Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
AN: Sorry I haven't updated any of my other stories. I have the worse case of writter's block on almost everything I wrote before. This chapter was originally supposed to be one really long one, but since I haven't really given you anything I thought I'd split this chapter up in two. I'm sorry if it's not what you expected or wanted, but like I said. I have writer's block. I can't seem to write anything I like these days.
I don't want to take up anymore of your time so just tell me what you think.
Chapter 14: Hogsmeade Weekend Part 1
James and Hermione had begun an agonizingly slow relationship that they kept a secret between the two of them. James didn't understand Hermione's need for privacy, but he made no arguments. He was just happy that she finally decided to give them a chance.
Only a week had passed since the night Hermione finally agreed to be with James and they hadn't exactly made any head way. They'd begun to talk more after everyone else had went to sleep.
Hermione was slowly starting to learn more about him, but she had yet to share anything of herself with him. She wasn't sure what would be considered too much information. She knew that technically it really didn't matter, considering he wouldn't know of anyone she spoke of. All she really needed to censor was her dates, she needed to get her years right or he would start to get suspicious and would start to ask questions she wasn't ready to answer.
Hermione rubbed her tired eyes as she sat down to eat her breakfast. So far she was the only Gryffindor to make it down for breakfast. She was happy for the silence and dug into her meal with vigor.
Just as she reached for her pumpkin juice Peter plopped into the seat opposite her.
"Morning Peter." She whispered before she took a sip of her juice.
He smiled at her warmly. "Morning."
She looked at him peculiarly. "You're up earlier then usual. Any particular reason why?" Hermione was genuinely curious.
"I actually wanted to get you alone." Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Not like that." Peter was quick to exclaim.
Hermione chuckled at his blush. "Then what is it?"
"Well, you know how it's Hogsmeade weekend tomorrow, right?"
Hermione nodded. "Of course I do. Spit it out already, Peter."
"Sorry," he blushed. "There's this girl that I like and I don't want to mess things up with her. I was wondering if you could give me lessons for the first day so I don't muck up on our date?" He looked at her pleadingly.
She was a little shocked, this wasn't what she had been expecting at all. "Of course I'll help you, but won't she get upset that you're on a date with another girl?"
Peter shook his head. "She knows we're just friends. I told her that you were going to help me with something tomorrow."
"Ok, then I guess it's a date." Hermione smiled at Peter teasingly.
"That's a relief. I thought you would say no or something." Peter admitted.
Hermione made sure she had his full attention before speaking. "You're one of my closest friends and I would do anything I could to help you."
If possible Peter's smile only grew. "Thank you, Mya."
Hermione only nodded and went back to her meal, waiting for the others to arrive before classes started for the day.
"One more thing, if you don't mind."
Hermione looked up, "what it is?"
Peter smiled sheepishly. "I was hoping that you wouldn't tell the guys why you're going to Hogsmeade with me. Its kind of embarrassing and I just know they'll make fun of me."
"I won't tell a soul." Hermione promised.
Little by little the Great Hall began to fill with chatter as more students came down for breakfast. Sirius was the next marauder to come down and he took the empty seat next to Peter.
"Morning." He grumbled inaudibly.
Hermione flinched when he sat down, still not able to face him after the pain she caused him only a week ago. Her reactions had gotten a lot better. Before she couldn't even stay in the same room as him for more then a few minutes. Now she had moved on to flinching.
She was aware that the other's saw it, but they didn't know what set her off. But she could see the knowing look in Remus' eyes and the satisfied glint when he saw her pained reaction.
"Morning." They both replied in unison.
Next to arrive was Lily and Remus, coming in a few seconds apart. They had obviously been together and were trying to be inconspicuous. Not working very well. They took the empty seats next to Hermione, not even bothering to say anything before they dug in.
Hermione glanced at Peter and smiled. "I swear that all our friends have lost their manners." Hermione teased.
"Tired." Lily muttered as way of apology.
Hermione leaned in close. "I wonder what kept you up so late." She teased and Lily stiffened before letting out a small chuckle.
"I'm sorry. I'm just tired this morning." She glances around. "I'm surprised James isn't down here yet. Lately he's been early to everything."
"Last time I checked Prongs was still sleeping like a baby." Sirius said and turned a sly smile towards Remus. "And you weren't in bed Moony. Why is that? What bird kept you out at all hours of the night?"
Hermione hid the smile that threatened to break free as she saw Lily start to turn pale. She wasn't planning on giving it away that Lily had also been missing. That was their job to let the rest of their friends know.
"I wasn't with a bird, Padfoot. I woke up early to study. Not everyone needs ten hours of beauty sleep." Remus responded smoothly.
Sirius smiled cockily. "And not everyone can achieve this level of perfection either."
"Haha. You guys are hilarious, but now is not the time to get cocky. Eat your breakfast, we have class in less then an hour." Hermione smiled at their antics.
"Of course, oh wise one." Sirius bowed his head in submission.
Hermione stuck her tongue out at him. "Prat."
It wasn't long before a light chatter developed between the group of friends. It was always a nice thing to see people laughing and smiling during these dark times and Hermione was glad to have such wonderful friends.
Just as they were all getting up to leave James practically flew the doors of the Great Hall. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to oversleep."
Lily looked at him peculiarly. "It's ok, its not like we were expecting you at a certain time."
James blushed as he realized what he just blurted out and Hermione could barely suppress the grin on her face. "I-I know. I just thought it was rude of me to sleep through breakfast."
"Sure mate." Sirius clapped James on the back before he turned back to the rest of his friends. "This one's gone mental I tell you."
James smacked Sirius behind the head in agitation. "There's nothing wrong with me Padfoot. I'm perfectly healthy."
Sensing an argument brewing Remus stepped between his best mates to mediate. "How about me all head to class? I don't think Professor McGonagall will take our tardiness lightly." Sirius and James each huffed indignantly, but did as their friend bid.
"Boys," Lily muttered to Hermione. "I don't think I'll understand how their mind works."
"Hey! Girls aren't any easier you know." Peter piped up.
"Oh, but we're simple creatures." Hermione replied playfully and Lily laughed at the blatant lie.
Sirius leaned towards James. "Only think they're simple."
"Tell me about it." James muttered, sending a longing look in Hermione's direction. He wanted so much to touch her, but knew that would be inappropriate since no one knew about them yet.
-
After classes ended James and Hermione snuck off to spend some quality time together. They met in the room of requirement.
Hermione walked past the wall three times before a door appeared. She walked inside to see a replica of the Gryffindor common room. Just as cozy as she had hoped it would be.
She only had to wait a few minutes before James slipped into the room.
"Hi," she whispered softly.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned in for a peck. "Hello."
"So what did you tell them?" Hermione asked curiously.
"That I was going for a walk around the lake because I need some time to myself. They won't come, they think I'm going to meet a pretty girl." James smiled. "What about you?"
Hermione shrugged. "I just disappeared. It's not like they're not used to it by now." She admitted.
"Very true." James bent down to kiss her again. "I'm just happy to finally be alone with the you. It's been hard being so close and not being able to touch."
"I know. I'm sorry, I just need some time and then everyone can know. I promise."
James smiled. "That's all I needed to hear."
Hermione pulled him to the couch in front of the fire. "I just want you to know, I really do like you." She pushed him down and straddled his waist. "In fact, I like you a lot."
James licked his lips. "Care to show me how much?"
"I might be persuaded." She wrapped her arms around his neck and started to play with the hair on the nap of his neck.
"I think I'm the man for the job." He teased his lips over hers, but she pulled away before he could deepen it. "Mya," he whined playfully.
"Uh uh mister. I'm in control right now." Hermione's hands sweep forward and she envelopes his cheeks. She tilts her head to the right and leans in to playfully lick his bottom lip. "Are you gonna let me in?"
"Only if you ask nicely."
Hermione pulls back until she's just a hairsbreadth away from his lips. "Pretty please."
James laughs. "When you talk dirty like that, you know I can't help but want to please you."
She giggles. "Oh, shut up and kiss me you big dope."
"As my lady wishes." He pulls her closer and settles his mouth firmly against hers. His tongue flicks out to lick her bottom lip and she sighs happily into mouth. Before he can take control of the kiss she slips her tongue easily into his mouth and sucks his tongue back into her mouth. He moans in appreciation, but something stops him and he pulls back.
Hermione whines at the lose. "What's wrong?"
"I just remembered I wanted to ask you something. It's pretty important." James said quickly.
"What is it?" Hermione can't help but tense up at his words. Thinking that he wanted to break up with her already, even as the logical part of her brain told her that it was preposterous. Too bad her heart wasn't listening.
He takes a deep breath and the smiles happily at her. "Since it's the first Hogsmeade weekend since we started dating I figured I could take you out. You know, treat you how you're meant to be treated."
"I would love to-"
"Great! We'll leave-" Hermione covered his mouth to stop him from talking.
Hermione sighed. "I would love to, but we can't. I already have plans."
"With who?" James asked angrily.
"There's no need to be jealous." Hermione giggled. "I'm just going with Peter."
"Peter!" James growled. "Why are you going with him?"
"It doesn't matter why. I just am. Are we really gonna fight about this?" Hermione grumbled.
"No, of course not." James said hurriedly, but inside his blood was boiling in jealousy. If anyone was supposed to take Mya to Hogsmeade it was him. Especially not one of their friends.
Hermione knew that something else was on his mind, but couldn't figure out what it was. Hermione opened his mouth to speak, but he cut her off.
"Maybe we should go. Its getting late and the guys are gonna start worrying." James muttered.
For the first time in their relationship Hermione was the one grasping for something to say. She didn't want to end this conversation like this, but if he wanted to leave then she wouldn't stop him.
"Ok. Why don't you go first. I'll leave in a few minutes." Hermione got off James without looking into his eyes. "We wouldn't want to return at the same time. It would look to suspicious."
James nodded and left without so much as a goodbye.
As the door closed behind him Hermione turned around and sighed unhappily. Who knew relationships could be so difficult?
She had no idea if she should apologize or not. She didn't feel as if she did anything wrong, but the look on his face made her feel so guilty. She hated that he could do that to her with just a glance. Especially when she had done nothing wrong.
"You owe me one, Peter. You owe me big."
-
The next morning came all too soon for Hermione.
Her whole body just hurt and she had a huge migraine, but she couldn't let any of that stop her. She had too much to do today.
Not only did she have to teach Peter dating etiquette, but she had to slip out of Hogsmeade undetected and go after the horcrux. All this had to be done before the carriages left or else Dumbledore would know she was up to something and that wouldn't do.
She was down in the Great Hall for breakfast in a matter of minutes. She munched on a few pieces toast as she waited for Peter. Hermione glanced at the doors of the hall and hoped that Peter would walk through any moment, at least before any of their friends did.
But luck wasn't on her side as Sirius and James came laughing through the doors. She offered them a small smile and a quick good morning.
"Morning, Mya." Sirius mumbled.
"Morning." James said.
Hermione could see his insecurities swim in his eyes and Hermione hated herself for putting them there. But there was no way to reassure him in front of Sirius. It only took her two seconds to realize that James' feelings were more important them keeping their relationship hidden.
"I need to talk to you, James." She glanced at Sirius. "Alone. Do you think we can talk outside for a second?"
James blinked in surprise. "Of course. Be back in a second, mate."
Sirius watched them walk away suspiciously, but there was nothing wrong about asking to speak to a friend in private.
"So what's up?" James asked curiously.
Hermione glanced down the hall to make sure no one was there before she threw herself into his arms and kissed his surprised them. The force of her embrace slammed his back into the wall behind him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her more securely against him.
She pulled away after a few minutes had past.
"What was that about?"
She licked her lips, savoring the taste of his lips. "I just wanted to remind you that I care about you. I am with you, you know." James smiled and Hermione stepped away from him. "I'll see you inside." She whispered.
James nodded.
Hermione pecked him once more on the lips before she flounced inside to the Great Hall to finish her breakfast.
He was still standing in the hall dumbfounded when Remus and Lily walked up to him. "Are you ok, mate?" Remus asked, but James didn't hear.
"Potter?" Lily called. "Potter!"
"What?" He turned around quickly and almost lost his balance.
Lily giggled. "Something bothering you, James?"
"Sorry I was somewhere else." James admitted.
"I got that." Remus teased. "An where exactly were you?"
"It doesn't matter. Why don't we go in, I'm sure Sirius is wondering what's taking me so long." James mumbled quickly.
"Why would he wonder that?" Lily asked curiously.
James glanced at the two and noticed that they had arrived together. "When did you guys meet up?" He glanced toward Remus. "You weren't in the room when we got up this morning."
Remus couldn't stop the blush from rising in his cheeks. "I'm starved." He practically ran into the Great Hall.
"Coward." Lily muttered as Remus walked off.
James smiled in amusement. "Well he's a Gryffindor if I've ever seen one."
"Haha. More like a Hufflepuff." Lily grumbled.
"Come on, Lils. Lets go get something to eat."
Lily's head shot up to look at James. "James…"
"It's alright." James shook his head. "I don't feel that way about you anymore. To be honest, I don't think I ever did."
Lily stood there staring at James for what seemed like forever before she threw her arms around. For the second time in a matter of an hour James was thrown against the wall behind him. "Oh, James. I'm so happy."
"Um… Lily. People might get the wrong impression." James muttered uncomfortably.
"I'm sorry." Lily laughed through her tears. "I feel like such a girl."
James looked at Lily as if she'd gone mental. "You are a girl."
Lily rolled her eyes. "I know that."
"Then why did you-"
"Forget it." Lily started to walk away from him.
"Lily." He whined, but she didn't stop so he followed her inside.
Hermione watched them in amusement. "You two act like an old married couple."
James and Lily looked stricken. "We do not!" They yelled in unison then turned to glare at one another. "Stop copying me!"
Sirius and Remus laughed. "Maybe you two she be kept separate." Sirius turned to Remus. "I'll occupy James and you handle Lily. She always was a wild one."
Remus smiled wolfishly. "I'm sure I'm up to the task.
Lily blushed and Hermione nudged her. "What?"
"If you want everyone to know keep acting the way you're acting." Hermione whispered quickly.
"Thanks."
"Not a problem." Hermione glanced at the doors again. "Where the hell is Peter?" Lily's brow rose in confusion. "Don't ask."
"Are you boys done yelling?" Lily asked aloud.
"We weren't yelling. We're were discussing something loudly." James replied smugly while Sirius laughed at his side.
Hermione rubbed her tired eyes. "I'll see you guys later." She didn't wait for them to respond, she just swept out of the hall quickly.
"Mya! What's the rush?" Peter called out from down the hall.
"Where have you been? Never mind that. Come on, lets go." Hermione grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the front doors.
"But what about breakfast?"
"You took too long, we'll get something at Hogsmeade."
"But…" Peter started.
Hermione sighed, "No buts Peter."
He glanced at her retreating back. "Did I do something?"
"No, I'm sorry. I've just had a pretty hectic day already. I shouldn't have treated you so poorly." Hermione smiled back at Peter.
"It's ok." Peter noticed the carriages a few feet away. "Shall we?"
Hermione grinned. "We shall."