Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
A/N: Hello folks, I am back! Sorry if I haven't updated in a while. I was planning to, but I got depressed because of school, yeah, reality. I stopped writing afterwards so that I could gather myself and walk back on track but it took me a while. I hope you'll keep me in your prayers as the practical exams were only a week away now.
Thank you so much for all your wonderful reviews and support in this story. I was very happy to receive some amazing reviews. I hope you'll do the same with this one too, just to make me happy, please? By the way, sorry for any grammatical/typo/etc. errors, this story is unbeta-ed. . .yet.
Chapter 24: To-Get-Her
I finally returned to my duties in the Auror Office after the event that shook my life. Everyone kept asking what happened and why I've been gone for a long time, but only the Head Auror spoke an excuse for my absence. He and a few others knew the reason why but respected my decision to keep quiet about it. After another event, I was grateful for his help. . .again.
The department was bustling with busy bees. People did their best in their respective works but even with the atmosphere around me, I still felt very nervous and anxious, even my heart beated like a hummingbird inside my chest yet. . .it only took a while for me to wander back to that wonderful moment with her.
Who would ever expect THE Hermione Granger to kiss a boy like Harry Potter? Sure, we were the best of friends, partners in crime but the thing is, it is just. . .that. I thought it could never be more than that. That event was very unexpected, but it brought about the best feelings I thought I never had.
At that time, my heart did some somersaults inside my chest when her lips touched mine. Fireworks danced at the pit of my stomach and I thought I was going to explode with so much feelings. To be able to feel all these, I leapt with joy and hope. I finally knew that she loved me.
She. LOVED. me.
The boy who kept getting her into trouble. . .the only person capable of putting her into near-death situations with every opportunity given. But still, even with all my short-comings, she was still there for me and believed in me. . .and that was the only thing I needed to finally realize what I had to do. Now that I was given a chance to be with her, I am determined to show her how I felt.
I haven't seen her at all after the ball. When the music died and I went back to the Weasleys, holding her hand. . . my damn Healers came to pick me up.
Of course, I didn't object. After all, they gave me an opportunity to go to this ball even if I wasn't allowed. She gave me a peck on the cheek after I convinced her to spend some more time home. It was a hard decision to make and I know that she was also torn by it but I wanted her to at least have fun and enjoy her time with her parents before she took her NEWTS and faced the world.
Well, after that, I spent every day I could to write her a letter. Prongs became my lifeline as we talked about many random things. They were not really important but they were enough to keep me informed that she was safe and happy. Both of us didn't open up what happened on that day, but there's a sinking feeling in my stomach that told me that I should do something.
. . .And I wouldn't forgive myself if I didn't tell her parents that I wanted to be with her. With Hermione back in Hogwarts, I gathered up my courage and asked them to have lunch with me.
It felt as if I was marching back to my death. After I got my work done, I looked at my battered watch and swiftly stood up.
As usual, I arrived earlier than what I expected outside the muggle restaurant near Diagon. Totally unsure on how I should behave while I was with the Grangers, I started pacing back and forth in front of the restaurant, bidding time as I blabbed a self-made script on what I should do.
To be perfectly honest, I at least wanted to look and act a little presentable. After all, only with their consent would I allow myself to ask Hermione out.
After a few minutes worth of pacing, I finally spotted them walking towards the restaurant. My heart started to beat faster than ever as I cleared my throat and fixed my hair. . .well, almost. Then, after an exhale, I tried to gather my courage and went towards their location.
Greetings took place as both of them offered their warmest smiles after they saw me. A handshake in a friendly but business-like manner was from Mr. Granger and a warm hug from her wife. By the time that I led them inside the restaurant, I felt like I wanted to vanish right then and there.
When we got inside, the restaurant was already full of people. Clatter of plates and utensils could be heard as waiters did their jobs. People chattered around us as we took a seat near the window. At least, I thought, the smile glass separated us from the outside and made me feel a bit of a relief. We gave our orders and it was awkward with us for a while, because no one talked and were immersed with their own businesses.
The Grangers were very fine people. I knew it based from Hermione's stories and from my few encounters with them. They were very private and both were highly-specialized dentists.
Edward Granger was a very strict person. It was evident in the way he carried himself in front of me. He was very professional when he talked and asked loads of questions until satisfied. Hermione told me once that her father was a hard man to break so I guess she got her stubbornness from him. None of them would like to lose a friendly argument with each other. Even with his strict attitude and his demeanor, I could tell just how much he loved his daughter by how much he tended to smile whenever her name was mentioned. He was lean and tall and his eyes were the color of mahogany.
Quite the opposite, Jane Granger was a very kind and sociable person. On the very first time that I came into their home, I was immediately greeted with a warm smile and a hug while she told me how much I have grown. She loved to read books that even their living room was full of it. The last time I visited, she told me of many places that they visited and things about Hermione that I never knew. She looked a lot like her but she told me that though she got her look from her mum, she has her father's eyes and attitude.
I met them a few times, the last one being that time when I told them my plan for Hermione's birthday. At that circumstance, I felt like a total stranger who took away their beloved daughter that I even thought I wasn't going to make it through the night. I was bombarded with questions and even though it was hard, at the least, it was worth it.
As expected, while we were eating, Mrs. Granger couldn't handle the silence any longer and cleared her throat.
"So, how have you been, dear? I am very glad that you invited us to lunch today."
"A pleasure, Mrs. Granger. I've been well. How about the two of you?" After a while, I noticed Mr. Granger drop his utensils and politely listened to the conversation.
"We're still the same. We're missing Hermione of course. Have you been in contact with her since she returned to school?"
A glint of an unknown thought flashed through Mrs. Granger's eyes though it disappeared as quickly as it came. And as much as I tried to act normally, beads of sweat ran down my temples as I gulped. "Sometimes. I guess she's quite busy with her studies though."
A chuckled escaped from Mr. Granger, who finally opted to join the conversation. His stoic features softened as his eyes twinkled. "That silly girl. She never could resist it, even when we already tried convincing her otherwise."
Warm, hazel eyes turned to Mr. Granger's direction as an amused half-smile, Hermione's smile, played upon his wife's face. "And whose fault is that?"
A confused look played on is face as he shook his head. It rendered a laugh from both of us. "Well, it's a good thing she has wonderful friends like Harry and Ron though, it balances her personality."
Mr. Granger rested his elbows on the table as he clasped his hands together to support his chin, mimicking a thinking position he usually did when he wanted to ask something. "I guess so. Tell me, Harry, aside from studying, being inside the common room, attending classes and a friendly visit to the town of Hogsmeade as Hermione always say, what are the other things that you three usually do?"
My forehead crumpled into a frown as I tried to think of what the three of us did that usually didn't involve trouble. If there was a secret that Hermione kept and wasn't proud of, it was not telling her parents about the trouble we usually find in school. No matter how much I look at it, it really wouldn't be good for them to find that out. As I thought of the things we usually did, a flash of the scenery near the lake flooded my mind and made me smile. "I guess we visit Hagrid on his hut and well. . .erm. . .we go to the lake, Sir."
"Ahhhh. I remember that place, it was so peaceful there."
Mrs. Granger looked at her husband and smile as she rested her head on his shoulder. "I agree."
As another smile crept up my lips from their reactions, I began to tell them of our adventures. Both of them asked a lot of questions, which I happily answered. As parents, I understood how much they wanted to be a part and experience Hermione's life at Hogwarts. They smiled at various stories that I told them, I even made Mr. Granger laugh and chuckle. After a while, he put his arm around his wife and murmured something I didn't catch. Mrs. Granger frowned and became serious while she looked at me. Her eyes bore the weight of a worried mother.
"Harry, will it be possible for a mother like me to ask you a favor?"
I shifted uncomfortable from my seat but nodded my head, words failed to come out of my mouth as I waited.
"I want you to take care of our Hermione while we're not with her. As her parents, we tend to worry a lot, especially because we can't see her." Her face voice was anxious but soft. It was like she pleaded me to agree, as her words depicted the feelings she tried so hard to convey.
My body suddenly relaxed. And I realized, it was time.
I cleared my throat as both Grangers waited impatiently for my answer. My heart hammered fast as my mouth opened to form words. "I uhhhh. . .I . .erm. .actually wanted to talk to you guys about it."
As expected, Edward Granger stood up, anxious and worried about the news that loomed around us. "What is it? Is my daughter well?"
"NO! I ermm. . .I didn't mean it like that. I just wanted to ask something."
"What is it, dear?"
Upon looking at the anxious face of Hermione's mother who urged her husband to sit down, I realized that prolonging this whole ordeal wasn't going to help me.
I lowered my head and closed my eyes as I let the whirlwind of emotions form into decent words. "I wanted to ask for your consent to court your daughter."
Silence.
How many minutes has passed since I uttered those words? I really didn't know, I already lost count of it as I silently wished that they wouldn't be angry at my sudden request.
Suddenly, a strong laugh echoed inside the restaurant. People inside it looked at our direction, confused and mystified why we made such ruckus but we didn't really care. "Sorry about that. You asked such a silly question, lad. I think it should be my daughter whom you ought to ask."
"Edward!" a frown escaped from Jane Granger's features as he hugged her closer, a twinkled of amusement never left his eyes as he looked at me.
"Hush love, I want to hear his reasons." I looked at them as they showed me the familiar look that Hermione and I shared while we conversed with our minds. When he finally convinced her, she uttered a sigh and watched me with a curious look.
Another sigh escaped my lips. I have expected that question. "I guess you find it odd that I wanted to ask for your permission. Hermione and I have been. . .best friends for a long time now and it was just recently that I discovered my true feelings for her."
"So. . .why ask for our blessing?"
As I thought of the reason, an ounce of confidence burst from my chest. Edward Granger's mahogany eyes met mine as a smile formed from the corners of my mouth.
"I. . .erm. . .wanted to get your approval first. I never had any family, the only one I knew that was close enough to be one died. As her parents, I think it would be. . .appropriate for you to know that I wanted her to be with me."
I uttered a sigh as I tried to fins strength in the fact that I am doing this because of Hermione. I played with my hands as I began to tell them what I feared. "I wanted both of you to know that whatever kind of trouble Hermione has encountered in Hogwarts, it was because she was trying to help me and I won't be able to escape my conscience if I am not worthy."
Upon saying these words, the tension inside my body evaporated and I was left with a sense of peace. A hand, soft and gentle, reached out to me and I looked up to find Mrs. Granger's familiar smile. I put a hand above it, as a form of reassurance and she sat down again afterwards.
"I'll take that as a good enough answer. But, what will make you different from Ron Weasley? Both of you are my daughter's best friends and it is curious because the two of them didn't last. What makes you think the two of you will? What can you do for my daughter to make a father like me trust you?"
The sort of questions he asked made my eyes grow wide and even my mouth opened slightly. I never compared myself to Ron, nor did those questions ever occur to me. A piercing look was given to me while he awaited my answer so I tried to do what my instincts told me. . .answer with my heart.
"I just wanted to try and make her happy. I love her. I. . .ermm. . .I never compared myself to Ron. Sure, they were together when I realized I had feelings for her, but seeing her happy was enough to make me smile. I can't promise you anything, given my. . .circumstance but I will make her feel special. . .love her. . .understand her. . .make her happy. So yeah, I guess that's it."
I didn't expect for a ready answer. It was their daughter and their world, whatever their decision would be, I guess I'll just have to prove that I would be worthy enough. I waited until a warm smile erupted from Mrs. Granger's face. "Harry, I would be happy to give you some sort of blessing. What do you think, Edward?"
His face returned to a stoic façade, masking every thought he had. I observed silently as an inner struggle occurred inside his mind. I tried to smile, hopefully, to reassure him that I would respect his decision. "All right."
It was finally here.
I waited for days. Hogwarts was lively. The birds chirped merrily on the trees. The grass danced with the wind while the sun brightened the sky.
The choir was singing, people chatted and teachers hoarded the students that would participate in the event. Everyone looked excited, waiting for it to begin. Their eyes were bright with happiness and a smile radiated from their features.
I escorted the Grangers to the Weasley's location, while giving a few greetings to some people I knew. I showed them some parts of the castle and explained to a very awed Edward Granger why things are like that.
Eventually, they found their daughter with the Weasleys and the ceremony began.
It wasn't the usual ceremony that I experienced in Hogwarts during Dumbledore's term. The Headmistress spoke only a few, but encouraging words to the students who would know face the world and flap their wings. It was a glorious speech, everyone applauded, even Mr. Granger was impressed by the Headmistress' words.
A series of events took place afterwards. A chosen student from each house offered their recognition speech they told their fellow students some advices and their experiences. And the best part is. . .the chosen one for the House of Gryffindor was her.
I knew after her speech how much she has made her parents proud and what she has become as she grew up to be a fine young woman, strong and capable. I smiled when she delivered her speech, proud as she left the crowd amazed.
Hermione Granger was the brightest witch of her age not because of her brain. . .it was because of her heart. The speech was short, but it was powerful. Students cheered as they acknowledged her, all of us close to her greeted her as she descended from the platform.
If the few other were also here, she would've made them very proud.
"You know, Hermione is very much like your mother. When I see the two of you, it's as if get to see James and Lily again and it never fails to make me happy. When they got together, it was Lily who kept us away from trouble. She was his reason, like Hermione was yours."
This conversation with Sirius kept ringing on my ears as I tried to recall the moment it happened. It was while she watched her while she was having a deep conversation with Tonks. I don't know why but it brought me back to that moment. Funny though, it was as if Sirius already knew it was going to happen. Going back, I quite agreed to his statement already at that time. Even now, there was no doubt that what he said was still true.
As the ceremony ended, the sky was already dark and the people inside the hall got ready for the feast.
I passed by Ginny, Luna and Ron, who were having a good time while they talked with some Ravenclaw girls. I even saw Neville holding a gift in his hand while looking for someone. I tried to find her, so that I could finally tell her what I planned to, but it was Mr. Granger who showed up.
He approached me with a kind smile and leaned to whisper something in my ears. "We already told Hermione that you will be waiting by the lake. Go on, tell her."
With a smile, I silently uttered my thanks and ran towards the direction of the lake. I straightened my robes and cleared my throat when I got there, feeling nervous.
This was it.
It was after a while before she got here. She was wearing her Hogwarts uniform, a smile was plastered on her face when she realized where I was.
Honestly, I tried to look my best as she approached me, but a goofy grin couldn't help but get out of my face, along with an embarrassing, equally goofy and nerdy, "hi."
A small laugh escaped from her as she realized what I have done but replied, although not as nerdy. "Hi."
"G-great job. . .with the speech and all and congratulations."
"Thanks you. I mean, who would ever think this day would come. I was honestly scared."
"Yeah. I think its brilliant."
Both of us laughed as we started walking at the vicinity of the lake. Silence took place but the smile never fully left our faces. I tried to think of something to start. . .but she beat me to it.
"So. . .mum told me that you wanted to talk about something."
I gulped as her soulful chocolate eyes pierced mine. "Yeah."
We stopped walking when Hermione saw the tree where we always hang out. I smiled as I saw her run and laugh. . .carefree as the wind. I put my hands inside my pockets and followed her. After a while, she went towards the water and looked at me. "So, what is it?"
"Well. . .err. . .it was about something that happened during the ball."
A tinge of pink crept to her cheeks as I told her about that event. The silence became. . .uncomfortable for the both of us as she stopped what she was doing and looked at the ground.
I cleared my throat to catch her attention and smiled as I took her hands, willing her to throw away whatever it was that was bothering her. "You caught me off guard that time, but. . .it was the most wonderful feeling I had."
Her eyes lit up as a small smile escaped her hopeful face. "Really?"
"And well, I talked to your parents about something that was bothering me after that."
Hermione's face crumpled into a frown as she bit her bottom lip. "Harry Potter! How dare you keep something from me, I demand that you tell me what conspiracy happened between you guys without my consent!"
She stomped her feet on the ground as I laughed. "What?"
I raised my brows at her and an amusing smile crept on my lips. I ran, laughing as she tried to catch me. I hear her mutter words such as jinx you, you're dead and honestly but paid her no mind. When both of us were finally tired, she gave up and looked at the sky. Smiling, I hugged her from behind and encircled her waist, savoring the feeling of the moment. I put my chin on top of her head and closed my eyes as I whispered words I have been meaning to tell. "I asked them if they would allow me to ask you if I could be with you."
I heard her chuckle and hoped with all my heart that I could make her happier by being with me. She gave me no response as I chuckled and planted a soft kiss on her hair. "So?"
She turned to me, her eyes, brimming with tears as she tried to keep her emotions in check. I tried to produce a grin as I wiped those unshed tears and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "I love you."
And after that, only a bone-crashing hug was her answer.
A/N: So, how was the chapter? I worked so hard to get it done and to make it better. Please send this depressed author your reviews to make her happy! Thank you so much guys, you're all my source of happiness. :)