(Disclaimer: I am not Rowling. All characters and material surrounding the Harry Potter series mentioned are hers, not mine. This is not for profit, only entertainment. Enjoy, review, share, etc…but especially review. Thanks for lending a voice, Rowling. )
Enjoy.
The following chapter is written in first person view, as told by Harry Potter.
"I forgive you, mate."
I look up from my bed and see Ron standing in the doorway. I put my book down. He makes his way across the large room.
"I forgive you, Harry. I know you were just trying to protect me."
I only nod my head. He sits down on the bed next to me, without invitation. I'm welcomed by a new scent that hasn't been on him in quite some time:
Soap.
"See Harry, I was thinking. I took a shower and I thought. A lot. You've always been there for me, mate. Through all the teasing and name calling. You've been there for me."
I don't say anything. I only nod. My voice will betray me and my emotions if I say anything at all.
"You're my best friend, Harry," he continues. "And I love you."
I can feel my face blanch. I can also feel my heart stop. I think this is how I die.
"What do you mean by you 'love' me?"
He gets up from the bed and heads towards the door.
"Ron, wait." I can hear the desperation creeping into my voice in hushed tones.
He stops and grips the door handle.
"What do you mean? Please tell me," I ask again.
"Mate, that's for me to know."
He opens the door. His eyes connect with mine as he looks over his shoulder.
"And for you to find out."
He leaves the room, and leaves me breathless all in one swift motion.
Sometime after my encounter with Ron, I find myself in the library, searching for Hermione. She is sitting in the back, near the restricted section. There is a rather large volume in front of her.
I approach her.
She looks up and visibly jumps out of her skin. "What, Harry?"
Her mood has gone sour. I hold up my hands in defense. I don't mean any trouble.
"I'm sorry about this morning in the Great Hall," I say as sincerely as possible.
"Oh so now you have something to say, 4 hours after you've thoroughly embarrassed me!" she angrily whispers.
"Yes. All I'm saying is sorry, Hermione. Will you forgive me?"
She looks me up and down with her scrutinizing honey brown eyes.
"Of course I forgive you, Harry James Potter. You're one of my best and oldest friends," she finally says.
"However," she continues, "The next time you have the nerve to embarrass me in front of Hogwarts, I will see to it that your head be permanently hexed in a way that would make Nearly Headless Nick blush."
I gulped. Audibly. I didn't put it past her for a second. She is, after all, the brightest witch of our age.
"I spoke to Ron," I blurt, changing the subject.
"Oh? And what did the git say?"
"He told me he loves me."
There was a very pregnant pause.
"What did he mean by that, Harry?" She asks, tentatively.
"He said that's for me to find out. I don't know what to do, Mione."
I plop down into the empty seat next to her, exasperated. She reaches over and pats my hand.
"He's giving me all these signals but it's still confusing, Mione," I sigh. "Did you ever speak to Gin and tell her what's going on?"
Hermione looks away from me. "Yeah, I did. It was a little too late, though."
"What d'you mean?"
"I got to her right after she found Ron. It wasn't pretty at all. They had an explosive row. Gin's robes were all singed in different places. She pushed right past me when I tried to ask her what happened."
Hermione started to fidget. "She has yet to speak to me, Harry," she confesses in a low tone.
I look at her. Her brown eyes search me again. "She'll come around."
I try to sound as reassuring as possible.
"What if she doesn't, Harry? What do I do?" she pleads.
"Kiss her. If I know Gin, and I think I do, one kiss will make everything right in the world."
Despite herself, Hermione grins at me. She playfully slaps my arm.
"Go find your boyfriend, you git," she laughs.
I stand up, kiss her forehead and make my way out of the library.
"Wish me luck?" I call over my shoulder.
(A/N: Oho! Update! :) What'd you guys think? I tried my best to address some of the assessments/suggestions/things you've pointed out. Like it? Review, please. I've finally found my ideal spot to write. I think you'll be seeing a lot quicker updates from me. :)
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