Hermione slipped another book into the shelf and took the one next to it. Her brow creased with frustration as she inspected the title. 'Care of Magical Creatures, Volume 4: Fanged Frisbees, Basilisks, and the Flobberworm' wasn't the correct reference she was looking for. Sighing, she replaced the book and moved on to the next volume.
"Its not that big of a deal, Hermione." Harry muttered, leaning against the bookshelf across from her.
Hermione paused and turned to him, clutching the book to her chest .
"Not a big deal? Not a big deal? Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to use outdated magical texts for potions instruction, Harry?" she exclaimed.
"But it worked, didn't it?" he replied, his green eyes shining with amusement.
Hermione huffed and continued moving down the isle, " That's besides the point, Harry. If it hadn't of worked, who knows what might've happened. What if you'd accidentally poisoned everyone?"
"Well, we wouldn't be having this conversation then, would we?" Harry quipped.
Hermione shot him a glare as she pushed another book onto the shelf. Her thoughts however returned to the kiss he stole earlier. Why had he done it? Was it an impulse? Had it been lingering in his mind all day?
"Hermione?" Harry's voice pulled her back to reality. She looked up into his green eyes, suddenly realizing she had stopped walking. "Are you alright?" he asked, concerned.
"Yes. I'm fine." she mumbled, turning to walk again.
He gently took her hand, halting her. "You're upset, aren't you?"
Hermione paused. His words caught her by surprise. Harry was usually terrible at picking up on social cues and emotions, and now he was particularly sensitive to hers.
"I guess. I was just..frustrated, with you. Mostly." She admitted, avoiding eye contact.
"Was it because of that kiss?" he asked, a little too casually. Hermione could feel her heart hammering in her chest, she fought to keep her face neutral. She knew he was testing her, trying to figure her out.
"No. It wasn't because of that. That was actually nice..." she trailed off as she met his gaze. A moment of silence passed between them, both of them waiting for the other to speak first. Finally, Harry cleared his throat.
"So, what is it then?" He asked quietly, taking a step closer to her.
Hermione bit her lip, not quite sure how to answer that question. She'd never been very good at expressing her feelings, especially when it came to Harry.
"Would you like me to kiss you again?" he inquired innocently. Hermione blinked.
"Okay. Yes. But-"
His lips cut her off mid-sentence. She had no time to think about anything but how soft they were, and how surprisingly gentle his hands felt on her hips. Her arms snaked around his neck, and she allowed herself to melt into the kiss. She closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.
Harry pulled away suddenly. Hermione's eyes fluttered open, and she was surprised to see an amused expression on his face.
"What's so funny?" she demanded.
Harry grinned. "Nothing."
Hermione frowned. She didn't understand what was happening. Everything had changed so quickly between them, and she hadn't had enough time to process it. Sighing , Hermione stepped back, putting some distance between herself and Harry.
"Right." Hermione murmured , turning away to hide her blush, and slipped another tome inside the shelf. It was easy to forget sometimes that Harry was not like other boys. He was so confident, so sure of himself. And yet, there was a vulnerability to him too.
"Anyway," Harry said, changing the subject, "We better get going. Don't want to miss class, or anything."
Hermione nodded. They made their way out of the library, and Hermione couldn't help but sneak another glance at him as they walked side-by-side. She still wasn't sure what to make of their newfound relationship, but one thing was certain. Harry Potter was proving to be a lot more complicated than she had anticipated.
"Ginny, stop. I really don't want to talk about it," Hermione groaned.
Her redheaded friend ignored her protests and plopped onto her bed. "Come on, Hermione. You can't tell me something isn't going on between you two," she said, smirking mischievously.
"Nothing is going on between Harry and I. We're just friends, and that's all we'll ever be. I thought I made that clear," Hermione answered stiffly.
"You might be able to fool the others, but you can't fool me. I can see it in your eyes, Hermione. You fancy him, don't you?" Ginny probed.
Hermione hesitated. She could feel her cheeks flush at the mere mention of the word, but she refused to give her friend the satisfaction of a confession.
"Look, Ginny, I know you mean well, but this really isn't any of your business," Hermione sighed.
"You're right. It's not, but I'm curious. Are you two dating?" Ginny asked bluntly.
"No, we're not. Now please drop it." Hermione said firmly.
Ginny opened her mouth to argue further, but she was interrupted by Harry barging into the room without knocking. He was carrying an armful of parchment and looked irritated.
"Sorry to intrude, but I need Hermione's help with something," he said gruffly.
"Hi, Harry. It's good to see you too. Come in, why don't you?" Ginny responded sarcastically.
Harry glanced at her briefly before ignoring her. He tossed his parchment onto Hermione's bed and turned to his friend.
"Can you help me with this Transfiguration essay, please? It's due tomorrow morning and I'm completely stuck," he explained.
"Of course, Harry. Let's sit at the desk over there," Hermione agreed.
She grabbed the papers and motioned towards the desk, but Harry just stood there, staring at Ginny.
"Can you go somewhere else, Ginny?" he requested tersely.
Ginny's eyes narrowed as she glared at him. "Excuse me?"
"Can you give us some privacy, please? Hermione and I need to study," Harry repeated.
Ginny folded her arms across her chest stubbornly. "I'll leave when Hermione asks me to, not you. I don't appreciate being kicked out of my own bedroom, you know," she retorted defensively. Hermione froze. How could Harry be so careless? If Ginny caught wind of their...relationship, the whole school would know by breakfast.
"Its fine, Harry. Ginny, you can stay if you want to. We don't mind," Hermione quickly assured her.
Harry rolled his eyes and turned away, muttering something under his breath about girls. He walked over to the desk and sat down heavily. Hermione followed him, still trying to hide her embarrassment.
Ginny watched them from the bed, looking suspicious. "Harry, you look tired. Why don't you go lay down and get some rest?" she suggested. "Better yet, why don't you join him, Hermione?" she added, winking suggestively.
Hermione's cheeks burned as Harry's face reddened. They both started talking at once, stammering excuses and trying to explain themselves, but their words tumbled over each other, making them sound ridiculous.
"All right, all right. Relax, both of you. I'm only kidding," Ginny laughed.
Hermione let out a sigh of relief and began organizing their materials on the table. Harry fidgeted awkwardly next to her.
"Really, though. If you guys are involved romantically, there's nothing wrong with that," Ginny persisted, grinning.
Hermione looked up from the stack of papers, her expression serious. "We aren't dating, Ginny. Honestly," she insisted, it was the truth after all.
Ginny studied her face for a moment before giving her a knowing look, "Do you recall a conversation you had with me the other day? About certain... interests?"
Hermione stared blankly at her, uncomprehending. "What are you talking about?" she asked.
"Oh, come on, Hermione. Don't play dumb with me. You know exactly what I mean!" Ginny exclaimed.
Hermione shook her head, perplexed. "Honestly, I have no idea what you're referring to."
"The "talk", Hermione. Don't tell me you've already forgotten about it."
Hermione stared at her friend before understanding dawned on her. Her face paled and she turned away quickly, biting her lip nervously. "That was a private conversation, Ginny." she snapped, glaring daggers at her friend.
"Don't get angry with me! You should be more careful when discussing such personal matters, especially in public areas," Ginny countered indignantly.
Hermione cringed and hung her head, unable to meet Ginny's gaze.
"So its you, than, isn't it?" Ginny crawled off of her bed, a wild, wonderous look in her eyer. "The person she's been having a secret rendezvous with. It's you, Harry," she finished.
Harry blinked rapidly, taken aback. "Me? What makes you think it's me?" he asked defensively.
Ginny gave a disbelieving laugh, "Oh come on, Harry. I can't believe you're acting like this is some sort of a joke. You can't honestly expect anyone to buy this act. Do you really think anyone will believe that Hermione is hooking up with someone else when she spends every waking moment with you?"
Harry scoffed, "Ginny, that's crazy. I mean, you make it sound like Hermione and I have a thing or something. That's ridiculous," he replied, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair.
"Is it, Harry? Because it sure seems that way to me. I can't imagine any guy spending this much time alone with a girl who wasn't his girlfriend."
"What's that supposed to mean?" he challenged.
Ginny shrugged, "Well, for starters, I'd say you're attracted to her. And I wouldn't blame you. She's quite pretty. Plus, she's smart, loyal, and caring. She's basically the perfect girlfriend," she teased.
Hermione, who'd remained quiet during the exchange, finally spoke up, "That's enough, Ginny. Harry and I are not a couple..." her voice trailed off as she avoided eye contact with both of them. "Its complicated..." she continued softly.
Ginny raised an eyebrow curiously, "Complicated?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"Yeah. Look, Gin, I understand where you're coming from, but can we please keep this between the three of us? At least until we figure things out?" he pleaded.
Ginny smiled broadly, "Sure, Harry. Whatever you want. But you two really should consider telling Ron soon. Before he finds out through the rumor mill. And he will find out eventually, you know."
Hermione sighed, "Ginny, please. Harry and I aren't even sure what this is yet. I'd prefer to keep it a secret until we're ready to disclose it," she explained.
"What do you mean you aren't sure? You either like him or you don't, right? Or are you afraid to admit it because you don't want Ron to hate you?" she prodded.
"No. Its just that-well, there's a lot at stake here," Hermione stated defensively.
"Such as...?" Ginny pressed.
Hermione frowned and averted her gaze.
"Look, Ginny. Hermione and I really need to get some work done. Could we pick up this conversation later?" Harry interjected.
"Fine. Just don't forget what I said," Ginny warned before moving torwards the door.
"Ginny?" Hermione called as the redhead reached the door.
"Yeah?"
"You wont tell your brother anything, or anyone about this... will you?" Hermione asked uncertainly.
"Of course not. This conversation stays between the three of us. No matter what happens," she promised.
Hermione nodded, "Thank you."
Ginny shrugged and left, shutting the door behind her.
When she was gone, Hermione buried her face in her hands, groaning loudly.
"That was bloody awkward," Harry commented dryly.
"Yes, it was. Thanks to you," Hermione accused, shooting him an annoyed glare.
"Me? How was this my fault?" Harry demanded incredulously.
"Because you practically admitted it, Harry. 'Can you give us some privacy, please?"' she mimicked mockingly. '"Hermione and I need to study.' It was obvious you were trying to kick Ginny out so you could spend time alone with me. You can't deny it," she pointed out.
"So what? Who cares what Ginny thinks?" he countered defiantly.
Hermione sighed in frustration. "Have you forgotten who her brother is, Harry? Ron would kill us both if he knew," she reminded him.
"It's not like that, Hermione. Really, we just wanted to be alone so we could work without distractions. Besides, you never answered her questions about us. She's probably got it in her head now that we're dating."
Hermione sat on her bed in silence, thinking about the word "dating." After Ginny's interrogation, she needed to have a discssion with Harry. He was still sitting at the table, reading his notes and rearranging the parchment. She didn't know if it was her place to speak first, but she felt compelled to address the issue.
"Harry?"
He looked up from the table and met her gaze, his expression guarded. "Yes?"
She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Do you ever wonder what it would be like to actually date me?" she blurted.
Harry blinked in surprise. "Um, well... er-no, I suppose not," he stuttered nervously.
"Why not?" she persisted.
"Hermione, where's this coming from, all of a sudden?" he asked suspiciously.
"I'm just curious. Do you think of me as a friend? Or more than that?" she queried, feeling apprehensive about the topic.
"Do friends make out in secret hallways?" he questioned, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"Ha ha. Very funny," Hermione rolled her eyes. "You didn't answer my question," she observed.
Harry leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling contemplatively. "Honestly? I don't really know how to define our relationship, Hermione. Sometimes I think about what it would be like if we were together, but then I start thinking about the consequences of such a situation," he revealed quietly.
"Such as?" she pressed.
Harry looked at her solemnly. "Losing my best friend," he admitted, "losing you."
Hermione was stunned, not expecting such an earnest response from him. "Harry, I am not going to leave you over something like that. "
"There's more to it than that... What if Voldemort found out? What would happen then?" he continued.
Hermione took a deep breath. She had not thought about that aspect of a possible relationship. Would it be worth the risk? She mused.
"Hermione, if you don't want to answer that's fine. I'm not trying to push you or anything. You asked me, and I answered honestly," Harry spoke, his voice calm and sincere. Hermione frowned, unable to come up with an adequate response. She wished they could forget this conversation ever happened and move on.
"What happens now, then?"
"I don't know. We're just friends, right?" he said, shrugging his shoulders.
Hermione sat in a momentary state of shock. "Are you comfortable with that? Being just friends?" she responded hesitantly.
Harry looked at her intently, his gaze filled with emotion. "I'll always care about you, Hermione. And I want us both to be happy. If being friends makes you happy, then that's what I want for you."
Hermione swallowed hard. Harry was so sure of himself, and his words comforted her in a way. Yet, she felt unsettled. She was so confused and frustrated and disappointed, but also hopeful. Hermione couldn't help but smile fondly at him as she stood from her bed and walked over to the desk. Placing her hand on his shoulder, she stared at him for a moment before swinging a leg over and straddling his lap.
Harry froze in shock. He gulped nervously, unable to form a coherent sentence.
Hermione gazed deeply into his emerald green eyes and felt her heart flutter as she realized how handsome he really was. Leaning forward, she brushed her lips against his tentatively before pulling away slowly. Harry's breath hitched, and he placed a gentle hand on her lower back, pulling her closer to him.
Hermione placed her arms around his neck and closed her eyes as her mouth found his. Her tongue slipped between his parted lips, and their tongues began a slow dance. A moan escaped her throat, and her body trembled slightly as his other hand wandered up her side and under her shirt. His fingers brushed the soft skin underneath, making her gasp in pleasure. She moved her hips against him and felt his arousal grow beneath her.
When they finally broke apart for air, Hermione rested her forehead against his and gazed into his intense emerald irises. "We need to talk about this," she murmured softly.
"Talk about what?" he breathed.
"Everything. I feel like I should apologize for dragging you into this mess."
"What mess, Hermione? We haven't done anything wrong," he reassured her.
"You wanted to push me away and I... convinced you to do the opposite. That wasn't very fair of me. Especially since you were still grieving for Sirius."
"Hermione, stop. Yes, I'm still upset about losing him. But that doesn't mean I regret being with you."
"But-"
"Hermione, I'm glad it's you. You've always been there for me. From day one. No matter what happened between us, you supported me unconditionally. That means a lot to me," he confessed. Hermione felt tears prick her eyelids and blinked rapidly to hold them back. Harry brushed a lock of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. She bit her lip and swallowed the lump in her throat.
"Promise me something?"
"Anything, Hermione," he replied instantly.
"No matter what happens between us, we'll always be best friends?"
He stared up at her, his gaze a determined and sincere. "I promise," he vowed solemnly.
Hermione smiled and kissed him deeply, pressing herself firmly against his chest. The kiss grew more passionate as Hermione shifted in his lap. Her fingers tangled in his thick dark hair, pulling him closer while he held onto her waist tightly. Hermione continued to languidly explore his mouth until Harry broke off the kiss abruptly, panting heavily.
"Erm... Hermione, as much as I enjoy kissing you, I still have an essay to finish," he mumbled apologetically.
Hermione blushed profusely and glanced down at the table. "Right. Sorry," she mumbled awkwardly.
Harry smiled warmly. "Don't be sorry, Hermione. Its just... I need to get this assignment finished before class tomorrow," he explained sheepishly.
Hermione slid off of his lap and settled on the chair beside him. "Right. Now, where were we?" she murmured, sniffing as she picked up one of his notes.
"Ah, yes. The effect of dragons blood on a Dragonheart charm..." Hermione trailed off distractedly as she read over the page.
The two of them sat together silently for over an hour, pouring over the written information and discussing the different theories proposed by various authors. It wasn't until Ginny knocked on the door before coming in that they realized how late it had become.
"Sorry to disturb, but it's after ten and McGonagall would have a fit if she found out Harry was in here so late," she told them as she entered the room.
"Thanks, Ginny. We got a bit carried away with our research," Hermione apologized, blushing furiously.
Harry stood up from his seat and stretched before acknowledging Ginny. "Thanks, Ginny... Goodnight." He then said toward Hermione before leaning down to kiss her lightly on the lips and departing the dorm.
Hermione couldn't ignore the way Ginny was trying and failing to suppress a gleeful smirk. "What?" she demanded defensively.
Ginny giggled. "Nothing, Hermione. Just... you and Harry look so adorable together," she gushed.
Hermione felt heat rise up her neck and face as she turned away from the younger girl.
"So, what are you guys exactly, now? Friends with benefits, lovers?" Ginny inquired curiously.
"Oh, er... well, we haven't really discussed it," Hermione muttered. It was at that moment the door swung open with a giggling Lavender and Parvati, who quieted when they saw Hermione sitting at her desk.
"Hey, Hermione! You're still up too? Are you studying?" Lavender asked in a syrupy voice.
"She was helping a friend with his homework, and you both should be sleeping," Ginny scolded.
"Him?" Lavender questioned, causing Ginny and Hermione to roll their eyes, "What?! Don't you girls want to stay up and chat a little longer?"
"No, Lavender. Go to bed. We have an exam tomorrow and none of us will be able to concentrate if we're all exhausted because we didn't get enough sleep. So, please, let's try to rest," Hermione insisted.
Lavender pouted dramatically and crossed her arms petulantly. "Fine," she huffed. Then, turning on her heel, she stomped over to her four poster and flopped onto it.
"Goodnight, Hermione," Parvati offered sweetly before climbing into her own bed.
Hermione sighed and shook her head tiredly as she stood up and pulled on her pajamas. Laying down, she listened to the muffled voices of Lavender and Parvati whispering in the next bed. Finally, exhaustion won out over curiosity and Hermione fell into a deep slumber.