Chapter 4: Harmony in Motion
On the way to the library the two Hermiones didn't speak, but Hermione was aware that her counterpart from the other world was plotting something. She had that particularly fixed expression that Hermione had been told she used when she was planning out things in advance. Her brow was knotted and her mouth was twisted into an almost grimace. Hermione wondered what was up but assumed she would know eventually if it had to do with her. Logically there was no reason to be worried, therefore Hermione wouldn't worry.
Once they were in the library they headed for the remotest corner to be sure they wouldn't be seen, and even though Hermione dropped the disillusionment they were ready to cast it again the moment they heard someone coming into their area of the library. It was too disconcerting being unable to see yourself and yet seeing someone who looked just like you sitting across the table from you, so they thought this was the best option. Hermione was just thinking to herself what a weird day it had been when a voice broke into her thoughts.
'I have to ask you something' said the other Hermione, a curiously compassionate look on her face.
'Shoot.'
'Why do you look so sad when Ron's around?' she asked.
'I don't … do I?' asked Hermione in horror.
'Yeah, you do. Why don't you just … show him how you feel?'
'I did, I tried, but … Lavender …'
The other Hermione was still looking compassionate, but she visibly steeled herself and pressed on.
'I've seen the way he looks at you. And I know you want him.' She blushed 'After all, I want my Ron.'
'Well, what about that? If you're so big on us together, why haven't you two, you know, become a couple? Harry said you were close to getting together in your world.'
'Well, same thing isn't it? Lavender. I'm hurt, angry, I need time to get past that … but you don't seem angry. And with you two, you're equal. After all, while he was with Lavender you were with Harry. Just … take a chance.'
'I don't know if I can' said Hermione. 'He's so dense and insecure. Do I really want someone who has no self worth?' Her voice broke as she said it.
'Yes' said the other Hermione gently. 'You do. He may be insecure but he's mad about you, and you know he'd do anything for you. You know that.'
A soft smile crept onto Hermione's face. 'Yeah he is always there for me, especially now that he's got Lavender out of his system.' She took a deep breath and turned to the other Hermione. 'I think, actually, that he's still jealous of Harry'
The other Hermione looked shrewd. 'You're not interested in him, I can tell. But … the way you look at him and Ginny with longing makes it look like you want him. I can see why Ron would feel worried'
'I don't … it's not that obvious … is it?' she ended in a pitiful voice.
'I'm afraid it is. You want a relationship like they have, don't you? One that's 'right' in that same way.'
'I do … they're just so perfect together. But …'
'But because you look at them like that Ron is getting the wrong idea.'
Hermione sighed in frustration. 'I've been blaming him, but now it looks like it could be my fault, too. Thanks Hermione.' She giggled 'Wow, that sounded weird to say.'
The other Hermione giggled too. 'Yeah, I bet. Well, just think about Ron OK. I'm sure he wants you; he's just not sure of you. I think Lavender and Harry both have a part in that but it's up to you to do something about it.'
Hermione sighed 'I know. I just have to find the right way to do it.'
'I'd start by not staring at Harry and Ginny so much,' the other Hermione laughed.
Hermione pondered what she needed to do to make Ron know how she felt so that he could get over his ridiculous hang ups, but she couldn't think of anything. She wasn't the simpering type to flutter her lashes at him and besides, her stomach twisted uncomfortably, that reminded her far too much of Lavender. No, that wouldn't do, but maybe she should take a genuine interest in what he liked. What was that team he supported in quidditch? The Sudley … no, the Cudley … Oh, something that started with C anyway. It looked like some research was in order. Hermione sighed in relief. At least this was something she was comfortable with. There must be a book on quidditch teams somewhere in here. Hermione got up and soon lost herself in the stacks.
Meanwhile the Harry and Ginny from the other world were having a wonderful time wandering around the castle.
'It's so weird isn't it?' she said gleefully. 'I mean it's just like home. It even smells the same.'
'I know, but have you noticed … the people are slightly different.'
'Well, yeah. But you know they've had slightly different experiences haven't they. I mean' and here she chuckled, 'they've had their Harry go out with their Hermione. That's gotta be weird in all sorts of ways.'
Harry laughed and said 'Yeah I guess so. I'm so glad he found his Ginny though; when he was in our world I was so … I dunno, sorry that he didn't even know what he was missing.'
Ginny blushed under his gaze and reached up to give him a passionate kiss. They were interrupted by a loud and very annoyed voice.
'Oi you two. Break it up! I don't need to be seeing my sister snogging in public, even if you are my best mate.'
They looked at him and his brows flew together in consternation. 'Oh, that's right. You're the other two.'
They laughed and Harry said 'yeah it is a bit weird. Just be pleased our Ron didn't come too. Seeing yourself from the outside is … weird. I still feel that way and I've done it twice now.'
Ginny nodded, and then added, with a sly smile 'I think the Hermiones wanted you in the library by the way, Ron.
'Why would they want me?'
'I don't know. Maybe because it's our Ron on the other side waiting to open the portal again and they want to be sure we have it right from this side.'
'Oh, yeah. Good point' said Ron and hurried off.
'Did they really want him?' asked Harry in surprise as they watched him disappear.
'Not technically, no. But I know what our Hermione wants to do and she'll need Ron there to sort it out.'
Harry laughed again and pulled her tighter. 'Did I ever tell you how much I love your mischievous side?'
'Once or twice' she said. 'But I can always do with hearing it again.'
They shared another searing kiss before continuing to explore the castle and grounds, happy to be together and hoping Hermione succeeded in her little plan so this world's Hermione and Ron could be happy too.