Disclaimer:
Me: One hotdog please.
Hotdog Stand Guy: Here you go. Hey, aren't you the girl that wants the characters?
Me: So you've heard.
Hotdog Stand Guy: Yup. You need to stop before you get hurt.
Me: Thanks for the concern.
Hotdog Stand Guy: Your welcome. That would be ten bucks.
Me: TEN BUCKS!!!!!!!!!!
Hotdog Stand Guy: Yup.
Me: Fine.
(leaves)
Hotdog Stand Guy: (Takes off disguise...again)
JK: Oh yeah. I over-charged her!
So I got hungry. I didn't have time to make the characters mine. And I WAS ripped off.
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Reviewer Shout Out: Thank you for all the reviews. I get a lot of comments about how cute this story is, which is a compliment to me. That is one of those factors that I try to put in the story. It is a light fic, and I'm trying not to be overly fluffy. Thank you for the compliments. Love you guys! Here's your chappie. I don't remember if I put this in the last chapter, but I have family over, so I might not be able to update as much.
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Gryffindor Common Room
It was getting chilly outside. Summer was fading into fall. This meant only one thing...
Jumping in leaves!
Of course, the leaves would have to fall off the trees first, but that would happen soon enough.
Right now, I was in the Common Room enjoying breakfast. It was almost tradition that all the people in our year, and a few younger housemates like Ginny, eat breakfast in the Common Room before the Hogmeade trip. We always told Professor McGonagall that we planned to eat once we get there. I didn't agree with the lying and the extra work Dobby had to do at first, but we haven't been caught. Plus, Crookshanks had an appetite for crunchy cereal.
'Let's go to the Quidditch Shop first Harry!'
'Don't you think we should consider Hermione?'
'That's nice Harry, but you can go with Ron. I always visit the bookstore anyways.'
'Ok.'
'We'll meet you at the sweet shop?'
'Yeah.'
"Do you have any idea how many expressions you three went through in the past minute," asked Dean.
All three of us shook our heads no. As if we were going to tell Dean what privilege has been given to us. It would take him a while to get it anyway.
"It's like you all were communicating through expressions," said Seamus.
This time, we looked at each other with a 'desperate not to roll eyes expression'. Well, that's what Harry and Ron were doing. I actually did roll my eyes.
An awkward silence took place. Neville, who surprisingly had his arm comfortably around me, broke the silence. The boy was gaining confidence. "Do you all want to have lunch together? We might as well spend time with each other a lot. It is our last year after all."
There was an all around sure.
"What about you, Gin?" asked Neville. As he said this, he started squeezing my shoulder a little harder.
'Stop,' I thought. 'If you keep on doing that, you'll just keep on making me feel worse about-'
'About what?'
'Nothing Ron.'
'I will find your secret, Hermione!'
'Can you two shut up! You both are thinking too loud.'
'Sorry.'
'Sorry.'
"Sure, why not," answered Ginny.
I can't believe she hadn't answered until just now.
'Me neither.'
'Shut up.'
I looked at Ginny. Her lips were moving, and her cheeks were puffing up. It looked like she was grinding her teeth on the inside of her mouth.
Neville, on the other hand, had a Malfoy like death grip on my shoulder.
'Malfoy touched you?'
'Do you want me to hurt him?'
'That's it. I'm asking Dumbledore if we can somehow block this way of communicating temporarily.'
'Why?!'
'Why?!'
'I AM allowed to have my own thoughts!'
"You lot just went through expressions again," said Dean pointing. Sometimes, I just want to permanently hex his mouth closed.
'Me too.'
'Shut up!'
"Let's go Hermione," said Neville directing me out of the common room. "We need to get a carriage."
............................................................................................................
Hogsmeade
The carriage ride went smooth. Harry and Ron talked to Neville and I the whole way. When we got off, the boys separated from Ginny and me. Ginny decided to go to the bookstore with me.
We were currently in the Stories About Spells Gone Wrong Section.
"So Hermione."
"Yes Ginny."
"Are you and Neville like... really close?"
I found her tone of voice disturbing but ignored it. "Well, friend wise we're close, but the going out thing is currently new."
"That's cool."
I nodded my head, raised my eyebrow, and continued to look at the books.
After a few moments, I spotted Malfoy looking at books with big words in it, which is in the advanced Spell and Potion Books Section. Why the hell is he in a bookstore anyway? Well, it's not hard to imagine him in a bookstore, since he is second in our year, but he was surprisingly not in an evil bookstore. I turned into a random aisle to keep him from seeing me. Ginny got bored and told me she wanted to go to the accessories shop across the street.
I nodded and went on my tippy toes to pretend to look at books. I was really thinking of not getting spotted by Malfoy. Just as I was reaching for a book, I heard a slimy, hissy voice in my ear.
"Didn't know you were so interested in Divination, Granger."
This surprised me enough for me to jerk my head back and hit him in the nose. He started bleeding. The good side of me said it might be good to not laugh, but Malfoy didn't have a good side. I considered this moment an exception.
"Sorry (giggle). Just don't (stifled laugh) ever (giggle) do that (loud laugh) again (snort)," I said between fits of hysterics while getting my wand and healing his wound on reflex. After that was done I turned back around not realizing what I just did. He didn't leave, however. I suppressed the urge to ask him why.
He spoke first anyway. "You healed my wound and apologized to me. Do you have any idea what it would do to your reputation? Or even worse, my reputation. And the fact that you were laughing at me in public is enough to put me in the Weasley family."
It took me a while to process what he did. I healed his, oh my gosh, I healed his wound. Think of an excuse. Think! THINK!!!!!!! "It's just a habit and or reflex. You should be thankful. And, don't refer to Ron's family as a lower breed than you. I'm supposed to fill that role. And, you haven't called me that lovely pet name of yours since...forever."
"Wait, you sound way to passive. I'm suspicious. And it's not a pet name," he said crossing his arms over his chest.
"You would rather us scream at each other? Yes it is. I don't see you calling Justin in Hufflepuff a pet name, and he's muggle born, " I said raising an eyebrow.
"Well, yeah. Our relationship does tend to revolve around that. And I don't really care for Hufflepuffs anyway." he said pretending to look at a book on the opposite self.
" And you care about poor, ugly Gryffindors like me? You're being way to nice to me," I whispered.
"You're being way to nice to me! And I don't really care about you. I'm a winner, and you're a loser remember?" he retorted.
"We're not supposed to even have a 'relationship' so to speak. Oh, new pet name," I said calmly. His presence was really annoying me. Although, I should be remotely nice to get a good next assignment. I will not let any one else ruin me.
He put the book that he was looking at back on the shelf rather forcefully. "We have a business relationship, in a way, Granger. I'm not happy about it, but a Malfoy is always taught to take business seriously."
"So you're not mad about me slapping you four times?" I said moving to the next aisle.
"No, I'm still planning revenge for that," he said in a...oh my gosh, he just joked with me.
"You made a joke," I said surprised.
"It's part of my charm," he said patting his chest.
"Then why use it on me? Don't you have a ho or two to do or something?"
He grabbed my wrist with that death grip of his again. I tried to back away for the sake of keeping my wand hand, but he just wouldn't budge. "Is that what you think of me?" he whispered dangerously.
"It's what I always thought of you," I whispered back slowly, just to let it sink in.
He let go of me rather violently. "Well, I was going to give you your next little 'victim' now. But, you can wait."
I watched as he strode away. I did a bad thing. I could tell he was going to give me a little mercy, and I blew it. He should learn not to under- estimate me.
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Three Broomsticks
I currently was a little shaky. The more I thought about the bet, the more I panicked. Actually, I didn't have that much time to think about it since Harry and Ron can read my thoughts. I tried to focus my surface thoughts on the food we were all sharing and the conversation. Although, my nerves weren't helping me swallow anything.
"Eloise Midgen with a boyfriend?!" said Ginny astonished.
"Don't be mean Ginny," I warned half-heartedly. "Even though, I am quite surprised myself."
"I still think she needs to fix her nose," muttered Ron.
I glared at him.
"I'll be in the bathroom," informed Harry. When he said this, he was looking out of the window. Something was wrong. I just vouldn't figure out what it was. Harry would come back and get us.
"Look Gin, there's your chance!" yelled Dean
Ginny's face went redder than her hair. "I do not like him like that anymore, you little-."
"Just joking Ginny," said Dean defensively.
As I was about to defend Ginny, Neville pulled me towards him to whisper in my ear. "I n-n-need t-to t-t-t-t-talk t-t-to y-ou l-l-l-later."
"Sure Neville," I whispered back. The stuttering was tolerable, but the spitting was just plain wrong.
Just then, Harry came back from the bathroom. "Ron, Hermione. We need to talk now."
Ron and I looked at each other and made a confused face but got up anyway. "We'll see you back in the Common Room if we don't end up coming back to town," I said addressing everyone.
They all nodded in response.
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Shrieking Shack
We were in the room where we discovered Peter Petegrew in our third year. I was sitting on the bed next to Ron, while Harry was pacing.
"You really want to know my secret?" Harry asked.
Ron nodded in excitement.
"It's Hannah," he stated simply.
"Hannah?!" Ron and I exclaimed.
"Hannah."
"How?" I asked still in shock.
"We've been friends since the DA-."
"Yeah, I know. I just never knew you were really that close."
"I was the one that put Justin and her together, and I was the one who broke them up."
"So the rumor was true," interrupted Ron dumbly.
"How did you break them up?" I asked while kicking Ron in the shin.
"I told her, that one day they broke up, about Justin needing to talk to you," he confessed.
"So that's how she popped up out of nowhere," I thought out loud.
"I caught Justin cheating on her with Eloise Midgen in an empty classroom," Harry said cringing.
"So that's who her boyfriend is," said Ron dumbly.
"Wow. And they waited a few weeks to not make it look obvious. Smart," was the only sensible thing that could come out of my mouth.
"But that's not what I wanted to talk to you about," Harry said swiftly.
"Why didn't you-?"
"No questions Hermione," interrupted Harry. "I saw two Death Eaters outside." This is exactly what I had been dreading.
"Doing what?" asked Ron.
"I don't know. They were just standing there, but I know there was more than that. And guys, I'm sorry, but I can't try to pretend like this isn't happening. I tried to keep it light with you guys, but-."
"The final battle is in the near future, and we aren't prepared," I finished solemnly.
"And you just wanted us and you to be happy for the possible last days of our lives," added Ron.
Harry nodded before I engulfed him in a hug. Ron really can be deep. He and I have that understanding for Harry. I just wished it wouldn't make me want to cry.
Harry let go of me. "I don't want any of you to not live a good life."
"We want that for you too Harry," I said so sincerely that it gave me one of the most over-whelming feelings I've ever felt in my life. I grabbed his and Ron's hand. "I guess we're going back to the castle."
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Dumbledore's Office
We didn't wait to be politely shown in this time. Ron took it upon himself to barge in.
"What brings you here students?" asked Professor Dumbledore. A light flame replaced the twinkle in his eye.
"Death Eaters in Hogsmeade," stated Harry simply.
"I know Mr. Potter. I sent teachers out to get the other students home. I'm guessing you're having suspicions," replied Professor Dumbledore.
"As always," Ron said in his usual matter. We have gone through this situation so many times. It almost made it feel unreal.
"And there's one more thing. I saw Crookshanks watching them," Harry revealed.
"Crookshanks?!" I yelled surprised.
"Crookshanks," Harry repeated.
"How did he manage to get out of the castle?" I asked incredulously. This news wasn't doing any good to my nerves.
"Crookshanks is a clever cat Miss Granger, as you should know. And I do believe he is a good cat. He was observing them to find the Death Eater's secret also," informed Dumbledore
"And another thing, Professor," I said before he could conclude this meeting. "Our thoughts, how can we keep them from each other when we want to keep them private?"
"You can't control thoughts popping up in your head, Miss Granger. However, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley can want not to think your thoughts. If they don't want to know what you're thinking, then they won't," said Dumbledore. His twinkle was coming back to his eye.
"Thank you Professor," I said before we left.
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Work Room
I found Crookshanks in the workroom. "I was so worried about you," I said scratching his chin. Crookshanks purred in return.
"You must really have no friends if you're talking to that ugly cat," drawled Malfoy as he walked in.
Crookshanks hissed and left my lap.
"You know I have friends, you prat," I said nonchalantly.
"No way to talk to somebody who controls your assignment," he warned.
"I'm surprised you care enough to warn me," I said smiling sweetly at him. I even quirked an eyebrow to irk him even more.
He sneered in return. "I'm not nice enough to warn you."
"Right, but you were a human being long enough to be a little civil to me in the bookstore," I reminded.
"I wouldn't call that-."
"Yes, I would call that being slightly civil and you know it," I interrupted.
"What's the whole point of this conversation?!" he asked frustrated. He didn't look like he was mad, but his eyes told me everything. Why am I even noticing anyway?
"Why were you almost civil to me in the bookstore," I asked turning around to go sit on the couch.
"I'm not telling you," he retorted childishly.
"So you admit you were being civi-."
"Fine, I'll tell you if you would just shut up!" he yelled.
"You're giving up too easily," I noticed.
"I'm not in the mental state to argue, Granger. I spent all my energy trying to be nice to Lisa when we broke up. I think I added a person to my list of stalkers."
"Wow, you've handled girl emotions. Haha!"
"Damn right. It was like trying to comfort a flood. Don't laugh at me bitch."
"Answer my question," I insisted. He was getting off the subject. I wasn't going to argue over the bitch comment yet.
He rolled his eyes. "I'll kill you if you tell anyone."
"Whatever."
"After I was done cursing you Monday, I thought about why you thought you could hit my perfect skin. Then I thought about why you even wanted too. Then I remembered when some Ravenclaw knocked me off my broom, and I couldn't help think about-."
"Being understanding."
"That's not it."
"Yes it is it."
"Ok fine. And as hard as this is for you to believe, I, unlike most people I know, have feelings," he said turning his back on me ashamed.
"Why are you telling me this? I didn't expect an answer at all. This is major blackmail."
"You tell me now."
"I thought you were smarter than that. Aren't you supposed to be the master of blackmail?"
"I told you I couldn't stand much more after Lisa. I'm a man. We don't have as much emotion as you women. And plus, this is my way of...of...apologizing," he finally spit out.
"What happened to simply saying-?"
"I will never say those words, Granger" he interrupted.
"Is that why you got mad at me at the bookstore when I was being overly sarcastic? You were giving me one day of being civil to apologize," I said incredulous once again. There were to many surprises today. And, the apologizing in an almost sincere way thing let the emotional women line pass.
"So you're not as daft as I thought."
I glared.
"And your assignment is Zambini."
Why did he have to drop the bomb on me like that? I don't even talk to Blaise anymore. He's in Slytherin. This would be just like trying to get Malfoy. "Zambini?"
"Yes, Granger. This is my revenge."
"But-."
"I never kid on revenge threats."
That's it. I'm never letting my guard down again.
"I happen to know that he is having problems in his relationship."
"How?"
"She's been coming to me for advice about him. They ARE having problems."
"Fine, then you get Victoria. She is way to loyal to him to dump him for you." I can't believe I'm doing this. Victoria isn't my friend, but I did give her time with Blaise. She is loyal, though. I don't think I should worry.
"Your claws are coming back out, Granger."
"If it weren't for you, they wouldn't be out."
"And I know you haven't broken up with Longbottom. I want an owl informing me you did. And don't even thin about lying, because I can charm the letter to see if..."
"I'm lying? I won't lie, don't worry, you selfish bastard," I said leaving through the wall. I couldn't face Neville yet. I had to take the long way around to think. But as I was about to turn a corner, a figure stopped me. It was...
Zambini.
"We need to talk, Granger," he said giving me no time to answer. He was already dragging me into an empty classroom. When the door was completely closed he whispered, "I know about the bet you have with Malfoy."
"How the hell do you know?" I asked surprised...again.
"How the hell do you know?" he mimicked. "Draco's mistake was ranting about the bet to me, his supposed best friend. He won't stop talking about how insufferable you are and shit like that. He has bad surface anger. Then, I got curious. And since I'm a conniving little genius, I found a piece of parchment in his memo pile about the bet. He also kept on asking if Victoria and I were still having problems. Of course, he did it casually, but any Slytherin can see past any half-hearted façade."
"So what are you talking to me for?" I asked.
"Are you really that stupid, Granger? I'm getting revenge on Malfoy by helping you, only if, Victoria falls for Draco."
"That's, umm, comforting."
"It better be," he hissed before leaving.
I left shortly after. This was sort of a twist. But I shouldn't be questioning it, because this was just the luck I needed.
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Gryffindor Common Room
It was an hour after dinner that I had the guts to face Neville. I couldn't hurt him. But now, Malfoy had a bet and blackmail on me. It was time to gather that Gryffindor courage and-.
"Are you going to say the password anytime soon dear? I am planning to have evening tea with Violet," said the Fat Lady impatiently.
"Sorry. Wood Nymph, "I muttered. I walked in to find Neville on the same couch I found him on when he asked me out.
"Hermione, over here," he waved.
I walked over and sat next to him.
"Hermione, before you say anything, w-w-we n-need t-t-to b-break up."
"Neville I need to...We what?"
"I can't stand lying to you. I only asked you out to m-m-make Ginny jealous. And it t-turns out I did," he said bowing his head in shame.
This is just the thing I needed. We both have guilt! Except, he's not supposed to know about mine.
"It's ok, Neville," I said comfortingly.
He popped his head up hopefully.. "You're not mad?"
I shook my head. But how am I supposed to tell Malfoy that I dumped him? Think Hermione! THINK!!!! "Umm, Neville?"
"Yes."
"Is it ok to say that I dumped you? I know it would hurt your pride, and I understand that-."
"Yes, if it makes you feel better," he said unsurely.
"Oh, thank you Neville!" I said jumping to my feet and running to my dormitory.
I immediately started looking for a roll of parchment. I got my ink and quill and started to write:
D.M.
I broke it off with him. You haven't won yet, so I prefer you not do the gloating you were doing five minutes ago.
Hope you lose,
H.G.
Now, where to find an owl? Wait, why use an owl when I can use a transporting spell. I muttered a few words and went to sleep happily. And I hope he went to sleep ready to have nightmares about me.
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Chapter Explanation: So there it is. Before you say anything about Harry's sudden angst, don't forget that this whole story is from Hermione's point of view. When Harry is depressed, he tends to want to keep to himself. Now, he can't hold back anymore for the sake of his friends. And I know Draco sounds just a little nice in this story. Draco is sly, so he might've just wanted to be nice to Hermione then dropped the bomb on her. The theory you choose to go on is yours. This also gives you the relationship development reviewers have suggested to me in the past. And who would've thought Neville could be that way? He is a shy boy, but he is a boy with feelings. You can't help who you like. This chapter was slightly darker, wasn't it? I hope the humor was there. Hope you enjoyed it. Be constructive or praiseful in your reviews!
Next Chapter Preview: Ron has a secret. Hermione gets a letter. More potion making! The DA is back in business!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me: One hotdog please.
Hotdog Stand Guy: Here you go. Hey, aren't you the girl that wants the characters?
Me: So you've heard.
Hotdog Stand Guy: Yup. You need to stop before you get hurt.
Me: Thanks for the concern.
Hotdog Stand Guy: Your welcome. That would be ten bucks.
Me: TEN BUCKS!!!!!!!!!!
Hotdog Stand Guy: Yup.
Me: Fine.
(leaves)
Hotdog Stand Guy: (Takes off disguise...again)
JK: Oh yeah. I over-charged her!
So I got hungry. I didn't have time to make the characters mine. And I WAS ripped off.
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Reviewer Shout Out: Thank you for all the reviews. I get a lot of comments about how cute this story is, which is a compliment to me. That is one of those factors that I try to put in the story. It is a light fic, and I'm trying not to be overly fluffy. Thank you for the compliments. Love you guys! Here's your chappie. I don't remember if I put this in the last chapter, but I have family over, so I might not be able to update as much.
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Gryffindor Common Room
It was getting chilly outside. Summer was fading into fall. This meant only one thing...
Jumping in leaves!
Of course, the leaves would have to fall off the trees first, but that would happen soon enough.
Right now, I was in the Common Room enjoying breakfast. It was almost tradition that all the people in our year, and a few younger housemates like Ginny, eat breakfast in the Common Room before the Hogmeade trip. We always told Professor McGonagall that we planned to eat once we get there. I didn't agree with the lying and the extra work Dobby had to do at first, but we haven't been caught. Plus, Crookshanks had an appetite for crunchy cereal.
'Let's go to the Quidditch Shop first Harry!'
'Don't you think we should consider Hermione?'
'That's nice Harry, but you can go with Ron. I always visit the bookstore anyways.'
'Ok.'
'We'll meet you at the sweet shop?'
'Yeah.'
"Do you have any idea how many expressions you three went through in the past minute," asked Dean.
All three of us shook our heads no. As if we were going to tell Dean what privilege has been given to us. It would take him a while to get it anyway.
"It's like you all were communicating through expressions," said Seamus.
This time, we looked at each other with a 'desperate not to roll eyes expression'. Well, that's what Harry and Ron were doing. I actually did roll my eyes.
An awkward silence took place. Neville, who surprisingly had his arm comfortably around me, broke the silence. The boy was gaining confidence. "Do you all want to have lunch together? We might as well spend time with each other a lot. It is our last year after all."
There was an all around sure.
"What about you, Gin?" asked Neville. As he said this, he started squeezing my shoulder a little harder.
'Stop,' I thought. 'If you keep on doing that, you'll just keep on making me feel worse about-'
'About what?'
'Nothing Ron.'
'I will find your secret, Hermione!'
'Can you two shut up! You both are thinking too loud.'
'Sorry.'
'Sorry.'
"Sure, why not," answered Ginny.
I can't believe she hadn't answered until just now.
'Me neither.'
'Shut up.'
I looked at Ginny. Her lips were moving, and her cheeks were puffing up. It looked like she was grinding her teeth on the inside of her mouth.
Neville, on the other hand, had a Malfoy like death grip on my shoulder.
'Malfoy touched you?'
'Do you want me to hurt him?'
'That's it. I'm asking Dumbledore if we can somehow block this way of communicating temporarily.'
'Why?!'
'Why?!'
'I AM allowed to have my own thoughts!'
"You lot just went through expressions again," said Dean pointing. Sometimes, I just want to permanently hex his mouth closed.
'Me too.'
'Shut up!'
"Let's go Hermione," said Neville directing me out of the common room. "We need to get a carriage."
............................................................................................................
Hogsmeade
The carriage ride went smooth. Harry and Ron talked to Neville and I the whole way. When we got off, the boys separated from Ginny and me. Ginny decided to go to the bookstore with me.
We were currently in the Stories About Spells Gone Wrong Section.
"So Hermione."
"Yes Ginny."
"Are you and Neville like... really close?"
I found her tone of voice disturbing but ignored it. "Well, friend wise we're close, but the going out thing is currently new."
"That's cool."
I nodded my head, raised my eyebrow, and continued to look at the books.
After a few moments, I spotted Malfoy looking at books with big words in it, which is in the advanced Spell and Potion Books Section. Why the hell is he in a bookstore anyway? Well, it's not hard to imagine him in a bookstore, since he is second in our year, but he was surprisingly not in an evil bookstore. I turned into a random aisle to keep him from seeing me. Ginny got bored and told me she wanted to go to the accessories shop across the street.
I nodded and went on my tippy toes to pretend to look at books. I was really thinking of not getting spotted by Malfoy. Just as I was reaching for a book, I heard a slimy, hissy voice in my ear.
"Didn't know you were so interested in Divination, Granger."
This surprised me enough for me to jerk my head back and hit him in the nose. He started bleeding. The good side of me said it might be good to not laugh, but Malfoy didn't have a good side. I considered this moment an exception.
"Sorry (giggle). Just don't (stifled laugh) ever (giggle) do that (loud laugh) again (snort)," I said between fits of hysterics while getting my wand and healing his wound on reflex. After that was done I turned back around not realizing what I just did. He didn't leave, however. I suppressed the urge to ask him why.
He spoke first anyway. "You healed my wound and apologized to me. Do you have any idea what it would do to your reputation? Or even worse, my reputation. And the fact that you were laughing at me in public is enough to put me in the Weasley family."
It took me a while to process what he did. I healed his, oh my gosh, I healed his wound. Think of an excuse. Think! THINK!!!!!!! "It's just a habit and or reflex. You should be thankful. And, don't refer to Ron's family as a lower breed than you. I'm supposed to fill that role. And, you haven't called me that lovely pet name of yours since...forever."
"Wait, you sound way to passive. I'm suspicious. And it's not a pet name," he said crossing his arms over his chest.
"You would rather us scream at each other? Yes it is. I don't see you calling Justin in Hufflepuff a pet name, and he's muggle born, " I said raising an eyebrow.
"Well, yeah. Our relationship does tend to revolve around that. And I don't really care for Hufflepuffs anyway." he said pretending to look at a book on the opposite self.
" And you care about poor, ugly Gryffindors like me? You're being way to nice to me," I whispered.
"You're being way to nice to me! And I don't really care about you. I'm a winner, and you're a loser remember?" he retorted.
"We're not supposed to even have a 'relationship' so to speak. Oh, new pet name," I said calmly. His presence was really annoying me. Although, I should be remotely nice to get a good next assignment. I will not let any one else ruin me.
He put the book that he was looking at back on the shelf rather forcefully. "We have a business relationship, in a way, Granger. I'm not happy about it, but a Malfoy is always taught to take business seriously."
"So you're not mad about me slapping you four times?" I said moving to the next aisle.
"No, I'm still planning revenge for that," he said in a...oh my gosh, he just joked with me.
"You made a joke," I said surprised.
"It's part of my charm," he said patting his chest.
"Then why use it on me? Don't you have a ho or two to do or something?"
He grabbed my wrist with that death grip of his again. I tried to back away for the sake of keeping my wand hand, but he just wouldn't budge. "Is that what you think of me?" he whispered dangerously.
"It's what I always thought of you," I whispered back slowly, just to let it sink in.
He let go of me rather violently. "Well, I was going to give you your next little 'victim' now. But, you can wait."
I watched as he strode away. I did a bad thing. I could tell he was going to give me a little mercy, and I blew it. He should learn not to under- estimate me.
............................................................................................................
Three Broomsticks
I currently was a little shaky. The more I thought about the bet, the more I panicked. Actually, I didn't have that much time to think about it since Harry and Ron can read my thoughts. I tried to focus my surface thoughts on the food we were all sharing and the conversation. Although, my nerves weren't helping me swallow anything.
"Eloise Midgen with a boyfriend?!" said Ginny astonished.
"Don't be mean Ginny," I warned half-heartedly. "Even though, I am quite surprised myself."
"I still think she needs to fix her nose," muttered Ron.
I glared at him.
"I'll be in the bathroom," informed Harry. When he said this, he was looking out of the window. Something was wrong. I just vouldn't figure out what it was. Harry would come back and get us.
"Look Gin, there's your chance!" yelled Dean
Ginny's face went redder than her hair. "I do not like him like that anymore, you little-."
"Just joking Ginny," said Dean defensively.
As I was about to defend Ginny, Neville pulled me towards him to whisper in my ear. "I n-n-need t-to t-t-t-t-talk t-t-to y-ou l-l-l-later."
"Sure Neville," I whispered back. The stuttering was tolerable, but the spitting was just plain wrong.
Just then, Harry came back from the bathroom. "Ron, Hermione. We need to talk now."
Ron and I looked at each other and made a confused face but got up anyway. "We'll see you back in the Common Room if we don't end up coming back to town," I said addressing everyone.
They all nodded in response.
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Shrieking Shack
We were in the room where we discovered Peter Petegrew in our third year. I was sitting on the bed next to Ron, while Harry was pacing.
"You really want to know my secret?" Harry asked.
Ron nodded in excitement.
"It's Hannah," he stated simply.
"Hannah?!" Ron and I exclaimed.
"Hannah."
"How?" I asked still in shock.
"We've been friends since the DA-."
"Yeah, I know. I just never knew you were really that close."
"I was the one that put Justin and her together, and I was the one who broke them up."
"So the rumor was true," interrupted Ron dumbly.
"How did you break them up?" I asked while kicking Ron in the shin.
"I told her, that one day they broke up, about Justin needing to talk to you," he confessed.
"So that's how she popped up out of nowhere," I thought out loud.
"I caught Justin cheating on her with Eloise Midgen in an empty classroom," Harry said cringing.
"So that's who her boyfriend is," said Ron dumbly.
"Wow. And they waited a few weeks to not make it look obvious. Smart," was the only sensible thing that could come out of my mouth.
"But that's not what I wanted to talk to you about," Harry said swiftly.
"Why didn't you-?"
"No questions Hermione," interrupted Harry. "I saw two Death Eaters outside." This is exactly what I had been dreading.
"Doing what?" asked Ron.
"I don't know. They were just standing there, but I know there was more than that. And guys, I'm sorry, but I can't try to pretend like this isn't happening. I tried to keep it light with you guys, but-."
"The final battle is in the near future, and we aren't prepared," I finished solemnly.
"And you just wanted us and you to be happy for the possible last days of our lives," added Ron.
Harry nodded before I engulfed him in a hug. Ron really can be deep. He and I have that understanding for Harry. I just wished it wouldn't make me want to cry.
Harry let go of me. "I don't want any of you to not live a good life."
"We want that for you too Harry," I said so sincerely that it gave me one of the most over-whelming feelings I've ever felt in my life. I grabbed his and Ron's hand. "I guess we're going back to the castle."
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Dumbledore's Office
We didn't wait to be politely shown in this time. Ron took it upon himself to barge in.
"What brings you here students?" asked Professor Dumbledore. A light flame replaced the twinkle in his eye.
"Death Eaters in Hogsmeade," stated Harry simply.
"I know Mr. Potter. I sent teachers out to get the other students home. I'm guessing you're having suspicions," replied Professor Dumbledore.
"As always," Ron said in his usual matter. We have gone through this situation so many times. It almost made it feel unreal.
"And there's one more thing. I saw Crookshanks watching them," Harry revealed.
"Crookshanks?!" I yelled surprised.
"Crookshanks," Harry repeated.
"How did he manage to get out of the castle?" I asked incredulously. This news wasn't doing any good to my nerves.
"Crookshanks is a clever cat Miss Granger, as you should know. And I do believe he is a good cat. He was observing them to find the Death Eater's secret also," informed Dumbledore
"And another thing, Professor," I said before he could conclude this meeting. "Our thoughts, how can we keep them from each other when we want to keep them private?"
"You can't control thoughts popping up in your head, Miss Granger. However, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley can want not to think your thoughts. If they don't want to know what you're thinking, then they won't," said Dumbledore. His twinkle was coming back to his eye.
"Thank you Professor," I said before we left.
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Work Room
I found Crookshanks in the workroom. "I was so worried about you," I said scratching his chin. Crookshanks purred in return.
"You must really have no friends if you're talking to that ugly cat," drawled Malfoy as he walked in.
Crookshanks hissed and left my lap.
"You know I have friends, you prat," I said nonchalantly.
"No way to talk to somebody who controls your assignment," he warned.
"I'm surprised you care enough to warn me," I said smiling sweetly at him. I even quirked an eyebrow to irk him even more.
He sneered in return. "I'm not nice enough to warn you."
"Right, but you were a human being long enough to be a little civil to me in the bookstore," I reminded.
"I wouldn't call that-."
"Yes, I would call that being slightly civil and you know it," I interrupted.
"What's the whole point of this conversation?!" he asked frustrated. He didn't look like he was mad, but his eyes told me everything. Why am I even noticing anyway?
"Why were you almost civil to me in the bookstore," I asked turning around to go sit on the couch.
"I'm not telling you," he retorted childishly.
"So you admit you were being civi-."
"Fine, I'll tell you if you would just shut up!" he yelled.
"You're giving up too easily," I noticed.
"I'm not in the mental state to argue, Granger. I spent all my energy trying to be nice to Lisa when we broke up. I think I added a person to my list of stalkers."
"Wow, you've handled girl emotions. Haha!"
"Damn right. It was like trying to comfort a flood. Don't laugh at me bitch."
"Answer my question," I insisted. He was getting off the subject. I wasn't going to argue over the bitch comment yet.
He rolled his eyes. "I'll kill you if you tell anyone."
"Whatever."
"After I was done cursing you Monday, I thought about why you thought you could hit my perfect skin. Then I thought about why you even wanted too. Then I remembered when some Ravenclaw knocked me off my broom, and I couldn't help think about-."
"Being understanding."
"That's not it."
"Yes it is it."
"Ok fine. And as hard as this is for you to believe, I, unlike most people I know, have feelings," he said turning his back on me ashamed.
"Why are you telling me this? I didn't expect an answer at all. This is major blackmail."
"You tell me now."
"I thought you were smarter than that. Aren't you supposed to be the master of blackmail?"
"I told you I couldn't stand much more after Lisa. I'm a man. We don't have as much emotion as you women. And plus, this is my way of...of...apologizing," he finally spit out.
"What happened to simply saying-?"
"I will never say those words, Granger" he interrupted.
"Is that why you got mad at me at the bookstore when I was being overly sarcastic? You were giving me one day of being civil to apologize," I said incredulous once again. There were to many surprises today. And, the apologizing in an almost sincere way thing let the emotional women line pass.
"So you're not as daft as I thought."
I glared.
"And your assignment is Zambini."
Why did he have to drop the bomb on me like that? I don't even talk to Blaise anymore. He's in Slytherin. This would be just like trying to get Malfoy. "Zambini?"
"Yes, Granger. This is my revenge."
"But-."
"I never kid on revenge threats."
That's it. I'm never letting my guard down again.
"I happen to know that he is having problems in his relationship."
"How?"
"She's been coming to me for advice about him. They ARE having problems."
"Fine, then you get Victoria. She is way to loyal to him to dump him for you." I can't believe I'm doing this. Victoria isn't my friend, but I did give her time with Blaise. She is loyal, though. I don't think I should worry.
"Your claws are coming back out, Granger."
"If it weren't for you, they wouldn't be out."
"And I know you haven't broken up with Longbottom. I want an owl informing me you did. And don't even thin about lying, because I can charm the letter to see if..."
"I'm lying? I won't lie, don't worry, you selfish bastard," I said leaving through the wall. I couldn't face Neville yet. I had to take the long way around to think. But as I was about to turn a corner, a figure stopped me. It was...
Zambini.
"We need to talk, Granger," he said giving me no time to answer. He was already dragging me into an empty classroom. When the door was completely closed he whispered, "I know about the bet you have with Malfoy."
"How the hell do you know?" I asked surprised...again.
"How the hell do you know?" he mimicked. "Draco's mistake was ranting about the bet to me, his supposed best friend. He won't stop talking about how insufferable you are and shit like that. He has bad surface anger. Then, I got curious. And since I'm a conniving little genius, I found a piece of parchment in his memo pile about the bet. He also kept on asking if Victoria and I were still having problems. Of course, he did it casually, but any Slytherin can see past any half-hearted façade."
"So what are you talking to me for?" I asked.
"Are you really that stupid, Granger? I'm getting revenge on Malfoy by helping you, only if, Victoria falls for Draco."
"That's, umm, comforting."
"It better be," he hissed before leaving.
I left shortly after. This was sort of a twist. But I shouldn't be questioning it, because this was just the luck I needed.
.......................................................................................................
Gryffindor Common Room
It was an hour after dinner that I had the guts to face Neville. I couldn't hurt him. But now, Malfoy had a bet and blackmail on me. It was time to gather that Gryffindor courage and-.
"Are you going to say the password anytime soon dear? I am planning to have evening tea with Violet," said the Fat Lady impatiently.
"Sorry. Wood Nymph, "I muttered. I walked in to find Neville on the same couch I found him on when he asked me out.
"Hermione, over here," he waved.
I walked over and sat next to him.
"Hermione, before you say anything, w-w-we n-need t-t-to b-break up."
"Neville I need to...We what?"
"I can't stand lying to you. I only asked you out to m-m-make Ginny jealous. And it t-turns out I did," he said bowing his head in shame.
This is just the thing I needed. We both have guilt! Except, he's not supposed to know about mine.
"It's ok, Neville," I said comfortingly.
He popped his head up hopefully.. "You're not mad?"
I shook my head. But how am I supposed to tell Malfoy that I dumped him? Think Hermione! THINK!!!! "Umm, Neville?"
"Yes."
"Is it ok to say that I dumped you? I know it would hurt your pride, and I understand that-."
"Yes, if it makes you feel better," he said unsurely.
"Oh, thank you Neville!" I said jumping to my feet and running to my dormitory.
I immediately started looking for a roll of parchment. I got my ink and quill and started to write:
D.M.
I broke it off with him. You haven't won yet, so I prefer you not do the gloating you were doing five minutes ago.
Hope you lose,
H.G.
Now, where to find an owl? Wait, why use an owl when I can use a transporting spell. I muttered a few words and went to sleep happily. And I hope he went to sleep ready to have nightmares about me.
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Chapter Explanation: So there it is. Before you say anything about Harry's sudden angst, don't forget that this whole story is from Hermione's point of view. When Harry is depressed, he tends to want to keep to himself. Now, he can't hold back anymore for the sake of his friends. And I know Draco sounds just a little nice in this story. Draco is sly, so he might've just wanted to be nice to Hermione then dropped the bomb on her. The theory you choose to go on is yours. This also gives you the relationship development reviewers have suggested to me in the past. And who would've thought Neville could be that way? He is a shy boy, but he is a boy with feelings. You can't help who you like. This chapter was slightly darker, wasn't it? I hope the humor was there. Hope you enjoyed it. Be constructive or praiseful in your reviews!
Next Chapter Preview: Ron has a secret. Hermione gets a letter. More potion making! The DA is back in business!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!