Where I Belong
Chapter Two; Evergreen
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all related characters belong to JK Rowling.
Quote belongs to whoever wrote the Unchained Melody.
All plots and other characters belong to me.
Harry and Hermione belong to each other.
Thank you to all who reviewed, it means more then you know.
Oh, my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
- Unchained Melody, Elvis Presley
Harry wondered whether or not the sixth years in his class were really interested in Defense Against the Dark Arts at all, or if they were just taking the class because he was teaching it.
The Famous Harry Potter? Not Minister of Magic, not some acclaimed Auror, not a famous Quidditch player, but a teacher?
It was true. After the Final War, he could use something normal in his life.
He had been offered the position of Minister of Magic at least a hundred times, it seemed. But if staying at Hogwarts was good enough for Dumbledore, it was good enough for him.
'Uhhhh…that's it for today. Class dismissed.'
The sound of shuffling students broke the gaze of the six or seven girls staring at Harry.
'Okay, ladies. Off to your next class,' he told them calmly, which earned him blushes and giggles as the girls scurried away.
Harry sighed and brushed some messy hair out of his eyes. It seemed like there was a group in every class, girls that knew more about Harry's eye colour then about Hinkypunks.
It didn't really bother him, though.
Not that he would really think about snogging any of his students. He took his job very seriously.
The whole thrill of girls left Harry a long time ago.
Unless it was Hermione, he simply wasn't interested.
Harry sat behind his desk and gazed into the waving pictures of Sirius, Dumbledore, his parents; all people he lost because of Voldemort.
It seemed he lost everyone he loved.
Sirius because of Bellatrix, Dumbledore because of Snape, his parents because of Voldemort, and Hermione…
Because of him.
When she first disappeared, he swore he was going mad.
He spent days searching for her; sometimes he'd feel her hand on his shoulder, her cheek on his lips, her breath on his ear.
Then, after awhile, he just got used to eating alone, sleeping alone, living alone…
Being alone.
But even now, questions haunted him in his sleep.
Where was she?
Was she okay?
Did she remember him at all?
Did she ever think about him the way that he thought about her?
'If I could see you one more time, I'd tell you what I didn't know then. I'd tell you what I never got a chance to say…'
She just…left. Without a word. He thought he knew Hermione.
All he knew now was that Draco was her secret keeper. Ginny too, probably.
And Malfoy, however much Harry denied it, was damn loyal.
Ron tried to be there as his best mate, but even he couldn't fill the Hermione – sized hole in his heart. They were so young, to think-
'Potter?'
His head whipped around as he tried to flatten his hair and the creases in his shirt.
'Hello, Headmistress.'
McGonagall looked at him from her aging face. Her mouth was set in a grim line across her face.
'What do you need, Professor?'
'Potter, I'm afraid that I've received more complaints and requests that you be removed from your post here at Hogwarts. And frankly, I'm tired of coming up with reasons why you should stay.'
Harry sighed and readjusted his glasses.
When he first applied for the post there had been a lot of angry letters from parents. Complaining; stating it would be unsafe to let someone who, well, someone like him, teach.
Even though the war had ended six years ago, there were still a lot of angry Death Eater groups trying to do Harry in. He'd destroyed their master, after all.
Most of them were empty threats, but Harry still kept a close watch on everyone he cared about.
'Look, Headmistress, I love this job. I love the kids. I love Hogwarts, it's my home. I love teaching. Don't make me leave.'
He gave McGonagall a pleading look from his deep set green eyes.
'Well, I suppose, Potter. But if I get one more owl delivering me outraged letters or angry Howlers…something will have to be done.'
'I understand,' Harry said uneasily.
McGonagall gave Harry a look of pity before exiting the classroom, her robes fluttering behind her.
Harry slumped back into his chair.
It's not that he needed this job.
No, it wasn't about the money. The small fortune his parents left him was more then he'd ever need.
He kept the job for his sanity.
He knew that without somewhere to be every morning he would just stay in bed, wasting away, until Ron came in and dragged him to a Quidditch game or something of the lot.
Then it would be back to bed to be alone with his thoughts…
Torturing himself by replying Hermione's laugh, her smile and her face over and over again in his mind.
At least with this job he had a purpose. A life.
But an empty one.
He covered his eyes with his hands.
Hermione… my Hermione. How did I ever let you get so far away from me?
AN:
SORRY for the lack of updates. Life has been... busy.
But here it is, chapter two. I liked this better when I first wrote it... to be honest. But hopefully all of you don't think it sucks. :)
As for next time...
Teaser:
His drunk hands fumbled with the zipper of her black dress and she moved her hands frantically to stop him. 'Don't fight back,' he said angrily as he hit her face against the wall.
Dundundun... Until then. Au revoir.