Hi, guys! Hope you all are doing good! Just wanted to say – thank you so much for following this story and sticking to it. It makes an exhausted author/student/worker's day a lot brighter. Love you all :D
Oh! And I also posted a new short story "His Arms, Her Comfort". Writing is my happy place, so naturally, I start off new stories for mental peace. This one seemed good enough, and while I had no plans to publish another story, I just couldn't help it XD So do check it out!
I don't know when I will update either story, but since my exams are starting next week (yikes!) time would become limited. Nevertheless, I'll try my best.
Enjoy, mates!
Soon, the snow on the trees on Hogwarts grounds had started to melt. The reign of winter was slowly fading away, and a subtle change of spring could be observed amidst the occasional surges of cold breeze and greyness.
The much-awaited Saturday had finally arrived, and as it marked the official start of the plan, Hermione was feeling jittery all morning. In the days leading up to the weekend, Hermione had gone through numerous emotions. Sometimes, she felt sad and angry at herself for leading Harry into a web of lies. Sometimes, she felt angry at him for not seeing through her. And sometimes, she felt disappointed in herself for not telling him straight away.
In other words, Hermione was doubtful about the entire plan.
She had voiced her concerns to Lavender, but her friend had just dismissed them as normal worries that Hermione's anxiety-riddled mind was bound to get. Although Lavender was just trying to help her out, she obviously couldn't understand Hermione's connection with Harry. Nor could she understand his mental state like Hermione could. It felt so wrong to play with his feelings and deceive him into thinking something she was not.
But considering how she didn't want him to know anything in case it backfired, what choice did she have?
However, one thing was clear – she was not going to act as if she liked Theodore.
"Okay, okay! Fine!" Lavender exclaimed when Hermione finished speaking (rather angrily) about why she wanted to distance herself from Theodore. "You don't have to mingle with him. But it would make Harry jealous, just saying..."
"I don't care." Hermione shook her head. "We're only limited to the dance and I want to keep it that way."
They were in their bedroom, getting ready to go to Hogsmeade. Even though the day was supposed to be exciting, nausea in Hermione's gut was stating otherwise...
"Look, I don't know if you'd get this, Lavender, but I don't want to make Harry jealous," Hermione insisted, "I just want to, you know...wow him. His mind is so vulnerable these days, and he's so stressed out because of...everything, and I don't want to add to his list of issues, in case he does like me back. Making him jealous would weaken his mind."
"Oh, Hermione. I get it!" Lavender smiled at her. "You're still up for shopping, though?"
"Yes, of course! My parents specifically sent this money for a new dress," Hermione declared, jingling her bag.
"Great!"
Chatting merrily, the two went downstairs to the common room. It wasn't an official Hogsmeade visit, so students could stay back if they wanted to. As a result, the common room was mildly populated, mostly by boys.
Harry and Ron were playing Wizard's Chess in a corner, and as the girls passed them, Ron called out. "Going somewhere?"
"Yes! Shopping!" Lavender grinned. Unlike Hermione, she was brimming with excitement.
"Cool. Should we go with you —"
"Oh, no! Don't bother!" Lavender interrupted Ron. "You two keep playing chess. Don't want to interrupt your game."
"Well, I was just asking..."
As the two talked, Hermione watched Harry as he studied the chessboard. He looked so...abstracted. As if he was not in this world and had ascended to a different reality.
Hermione sighed. She could just go to him, tell him how she felt, and save herself from all the trouble. It was as simple as that.
Except it wasn't.
"Knight to E4," Harry suddenly spoke up. The move distracted Ron as he smirked.
"Uh ho, shouldn't have done that. Queen to H3."
His black piece obeyed and knocked Harry's white piece off the board, capturing his king.
"Called it," Ron smirked wider.
"Let's go," Lavender said to Hermione. They left as the boys mulled over the game.
"Years of playing Wizard's Chess, and I still win most of it," Ron commented.
Harry sighed, messing his hair. "I would've beaten you if I didn't have too much on my mind."
"As if!"
"Seriously. It's all because of that git, Snape." Harry shook his head angrily. "What does he expect me to do?! Clear my mind? Or fill it with these complicated tricks about the hardest bloody defence ever?!"
"Y'know what? I bet he's testing you." Ron grinned. "Testing your patience. Getting on your nerves. Making you think like a loony."
"Thanks for making me feel better..."
"Hey, just joking around!" The redhead chuckled. "Come to think of it, d'you have anything to wear for this dance?"
"Uhh..." Wait. Where did his dress robes go?
"I think I misplaced my dress robes. I don't remember packing them in my trunk. What about yours?"
"Burned them," Ron replied, "In the living room fireplace. In front of Mum."
Harry laughed. "The disrespect!"
"I wasn't disrespecting her!" Ron argued, "I was just reminding her that I'm her child, too, who deserves some thoughtful things. Not only Ginny and Percy! That perfect Percy..."
Harry sighed, looking at his best friend. Both of them needed to cool off.
"Well, since we don't have anything to wear, let's go to Hogsmeade," he suggested, "Maybe we'll find something decent."
"Can't." Ron shook his head. "Got no spare money. Of course, Mum sent Ginny some but left Fred, George, and me to fend for ourselves! Bet you this is her way of getting back at me for burning my dress robes, and at them for their joke products...which I never understood cause I think they're –"
"Stupid and tacky?" George finished for him. The twins had suddenly appeared by them.
"I was gonna say brilliant." Ron frowned. "How could you hear me?"
George exchanged a disappointed look with his twin. "Really, baby bro?"
"Extendable Ears!" Fred exclaimed, holding them up.
"So, we heard you talking –"
"– trash about our –"
"–dear old mother." They finished in unison.
Ron turned scarlet. "I wasn't talking trash! I'm just sick of her playing favourites all the time."
"Well, you're in luck, Ronniekins." Fred grinned, swinging an arm around his younger brother. "Our products are selling off, so we'll buy your dress robes."
"Early birthday present," George chimed in.
"Mind you, you'd have to become our testing customer," Fred pointed out, "We aren't doing this for free."
"This way, you can pay us back," George added.
Ron rolled his eyes. "Seriously?"
As the brothers bickered, Harry let his mind roam free. His Occlumency class was at 8 o'clock, so he mentally planned his day as per that. Out of the 5 Occlumency tricks, Harry had learned only two so far, and he knew he had to learn three more before he attended the lesson. Snape would go ballistic if he showed up unprepared. Their pace was languid, so Harry couldn't blame him.
Letting his mind wander, his thoughts turned to last night.
Theodore Nott. Only the name made Harry's blood boil.
What was so special about that bloody idiot anyway? So special, in fact, that he had managed to blind his brilliant best friend, and so much that she had rejected Neville. But Harry knew how strict Hermione was when it came to promises, but couldn't she deviate? For Neville's sake?
But she did take him somewhere. To where or to whom – Harry had no idea.
"You coming?" Ron asked, breaking into his thoughts.
Harry sighed. He needed a drink. Preferably Frothyrum.
"Yeah. Yeah, I am."
Hogsmeade was bustling with energy as Hermione and Lavender made their way through it. Enthusiasm was all around, and the reason was pretty obvious.
Although she'd felt nervous before, Lavender's contagious zeal was affecting Hermione. She had never gone to the village with her, and Hermione realised she was missing out. Harry and Ron were amazing, but having a female best friend was completely different.
By the time they had reached their targeted shop – Madam Fruela's Recipes for Grace – both Hermione and Lavender had their cheeks flushed from all the laughter and exciting gossip. Lavender was really bringing out the conversationalist in Hermione...
"Oh, wow..." Lavender gasped as they stepped inside the store. From what Hermione could remember the last time she was here, the store had definitely expanded. The vast room boasted rows and rows of dresses, robes, and different kinds of apparel; available in various colours, patterns, fabrics, and textures. The store was teeming with Hogwarts students as they giggled, chatted, and milled about while measuring tapes took their sizes without a human hand.
"There are so many options!" Hermione declared, her eyes immediately capturing the red outfits in the room.
"Let's go!" Lavender said excitedly, "We'll find yours first."
Judging by the cacophony, it appeared as if the entire female student body was there. The two ran into many familiar faces. Ginny, Hannah, Susan, Parvati and Padma, and even Cho, but they steered clear of the last three. Little to no space was left to walk around. Everywhere, measuring tapes whizzed past, dresses floated on their own, house-elves helped the customers, and even Madam Fruela herself kept rushing from one place to another. It was chaotic. A delirium. The surprise announcement had really awakened the female spirit and their inclination to look good.
"What about this?" Lavender asked as the two happened upon the first red dress.
Perfect. It has to be perfect, Hermione thought as she contemplated the dress. Then shook her head.
"Too simple."
"There's still plenty left!"
On Lavender's cue, they moved on to the next dress. Then the next. Then the next. They were either too boring, too plain, too full, too revealing, or too unlike Hermione. Her definition of perfect had really limited the choices.
"Look, we don't necessarily have to search for red," Hermione breathlessly explained after she had dismissed her fifteenth option, "We can always do the colour-switching spell –"
"Oh, that wouldn't work."
The little voice floated from behind a row of dresses. It was Luna, and she was holding the most hideous purple robes Hermione had ever seen.
"It wouldn't?" Lavender asked.
"No, sadly..." Luna said wistfully, "I wanted this in blue, but Madam Fruela said the spell doesn't work on her dresses."
"Must be a new protocol," Hermione commented, then realised Lavender and Luna didn't know each other.
After a brief introduction, Hermione declared, "It's a shame! It really limits our options."
"We haven't even covered half of the store yet, so I'm sure we'll find something." Lavender smiled at Luna. "You've already found yours?"
"Yes!" Luna grinned and held up the dress so the two could see. "It's beautiful."
"Um..." Hermione felt like it was anything but beautiful. The colour was an overwhelming shade of light violet, the fabric appeared itchy, and the net designs were not really doing it for the entire look. But the worst part was the huge flower set beside the neckline. It looked less like a dress and more like an embodiment of discomfort.
"Are you sure, Luna?" Hermione frowned. "Won't you be uncomfortable in this?"
"No. I'll be fine," she answered, lightly touching the giant flower, "I love this piece."
"But what about..." Hermione's eyes fell on a blue dress hanging in the same row. "That one? See, it's your style!"
Except it wasn't. The glossy fabric seemed nothing like Luna, but at least it was better than that purple thing.
"This one's nice, too!" Lavender added, pulling out another blue dress, this one being a bit longer and simpler.
Luna smiled, showing her teeth. "I like both."
Soon enough, they were on a quest to find the perfect dress for Luna. Hermione wanted it so Luna could feel beautiful in herself...and because she was Neville's date...but that's beside the point.
The decision proved to be difficult like Hermione's, but unlike her, Luna seemed to like every dress. After some scavenging, she finally settled upon a straight dress with short sleeves, shimmery and made of silk, and adorned with blue and silver hues.
After the hard search, Hermione was starting to feel tired, which was bad as her dress was still missing, and Lavender's turn hadn't even come up.
But she was grateful when the other two showed determination.
"I know that look." Lavender narrowed her eyes at Hermione. "You're losing hope. The perfect dress is still waiting for you and we just got to find it!"
"It is destined for you, so we will find it," Luna added dreamingly, hugging her new dress.
At their motivation, Hermione smiled. "Okay. Okay, then."
And so their search continued. They looked through the store's massive variety, bumping into girls and house-elves along the way.
Just when Hermione was really about to lose hope, she spotted it. The perfect dress. Sitting at the end of the last columns, looking like a queen.
But some girls were already inspecting it.
A familiar wave of anger and panic hit Hermione. No. That dress is mine.
She rushed forward, trying to keep her cool as she stepped beside the other girls, who were gushing about the dress.
And the dress? It looked even more beautiful up close. Hermione ran a hand on the fabric, marvelling at it.
It was a brilliant shade of red – the exact colour Hermione was looking for – and had sheer sleeves that just fell off the shoulders. The bodice was a flushed crimson, and the floor-length skirt looked like a blooming rose. Judging by the fabric and other adornments, the dress was definitely heavy. The skirt was wide and hefty, and Hermione knew she would be catching dirt on its hem. But the moment she'd seen the dress, she'd felt a connection, which was ridiculous. She had to get it. She had to.
So she breathed a sigh of relief when the other girls left the dress alone after checking the price tag. It was obviously expensive, but Hermione didn't care.
"Oh, wow. Look at this!" Lavender gasped as Hermione felt the fabric more. "It's so beautiful!"
"Right? This is the one!" Hermione grinned, feeling excited all over.
"But are you sure? I mean, it looks kind of..." Lavender paused, searching for the right word. "...heavy?"
"I'll manage!" Hermione answered, feeling the sleeves. "I never liked dressing up, but getting this in my wardrobe would be amazing."
"Amazing, indeed," Luna stated as she surveyed the dress with her round eyes.
"How much is it?" Lavender asked.
Realising she still had to pay for it, Hermione checked the price tag. 16 Galleons and 25 Sickles.
She did some quick math in her head. Buying the dress meant she'd be using all of the money her parents had sent her, plus some more from what she had saved. Normally, Hermione liked to plan her budget, but she really wanted the dress.
You only live once, right? she thought, bringing the money out.
Half an hour later, the three had exited the store, laughing and chattering away, with even Luna contributing to the conversation. The shopping spree had been fun, but they were exhausted. Lavender suggested a round of Butterbeer to cool things off, and Hermione immediately agreed.
On the way to the Three Broomsticks, Hermione hugged her packaged dress, already feeling beautiful.
She couldn't wait for the dance to get here...
The next morning, Hermione trudged down the staircase of the Gryffindor tower with several books clutched in her hands. She had let Saturday off the hook and had a good time, but she wouldn't waste Sunday. She was determined to study today and no fun activity could distract her. Her need for an Outstanding in every subject surfaced, increasing her persistence.
But she wasn't going to study alone. She'd pull Harry, Ron, Lavender, and possibly Neville, too. The OWLs were no joke, and a sudden dance was no excuse to delay studying, especially since these exams got to decide if they'd be getting their dream jobs or not.
Earlier, Hermione had been browsing career opportunities in the Wizarding world. The options were endless and since everything looked interesting to her, choosing a career seemed very difficult. She really needed advice.
Fred and George had told her that they did receive advice from McGonagall after the Easter holidays, but considering how much they joked around (Hermione hadn't believed that a Troll grade existed at first!), she had to wait to see.
She heaved all of her books on an empty table and surveyed the common room. Of course, no one was studying. The dance was two days away, and it was the only thing people could think about. Hermione, too, but for entirely different reasons.
She sat down and began setting up the table. Yesterday, as soon as they had returned to their room, Lavender had tried on her dress. She had chosen a long pink dress with a slightly wide skirt that surrounded her feet. It looked great on her and complemented her blonde features nicely. Despite her excitement and egging on, Hermione hadn't tried hers. She'd decided she wanted to see herself in it when she'd officially wear it, meaning before the dance.
Just when she had started reading A History of Magic, the portrait hole burst open, and the entire Quidditch team stepped in, their spirits high and loud, just like how they always were after a match or practice.
Hermione cupped her chin in her hand as she watched her two friends disentangle themselves from the team.
For some reason, Harry looked extra attractive in his Quidditch robes...
Maybe it was his wind-swept hair, the shine in his eyes, or the signs of hard work. Hermione didn't know, but she loved it.
"Studying?" Ron asked as they approached her, swiping the book from her hand.
"Yes. We all will," Hermione stated, snatching it back.
"Do we have to?" said Harry as he took off his glasses to clean them. "I mean, we're really tired –"
"Yes, we have to!" Hermione interrupted him, opening the Troll War chapter, "The earlier we start studying for the OWLs, the better! Look at all these dates! Do you think you can remember them just days before the exam?"
"Quit bossing us around." Ron groaned. "We're coming."
Harry sighed. He really wasn't in the mood to study. But it wasn't because of the Quidditch practice, but because of the Occlumency lesson he had attended last night. He and Snape had gotten into their biggest argument yet, and Harry didn't know how he could stop feeling angry about it.
Still, he had to agree with Hermione. They had to focus on the exams, too.
A few minutes later, all three of them were studying. Hermione was furiously taking notes from A History of Magic, Harry was practising wand movements for Charms, and Ron was staring aghast at Potions recipes.
"Snape expects us to learn this?" he exclaimed, startling the other two. "Like what is this crap? Let the mixture boil until it's glossy," he read from the book, "then steep the Shrivelfigs. How would I bloody know when it turns glossy? And what the hell is steeping?"
"Glossy is the structure of the potion, meaning it will become shiny," Hermione explained, shaking her head, "and steeping means letting the figs boil in the cauldron until the liquid takes their flavour. Honestly, Ron. Don't act as if you've never made such potions."
"Course I haven't," he retorted, "Don't act so bloody smart all the time."
"Then don't be so dumb all the time!"
"You think I'm dumb?!"
And just like that, they started to bicker.
Harry took a deep breath and buried his face in his hands. Of course. Of course, they had to pick the worst times to fight. Why did they have to fight so much? Did they love driving him up the wall? Making his already angered state even more furious?
He was already feeling livid at Snape, and even though some time had passed since the argument, it was still fresh in his mind.
He didn't remember what led to it, but the mention of his father had turned up amidst their verbal brawl. Snape had started insulting his father again, just how he always did when Harry snapped back at him. He told Harry how he was in the dark, how snobbish and idiotic his father was, and how he couldn't see any logic, even if it stood right in front of him.
Harry didn't understand why Snape kept calling him ignorant. But he also didn't care. Snape was just a greasy-haired fool who hated his father because he was popular and had saved his life. Harry was not going to listen to Snape's slander about his dad – the man he'd been told he resembled, the man whose voice he'd heard in his dementor-induced visions, the man who sacrificed his life for his wife and son, the man he had seen last year materialise out of Voldemort's wand, the man who was brave, heroic, and a risk-taker. He took pride in his dad and wanted to be just like him. Snape could jump in the Black Lake for all Harry cared, but hearing him talk shit about his father was more than he could take.
But Harry had to hold his tongue. Sirius had advised him to not get on Snape's nerves or insult him back, as it'd mean an end to Occlumency lessons, and Harry shouldn't want that. And yes, he didn't. But suppressing the intense anger was a bad decision because now, between Ron and Hermione, Harry could feel his mind going haywire, his thoughts frenzying up, and his fury resurfacing. If he had lashed out at Snape, he wouldn't have been in such a condition.
But he couldn't control his temper this time.
"Can you two shut up?!" he snapped, surprising his friends, "D'you do anything except fight? Give it a rest!"
Speechless, Ron and Hermione stared at him, but Harry had snapped open his Charms book. He tried to focus, but couldn't. The anger was dominating him.
These two...they'll be the end of me.
But he still cared about them.
"Sorry. I didn't...mean it," he said, "I'm just angry at that..." he trailed off, his rage messing up his words. Quidditch had done a great job at distracting him, but these two completely ruined his efforts.
"It's okay, Harry," Hermione said with uncertainty. She could see right through him. He was angry at Snape. Something must have happened last night during his lesson, but Hermione, tired from the day's activities, had gone to bed before Harry could return, so she didn't know anything.
Ron was on the same ground.
"Let me guess...Snape?" he asked, raising his eyebrow. Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"Yes, that...idiot," he swore.
"What happen–"
But Hermione interrupted Ron with a glare, giving him a silent message.
Don't ask that! It will worsen his mood!
Ron understood her and rephrased his question. "Well, what can you expect from that git? Nothing good, obviously."
"Let's study in the library," Hermione suggested, smiling to lift up Harry's mood, "It's roomy and breathable. What do you say?"
"All right..."
"Great!" Hermione beamed, before getting up and gathering her books, "I'll go now and will wait for you there. Bring your books. Oh, and Ron? Bring Lavender, too."
Then before Harry and Ron could say anything further, she turned around and left the common room.
"Studies are to her as Quidditch is to us," Ron remarked, rolling his eyes.
Harry pursed his lips but didn't say anything. Truth be told, he needed a distraction, and a full-fledged studying session could do the trick...
The corridors were crowded, but Hermione hardly noticed the people around her as she made her way to the library. Harry looked so, so troubled. The last time he had been that angry, Voldemort was gaining control of him. What if this time...?
No. Hermione shook her head. Harry's unexplained anger had no reason then, but it did this time. She just hoped that nothing Snape did was too alarming.
Lost in her thoughts, Hermione turned right and happened upon her favourite place in the castle. The library.
But before she could go inside, a girl walked past her and accidentally on purpose bumped Hermione's shoulder with hers so hard that she almost fell over. It was Pansy Parkinson.
"Mudblood," she sneered before disappearing down the corridor.
Hermione heaved a frustrated sigh and entered the library. As if worrying about Harry wasn't enough, people like Pansy had to exist...
"Morning, Madam Pince," she greeted as she entered. The librarian, who was inspecting stamps on her desk, barely looked up as she returned her greeting. To Hermione's relief, a quiet ambience was present around the place, which was obvious as Madam Pince had ears as sensitive as a cat's.
She chose an empty table in the middle of a section and started taking her books out. For some reason, she was excited. They were going to have a proper study session for the first time in months!
Little did Hermione know her wish for silence would become ungranted – and by the last person she'd expect to see.
Just when she had opened her Runology book, a voice from her left startled her. "Hey. Are you avoiding me?"
Surprised, Hermione turned around – to stare right into Theodore Nott's blue eyes.
She couldn't resist her gasp.
"What are you doing here?!" she whisper-shouted.
"I wanted to talk to you?" he replied, raising his eyebrow as it was the most obvious thing to do.
"Well, just say what you want then please leave," she said, burying her face in her book, refusing to look at him.
Theodore appeared amused. He stared at Hermione as if she was a puzzle he was trying to solve – and was enjoying it.
"I thought we were friends?" he asked, scooting closer to her, "And yet you're avoiding me."
"I'm not avoiding you!" Hermione stated, pushing her book down to look at him. "We're just dance partners, not friends."
Theodore's face turned into confusion. "Since when did we agree on that?"
"Well, it was understood! We can't be friends! You're a part of the Inquisitorial Squad, and I can't be on friendly terms with someone who supports Umbridge."
At Hermione's outburst, Theodore smiled, showing the same boy Hermione had met just some days ago.
"Hey, give her a chance. She's not all bad."
Hermione stared at him. "Not all bad?"
"It's a matter of values! Yours are different from hers. No reason why hatred needs to be involved." He paused to look at the clutter of books on the table. "You're studying?"
"Yes, with my friends," Hermione told him, emphasising her point, "and they're about to arrive, which is why you need to leave."
Theodore scoffed. "I'm not afraid of Potter."
"You should be. Because he's really ang–"
Hermione stopped. Why was she telling him this?
"Look, Theodore," she began again, "You can't just come up to talk to me. Forget belonging to rival groups, but we don't even know each other –"
"Of course we do!"
"Of course we don't!" Hermione refuted, looking at him like he was crazy. "I don't know the first thing about you! I still don't understand why you'd ask me to the dance, but being your date is fine with me. But being friends?"
For a moment, Theodore was mute as he looked at Hermione.
Then gradually, he grinned.
"You're an interesting person, Hermione."
Hermione rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her book. "Thank you. Now please leave."
"I saw you yesterday," Theodore continued as if he hadn't heard her, "Looking excited and beautiful. You're preparing for our date, aren't you? You just can't wait for it..."
Shocked, Hermione was speechless. He saw her?
But that wasn't for him. It was for Harry.
"Stop getting stupid ideas," she replied, shying away from him, "We're not friends, Theodore. We're just dance partners. Let's keep it that way."
But Theodore closed the distance that Hermione had just made between them. "Are you sure you want to?"
"Yes. I'm completely sure."
Without warning, he reached forward and placed his hand on top of Hermione's. Shocked, she pulled it back.
"What are you doing? I told you to leave!"
"But Hermione, you don't understand." His eyes flicked to his surroundings before focusing back on her. "Ever since I asked you out, I can't stop thinking about you. I want to know you better."
Hermione had enough.
"No, you don't! You don't care about me," she retorted, lowering her voice because she respected the library. "I know your scheme. You just asked me out to get on Malfoy's nerves. I know you, Theodore. This is all an act. A cunning act to use me for your own interests. I'm well aware, and I'm not going to fall for your tricks."
"Really?" He frowned. "Is that what you think of me? Last time, you were eager to know more about me, too."
"Because I was too shocked by your sudden advance!" Hermione shook her head. "I couldn't understand the idea that a Slytherin could be nice when they're all malicious stupid jerks!"
"Oh, yeah? Then what about Gryffindors?" Theodore glared at her. "Just a bunch of self-centred snobbish twats, don't you think?"
Then for the first time during this whole conversation, Hermione smiled. "See? See how different we are? We can't be friends when we're so different!"
"But who cares?" Theodore shook his head, his blue eyes wide. "I don't give a bloody damn about our differences. I find you brilliant, and I think that should be bloody enough!"
"That's never enough..." Hermione sighed. Why were her friends taking so long? "Please, Theodore. You seem like a nice person, and I'd love to go to the dance with you. But I can't start trusting you and thinking of you as my friend out of nowhere!"
"But I want to know you," he said, his urgency alarming her, "I want you. You're so...different from the rest of the girls, Hermione. Believe me, I didn't approach you for a stupid dance! It just happened to be in the way!"
Hermione sighed. "I don't know..."
"We can figure it out. Together." He reached forward to take her hand again, but she pulled away from him. "Trust me, I understand how you feel –"
"No, you don't," Hermione cut in, staring defiantly into his eyes, "You don't know how I feel because if you did, you would have given me some time and space to figure things out on my own."
"But haven't you already figured them out?" Theodore frowned. His refusal to understand was annoying Hermione. "You accepted my offer to the dance and are obviously preparing for me –"
"Accepted your offer?!" Hermione echoed, "That doesn't count! It was so sudden that you didn't even give me a chance to think!"
"But you've had plenty of time to think!" Theodore exclaimed, "You haven't changed your mind yet."
"Yes! But that isn't the point –" Hermione stopped. Sighed. "You know what? Forget it."
Theodore grinned wistfully. "You're feisty, Granger. I like that about you. Probably the reason why I wanted to approach you in the first place."
"You're not making any sense. Do you know that?"
"But who cares? After all, at the end of the day, aren't we all senseless?"
His voice had dropped to a low tone, and it wasn't because of the library...
Hermione fidgeted. Theodore was so close to her that she could feel his body heat, his breaths, his inclination to touch her. His sudden need for intimacy made her uncomfortable, and she wished her friends would arrive sooner. Besides, his disgraceful behaviour was not something that should be seen by the general public. What would they think? They knew Theodore was an Inquisitorial Squad member and Hermione was Harry's friend.
A scandal was the last thing she needed.
"Where are your friends? They must be here," she asked, trying to change the topic.
But he stayed firm. "Who gives a bloody damn?"
"I do." It was taking every ounce of her strength to not hit him with her book. "I don't want to be seen with you in public, except for the dance."
"So, you're using me, Granger. Aren't you?"
"I'm doing what's proper." She gritted her teeth at him, suddenly angry. "So leave me alone."
He lightly touched her hair, his voice vibrating against her bones as he said, "If I did, you'd be on my mind all day."
"Theodore," she said, her eyes giving off a warning, "Get away from me."
But instead of replying, he did something else.
He leaned forward and kissed her lips.
The act was so sudden that Hermione froze up for a moment, not doing or feeling anything as Theodore went on. And then gradually...she felt it. She felt what she had been wanting for so long...
Heat travelled all over her body as he kissed her, flowing through her fingertips and toes, and a deep stirring settled in her chest, igniting her desire, her longing for a manly touch. She wanted this. She needed this.
But he wasn't the one she wanted...
With great effort, Hermione placed her hands on Theodore's chest and pushed him away, breaking their contact.
"What is the meaning of this?" she bellowed, the desire diminishing as quickly as it had started.
"What I wanted to do for a long time," Theodore answered hoarsely. He didn't wait for her reply and pulled her into a kiss again...
"Damn, woman. What took you so long?" Ron asked as Lavender entered the common room. He and Harry had been waiting for her so they could go to the library.
Lavender chuckled and wagged a finger in front of Ron's face. "Don't 'woman' me! I was just looking for my textbooks."
"D'you leave them scattered about or something –"
"We should get going," Harry declared – then left the common room before either of them could reply.
"Um, is he okay?" Lavender asked.
"Yeah, just in a bad mood." Ron sighed. "Best not to push his buttons right now..."
Lavender nodded and the two followed Harry, his tread so fast that they had to sprint just to catch up with him.
They reached the library in silence. Harry's mind was too crowded to make sense of his surroundings. But when he reached the middle of the area, he stopped dead in his tracks.
"Oof. What the hell, mate?" Ron said, bumping into him, but his eyes widened when saw what Harry was looking at. "Oh, shit..."
Because in the middle of the area, Hermione was there – kissing Theodore Nott.
Catching sight of them, Lavender gasped. What was she doing?!
Something in Harry twisted and turned as he watched the git slobber over his best friend.
But it was clear she didn't want to kiss him, because the next second, Hermione had pushed him away.
"What is the meaning of this?!" They heard her hiss at him.
"What I wanted to do for a long time."
And then despite Hermione's resistance, Theodore had kissed her again.
And that was all Harry had to see.
All he had to witness before all hell broke loose.
His fists clenched. His jaw grew rigid. His veins were on fire.
His rage was blinding him.
Without warning, he rushed forward behind the two. Not seeing him at first, Theodore continued with his kiss – but his eyes grew wide when Harry suddenly grabbed his collar and jerked him up and away from Hermione.
Stunned, Theodore stared at Harry as he forced him to stand in front of him, almost nose to nose.
"She doesn't want you," Harry growled at him, his voice barely audible because of his gritted teeth, "But you can't take no for an answer, can you?"
Then before Theodore could say or do anything – Harry lost it.
THAWK! He punched his jaw – the impact so strong that Theodore staggered and fell to the ground.
"She said no, you bloody git!"
"Harry, stop!" Hermione yelled, her gasp echoing with the onlookers as everyone had to pause their activities because of the loud sound.
But Harry wasn't done yet. Ignoring Hermione's protests, he grabbed the front of a groaning Theodore's shirt and hit him again, this time just by his nose. The boy cried out, clutching his nose as the pain befell him. Harry relished the way he was hurting.
"Harry, please! You're hurting him!" Hermione shouted.
"You still care about this jerk?" Harry asked with disbelief, about to punch Theodore again. But the other boy had enough.
Without warning, he had retrieved a fallen book from the ground and hit Harry, hard, with it.
The book was thick, and its sudden strike made Harry dizzy. Its sharp corner had also collided with the corner of his lips. Blood started pouring down from the cut, smearing his face with red.
The blood was enough to lead them to a fight filled with fists and kicks, their wands forgotten, the public scene forgotten. Around them, some people cheered, some people gasped, and some stood in frozen horror, like Hermione and Ron.
Madam Pince almost fainted when she found out what was going on, but she didn't have to intervene as Ron, finally snapping back to reality, had rushed forward and tried to pull Harry away from Theodore.
"Mate, just let it go!"
But Harry had gained an unquenchable thirst for Theodore's blood. He couldn't be stopped. Neither could Theodore.
Until the entire Inquisitorial Squad stepped into the scene through the shelves.
"What in the bloody hell?" Malfoy shouted as Crabbe and Blaise rushed forward to pull Theodore away from Harry. Unlike Harry, Theodore let them stop the fight.
But Harry was still fuming, his lips stinging, his breath short, as he stared at Theodore with eyes full of hatred.
"He attacked me out of nowhere!" Theodore shrieked, the fear in his eyes betraying his anger.
Malfoy smirked in realisation. "Unsportsmanlike behaviour in the library, Potter? Attacking a Squad member? You leave me no choice. 20 points from Gryffindor."
Silence befell the entire place at his words – but no one raised an objection. For once, Malfoy had acted fairly, for Harry did hit Theodore first and led them into a fight.
But things didn't seem so just to Harry, who was giving Malfoy and his goons a death glare. What was just about forcing someone to do something against their will? He was seething mad, and the taste of his blood was just increasing his anger. He was aware of his wand in his pocket and knew the exact spell that could turn all of them into a bloody mess.
So it was good that Ron, with Ernie who had jumped in to help, was holding Harry back, because what he desired right then was guaranteed to grant him a trip straight to expulsion.
"Detention to you both!" Madam Pince suddenly shouted, her voice laced with uncertainty. It was clear her words weighed nothing because Malfoy and his group had steered Theodore away and a constant buzz returned to the library. Only when the group was well out of sight did Ron and Ernie release Harry.
"Get a grip on yourself, man." Ron shook his head, narrowing his eyes at a breathless Harry. "You can't just go around fighting people."
"Yeah. You really need to calm down," said Ernie, fearfully surveying Harry, "I mean...I'm no one to judge, but..."
"It's fine, Ernie. Thanks for the help."
At Ron's words, the Hufflepuff nodded and left without a second glance.
Now that Theodore was not crossing his field of vision, Harry's heartbeat was going back to normal. He could feel his anger subsiding, and when he caught sight of Hermione's face, who was still frozen in shock, it completely vanished.
"You okay?" he asked, his first reasonable words since the whole fiasco, "Was he harassing you this whole time?"
But Hermione still didn't say anything and just stared at him. Concerned, Harry sat beside her and apprehended her again.
"Hermione, talk to me. Was he disturbing you this wh –"
But Harry couldn't finish his sentence – because Hermione had flung her arms around him and pulled him into a hug.
Surprised by her sudden embrace, Harry froze up at first, but he settled his hands on her waist and hugged her back. Her hair smelled so nice. What shampoo did she use?
His silly thoughts vanished when she pulled back – and her fingers caught the blood spilling from the corner of his lips. The bright red against her pale skin seemed off-putting. Something in him wanted to explain his actions. Tell her why he had really acted so harshly. But he couldn't get a chance because Hermione had pulled her wand out, gently placed it on his lips, and whispered, "Episkey."
Instantly, his cut healed up and stopped the blood flow.
Amazed by her skills, he found himself saying, "I reckon it's time I learned that spell."
And just like that, despite her near tears face, Hermione laughed, making Harry smile. The bad enchantment surrounding them disappeared.
"Can you please stop getting into trouble?" Hermione asked, her thumb absentmindedly caressing the corner of Harry's lips, where the cut had been. "Can you please take care of yourself, just for once?"
Her touch was soothing, so Harry didn't stop her. He looked directly into her eyes as he replied, "And let you get hassled by jerks?"
"You don't need to protect me all the time."
"Oh yes, I do. And I will."
"But that doesn't make up for you getting hurt," Hermione implored, her fingers dropping to caress his sharp jaw. She was aware of what she was doing. Aware of her beating heart. Her stomach twisting and turning. She was aware of how they were sharing the same breathing space. How she could see his glinting eyes in detail. "You don't have to hurt yourself for me."
"You're saying this, and yet you'd do the same for me," said Harry, lightly brushing his fingers against her hair tips without thinking. "Isn't that what we do? What we stand for? Returning favours?"
At his words, her face split into a smile. Looking at it from up close, Harry realised he loved it when Hermione smiled. Loved how it somehow brightened up her features. Made her face glow. He loved how even with the slightest smile, she looked like she was feeling for you. Understanding your dilemma.
And he wanted that smile only for himself.
"Theodore is not right for you, Hermione," he said, enunciating every word so she could absorb them in her mind.
She sighed. "I know. I did realise it, Harry. I was just very angry...at you."
"Can't blame you there."
"Yes, but you were right, too." Hermione sighed, looking away from him. "Theodore wanted us to rush into things and I can't do that..."
"Obviously."
"I just thought we were only dance partners. I mean...I accepted his request assuming he just wanted to take me to dance, but turns out, he wanted us to be something...more."
Harry closed his eyes. Sighed. The audacity.
"So that was a close call, I'd say! Even though, thanks to him, and you." Hermione smiled at Harry. "I don't have a date anymore."
Harry's heart hitched at these words. Suddenly, he was tempted to ditch Cho and take Hermione to the dance instead. Cho would definitely break up with him, but making Hermione feel like she's not worthless would totally beat that. She was a gem, the most precious stone in a mine, and Harry wanted to make sure she knew it.
But he couldn't do that. Hermione would never allow it.
"I'm sorry," he now said, taking her hand and soothing her palm with his thumb, "I wish I could make it up to you."
"Of course not! You saved me from a bad decision, Harry." Hermione grinned at him, their skin contact making her heart do somersaults. "In fact, I should be thanking you. It's better going to the dance alone than going with someone like him."
"Yeah. I guess..."
"If you two are done talking, we're also here."
The spell was broken. The two withdrew from each other at Ron's interruption, but the wretched distance did nothing to relieve the burning desire in Hermione. It was crazy to think that Harry hadn't even touched her like that, but he'd still lit her on fire, more than Theodore's kiss ever could...
"So, what was that, huh?" Ron demanded, pulling Hermione away from her shameful thoughts. "You need to explain."
Harry sighed. "I taught Nott a lesson. End of story."
"And lost Gryffindor 20 points in the process..."
"That's what you're mad about?" Harry asked with disbelief. "20 points are nothing when you're standing up for what matters."
Ron's mouth dropped open. "What matters? Protecting Hermione?"
"No. Protecting women," Lavender chimed in, smiling at Harry.
"Well, this woman can protect herself..." said Harry, subtly addressing Hermione, "But I guess my anger did something good for once."
Hermione, who was watching her friends with amusement, chuckled. "Oh, really? Like getting into a fight?"
"Like being there to save the day," Harry smirked, challenging her.
"Oh, of course you did!" Hermione groaned sarcastically. "Like I wasn't just about to use the Impediment Hex on him!"
"Then you really would've needed saving, Hermione," Ron remarked, "After McGonagall gave you a detention."
Harry and Lavender cracked up at the silly joke. Hermione couldn't help it and laughed, too.
Their joy eased whatever tension was left between them and soon enough, they found themselves doing what they were supposed to do – study.
Amidst reading and deciphering words, Hermione couldn't hold herself back from gazing at Harry. His mood was much brighter now, and she loved it when he was jovial, his laughs making her smile.
Gazing at him, Hermione made a decision right then and there.
She was going to tell Harry how she felt about him.
She didn't care about any plan, any scheme, and any effort anymore, and just wanted to come clean to him. How hard could it be? Harry had seen some of her most vulnerable moments. Hermione could pacify him when he was out of control. The connection they shared was deep and profound, so what was the harm in confessing? Harry, who's willing to get into fights for her, would understand her and her reasons, Hermione was sure of it. What's the worst that could happen? Harry would break up with Cho? Think Hermione's a lunatic? Explain why this wasn't right?
Whatever his reaction would be, Hermione knew their friendship wouldn't get hurt. They were too close, and they wouldn't split up over a trivial matter!
Despite that, Hermione wanted to make it special and not tell him out of nowhere.
So she decided to save her secrets for the upcoming occasion. As a result, the event that seemed dreadful before suddenly turned thrilling...
Two days passed by in a flash, and before they knew it, Valentine's Day was here. Since morning, the excited buzz around the castle couldn't be missed as students waited for the clock to strike at 6 pm. The event, besides being different from their usual activities, had overtaken the students' minds and they couldn't help but feel jittery, excited, confused, and lonely.
The cherry on top? Classes for the day had been cancelled.
The decorations in the Great Hall had started appearing after breakfast, and the sight of them only increased the anticipation, as everyone hoped the evening would be unforgettable in a good way.
Everyone, including Hermione.
Her mind was fazed and clouded as she tried to concentrate on the dancing words before her. The common room was unusually loud as people laughed, chattered, and spread absolute chaos. Someone had sneaked in an iguana, and Fred, like the genius he was, had fed the creature crackling explosive candy. The entire common room cheered as the poor iguana spewed out sparks and specks.
Hermione sighed. They shouldn't have cancelled classes.
She tried to focus on her books. On the same table, Harry and Ron were yet again playing Wizard's Chess, but this time, Harry was determined to make Ron lose.
Lavender, who had been attempting to do homework, suddenly stood up and addressed Hermione. "I'm going to get ready."
"Okay..."
After she left, Hermione glanced at her watch and stood up as well. She needed time.
"I'm going, too."
Ron, who had been studying the chessboard, raised an eyebrow at her. "Right now? There are like...five hours left till the dance!"
"So what?" Hermione rolled her eyes. "You didn't say that when Lavender went up."
"Yeah, because she's getting ready for me. Who are you getting ready for?" Ron scoffed. "The Slytherin git who can't throw a punch?"
"No. I'm getting ready for myself. Dressing up doesn't necessarily mean I want to impress somebody!"
"Oh, don't worry, Hermione," said Harry, smirking, "Ron's mad because I took his knight –"
"Just wait till I take your king –"
"Can't wait to see what you come up with." Harry smiled at Hermione, ignoring Ron.
Hermione smiled back. Oh, you'll be surprised.
Leaving them to their scuffle, Hermione took the stairs to go to her dormitory. Lavender and Parvati were already there, and the room was a mess. Their beds were cluttered with junk and things Hermione's brain couldn't recognise. It seemed like Lavender had put out her entire make-up collection just for one evening.
"Hermione! Come help me with this," Lavender called. Her dress was spread out on her bed and she was sorting through a jewellery box, "I can't decide which pair of earrings looks better!"
Hermione stifled her laugh. Some problems could be so petty.
"Obviously this one!" she declared, holding up a pair that was pink and white in colour and gave off an iridescent glow. "It matches your dress perfectly."
"But it's too small," Lavender complained, "I want a bigger pair. Like this one."
As the two went about with the preparations, Parvati ignored them and went about with hers, which was fine as an argument was the last thing they needed. Time was short.
Hermione had already washed her hair, but she hated how her curls were standing out. She needed that oil she had borrowed from Hagrid last year...
"Lavender, do you have any oil?" she asked, inspecting herself in the mirror as Lavender brushed her hair beside her.
"No. Why?"
"I want to straighten my hair," Hermione told her, running her hands through her curls and letting them unfurl, "Like what is this mess?"
"Straighten your hair? Are you crazy?" Lavender exclaimed through a mouthful of pins, which she kept pushing in her blonde tresses, "Your hair is beautiful! Don't you dare change it."
"But it's all frizzy and bushy and weird!"
"Just brush it and it'll be fine. But don't think it's weird. Have you seen those ringlets?"
Hermione surveyed her brown swirls. "Yes?"
"They're to die for!" Lavender shook her head. "Look at this."
She brushed Hermione's hair, relieving the tangles, and that seemed to decrease its volume. Hermione turned sideways to inspect those curls hiding her waist. Huh...that does look nice.
It took Hermione three hours to get ready, not counting the time she took to help out Lavender and her dilemmas. After those three hours, she stared at herself in the mirror, amazed by what she saw.
She had become a different person, but also felt like herself in her bones. The results were mesmerising, and Hermione could see that as she gave herself a once-over.
The dress looked even prettier on her body. Despite the sheer off-the-shoulder sleeves, the neckline was still modest, nothing Hermione could feel uncomfortable in. The bodice snuggled her waist perfectly, and the voluminous skirt below it made her feel like she had no legs. Hermione loved the weight of her dress. It added extra levels of gravity and she loved how the hem touched the ground but did not trail on it. The best thing about the dress was the colour – a brilliant shade of red that made her look regal and a bloody mess at the same time. The bright tone perfectly coordinated with her brown hair and pale skin. Hermione always knew red was her colour, but she never knew how good it could be.
Feeling giddy and satisfied, she spun around; her skirt blooming like a rose and her curls flying freely. After an appraisal, she had decided to pin up some of the hair and leave the rest loose around her waist. Seeing her hair like that made her realise that Lavender wasn't joking. Her curly, bushy hair filled with ringlets could become beautiful in its natural form.
Dizziness overcame her, and she stopped at her reflection again. Involuntarily, her hand crept up to her neck and she smiled.
Neville's Christmas present had completed the look. Hermione couldn't believe how perfectly the necklace matched the dress, the red stones glimmering over the deep crimson fabric. She was glad she had brought it with her along with Harry's quill. She couldn't leave such precious gifts behind!
"You ready?" Lavender asked, coming up beside her. She looked splendid in her pink dress and matching accessories, her blonde hair significant against the pink and silver hues.
"Yes. Just have to do my face," said Hermione, picking up her small cosmetics bag.
"Want me to help?"
"No, I'll be fine."
Hermione didn't want to overdo her make-up. She wanted it to be simple yet perfect, so she could look like herself and not like some lavish doll. As a result, she just applied red lip gloss, mascara, and a bit of powder. She didn't apply any blush because if she was planning to tell Harry everything, she would be red all over anyway.
She also had enchanted her make-up to be waterproof. Just in case.
"How do I look?" she asked Lavender, giving her a show by twirling around. She loved how the dress opened up beneath her, even though spinning made her dizzy. The red shoes she had borrowed from Lavender didn't help much.
Lavender laughed as she caught a staggering Hermione. "You look absolutely beautiful!" Her eyes darted at Parvati as she whispered furtively. "Harry won't be able to keep his eyes off you."
Hermione giggled as she regained her balance. She was feeling giddy – but nervous. Millions of butterflies were nestling in her stomach, and Hermione didn't know how to get rid of them.
"You should do this in front of Harry," Lavender suggested, getting into her heeled shoes. "He'll catch you and so a love story will begin."
"Haha. In my dreams." Hermione laughed. "And I don't care about any plan."
Lavender's eyes widened. "You don't?"
Hermione's smile faded. Oh, I haven't told her yet.
"I'll tell him, Lavender. About everything."
"What?"
"Yes! I've thought about it, and..." Hermione sighed, glancing at Parvati, who was busy with her own preparations. "and I shouldn't keep him in the dark anymore. I'm going to come clean, and what happens will happen."
Lavender frowned at her. "Are you sure, Hermione? Didn't you say your friendship could end up in trouble if you confessed?"
"Except I don't think it will." Hermione averted her gaze to her fingers. "He and I...we're best friends. We understand each other, so I'm sure he'll see reason in my...feelings about him."
Lavender contemplated her for a second before showing off a grin. "Well, if you think it's the right thing to do, go for it!"
Hermione smiled back at her, her stomach feeling queasy. Vomiting her nervousness out was the last thing she wanted to do after spending so much time and effort on her look.
She massaged her stomach, trying to ease its tension as Lavender tentatively called out to her former best friend. "Hey, Parvati? You look great."
The other girl, dressed in sea green attire, surprised Lavender by smiling at her.
"Thanks. You look great, too."
Lavender beamed. Meanwhile, Hermione stared at her reflection. She smoothed her necklace, her hair, her dress as her mind became crowded with thoughts.
Tonight, Harry will know everything. He'll see the part of me that has been hidden from him all these years...
Tonight could be the best night of my life.
...or it could be the worst.
