Was it strange that he had glasses with the distinct purpose of helping him see and he still couldn't see her?
One of the first things Hermione does after meeting him is fix his glasses. Why then does he still not see her?
It takes a troll for him to bring her into his tight friendship with Ronald. But it isn't enough. While Hermione notes his relative celebrity status, that isn't what first drew her to him. It was those startlingly green eyes. He would be hers even if she had to tear down the entire wizarding world in the process.
Hermione loses most of her second year to a coma. Sure, the wizarding world can call it what they want, petrification. But, Hermione knows what a coma is.
She is tempted not to let go of Harry when he hugs her after the whole affair. But no. She has to ensure that he is just as unwilling to let go of her first. She has patience and the time to get there.
In her third year, she is willing to reset time and space for him. Not only willing as it turns out she needs to do so. The magical world has so many opportunities, but they have failed to comprehend and build a basic judicial system. She refuses to allow Harry to fall victim to the same pitfalls as his godfather.
Before their fourth year, Hermione learns that others can make her body flush. The seeker for Bulgaria is quite … built in all the right places. Though as much as Harry belongs to her, she belongs to him. That doesn't stop her cheeks from turning red, her breaths from getting faster, or her eyes from fixedly following the man people are screaming "Krum!" at.
She is pleased to note Harry trying to distract her from looking. Yet, it's difficult to tell how much of it is intentional on his part.
Hermione doesn't put any blame on Harry for missing her interactions with Krum, "Call me Viktor," in the library. Harry has to deal with being the fourth champion after all. Ronald has proven useless this time around. Not only does he abandon Harry, but he also has the nerve to snap at her about the Yule Ball. Hermione glances at Harry, but he simply turns his head away from their interaction. His gaze fixed on the Ravenclaw table. (Why couldn't she draw his eyes?)
It's time to answer Viktor's question.
Harry doesn't dance with her at the ball.
Fifth year, Hermione understands that she and Ronald are not enough to protect Harry. It's time to build reinforcements. Harry is more than willing to teach. It's good for him. He needs more than the schoolwork or Quidditch can offer him to avoid spiraling. If she let him, she's sure he'd do something ridiculous like stalk Malfoy.
Six students break into the Ministry of Magic and its famed Department of Mysteries. Hermione watches as they hold off the adults and the best of the best on the other side. Brute force is an important advantage.
Hermione is too confident.
She is looking at Harry out of the corner of her eye when Dolohov gets her. (He isn't looking at her)
It's time to stop waiting for Harry to look at her.
The Exceeds Expectations on her Defense Against the Dark Arts OWL means anything Harry has with Cho Chang is relegated to a lower priority. She needs to improve.
Why did Hermione ever think that Harry might stalk Malfoy? She should never have put that idea into the universe. Harry is convinced that Malfoy is a Death Eater. But his hyperfixation lacks a direct action. He is like a dog chasing a car. Even if he proves Malfoy is a Death Eater, he wouldn't know what to do with that evidence.
Unfortunately, Ron has decided on a ploy to make her jealous. In response, Hermione takes Cormac McLaggen to the Slug Club.
Harry pulls her behind a curtain to remove her from her date.
"What are you doing here with him?" He demands.
"Apparently, I'm learning what I don't want in a boyfriend. Why?" She replies calmly.
"Has he done something untoward to you? I can handle him." Harry's eyes look furious. Maybe he was looking at her?
"What is your plan?" Hermione lets out a chuckle. "Are you going to kiss me behind these curtains? That would only …"
Hermione's sentence is cut off by Harry's lips. He doesn't play around. He grabs her and pulls her to him tightly then walks her backward until she is pressed against the window.
When they finally part, they are both panting heavily.
"There you are, Hermione." Cormac's voice finds them. "You're awfully close there, Harry. Want to step back from my woman?"
Harry tenses. His body is oddly stiff as he slowly turns and keeps his whole body between her and Cormac. "Not a chance and she's not your woman." His tone does nothing to hide his anger. Hermione puts a calming hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Cormac. I think our night together is over." Hermione says.
"Only think? It is over." Harry mutters.
"You bitch!" Cormac spits out. "You are my date and when I turn my back, you find someone else!"
"Call me bitch one more time. I dare you." Hermione glares at him and steps towards him threateningly.
Cormac scoffs and throws his arms up in frustration. Then he walks away to return to the party, alone.
"Should we talk about this?" Harry offers as he turns back to her. He slides back into place in front of her as if he never left.
"We could do that, or we could go back to kissing. I quite liked …" Once again Hermione is cut off by Harry's lips.
It seems for once he doesn't dare to look away. She will ensure his eyes never wander again.
The End.