Chapter 2 – I Turn to You
In the Burrow, The Weasleys, Harry and Hermione were getting ready to travel to Diagon alley and buy all the items listed in their letter. In the letter there was a shopping list, listing what supplies they would need for that year. Molly and Arthur were worried about how expensive everything is. Ron needed a single book for his fourth year, Ginny's third year shopping list had eight books and the twins needed six books each on their list for the sixth year. In the past, the struggling parents used to give the younger sibling the older one's books, however this year they couldn't. All the books were updated since they were not up to par with today's level of practice in magic.
"Arthur, how are we going to be able to pay for all of these books?" Molly said while looking at the kids who were outside playing with a baby dragon Charlie brought with him on his visit from Romania.
"I don't know dear. I probably should take more extra hours in the office. Merlin knows they need more aurors especially in times like these". Arthur paused as he walked towards Molly, holding her by her side.
"Do you think he is really back?" she asked.
"I believe he is. the death eaters wouldn't have had the confidence to pull that horrible raid in the Quidditch World Cup if he wasn't involved or at least ordered them to spread the word out there". Arthur said while he was looking at Harry maneuvering his broom perfectly as usual with the baby dragon trying to make his first attempt to fly. Molly and Arthur caught each other's worried sight of Harry. They knew that out of all people, the Dark Lord's return will affect him the most.
"I feel responsible for the boy Arthur. I know that just like myself you think of harry as if he was our own". Molly told her wondering husband. "Maybe we should sit him down and have a conversation with him about the situation. He could be very scared. How many fourteen years old teenagers have gone through what he is going through? Those absolute horrors at such a young age". Tears came down her cheeks as she vented all the feelings, the guilt she kept bottled up inside of her. Ever since that night at Godric's hollow, seeing young parents Lily and James Potter, laying lifeless on the floor next to crying one year old Harry, took a devastating toll on her. She wanted to take Harry into her house and raise him so he would have the best childhood she could've gave. Even though they didn't have much, she could've offered him love and warmth and a supportive family. When harry told them during the times he visited of how he was poorly treated by his aunt and her family, The Dursleys. How he was forced to do almost all of house chores, the way they punished him by denying him food, or a proper room to sleep in while he was put in the brooms closet. Molly couldn't help but feel guilt knowing she should've insisted on taking him in or at least check up on him.
Arthur has tightened his grip on Molly's side, attempting to comfort her through her visible pain she was feeling.
"He looks like an August to me" said ginny while the group tried to come up with a name for the cute dragon that kept them mesmerized for two days now.
"August? Bloody hell, absolutely Not. It's a dragon not a rabbit Ginny. He needs a tough name. like Draconis or Lobo!".
"Lobo means wolf in Spanish Ronald. Honestly, you need to pay attention to things you say more". Hermione stated while everyone laughed but Ron, who gave her a dismissive look.
"Well don't get too attached to that cute little guy. He goes back with me to Romania in a few days". Charlie let everyone know. The group's fun and light vibe was nearly evaporated considering petting the cute beast, gave them an escape from the threatening riot they experienced last week.
Molly stepped outside and approached the kids, standing closely next to Harry giving him a side hug. "Well, enough with the fun and games. It's time we pay a visit to Diagon Alley".
The group gathered around the fireplace getting ready to transport to their upcoming location.
"Harry sweetie, I'm aware that you've probably learned your lesson the previous time you used the Floo powder when you landed in that creepy awful place instead, but just in case, listen carefully as I explain to Hermione about how to use it, since this is her first time". Molly looked at Harry who was a bit embarrassed when the boys giggled at the memory of him showing up all dirty and scared.
"Hermione dear, it's very easy so don't worry. You take a handful of the Floo powder, you state the name of the place you wish to go to in a very clear voice! Then you throw it onto the ground in the fireplace, the powder turned into harmless, emerald green flames. That's pretty much it."
After everyone arrives there safely, the group split up to where they wanted to go first before they all meet up in the bookshop. Fred and George went directly to their favorite place, Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop. As both were known as the top pranksters of the school, they saved up money working in temporary jobs to stock up items and tricks to maintain their hard-earned title. They hoped and dreamed that one day, they'll have their own, giant, successful joke shop so their family will never have to worry about money ever again.
Arthur and Molly took Ginny to meet her friends in Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Some may argue that they have the best pumpkin pie flavored ice cream. Harry would be there to defend his favorite flavor though, strawberry jelly and peanut butter.
Ron and Hermione went to the Leaky Cauldron, A popular wizarding pub and inn, to grab a bite. Harry told them to go ahead as he had some business to take care of. Hermione and Ron offered to accompany him, but he insisted on going by himself.
"You guys go head, I won't be long and I can tell Ron is eager to eat already. I'll join you as soon as I'm done". Before the two can respond back, Harry was already gone.
"Don't you think it was a bit strange the way he blew us off? Why would he do that?" Hermione thought Harry was hiding something since she could already tell when he was lying. Talented as he is in many things... lying isn't one of them.
While she was running several scenarios in her non stopping mind, Ron was busy devouring the Steak and kidney pie he ordered, making the loudest chewing noises.
"Ronald! Can you stop eating like a troll for two minutes? If I knew it was possible, I could've sworn you have a magical non-ending tunnel where your stomach's supposed to be!" Ron kept chewing while she preached him in vain.
"Merlin Hermione! Can you stop being so paranoid? He went by himself to run some errands. We don't expect you to tell every single thing that you do now do we? Especially after hiding the fact that you had a bloody time turner the whole last year, right?" Ron never sounded so rational which took Hermione by surprise and shockingly without any words to respond.
"Umm… sure that makes sense". She answered back while Ron returned to finish his leftovers.
About half an hour later, Harry appeared and joined them at the table. Hermione struggled with the intent to ask him about where he was and what was he doing or buying but she decided to stop being so pushy and controlling. She knew she was acting like that, but she couldn't help but feel like it's up to her to be there for her friends. Before she was accepted to Hogwarts, she didn't have many friends in her old school. In a manner of fact, she had no friends at all. The intelligent girl always felt different. An outsider that didn't clicked with the normal girls. When she finally found her place where she felt like home, she can't help but feel protective of her friends and surroundings.
"Do you want to order something to eat?" she asked Harry.
"I'm not very hungry to be honest. If you guys are done, maybe we should head out and meet everyone in the bookshop".
"Alright mate, let go" Ron said while making sure he didn't leave any leftovers behind.
The trio made their way towards the bookshop when they passed by Harry's favorite place in Diagon Alley. Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour has been his favorite stop there not only for their delicious goods. Harry was staying in the Leaky Cauldron for a few weeks in the beginning of the summer. He regularly set in the ice cream shop spending his time there doing his homework, enjoying the scenery or the amazing desserts they offered.
"I can definitely go for a chocolate and raspberry flavor with chopped nuts and their creamy whipped cream! I need some sweetness after that meal". Ron noticed that Harry wanted to go inside but for some reason didn't. He would never say no to ice cream either.
"Surely! My personal favorite is the Mango Tango. You can't possibly go wrong with mango and passion fruit. The most mouth-watering sorbet!". Hermione noted.
Harry couldn't wait to get his. For some reason the strawberry jelly and peanut butter flavor gave him a warm familiar sensation. He always remembered how his aunt Petunia, always made Dudley his sandwich for school with the same ingredients, Strawberry jelly and peanut butter. He was lucky to get one himself every now and then. Although he usually got what was left over at the table.
As they enter the shop, the smell of the sweets made them smile and forget the stress of shopping everything before they'll go back to probably another packed year filled with challenges. Ron already glued his sight on all twenty-three flavors they had to offer. Even though he already knew he will regret it, he ordered five scoops of five different flavors. Hermione looked like she was about to give him another lecture but chose to sit this one out. As Ron finished tasting fifteen of the flavors, he finally settled on what he wanted. Hermione ordered two scoops of Mango Tango while Harry enjoyably kept catching up with the owner as they could've continued to talk for hours.
"You will have your usual I assume, right?" Mr. Fortescue asked Harry. He knew today won't be any different as he always chose the same flavor.
"Yes sir, thank you." Harry said.
"Strawberry jelly and peanut butter ice cream with roasted hazelnuts coming right up". Mr. Fortescue joyfully announced.
"I'll have the same thing he is having". A deep and intense voice came from behind Harry. A strange feeling rose through Harry's body when the mysterious guy talked. He couldn't put his finger on it since it's something he never felt before. he quickly gets confused by what is happening to him, what felt like an ambush attack of ten different emotions. A powerful stress that made his heart race, combined with a surge of energy. A rush of adrenaline tangled with nervousness, yet a warm embrace of excitement. Time appeared to slow down. The thought of him losing track of time made him snap out of it. All harry felt after shaking off that moment was terrified. He never liked feeling out of control or not in charge of himself. Fearing that the rollercoaster of emotions made by the guy's voice will return, he prayed that when he turned around to find his seat, the source of it will be gone. breathing heavily, he took his order from the counter and slowly turns around.
As he turned around, there he was. tall and well-built, possessing a strong and muscular athletic physique. He had a dominant presence, carrying himself with a strong sense of confidence and poise. His symmetrical face features were magnified by his strong jawline and a slightly squared face. He had thick, but well looking eyebrows that framed his intense and expressive eyes.
His eyes, Harry felt like he's about to willingly drown in those captivating light blue-gray eyes. Bright eyes filled with intense determination and kindness. His eyes gave both warmth and coldness and the same time. His hair was thick, dark brown colored and styled in a classic European hairstyle. It fell in natural waves, as he brushed his fingers through it. He wore a classic white crew-neck T-shirt, slim-fitting, light blue jeans, and a pair of black leather boots.
"Hey". He said in the softest yet captivating way.
Harry kept looking at him, shocked and unresponsive. He finally after a few seconds smiled lightly at the tall guy.
"I hope I made the right call taking what you had. It's maybe the second or third time I'm eating ice cream". He said smiling, releasing a small laugh towards Harry.
Harry was sure at this point something was wrong with him. Even the smallest thing this guy does, makes Harry go into a weird uncontrolled frozen state of mind. What is it about him that makes Harry feel this way?
"Um... well... I'm having this flavor every time I come here. It's my personal favorite." Harry said surprised he found the words to speak.
"Ok then… I guess we will find out soon enough. Thank you for letting me copy off your order." He replied giving the green-eyed boy the most flirtatious smile.
"Sure." Harry said looking redder than before.
Harry walked towards his friends who were wearing the most confused facial expressions they had in a while. Harry took his seat and sat down taking a big breath.
"What? Umm… Harry?" Hermione blinked heavily as to what she and Ron have just witnessed. "Who was that?" she finished saying while she kept switching her glares between Harry and Ron.
"I don't know. He just ordered what I had." Harry said while hoping this conversation will end here. He barely got out of there in one piece, and he was still processing what the hell just happened. The last thing he needed is to be grilled by Hermione over it.
"I could've sworn that you don't just know the guy, but you had something big going on there." Hermione said trying to whisper yet be very firm. Something tells her there's more to it. She knew Harry, and something about him was off.
"What do you mean something big? We were just talking about ice cream flavors for about one minute." Harry said looking even more confused. He wondered if she noticed that he was feeling like a complete wreck inside after seeing that guy.
"Mate? You were just staring at each other for more than five minutes. and that's when I started counting it when we noticed" Ron said giving Harry a suspicious look.
Harry was blindsided by it. he could have felt how time kind of stopped when they saw each other but he thought the stare was for merely five seconds not five minutes! Harry began thinking about what the guy was thinking during that time. Harry thought he was probably Weirded-out.
"Five minutes? there is no way! I'm sure you are just exaggerating of what the situation is. He was just asking me for advice on the flavor he ordered and that was it! now can we please drop it?"
Hermione was about to say something when Ron gave her a small kick under the table, signaling her to let it go, as Harry seemed to be redder than him. Hermione looked as if she was put in a time out for being relentless.
The trio set there silently for two more minutes while harry looked as if he was trapped in his own thoughts staring at his ice scream bowl. When The Weasleys came and gave them a wave to finish up and go out. Harry barely touched his ice cream after losing his appetite from this whole situation.
"Are you coming bud? We need to head out to the bookshop." Ron said quietly trying not to start a new heated discussion.
"You guys go ahead. I'll meet you there in a few minutes. I want to say goodbye to Mr. Fortescue." Harry said smiling at the two of them as he realizes he shouldn't be mad at them for simply asking a simple question. They don't really know what happened at that moment. Harry understood seeing your friend staring at a stranger for several minutes without talking looks weird to say the least. He wished he had an explanation as to why that happened and why did it feel so overwhelming.
Hermione wanted to offer him that they'll will stay and wait for him, but she knew by now when to let him do his own thing. She and Ron got up, said their goodbyes to the nice owner and walked out.
"Hey". Harry froze at the sound of the voice coming from behind him. He wasn't ready to face him again, as he was still barely making sense of what happened when they faced each other the first time. He knew though that it didn't really matters. He needed to turn around.
"I noticed your friends just left. I can't seem to find an empty table. Do you mind if I join you?". The guy asked looking as if he was even smiling with his eyes. He had the most captivating stare. One that can make every trouble you spend ages running inside your mind, completely vanish. Harry knew that even tough he never met him before, he felt like he knew him. Like he knew him his whole life.
"Sure". Harry replied with a nervous smile.
As the guy settled into the chair across from him, the packed ambiance of the shop seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of them, in their own little world as if no one else were around.
"You barely touched your ice-cream. Should I be worried I made the wrong decision?" he asked Harry.
Harry forgot the ice-cream was even there. After experiencing every single emotion, emotions he knew and new ones he didn't knew existed, a true whirlwind of emotions to say the least, he forgot almost everything that happened until that exact point.
"Yeah. I mean no. you shouldn't be worried! The ice-cream is fantastic." Harry quickly corrected himself as he shakes off his mistake. "I just got into a conversation with my friends. I spaced out for a while." Harry concluded.
"Is everything ok?" the guy asked as he appeared to pierce his focused eyes into Harry's even more. "It seems like you three had quite a chat. Your friends left looking a bit worried."
Harry took his question by a nervous surprise. He wondered if he witnessed their conversation together, maybe he was close enough to hear that they were talking about him and the fact that they stared at each other.
"Nothing out of the ordinary really. They are just being a bit overprotective. It's not a bad thing at all, On the contrary. But sometimes it can be a little much." Harry realized soon after how bizarre it is that he's sharing this thing he barely thought to himself so openly with a complete stranger. It took him more by surprise that it felt completely right and natural. It felt like he could share everything with him.
"That's Interesting." The guy said. "You don't strike to me as someone who needs protection. You seem like you can take care of yourself." He finished giving Harry a small, teasing looking smile.
"Thanks. But I don't mind it really. It's nice to have true friends like them." Harry defended them even though he was completely flattered by his compliment.
"I agree. To have that relationships in your life can be amazing but be careful. It's very easy to lose yourself in then. The disappointment will be harder if you get too attached. Trust me on this one, I have been there." He said while his face seemed to change to a darker tone of expression.
"Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying your friends will do that, but being careful is the best thing to do." He finished talking while Harry looked at him thinking the conversation has gone deeper than he thought.
"I guess that makes sense… I assume it is my turn to ask you. Are you ok?" harry looked at him trying to make a little joke to lighten his table companion.
The guy released a laugh and looked at harry looking amused and appreciative of that.
"Yeah definitely. People tell me I can sometimes be a bit direct and tactless." He flexed his muscled biceps, stretching his hands behind his head.
"I think being direct is mostly better than being shady or mysterious about what you think or try to say." Harry said.
"And I think our ice-cream just turned into a drink." He said laughing as he saw harry looking like a tragedy has happened to them.
"Don't worry, I will save them." The guy said in a heroic tone that made Harry laugh as if it was the funniest thing he heard, visibly giving the guy a boost to his already well existing confidence. He took out his wand and chanted in a firm and collected tone: "Glacius."
The wand released a freezing cold, bright and piercing light blue air the froze the ice-cream in a matter of seconds.
"That's a spell I never knew that I needed." Harry was amazed he never learned It before.
"Well… moment of truth. I don't mean to scare you or anything but if this ice-cream isn't good… you are in big trouble." He said looking at Harry, giving him the most intense, serious stare. Harry looked surprised as the guy's whole vibe shifted just like that. The guy soon released a small chuckle, laughing at the terrified looking Harry. Harry really fell for his joke.
"Now I'm nervous." Harry said as he was starting to get impatient waiting for him to taste it. He didn't know why he cared so much about him liking it, but he was invested. The guy stared at Harry giving him a quick wink.
As the guy scooped a big bite out of his ice-cream, he looked at Harry and said: "well, what are you waiting for? Dig in". Harry realized he was bluntly staring at him. He then took his spoon and grabbed his bite too.
"Cheers ". The guy said. He moves his spoon close to Harry's. "When you do toast, and clash your drinks or in our case, spoons together, you have to look at the person in front of you straight in their eyes. It's creating trust and intimacy." The guy said to Harry because he kept looking down to avoid just that. Eye contact with those hypnotizing eyes.
"Don't worry, I don't bite." The guy said smiling at him. "Unless I get asked to." He said to a suddenly visibly blushing Harry.
"Let's try this again." He said. "Cheers green-eyes." The clashed their spoons with released a small laugh before having a bite. The guy looked at Harry while he was eating and stare at Harry for a few second without any indication to his thoughts.
"Now you're in trouble" the guy said as he went in for another scoop. "I'm going to have to take you here to have this delicious thing. It's your fault really." Harry smiled at him looking satisfied.
"No problem." Harry replied. He thought of how all the stress he was feeling when he first met him went away. Now he was just having a good feeling. He could've stayed there for hours.
As the grey-eyed guy kept enjoying his dessert, he leaned a bit forward placing his hand on the table. Harry was caught off guard when he suddenly noticed a tattoo on his forearm. A beautiful, dark, black & white phoenix spreading his majestic wings. Harry's thoughts went straight to Fawkes.
Fawkes is a brilliant, magnificent, and majestic phoenix, Albus Dumbledore's animal. He remembered how Fawkes save his life more than a year ago in the chamber of secrets at the end of his second year at the school. He couldn't have survived that day unless help him fight the mighty Basilisk and used his tears to stop the basilisk venom from killing him.
"A phoenix? I like it." Harry said.
"Thanks green-eyes." Harry was used to people complimenting him about his eye color, but this time it wasn't because of his mother. This time was different.
"I dream about it a lot. I thought it was cool and this amazing bird itself represent so many good qualities and meanings."
"I know." Said Harry getting excited talking about it. "My wand core actually has a Phoenix feather in it."
The guy seemed to almost choke when he heard Harry say that.
"Really?" he seemed to be taken completely unguard.
"Yeah. I guess you don't here that every day huh?" Harry said.
"No, definitely not every day." The guy said while looking at Harry with his mysterious smile again, as if he was scanning Harry's mind and trying to read his thoughts or figure him out.
"I knew it. I just knew it from the moment I saw you". He said to a curious Harry.
"What?" Harry asked laughing.
"Noting really. It's nothing." He answered pushing Harry to the edge of his seat.
"C'mon tell me." Harry almost pleaded.
"There is something about you. I don't quite know what it is. There is something about you, that I intend to figure out what it is." He kept staring at Harry looking curiouser by the minute. He just couldn't tell what was about him that he can't understand. A kind of a strong pull, he feels towards him.
"Trust me, there is nothing about me to figure out." Harry said in a humbling way. At this point he started to wonder if he knew who he was. His messy hair hid his scar, and no one said his last name, that he remembers. He wished he didn't know though. For as long as possible. Just have a conversation with someone who doesn't know who he is was refreshing.
"Whatever you say green-eyes." The guy released a deep laugh while he grabbed his spoon and took some of Harry's ice cream. The guy has oozing confidence. Harry liked it. Harry especially liked how comfortable he was feeling with him. It seemed like he was feeling the same too.
"What do you mean the expanses were already paid?" Molly seemed to be screaming at the frightened manager in Flourish and Blotts Bookshop.
"Mrs. Weasley, as I already explained to you twice before, the expanses for your items were already paid for". The manager explained trying to sound as clear as possible to the angry witch standing in front of him. It didn't stop him from getting nervous about her screaming at him again.
"How is that possible? We weren't here since last year! It must be a mistake." Molly insisted. "Please check again."
The manager checked again and repeated: "No mistake was made. An anonymous gentleman left a sum of money and a letter stating his wishes to pay for the Weasleys".
"I demand you tell us who was he, so we can thank him in person." Molly said surprised. She was thinking who could possibly be so generous, offering to help them. Who could possibly know about their troubles?
"I am afraid I can't help you Mrs. Weasley… no name was given to us at all." Said the tired man.
"Molly. We can't really do anything about it. we should accept this kind offer and be on our way. It's getting quite late." Arthur said trying to end this redundant argue.
"Well. You are right dear." Molly seemed to be calmer.
"Thank you so much for your patience, sir." Molly turned to the manager. "I was cut off guard with the whole situation. My apologies." She finished.
The manager smiled back at the couple, relieved the situation ended.
"Why is Harry taking so long?" Hermione noticed it's been over an hour and harry is nowhere to be found yet.
"I have three good guesses." Ron said striking a ridiculous detective pose. "He is either talking to Mr. Fortescue or he is finishing his third bowl of ice cream." He continued. "You know how much he loves that place." He finished saying while cleaning his shirt from the chocolate stains on his shirt.
"Those were two guesses Ronald!" Hermione stated starting to get impatient.
"My third guess is that Mr. Hot and intense kidnapped him the moment we left." Ron said amused by the looks of the angered and fumed girl.
"I am telling you; I have a very bad feeling about that guy. There was something off about him. something dark." Hermione surprised Ron when she said that.
Hermione is the first person to think with logic on any issue or problem. She will also be the last person on earth to trust hunches or feelings without a rational reason first. Last year, she struggled with Divinations class, taught by Professor Sybill Trelawney. In the class, students learn methods of divining the future, or gathering insights into future events, through several rituals and tools. Trelawney's class was received with highly mixed reactions from most students. Hermione dismissed it as well, thinking that it is not something concrete or something to trust as a reliable source. Professor Trelawney told her that she had not the Inner Eye, meaning she does not possess the gift of future sighting.
It was the first she felt something like that. She never had such an inner feeling. A strong instinct telling her that darkness surrounded the two wizards. She felt as if the tall stranger was danger. Danger to Harry. She felt it the second that guy and Harry had the long moment, that obscure strange moment when they stared at each other. Hermione saw every single second of that scenario. It's odd to stare at a complete stranger for more than a few seconds, let alone for five minutes with the two of them barely moved or changed their fixed stare at one another. She knew one of two things is happening; either they are strangers who had a weird moment, or harry knew him, lied to her, and those two are hiding something big. Either way though, something is up.
She decided to quickly head towards the ice cream shop.
"Ron, I'm going over there! I keep telling you, I.."
"Have a bad feeling. Yeah, you said it before". Ron caught her off before she continued her sentence. "let's go then." In every other day he would've tried to stop her from acting all overprotective again, but this time even he could tell it was different. He decided to be a friend and give her support. God knows that it's different when Hermione Granger is basing her point on her intuition.
Hermione gave him a small emotional smile and they made their way out.
Ron and Hermione looked at each other completely shocked at the sight of Harry and the mysterious guy sitting together inside the shop eating ice cream together.
"I knew it Ronald! There is no way they stared at each other like that, and they don't know each other!" Hermione said in a firm angry voice feeling absolutely blindsided. "I'm fighting every single part of body not to go in there and demand an answer to why he would lie to us." Hermione wouldn't have reacted like that if she didn't feel like Harry is in trouble. Big trouble.
"Think before you got in there with wands blazing." Ron tried calming her down while he himself thought Hermione might be right. The two wizards looked like they've known each other forever. Harry was his best mate. Why would he hide knowing this guy? Ron chose to believe him and that there is a simple explanation.
Ron turned around to see if his family were heading out of the bookshop, only to turn back around to see Hermione walking into the store.
"So… what flavor should i try next time we are here?" He asked Harry.
"Next time?" Harry tried to hide his excitement.
"Sure. I gave you a promise." He said while dragging his seat, sitting closer to Harry. "I need to figure you out".
"You are only going to be disappointed" harry replied.
"I have a strong feeling nothing about you will ever disappoint me."
"What if I'll tell you that this is the last time you will see me… that you will never be able to figure me out?" Harry wanted to play his game too. Though He regretted doing that immediately after.
The guy looked at Harry surprised and started laughing with his deep voice. "it's cute that you think it's up to you to decide that." He said giving him a flirtatious smile.
"Is that so?" Harry said giving a playful surprised face.
"Yes. It's cute." The grey-eyed guy responded.
They stared at each other laughing. They were silent but looked as if they continued the conversation but only with their eyes.
"Sorry to bother you but we need to head out. Everyone is waiting for us outside of the bookshop. Hermione suddenly appeared next to their table. She couldn't help but stare at the guy as if she was about to start a duel.
"Head out? are you already done with your shopping? Harry asked her.
"What do you mean? It's been over an hour ago." She told him.
"Oh... I guess I lost track of time." Harry said looking smiling at the guy sitting close next to him.
"It's my fault." The guy told Hermione giving her a smile.
"Are you going to introduce me to your friend?" She said giving him a betrayed look.
"I… haven't got the chance to do that myself actually." Harry told her.
"Cedric." He said. "My name is Cedric."
She stared at him. scanning him, trying to get as many visible details as possible. She couldn't even hide her threatening stare at him. She hoped she will never have to deal with thinking or be worried about him again. She knew though she will. With every second going by, she could feel her pervious feelings about her resurface and getting more intense.
"Hermione." She pulled herself together and introduced herself giving him a visibly fake and forced smile.
"Ah... The overprotective friend." Cedric quietly specified looking amused.
Hermione looked at Harry, who started to look all red by what Cedric said.
"Sorry?" she asked him as if she didn't hear what he said.
Harry could feel the tension build between them two... confused as to why are they acting weird.
"Guys we should head out now. My parents are waiting for us." Ron could tell something was going on even though he just entered the shop.
"Let's go Harry." Hermione said in clear angry voice.
"Harry." Cedric said, taking a breath, smiling while looking at him with his smile. That captivating smile.
Harry felt shivers going through his body from the way Cedric said his name and looked at him.
"That's me." Harry said giving him a shy smile back. "I should really get going, but I had a great time. He finished saying while getting up.
"Me too, green-eyes." Cedric said getting up as well.
Hermione and Ron left the store waiting for Harry to come out.
Harry gave Cedric another smile before turning around and heading towards the exit.
Harry felt a hand grabbing his. He turns around and sees Cedric holding it.
"Don't forget about my promise." Cedric said.
Harry looked at Cedric trying to absorb the picture of him thinking it could be the last time he'll see him. He hoped he will. He couldn't remember the last time he felt that way about someone, or what is even those feelings were.
Cedric let go of his hand as Harry resumed moving towards the exit.
