Sorry for the long wait (especially since I've had this written since December). I hope you like it!
The next morning at breakfast, Harry took his usual seat at the end of the Griffindor table, yet he sensed that today would be different. Of course, no one would sit with him, or would they? Eyeing the door, Harry smiled when Robyn walked into the Great Hall unaccompanied. Her smile was breathtaking and the entire room seemed to get brighter. Her face lit up when she spied Harry and she skipped over and plopped down in the seat next to him, instead of running off to sit with Ron and Hermione.
"You still like me, right?" she asked cautiously, dread slowly seeping into her expressive green eyes.
Harry just laughed and gave his cousin a half-hug before returning to his breakfast, barely catching the dread leave Robyn's eyes. However, he did see Ron and Hermione walk over to them, confusion and curiosity written all over their faces.
"Robby," Ron whispered, eyeing Harry suspiciously, "You do know who you're sitting next to, right?"
"I sure do," Robyn said, wrapping her arm around Harry's shoulder, "I'm sitting next to my cousin, Harry, and I couldn't be happier."
"And when did this happen?" Hermione asked, question and concern filling her eyes.
"Last night," Harry mumbled, chugging down some pumpkin juice, "Robyn talked to me and opened my eyes to what a great person she is. I don't know what I was thinking not to believe her."
"That's nice," Hermione said sweetly, "Harry, can I talk to you alone?"
"Sure," Harry muttered, his mouth full of buttery toast.
Yanking on his robe sleeve, Hermione dragged him into the hall and eyed him for a moment before saying, "What are you up to now, Harry?"
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, raising his eyebrows in question.
"What I mean," Hermione spat, "Is that one moment you're ignoring your cousin and breaking her heart, and the next it's like you two have been friends forever. It seems very suspicious."
"What are you suggesting?" Harry said, his voice rising, "That I'm faking it?"
"I just don't want you to get her hopes up and then crush them again." Hermione whispered.
"Oh," he yelled, "So I'm the bad guy now? A fellow can't love his cousin in a cousinly way without being interrogated about his loyalty? I was in the dark and Robyn pulled me into the light. I would do anything for her, so don't you even dare question my love for her!" And with that he stormed down the hall.
With a little shriek of frustration, Hermione took a deep breath and entered the Great Hall to join up with Ron and Robby. She knew the perfect way to make sure Robyn's heart was shredded again. Sure, it was unfair to Harry and Robyn, but it had to be done. Hermione just didn't trust Harry like she used to and couldn't tell if he was telling the truth or not.
"Hey Hermione," Robyn asked hesitantly, "Where's Harry?"
"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this," Hermione said, taking Robyn's hands in her own, "But I was talking to Harry about how wonderful it was that he was finally taking an interest in you, and you want to know what he said? He said that he was really putting on a façade and that he didn't really love you, but was using you to win back the hearts of his schoolmates. I'm sorry Robyn, I really am."
Biting her lip to hold back the tears, Robyn slowly nodded and said, "That's okay Hermione. Thanks for telling me. I want to be alone for a little bit."
Hermione smirked as Robyn left the Great Hall. She had never known how great her acting skills were. Gullible Robyn had bought it all. Hermione never noticed Ron eyeing her suspiciously for the rest of the meal.
Robyn stiffly walked down the hall, desperately trying to hold back tears. Why did Harry have to be so mean? He had mislead her and damaged her trust and hope. Robyn felt as though a giant dagger had been dragged through her heart and the pain would never go away. And even if it did, a scar would be left and forever remind her of this awful occurrence. Robyn finally made it to the portrait of the fat lady and mumbled the password. She ducked into the common room, just to find Harry sitting on a couch, staring into the fire absentmindedly. Her face burning, Robyn walked over and slapped him.
"What was that for you inconsiderate…" Harry mumbled. But when he saw it was his cousin, he shouted, "Robyn!"
"How could you, Harry?" Robyn whined, the tears starting to break through.
Harry looked puzzled. "Do what?" he asked.
"How could you lie to me?" she screeched, "Hermione told me all about what you said."
"I don't know what Hermione told you," Harry whispered, "But it certainly wasn't what I said. I told her that I loved you with all my heart, but she didn't believe me. I tried to defend you!"
"How can I trust you?" Robyn asked, looking at the floor, "Hermione was my friend and helped get through when you were so mean."
"I'm your cousin!" Harry yelled, "You have to believe me! I love you so much!"
"But how do I know that?" Robyn whispered.
Harry walked over and placed his hands firmly on Robyn's shoulders and gently shook her. "Listen to me!" he said angrily, "I love you and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! You're acting like a brat! Of course you should trust me! Trust me and no one else...wait, that didn't come out right."
"I just can't." Robyn whispered, the tears finally overflowing and streaming down her face.
"Robyn," Harry mumbled, reaching out to stroke her cheek.
"Leave me alone!" she growled, slapping him away and running upstairs. Harry tried to grab her, hoping to bring her to him and comfort her, but she was too quick. Robyn dashed into the room and slammed the door with a bang, locking it.
"Robyn!" Harry yelled, pounding on the door with all his might, "Let me in! I swear I love you! I want to comfort you! Please, Robyn, please!"
But the door didn't budge, and Harry let out a quiet squeak of sorrow before returning to the common room, a heavy weight pulling at his heart. He could only wish that Robyn would forgive him. But it was only a wish. And even the wishes of the most powerful people in the world didn't always come true.