the two girls.
"Err……Hermione? What was all that about? Was Cho threatening you?" Harry was completely taken by surprise by seeing Hermione and Cho seemingly engaged in some sort of duel.
"Oh…it's nothing but a disagreement Harry." Hermione said cheerily. "I am pretty confident I can handle it. Listen I have Ancient Runes in 10 minutes so I have to go, but I will see you later?" Hermione hoped that she sounded normal but her heart was thumping so hard in her chest she was sure Harry could hear it.
"Uh…well okay then I'll see you at Transfiguration I guess. Dumbledore wants me to train up in his office today." Harry nervously ran a hand thru his messy black hair and gave her one of those disarming grins that seemed to cause her some sort of embarrassment. Harry watched her blush adorably before she rushed off toward the east corridor, and he smiled wickedly to himself. Yes he thought I am definitely going to have to do something about this. Hitching his back pack higher onto his shoulder he set off toward Dumbledore's office. This session was not going to be easy but maybe if he concentrated on Hermione's sweet face he could get thru it.
Meanwhile, two lovely young ladies with a mission were giggling with glee. They watched Harry and Hermione smile like fools before Hermione raced away down the corridor. Parvati turned to Lavender and the two girls shared a knowing smile. "Two letters sent one more to go!" she whispered excitedly.
