Chapter 11: The Elephant in The Room
She was back in the familiar room. Her hands were tied around her legs as she stared into the source of music to her left. It was a small analogue radio. She couldn't recognise the song, but it was soothing. There was a huge weight on her neck, and something cold was pressed against her chest. She could hear footsteps now, nearing towards her. She turned around and saw him. His deep emerald eyes staring into hers. She was searching his face, looking for a sign of what he felt at that moment. Her eyes were now travelling down to his waist, and they stopped on his hand which was reaching out towards her. She looked back at him, his expression the same as it was the first time she looked. She wanted to be alone, to think about her life and her choices. But she knew it wouldn't make her feel better, but he would. So without thinking any longer, she took hold of his hand.
Hermione woke up with a slight jump. She turned around towards the window which seemed to have been the source of noise which woke her up. It was a small barn owl, hooting down at her.
She got up and marched towards the owl which was now resting on the window sill. She opened to let the owl fly inside. Once the owl was in her room, it stretched its leg to reveal a letter. Hermione untied the letter and began to read.
Harry/Hermione
Find me outside the Art Gallery today at 15:10 It's a huge building, you can't miss it. I will be waiting for you with mum and dad. Hermione, bring your parents if you can. Dad would love to speak with them. He finds muggles fascinating.
Love,
Katie
Hermione read the letter twice to make sure she didn't miss anything. Art Gallery. Ten past Three. She thought to herself.
After placing the letter on her nightstand, she turned to the owl.
"I'm guessing you're hungry…" Hermione laughed, "Common then," She waved at the owl as it flew up to her arm and gently landed on her shoulder.
Hermione saw Harry do that with Hedwig all the time and she had to admit; it was really cool. She made her way to the kitchen where Harry was already making breakfast.
"Morning." Said Hermione
"Hi, Hermione. You know, we're gonna need to stock up on food, I'm running out of ideas for breakfast…" He informed, before turning around to her.
Hermione expected Harry to be surprised, but he just smiled.
"When did you become so friendly with Owls?" He chuckled.
"I got a letter from Katie. She wants to meet us outside that gallery at three o'clock." Hermione informed.
Harry nodded and turned back to the frying pan, "Sounds good," He said as he flipped the bacon.
"Smells great, by the way." She told him, "Do we have anything for the owl? I think she might be hungry."
Harry reached across the counter and passed her a bag of peanuts, "I think she'll like these. Hedwig always nibbled on them." He snickered.
Hermione knew that Harry missed his snowy owl. It died trying to protect him, just like many others he cared about. Hermione opened the bag of peanuts and placed a handful of them on the table. The barn owl glided from her shoulder onto the table and started to pick at them, in grateful hoots.
"Need any help?" Hermione asked.
Harry shook his head, "No, I'm good. Go get dressed, breakfast should be ready when you're back."
Hermione was about to leave when she turned back to Harry.
"Harry… are you okay?" She asked.
Harry turned around to face her, his expression didn't look right. Something was definitely bothering him. "I'm fine." He said and gave a small grin.
Hermione wanted to push him for the truth, but she decided to do it later. Her thoughts turned back to the dream she had. She didn't have time to think about it and now it was all coming back to her.
"Alright. I'm gonna have a quick shower, then." She told him and turned to the bathroom.
The moment the hot water hit her back, she felt much better. Showers were always so refreshing. It allowed for her mind to fly free and think properly.
That dream? What does it mean? She asked herself. This definitely wasn't the first dream she ever had of Harry. Aside from the nightmares, she had plenty of dreams at Hogwarts. Especially in her fourth and fifth year, when she had a crush on Harry. Though, something always told her it wasn't really a crush. The feelings she felt were much more than just those you have for a someone you fancy. Some of her dreams were casual; just her speaking with Harry, laughing with him. But there were others… dreams which scared her. Dreams which filled her mind with hope and fantasy. Those dreams fell apart the moment Harry came back from the room of requirement and told them he kissed with Cho Chang.
From that moment, Hermione knew Harry would never be more than just a friend. The worse part was trying to accept that reality. Moving on. But she had to do it. Because it was the only way she could remain close to him, and that was enough. It had to be.
She didn't have dreams about Harry ever since then. After that, she could only remember nightmares. Some were of Harry being tortured, others of him dying. All of them were terrifying. The only times they seemed to go away, was when he was close to her. When he was right there, within her reach. But what will happen once he leaves? Will the nightmares come back?
She could still see it… the tent… Harry smiling at her as they danced. The moment their gaze met, she wanted to kiss him. She wanted to do that so much. But her mind was flooded. The faces of Ginny and Ron were dancing in her eyes. She didn't want to hurt them, and she didn't want to hurt Harry.
"Hermione, breakfast is ready!" Came Harry's voice.
Hermione shook herself into focus and wiped at her eyes. She didn't know if it was water or tears, but it didn't matter.
"I'll be right out!" She called.
Harry was ready to leave now. He made sure the safe with the elder wand was locked, he closed all the doors and windows, and he was dressed and ready to go meet Katie. He was standing on the porch, admiring the ocean. His mind was still racing with the memories of yesterday. His heart would start hammering as he thought of it. But it wasn't the broom or its speed. It was the person he flew with. He could still feel the presence of her hips on his palms. His nostrils still felt the scent of her hair. He shook his head in protest.
"Stop it." He whispered to himself.
There was a quiet pop and Harry turned to see Hermione standing with her parents. She was wearing a dark blue dress which ended just above her knees. God, she was beautiful. She had been ever since Harry's fourth year when he saw her at the Yule Ball. Ever since that night, his eyes started to see her differently. He always found her pretty before, but that night… she became beautiful in his eyes. The most beautiful, in fact. His mind always traced back to the past. He would question why he never had the guts to ask her out. A big part of that was Ron. Harry knew Ron liked Hermione for a long time. Maybe even longer than Harry did. But it never seemed to have changed his feelings for her. It was ever since that damn ball. Something inside him changed, and from that moment on, he fancied Hermione Granger. Very soon, those feelings were shut down.
Ron's jealousy for Hermione always kept Harry at bay. He didn't like the idea of making the trio fall apart. Ron was like a brother to him, and he didn't want to hurt his feelings. Besides, he didn't even know if Hermione ever liked him in that way. Harry was scared his actions would destroy their friendship, and he couldn't risk that. Soon enough, he learned to shut those feelings away. He decided to focus on Cho, then on Ginny. And now, he's alone again. And Hermione is with Ron. Great life.
"Are you ready to go?" Hermione asked
Harry nodded and made his way to them, "Mister and Missus Granger." He nodded at them both and gave a tight smile.
"Harry, dear. How are you doing?" Mrs Granger asked.
"Not too bad." Harry smiled.
"So, what's this dinner that Hermione is talking about?" Mr Granger asked.
"Hermione and I met a friend from Hogwarts yesterday, and she invited us to dinner in South Brisbane. She's bringing her parents and she invited you as well." Harry explained.
Mr Ganger smiled at his wife, "Sounds like fun…"
"So, are these parents wizards too?" Mrs Granger asked.
Hermione turned to face her mother, "Katie is half-blood. Her mother is a muggle and her father is a wizard."
Harry didn't actually know that himself. He wondered when Hermione had the time to learn about Katie's parents. He didn't remember them being very close at Hogwarts.
"We're supposed to meet them in an hour outside a Gallery. I can't apparate us since I've never been there. So, we're going to take a cab." Hermione told them.
They arrived outside the Gallery after fifty minutes and quite happy to see Katie and her parents already waiting for her.
Katie was waving with anticipation, approaching them.
"Hey!" Katie called out and jogged over to Harry and hugged him, then she turned to Hermione and gave an equally bone-crushing hug.
"Hi, Katie." Hermione gasped, surprised at how friendly she has become.
Katie pulled away and blushed, "Sorry, I guess I still can't really believe it. With the war behind us and all. It's still new to me. And I'm grateful to see all of us happy and moving on."
Harry nodded in agreement, "You're not the only one, Katie…"
Hermione turned to see him looking down, as if in deep thought.
Katie looked behind them towards the Grangers, "Hello, you must be Hermione's parents. It's a pleasure meeting you!" she said and shook both of their hands.
"It's nice to meet some more Hogwarts students. We heard you're a very talented Quidditch player. I'm sure my husband would love to speak to you about it." Emma chuckled.
"Here they come!" said Katie as her parents caught up with them.
"Ahh, you two must be Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. I must say it's an honour to meet you both." Said Kaite's mum. "My name is Lydia Bell." She smiled and bowed her head to them and to Hermione's parents.
The wizard next to her had the same black hair as Katie. Hermione could swear they had almost identical faces too.
"An honour, Mister Potter, Miss Granger." The wizard bowed to them, "My name is Jonathan Bell."
Harry and Hermione both shook their hands and allowed for Hermione's parents to introduce themselves.
"So, where should we eat?" Asked Dan.
"We've checked the map and there is a really nice restaurant nearby," Katie informed.
Everything went quite smoothly from there; they arrived at the restaurant and ordered a table for seven people.
Once they were seated and given menus, Dan was in an exciting conversation with Katie Bell about leading the Quidditch team for Gryffindor. Of course, Harry was also the team captain for a year, but he didn't have near as much to tell as Katie did.
Hermione was discussing Hogwarts with Mr Bell. He was sorted into Ravenclaw as a boy, and Hermione was very keen on finding out what life in the house was like. She was almost certain she would end up in Ravenclaw herself, but the sorting hat decided to place her in Gryffindor instead, which she was very thankful for. She couldn't imagine her life if she never met Harry and Ron. A lot of her inside courage and ambition came out once she became friends with them. It definitely made her life a better one. Even if some sacrifices had to be made on the way.
Mrs Bell was talking with Emma about being married to a wizard, which Emma seemed to be really intrigued by. Hermione realised how interesting muggle-wizard relationships are; At the end of the day, both sides get to learn and experience new things. It merges the two worlds together creating a unity of sorts.
Hermione looked over at Harry who was telling Daniel about his new broom. She could see the gleam of pride and excitement in his eyes as he spoke. This was one of the things Harry had in common with every other boy his age; passion for sport. It made him seem so normal, and it warmed Hermione's heart to see him happy again.
Eventually, the conversation turned to the adults who were discussing jobs and careers which they took. The teenagers were left to listen until Katie excused herself and stood up, "Hermione, Harry, would you like to go see what drinks they have at the bar? I'd love a cocktail."
"Sure" Harry and Hermione nodded, as they stood up.
Hermione looked back and saw the look in her father's eyes. She turned to Katie and frowned.
Katie laughed, "don't worry, Hermione. I'll buy you and Harry some juice."
Harry and Hermione cringed at her words as they followed Katie towards the bar.
"What would you like to have?" Katie asked.
Hermione turned to Harry. She knew he didn't have much knowledge of muggle drinks, and neither did she.
"We'll have whatever…" Hermione informed.
Katie smiled and approached the counter.
"What can I do for you, young lady?" the bartender asked.
"I'd like two Margarita Mocktails and a bloody Mary," Katie said.
"Coming right up" The bartender smiled as he turned around to fetch the glasses.
"Mocktail?" Harry asked.
"It's like a cocktail but without alcohol," Katie explained.
"Sound interesting… I never had one before." He said.
Hermione gripped his hand and gave him a reassuring smile, "Me neither, Harry. We'll be trying it out together."
This seemed to lighten Harry up, as he smiled back at her.
Hermione turned back to Katie, who was eyeing her with a puzzled look. Her eyes shot towards Harry's hand which was still gripped tightly by Hermione. Before either them could say anything, Harry spoke.
"Well, while we wait, I'm gonna find the men's room." He informed them, as he paced away from the bar towards the toilets.
There was an awkward silence for a couple seconds until Katie looked up to face her, "Are you two… You and Harry—"
"No," Hermione answered. "We're just friends."
Katie snickered, "Come on, Hermione. You don't have to hide it from me. I see the way you two look at each other. How did Ron and Ginny take it?"
Hermione felt her face go red as she pictured what that would look like. She took a deep breath and looked back at Katie, "We're not dating, Katie. I'm not lying to you." I wish I was, she thought.
Katie's expression turned serious, "Wait… you're serious?"
Hermione nodded, "I still don't understand why that's so surprising."
Katie sighed, "Hermione, I think even a blind muggle would notice how close you two are."
"Katie, there is nothing between us. I can promise you that."
Katie nodded, "Is Harry still with Ginny?"
Hermione opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. She simply shook her head.
Katie smiled, "What about you and Ron"
This made Hermione think. Was she really with Ron? Technically, yes. Last time she checked, it was Ron who called her his girlfriend. But that was during the war. Since then, the only thing that really happened between them was only arguments and occasional nice conversations.
"It's complicated," Hermione muttered.
"That explains almost everything?"
Hermione frowned, "How exactly?"
"Hermione, you left to Australia for a 'two-week vacation'. And you went with Harry… Not Ron… Harry!" she gasped.
"Ron didn't want to go and it's not just a vacation. I came to get my parents! That was the whole point I came here in the first place. Harry wanted to come with me, I wouldn't force him!" Hermione explained.
"And I'll bet my broomstick this Australia trip was the reason Harry and Ginny broke up." Said Katie.
Hermione didn't know what to say to that. She still felt terrible about the whole situation, and the fact that she liked Harry wasn't helping either. Meanwhile, there was a war going on in Hermione's head…
No, I don't like Harry. I like Ron! He's my boyfriend for crying out loud!
Why are you denying your true feelings?
I'm not denying anything. I used to like Harry but I don't like him anymore, those feelings are long behind me.
Of course, you don't like him. You LOVE him!
I don't!
Yes, you do.
"Hermione, whatever it is that you're thinking right now. You need to realise something." Said Katie. "Harry has his own mind and his own feelings. He wouldn't have left Ginny has he liked her."
"But—"
Katie's hand ordered her to stop, "I see the way he looks at you, Hermione. I think everyone does. The only thing that's in the way of your feelings is you. The war is over, Hermione. You don't have to worry and fear about anything anymore. If you like Harry, tell him. And if he doesn't like you back, which I'm sure he would, the world won't end." Katie assured her.
Hermione wanted to deny. She wanted to prove Katie wrong. But deep down inside, she knew Katie was right.
"Here you go, ladies." Said the Bartender as he placed the three drink on the counter.
"Thank you." Said Katie, as she passed one drink to Hermione. "Now, next time you're alone with Harry, you're going to speak with him. Keeping your true feelings hidden will certainly not help you in any way. Trust me, Hermione." Katie's eyes shot behind Hermione. She turned around to see Harry approach them.
"I see the drinks are here." He smiled.
Katie gave Hermione one last serious look before passing a drink to Harry. "I think we should have a toast…" she suggested.
"What should we drink for?" Harry asked.
"For love and peace." She smirked and raised her glass.
Harry and Hermione smiled and did the same.
