Hermione descended the stairs from her dormitory, and just as luck would have it, so did Harry. The two teens paused, locking eyes with a shared knowing that transcended words. A subtle smile danced on their lips, revealing the secrets their hearts now held. It was a silent acknowledgement of a new chapter in their lives, an unspoken promise of discretion.
In the quiet of that moment, they didn't want the other students to realize that anything had changed. Their connection had deepened, but it was a treasure they wished to keep hidden for now, a private and intimate bubble in the midst of their bustling world. They continued down the stairs, sharing a friendly nod as if they were simply old friends.
"Hey, Hermione," Harry's voice was soft and his gaze held a tenderness that spoke volumes.
Hermione bit her lip and dipped her head, her eyes crinkling with a shy smile. She couldn't trust her voice to reply without giving away the storm of emotions that raged within her. They entered the common room together, Harry took his usual spot on the couch as Hermione settled into the armchair next to him. She rummaged through her bag for her homework and quill while Harry opened a small, well-worn textbook.
As Harry studied his book, Hermione watched him from the corner of her eye. Her mind replayed their conversation from one morning in the library regarding it's origins. She could still hear the hesitation in his voice as he described the old potions text, the same book he was currently poring over. It wasn't unusual for Harry to study ancient and obscure magical texts, but there was something different about this particular volume that troubled Hermione. He seemed overly cautious when discussing it, almost secretive. Not to mention the odd circumstances of its discovery.
Hermione's eyes flickered over to Harry as he immersed himself in the pages of the book. The cover was frayed, the spine a faded red, and the pages yellowed with age. She couldn't hide a hint of disdain in her voice as she asked, "What are you reading?"
Harry's tone remained nonchalant as he replied, "Just catching up on some notes from class."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "With that old textbook?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
"Yeah," Harry said, "the newer ones aren't as comprehensive, they skip over some important details."
Hermione crossed her arms, her face twisted in a scowl, knowing it was the same text Harry had been using all semester, the one he had used to cheat his way to a perfect grade on the Felix Felicis potion. It represented everything she despised about his unethical choices. She bit her tongue, determined not to start another fight. Taking a deep breath, she watched Harry flip through the pages, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
"That's really interesting," Hermione lied, hoping Harry would catch her sarcasm.
Harry glanced up from the pages and shrugged. "It's just research for an essay. Nothing too exciting."
Her eye roll couldn't be concealed. She tried to push her annoyance aside, but it lingered like an itch she couldn't scratch. The intimacy they had shared the previous night had been pushed aside, replaced by her frustration with Harry's questionable decisions. She couldn't concentrate on her work.
"Why didn't you wake me, Harry?" A disheveled Ron asked as he descended the stairs into the common room, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
"Didn't want to bother you," Harry replied, still engrossed in his textbook.
Ron scoffed, oblivious to Hermione's distraction. "Yeah, well, it was nice of you to let me sleep then. Thanks."
"You looked so peaceful snoring like a drunken troll, I didn't have the heart to wake you," Harry remarked wryly.
"I do not snore!" Ron retorted defensively.
"Could've fooled me," Harry said with a quick grin. Ron's indignant expression softened, and he turned his attention to the two of them.
He pulled a chair in front of them, plopped down, and asked, "So, what's the plan today?"
Harry gave Ron a deadpan look. "The first game of the season, Ron. You know, our first Quidditch game against the Slytherins?"
Ron's ears turned pink, and he glanced down. "Oh yeah... right..."
Harry noticed Ron's dejection and softened his tone. "You alright, Ron? I thought you'd be ecstatic to face off against those snakes."
Ron waved off his concern. "It's nothing, Harry. Don't worry about it. We should get ready for breakfast now, though." Harry nodded, placed his tattered textbook in his bag, and stood. Hermione began to put her things away as well.
As she stowed her ink bottle, her quill jabbed her hand and she winced as blood seeped from the wound. She instinctively brought her finger to her mouth, sucking on it. She needed to regain control of her emotions. Her inability to do so bothered her more than anything else.
As the hours passed, Hermione remained focused on her studies, determined to stay ahead of her workload despite her distracting thoughts. She visited the library for additional research, discussed a challenging Potions assignment with Professor Slughorn during office hours and helped a fellow student with their Charms homework. It was in these moments of academic exchange that Hermione felt a semblance of control over her life.
With the first Quidditch game of the season against the Slytherins on the horizon, the Great Hall crackled with anticipation. Gryffindor students engaged in animated conversations about the upcoming match and the air was charged with excitement.
Hermione sat at the Gryffindor table and observed the lively chatter and laughter around her, but her gaze was fixed on a peculiar exchange unfolding across from her. Ron had been visibly anxious about the match against Slytherin. The color had drained from his freckled face and he'd barely touched his food. Hermione had sensed his unease but believed in his abilities.
Harry, on the other hand, was determined to help Ron. Hermione watched as Harry, who had just poured pumpkin juice for Ron, subtly slipped what she instantly recognized as the vial of Felix Felicis back into his pocket. Her heart lurched as she realized what Harry had done.
Her eyes stayed trained on Harry as he pushed the glass of juice towards Ron. Hermione knew that Felix Felicis could boost one's fortune, make the impossible seem effortless. But she also knew that its use was highly regulated, its side effects unpredictable. Ron's hesitation lasted only a moment before he reached for the glass but before Ron could take a sip, Hermione pushed herself up from her seat, whispering urgently, "What are you doing?"
Harry and Ron both froze, their attention now focused on her. "What?" Harry inquired, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"That's against the rules. You're going to get in trouble!" Hermione hissed, her voice a mix of anger and concern.
"What are you talking about?" Harry replied innocently. Ron, still holding the glass, looked equally bewildered.
Hermione shifted her gaze from Ron to Harry, her expression turning steely. "You put Felix Felicis in that juice, Harry. I saw you. Don't try to deny it."
"So what if I did?" Harry challenged, a note of defiance in his voice. Hermione's jaw fell open. Ron, meanwhile, stared dumbfounded at his juice, still clutched in his hand.
"How could you?" She stared at him with a hurtful look in her eyes. But Harry remained resolute, his gaze now fixed on Ron.
"Drink it," he ordered, "It'll help with the nerves."
Ron briefly hesitated before he obediently raised the glass to his lips and drank, slamming the now-empty glass on the table with renewed determination in his eyes. Hermione watched in dismay as her friends laughed, exchanged jokes, and high-fived each other.
She felt like an outsider, a stranger on the outside looking in. Ron, already dressed in his Quidditch gear and now with renewed spirits, headed off to the changing rooms to prepare for the upcoming match. Hermione couldn't stand to watch Harry's smug smile any longer. She angrily gathered her books and strode towards the exit, Harry calling her name behind her.
But Hermione ignored him and hurried down the corridor. She wanted to put as much distance between her and Harry as possible. After several minutes, Hermione came to an abrupt halt. She leaned against the cold stone walls of the corridor and closed her eyes, taking deep, calming breaths.
Hermione could never understand Harry's disregard for the rules or the consequences of his actions. As she considered the likely outcomes of Harry's intervention, her chest tightened and her stomach twisted. She tried to rationalize Harry's choice, to imagine what Ron would have done if he hadn't had Felix Felicis.
Perhaps Harry was only trying to be a good friend, to help Ron overcome his anxiety. But Hermione couldn't shake her feelings of dread, the gnawing fear that Harry's reckless choices would bring only misfortune.
As Hermione continued to walk down the corridor, she found herself deep in contemplation about the delicate balance between responsibility and living in the moment. The memory of their countless adventures flickered through her mind like an old film reel but intertwined with those memories were the near-disasters, the times when Harry's reckless actions had nearly resulted in their undoing. It was often Hermione who had been the voice of reason, the one to pull them back from the brink.
A pensive frown creased Hermione's brow as she contemplated her role in their friendship. Was she merely the nagging presence, the one who always tried to put the brakes on their thrilling adventures? The realization weighed heavily on her heart. She didn't want to be the constant bearer of caution, yet she couldn't deny the need for some restraint, especially in a world filled with magical dangers.
She knew that Harry and Ron cherished their bond as much as she did, and it was their shared experiences and unwavering loyalty that had seen them through countless challenges. However, she couldn't shake the growing sense of isolation, the fear that her cautious nature was setting her apart from her best friends.
Hermione understood the importance of embracing life's adventures and seizing the moment, but she also understood the consequences of reckless actions. Hermione needed some space, time to process her feelings, and elected to skip the match altogether. She would let Harry's foolishness play out and hope that the consequences weren't too severe.
Hermione sat alone in the common room, poring over her homework as she anxiously awaited the result of the match. As she attempted to solve a difficult problem on her Arithmancy homework, Ron burst through the portrait hole. The noise startled Hermione but she was relieved to see the elated expression on Ron's face and that he was safe. She leapt up from her seat and rushed to greet him, flinging her arms around him.
"Ron! You're alright," Hermione said with a mixture of relief and affection. Ron chuckled and reciprocated, hugging her tightly.
"Didn't have a scratch, really. You should've been there, Hermione! It was brilliant, I tell you," Ron exclaimed, his excitement evident in his animated voice as he eagerly recounted the thrilling moments of the match.
Hermione listened with a contented smile as the rest of the Gryffindor house streamed into the common room, cheering for Ron. The atmosphere buzzed with electric excitement as everyone celebrated their team's victory. In the back of the group, Harry stood grinning widely at Ron.
Hermione's smile fell and she squinted slightly, scrutinizing Harry's expression, which held a mix of pride and relief. Her feet carried her forward almost on autopilot and she found herself standing directly in front of him. Before she could let Harry have a piece of her mind he took her hand and began pulling her toward the portrait hole. Hermione protested but he insisted, stating that they needed to talk.
They climbed the stairs, ascending into the dark castle until they found an abandoned classroom on the third floor. Harry carefully checked for stray teachers before closing the door behind them. Hermione crossed her arms and stared at him. She was suppose to be angry with him, and yet, something inside her couldn't hold onto that anger. Ron was ecstatic, and she was genuinely glad for him. Besides, her life had been a whirlwind lately and it had taken a toll on her.
"I know you're mad at me, Hermione, but..." Harry began, but Hermione cut him off.
"Harry," Hermione spoke gently, her voice laced with empathy, "it's alright. You were only trying to help Ron, and I overreacted. I shouldn't have let my emotions get the best of me, especially with how stressed I've been lately." She sighed, her gaze shifting from his intense green eyes to the floor. "So much has happened in such a short period of time, and I'm... well, I'm glad, in a way. I shouldn't have let my anxieties cloud my judgment."
Harry's features softened, and he extended his hand to gently brush her cheek. "I'm sorry I made you to worry," he said, a remorseful smile playing on his lips.
Hermione inhaled deeply, recognizing the need to release her never ending anxiety. She aspired to become a better girlfriend to Harry, to offer support without allowing her fears and frustrations to obstruct their relationship. The episode involving the Felix Felicis had been a lesson that sometimes things would fall into place, and she didn't have to shoulder the weight of the world by herself.
Hermione offered a slight smile as she gazed up at Harry. "Let's just concentrate on ourselves," she suggested gently. "We'll deal with everything else as it comes."
Harry nodded, and for a moment, in the quiet of the moonlit classroom, she felt a sense of relief and understanding. It was a lesson learned amidst the chaos of their teenage years, a step toward something meaningful and genuine. But as they stood there, Harry gently took her hand, "Hermione, I, um.. I didn't actually give Ron the Felix Felicis. I made you think I did, which made Ron think I did. It was all a bit of misdirection to boost his confidence."
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean... he didn't actually have any luck potion?"
Harry shook his head and grinned. "Yeah, I mean no... No, it was all him."
Hermione fixed her gaze on him, taking her time to grasp the implications of his words. He had tricked them into believing he was acting recklessly when, in reality, he was bolstering Ron's confidence. It struck her as clever, endearing, and...
Hermione rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Harry's neck, kissing him deeply. Harry's surprise lasted only a moment before he reciprocated, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Hermione smiled into their kiss, savoring the intimacy they shared and ignoring the tears that threatened at the corners of her eyes. It was remarkable how he could consistently elicit such intense emotions from her even though she understood it wasn't entirely deliberate. After a few intense moments, she pulled away.
"I guess we should get back to the common room," Hermione murmured. "Before our absence gets noticed."
Harry nodded and took her hand, entwining his fingers with hers. They walked silently through the corridors, relishing the warmth of each other's touch. When they arrived near the Gryffindor tower however, Harry turned to look at her, his expression unreadable in the dim light. Hermione reached up to trace the contour of his cheek, taking in every detail of his handsome features.
"What is it, Harry?"
He hesitated before speaking, his words soft yet firm.
"I want to tell Ron about us."
Hermione blinked in surprise, suddenly feeling as though all of the air had been sucked from her lungs. The thought of telling Ron about their relationship caused her stomach to clench nervously. It wasn't that she was ashamed of her feelings for Harry or that she thought Ron would be hurt by their relationship. It was more that she was worried about how things would change, especially given how complicated everything already was.
She opened her mouth to speak but closed it again, uncertain what to say. She and Harry had grown so close recently, and the thought of putting that on the line caused her heart to sink. Seeing her hesitation, Harry continued.
"Ron is my best mate, Hermione. I don't want to hide anything from him. Besides, we're going to be spending more time together, right? Wouldn't it make things easier if Ron knew?"
Hermione remained silent, biting her lower lip as she mulled over the potential consequences. She was afraid that if they told Ron, their relationship would become awkward, and he'd withdraw from her. It was a silly thought, but Hermione couldn't shake the feeling.
Still, she knew that Harry was right, and there was only so long they could hide their relationship from Ron. It would be best to do it sooner rather than later.
"Okay," Hermione finally whispered, giving Harry's hand a gentle squeeze. "And what about... do you think we should... you know, go public, than?" she added, her voice hesitant.
Harry gave her an incredulous look. "Go public? As in tell the whole school that we're dating?"
Hermione blushed, feeling like an idiot. "I know, it's just, well, we've been careful not to draw attention to ourselves, and I figured if we were going to tell Ron anyway..."
She trailed off and felt embarrassed at having brought up the topic. Harry seemed to be considering it as Hermione held her breath, wondering if he was truly willing to reveal their relationship to the rest of the wizarding world.
"I don't know, Hermione. Don't you think it'd be more trouble than its worth?"
Hermione let out a sigh of relief. Of course he wouldn't be interested in such an idea, and Hermione hadn't really thought it through. Having their relationship on display for everyone to see sounded incredibly stressful. Still, the fact that Harry had considered it made her feel warm inside, and she was grateful that they were able to be open about their feelings for each other.
Harry's voice broke through her thoughts. He was gazing down at her with concern and Hermione realized he must have noticed the tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
"Erm... Hermione, I-"
She pressed her finger to his lips and quickly brushed the tears away, giving him a reassuring smile.
"No, it's alright. You're right, it's not necessary to tell everyone about us. In fact, I'm quite content with keeping this between us, and Ron and Ginny. The fewer people who know, the better."
Harry brushed his thumb across her cheek, wiping away the last remaining tears. "What's with these than?"
Hermione leaned against his chest, breathing in the comforting scent of him. She sighed softly. "I suppose they're simply happy tears. I never thought things would turn out this way, that you and I would end up like this."
Harry wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. "Me either... but I'm glad we did." He said, offering her a sincere smile.
The sound of laughter from nearby interrupted their moment and Hermione reluctantly pulled away from Harry's embrace. "Come on," she said, grabbing his hand and tugging him towards the entrance of the common room, anxious to return before anyone else caught on. Just as they reached the doorway, Harry paused, Hermione glanced up at him curiously.
"Hermione, what if... what if things change? What if things between us... you know, get weird?"
"Weird? Why would they get weird?" Hermione asked, confused by his sudden uncertainty.
Harry shrugged, his expression unreadable.
"Well, everything has changed between us, hasn't it? It's just... what if things start to feel different? What if it's not the same anymore?"
Hermione stepped closer and placed a hand on his forearm, squeezing gently. "Nothing will ever change the way I feel about you, Harry. You'll always be my best friend, no matter what happens. I promise."
Harry exhaled a sigh of relief and gave her a lopsided grin. Hermione smiled back, she couldn't help but marvel at how simple their lives had once been. Back before she and Harry had begun their secret trysts, back when the threat of Voldemort and his followers felt more like an abstract concept, rather than a reality.
But those days were long gone, and Hermione knew there was no turning back now. She and Harry were embarking on a journey together, one filled with uncertainty and risk.
She squeezed his hand, drawing comfort from his steady presence beside her. As much as she dreaded the thought of changing things, Hermione knew it was for the best. It was only a matter of time before their relationship came to light and they may as well be prepared for it.
Her gaze shifted to their linked hands and she couldn't suppress the wave of excitement that washed over her. While Hermione was worried about what the future would hold, she was also eager to explore this new chapter in their relationship, and to experience everything it had to offer.