REVELATIONS
Sarah hadn't slept well the night before. The rage and humiliation she'd felt after her confrontation with Ginny Weasley had kept her awake, her mind racing with vengeful thoughts and plans of how she could make Harry Potter pay for his betrayal. She was furious at Ginny's indifference and even more so because despite her words, she couldn't get the image of Harry and Hermione kissing out of her head.
Finally, she decided there was a way to get the revenge she so desperately craved. She knew she couldn't count on *The Daily Prophet* and much less on Ginny, but there was one place that was always hungry for juicy news: *Witch Weekly*. The magazine, known for its penchant for scandal and focus on the personal drama of the wizarding community, seemed like the perfect place to expose Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.
*
The *Witch Weekly* office was every bit as lavish and extravagant as Sarah had imagined. Gilded columns, purple velvet curtains, and two house elves carrying trays of tea and cakes to the employees who darted between the cubicles. Sarah felt a rush of satisfaction when she was greeted with sly smiles and pencils ready to jot down her story.
"Potter and Granger, you say!?" exclaimed the editor-in-chief, a stern-looking witch with glasses perched on the tip of her nose. "Oh, this is going to be pure gold."
Sarah smiled, pleased to see the greed in the woman's eyes. For hours, she poured all her rage and hurt into the accusations against Harry and Hermione. She left no detail out, from the kiss to her frustration with the relationship and how it had all been a betrayal of her. Even though she knew the story would be published, a small part of her felt exposed and vulnerable as she spoke, but the satisfaction of imagining Harry's reaction outweighed it all.
In her frustration, Sarah had decided that if she couldn't get Ginny to see things her way, she could at least give her a little push to experience for herself the chaos and public scrutiny she was facing. So after her explosive revelation about Harry and Hermione, she couldn't resist adding one more little detail.
"By the way," Sarah said in a casual tone, pretending it was an unimportant fact, "I found out that Ginny Weasley and Draco Malfoy are secretly dating. A forbidden romance, from what I've heard, that not even her parents know about, only her inner circle."
The journalist's eyes immediately lit up with the scoop, like a shark smelling blood in the water.
Sarah knew the news would cause quite a stir. She had planted the seeds of doubt and scandal, and she couldn't help but smirk as she left the office of *Witch Weekly*. Soon, not only Harry and Hermione would be at the center of the media storm, but also Ginny and Draco. The small clue she had given would only be the beginning of what was to come.
*
The next day, the magical streets were full of people commenting on the latest edition of *Witch Weekly*. On the cover, a picture of Harry and Hermione taken during one of their countless adventures, smiling together. Below the photo, a sensational headline: *The Hidden Scandal of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger*
When Harry arrived at his office at the Ministry, he was greeted by the usual pile of parchments and correspondence that had accumulated since the previous day.
He was about to sit down at his desk, when the door to his office opened, and his secretary, Charlotte, entered and carefully placed the *Witch Weekly* magazine, with its striking purple and gold cover, on his desk. Harry immediately noticed that his own face adorned the cover, accompanied by a sensational headline.
"Mr. Potter, I thought you might want to read this first", Charlotte said, a mix of concern and resignation in her voice.
Harry took the magazine with a grimace, already knowing that it would not be a pleasant read. He opened the magazine and began to read the article detailing his alleged affair with Hermione. As he read further into the text, his brow furrowed more and more. The article was filled with innuendo and accusations that, while neutral in tone, hinted at a scandal that Harry had wanted to avoid at all costs. It was at that moment that fury and frustration began to boil beneath the surface, knowing that this would not stay here. He would have to face Sarah, and soon.
Article from "Witch Weekly" - Number 2435
*The Hidden Scandal of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger*
By: Mireille Pinkletock
The wizarding world is in shock after the revelation of an alleged secret romance between two of its greatest heroes: Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. The recent statements by Potter's ex-girlfriend, Sarah Parker, have put the legendary friendship, which for years was considered impeccable, in the spotlight.
A Betrayed Lover?
In an explosive exclusive interview with Witch Weekly, a visibly shaken Sarah Parker has accused Potter of betraying her with the woman who had always been his closest confidante, Hermione Granger. "I never thought Harry would do something like this to me," Parker said, her words laced with pain. "I was always suspicious of their relationship, but trusting him blinded me. I now see that my intuition was not wrong."
Parker has described how she discovered the alleged affair between Potter and Granger, and her account leaves little to the imagination. According to her, the two were caught in an intimate moment, a kiss that, in her words, "changed everything." This scandal threatens to destroy the reputations of both Potter, the "Boy Who Lived," and Granger, "The most brilliant witch of her age."
Love?
Although Potter and Granger's relationship was always seen as a deep friendship, the nature of their closeness is now being questioned by the entire wizarding community. Were those years of companionship really a prelude to something more?
Parker's accusations have opened the door to a number of troubling questions. While many were aware of Harry and Hermione's friendship, could this alleged romance have begun much earlier than anyone imagined? And even more worryingly: Have they deceived everyone who trusted their integrity?
A Story That Shakes the Community
The reaction in the wizarding community has been mixed, but one thing is certain: Potter and Granger's prestige has taken a hit that will be difficult to heal. Many wizards and witches feel betrayed to discover that their heroes may have been hiding such a painful and compromising truth.
Even those who defend the idea that Potter and Granger have a right to happiness can't help but wonder whether their relationship was handled in the best possible way. Is it fair that someone like Harry Potter, a symbol of bravery and justice, should have allowed his personal life to become so scandalously entangled? And what role has Hermione Granger, known for her intellect and moral sense, played in this confusing situation?
A Future Under Shadow
The impact of this revelation remains to be seen, but it is already clear that the shockwaves will be felt throughout the wizarding world. Potter and Granger have chosen to remain silent, a decision that many interpret as an admission of guilt. This silence has only fueled speculation, leaving everyone wondering what will be next.
Sarah Parker, for her part, shows no signs of backing down. "People need to know the truth," she declared resolutely. "It's not just about me; it's about everyone who has relied on Harry and Hermione as role models. This is not the way to behave."
Conclusion:
What was once a friendship celebrated as an example of loyalty and camaraderie has now turned into a scandal that threatens to topple the pillars of their reputation.
*Witch Weekly* will continue to follow this story closely, bringing you all the details as they develop. This is a story that promises to change the wizarding world's perception of its most beloved heroes.
We will continue to report.
At the end of the article about Harry and Hermione in *Witch Weekly*, a seemingly harmless sentence was hidden under a subtle and sophisticated spell of selective revelation:
"Next Issue: The Truth Behind Draco Malfoy's New Romance!"
This charm had been designed so that only Ginny Weasley, reading Harry and Hermione's article, would see the hint about her secret relationship with Draco. Neither the public nor the other people involved would be aware of this small but explosive addition until it was too late to contain the scandal.
The spell, cast with precision by the journalist in collusion with Sarah, was so subtle that even the most attentive wizards would miss the note. Only Ginny, her heart racing, would see the hidden threat, immediately understanding the grave implications. The only ones aware of the gathering storm would be Ginny, Sarah herself, who had revealed the secret, and of course, the journalist who had written the article.
*
Without a second thought, Harry walked out of his office and out of the Ministry. He apparated to Sarah's house. He didn't bother knocking but flung it open to find her sitting in her living room, smiling smugly.
"How dare you?!" Harry roared, his voice filled with fury as he held the magazine in front of her.
Sarah stood up quickly, surprised by the intensity of his anger.
"I had to do it! People have to know what you really are, what you and that…" she began to say, but did not finish the sentence.
"This is between you and me, Sarah!" Harry interrupted her, his voice shaking with suppressed rage "You had no right to drag Hermione into this! It was our relationship! And you decide to go to the newspaper, to *Witch Weekly* of all media, to air our private life!"
Sarah looked at him defiantly, but there was a spark of fear in her eyes.
"You had to know what it feels like when the person you love betrays you! You couldn't just get away with it!"
"Get away with it?!" Harry yelled, stepping towards her, his green eyes burning with an intensity Sarah had never seen before. "Is that what you think? That this is a game to me?" He ran his hands through his hair, frustrated, trying to control his temper. "Sarah, I've been looking for a way to break up with you for weeks. Weeks! And not because there was someone else, but because this,… you and me… wasn't working; and you knew it."
The words fell like a hammer blow on Sarah. Her lips trembled and for a moment she looked like she was going to cry, but she quickly regained her composure.
"So it was all a lie?" she asked, her voice full of bitterness.
"It wasn't a lie, Sarah. But it wasn't going to work, and you know it," Harry replied, calmer now, but still filled with a suppressed fury. "But what you've done... Exposing all this, ruining Hermione's life... That's unforgivable!"
"Oh, please!" Sarah replied, her voice thick with contempt. "Hermione is not a victim, Harry. She knew what she was doing. And so did you!"
"Hermione doesn't deserve this," Harry said firmly, his tone protective. "And I'm not going to let you ruin her life over a tantrum. It was you and me who were in the relationship. Not her."
Sarah glared at him with pure hatred, her face flushed with rage.
"You are a hypocrite, Harry Potter!" she shouted, not caring what she said at that moment. "You are nothing but a coward who cannot accept the consequences of his actions."
"It may be whatever you want, Sarah, but one thing is certain" Harry paused, looking at her with a sadness that surprised her. "This thing between you and me... there's nothing left. I can't keep doing this."
Sarah opened her mouth to respond but found no words. Harry, for his part, did not wait for an answer. He turned and walked out of the house, leaving Sarah alone with her fury, her betrayal, and the cold realization that, despite everything she had tried, she had gained nothing.
*
Days after the tense encounter in Ginny's office, Harry and Hermione's relationship seemed to have become even more complicated. Hermione chose to remain distant and avoid any unnecessary interaction with Harry. The tension between them was obvious and all of their close friends noticed it.
At the Burrow, where they often met, the atmosphere was filled with an awkward silence. Exchanges of glances between Harry and Hermione were brief.
Ron and Ginny exchanged meaningful glances.
Roxanne and Luna, always attentive to details, also noticed the distance between their friends.
As the days passed, the tension continued to mount. Hermione kept busy with her work at the Ministry and took refuge in the company of her friends. She avoided alone time with Harry and kept their conversations superficial and distant.
Harry, for his part, was in a state of frustration and torment. He knew he had crossed a line with Hermione with his actions and words, and he longed for the chance to clear things up. Yet every time he tried to get closer, she seemed to pull further away. He was desperate.
Meanwhile, James and Lilly watched from a distance. They could sense the tension and distance between their parents. They felt confused and worried about the change in the atmosphere they used to know.
*
The atmosphere in the Burrow was filled with laughter and lively chatter as the Weasley family members and close friends gathered to share a meal. However, the worry on Mrs Weasley's face was evident, as the only one who hadn't arrived yet was Harry.
Finally, the door opened and Harry entered the house, looking worn and tired. It was clear that he had been in a confrontation, although not a serious one.
Hermione's worried eyes spotted him instantly, and despite the tension between them, she didn't hesitate to run towards him.
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed a tone of alarm in her voice. She rushed to him and wrapped him in a hug, feeling his body tense and tired.
Harry let himself be hugged, feeling the relief of Hermione's closeness amidst his discomfort. Even though things were tense between them, her genuine concern transcended any other feelings at the moment.
"Hermione…" he whispered, letting out a tired sigh.
She gently guided him to one of the armchairs in the living room, indicating for him to sit down.
"Harry, are you okay? What happened?" she asked urgently, examining the wounds on his body as she spoke.
Harry tried to muster a tired smile.
"It's not that serious, Hermione. Just an unexpected encounter outside the Ministry" he replied, allowing her to examine his injuries.
Hermione frowned, her gaze filled with concern as she began to use her wand to treat his wounds.
"Still, you shouldn't take these things lightly. You could have gotten seriously hurt" she gently reprimanded as her magic worked to heal his wounds.
As Hermione continued to tend to Harry's wounds, the atmosphere in the room seemed charged with a strange tension. Every flick of her wand and every brush of her magic seemed to resonate between them. Their gazes met repeatedly, in a silent conversation.
Harry, blinded by Hermione's closeness and the care she was giving him, began to slowly lean towards her. His lips seemed drawn to hers, and his pent-up feelings threatened to take over. The urge to kiss her was overwhelming as if everything they had repressed for so long was about to spill over.
Hermione, focused on her healing duties and captivated by the emotions floating in the air, felt Harry's approach. Their hearts beat in sync as he moved closer, and for a brief moment, it seemed as if she might give in to the desire to feel his lips against hers once more.
"How long are you going to avoid me?" Harry asked, his eyes reflecting a mixture of sadness and determination.
Hermione sighed softly. She knew she couldn't keep running away from the conversation they both needed to have.
"I can't do this, not now" Hermione pulled away and stood up "You cheated on your girlfriend" Hermione said, her tears now rolling down her cheeks.
"Damn it Hermione! I couldn't help it! I talked to her! But it's you."
"It's me now?! Where's my best friend?" Hermione broke down and Harry deflated. His worst fear was happening, he was going to lose his best friend.
"Where is the man I fell in love with, the one who knows that being unfaithful is wrong?"
"Hermione... I talked to her, you can't just keep avoiding me. We kissed!" Harry raised his voice in frustration.
"You kissed me! And suddenly I'm the one you want?!" Hermione exclaimed in disbelief.
"You kissed back! And it's always been you!" Harry protested.
"You started it! You have a girlfriend, Harry!" Hermione shot back, raising her voice.
"I had a girlfriend! The kiss happened! I kissed you! You kissed me! We kissed! You can't just keep avoiding me!" Harry repeated desperately.
"Huh, you think so?" Hermione took a few steps forward, defiant, and Harry gulped, fearing the worst.
Hermione, overwhelmed by her feelings and the intensity of the moment, turned abruptly and ran up the stairs to Ginny's room, leaving Harry standing in the hallway, his frustration palpable in the air around him. Everything built up into a storm that threatened to sweep away everything in its path.
Harry realized that all of his friends had witnessed this and brought his hands to his face in frustration.
"This was precisely what I didn't want to happen.
The hallway fell into a tense silence after Hermione ran up the stairs. Harry's laboured breathing rang in the air, and everyone present, including James and Lilly, was stunned by the intensity of the argument they had just witnessed. The atmosphere in the Burrow room became awkward, the tension horrible, and it seemed like everyone was holding their breath, waiting to see how events would unfold.
James and Lilly's eyes were filled with wonder and worry as they stared at the spot where Hermione had been standing moments ago. Their young faces reflected the confusion and sadness they felt at seeing their parents arguing like that. It was hard for them to see their parents' relationship so different than it was in the future.
The others present exchanged awkward glances and murmurs of confusion as they tried to process what they had witnessed.
Ginny shared a meaningful look with Luna, both were worried about the situation.
Roxanne and the twins, though surprised, exchanged a knowing look, they knew that there was more to this situation than met the eye. Neville looked at the scene with concern.
Eventually, Mrs. Weasley returned to the room with a tray of cookies and cakes, but the smile on her face disappeared as she noticed the tense atmosphere. She looked around at each of the people present, her maternal instincts sensing the tension in the air. However, she didn't say anything at that moment, opting to try to smooth things over with casual conversation about food.
However while everyone tried to act normal, they couldn't ignore the heavy atmosphere that had formed in the Burrow's living room. James and Lilly stood closer to each other, seeking comfort in each other's presence.
It was clear that the impact of the argument between their parents had affected them deeply, and uncertainty about the future weighed on both of them.
*
The kitchen at Neville's house was quiet. Harry, Ron, Ginny, the Weasley twins, Luna, Neville, Roxanne, Draco, Louis (James), and Jane (Lilly) were gathered around the table, quietly discussing the recent articles. The tension in the air was palpable, and Hermione's absence was felt even more.
Harry, who had just arrived, sank into a chair with a heavy sigh. The owl that had dropped another letter in his path did nothing to improve his mood. The unwanted attention he was receiving since the articles were published was wearing him down, and although his friends' jokes tried to ease the tension, they failed to calm his mind.
Fred and George, usually the first to break the silence with a joke, were unusually quiet this time, exchanging glances as Harry explained his confrontation with Sarah following the publication of the article in *Witch Weekly*. His voice was laden with frustration and exhaustion as he spoke, his hands clenched into fists on the table.
"Sarah should never have done this, exposed everything in that magazine... and even less dragged Hermione into it" said Harry, with a mixture of anger and desperation in his voice.
Ron nodded, looking at his best friend with concern. The situation was spiralling out of control, and what bothered him most was that everything was focused on his friend and Hermione, without taking into account what they really felt.
"That magazine is complete rubbish" Ron commented disdainfully. "But now all the gossip has broken out, and you're the centre of attention."
Ginny, who had remained silent until that point, decided to step in. Although she had written her own article for *The Daily Prophet* in hopes of handling the situation, she couldn't believe how far Sarah had gone to get revenge.
"I can't believe Sarah did that," Ginny said, her voice hard but with a hint of disbelief "What is she supposed to achieve by this?"
Harry looked at her wearily, his shoulders hunched under the weight of the situation.
"I don't know, Gin. But this has made things more complicated. It's not enough that we have to deal with our own problems... now everyone else is weighing in.
Neville, who had been listening silently, leaned forward with a worried expression.
"It's amazing how things can get out of hand so quickly. *Witch Weekly* has always been a hotbed of gossip, but this…" he trailed off, shaking his head.
Luna, with her usual serenity, looked at Harry with sympathy, but also with her characteristic air of wisdom.
"People will always be interested in what you do, Harry. Especially when it comes to love;. envy is a very powerful emotion."
Roxanne nodded, sharing the group's concern.
"It's unfair that they have to go through this. Hermione is a good person... she doesn't deserve to be dragged into something like this."
Fred, ever observant, added quietly:
"Sure, but that's what sells, isn't it? A scandal. No matter how malicious it is."
Ginny crossed her arms, her thoughts tangling as she recalled the articles. She had published what she considered an honest account in *The Daily Prophet*, but *Witch Weekly* had taken the more scandalous approach.
"You know, I haven't even read it. I've heard enough of what it says from you and the gossip…"
Harry, feeling the weight of the situation, nodded. He couldn't believe how everything had taken such a strange turn. The witches and wizards seemed more interested in the scandal of his breakup with Sarah than in the possibility that he and Hermione might have finally found something deeper between them. Meanwhile, he couldn't take a step without being accosted by owls carrying love letters from his smitten fans.
Just then, an owl crashed into the kitchen window, disrupting the tense atmosphere. Harry watched in resignation as the owl dropped another letter before flying away again. He picked it up and opened it, knowing in advance that it contained the same displays of exaggerated affection he had been receiving.
Fred and George exchanged mischievous expressions while Harry read the letter with a frown.
"I suppose Hermione is going to be a little jealous, huh?" George joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Harry gave them a look of disbelief, but the twins just laughed, enjoying their own joke.
"Oh, of course," Harry replied sarcastically "I'm sure Hermione is shaking in fear somewhere because of the 'competition'" he said, making quotation marks with his fingers "I don't think Hermione will worry about that."
But deep inside, a part of him wished it was true. He wished Hermione cared enough to be jealous.
"They should realise they're wasting their time," Fred added with a smirk. "Unless, of course, one of them was Hermione Granger."
Ron nodded, a mischievous grin on his face.
Harry fell silent, feeling a pang of discomfort at the direction the conversation had taken. He knew his friends were trying to cheer him up with their jokes, but they couldn't understand the real reason for his discomfort.
"Well, I suppose it's a problem I'm meant to bear," he said finally, trying to keep his tone light. "But I think it would be better if these letters stopped coming, don't you think?"
"Yes, Harry, we understand," said Fred, in a softer tone "and as for Hermione, you have to give her time."
Harry nodded, though his expression clearly reflected his frustration.
"I know, I know" he whispered, more to himself than to the others "But that doesn't change the fact that I would like things to be different between us."
Ron placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder, while the twins and the rest of the crowd shared supportive glances. The silence that followed was filled with the understanding that only close friends can offer, but also with concern for the uncertain future they faced.
Harry knew that even though they were all in this together, the only person who could truly help him sort out his feelings was absent, and that hurt him more than anything the articles or the letters could.
"I guess I'll have to be patient" he finally murmured, resigned.
The Weasley twins and Ron patted him on the back encouragingly, while Louis and Jane exchanged a worried glance.
"Hermione…" Harry thought ruefully, wondering what else he could do to fix things between them. He had been a fool to be unfaithful to Sarah, and now he was paying the consequences for his actions. It made his heart ache to think that he had lost Hermione's friendship and love because of such a stupid mistake. The idea that Hermione could feel jealousy over the letters was hopeful, but it also made him feel deeply sad.
For a brief moment, the idea that Hermione might still have some sort of romantic interest in him made him feel a tingle of excitement. Imagining her staring at the cards with a frown, wondering who these women were who wanted his attention, gave him a strange sense of satisfaction.
However, that feeling of satisfaction was short-lived. Soon, reality set in with all its force. The emotional distance and coldness he felt from Hermione made it clear that the letters meant nothing compared to the real problems they had to solve.
So, although the idea that Hermione might be jealous of the letters was appealing, Harry knew it was ridiculous to cling to that hope.
Meanwhile, Harry continued to receive letters from his fans, but his heart was not in it. His mind was still preoccupied with his estrangement from Hermione and the uncertainty about their relationship.
*
Weeks later, in a quiet, uncrowded corner of the Ministry of Magic, James and Lilly, with the help of their accomplices Ron, Draco, Neville, and the Weasley twins, were in the midst of secret planning. Their barely audible laughter and conspiratorial murmurs filled the air as they debated how to pull off their next prank.
"I think this will definitely be something that will bring them together!" Fred Weasley exclaimed with a mischievous smile.
"Exactly!" nodded George, laughing enthusiastically.
James and Lilly shared a knowing look, knowing their plan was about to be put into action. With a couple of wands and some magic words, they managed to subtly disrupt the lift Harry and Hermione were in, ensuring they would be trapped in there for a while.
The couple in question had been in the middle of a serious and tense conversation, the magic of both began to take its toll, and the elevator began to move abruptly.
The words flew out like sharp arrows, filled with anger and frustration. Neither of them was willing to give ground.
"You can't just avoid me all the time, Hermione!" Harry exclaimed, his voice rising in indignation. "We've been through so much together, and suddenly, you seem determined to ignore me completely."
Hermione glared at him with fury in her eyes, not backing down.
"You don't understand anything, Harry! You can't just assume that everything is easy for me. Things have changed between us, and I don't know how to handle it."
The commotion in the elevator seemed to reflect the chaos of their emotions. The tension between them grew with each word exchanged, their gazes clashing in a silent battle.
"And what do you expect me to do, Hermione? Am I supposed to just sit there and act like I haven't had any feelings for you all these years?" Harry retorted, his voice thick with frustration. "I can't pretend that I don't have feelings for you, something that goes way beyond friendship."
"But you can't just expect everything to go back to the way it was, Harry. Things have changed, and we can't ignore what happened." Hermione clenched her fists, her eyes shining with determination.
The lift shook slightly during their discussion, as if the magic surrounding their emotional tension was affecting the atmosphere around them. Harry and Hermione's raised voices echoed in the confined space, a struggle to express their feelings and resolve the chaos in their hearts.
"I don't want things to go back to the way they were!" Harry exclaimed, his voice full of urgency "I want us to be together! To be honest, to face what we're feeling, even if it's complicated and painful."
Hermione stared at Harry, her eyes filled with confusion and conflict.
"I can't just take a leap into the dark, Harry. I can't risk our friendship without knowing what will happen."
The elevator continued to move, a perfect metaphor for the emotional storm brewing between them. Despite the anger and frustration, there was also a hint of longing and desire in their gazes.
"I understand, Hermione," Harry sighed, his voice softer now "But I can't keep ignoring what I feel for you. I can't just pretend it doesn't exist."
Suddenly, a burst of magic caught them by surprise, causing them to stagger and grab onto the railing to keep from falling. In the chaos of the movement, Hermione stumbled and nearly fell.
"Hermione, watch out!" Harry exclaimed, and ever protective, he grabbed her by the waist and held her firmly, taking control.
Hermione clung to Harry, feeling vulnerable but at the same time grateful for his support. The lift continued to shake, and in the confusion, their bodies were left in a compromising position. They were inches apart, their breaths colliding softly as they shared intense eye contact.
Emotions churned through the air as they looked at each other, a mix of worry, tension, and something else palpable in the air. It was as if the entire world around them had vanished.
An intense impulse began to build, the tension between them taking on a new dimension. The desire to kiss was present, but so was the uncertainty of the discussion they had just had. At the last second, Hermione subtly pulled away, breaking the intensity of the moment.
"Harry, we shouldn't…" Hermione murmured softly, her eyes filled with emotion.
Harry nodded slowly, feeling frustrated but respecting her words. They separated, and the elevator finally stopped. The doors opened, releasing them from their confinement.
*
A full week had passed since their meeting in the lift and Hermione had avoided Harry with skill bordering on masterful. Despite Harry's hopes of running into her at any time of the day, those encounters never came.
Frustrated, Harry's day was filled with anticipation and disappointment. Every corner of the Ministry, every café, every hallway seemed to be a chance to meet Hermione, but she eluded his attempts without a trace. His feelings oscillated between sadness and longing. He missed Hermione, their moments of complicity that now seemed to be buried under layers of misunderstanding and distance.
The nights were particularly difficult for Harry. He would find himself alone, lost in his thoughts on how everything had come to this point. His expression reflected a mix of despondency and determination as he pondered how to approach the situation and restore what he once shared with Hermione.
He was currently in Ron's office. Worry was evident on the redhead's face as he listened to his best friend express his fears and frustrations.
"Ever since I kissed her, I haven't stopped chasing her, begging her. But she's angry, Ron, Sarah saw us, and she's right, I was unfaithful" Harry confessed in a broken voice, his eyes showing the storm of emotions that consumed him.
Ron nodded silently, understanding the gravity of the situation. He knew that Harry and Hermione's relationship was at a critical crossroads.
"I'm terrified, Ron. I'm afraid she'll decide it's over and I'll lose Hermione, even as a friend. I can't, Ron" Harry continued, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall.
Ron put a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder, sensing the anguish his friend was experiencing. It was clear that Harry feared losing Hermione more than anything else in the world.
"Harry, listen," Ron began, his voice full of empathy. "I know this is difficult, but the important thing is that you are willing to face the consequences of your actions. Hermione is strong, but she also knows you better than anyone. You have always been her best friend, and that counts for something. Don't sell yourself short."
Harry nodded, grateful for Ron's support, although uncertainty still weighed on his chest.
"I understand that you feel guilty and scared right now, but you can't doubt Hermione's love for you. I'm telling you first hand, you've been first place in her heart since we met her on the Hogwarts Express."
Harry let out a gasp of shock, and looked at Ron intently, wanting to believe those words. He pondered Ron's words. True, Hermione had always been by his side, even in the darkest and most dangerous times.
"Hermione loves you, Harry. No matter how many arguments you have or how complicated the situation is, she always chooses you" Ron said in a sincere tone.
Ron's words began to sink into Harry's heart. He remembered all the times Hermione had supported him, defended him, and cared for him. He couldn't deny that there was a deep love between them, even if the current circumstances seemed difficult.
Ron went on to list key moments when Hermione had shown her love and support for Harry.
"Do you remember when we raided Gringotts and we flew away on a dragon, despite Hermione's fear of heights?" Ron asked with a nostalgic smile. "She did that for you, Harry. She was also the one who stayed with you in the tent when the locket affected me. I know I wasn't a good friend at the time, and I'm sorry. But here I am, trying to make you understand how much Hermione loves you."
Harry nodded, acknowledging Hermione's bravery and commitment at that crucial moment. Ron continued.
"And don't forget when you told us you were going to give yourself up to Voldemort. Hermione was willing to go with you and die beside you" Ron spoke with emotion, remembering his friend's loyalty.
Harry shuddered at the memory of that dark time in his life and the sacrifice Hermione was willing to make.
"And when Hagrid carried your body out of the forest, and Voldemort said you were dead…" Ron lowered his voice, knowing how painful that memory was for Harry "You heard Hermione scream. She fell to her knees."
Harry closed his eyes briefly, reliving Hermione's heart-wrenching scream. Then, Harry remembered something that had been tormenting him.
"You know, Ron?" he began cautiously "I asked Hermione once if you knew who this 'someone else' she liked was. She said yes, you did. But she never told me who it was."
Ron sighed as if that question was the missing link to understanding the whole story.
"She wasn't going to tell you it was you, Harry. Not then, not now. For the same reason, you're terrified right now. She was afraid of losing you," Ron said firmly, looking his friend straight in the eyes.
Harry felt a surge of overwhelming emotions as he took in everything Ron had told him. Hermione had been there for him in the most difficult times, she had risked her life and her heart for him. It was obvious how much she loved him, even if it had taken him a while to understand it.
"Just give her time, Mate" Ron continued "Let her process all this. And when she's ready to talk, do it honestly. You can't change the past, but you can build a future together if you're both willing to fight for it."
Ron's words echoed around the office, providing a ray of hope amidst Harry's emotional storm.The conversation continued, with Ron offering advice and comfort to his friend. Harry didn't know when his friend had become so wise. He assumed Luna had something to do with it.
As Ron spoke, Harry continued to struggle with his fears and hopes in the midst of a situation that threatened to tear his world apart.
………………………………………
In the living room of Neville's house, James and Lilly shared with their uncles their failed attempts to reunite their parents. Frustration grew between the two siblings as they shared the details of each plan that hadn't worked.
"We tried everything!" Lilly exclaimed, running a hand through her curly hair. "Even Fred and George's prank didn't work."
James rolled his eyes, crossing his arms in exasperation.
"You just don't understand anything, Lilly. Your ideas are so obvious, anyone could tell we're up to something."
Tension rose as Lilly glared at him.
"And your ideas are so brilliant? Hoping they accidentally meet in Diagon Alley is a plan?" Lilly stood up from her seat, facing him. James stood up as well.
"At least I'm not trying to recreate romantic scenes from muggle movies in the middle of the Ministry!" James replied sarcastically.
"Now they look like you fighting with Hermione and Ginny" Draco said in disbelief. Ron laughed at this last remark and nodded.
"They had to be siblings," Malfoy said.
The rest of the room remained silent, watching the siblings argue. Neville, Roxanne, Ginny and Luna exchanged puzzled glances.
The discussion continued, becoming more and more heated.
"Looks like we're back in our school days" Ginny murmured, leaning towards Luna.
Lilly and James, immersed in their fight, did not notice the looks of the adults who observed the scene in amazement. The room was filled with crossed words and exaggerated gestures as the dynamic of the Potter-Granger siblings unfolded in front of their relatives.
"Guys, aren't you supposed to be trying to unite your parents, not start the third wizarding war?" Neville intervened.
Neville's remark brought some sanity to the situation, and the siblings looked at each other, realizing the ridiculousness of their fight.
"Maybe we should think of something more subtle," Roxanne suggested with a smile.
Roxanne's smile sparked a spark of complicity among those present. James and Lilly, still somewhat tense, sat down again, ready to listen to new ideas.
"Rox is right. We need something that isn't too obvious or forced, but that puts them in situations where they have to interact" Ginny suggested thoughtfully.
"A casual meeting where you can spend time together without pressure" Luna proposed, with her characteristic serenity.
James frowned, but Lilly nodded thoughtfully.
"It can work, but it has to be more than just a meeting. Something that reminds them of what they shared."
Roxanne, always creative, raised her hand imitating Hermione, as if she were in a class.
"What if we create a question-and-answer game about your past? Something that will make them remember moments together."
The idea was met with enthusiasm. Neville, the calmest of the group, offered his opinion.
"But let's do it subtly, without them realizing that we're trying to bring them together. We can tell them that it's a kind of game to strengthen family ties."
"We could also strategically place mistletoe in some places around the house" Luna suggested softly.
Luna's proposal added a touch of charm and surprise to the plan, and everyone nodded, convinced that this time they could achieve it.
*
Neville's living room was cosy, a warm and safe refuge from the cold night that loomed outside. The walls were decorated with photographs of him and Roxanne, and others of Hogwarts, which flickered cheerfully, filling the room with happy memories. A soft golden light emanated from the enchanted lamps, casting dancing shadows that joined the dance of the flames in the fireplace. The soft carpet underfoot, and the comfortable furniture, gave the place a homely and serene feeling.
James had found a spot on the couch by the fire, his eyes following the hypnotic movement of the flames as he let himself be carried away by the warmth and tranquillity.
As he watched, however, he began to feel a slight uneasiness at the back of his head. At first, it was barely perceptible, like a distant whisper in his mind. The flames danced merrily, their crackling soft and steady, but for James, the scene began to become surreal, almost unreal.
The discomfort quickly intensified, turning into a nagging pang that spread like a wave through his skull. He frowned, bewildered by the sudden onset of pain. His fingers instinctively moved to his forehead, pressing hard in a vain attempt to soothe the discomfort. The room, so familiar and comforting minutes before, now seemed to spin around him, colours and shapes distorting his vision.
The surge of nausea that washed over him was overwhelming. James squeezed his eyes shut, trying to steady himself, but the feeling persisted. The pressure in his head increased, pulsing in time with his heart, while the echo of the flames seemed to grow, filling his ears with a dull roar.
Visions began to take shape before his eyes, distorting his perception of reality. He found himself standing in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by blurry people. Confusion filled him as images of the future intertwined with fragments of his past, and other images he couldn't quite place.
With each blink, the visions became more vivid and disturbing. He saw a barely visible woman carrying a child in her arms, both enveloped in an aura of happiness. However, the joy quickly faded when the scene abruptly changed.
The pain in his head intensified as the visions became more chaotic as if his mind was struggling to comprehend what he was seeing. Screams echoed in his ears, and a sense of despair overwhelmed him as he found himself in the middle of a senseless battle.
James's gestures were like those dark days when Harry fought against visions of Voldemort.
The room seemed to spin around James as he watched the scene unfold before him. His parents were there now, but their faces were distorted by anguish and confusion. His mother had tears in her eyes, her expression filled with pain and despair, as her lips moved frantically. Although he couldn't hear what she was saying, the weight of her anguish was felt in the air.
His father stood beside him, another look of anguish on his face, his words seeming to drift away into the void. The atmosphere was thick with tension as if the very air itself was permeated with sadness and anxiety. James' emotions churned within him, mirroring the pain and confusion he saw in his parents. He felt a knot in his stomach, a sense of helplessness as he watched the scene unfold in front of his eyes.
Then, amidst the silent chaos, one word cut through the heavy air: "Divorce."
The word echoed in his mind, sending a chill down his spine. It was as if the world stopped for a moment, as he absorbed the weight of that word. His eyes filled with tears as he watched his mother cry, her pain palpable even through the distortion of vision. He wanted to run to them, to comfort them, but he was caught up in his own helplessness, unable to intervene in the emotional tumult unfolding in front of him.
Suddenly, as if someone had turned off a switch, the visions faded, leaving James gasping and disoriented in Neville's living room. The fireplace was still crackling in front of him, but everything seemed different as if he had been somewhere else for a time he couldn't quite calculate.
Confusion and worry were reflected in his eyes as he searched for an explanation for what he had just experienced. The headache persisted, reminding him that something else was at stake.