My apologies, it has been ages since I updated. I had a major writers block as I know where I want this to end up, I just don't know the little details yet, haha.
Once again all rights belong to their rightful owners, JK Rowling included. I write for fun, nothing more.
CHAPTER 4: WALK WITH ME
Harry spent the next few days, quietly roaming the school grounds. He occasionally went to visit Hagrid, who still chose to be groundkeeper, even after several requests from McGonngall to reprise his position in Magical Creatures. As he told Harry, "he wouldn't have any other way." Although Harry knew this was only half of the truth. He knew deep down that Hagrid didn't trust himself nor did he feel worthy of being Professor after the events that unfolded with Malfoy in Third Year. Honestly if anyone didn't deserve it, it was Harry, not after what he did to his friends.
He found himself in the middle of the quidditch pitch, not even aware how even got there. His gaze followed the large poles that disappeared into the air, which he knew formed the goals. Mesmerized by the sky, he let his knees give way until he gave into memories of his years in Hogwarts. He remembered the crowds cheering, the high-fives he gave his teammates and of course his first match when he swallowed the Golden Snitch. He brought his hand to his lips and he heard a soft chuckle come from behind him. His body awoke with a startle and he leap to his feet to find he was looking square in the eyes of Hermione. Hermione's breath hitched as though she wasn't expecting him to get up anytime soon.
"Hermione" Her name slipped from his lips like it was normal, like he had never stopped saying it. He expected her to say something, instead she just tightened her gaze on him. "Were you following me? How did you know I was here?"
She didn't even hesitate "Don't flatter yourself, Potter." Harry couldn't quite work out if she was messing with him or if there was something venomous in the way she said "Potter." He chose to let it slide. "I come here everyday in my lunch breaks. It reminds me of the good times, when we were happy." Harry dropped his head, she was never going to let this go and so she shouldn't, he left her.
"Look, Hermione, I have a class I have to get to. I'll see you soon…I guess." Hermione just gave him a quick nod as he turned his back to her. He took a few steps and realised that if he wanted to fix this, he needed to do it now. He faced her again "Hermione…walk with me?" He could see the conflict in her eyes, her heart was battling with her mind. She finally succumbed to her heart as she joined Harry at his side and he felt at ease once again.
"Harry, what was it like being a muggle again?" Hermione turned her gaze onto the side of Harry's face. Taken aback by the question, Harry stopped dead in his tracks.
"It was peaceful. It was what I needed. No danger, no threats, no looking over my shoulder. I was able to forget about everything…for a while. But certain things would trigger my memories, memories of everyone I left behind, everyone I hurt. But most of all I missed you, I missed your smile, your intelligence, and of course Ron's cursing." Harry reached to stroke her cheek. Hermione's eyes closed and she leant into his hand.
"Professor Potter!" Harry was pulled back into reality and quickly drew his hand from her face. One of his Sixth Year students was approaching him with what looked to be last night's homework. Natalie Christen didn't even seem to notice that Hermione was standing inches from Harry. Instead her attention was completely focused upon Harry. "Professor, I have question about the Homework." Harry signalled for her to continue "What is the spell used on a Boggart?"
Hermione scoffed "Oh, please you learnt that in Third Year." Normally she would've come off as a know-it-all but there was something different, she seemed bothered by something. A slight annoyance in her tone.
"Professor Granger, that is no way to speak to one of my students. Nat, my apologies for the Professor's behaviour. It's the Riddikulus spell." Natalie gave an appreciative smile. And once again Hermione made he presence be noted.
She let out a disgusted noise followed by "Nat? What are you that cosy with all your students?" Harry frowned at Natalie who seemed to have reddened when he looked at her. He turned to argue with Hermione but she was already gone. He said a quick goodbye to Natalie and ran into the building after Hermione. She wasn't anywhere in his vicinity, if she didn't want to be found, she wasn't going to be. He glanced down at his watch and realised he will have to deal with this later, right now he had a class to teach.