Chapter 2:The Rumors/The Regrets

AN: What goes on. I hope what happened at the end didn't confuse anyone. that wasn't supposed to be bolded. Any who, here's the second chapter. Now Harry and Hermione have to deal with the rumors that are being spread by the students and Rita Skeeter. And the regrets that Hermione feels for confiding in Harry. It's all a big hot mess. But I like it like that.

If Cho was acting a little OOC in the last chapter. It's because it's pretty evident that she likes Harry in the 5th movie/book. I've just decided to speed up the whole liking Harry thing. She still likes Cedric a lot more than she likes Harry right now. But jealousy can do crazy things to the mind and the heart.

So sorry about the whole not posting thing. I had trouble with my laptop screen and the charger. But that's all in the past. Any who, here we go.

The rest of the morning went by pretty uneventful. Seeing as they their classes with their fellow Gryffindor's. It was Lunch time that set off the chain of events that would spiral out of control. It all started when Hermione and Ginny walked into the Great Hall.

"What are they all staring at?" Hermione asked as she saw that everyone was either staring at her, or pointing in their direction.

"Hermione. For someone so smart, you sure are dense. they're staring at you." As if that was the trigger, everyone trained their sights of her. She blushed and lowered her head. As the two girls began to walk towards their table, Hermione felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned and was greeted by her emerald eyed best friend.

"Harry. Hi how are you?" she asked.

"I'm fine Mione. Just making sure that you were holding up alright considering all that happened."

"Oh. well, I'm ok I guess. Just a bit-" She was cut off by the most annoying voice ever. They all turned and saw that it belonged to none other than the Slytherin known as Pansy Parkinson.

"Looks like Potter and the Mudblood have finally shagged."

"Pansy. One" Harry said as he began walking up to Pansy with fire blazing in his green eyes. His anger gave them a dark almost sinister tint turning from their bright emerald to such a sinister shad of jade that would make even Voldemort proud. "Don't you ever call her that. Because if you do, I will personally rip your head off with the my bear hands. and two, we didn't shag. so you'll do to wipe those thoughts from your mind. because it isn't true."

"Ohhhhh. Somebody's grown some balls over night. You should be proud of yourself Potter." Harry turned and saw that this new voice belonged to the insufferable Malfoy. When Harry set his eyes on his, they turned even darker to the point that they bordered the color black. As Hermione and Ginny Tried to mo "Look Malfoy. I don't have time to play your little games. So I suggest you walk away before I decide to do something that I'll probably feel no remorse once I'm done."

"Yeah. I'd like to see you try. Your no dark lord. so just run along with you filthy little Mudblood whor-" His voice was cut off as Harry grabbed him by the throat.

"You can say whatever you like about me. But if you ever in your foul loathsome waste of god-given life ever even try speaking the words you've just uttered, of any that are even in the same range, I will do things to you that will make what Voldemort does, like stealing candy from a baby." Without another word, Harry punched Malfoy in the face and abruptly walked back to his dorm. Everyone saw that his back was tense. Many thought it was from anger. And it was. But not all of it. What the others couldn't see, was that he was rigid with the pain that was stemming from his scar.

Harry made sure he was clear of being seen before he broke out into a run straight into the nearest boys bathroom.

"Stay out of my head!' Harry yelled as he pulled at his hair in an attempt to counter his intense pain.

"With every passing second, The pain grew stronger and stronger. It felt as if his head was being split open from the ordeal. Harry dropped to his knees as the pain became too intense.

"" Harry yelled as it became to unbearable. without realizing it, he let out a burst of magical energy that rocked the entire campus. All felt it, and all grew scared. Suddenly, it disappeared as Harry fell unconscious.

"W-where am I?" Harry mumbled as he woke up to a new scenery that wasn't the bathroom.

"Ahh. Harry dear boy. I'm glad your finally awake. You've given us quite a scare these past few days."

"How long have I been out?" He asked with a raw voice.

"It's been 5 days I'm afraid. Frankly, we didn't know when you'd awaken." suddenly, a thought struck him.

"What about the tournament sir?"

"Hahahaha. do not worry, you still can compete. we have put it on hold until you are back to full strength. But that isn't important right know. What is, is that you tell me what happened. to you."

"I don't know if I can. What the hell do I say? My arch enemy was trying to get inside of my mind. Yeah. He won't think I'm crazy at all."

"Harry. I need to know what happened."

"Alright alright. I'll do it." "Well, you know what happened in the great hall?" Harry asked.

"Yes…what about it?" Dumbledore asked.

"well, when I left, there was an intense pain stemming from my scar-" Harry stopped for a minute, took a deep breath, then promptly continued his tale. Once he was done, he looked up to the headmaster.

"Well Harry, it seems as though you need to be taught Occulumency."

"What's Occlumency sir?" Harry asked"

"Not right now my dear boy. You have to get checked over first, then I have to get everything set up. Then, I will tell you what it is you will be learning. OK?" Harry was about to protest, but stopped seeing as he knew he wouldn't get his way.

"So, when do I get out of here?" Harry asked.

"Well, once Poppy gives you a check over, then you'll be free to go." As if on que, Madam Pomfrey (I think that's how it's spelled.) walked in.

"Ah, Poppy, can you give young Harry his check up so he can go please." She was about to protest, but decided against it. After a few minutes, the results came back and he was free to go.

Harry made his way up to the Gryffindor commons seeing as it was the weekend. As soon as he stepped through the portrait hole, he was mobbed by his fellow housemates.

A chorus of 'Harry,, your back' suddenly, they were all pushed out of the way by a teary eyed, Hermione.

"Harry, your OK." She said with a crackling voice.

"Yep. I'm fine."

"Oh Harry." with that said, Hermione latched onto Harry in a soft embrace. Harry automatically tensed. "What is wrong with me, I need to get over my fear of emotions." Hermione felt this, and released Harry.

"I'm sorry. I know how mush you hate physical contact."

"N-no. It's OK. I'm fine. You don't have to apologize for my behavior."

"So, are you sure you're OK?" Hermione asked.

"'Mione, I told you, I'm fine. No worries." He confirmed.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah" suddenly, Hermione hit Harry on his arm. "Ow. what was that for?"

"For having me worried." suddenly, Hermione began tearing up again.

'Oh, Mione" Harry said as he pulled her into an embrace. Even though he initiated the act, he still tensed a little. "I never meant to make you worry. I'm so sorry."

Hermione said as she rested her head on his chest.

"You know, your very comfortable. Like a Pillow." Hermione said. Harry blushed a little, then burst into laughter.

"Well thank you. I've always wanted to be someone's very own pillow." Harry joked. The two laughed together. Unaware that they were being watched by two people.

"I've got my new Scoop. They wont know what hit 'em." One said. The other didn't say anything, but stared at them with eyes ablaze. "I've got to split them up. She's mine."

AN: Thanks to all you guys who reviewed and put the story on your fav's list. you guys are so awwsome. This chapter didn't go as planned, but I still like. I hope you do to. Constructive criticism is welcomed.

Also, some are wondering if the story has Ron Bashing. It doesn't have immediate Bashing, it just has

slight bashing.