Author's Note: Wow, first off, thanks everyone for the extremely supportive feedback. I really appreciate it (you love me, you really do ::tear::)! Secondly, I would like to address the fact that the story is too Harryless (not a word I am guessing?) then some of you would like. I would like to reassure you all that there will be more Harry in the story, not to worry. I have just been really trying to establish Hermione's character so it may appear to be really Hermione focused. I love my Harry so I can't go without him for too long in a Harmony story without getting some withdrawals lolz. And finally, in response to making a separate CH. 6 in Harry's POV, I have decided not to do it. This is purely because the next couple of chapters will be sure to include more Harry in the story as well as include Harry's POV.
Thank you all for the comments and suggestions and please if you ever have any questions or requests, I will be more than happy to answer them. Now, on with the story!
CH. 7 Match Point
I cringed inwardly for about the 50th time in the past 15 minutes as Ginny continued to throw my clothes across my bedroom floor. Ginny was over my place attempting to find the "perfect" outfit for my date with Cormac. I would hardly call watching someone run around a football field for hours a real date, but then of course there was the going out for dinner part that she so kindly reminded me of. I pretty much froze at the thought and Ginny took it upon herself to help with the situation. However, throwing all of the neatly placed clothes out of my closet was not my idea of "helping".
"Ugh, Hermione you need more bright colours in your wardrobe. Too many earth tones for my liking," Ginny announced as she flung one of my favourite grey sweaters on to the floor.
"I happen to like earth tones as you call it, and can you please at least try to be kind to my clothing. They haven't done anything to you," I asked with a concerned expression on my face.
"That's it. Here, you are wearing this acceptable blue and grey pleated skirt and that grey sweater on the floor of there. We can raise the skirt a little bit and make the sweater dip lower and it could possibly work. I am not a miracle worker," She finished in defeat, laying the clothes on my bed beside me.
"Gee thanks. I am sorry my wardrobe offends you so," I responded with a chuckle.
"What would you do without me Hermione?"
"You mean besides having my clothing neatly placed in my closet?"
"Admit it. You would be completely lost. You need me."
"Well, I will always need you. You are my best friend. I just wish that you could go to the match with me."
"I know, but its mother-daughter time as mum so lovingly puts it. Oh that reminds me by the way. Since I will not be going to the match, I need you to do something for me."
"No."
"But you haven't even heard what it is!"
"Knowing you, its probably something to do with Draco."
"Look, can you just please tell him that, 'Red is sorry for not being here and she will call you later'."
"'Red?' How original," I responded trying not to laugh hysterically.
"Just do it alright. Oh and do look out for yourself. More specifically, try not to cross Cho territory," Ginny warned flopping down on the bed next to me.
"You act as if I actually socialise with her," I said with a shake of my head.
"Well I am just saying. There have been murmurs going around school lately—
"By murmurs you mean Draco—"
"—about Cho being exceedingly angry at a change in her boyfriend's behaviour."
"And what does Harry's behavioural change have to do with me?"
"Apparently, he is becoming more jealous these days. Particularly towards yours and Cormac's blossoming relationship. It cannot be officially confirmed of course without speaking with the direct source himself, but it's what I have been thinking for years."
"Which is…" I trailed off impatiently.
"Harry likes you Hermione," Ginny said softly looking at me with a warm smile.
Later that evening at the match—
I walked up towards the top of the benches on the football field trying to find a relaxing, peaceful seat away from the majority of the massive crowd of supporters. Unbeknownst to Ginny, I brought along my Kindle to read the books I had just put on to the electronic device. What she didn't know would harm her right? I smiled slyly to myself as I set the Kindle on my lap and flipped toward the book I was currently reading. Before I could really become engrossed in the novel, my thoughts treaded back to what Ginny said to me earlier today.
"Harry likes you Hermione". I couldn't get it out of my head. When I first heard her say that, I felt like throwing up in repulsion, however, a more deeply rooted emotional confusion took precedence. I didn't really know what to think about that statement. I have spent the majority of my teenage years hating my ex-best friend, and to find out that he may possibly like me changed everything. Shaking my head and turning back to my novel, I thought that it had to be a joke between Harry and his friends. That was the only feasible solution. Right?
"The beauty of technology is that you no longer have to rely on books, but what do you do? Buy a device that allows you to do just that. Typical Granger. She wouldn't know fashion if it hit her on the nose," a high-pitched voice accompanied with girls laughing interrupted my thoughts.
I rolled my eyes as I looked up to see Rebecca, Cho and Lavender standing near me on the benches.
"Is there something that you all needed in particular?" I asked in a clearly annoyed tone.
"How about you not breathing? However, since that is unfortunately not possible at the moment, I will settle for you leaving the school," Cho answered crossing her arms.
"Not going to happen," I asserted biting the inside of my mouth to hold in my anger.
"No one likes you Granger. Why don't you do us all a favour and leave while you still can," Rebecca stepped in with a smirk on her face.
"Your empty threats do not scare me."
"What a shame because you don't want to get on our bad side. Being on the non-existent slight annoyance level that you are now is safe, but being on our bad side is playing with fire," Rebecca replied with a glare.
"Look, can you just leave me—"
"Stay away from Harry if you know what's good for you. He doesn't want you, no one ever will. And they say your smart, complete rubbish if you ask me," Cho cut in walking up closer to me.
"Rubbish, that's an interesting concept if you ask me. Did you know that deep down we are all nothing more than rubbish for the insects to feast on? Personally, I would not be able to decide which insect I would want to take me first…" a dreamy voice asserted coming up beside me.
"No one asked your opinion Loony. Come on girls, let's go before she drives us all completely batty. Watch it Granger," Cho said before walking away tossing her hair over her shoulders, with Rebecca and Lavender following closely behind.
"Hullo Luna, nice to see you. How are you?" I asked turning toward the girl politely.
"Nice to see you too. I'm doing well, I haven't been attacked by any insects lately," Luna replied sitting down next to me.
I smiled at her before turning towards my Kindle once again. Luna Lovegood was definitely something else. She was in Ginny's year with long blonde hair and vibrant blue eyes. I never had anything against her. Sure she was a peculiar one, but she was always very friendly and nice to everyone around her. It was such a shame that most people in our school could not see past her quirks and completely alienated the poor girl.
A few minutes later, the players took the field and the match began.
The match had been going on for over 2 hour now and we were tied with the other team 2 to 2. So far, Ron as goalie made four incredible saves, Draco scored once, and Harry made the other goal. I almost died inside from a fit of laughter after Draco scored, imagining what Ginny would do in the moment. Luna had asked me if the spirit fairies were attacking me and that stopped my laughter as soon as it started. In response, I shook my head no, all the while wondering what the bloody hell were spirit fairies…
It was only 2 minutes left in the match and either team needed to score. The teams broke for a time out on the field and you could practically feel the anticipation coursing through audience. I always hated this part of the match. The last one I attended was Harry's back when we were still friends and I remember vividly how scared I was all the time for his safety. Not that I cared anymore. Suddenly, the crowd started clapping and cheering in excitement. The teams had taken their places back in the middle of the field and it appeared that Harry had the football. He kicked it between him and his mates for a couple of seconds before Cormac was passed the ball. My heart started to race a little. Cormac ran down the field, switching the ball between his feet, outmaneuvering an opponent before kicking the football straight in to the net for a goal that would end the match. Immediately the crowd went wild, jumping up and down.
"Ron did quite well don't you think?" Luna spoke up amongst the noisy crowd.
"What? Oh yeah sure. He is definitely a fair goalie," I responded with a nod before turning back to the players at hand.
Ginny and I always had a sinking suspicion that Luna fancied Ron for the past couple of years now. We never asked her about it, but why else would she attend all of the football matches? I hoped that everything would work out for her, however if Lavender had anything to say about it, there would definitely be a battle to win his affections. I found the whole thing almost comical. I turned my attention back to the players on the field as they congratulated Cormac. Harry stood slightly away from the rest of the team, with barely concealed hatred on his face. All I could do was smile at the scene.
After the initial excitement from winning had died down, I made my way down to the field toward the players. As I reached the edge of the field, Cormac smiled and waved in my direction. I returned it, waving back enthusiastically.
"Was it worth the trip out?" Cormac asked jogging up to me with a huge grin on his face.
"It was very entertaining. Congratulations to winning and for scoring the winning goal," I replied happily.
"Yeah well I was quite amazing wasn't I?" He said raising his eyebrows.
"You know what would have been even more amazing? If we had made the last point as a team like we specifically planned moments before your ego boost," an angry voice asserted walking up behind us.
Turning around, I saw Harry with his fist clenched, looking at Cormac with an angry expression on his face. I looked between the two of them in pure confusion. Whatever was happening couldn't be good with Harry being angry as he was.
"Look Potter, I saw an opening and I took it. Any skilled player would do the same thing. When it comes down to it, winning is all that matters. Now we can advance to the championship," Cormac responded stepping in front of me.
"Football is a team sport in case you haven't received the memo. And are you trying to imply that I am unskilled or something McLaggen? I will have you know that I haven't made MVP for the past 3 years for nothing. As team captain, I'm telling you that you need to follow the game plan next time, got it?" Harry answered stepping closer towards him.
"Wow, I didn't know that you were so full of yourself. I wouldn't feel so secure about that MVP title for very long though," Cormac said with a smirk.
Harry moved forward towards Cormac as if he were prepared to punch him. I put my hand in the middle of his chest to try and control him. He stopped and looked at me for a second before the rest of his team excitedly gathered around us.
"Fantastic match that was! Cormac are you coming with us to celebrate?" Seamus interrupted, clapping an arm around him.
"As much as I wish I could, I actually have dinner plans with Hermione here. Are you ready to go?" He answered turning towards me.
"You and Granger? Didn't see that coming," Draco announced in shock shaking his head.
"Umm yeah sure we can go. By the way Malfoy, 'Red' says she misses you and that you left your toy at her place," I said with a smirk coming to my face.
"What in the bloody hell are you taking about? What toy," Draco practically whispered trying to shield the rest of his teammates from listening in.
"Oh you know, the rubber ducky that you love so much," I answered barely containing my laughter.
The rest of the team erupted in laughter before he could properly defend himself. He profusely tried to deny what I said, even calling me mad but the team could care less. In their eyes, the infamous Draco Malfoy had a rubber ducky. Cormac laughed along a little bit before meeting my eyes and placing his hand on my back to lead me off the field. I turned back discreetly to see Harry. He looked back at me with an almost hurt expression on his face that had me thinking about what Ginny told me earlier.
Back at home—
Before I could open my bedroom door, my mobile started to ring in my pocket. Taking it out and throwing my keys on my bedside table, I answered it.
"Hullo, Ginny. I literally haven't been home for more than 5 minutes and you are already calling. You have impeccable timing," I said in to the receiver as I jumped up on to my bed.
"I'm psychic," She answered happily on the other line.
"Psychics have absolutely no merit. The statistical improbabilities are overwhelmingly—"
"Oh Merlin's beard Hermione it was a joke. Now, get on with the story telling. How did it go? Did he pay or did you both go Dutch? Did he kiss you?" Ginny interrupted excitedly.
"It went fine I guess. He paid and yes he did kiss me."
"Well, that sounds particularly uneventful."
"I lead an uneventful life."
"Give me something. Where did you go, what did you do?"
"We took the tube to Piccadilly Circus, went to Wagamama for a bite to eat. Talked for a little bit and came back home."
"You aren't getting off that easy. Tell me about this kiss."
"I don't know. It wasn't what I was expecting. First off, he didn't ask me if it was alright, he just went in for it full force. And the kiss itself just felt empty. Kind of mechanical if you please. I just don't know Ginny. It may get better with time, but I am not sure if I want it too. The way he acted around Harry today, I saw a completely different side of him and I didn't like it," I finished biting my lip.
"Well not everyone is a perfect kisser on the first time. Maybe it's been awhile for him and it will work itself out or it won't. But you won't know unless you try. As for the way he acted with Harry, I'm sure it was just an issue of male dominance, nothing to worry yourself about. Just give it a chance Hermione. What is the worst that could happen?" Ginny responded.
I continued to talk with Ginny for a half an hour after that, even bringing up the rubber ducky situation. At first, she tried to scold me for doing that to "poor Draco", which was irony in itself. Eventually, she couldn't take it any longer though and she fell in to fits of laughter with me joining right behind her. It went on that way for a few more minutes before we said our goodbyes.
As I prepared myself to work on my schoolwork, I thought about the events that happened today. Mostly, I thought about the kiss. I touched my lips absently as I started to relive the past. I think the real reason why I didn't like Cormac's kiss was because it wasn't Harry's lips against mine. Sure we had been 12 at the time when we had experienced our first kiss, but even then Harry had acted completely different than Cormac. He asked me if it had been alright to kiss me and the passion in that short kiss was enough to make me want more. I tried to shrug my thoughts away. The past was in the past. Ginny was right. I should try to make things work with Cormac and forget about Harry.
Sorry if the chapter seemed fully loaded with a lot of information, but I really wanted to include all of the necessary elements in this chapter. As for why I picked Wagamama for the restaurant, it was a place I had dined at on one of my first few days in London (memories ::tear::, jk). So I have now introduced Luna in to the story. What do you all think? More, less, don't have a particular opinion? As promised, the next chapter will all be in Harry's POV. What are you waiting for? Go to chapter 8. =]