SECRETS, by Come to Bed

Chapter Six

Harry composed himself quickly and walked out the common room door and down the stairs. He heard staggered sobs coming from the opposite side of the room and, with a slight pang, realized it was Hermione. Harry began to walk slowly towards her, trying not to make too much noise in fear she would flee at sight of him. His guess was correct; a squeaky floorboard made her turn, her long, curly hair falling over her reddened face. She gave him the dirtiest look she could muster in her state of despair, and quickly got up, evidently heading for the girls dormitories. Harry, panicking, stepped forward and grabbed her arm to keep her from escaping.

"Get away from me," Hermione hoarsely muttered her voice thick with emotion.

"Herm.." Harry trailed off hopelessly, trying to figure out how to word what he wanted to say. "I am…so sorry…"

"How long," Hermione whispered softly, her voice wavering slightly.

Harry knew it would be hopeless to try and deny what she saw. "Since the year began," he said truthfully. Hermione's face crumpled, and a few stray tears leaked out of her eyes as she yanked her arm out of his grasp. She stumbled away, making a pathetic attempt to stop her tears from falling. Harry took a step forward, on the impulse to follow her, but when she looked at him, he had to stop. She looked so beautiful, even though her face was red and damp. Her curly brown hair was sort of shimmering in the dim common room light, and the emotions shining through her golden brown eyes made him want to cry. The only thing that marred her beauty was the foul glare she was sending him, and Harry knew that he couldn't follow her now. Their discussion would have to wait.

Hermione's angry exterior disappeared for a second, and was replaced with a hurt, fragile glance. "Why did you do this to me, Harry?" she whispered, so soft Harry could barely make it out. "Why did you ruin this? What was wrong with what we had?"

"It…isn't you," said Harry helplessly. "I still love you, Hermione –"

"That's bullshit, Harry, and you know it." Hermione whispered fiercely, her angry facade returning.

Harry had to swallow several times before finally speaking. "Its not," he said softly. "I mean, I just don't know Hermione…I love you so much, but it's just not the same as it used to be…"

Hermione sniffed. "Why couldn't you have ended this sooner, Harry?" she said quietly, without a trace of emotion. "Why couldn't you have saved this – this horrible –"
Her voice cracked and she buried her head in her hands, unable to continue. A lump formed in Harry's throat, and he coughed before he began.

"Hermione, I love you, but…its how I would love a sister." Harry felt a bit relieved to get that off his chest. He exhaled quickly and headed for the boys dorms, knowing he could do no more to comfort Hermione. Not now, and possibly not ever.

A.N./ OMG guys im so sorry for not reposting! James and I have been totally swamped, because we've just graduated from college! Chyeah! And surprise surprise we've gotten ourselves an apartment to share! Its been great wink wink. lots! Thankx

Lots of 33333333,

Charlie