"I don't really know how to go about with these things, Harry."
Neville casts a Stupefy at the training dummy. It stumbles back, groaning from the spell. Harry struck the dummy with an Expelliarmus making it twitch away. They were in the Room of Requirement, Neville refining his spell casting with Harry there to guide him.
Harry groaned before wishing the training dummy away, "Shouldn't you know this stuff?"
Neville's ears turned bright red, "H-Hey! I would be the one asking you since you're dating someone."
"That's the thing," Harry sits down on a seat provided by the room. "Hermione's been really stressed lately. She's been studying for OWLs almost every day. I'm worried for her." He sighed.
Neville puts a hand on his shoulder, "Mate, you know Hermione best. I'm sure you can help her relax. And erm, if anything, you could just do what you think is best. Talk to her."
Harry was silent for a moment. "Neville, you're a genius!" He gets up, "Thanks, Neville. I think I'll do that." Harry exits the room.
"I am? Wait uh- anytime!" Neville smiled.
Harry slowly entered the common room. He softly grinned as he took in Hermione. She was at her usual table, the fire cackling near and books surrounding the couch. Papers were scattered along the area and Hermione was reviewing her notes, murmuring the words. Her forehead creased in vexation. She was beautiful.
He slowly approaches her as to not disturb her. Merlin knows what happened the last time someone interrupted her. Ron had to be sent to the infirmary. Harry laughs internally at the memory. He stops right in front of her table waiting. Hermione stills, before looking up. She perks up at the sight of him.
"Harry! Where did you go? Honestly, I was a bit worried about where you were going but I know you can handle yourself. Oh, come sit. Sit. You must be a bit tired." Hermione rambles as she scoots over to make space.
Harry slips in the seat and presses a kiss on her cheek. Hermione turns back to a book in front of her, returning back to studying. He was content with watching her. The only sounds coming from the fireplace and the pages turning. A few minutes later, she slams the book shut on her lap. Hermione huffs out a breath and rubs her temple in irritation.
"What's wrong, Hermione?" Harry asks though he thinks he might know the answer.
"Not really," she huffs while tugging his hand into hers, "I was just looking at the Daily Prophet and Umbridge was there again. The article was a load of tripe, really. It had me thinking, will I do enough for our OWLs?" Her face turned serious. "Don't get me wrong, Harry. I know I get good grades-" 'Great grades seeing as Hermione's the top student in our class' Harry reflects proudly. "-but what if something happens?"
"OWLs are important, Harry! We need it to continue learning at Hogwarts. We need it to get a job. You're all set because of your status as the Boy-Who-Lived and even if you're my boyfriend, I'm still seen as a muggleborn." Hermione exhales harshly. "Oh, what if Umbridge decides to sabotage my OWLs? That toad can do that since she's high up in the Ministry. What if-"
"Hermione, please breathe." Harry interrupts gently, as to not let her spiral more. She inhales. Hermione takes in big gasps of air as she grips Harry's hand tight. He rubs his free hand up and down her back.
After a few moments, Harry takes the book from her lap and places it on the table. He brings her on his lap. "'m sorry, Hermione." He mutters as he nuzzles her neck.
"Sorry for what?" She asks as she stretches and slumps on his chest.
"Sorry for not asking earlier. You shouldn't have to bottle that all up."
Hermione laments, "Oh Harry, it isn't your fault." She yawns.
"I'll make it up to you."
Hermione's eyelids flutter shut as she hums. "Sure, Harry. Anything you want."
Harry hears her breathing go slow. He moves out of the chair, bit by bit. He grabs a blanket sitting on the couch and tucks Hermione in. After seeing her still asleep, he presses a kiss on her forehead.
"Goodnight, Hermione." He moves back and smiles. Harry makes a start for his dorm, a plan forming in his head.
"Luna, Luna slow down- and please, don't pull too hard."
Said girl was dragging Hermione by the hand to Hogsmeade, claiming that there was a special surprise for her in The Three Broomsticks. Hermione will admit, she was a bit suspicious of what this special surprise was but it couldn't hurt if it came from Luna. Hermione was pulled out of her thoughts as she was shoved to the entrance of The Three Broomsticks.
"Um, Luna, why did you bring me here?" Hermione asked.
Luna answered bluntly. "Harry said to."
"Do you know why he asked you to do that?" Hermione questioned even if she knew what answer she was going to get.
"Nope. This is just Harry's way of clearing out the wrackspurts in your head. I do hope you enjoy it." Luna then skipped away.
Bewildered, all Hermione could do was enter the pub. The heat instantly sank into her as she walked in. Her eyes roamed before landing on Harry. Hermione's shoulders sunk in relief. She rushed to hug him before sitting down on the chair opposite of him.
"Harry,"
Harry laughed nervously. "Hermione."
"What is this about?" Hermione gestured to the table. A candle was lit in between them. The red tablecloth with blue accents is clearly different from the other tables. In front of her was a flower bouquet. Red camellias and daffodils. She placed it on her lap.
Harry coughed and rubbed his head, "Erm, I wanted to take you out today and heard from Sirius that girls like receiving flowers. So I went to Professor Sprout for some flowers and she gave me those."
He looked up sheepishly. Hermione chuckled, mirth dancing in her eyes. "Oh Harry, you really didn't have to do all of this."
Harry shrugged. "I wanted to… for you."
Hermione softened as she leaned across the table to kiss him. "Well, Mr. Potter, you sure know how to charm a lady." She giggled.
"Well, Ms. Granger, won't you start by ordering from the menu?" He grinned lopsidedly. Hermione was delighted by the soft red hue spread across his cheeks.
"I'd be glad to." Her hand wormed its way into his underneath the table.
And so they ordered and talked. Hermione discovered that Harry had set this up in the morning, begging Luna to help him. She was a bit embarrassed that he had spent money just to rent out their table to be like this, but he replied with, "You're worth every sickle."
Madam Rosmerta observed the two teens chatting amicably, "Ah, young love. Though I wish there were men like Harry nowadays…" She looks up only to see some employees spying on them.
"Now what are you doing?" She snapped, "Get back to work! I pay you to help in the pub, not to spy on students' love lives."
They squeaked, "Yes ma'am!" and returned back to their respective jobs.
She shakes her head, "Really now…"
Harry kicks a pebble as they walk back to Hogwarts. They had just finished shopping through Hogsmeade. Harry paying for everything Hermione got, with a lot of reluctance from her. "I could pay for these." Hermione crossed her arms. She relented though as he insisted that today was his treat. He shrinks it and places it in his pocket. As they reached Hogwarts, Harry spotted Ron, Neville, Luna, and the twins in the courtyard. They head towards the others. George spots them first.
"Harry, Hermione!" He shouted.
That got the attention of the others, as they also started waving and running to them.
"Thought she'd keep you there forever," Fred quipped.
"Nah Fred, Harry's the one who's absolutely smitten." Replied George.
Neville was quick to join in. "Well, they're both completely whipped for each other."
The rest nodded in agreement. "That is true." Was their general murmuring.
As Harry and Hermione were quick to defend themselves and each other, someone else had other plans. After they had settled down a bit, Ron was quick to shout. "Think fast!"
The snowball he threw was meant to aim at both Harry and Hermione but instead had landed on Harry's face. As it slowly slid down, they took in Hermione's mischievous look. That's when they all knew.
"Ron's dead mates," the twins piped.
Luna clapped. "Might as well plan a funeral now lest the nargles stay on his body."
"I'm starting to feel a bit sorry for him now," Neville admitted.
Hermione stands up slowly and brings out her wand. She flicks her wand and a huge chunk of snow lands on Ron. He falls with the snow, spluttering. They start laughing as one of the twins yells, "Snowball fight!" They rush to gather snow on the ground. When Hermione looks up, she notices them starting to throw snowballs at each other. She throws a snowball at Harry, who immediately tosses one back. The fight had begun
Harry and Hermione walk back to the common room. They paced slowly, as to warm themselves up. The twins had to take Ron to the infirmary as he had been shivering when they were done. Neville had volunteered to take Luna back to the Ravenclaw tower.
As they reached the entrance to the common room, Hermione stopped. Harry glanced over to her to ask if there was anything wrong, but she beat him to it. Hermione pounced on him, arms wrapped tightly around Harry. "Thank you, Harry. For today. I feel much better."
"It wasn't a problem, Hermione. I'm just repaying your kindness for… well everything." Harry paused. "There is one more thing though."
Harry stepped back and whispered, "Dobby."
The elf popped out of thin air, instantly bowing. "Yes Harry Potter sir. I brought the thing for his special, special friend. Thank you, Harry Potter." The elf looked like he was about to burst into tears. Dobby shoved the wrapped present into Harry's arms.
Harry was anxious for Hermione's reaction. Though she was just shocked, her eyebrows raised and her mouth slightly open. He was quick to explain, "I'm sorry about Dobby." He coughed into his hand, avoiding eye contact.
"This is for you." He handed the present to Hermione.
She unwrapped it, to find a bundle. She holds the bundle open and finally sees what the gift is. It's a sweater. Clearly distorted and too big for her, handmade by an amateur. Hermione stares at Harry.
"I made it myself." He shuffled awkwardly, "I know you knit those clothes for the elves, so I thought you might like it. I asked Mrs. Weasley and Dobby for tips… we can return it if you don't like-" Harry was interrupted by Hermione squeezing the life out of him.
"I love you, Harry. I love it. Thank you for such a thoughtful gift." She said. He sunk into the hug. "I love you too, Hermione." And they stayed like that for a while.
The moment was broken by Dobby. "Mr. Harry Potter sir. Ms. Granger. Look! Mistletoe." He pointed at the green plant hanging above their heads. Dobby then laughed before disappearing with a pop.
Harry shook his head, "Ah Dobby," He pulled a bit away from Hermione's embrace. "Well Granger, you do know the tradition, do you not? So ladies first?" A smirk made its way on his face, challenging his girlfriend.
"Gladly." Hermione pulled Harry by his shirt, sealing him with a kiss. Her lips were chapped from the cold, he noted. But she was so, so warm. Harry pulled her closer not wanting her to pull away just yet. After a few moments, Hermione pulled away as she needed to breathe.
"Merry Christmas, Harry."
"Merry Christmas, Hermione."
fin.
