Harmonizing with Him

by RebelliousWitch12

Set in their 5th year at Hogwarts, Hermione Granger discovers she has a major crush on her best friend, Harry Potter. But is it unrequited love? My take on how things would have been if Hermione fancied Harry rather than Ron. A story that is based lightly on canon but becomes more original gradually as it goes on. Enjoy!

30. Chapter 30

Hellooo, my dear readers. Thank you so much for showering your love, attention, and interest in this story. It seriously makes my life better, knowing I'm a tiny part of numerous lives because of something I love so much - writing!

Yes, yes. I understand I took a veryyyy long hiatus. I'm actually graduating in a week! And this long hiatus was thanks to my obnoxiously busy last semester (urgh). But the final exam week is starting and I'll be free. Well...happy reading this long chapter! I really hope you enjoy it hehe ;)

Cause there's a surprise!

See you in a couple weeks!

---

March came swinging by in the new year before people could even notice. The momentous Gryffindor vs Slytherin match still occupied conversations around Hogwarts, but it was fading, fast as more pressing matters were taking over students' minds – namely Umbridge and her strict and absolutely unfair Decrees.

She had recently banned clubs that started without permission. The decision was so strangely specific that the DA members were alarmed. Now that they were officially breaking the rules, they had to be even more tight-lipped and ensure no unwanted person even loitered by the Room of Requirement. Long story short, it was getting much harder to conceal the secret, especially since the consequences of getting discovered by Umbridge were awful. Paranoia had become prominent, and they had to live with it alongside everyday tasks.

One Sunday night, Harry was thinking over the same issue in the common room. A few hours had passed since a DA class ended, so he was also deciding which spell to teach now. The Patronus Charm seemed like a good choice, considering how everyone had learned every attacking spell he knew.

However, the worry behind his private classes seemed negligible next to the Occlumency lesson he had attended yesterday. To his elated surprise, he had started to get the hang of this trick. Still, Snape never appreciated him for some reason and instead threw nasty remarks whenever Harry slipped. He had become so frustrating that Harry had to control his anger twice as hard.

Sighing, Harry sank deep into his favourite armchair. Despite his troubled thoughts, the common room felt comfortable with its warm fire and light chatter. Ron was engaged in a heated conversation with Dean nearby. Apparently, they had different ideas about which sport was more entertaining.

"The anticipation in football is otherworldly, mate. Nothing matches it," Dean was saying.

"What's so fun about watching people kick a ball?" Ron rolled his eyes. "And in Quidditch, the audience can actually see the players…"

Too tired to listen to their squabble, Harry turned to his left. Now, he could see Hermione and Neville reviewing the new Transfiguration spell they had learned that day.

"Look, hold your wrist straight," Hermione was instructing Neville, "Your wand should be linear. Otherwise you might end up killing your subject."

"Like this?"

"Yes, but lift it a little higher."

She positioned his wrist in the air. "Now, say the incantation very clearly."

Neville obeyed her and cast the spell perfectly. Hermione smiled at the display.

The glow on her cheeks made Harry's heart dance in his chest. He realised he was staring at her for too long, and if someone, especially Hermione, noticed, how would he be able to face himself?

So he quickly averted his eyes.

To his relief, nobody was paying attention to him. But just when he was about to pacify himself with some solitude, somebody dropped in the armchair beside him.

"Hi, Harry!" Ginny grinned.

"Oh, hey. What's up?"

"Nothing." She bit her lip, her brown eyes deadly serious. "But what's up with you?"

"Me?"

"Yeah. I heard Hermione telling Lavender about your strange dreams."

"Er…." He found it weird that she eavesdropped but shrugged to change the topic, "It's nothing."

"It's obviously not nothing!" Ginny scoffed. "Why d'you hide things from me?"

"I don't know what –"

"You think I'm immature, don't you? Like darling Ron." She eyed her brother in disgust, who was too deep in the conversation to notice. "You act like I wasn't in You-Know-Who's control –"

"Please, let's not discuss this." Harry sighed. "I'm tired. Y'know, because of class."

"Oh. Sorry." Ginny slouched in the armchair, her fiery hair bright against the fire. "I wanted to ask something else."

Harry buried his face in his hands. "What?"

At his question, Ginny perked up and inched closer to him.

"Did you really break up with Cho Chang?"

Harry almost groaned in reply. Nearly a month had passed since their relationship ended, and people still wanted to discuss it. Or, in Ginny's case, confirm it.

But he couldn't tell her to leave him alone. "Yeah."

Ginny's grin widened. "Nice! I was wondering when you'd do it! Let's be honest; she was bloody annoying, wasn't she?"

"Er…" For some reason, Harry thought he shouldn't badmouth Cho, even if he wholeheartedly agreed with Ginny. "We just couldn't click, I guess…"

The redhead tsk-tsked. "Oh, Harry. Will you ever change?"

"What?"

"Nothing!" she giggled. "Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Well, aren't we already talking?" Harry asked, leaning back in his armchair and closing his eyes. He wished Ginny would go away.

She sighed, and then suddenly, her voice dropped to a whisper.

"I want to have a heart-to-heart with you. We never had one."

Why would I have it with you? Harry thought, but out loud, he said, "For what?"

"Well, for one thing, I'm sure nobody here can understand what you're going through," Ginny declared, "because, well, they haven't been controlled by…him."

Harry sighed. "I don't –"

"And now that you're heartbroken and sad, you're at a higher risk of invasion. Again," she said matter-of-factly, "which is why I'm saying for your own good that you need to have a heart-to-heart with me – a person who was stupid enough to fall for his evil tricks. I didn't have anyone to talk to, and I felt so…estranged, but I'm clean of that now, but you aren't. And I hate to see you like this! Ron might think I shouldn't poke my nose in your business, but the last time I checked, he didn't get bewitched by You-Know-Who, so his opinion doesn't matter." She stood up. "So c'mon, let's go."

In reply, Harry just stared at her. A thousand questions had exploded in his mind after her little monologue. How did she know what I was going through? Was she really that affected after the incident? It didn't seem like it… Hermione hasn't experienced Voldemort's control, yet she understands me way better than everyone else. Shouldn't I ask Ron's permission first in case he doesn't like me going with his sister? She's not that close to me!

Do I really look heartbroken to other people?

Despite everything, Harry felt his heart softening for Ginny. She must have been devastated after that whole Chamber incident, and frankly speaking, only he could understand her turmoil because he was there with her. But he wasn't because he was too self-centred, and Ginny actually cared. Maybe they were wrong in pushing her away. She had seen and heard almost as much as they had.

So now, after everything, he could let her be there for him.

"Okay. Let's go," said Harry, getting up from his armchair, "and…erm…sorry –"

"Oh, it's fine." Ginny smiled, her freckles deepening.

He found himself smiling back. Well, at least she wasn't mad at him. Thanks to Ron, he knew she could become a nightmare during fits of rage. Just like…he could.

Maybe we're more similar than I thought, Harry marvelled as he went through the portrait hole with her.

In their wake, nobody batted an eyelash because they were all busy. Except for Hermione, as she was listening to the entire conversation. She couldn't help it.

Just be careful, Harry, she thought as she scanned Neville's answers for errors.

---

The halls were bustling with energy as Harry followed the redhead upstairs. He didn't know an 'upstairs' existed as he always thought the 7th floor was the last level.

Ginny remained obscure about this location, no matter how many times Harry asked. "You'll see," she kept saying.

The well-hidden steps at the far right corner ended with a sharp twist in an abandoned hallway no bigger than a small room. Just when Harry was thinking maybe this was it, Ginny conjured a stone and pushed it to the centre of the wall opposite the stairs. Without explaining, she climbed it and cast a silent spell on a wall's panel before tapping it. It slid open with a creak like an age-old elevator.

"Come on!" she urged Harry, entering the hole quite nonchalantly.

"Er..." All of this seemed so surreal. He didn't expect Ginny to be so secretive.

But knowing that she was the only girl in her family, he could understand her dilemma.

So he followed her inside.

It was the perfect size for Ginny's petite frame, but Harry had to hunch to avoid hitting his head on the too-low ceiling. The hole was eerily dark, but the journey it provided was short, so Harry was emerging on the other side before he could even call his companion.

The sun temporarily blinded him as he stepped out of the hole, but when his vision cleared up, his eyes widened when he saw the 'spot'.

It was an unfinished balcony, so small that it might have been for gnomes or another small creature. He could tell it was facing the back side of the castle because the freshly mowed Herbology grounds were in view, along with the twinkling lights of Hogsmeade. Coupled with a clear blue sky and fresh wind, the scenery took Harry's breath away.

Ginny was already waiting for him on the edge of the makeshift opening. She patted a spot next to her. "Come! Sit."

Instead of replying, Harry looked over the nonexistent gallery – and did a double-take.

They must have been 120 feet above in the air because the drop looked deadly. Strong winds messed up Harry's hair as his eyes scanned the expanse of grass that was undoubtedly the left side of Hogwarts' back gardens. The Herbology greenhouses could be seen, and behind them, at a distance, chimneys of Hogsmeade residents arose from a blurred vacancy.

As an avid flyer, heights never bothered Harry, but observing the outside from here made him dizzy, so he sat beside Ron's sister before he could trip and plunge straight to his death.

He was surprised to see how casually she was sitting on the edge, her feet dangling above the oblivion below. He didn't want to lie. Such bravery, especially from a girl, was admirable.

"So, d'you like it?" Ginny smiled as Harry watched the scenic clouds.

"Yeah…it's brilliant. How did you find this place?"

"Oh, it was an accident." She sighed. "I was exploring once. In a very ticked-off mood after Ron said how I couldn't leave the common room at night when I felt like it, which I think is so hypocritical of him because he does the same thing! All the time! So just to disobey him, I sneaked out and started inspecting this floor for hidden pathways. Mum told me how she once discovered a trap wall behind one of the bookcases on the 5th floor, and I was determined to have a special spot of my own. So imagine my surprise when I saw a perfectly good staircase, hidden at the far corner of our floor! I went inside and stumbled upon this balcony! Except it isn't a balcony. I wonder why they didn't finish making whatever they were making." Her brown eyes darted back and forth. "Well, it's my place now. I come here when I'm angry, sad, or just want to be alone, and most of the time, it's because of my stupid brothers or that jerk, Michael. Which reminds me…"

She scooted near Harry, leaving little to no distance between them. The balcony was already small, so now, he could smell her hair, which looked ethereal under the afternoon Sun, the bright red turning almost metallic.

"You can't tell Ron…or anyone about this." She urged, her eyes wide.

Something in her tone made Harry nod at once. She could be intimidating at times.

As the quiet settled again in her secret spot, he asked her a question that had been bothering him for the last few seconds.

"If this place is so special to you, why did you share it with me?"

Instead of smiling, Ginny frowned.

"What? You don't feel appreciated?"

"No, no. Don't get me wrong. I'm touched," Harry said, more than perplexed at her reaction, "but it just struck me as…strange."

This time, Ginny smiled.

"Oh, Harry. You're so dumb."

"Thanks." He sighed.

"No, really." She laughed, once again scooting closer to him. "Why would I share my extremely special place, one that I haven't even told my best friends about, with a boy? Hmm…such a tough cookie to crack."

She was obviously teasing him, and as her grin widened, he could finally get an idea.

But he hoped it wasn't true.

"All right…" He pretended to think. "Is it because…you feel sorry for me?

Ginny burst into full-blown laughter at that. "Why the bloody hell would I feel sorry for you?!"

"Because I thought you knew what's going on with me?" said Harry, astounded. Apart from Ginny, he had encountered only three girls in his life on an intimate level: Hermione, Cho, and Lavender. All three were meek and radiated femininity in one way or another. But not Ginny. With her loud behaviour and blunt rudeness, she was easily different because she possessed more boyish qualities despite her red hair and social cliques. Harry assumed living with six brothers was to blame.

But he wasn't complaining. Sure, her rudeness annoyed both Ron and Hermione, but Harry kind of liked it. How often did you come across a girl like that?

So he wasn't surprised when he found himself amused as Ginny continued to make fun of him.

"Harry, I dunno how you managed to slay the Basilisk if you're this stupid," she said, still laughing, "Like c'mon, mate!"

He grinned in reply. "Probably because I had a little help."

"Oh, so that's what you need?" Ginny tilted her head, her brown eyes scanning him. "Some help?"

"Yeah, I think so."

"Hmm." She contemplated. "I'll give you some. Here's a hint."

Without warning, she erased every bit of space between them and kissed Harry's cheek.

"Enough?" she asked innocently.

Her sudden move left Harry speechless. He could only stare at her.

"What? You still don't get it?" Ginny chortled. "I like you, Harry. And I know you know that. For a long time."

"I…" He could see this coming from a mile away, but he still hadn't expected her to be this frank!

"It saddened me, y'know?" Ginny sighed, looking at the landscape. "That I dropped signs for you from the very start, and you failed to notice them. No, scratch that; you did notice them; you just didn't care about me. I was only Ron's little sister to you, wasn't I?"

Harry stayed silent. Yeah, and you still are, he found himself thinking.

"I tried to get over you. I thought, 'Hey, I'm too good for that bastard'. There's plenty of fish in the sea, all that bullshit." Ginny shrugged. "But it was impossible. You were so famous. So heroic. So there all the time. Oh, and you still are. I love how everyone knows you. How you can become the centre of everyone's attention without even trying. It must be mesmerising, hm?"

"To tell you the truth, it's more exhausting," said Harry, finally regaining his voice.

She laughed. "Yeah, right. Don't be so humble."

"No, seriously. I'd happily trade lives with you."

"C'mon, Harry, I know you must love the spotlight!" She shook her head. "Ask me what it's like always being in the back. So many older brothers, all of them pure idiots, yet loved like kings. And me? I just exist." She closed her eyes and sighed. "Literally."

"But Ron told me you're your mum's favourite." Harry raised his eyebrow.

"Yeah, he sees it like that." Ginny scoffed. "I'm nobody's favourite."

He bit back the response that instantly came on his tongue – how she was possibly the most popular Gryffindor girl in the entire school. He could tell. He wasn't stupid. He knew the kind of reputation she held; Ron's accounts of disappointment and occasional lack of interest were great sources of information.

But who knew? Narratives were always different. Maybe she didn't see her status as others saw it. Besides, it felt cruel to ask her such a question. He ended up asking another one.

"So…you like me because I'm popular?"

"Ah, now you're catching up." Ginny grinned, punching his shoulder playfully.

"And what about Corner?"

"We broke up. He was interested in me, and I just wanted a date for the dance. So I led him on."

"And…you think it's fine?" Harry asked, shocked. He was beginning to know Ginny a lot better than he thought he knew.

In reply, Ginny raised her hands questioningly. "Of course! He's a major git. Too affectionate. Wanted my attention every second." She face-palmed herself. "It was getting so bloody annoying. Besides, I like boys who mind their own business." She smiled at him.

Harry could just stare at her.

Despite his silence, Ginny didn't seem to want to back down. She once again erased the distance between them and rested her cheek against his shoulder, her boldness surprising and even intriguing him a little.

"So? What d'you think?" she asked in a sweet, playful tone. "Am I up to your standards now? Or do I still have a long way to go?"

Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Of course, he should have seen this coming from a mile away. Why else would a robust, hot-headed girl like Ginny share her most secretive spot that she used for some isolation with him? The motive was so clear that she might have been spelling it with her smile.

But him? Being with Ginny? Wouldn't that be weird? Plus, what would Ron think?

And what about Hermione? What about those things he had been experiencing with her?

No…he couldn't lead Ginny on. He had to make his feelings clear so the thing that happened with Cho couldn't repeat itself.

Sighing, Harry turned to face the redhead, and she lifted her head to regard him with a smile. The hopeful glow on her face broke his heart, but what could he do?

"Listen, Ginny," he began, willing himself to be strong, "You're an amazing girl –"

"Oh, you think so?!" she interrupted with joy, her eyes becoming as big as saucers.

"Yeah." Harry nodded, slightly taken aback by her blunt behaviour. "You're cool. And brave, too. I mean, who tackles Voldemort and moves on like nothing happened?"

"Yeah, well." Ginny smiled, pleased with herself. "I didn't let the trauma get to me."

"See my point?" Harry grinned. "You're pretty great…" He took a deep breath before dropping the bomb. "But –"

The moment he uttered that word, Ginny's face fell almost magically fast. The sulky expression made her look vulnerable, striking Harry as someone he had to protect no matter what. Besides, the fact that she was Ron's sister also made him think she was his sister. Back in second year, he had saved her because the thought of Ron and his family losing something so precious devastated him. And as far as Harry could tell, no personal feelings were involved in this rescue mission – just the aim to save an innocent's life and not allow the family that was so good to him get a chance to suffer. The thought made Harry more confident about his decision. He couldn't date Ginny. That would be just weird. Not to mention awkward, discounting Ron's opinion on the entire thing. Plus, he didn't know her that well. He couldn't date her even if he learned to like her. It was impossible.

The only problem? Would she accept it?

"Don't get me wrong! You're perfect in every way!" He picked up where he'd left off, trying to soften the blow by showering her with compliments. "But…Ginny…I can't date you. I'm sorry."

A dead silence followed his words. Ginny wasn't smiling anymore. She was sitting stiff and poised, her brown eyes trained on the scenery below them. Despite his better judgement, Harry chose to remain quiet. Saying anything would probably worsen her mood.

Ginny didn't even look at him as she broke the ice. "I showed you my secret spot…"

"I know, and thank you –"

"NO!" she shouted, suddenly looking directly at him. "Let me rephrase that. I didn't show you my secret spot just for you to reject me! I haven't shown this to anyone! Not even my best friends!"

"Listen –"

"Oh no…" she interrupted Harry as she stood up. "No no. Do NOT give me excuses!"

"But these aren't excuses!" Harry shouted back, standing up with her. He was tempted to say, "You just can't handle rejection."

"Yes they are!" Ginny glared at him. "Don't give me excuses, Harry Potter. Give me reasons. One solid reason you think I'm not good enough for you." She crossed her arms, challenging him. "Go on. I'm waiting."

"Er…because you're Ron's sister?" Harry said without thinking.

Ginny's jaw grew set. "Ah, so that bloody nyaff again? First, he ruined my life by being a shitty brother, and now you're going to throw his bloody opinion at me?"

Harry had never seen a girl use this many swear words in a single sentence.

But she wasn't done. "He doesn't let me live my bloody life in peace! And you're here encouraging him. No…no, he does not matter here! I'm my own person, and you know that, Harry." She suddenly decreased the distance between them, her breath swirling around his cheek. "I know you know that. I also know you're lying. Tell me the real reason."

Harry sighed, wishing he had stayed in the common room. "I told you. I don't want to make things weird between us."

Ginny shook her head. "That's still not it."

"Yes –"

"You don't find me pretty."

"I think you're beautiful."

"You think I'll steal your spotlight?"

"I don't give a shit about that!" Harry snapped. This was getting ridiculous.

Ginny didn't seem to care. She fixed him with a pointed look. "Then what is it? Why won't you date me? I'm perfect, like you said. I'm beautiful. I'm brave. I'm the exact girl you're looking for."

Harry was too stunned to speak. Her need for validation was on the roof, and he did not like it one bit. He knew she was possibly the most confident person ever, but her self-esteem seemed to wave goodbye when it came to him. Did she really need him that much? And quite frankly, the more persistent she was being, the more unattractive he was finding her.

"Ginny, please don't be like this," he said, trying to reason with her, "You're your own person. Didn't you say that? Don't make yourself inferior for me."

The moment he blurted those words, Harry knew they were too much. Ginny pursed her lips. One wrong move and she would explode.

"Excuse me, I'm NOT inferior to you!" she yelled, making him flinch. "Just because you're the bloody Boy Who Lived doesn't give you any right to treat me like I'm nothing!"

"I never said that!" he yelled back. He had been trying to control his anger for the last few minutes, but his patience was quickly running thin. "I'm just…looking out for you, all right?!"

Out of the blue, Ginny grew silent and just stared at him. Her muted stance was perturbing Harry.

But before he could say anything, she laughed.

'Oh, you're looking out for me?" She batted her eyelashes, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, the sweet and brave hero looking out for weak girls, isn't he the greatest? But you've forgotten. I'm not weak and this isn't how you can look out for me." She gritted her teeth. "You wanna look out for me? Then tell me. Tell me one good reason behind rejecting me. Surely a boy who can handle dangerous creatures can handle a simple response?"

Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He knew she wouldn't leave him alone unless he gave her a good enough answer – but what was it? He couldn't date her because he always saw her as a sister, or a girl he felt obliged to protect because of Ron and his kind-hearted parents who treated him like a son. It was as simple as that.

But Ginny didn't think this was the real response. What was it then? Harry ransacked his brain to sort out his thoughts and emotions – and came up with an answer.

I like someone else.

His mind immediately recalled Hermione. Did he…like her?

No…that's just too absurd. Hermione was like his sister, his best friend who loved him and supported him no matter how much hot water he was in.

But…these days…he was always yearning for her attention. He remembered how enthralled he had felt after securing her in his arms, as if his whole world was complete just because she was there with him. And how he often found himself losing focus just because she was talking…surely this wasn't how you behaved with your sister…

…right?

Well, whatever his feelings were, Harry knew he could never tell Ginny this. It would be as good as throwing Hermione into yet another love triangle she didn't ask for.

Ginny was still waiting with pursed lips when Harry zoned back in. He discreetly crossed his fingers behind his back before saying in an apologetic tone.

"The truth is…I'm just not interested in you."

Immediately, Ginny opened her mouth to retort but Harry held a hand up, stopping her. It was his turn to speak.

"Like I'd said, you're a brilliant girl. You're beautiful, smart, and possibly one of the most determined and strongest girls I've ever met. So you see? The problem isn't with you. I'm the problem. I'm just…not in the right state of mind for a relationship, y'know? With all these issues jammed here…" He motioned towards his head, "…I might hurt you. Or worse. And I don't want that, all right? Your parents know how much of a target I am, and they would certainly not want their daughter to date me, and honestly? I can understand them. I don't want to put you in any sort of danger or upset your parents, and –"

Harry was about to mention Ron, but realizing how much Ginny despised him, he changed track. "And I'm just too emotionally vulnerable right now. I'm constantly trying to sort out my problems, so I don't think I can treat you right." He sighed. "I hope you'd understand."

Judging by the silence and the dead stare by Ginny that followed, Harry knew she certainly did not understand. But if she was intent on being stubborn, he was in no mood to listen to her yammering any longer. Without another word, he turned around to exit the misshapen hole – but Ginny grabbed his hand.

"Where d'you think you're going? We aren't done with the conversation!"

"The conversation is over," Harry answered coolly, "You're just being delusional."

Ginny scowled, obviously offended by the comment.

"And no, I'm not sorry for what I said," Harry cut in before she could speak, "You asked me for a reason, and I gave it to you. It's not my problem that you can't accept it." He let out a whoosh of breath, frowning. "C'mon, look at us! We're arguing so much, and we aren't even dating yet! D'you really think you'd find peace in such a relationship? I'm sure I won't. So yeah, I'm done."

Without another word, he left through the unconventional exit, and Ginny didn't stop him this time.

Harry was glad the common room was buzzing with chatter when he returned. The variety of noises was the perfect shield for protecting him against the thoughts that kept invading his mind like uninvited guests. He normally would have ignored everyone and gone straight to his room after a mentally exhausting episode like the one he just had. But for some strange reason, his eyes immediately looked towards her – and a smile dangerously played with his lips when he found her already staring at him with her signature concerned expression.

On impulse, Harry went to join her, but his mind made him stop midway.

Whoa, mate. Don't you think you're coming on too strong?

Harry agreed and slowed his pace, but then another thought immediately rose up.

Too strong? What does that even mean? She's my best friend!

To avoid making himself look like a fool in front of so many people, Harry just gave up and approached Hermione, who was thankfully now alone.

"Is everything all right?" Was her first question as he slid beside her.

"Yeah, yeah. All's okay." He sighed. "Ginny just said she likes me. Or liked me."

To his surprise, Hermione laughed. "Well, it wasn't exactly a secret, was it?"

Harry couldn't help but smile at her reaction. It was incredible how fast Hermione could change his mood. He found himself grinning as he replied.

"I guess not. Either way, she just couldn't handle rejection."

"Oh, you rejected her?"

"Why? You wanted me to accept?"

It was a simple question. But Harry hadn't meant to ask it. In fact, he was so ashamed he wanted to disappear, and more so because Hermione had started to blush.

"Never mind –"

"No, I wouldn't want you to accept," Hermione replied, cutting in his quick attempt to brush things over, "because she is bad news. She wouldn't do one bloody thing for your mind. She would just make things worse for you and force you to live with emotional distress, and that is the last thing you need right now."

Her eyes were blazing when she finished. She sighed to compose herself.

"Sorry."

But Harry was actually enjoying this.

"Wait, are you seriously the same Hermione I know?"

His joke made her laugh and turn even redder. "I'm just…concerned for you. I don't want you making bad decisions just because you think they might help you."

Harry nodded, contemplating her words. At that exact second, Ginny entered the common room, a firm sulky expression twisting her face. She sat down on a corner table by herself and buried herself in her arms.

"Poor her," Hermione muttered, "but she should understand rejection is a part of life. She'll find better boys than you. No offence."

"None taken." Harry smiled. Soon after, silence permeated them. Harry didn't find it uncomfortable, but Hermione surely did, because she was suddenly opening her books and unrolling parchments.

"Anyways, we should focus on homework now," she told him, "it will help distract you from nasty thoughts."

Harry bit his lip as he watched her arrange her books. He suddenly wanted to tell her something very, very important.

So he declared, rather bravely. "I have no nasty thoughts right now."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, because of you."

The effect this had on her was so simple yet so alluring. Hermione was pleased to hear this comment, Harry could tell, and he was glad because it sure had taken a lot of strength to say it, and strangely, he didn't exactly know why.

"It's like I never really fought with Ginny, y'know?" he went on, playing with a parchment and avoiding her gaze. "One moment, I was frustrated, and the second I talked to you, all that frustration just…vanished. It's…it's incredible. You're…you're even better than Occlumency, Hermione."

A mystifying silence followed his words. Hermione was reading her Potions textbook when Harry looked at her. Her eyes were scanning the words, but he could tell she was not really reading, just stalling for time.

"I just…wanted to tell you this," said Harry, trying to fill the gap between them, "I know you've heard me say this countless times, but…it's just…so strange that I can't help but try to understand it, y'know?"

"Oh, I know what you're talking about," Hermione finally spoke up, a smile playing at the corner of her lips, "I've spent nights wondering…thinking about this…this thing we have." She looked at him, and he didn't dare breathe. "Harry, don't you think it's something special?"

"Definitely," he replied, other sights and sounds inching out of his focus as he concentrated on her and only her.

"I…" Hermione trailed off, dropping her gaze. After a few seconds, she went on as if she wanted to say something but thought better of it. "I care for you, Harry. A lot. And I know the feeling's mutual." She stopped abruptly. Harry waited for her to continue, but she suddenly straightened up and grabbed her quill.

"So, there's that. Now, let's get back to homework," she declared, looking at the table instead of him. "Snape did assign us six rolls due by tomorrow. It's best if we start."

Harry was confused. It seemed like Hermione was hiding something, or maybe he was being delusional. But whatever it was, he knew he couldn't leave things hanging, not when they had just started talking about this.

But he wasn't really thinking straight when he grabbed Hermione's hand as she reached for a book laying on his side of the table. As if they had a mind of their own, his fingers took hers while his calm green eyes apprehended her surprised brown ones.

Before either of them could say anything, Harry leaned down and kissed Hermione's fingers. His head began to frenzy up, telling him his actions were wrong. That it would make her uncomfortable. But his heart, plummeting like it was in the middle of a hurricane, told him that this was exactly what he had to do because she deserved this kind of gesture for a thank-you. Mere words wouldn't cut it.

Since he cared for Hermione more than anyone else, Harry listened to the latter. He relished the taste of her soft skin as his lips kissed her knuckles and then the back of her hand. However, as inexperienced as he was with this whole thing, the warmth of embarrassment was finally creeping up on him. He suddenly felt lightheaded, so he pulled up before his nausea could get worse. The contact had only lasted for some seconds, but it felt like a lifetime to him.

And judging by Hermione's face when Harry dared himself to look at her, it must have felt like a lifetime for her, too. She was crimson all over, and she quickly averted her eyes when Harry dropped her hand so things couldn't get even more awkward.

"Thanks, Hermione," he said, grinning to lighten the mood, "You're brilliant."

But he had failed. The atmosphere was still intense. Hermione was blushing madly and covering the fingers he had kissed with her other hand. Noticing how tight his facial muscles had gotten, Harry was sure he was blushing, too. Then again, he felt like he was soaring, like he was astride a wild broomstick, and maybe he really was, because why else would his stomach feel like it wasn't on the ground?

However, the intensity was rapidly increasing, and Harry wanted to stop it. He wanted to say something else, but his brain was empty.

Good going. You really had to put yourself on the spot.

Harry ignored this mental remark and opened his mouth to direct the attention back to the Potions homework, but Hermione interrupted him.

"Oh, Harry. You're brilliant." She smiled, making him smile, too, and sigh with relief. He was almost sure he had unnerved her. The feeling increased when she suddenly opened her arms and embraced him with a bear hug. Without wasting a second, Harry closed his eyes and buried his face in her hair, inhaling the scent that he loved so much. When Hermione pulled back, he surprised himself by wishing the hug would have lasted longer.

Hermione grinned at him again, rather sheepishly, before closing and gathering her books.

"Er, what are you doing?" Harry asked. "Aren't we supposed to do our Potions homework?"

"Oh, yes! We have to. But I just realised Lavender's waiting for me. She wanted my help with something," Hermione answered, avoiding his gaze once again, "I can't keep her waiting."

That sounded like an excuse, but Harry shrugged it off. "Right."

"See you!"

With that, Hermione sprinted up the stairs and out of sight. All of this had happened so fast that Harry found the situation absurd, almost as if she was fazed by what he had done.

Shit…did I offend her somehow?

His heart started sinking at the mere thought. It was possible; he had been too touchy. Maybe he should have asked for consent. Maybe he should have considered if she would have liked it or not.

But what was wrong with showing your best friend some affection?

Because she just isn't your best friend. She's a girl, too. His mind immediately answered for him. You can't just kiss her and act like its nothing.

That…made so much sense. Harry sighed and rubbed his scar. Why do I always make everything worse?

He shook his head, already thinking about apologizing to her. Amidst his reverie, he caught someone's eye across the room.

Ginny was glaring at him.

---

Lying wasn't right, but how could one avoid it when it was so easy, even if one sounded lame while doing so?

Because Hermione was sure Harry hadn't bought her lie. No Lavender was waiting for her in the dormitory; it was as still as a corpse.

Hermione slammed the door behind herself and leaned against it, grinning and blushing madly. She could still feel his lips on the hard bones of her knuckles, and her heart was still dancing around like it had been doing a few seconds ago. She didn't know what to think, didn't know what to believe.

Is this really happening?

---

The next few days passed as if they were aboard a speeding train. Easter was approaching, and the students desperately wanted some time to relax and cool off from the topsy-turvy curriculum and an almost totalitarian environment.

But the holidays meant nothing for the DA. In fact, they sounded more like an opportunity. Their progress was fast, considering how clubs of their kind were now banned, and Umbridge's lackeys kept a sharp eye out. It was like sweet, bitter revenge whose consequences were so dire that one shuddered when one thought of them, but that only added more to the experience.

Now that the most basic and easiest spells had been covered, Harry decided to introduce more complex ones to his class. He thought it would be interesting and a change of pace to start with the Patronus Charm.

"I know it sounds very difficult," he was explaining to the students assembled around him. "but if I can do it, so can you. It's just a matter of concentration and listening, and I mean really listening, to your mind."

A DA class was in progress, that, too, on a weekday. People began to chatter excitedly after Harry's little announcement. They didn't think they would be learning this charm so soon!

Despite the enthusiasm, Harry knew this would be the most difficult lesson he had to teach. They somehow had to learn the spell without dementors. Very unlucky, as Ron had said.

As always, Harry demonstrated the spell first, and his students went speechless with awe when his beautiful Stag emerged among the mystical hues of the Patronus Charm. Its ethereal sight increased their determination to produce their own charm and find out which animal took shape for them.

Just like Harry had expected, everyone faced difficulty with the spell. It was hard to grasp the happiest memory of one's life and make sure it did not slip away. It became harder because, somehow, the mind also had to envision a dementor.

"Trust me, a boggart would have done the trick," Harry declared among his struggling students, "but we couldn't find one, and we can't ask teachers or ghosts to help us!"

They had agreed. Harry had instilled that learning like this would only make them stronger and firmer in producing their Patronus Charm because their minds were getting the exercise they needed to concentrate. But what he didn't tell them was that facing a dementor was an otherworldly experience and that even experts forgot what they were supposed to do in front of them. But good would come out of telling his students this? It's not like he could conjure a dementor out of nowhere, and it would only dampen their spirits.

Hermione had promised him she would find a way to make this lesson more encouraging. Currently, she was struggling alongside her peers, and everyone knew that if Hermione Granger was struggling then all of them were basically doomed. However, their hope never diminished because Harry was right there, ready to help them out and motivate them. He wanted to be just like his favourite professor, Remus Lupin, and wondered if he was doing a good job at mirroring his style. He knew if Lupin was here, all of the students would have become expert casters by the end of this class.

"Concentrate. That's the key!" Harry pointed out to a Ravenclaw girl who looked near tears. "Keep your memory right in front of you. Think as if you are there, experiencing it for a second time. Can you do that?"

The girl sniffed and nodded. Harry gave her an encouraging smile and moved on to the next pupil. His entire class was hard at work, their tenacity going up and down. Some had managed to produce white smoke, and that was a good sign, Harry made sure to clarify that for them. Some were still struggling, and some were talking and laughing, too distracted to focus on the spell. Ron and Lavender were two such people. He just wouldn't stop joking around and making her laugh.

"Can you please concentrate?" Harry raised his eyebrow at his best friend. Ron shrugged.

"I'm trying to, mate, but damn! This spell is bloody hard."

"Maybe if you focused…" Lavender said before dissolving into giggles.

"Hey! Don't look at me!" Ron exclaimed when Harry tsk-tsked with disapproval. "Fred and George are messing around, too!"

"10 points from Gryffindor," said Harry, trying to be as serious as Snape but failing when he couldn't help but smile, causing laughter to erupt.

Well, he couldn't keep everyone on the same pace.

Amidst his speculation, Harry spotted Hermione at a desolate corner of the practice area. She was concentrating so much that she was frowning, and her hand was gripping her wand so tightly that Harry could see her knuckles turn white, even from this distance.

He was tempted to approach her, but he hesitated for some reason. Ever since that fateful Sunday, he had been avoiding Hermione, consciously and unconsciously, and only making small talk when she was with him. He knew he was embarrassed, which was confirmed because it seemed Hermione was avoiding him, too. She didn't hold eye contact with him these days for far too long, but she wasn't the only one to blame because Harry had also adopted an aloof persona when they were together. He still hadn't apologized to her, and now, among practising students where the focus was on their spells, it seemed like the perfect time.

Besides, they couldn't go on being distant.

Taking a deep breath and gathering his courage, Harry navigated through the busy class to reach Hermione. She was paying attention to her spell, but her eyes widened when she saw him.

"Hi, Harry." Her smile quickly eased her face.

"Hey," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. He was shocked to find it growing hot. "You're struggling with the spell." He wanted to slap himself as soon as those words came out of his mouth. It sounded more like he was informing her rather than asking a question.

But Hermione didn't seem offended. "Yes. This spell is quite difficult." She bit her lip, looking at her wand. "I wanted to consult some books but then thought maybe it would be better to learn it practically."

"Yeah, but books can be helpful." Harry shrugged. "Do what you think can make you learn faster."

Hermione gave him a small smile. "Thanks."

An awkward silence fell between them, and despite the chitter-chatter of the rest of the class, it sounded so loud that Harry's ears were ringing.

"Listen, Hermione," he quickly broke the ice, "I wanted to say…I'm sorry. I dunno know what came over me. It…it seemed…appropriate at that time. But I've realized how wrong I was! I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable. That – that wasn't my intention! You…you know that…"

Throughout the apology that seemed lame to him, Hermione stayed quiet, but from the inside, she felt something dropping suddenly, causing strong dismay to hit her with a blow. Discomfort was the last thing she got when Harry turned intimate with her. In fact, every bit of her was screaming with exhilaration when he grazed her with his lips. The only reason she was observing distance from him these days was because she had turned too shy, and looking right at him had become downright difficult. Making eye contact and speaking to him made her feel like she was looking at the ground from a great height, a sense of vertigo dominating her body, and although she loved that feeling, she was afraid of it, too.

But how could he know that? Of course he'd assume he had made her feel uncomfortable, and that was so selfless that Hermione wanted to shut his lame apologies with a hearty kiss.

"Harry…" she began, forcing herself to look at him, "you got it all wrong."

"W…what?"

"Yes! I wasn't uncomfortable. Not at all!" She smiled for good measure. "I know you must be wondering why I had suddenly become so quiet around you. It's just…" She racked her brain for an excuse. "It's just one of those…phases I get sometimes. You know…self-imposed isolation."

"Oh," said Harry. Self-imposed isolation?

"And it's got nothing to do with you!" Hermione exclaimed, trying to sound as truthful as possible. "It's just a phase. I like to…distance myself from people, even my own parents! I don't know…it's like my brain's method of composing me before I could swing back into action."

Wow, Hermione. That sounded so lame.

But it was too late. The words were already out and the only thing she could do was pray Harry bought her lie.

However, Harry didn't know what to believe. First the sudden excuse of Lavender waiting for her, now this…it was like Hermione was trying to find ways to make him feel like he was not wrong.

Or maybe she's hiding something.

That seemed…reasonable, but it was just a guess.

So Harry smiled at her. "All right, then. That's good. So…is that phase over?"

"Oh, yes!" Hermione declared, louder than she meant to. "In fact, this lesson is so intriguing that I just can't help but indulge."

"Amazing. So, let's go back to the charm?"

"Certainly," Hermione beamed, feeling nervous. She positioned herself while Harry watched her. Her fingers gripped her wand as she closed her eyes, concentrated on a happy memory, and bellowed.

"Expecto Patronum!"

But nothing happened.

"This is ridiculous." Hermione sighed. "That was my fifth try."

"Well, I don't blame you. There's no dementor around."

"Yes, that quite makes it bothersome." She bit her lip before continuing. "I'm sorry I couldn't locate a boggart like I'd promised I would, but I'll keep trying. In the meantime, maybe you should change the spell?"

Her request had been simple, direct, but it got Harry thinking. Wondering. A great bout of temptation was filling him out of the blue, and it made him form one single thought.

Hermione should be the first one to do it.

That was final. He had put on a seal and approved the idea. He shouldn't change the spell. In fact, she should be the first student to produce it in his class, and he would go beyond himself to make sure she does it. He didn't know where this sudden and odd desire had come from, but what he did know was that he'd feel a different and entirely new kind of triumph if she successfully produced her Patronus with his help.

He wanted her to succeed, and he wanted himself to be the reason behind it.

The thought was so relishing that Harry found himself smiling.

"No," he told her, "why are you giving up? I produced the spell without a dementor and you can, too."

"But the other students –"

"They'll get the hang of it," he declared, still smiling, "after they see you cast that charm. Here, only you're brilliant enough to start the chain."

Hermione blushed. "Harry, I don't think –"

"And I'm going to help you," he talked over her, refusing to acknowledge any doubts on his plan, "Trust me, Hermione. You'll do it. I know you will."

With a drumming heart, Hermione grew apprehensive. Harry's persistent enthusiasm about this idea had made her have second thoughts about her abilities. What if she failed? What if she wasn't as good as he expected and ended up disappointing him?

He thinks you're brilliant, a small voice in her head spoke up, why can't you just believe him for once, you stupid girl?!

Okay, Hermione replied, taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders. With her mind made, she turned towards Harry with an undecided look.

"If you think that's best…" she murmured, trailing off, her gaze on something behind him. She had not yet gained enough courage to meet his eyes.

"Right. Let's start," he said, grinning to make her feel confident. He had noticed her shy demeanour, but he wasn't unnerved by it. Instead, it was making him a bit bashful in return.

Strange.

"The trick to the Patronus charm isn't just the strength of the happy memory you think of," he began in his teacher's voice, "it also relies on how concentrated you are on it, and how brave or determined you feel about it deflecting the dementor in front of you. And of course, the position of the wand."

He took out his own to show her what he meant.

"See this pointed bit? Well, you have to make sure it's directed up in the air, slightly tilted to the west instead of being eye level. Lupin didn't teach me any of that, by the way. I just figured it out, y'know?"

"Mmhm." Hermione nodded, ashamed of zoning out for a few seconds because she was mesmerized by the way his eyes adopted a peculiar shine to them when he was talking about the specifics of his favourite subject.

"So, how about you try it now?"

"Oh, yes!" she declared, becoming attentive at once. Fetching her wand from the pocket of her robes, she took a deep breath again and imagined, hard, that a horrible dementor was lurking in front of her, ready to suck all of her happiness. Just like how Harry had told her, she raised her wand arm in the air and pointed towards the northwest direction.

"A little more to the left."

She jumped. Harry had appeared behind her, his face hovering over her shoulder. Hermione closed her eyes and told herself to calm down, but her heart only raced faster when she took in his scent and his body warmth, just inches away from her own. She was also reminded of that one lesson when he had done the exact same thing. Did he know how much he affected her with this? Could he see her fidget?

The fear made her compose herself.

"Like this?" she asked.

"Yeah. Better."

Harry was seized by a sudden impulse. He took a deep breath and tried to ignore it, but it was no use.

He really, really wanted to wrap his arms around Hermione and pull her against himself. The thought alone was so humiliating that he blushed.

I think I'm going mad. What's bloody wrong with me?!

At least Hermione wasn't looking at him, or Harry would have wanted to disappear.

He was snapped back into reality by her voice, which was asking him if she should cast the spell now.

"Yes, yes. Go on."

At his command, Hermione braced herself, pictured her happy memory and a horrible cloaked figure, and shouted at the top of her lungs.

"Expecto Patronum!"

And right before her eyes, her Patrnous began to take shape.

Hermione watched, speechless, as an immersive white light escaped from her wand to form a beautiful animal amidst swirls and spins.

"What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry, who was as wonderstruck as her, answered quietly. "I dunno…"

But they got their answer in a few seconds. The light illuminating the whole room cleared its shimmer to reveal Hermione's patronus – an otter.

It emitted small squeaky sounds as it raised its head and surveyed its environment. It saw a room full of people watching it with wide eyes. Indifferently, it rubbed its hands together and vanished, leaving wisps of haze behind.

"An otter…" said Hermione, not realizing the entire Room of Requirement had fallen silent, "Why an otter?"

"Beats me," said Harry, marvelling at what just happened. He had done it. She had done it.

"It must mean something. What if…" her voice trailed off, noticing her classmates gawking at her. Harry also noticed and quickly snapped into action.

"That was quite a spectacle!" he declared cheerfully, "How about some applause for Hermione for creating the first successful Patronus Charm?"

People started to clap as soon as he finished speaking. Hermione flushed both from delight and shyness, but her mind was still on the patronus she had just produced. She couldn't understand why it was an otter.

Maybe some books here can help me…

"That was excellent, Hermione," Harry was saying as she zoned back. Everyone else had returned to their own charms, now with extra determination as Harry had informed them about the little trick that made a difference.

"It was all you." She smiled.

"You really can't say that, can you?"

"Maybe…but I just did. I just can't figure out why it's an otter."

"Well…it must represent you somehow. Everyone has different qual –"

But his voice died when he realised something.

His entire arm was wrapped around Hermione's waist.

---

Leafing through the pages of the book she had just found, Hermione kept replaying the moment that had happened just a few minutes ago. How Harry had turned maroon and apologised for holding her improperly, then disappeared before she even had the chance to tell him it was okay.

Frankly speaking, he was acting very…odd.

Almost like me when I'm around him.

Hermione found herself blushing and hid her face behind her book. As she had now produced the charm three times, she had some time to kill before the class ended, so she had camped within the bookshelves with volumes that might help her understand her Patronus. Besides her, a handful of people had also produced the charm successfully, and all of them had varying animals as their patronuses, but surprisingly, none of them was as curious about them as she was.

Maybe her curiosity was too stubborn; maybe that's why she was sitting cross-legged on the ground, mulling over the books she had gathered. Unluckily, her curiosity was no match for the side that just wanted to keep thinking about Harry and his stupid yet adorable antics. Something was definitely happening with him, and it made more sense when Hermione recalled Lavender's words.

Harry's going through the first phase of an intense crush…

But him? Having a crush on her?! It seemed too good to be true. It couldn't be true. Even if he had become more intimate, shown blatant hatred against Theodore, and told her that she was his survival, the thread connecting him to his sanity.

And that beautiful dance…

Hermione sighed and leaned against the bookshelf behind her. All this beating around the bush, these random and unexplained acts, this hunger for passion…it was leading them somewhere, she could feel it.

But she was still too afraid to confess. What if she was wrong about him? What if this was his way of showing her brotherly affection? The idea pulled her heartstrings but she couldn't ignore the logic. In fact, it made perfect sense.

I'm just too head over heels in love with him, she thought, absentmindedly dog-earing the pages of her book. I'm thinking unclearly. It's no use…

Settling the matter, Hermione went back to reading.

---

As his class went on with the lesson, Harry took to a corner and silently stared into nothingness, his mind not letting him forget what had happened some minutes before.

Maybe he ought to stay away from Hermione. That was the only he could save himself from sheer embarrassment because for some reason, his logic bade him farewell whenever he was with her, and he hated it. He hated it more because he could understand what it all could mean.

And he was terrified of it.

Sighing, Harry leaned against a wall. He really needed some advice right now. Hermione was the only one who gave it to him, so who could him some for her? Ron was out of the question. Harry knew he would regret even speaking if he talked to Ron about this…whatever this was.

Unbeknownst to him, his trouble got solved just a few minutes later.

Because Lavender had approached him.

"Hey, Harry." She smiled her friendly smile.

"Hi," said Harry nonchalantly. He wished she would go away. Yes, he was being selfish but he was on an emotional flying rampage right now and Lavender was the last person he wanted to talk to. Something about her chirpy and optimistic attitude didn't sit right with his brooding self.

But Lavender didn't seem to get that. She leaned against the same wall beside him and let some awkward silence linger before breaking it.

"I know you're confused."

Harry frowned. "What?"

"You are confused," Lavender affirmed, her twinkling eyes turning serious. "About Hermione?"

The Hell…is it that obvious?!

But Harry was determined to keep his cool. "Why would I be confused about her?"

Lavender bit her lip humorously. "Oh…I dunno. Maybe because you like her?"

A large rock materialised in Harry's stomach. "What d'you mean?"

"Oh Harry, don't play dumb." Lavender sighed. "I know you like her. You know you like her. But you're too scared to admit your feelings because you don't want to ruin your friendship, because of unrequited interest. Ugh, it's the same story all over again."

She was making a lot of sense, but Harry still refused to address it. "No, you're wrong. I don't like Hermione. She's an amazing girl and all, but…she's not my type."

"Really? Then why do I see you two acting like lovers?" Lavender smiled.

"Because…" Harry searched for an answer. Lavender amusingly waited for one.

"Because we're too close."

"Too close? Hmm…" Lavender slowly nodded, failing to restrain her smile. She now knew without a doubt that Harry liked Hermione back. She had gotten a hunch by the way he had started acting around her, and right now, when Hermione had produced her Patronus and Harry looked like he was about to die from bashfulness, Lavender knew something had to be done. Both of them were cowards, and they would go dodging the matter for a long time if someone didn't step in. Besides, Hermione had brought Ron to her. It was the least Lavender could do.

And she knew she had to play the cards right.

"Aw, that's a shame." She sighed, loving the way Harry looked concerned. "Because Hermione likes you. A lot."

She's lying, Harry's mind immediately responded. She just wants to make a fool of you.

"I don't –"

"C'mon, Harry." Lavender interrupted. "Stop living in denial. This can happen and it did happen. Hermione is head over heels for you. She is crazy for you."

"No…" Harry shook his head in disbelief.

"I know I sound…I dunno, manipulative right now, but it's the truth." Lavender affirmed, thinking enough was enough. Harry had to know everything. "Hermione told me. She was too scared to tell Ron, but she told me because she trusts me. She's my best friend. I only want to see her happy, and the only way I can do that is by making you realize how much you mean to her." She inched closer to Harry, dedicated to making sure he didn't miss a single word. "She knew you never liked her back. You're firm…but stupid attempts, please excuse me, to stay with Cho made her think that you'd always see her as a sister and nothing more. And I know that's changing! I know you like her and you want her, but you two are so bloody dumb…" She paused, overcome by emotions. After taking a deep breath, she continued. "She had thought so many times to confess to you, but something always held her back. And she will go on doing that because this is Hermione we're talking about – someone who's too anxious to ruin something beautiful like your friendship."

All the while she talked, Harry listened to her quietly. He was suddenly thinking of that time in the common room after he had rejected Ginny. Hermione seemed like she had wanted to tell him something, but she had changed the subject.

And then that…unexplained hatred towards Cho Chang in the beginning, when she didn't know anything about her. Going way over her responsibilities for him. That weird question in the empty classroom after their fight about Theodore. All those lame lies. Her powerful influence that had made Voldemort's efforts go in vain.

Did Hermione…really like him?

Harry's heart was pounding. It was too much to take in, but it also felt…relieving. Like he was finally in the clear now.

"Wait, wait, Lavender!" He spoke up. "It's okay. I understand you."

She stared at him apprehensively. "You believe me?"

"Yeah, I do." Harry sighed. "I do. I…I guess I was just too stupid to notice any signs Hermione must have left for me to pick up. I'm just…so…oblivious."

"That's all right." Lavender patted his shoulder. "Now you know, and you can do something about it."

"Like what?" Harry asked, his confusion, unfortunately, returning.

"Like…talk to her! Right now! After everyone leaves!" Lavender exclaimed. "Don't delay it, please. Don't make Hermione suffer anymore. She has cried a lot of times because of you."

"She…she has?"

"Yes, and it's because she's living in anticipation," Lavender declared. "Look, I'm not putting any sort of expectation on you. Either accept her or reject her. But please, please just talk to her. Give her an answer. Make her stop waiting because she's miserable. You care about her, Harry, and I know you'll do it."

"I'll do it," Harry found himself saying. He felt doubtful at first, but then became resolute. Lavender was right. They had been avoiding the subject for too long now. Things had to be cleared.

Maybe Hermione had lost those feelings…maybe Harry wasn't attached to her romantically and they were all delusions. Maybe both of them were slowly losing their minds.

And only by talking could they solve the issue.

"Thanks for telling me, Lavender," Harry said, already thinking about what he'd say to Hermione.

Lavender smiled. "Don't thank me. I want the best for you both. Good luck!"

With that, she bounded away, as if she was a guardian angel that had emerged only for them. Watching her, something like dread settled in Harry's gut.

What if things went horribly wrong?

---

Meanwhile, Hermione was still reading when the last person she had expected to see came wandering into her spot.

It was Cho Chang

"What are you reading?" she asked nonchalantly, not looking at Hermione and instead running a hand across book spines.

Hermione was so stunned that she turned mute for a second. Cho had never talked directly to her, and now, suddenly…

She gathered her wits. "Protect and See Yourself."

"Interesting."

A cold silence followed Cho's words. Hermione kept her eyes trained on her book. She knew why the other girl had approached her. She knew she was seeking revenge.

But she wasn't going to give her the pleasure of her curiosity.

Neither girl said anything for a moment. Cho kept observing the book spines as if they were the most mind-boggling things in the world. Hermione stood up and pretended to look through her bag. It was getting uncomfortable.

But just when she was thinking about leaving, Cho spoke up.

"You know you won't get away with this, right?"

Hermione frowned. "Excuse me?"

"This…this whole play you put on?" Cho said, suddenly looking straight at the other girl. "Stealing Harry from me. Making him think like you were this lonely and pathetic angel who needed his love just so he would lose interest in me and get back to you? Wasn't that what you wanted?"

Hermione turned speechless once more, but she regained her anger just as quickly.

"What –"

"Well, congratulations. Your wish was fulfilled!" Cho smiled. She looked dangerous. "Harry didn't just break up with me. He humiliated me and made me look like a culprit! Like I was a…a she-devil or something!"

Because that's what you are, Hermione thought.

"He may be completely blind and stupid, but I'm not," Cho fumed, not giving Hermione a chance to speak, "I won't let you get away with this. You," she pointed a finger at Hermione, her eyes pooling with tears, "you are a she-devil. You manipulated him! You tore us apart and made him believe I was against him. He was my comfort." She was crying now. Angrily. "He made me feel like things can be all right again. Like I hadn't lost Cedric –"

"Exactly!" Hermione interrupted, too mad to stay quiet. "This is exactly why he broke up with you. It's always your comfort. What you want. What you desire. This whole relationship was literally one-sided. For only your interests!"

Cho seethed, obviously offended by her words, but now that she was spilling her heart's contents, Hermione wasn't going to stop.

"When he was with you, he was utterly miserable," she snapped, "I'd never seen him this depressed in my life before, and I hated it. I hated it so much that I wanted to kill you with my bare hands!"

Cho's eyes widened. Hermione knew she had crossed her limit, but the words she had stored inside herself for so long kept leaving her lips.

"But you know what, Cho? Although you made him nothing but angry and sad, Harry still had some hope. He still hoped things would turn around for you two. He had liked you for so long that he...he kept telling himself that you were the girl he needed, and this was the only reason why he'd put up with your nonsense all this time. So, believe me, I'm very happy that the forces above allowed him to think logically and break up with you. Frankly, I'd say this was one of the best decisions he'd ever made!"

Hermione's chest was heaving when she finished, but she didn't have any second thoughts. In fact, she felt proud of herself. Someone needed to put Cho in her place, and Hermione was glad it could be her.

Meanwhile, Cho hadn't taken her words kindly. She balled up her fists, thinking of a response. Hermione could almost see her gears working, and she laughed.

"Speechless? Good. I'm leaving."

With that, she picked up her stuff and made to leave the aisle they were in. But Cho's next words halted her steps.

"You'll regret this."

Hermione spun around. "What?"

"You. You and Harry. You'll both regret this," Cho sniffed, trying to control her tears. Watching her cry, Hermione did not feel any pity. Her heart had hardened into stone. This girl had made Harry's life a mess, so Hermione wasn't going to show her any sympathy.

However, her warning had struck her as a legit threat. She remembered how Harry had told her that Cho was dangerous when mad. She was capable of doing anything.

Like ratting us out.

A boulder dropped in Hermione's stomach. If Cho ratted them out, they'd be done for. Umbridge would delightfully snap their wands and expel them. Even Dumbledore wouldn't be able to do anything about it…not with the Ministry backing her up.

But then Hermione remembered the consequences. If Cho snitched on them, she'd be really sorry.

That made her feel a little better. Sighing, Hermione straightened her bookbag and searched for her friends. The class had just ended and everyone was leaving in intervals.

Suddenly, someone shoved her.

"Hey – !" Hermione's words were cut short as she hit the floor, directly on her knees.

The searing pain brought tears to her eyes, but she looked up, determined to find who had pushed her. It must have been Cho, and Hermione wouldn't let her get away with this.

But when her eyes slid to the left, it was obvious who it was. Ginny was glaring at her, and she mouthed a single word that Hermione clearly understood despite the commotion around them.

"Slut."

Almost magically, the pain in her knees disappeared. Blinded with rage, Hermione got up from the floor and harshly grabbed Ginny's arm before she could run.

"What did you call me?!" she hissed at the redhead.

But Ginny had suddenly turned defiant. "Ow! You're hurting me! What's wrong with you?!"

"What's wrong with me?! You pushed me!"

"No, I didn't! Are you crazy?! Why would I push you?"

Their exchange of words was loud enough to turn heads towards them. People started to murmur, but Hermione had turned deaf to her surroundings.

"You're so…disrespectful!" she shouted. "Why did you call me that?!"

"Why did I call you what?" Ginny retorted.

Her aloofness was making Hermione so mad that she wanted to slap her. Before she could get any ideas, Harry and Ron had interrupted them.

"What's going on here?" Ron demanded.

"Hermione's acting looney!" Ginny complained, "And she's hurting my arm, Ron!"

"Let go of her!"

"No! Not until she tells me why she called me…that." Hermione fumed.

"Okay…calm down," Harry spoke up, "first, let go of her."

Finally, Hermione let Ginny go. The other girl rubbed her arm, tears forming in her eyes. Something like guilt formed in Hermione's heart. No matter how insolent Ginny was, she was still Ron's little sister…

"Sorry," Hermione mumbled. "But you've hurt me, too."

"How?" Harry asked, glancing between the girls. He could feel the tension, and he feared it was because of him.

"She…she called me something."

"Like what?" Ron asked, then shouted at the other students. "Why are you all standing around and gawking? Move!"

Immediately, the students began to disperse, calling Ron mean things. Hermione sighed. At least she wasn't a spectacle now.

"What's going on, Ginny?" Ron snapped. "Can you please control your bloody behaviour?"

Ginny gasped. "What bloody behaviour?! I told you I did nothing! Hermione's being delusional."

"I'm not being delusional!" Hermione shouted. "You pushed me! And then you called me…a…a,"

Curse her upbringing! She couldn't even say the word!

"Forget it. It's fine." Hermione gave up. She knew Ginny wasn't going to budge, then what was the point of arguing? "Maybe I did hear wrong."

"Not maybe. You did!" Ginny shrieked.

"Stop being dramatic." Ron sighed. "Now get lost."

"Git," Ginny scowled, before leaving to join her friends by the door.

"Sorry, Hermione. My sister's a lunatic." Ron shrugged. "I dunno where she gets it."

"It's all right," said Hermione. She knew she had heard correctly. Ginny had called her that word. She had pushed her.

"Well." Ron checked his watch. "Let's go."

Finally, Harry said something. "You go. I'm coming." He lightly brushed his fingers against Hermione's, giving her a signal that she should stay back, too. Hermione understood it and lied, "I have to return some books to the shelves."

"All right then. See you."

After Ron left, Hermione immediately put some distance between herself and Harry. Why had he asked her to stay back? Did he want to talk to her about something? And didn't want Ron listening?

Hermione silently gasped at the sudden realisation. Maybe…this was the time?

Her heart flitted at the thought…and then deflated just seconds later. Harry probably wanted to apologise for Ginny's behaviour.

Hermione sighed, feeling frustrated.

Meanwhile, Harry dug his hands deep into the pockets of his robes as he watched students leave. He was slightly trembling, but he wanted to be confident. He wanted to settle the matter once and for all, and he couldn't do it while sounding nervous and fidgety. He had to gather his wits.

So he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

I fought Voldemort, he told himself. I faced expulsion. I battled with dementors. I live with the Dursleys. I dodged Death itself. I'm surviving right now. So I can and I will talk to Hermione.

That relaxed him. A bit…

Finally, the last student left the Room, turning it as still as a corpse. Harry willed himself to be brave.

No turning back now.

"Hermione?" he called, his voice echoing in the empty chambers. She had vanished from sight.

The said girl had heard him but she was too upset. Shaking her head, she went to Harry before he could come looking for her.

"What is it, Harry?" she asked, her brown eyes glowing, "why did you make me stay back?"

Harry's eyes widened. Hermione was in a bad mood. Well, she just dealt with Ginny so it was reasonable.

"I…" he trailed off, then continued, "I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Is it about Ginny?" Hermione said, crossing her arms, "Because it's fine. You don't have to say sorry or anything. She's jealous, and what she did is just normal girl behaviour. Nothing worth a discussion."

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something else," Harry declared, ignoring his drumming heart.

Hermione's own heart had jumped into her mouth. "What?"

"Well…" Harry smirked, suddenly gaining the confidence he'd wanted all along. "Lavender told me something very interesting…"

Hermione turned speechless. She had lost control of her body parts.

"She told me something that I knew you've been wanting to tell me for a long time," said Harry, dropping his gaze.

"Like…what?" Hermione breathed, knowing all too well where this was going.

Harry met her eyes once again. "D'you like me, Hermione?"

There, he had asked it. The question she was terrified of the most. The question that she had wanted him to ask.

Now it was there, hanging in front of her, waiting for an answer.

But to her enormous surprise, Hermione laughed.

"What's going on, Harry?" she smiled as she shook like a leaf. "Are you trying to mess with me?"

Harry frowned. "No, I'm not –"

"Is this a dare? Ron dared you, right?" She laughed again. "He dared you to ask me this and make me look like an idiot?"

"Ron didn't ask me anything," Harry affirmed, turning solemn. "Lavender told me everything and I figured I should talk to you."

Hermione's smile faded. "Lavender told you…everything?"

"Yeah, she did," Harry said carefully. He could sense the danger. "She told me how much you cared about me. How you were too scared to confess. How all of this makes you miserable. Is it true?"

He wanted to hear it from her, to confirm the matter.

But Hermione was viewing this in a different light. She felt like Harry was mocking her. He wanted her to say it so he could turn furious at her and scold her.

You and I can never be together. You understand that, right?

She could almost hear him saying those words.

Why did Lavender tell him? Why did she break her promise and put Hermione in this situation? What made her think she could do it? What gave her the right?!

Shallow breaths started to escape from Hermione. Harry looked at her, concerned.

"Are you okay?"

Hermione could feel the gradual rage building inside of her. Harry was playing a game.

And they both knew he was winning.

"NO!" she suddenly shouted, taking Harry aback. "No, I'm not okay. Because yes, I like you!"

A momentary silence followed her shout, but Hermione was quick to break the ice.

"I like you, Harry, and it is the biggest curse I inflicted upon myself!" she hollered. "It's the worst bloody mistake I ever made because I've never been this miserable in my entire life! You're always on my mind, you appear in my dreams, you make me feel loved, you make me feel like I'm the luckiest girl ever, but I HATE IT."

Her eyes had filled with tears, but she ignored them.

"But do you have any idea why I hate it?" she cried, "I hate it because I could never tell you how I feel! You're amazing. You're kind-hearted. And you're so…so noble. You make me think that maybe there is still some good left in the world. And…I was afraid of losing you."

"Hermione…"

"So, there you have it! Go have a laugh with Ron! Make fun of me. Tell me how wrong I am!" she screamed at him, "but I'm very frustrated.. You can reject me. Shout at me. Hate me. But I'm tired, Harry." Her tears started to flow and stain her cheeks. "I'm so tired of all this. I can't tolerate it any longer…"

With that, Hermione walked away, ready to leave the Room of Requirement. Harry watched her go, completely immobile, while his mind shouted profanities at him.

Stop her! Move, you idiot!

"Hermione, wait!" Harry called and ran up to her before she could cross the practising area. He grabbed her arm and forced her to look at him.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you," he said breathlessly, "and I certainly didn't want to invalidate your feelings."

"You didn't, Harry," Hermione sobbed, "it's not your fault. It's all mine. I'm a coward."

"You're not the only one. Because I couldn't admit…I didn't…"

Words were failing him…but who needed words when you could just act?

So Harry did something he had been wanting to do for a while now.

And Hermione got her lifelong wish fulfilled.

Because he had kissed her.

The air in the room had stilled. Hermione couldn't move. Her body had turned rigid, but her senses were all alive. She could feel a unique warmth materializing in her chest and spreading to her fingers and toes. She marvelled at how Harry was taking his time, his lips meeting hers slowly and gently. Unbeknownst to both of them, he had cradled her face in his hands and was caressing her jawline as he kissed her.

And she was so surprised that she didn't kiss him back.

But just when she was about to get the hang of things, Harry pulled away.

"I like you, too, Hermione," he said, his green eyes turning soulful, "I like you a lot. You're wonderful and the most amazing person I've ever met. I've been blinded too many times by the wrong things that I couldn't see that what I really wanted all along was right there beside me."

He was speaking straight from his heart, but inside, Harry was awed by his confidence. He couldn't believe he could kiss Hermione like that, nor be so honest about his feelings.

Maybe because it was her.

"D'you know why Lavender approached me?" he went on, wiping her tears with his thumbs while she stared at him. "Because she could see it. She could read me. She knew I liked you, and knew I was too afraid of admitting it because, like you said, I didn't want to lose you. But I'm glad she did. If it were up to us, we would have been living in denial for a long time."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh. "That's so true."

"It is." Harry smiled. "I'm a bloody coward, too. You and I are in the same boat…" He sighed, dropping his gaze, "I'm sorry I came off like that. I was just…so…nervous."

"Oh, Harry. Don't apologise," Hermione smiled at him. Her heart was dancing wildly in her chest and her stomach felt like it was overcome with way too many butterflies. She couldn't believe this was happening. Maybe it was a strange and heartless dream. Maybe Harry was under a spell. Maybe she had lost her mind for good and was hallucinating.

But her logical part was on her side now. It urged her to believe this was real. It was actually happening. She wanted to scream with joy or burst into tears.

She did neither, though. Instead, she slid her hands under his jaw and leaned up to kiss him.

This time, both of them had grown comfortable. Harry leaned down and wrapped Hermione's waist in his hands. He loved the way she kissed him in a very genteel manner, like she was relishing every twist and turn with his lips. He loved how he could literally feel the passion rising between them; something that had desperately lacked whenever he shared a kiss with Cho. Hermione was different.

Hermione was better.

He wanted to keep kissing her, but she suddenly pulled back. Her face was turning red and she giggled like a schoolgirl. Harry grinned, but before he could say anything, Hermione turned around and ran away from him.

"Hey –" But she had disappeared among the bookshelves before he could finish his sentence. Smiling wildly, Harry ran after her, determined to catch her.

It was possibly the happiest moment of his life.

---

Hermione was flying. Harry had lifted her feet off the ground and made her think she was dancing in a strong summer breeze.

She laughed and leaned against a bookshelf, her face becoming warmer and warmer by the minute.

"Harry kissed me," she said aloud to make it sound more real. "He kissed me. I kissed him. He told me he likes me. I told him I like him. This is not a dream."

The books in front of her seemed to be nodding in agreement. Hermione sighed with contentment, wanting to spin around.

"Hello."

She jumped. It was Harry, appearing in her hiding space. He grinned and pulled her towards himself.

"Stop running away from me," he smirked at her.

"Oh, Harry." Hermione hid her face in her hands, blushing madly. Shaking his head humorously, Harry pried her hands away to look into her eyes.

"What?" he whispered.

"I…" She blushed again, grinning like a Cheshire Cat. "I'm just so…so happy."

"I get it," Harry said and leaned in to kiss her again. Hermione met him halfway there. He pressed her against the bookshelf behind her, losing his fingers in the tresses of her beautiful hair. She let her hand slide through his messy hair before it settled on his neck, feeling like their lips were growing more and more familiar with each other.

Amidst their kiss, Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her into the opening. He released her, but enclosed her in her arms, wanting to etch every inch of her face in his memory forever. Hermione smiled at him and kissed his cheek. Harry responded with a little kiss on her neck, making her giggle. Every trinket of her laugh was sending absolute joy to his being.

"So," he said when they had calmed down a little, "does this mean I can kiss you anytime I want?"

"Only if I can return the favour," she beamed before resting her cheek against his shoulder, losing herself in the aura that she loved so much.

They enjoyed each other's warmth in silence for a minute until Hermione said.

"Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"Let's keep this a secret for a little while," she declared, playing with his shirt button. "Except from Ron and Lavender."

"I'm down," Harry answered, knowing full well why she wanted to do this. He smiled and kissed her forehead. "I can't bloody wait to see Ron's face when we'll tell him."

"Let's surprise him." Hermione laughed. "So he'll never forget it."

"All right." Harry laughed, too – before turning serious. He had suddenly grown conscious of his brain.

There were no conflicts going on up there. No blazing battles. Nothing. It was as peaceful as it was quiet.

Harry smiled yet again, feeling utterly grateful. He gently took Hermione's hand and lifted it up to kiss it.

"I'm so lucky to have you," he said with so much sincerity in his eyes that Hermione's own pooled with tears.

"We're lucky to have each other," she simply said and was fully ready when he leaned down to once again interlink his lips with hers.

Life finally felt…complete. Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry's neck to keep herself from falling because he had lifted her in his grip. He deliberately spun her around so he could hear her laugh – a sound that was quickly becoming his favourite.

Amidst their jubilation, both of them hadn't realised that a pair of eyes was silently watching them from the corner of the door.

A pair of almond brown eyes, burning with rage.