Harry lie awake in his bed in the guest bedroom of the Bones home trying to figure out why he was Fate's plaything. He was fifteen years old and for all intents and purposes, engaged to be married to a girl he barely knew at all. Yes, they had spoken a bit, and had started to get to know each other, but one conversation did not a relationship make, and neither of them really wanted to be stuck with the other. Susan had admitted to having deep and strong feelings for Zacharias Smith, who as it turned out, was involved with Harry's best friend, Hermione Granger. Harry on the other hand, while he didn't exactly have any particular girl in mind, didn't want to be with Susan because of some contract written ages before he'd even been born.
Harry could admit that Susan was definitely attractive, physically speaking. He had noticed her looks while they'd been talking by the pool the other day. He liked how she had been sitting on one leg, and holding her other leg close to her chest, with her chin resting on her knee. He found that he was, as any normal male would be drawn to her ample chest, though he found her legs very appealing. Her thought her red locks looked like silk, and her eyes were quite mesmerizing. Susan was a very pretty girl. Of that Harry had no doubts in his hormonal teenage mind.
But other than her looks, Harry wasn't really sure what he felt about Susan Bones. She was nice, but she was also a bit pushy. He hadn't really liked the way she had grabbed his hand. He had shown it to after she had come to apologize, and again, he had to admit that it was kind of nice when she held his hand.
Harry sighed heavily as he rolled to his side trying to get more comfortable. Everything about his current situation sucked. He couldn't find a single good thing about his predicament. Then he remembered that if it wasn't for this stupid contract, he'd likely still be at Privet Drive without permission to use magic, or access to so many great books on Defensive magic. He likely also wouldn't have been given special lessons with an Auror.
Harry thought back to his first lesson earlier that day.
Tonks had given him a special gift from Mad-Eye Moody. A wand holster that went on his wrist with a quick draw and anti summoning charm on it. Apparently Moody was still concern about Harry's buttocks being blasted off.
Tonks had made him practice drawing his wand and casting a shield charm as she attacked him with stinging hexes. Harry still had numerous marks on his chest and rear end where Tonks' spells hit him. In the end though, he'd gotten quite good and getting his shield up.
Tonks and Harry had eaten lunch together, and Harry had been able to ask all about what an Auror did. Tonks explained that it wasn't all hiding and fighting and chasing Dark Wizards.
"Paperwork." Tonks sighed. "Mountains of the stuff. We fill out so many reports. I swear I did a report, on filing a report once! It isn't all glamour and glory, kiddo. But, when you do bring a criminal to justice, it is pretty satisfying."
Harry had been about to ask how many criminals Tonks had caught when a thin man with what almost looked like a lion's mane for hair came to their table.
"Auror Tonks, good afternoon."
"Good afternoon, Director Scrimgeour. Harry, this is Rufus Scrimgeour. He works directly under Amelia Bones in the Department for Magical Law Enforcement. Director Scrimgeour, Harry Potter."
"It's good to meet you sir." Harry said as he shook the man's hand.
"You may be shaking the hand of the next Minister of Magic." Tonks smiled.
"That's right." Harry said. "Madam Bones mentioned you were likely going to be taking Fudge's job after today." Harry said interestedly.
"I am hopeful." Scrimgeour said as he joined the pair at their table. "We will need decisive actions if we are to stop You-Know-Who."
Harry shook his head and sighed disappointedly.
"Did I say something wrong?" Scrimgeour asked, looking mildly insulted at Harry's reaction.
"Not so much wrong as just, well, forgive me for saying…stupid."
"I beg your pardon?" Scrimgeour said, now getting truly upset.
"How can you expect to defeat him if you can't even say his name? I swear I've said this too many times to count in just the last few days, but we're only feeding his power by being so afraid of him we can't say his stupid name. It's Voldemort!"
Several people who were sitting nearby turned to look at Harry with slightly horror struck looks on the faces. Scrimgeour's anger melted at once, to be replaced by a look of impressed awe.
"Kid's right, Director." Tonks chuckled. "Dumbledore's been saying it for years. Yes, he did horrible things, and yes, he's likely to do them again, but we'll never win if we can't say Voldemort."
"Even if he were killed tomorrow, he'd still have won the war." Harry pointed out.
"You make very good points." Scrimgeour nodded. "Tell me Harry, could I count on you to support the Ministry if I am elected?"
"How do you mean?" Harry looked confused.
"Well, I think it would be good for morale if you were to be seen popping in and out of the Ministry, or even if you were to take a few photos with me every now and again." Rufus said in a hopeful tone.
"You want to create the illusion that I'm involved?" Harry looked puzzled. "Why would it matter if I cared one way or the other, so long as you were doing something to try and end the conflict?" Harry asked.
"That may be true, but you are a symbol to our people. A beacon of hope, if you will. If it were known that you were behind the Ministry, it would go a long way to easing people's minds."
"So would capturing Death Eaters." Harry replied.
"It isn't that simple."
"We live in a world where nearly anything is possible. Can't you put wards around every entrance into the Ministry so that anyone with a Dark Mark is instantly stunned? I'm sure that could be done. Then, you eliminate any spies within the Ministry. That would go a long way to lifting morale, don't you think?" Harry asked.
Scrimgeour sat staring at Harry for several long moments. He sipped his tea several times before he finally nodded as he got to his feet. "You've given me a bit to think about, Harry. Thank you."
"I'm glad to help, I just don't want to be anybody's pawn. I'm not saying that's what you were trying to do..."
"And I apologize if that's what it sounded like. I only wish to help ease the public's mind. As I said, you are a beacon of hope for many." Scrimgeour smiled. Scrimgeour bade them both a pleasant afternoon and left for his next meeting.
"Wow, good on you Harry." Tonks smiled. "I would never say this to him directly, but Rufus is a bit shortsighted sometimes. He's a good man, and I think he's capable of being the Minister, but sometimes he doesn't really look at the whole picture."
"Maybe he will now."
"That was a good idea about warding the Ministry to detect the Dark Mark." Tonks applauded softly. "I'm actually surprised it hasn't been done already."
"Do you think it could be done?" Harry asked.
"Possibly. To be honest, the only way it could work was if the Minister got a few aurors to do the work, and didn't bring it up in the Wizengamot or any meetings. It would tip off any Death Eaters who were spies. Not to mention that people would argue over it just to argue about it."
"Is it really so hard for people to work together?" Harry asked.
"Good question. Let me ask you one in return. Do you think it's possible that Gryffindors and Slytherins could work together?"
Harry nearly said yes instantly, but then he thought about it. There was so much animosity between the lions and the snakes. So long as people like Malfoy were Slytherins, doing their level best to make life very difficult for people like Harry, there could never be peaceful co existence between the two house.
"I think I get what you're saying." Harry sighed.
"It's a great dream, and maybe someday, but right now, people are far too greedy and self centered to think about anyone besides themselves, present company not included." Tonks smiled, nudging Harry's shoulder, "So tough guy, you up for a bit more time in our gym?"
Harry and Amelia had arrived home that night just as Emy was placing food on the table. Dinner was a quiet affair. Susan and Hannah barely spoke, and Harry was far too tired to try and start any sort of conversation. He gave only monosyllabic answers to anything he was asked. After dinner he'd come up to his room, prepare to fall to sleep, but his mind had other ideas.
As soon as he'd lain down, his mind began to work. Images of Susan in a wedding dress, a myriad of unanswerable questions playing over and over, and always the weight of what he was fated to do.
Harry decided that he would ask his friends for their advice. Amelia had informed him before they had left the Ministry that Ron and Hermione would be visiting him the next day. Harry was really looking forward to seeing his two friends. Usually he had to wait until much later in the summer to visit with them, but now he would be able to see them almost as much as he wanted.
As soon as he laid down, his mind went into overdrive, hammering him with thousands of possibilities. Susan walking down the aisle in a stunningly beautiful wedding dress, her eyes shining with happy tears. Facing Lord Voldemort and being unable to stop him from killing his friends. Amelia sobbing over Susan's broken body, blaming him for it all. Susan walking down the aisle with a look of revulsion on her face, Voldemort dead at his feet. All of it repeating in his mind along with hundreds of other less interesting images.
With a huge sigh of frustration, Harry knew he needed his friends input on the matter at hand. Amelia had told him as they were leaving the Ministry that evening that both Ron and Hermione would be coming to spend the day with him tomorrow. Harry was very excited about seeing his two friends who had supported him through just about everything. He felt at the moment he had never needed their support more.
Hermione Granger received her invitation at just after lunchtime. She was sitting in her back garden enjoying the summer sunshine while she enjoyed a bit of light reading. She had brought a small radio out with her. Hermione had grown to love pop music in the past few years. While she truly enjoyed the magical world, she found the wizarding music was lacking.
She sat curled on a lounge chair, with her bare legs curled underneath her as she turned the page. She was trying to absorb what she was reading, but she found herself distracted by the thought of her boyfriend.
When she had first met Zacharias smith, she found him utterly repugnant. He was pompous, foul, and insulting to her and her friends. It was only later that she discovered that he was actually none of those things. He had explained to her why he had acted the way he had at the Hog's head because Cedric Diggory had been sort of a friend. He did not harbor any real animosity towards Harry, but, not unlike many Hufflepuffs, Zach felt Harry shared some of the blame for Cedric's death.
During DA meetings, Hermione got to know Zach a bit more, and found him to be engaging and sweet as well as funny. He could make her laugh easily. When she'd awoken in the Hospital wing the day after the Ministry fiasco, he was sitting by her bed. He claimed that he had grown fond of her, and wanted to know if she would consider dating.
Hermione had told him she would have to think it over. Zach clearly had expected it, and gave her all the space she needed. Hermione had spent a very long time mulling it over. In truth, she thought that she might have had feelings for Ron, or even Harry. But after close inspection, and soul searching, she knew in her heart that while she cared deeply for both of her best friends, the feelings were more of a familiar nature. And so, she had sought out Zach to tell him she would be honored to be his girlfriend.
She knew that she'd made the right choice the moment he'd kissed her. Sweet, soft, and utterly amazing. Just a very gentle lingering kiss. He hadn't tried to maul her or anything. Zach was a true gentleman, and Hermione loved how he'd been treating her.
They'd spent a bit of time together during the now two weeks they'd been out of school, and she'd love every moment of it. Even attending Susan Bones' birthday party. Hermione suspected after speaking to Susan that the red head held feelings for her boyfriend, but Hermione didn't think that Susan would try to do anything to ruin the relationship. Hermione also suspected something else. Susan had asked a bit about Harry, but that wasn't very unusual. Lots of people asked her about Harry. But there was just something about the way Susan seemed... nervous.
The owl landed with a soft thump and presented its leg. Hermione, rather puzzled, as she had never seen this owl before, took the letter. The owl ruffled its feathers, and settled itself on the table. Hermione gave a questioning look to the bird and then opened the letter.
Dear Miss Granger,
I would tike it if you would be agreeable to come to my home tomorrow to visit with your friend Harry Potter. Please send a reply with this owl to let me know if you will be able to visit. A portkey will be sent to you, and you will be returned to your home by ten pm tomorrow evening.
Amelia Bones.
Hermione was so shocked that she had to read the letter three times.
"Why is Harry staying with Amelia Bones?" she asked the owl, who simply blinked. Rushing into the house, Hermione got ink and quill and wrote that she would be happy to come see her best friend. She tied the letter to the owl and watched it take to the sky.
Hermione's mind was full of questions, but she knew she wouldn't get any answers until the next day. In the mean time, she was going to have to try and be patient. Hermione knew in her heart that patience was not one of her strongest virtues, especially when it was something that was troubling her mind like this.
Ron Weasley received his invitation in the early afternoon. He was helping his brother Fred with a very heavy box down the steps to the fireplace. Both Fred and George were moving into their flat that day, and their mother was more than a little distraught.
"I still don't understand why you can't stay here." She bellowed as George joined them with a bulging suitcase.
"It's not like we'll never come back." Fred smiled.
"You know we can't cook." George grinned, and their mother chuckled a bit.
"They'll be alright, Molly." Mr. Weasley said, smiling proudly at the twins. "Bill's already been by and helped put up quite a few protective charms. And he's promised to stop by every couple of days to check on them."
"And to score himself a few canary creams." George snickered.
"Owl's coming." Ginny said, pointing out the window. Everyone turned to watch the large grey owl as it soared ever nearer, swooping into the house and landing on Ron's shoulder.
Ron looking puzzled, accepted the letter, and opened it.
Dear Mister Weasley,
I would like it if you would be agreeable to come to my home tomorrow to visit with your friend Harry Potter. Please send a reply with this owl to let me know if you will be able to visit. A portkey will be sent to you, and you will be returned to your home by ten pm tomorrow evening.
Amelia Bones.
"What's Harry doing at Amelia Bones House?" Molly said when Ron asked for permission.
"That's a good question." Mister Weasley said. "It was my understanding that he had to remain at his relatives for at least a month and then he would be coming to stay with us."
"We saw him with Madam Bones in our shop a few days ago." Fred said.
"She was interested on a few items that might be used by the Aurors." George smiled.
"We never did ask why they were together." Fred shrugged.
"Can I go see him? I'm sure I'll find out what's going on." Ron said.
Molly pursed her lips, but nodded. Ron smiled and wrote his reply which he gave to the owl. The rest of the evening was spent helping the twins, and wondering just why in the world Harry was staying with the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Ron's mother was the most vocal on the subject.
Ron was just as curious as the rest of hi family about the situation, but he knew that Harry would explain everything the next day. He just hoped there was something good to eat while he was there.
Harry went to the garden where his friends were supposed to arrive. Checking his watch, he smiled when it turned to ten o'clock. Both of his friends appeared out of thin air, landing in heaps on the soft grass.
"Rough flight?" Harry asked with a grin.
"HARRY!" Hermione shouted, shooting to her feet and wrapping him in a fierce hug, which Harry returned.
"Hey mate." Harry smiled as he clasped Ron's shoulder.
"Good to see you." Ron smiled in return.
"Harry, what's going on, why aren't you with your Aunt and Uncle?"
"Let's go inside, and I'll tell you everything." Harry said, his smile fading a bit. Hermione and Ron looked at each other, both with questioning looks, but they nodded and followed Harry into the house.
Harry led them into the sitting room, and they all took seat, and Harry began to tell them of everything that had happened to him in the past few days. Both his friends looked aghast as he explained about the betrothal contract that had been established so long ago. He then told of his feelings on the matter, and how confused he was. He also made a point to tell them about his first real conversation with Susan and Hannah, along with the fact that he was getting a bit of training with Tonks.
"Wow, Harry." Ron sighed, finally sitting back in his seat. "I can't believe that 1 used to be jealous of you. I'm really sorry mate."
"That's true, but on the bright side, Susan is a very smart and strong witch, It could have been a lot worse." Hermione pointed out.
"And don't think for a second that' I'm not thankful for that." Harry said quickly. "But I just don't think I feel anything for her."
"Of course not." Hermione replied. "You've just met. I mean, yes, you've gone to school together for the past five years, but you've never talked to her until the DA. And even then, you didn't talk much, did you?"
"No." Harry said flatly.
"I would be shocked if you did have any feelings for her one way or another at this point." Hermione smiled gently. "And the cold hard truth is, both of you may never actually fall in love with each other. But there's no reason you can't be friends. Just give it time. Don't try to rush anything. Allow whatever is going to happen to happen in its own time. I think it's brilliant that Dumbledore and Madam Bones allowed you to come here so you would have the opportunity to spend time together."
"Except, we've only talked that once, and to be honest, I was a little embarrassed. I never knew the Hufflepuffs were such randy buggers." Harry smirked.
"Don't be so stupid." Hermione shook her head. "They were right, just because we don't see it, doesn't mean it isn't going on. I happen to know that Seamus and Lavender got pretty physical last year, and both Angelina and Alicia hardly slept in their own beds because they were sharing with Fred and George."
"How do you know that?" Ron asked very curiously. Harry's eyes were as big as saucers as Hermione grinned.
"Girls talk." She said simply. "From what I've heard, the Hufflepuffs are pretty tame in comparison with the Gryffindors. The Ravenclaws are just as bad. I've even heard a few things about the Slytherins which are… rather scandalous."
"Speaking of Hufflepuffs." Harry said, scooting forward. "When were you going to tell us about Zach?"
Hermione's face instantly turned the color of a ripe tomato. She looked to Ron, who was looking at her curiously. Harry was smiling at her, and she wanted to punch him in the arm for blurting out her private business.
"What, did you think we wouldn't approve of him?" Harry asked.
Hermione shook here head, and then shrugged. She had to clear her throat a couple of times before her voice would cooperate with her.
"Actually, I was a bit afraid of that. Neither of you had a very high opinion of him, not that I blame you. He was rather abrasive." Hermione shrugged.
"As I recall, he all but called me a liar." Harry pointed out, his smile faded somewhat.
"Yes, but he's sorry about that. I suspect he's probably figuring a way to apologize to you. I'm sure a lot of people are trying to figure out how to do that. But, I got to know him a bit, and he's nothing like how he came off. He's really nice, and I think you'd like him. Most of the reason I didn't tell you is because I knew you'd take the mickey out of me for it." Hermione admitted sheepishly.
"Of course we would." Harry smiled brightly again. But it doesn't mean we wouldn't be happy for you. You're our friend Hermione, and we want you to be happy. So long as he treats you well and respects you, we have nothing to say on the matter. Right Ron?"
Ron, who remained silent through all this nodded with a tight smile. Harry knew that Ron harbored some feelings for their female friend, but as he'd never done anything about it, felt no pity for the redhead. If he'd made some sort of attempt to win Hermione's affections, Harry would have felt differently. Harry just hoped Ron wouldn't do something stupid and ruin things for Hermione because he was jealous.
"Thank you." Hermione smiled. "He does treat me good. And I can take care of myself, you know."
"Never said you couldn't." Harry grinned. "But if he does anything to hurt you, I will make my disappointment clear. Hufflepuffs aren't the only ones who can be loyal."
Hermione smiled at Harry's declaration of protectiveness, and began asking questions about Harry's training. The three talked for another hour about all that had been happening to them during the holiday. After lunch, Harry took them on a short tour of the house, lingering in the basement where he spent time practicing magic. Ron and Hermione were quite impressed with the few spells he demonstrated as well as the quick draw wand holster from Mad-Eye Moody.
"Harry, have you thought about continuing the DA This year?" Hermione asked as the trio went up to the dining room for lunch.
"A bit, yeah." Harry shrugged. "I guess it depends on how good a teacher we get."
"Why should that matter?" Ron asked. "We could all use extra practice. I know that I would have never managed to get through the OWL without the DA, and given what happened at the end of the year, I for one would like to learn more defense."
"I think a lot more people would be interested in learning from the chosen one." Hermione snickered.
"What?" Harry stopped and turned to look at Hermione with surprise.
"That's what they're calling you in the Daily Prophet now. The Chosen One." Hermione shrugged.
"Why?"
"They know that we fought in the Hall of Prophecies." Ron explained. "Someone let it slip that there was a prophecy about you. Don't worry, nobody knows what it said. They're just trying to write something good, although, I have to admit, I would have liked to have heard to, so we'd know why You-Know-Who was so hot to get his scaly hands on it."
Harry felt his face get hot, but turned around before his friends could see. He of course knew the contents of the prophecy, but he didn't dare risk telling them. He was too afraid they would simply leave and not wish to be his friends anymore. The mere thought of losing the two people who meant so much to him was so crippling, he felt like someone was crushing his chest.
They sat around the table as Emy the house elf finished putting food on the table. Hermione scowled a bit at the retreating Elf, and Harry gave her a stern look.
"This isn't the place for bringing up House Elf rights." Harry warned, "Besides, I have a house elf now."
"What?" Ron and Hermione looked up in surprise.
"Sirius left me everything he had, and that included Kreacher. He's mine now. And Dobby wants to work for me as well."
"Oh you've got to be joking." Hermione sighed as she sat down. "Harry that's..."
"Hermione, I know how you feel, but I can't free Kreacher. He knows way too much. Dumbledore suggested I put him to work in the Hogwarts kitchen. And Dobby's a really good elf, and He's helped me a lot in the past, though he's also very nearly killed me." Harry said as he took his seat.
"Better watch what you eat this year, if Kreacher is cooking." Ron sniggered, and Harry nodded his agreement.
"Can we join you?" Hannah asked. She and Susan had appeared and were looking hopeful. Harry looked to his friends, who both didn't look as though they minded. The two girls sat down and began to serve themselves. There was an awkward silence between them all for a few moments until Hermione spoke up.
"I'm not sure if I should offer congratulations to you Susan." She said, looking very awkward. "I can't even begin to imagine how you must be feeling about this."
"It's been a shock." Susan said politically. "But it's too early to tell anything at this point."
Hermione noticed Harry give a quick unreadable glance at Susan. Susan also seemed to be avoiding Harry's eyes. She was overcome by sympathy for these to people.
"I just think they should get over themselves." Hannah said flatly. "It's been three days and they've spoken a grand total of three times. It's ridiculous."
"You can't force people to suddenly have feelings for each other." Hermione said.
"Oh yes you can." Hannah fired back. "Love potions, lust potions, cheering charms. There are ways."
"But it wouldn't be real." Ron pointed out.
"But it might get things moving in the right direction." Hannah replied. "Don't get me wrong. I want Susan to be happy, I really do, but their stuck together, and they're both being very stubborn here."
"Excuse me?" Susan looked angrily at her best friend. "Maybe you'd like to switch places with me. Then you could be forced to marry someone you don't even know and have to constantly wonder if you're ever going to feel anything for them, and praying that you don't end up hating that person even though you're going to have to marry them and have their baby."
Harry spit out the mouthful of milk he was drinking. "What?"
"Did they not tell you that part?" Susan asked turning sharp eyes on Harry. "Not only do we have to get married, but I have to have your baby within a few years of our wedding. Nice, huh?"
Susan stood up and threw her napkin on her plate before giving a final glare to Hannah and storming upstairs.
"Ah cripes." Hannah sighed. "I've really got to learn to keep my mouth shut."
"We really have to have a baby?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, it's part of the contract. The two bloodlines must be merged or some such nonsense. I'd better go talk to her." Hannah started to get up, but Hermione held up her hand.
"She might be really mad at you. Why don't I try?"
"Ok, but just so you know, when she's upset, she's kind of tough to talk to. She might even try and hit you."
"I'll be alright." Hermione assured them as she got up. Hermione found Susan on her bed, her face in her pillow.
"Susan? May I come in?" Hermione asked. Susan glanced over her shoulder, her eyes red and teary. She gave a soft shrug, and Hermione stepped into her bedroom, shutting the door behind her.
"I really am sorry about all of this. I kind of suspected something when we spoke at your birthday party, but I didn't know what. I just sort of figured you had a bit of a thing for Harry."
"I stopped being a fan girl after I learned Lockhart was a fraud." Susan admitted. She sat up and wiped at her eyes. "I'm so lost here."
"If it's any help, Harry's just as lost. He's absolutely rubbish when it comes to girls. Maybe if his life had been different, he'd be better, but he's never really had the opportunity to obsess over girls like every other boy."
"Because of Voldemort?" Susan asked. Hermione raised a curious eyebrow, but nodded. "I see he's already had a bit of influence on you. I don't know anyone other than Harry who could say that name with out a bit of a flinch."
"He explained a bit about Voldemort to Hannah and I the other day. Then I went and screwed things up when I grabbed his hand to see those scars that horrible woman gave him."
Hermione grimaced when Susan said this.
"What?" the red head asked.
"It's just that, although he doesn't really mind physical contact, you have to build up to it. Earn his trust, you know? The first time I hugged him, I swear that someone put a body bind hex on him. He went so stiff. I honestly think it may have been the first hug he'd ever gotten." Hermione said honestly.
"That would explain his reaction." Susan said. "But there's more isn't there? He's so closed off Like he doesn't want anyone getting close to him."
"Harry's greatest fear is that everyone he cares for will get killed by Voldemort. He tries constantly to push Ron and I away. He thinks he's protecting us, but it's also because he can't believe anyone could care for him enough to be willing to risk their lives fighting at his side, or even for him. He has a bit of a hero complex. He's willing to do anything he can to help others, but refuses to let anyone help him. So you're problem is going to be getting past his walls, simply because he's going to want to protect you." Hermione finished, Susan nodded her understanding.
"All I wanted was to be swept off my feet in a whirlwind romance." Susan huffed.
"I wouldn't count Harry out." Hermione smiled. "Yes, you're pretty much already engaged, but Harry won't be satisfied with that."
"What do you mean?" Susan asked curiously, her anger finally dissolving.
"Well, I think that deep down, Harry really wants to fall in love with someone. He wants something like his parents had. Now, I'm not saying that you two will have that, because to be honest, you may end up incompatible. It sucks, but there's the chance. I don't think it will happen though, simply because I know Harry. I already know he thinks you're pretty."
"How do you know that?" Susan asked.
Hermione grinned and shook her head.
"The way he watches you. He did it when he was attracted to Cho Chang. His eyes brighten a bit when he's looking at you. I'm sure he's got somewhat friendly feeling towards you. He did tell us about you grabbing his hand, but he didn't sound really hateful when he talked about it. More like he was embarrassed, which I'm sure he was. He doesn't like to show any sort of weakness." Hermione explained.
"So you think he thinks I'm pretty?" Susan asked, and Hermione nodded.
"He's a fifteen year old boy, and you're a gorgeous redhead with huge…uh, assets."
"You mean boobs." Susan chuckled.
"Yeah, ok." Hermione laughed in return. "Of course he thinks you're pretty. My advice to you is to take your time with Harry. If you let him, he might actually be the one to sweep you off your feet. And to be honest, I think it would be good for him to have another strong reason to fight. Right now, he's fighting because it's right. But I think he needs something else. Or more specifically, someone to fight for."
"I wish it were as simple as that." Susan sighed. "Why didn't you ever go after him?"
Hermione shrugged. "I wish it were that simple." She smiled, making Susan chuckle a bit. "Harry is turning into a very attractive boy, but there's never really been any spark between us. Not romantically anyway. Although, I should warn you. Ron's sister Ginny is probably going to be really broken up when she finds out about you two. She's kind of got this dream that she and Harry will get married one day."
"Thanks for the warning." Susan smiled softly and took a deep breath and letting it out in a rush. She looked up to Hermione who was watching her.
"Do you think that we have a chance to actually fall for each other?" Susan asked.
"I believe in my heart that if you can get through his walls, you'll find that he's more than you could have ever hoped for out of a man. He will spend his every waking hour doing all he can to make you the happiest girl in the whole world." Hermione said with a confident smile that made Susan blush as she thought of actually having a very strong and happy marriage with Harry Potter.