Disclaimer: I still don't own Harry Potter. It would be cool if I did, because I that would mean I'm rich. But I don't.
Author's Note: Phew! I'm cranking out chapters as fast as I can. I hope there aren't any gigantic mistakes. If there is one, tell me in a review! If there's not, still comment on the story! I would really appreciate reviews!
Thanks, and here's the third chapter.
Chapter 3– The Next Day
The next morning, sunlight passed through the window in the Gryffindor girls' dormitory by Hermione's bed. The curtains of her four-poster were all drawn, so she didn't notice the light until Lavender pulled the corner of the drapes back, whispering, "Rise and shine. You're going to miss breakfast!" Hermione opened her eyes, but her dorm-mate had already disappeared from her bed-side. She heard the dorm door shut.
Sitting up, she pulled the drapes back all the way, and squinted into the unwelcome light. The grounds outside looked cheery and welcoming through the window, just like normal. Hermione moved her feet to the floor, stretching her arms. She ached all over. Remembering she had been up late last night bent over a desk in the library, she got up off the bed to get clothes out of her trunk. She looked down and saw she still had yesterday's robes on. I must have been too tired from studying to change, she thought distantly.
The only person left in the room was Lavender. She was sitting on the end of her bed across the room and staring right at Hermione, a smug expression on her face.
"Morning," Hermione said to her, faking a smile, then bending over her trunk. Lavender giggled.
Hermione stood up with new robes in her arms. "What?" She ran a hand through her hair, sleepy and confused.
"You and Potter sure are getting along well."
Hermione froze with her back turned to Lavender. Her arms stiffened and she dropped her clothes. All the events of last night came back to her, striking her like lightning. The hippogriff, the parcel, the moonlight, the embrace, the kiss …
Everything had escalated uncontrollably after that point.
Hermione suddenly felt very sick.
Waves of guilt washed over her and she quickly sat on her bed. Lavender sauntered over and picked up the rumpled clothes from the floor.
"We're friends, me and him," Hermione blurted, looking up urgently at Lavender.
"I know." She grinned knowingly.
Hermione felt foolish, wondering how much her roommate had seen. She took the clothes from her and set them on her lap, smoothing the fabric under her hands.
Lavender looked like she would burst. "It was absolutely adorable! You two came into the common room holding each other's hands like your lives depended on it!"
Hermione blushed and gripped the sweater she was holding.
"And don't think I didn't see that little smooch at the end!" said Lavender like she had discovered the world's most elusive secret.
The bushy-haired girl stopped kneading the sweater. Was this all Lavender had seen?
"Well… yeah, you caught us," she said, looking up and smiling guiltily as best she could.
"Oh, I knew it!"
"Knew what!"
Lavender stared. "You two fancy each other!"
Hermione let out a long breath. Breathe, just breathe for now, she thought.
"Well. I'll see you at breakfast then." Lavender turned briskly and walked to the door.
"You won't tell anybody!" Hermione insisted.
Lavender looked over her shoulder, her hand on the gold doorknob. "I won't say a word." She winked, then turned and left in a blur.
Hermione sat helplessly on the bed. What the HELL were we thinking yesterday?! Now she was feeling very sore all over, and in places that had never felt sore before. What happened last night couldn't be true. She refused to let it be true.
Hermione picked some grass off the skirt she was still wearing. Then she was shocked to realize there were huge grass stains all over her clothes and body. She ripped off the clothes quickly and threw them under her bed. I need a shower, she thought.
Walking through the Great Hall, showered and in clean robes, Hermione tried to keep her cool. She felt like every person that glanced her way would read the ineffable shame on her face and shout to the whole school. Look everybody! Hogwarts' finest student is a slut!
She kept her head down as she strode past the long rows of students eating breakfast.
Hermione's usual spot was open, across from Ron and Harry at the Gryffindor table. She sat down between Ginny and Fred. Ron was directly opposite her, with Harry to his left and Lavender Brown seated to the right. Lavender met Hermione's eyes, smirked, did a little eyebrow raise, and then shot a glance at Harry. Hermione pressed her lips together and looked away quickly.
"Late start eh, Hermy?" Ron said through a mouthful of hash browns.
"Don't call me that." She sternly snapped at Ron, frowning.
"Well cripes, I was just wondering how your morning was!" Ron looked at Harry, who shrugged.
Hermione sighed quietly and felt bad. She just felt like the entire world was against her, like she'd be found out any second.
There was a great rustling as a mass of owls entered the hall from above and dispersed to deliver mail to students.
Ron's owl dropped a thick envelope onto his fried eggs. He retrieved it from the plate, saying, "Blimey. One week into beginning of term and me mum's sending me a bloody novel in the mail." He pulled out a wad of papers handwritten in what looked like Molly Weasley's cursive. He muttered as he began reading the long letter.
Hermione and Harry exchanged a knowing look while Ron was distracted. She stared at him, hoping for her dear life that he wouldn't say anything about last night. Did guys even talk with each other about things like that? ...'Hey, morning Ron, so guess who I shagged last night!?' The thought of Harry revealing that was petrifying, but if Hermione knew anything about him, there was no way he'd act like that. She'd never wanted to talk to him so badly. Perhaps they could slip away somewhere to talk on their way to the first class? His expression was again unreadable. Hermione felt sure for now that Harry wouldn't say anything about the occurrence here.
Please review - tell me what you think and make suggestions for what should happen! Please please please! Chapter Four is almost here, and it actually has to do with the plot. :)
