xXx
Chapter one
xXx
Reluctantly, Harry hoisted his luggage up the trolley, his stomach grumbling noisily.
He couldn't believe that he had woken up so early just to get ready for a stupid assembly. Not to say that Ron had decided to join his brothers' side, informing his mother about it. Anyone who knows Aunt Molly personally would certainly know that she'll make a big fuss over this whole thing. Not that Harry was mad at her or anything; she was, after all, like a mum to him.
Ron was persuaded by his mother to give Harry an early morning call, knowing that he would leave everything 'til the last minute. Fifteen minutes later, his red-headed friend came by his house to ensure that he was up.
Needless to say, Ron found Harry still lying asleep on the bed. He tried to wake Harry up but to no avail. In the end, his so-called buddy had no choice but to resort to the last method, which he hated to do so, especially knowing that he's gonna get it when Harry's awake.
Ron brought a bucket of water and splashed over him and his once dry bed.
A thoroughly drenched Harry contemplated over the list of tortures he could think of at the moment after recovering from the initial shock and all. Ron must has discerned the look on Harry's face 'cause he kneed down to beg for clemency.
Harry stifled his smile at the scene before him, it was just too funny. "Ahem! Brew up a cup of coffee for me then. Meanwhile, I have to pack."
Ron wasted no time at scrambling to the kitchen, anxious to get away from Harry in case he changed his mind.
Biting a toothbrush in his mouth, he threw random clothes into his suitcase. Ron came in, holding two mugs of hot coffee when he saw Harry sitting on the luggage, trying to get it shut.
"Don't you think that if you fold your clothes neatly, maybe there's a possibly to close the lid of the luggage?"
"Ron, don't try and give me an advice when you yourself don't even follow. Bring your arse here and help me with this damn thing." As Harry said moodily, drops of toothpaste splattered out of his mouth. "See what you've done to me, pass me a piece of tissue so I can clean this up."
After Harry's done freshening up and changing, Ron drove him to the designated location and dropped him off with a "Have fun!"
He pushed the trolley around when he saw a group of people chatting, a man trying to get their attention by waving a board which said "Welcome to The Bachelor!"
There it is, the bunch of lovesick fools.
xXx
After making sure that every entrant had arrived, the poor man herded them into a train, saying that they would be behind the schedule if they kept delaying.
Hermione was getting on board when the book she had been reading earlier fell out. Shit! She quickly bent to pick it up when someone pushed her way through, almost ran the trolley over her hand if she wasn't lithe enough.
"Hey! You almost hurt me and you didn't even apologise." She yelled after the well-dressed lady.
The lady spun around, her eyes narrowed in annoy as she spoke, "Bookworm, you should be glad that I didn't tick you off for blocking the way, so better shut your mouth up."
"Well, I'm sorry that my book chose to fall out and I'm sorry that I chose to retrieve the damn book up and I'm even sorrier that I didn't see your highness coming this way. Now, better?"
"Why you bitch!-"
"Now, I have a name and it's Hermione Granger, at your service."
"Granger, never heard of. How can they let a nobody into this competition? It's so degrading to have to compete with you."
Degrading, snorted Hermione. "Oh, and who might your highness be?"
"Why, Pansy Parkinson of course. My dad's the fashion director of a well-esteemed company known as The Jeep. I'm sure you have heard of."
Hermione was about to rebuke when another voice answered for her, "Of course, Trey Parkinson, isn't it? It's so disappointing to see that he had such an ill-mannered, snobbish daughter. So, are you two done here? I'll rather come in then being squashed by the doors which would slide close any minute here."
Surprised, she quickly moved aside and took a look at the newcomer, a tall, well-built, raven-haired male with the loveliest emerald eyes she had ever seen.
Pansy glared once more at the two before storming away into one of the compartments.
Hermione ignored that wretch and asked the new guy for forgiveness. She really didn't notice him at all. Blushing, she thought, Right, you're too busy stooping to the wretch's level to notice anything.
"I'm Herm-"
"Hermione Granger, I know. Harry Potter. Call me Harry will do."
Both of them went to share a compartment as it is the last. During the journey, both of them became fast friends, exchanging thoughts and information about themselves.
Hermione laughed throughout the whole journey. Her new friend was just too hilarious. She snickered at Harry as his stomach groaned aloud for food (in which she offered him her sandwiches.), at the pranks Harry's friends played on him, and at the awkward situations Harry and his buddy, Ron, always found themselves in.
Harry was her first and only friend for which she was grateful of. Harry promised to introduce her to his friends. She looked forward to that day for she was positive that she would find them amiable and humorous like Harry.
xXx
When the train arrived at the outskirt of Hogwarts, everyone got ready to file out of the train. From far, Harry could just hear Pansy Parkinson's screeching, "Hey, you filthy beings, who you think you are, walking in front of me like that? Now, move it, 'cause I'm getting through!"
Harry shared a look with Hermione before rolling their eyes at Pansy's dramatic act.
As they hustled themselves out, they saw numerous horse carriages, reminding themselves of the Cinderella story. Harry helped Hermione with one of her luggage as they got into one of the awaiting carriages.
As the castle slowly came into view, Hermione exclaimed in utter awe about how the architectural masterpiece with a little gothic touch to it, that is Hogwarts, was very much different from pictures she had seen.
On the other hand, Harry mull over the idea of telling Hermione his reluctance on becoming an amusement on this shitty reality contest for viewers over the world. Since I'm going to leave here as soon as I can, I might as well tell the truth to her sooner than later…
"Hey Hermione, I got something to tell you about." Harry waited for Hermione to acknowledge that she was listening before continuing, "I wasn't… I mean, I was forced, no erm, tricked into this Bachelor show so…so I have been trying to get out of this mess in the shortest amount of time possible. It's not like I want to insult you or other contestants here, but I think this is the most stupid thing I've ever done in m life, coming to this meaningless event. And…I'm sorry if you're offended."
He gulped uncomfortably as he watched for his new companion's angry reaction. But none came his way. Instead, Hermione was so amused by his outburst that she giggled all the way to the castle.
"Well, nice to note that my nervousness is making your day." Harry scowled at her.
"S-sorry." Hermione grinned at him and said between laughter, "It's just that you're so cute just now, blurting out what you've just said. (At which, Harry glowered at her teasing.) Look, Harry, why not you give it a try first before deciding you want to be in or out of this show? I don't want to lose my first friend ever in my life that quick."
"C'mon, Harry, promise me you'll think about it." She continued staring at him until he shrugged, showing his indifference. "Please."
Harry glanced at her puppy face with those pouting lips, before he nodded unwillingly. "Alright, just for you."
Hermione smiled her gratitude to him before getting off the carriage which had just stopped.
What have I gotten myself into?!! Damn my weakness.