Harry Potter H&Hr Fluff Collection

And now… for something completely different.

XXVII

Solfeggio

“Have you seen Hermione, Ron?” Harry asked.

“Where do you think she is?” Ron raised his eyebrows at Harry.

Harry hung his head in defeat realization.

“The library.” Harry sighed. “I'll be back in an hour.”

“Make it quick then,” Ron groaned and slapped the table surface, trying to kill a fly, “I really need to know the difference between an earth stone and a ground stone.”

“I'm looking for her for something else, Ron,” said Harry, frowning at him. “After taking the mickey out of her last night, I don't think she'll lend in a hand.”

Ron didn't reply but mumbled about Hermione misunderstanding his words. Harry gave up on him, bade Ron goodbye and left the common room through the portrait of the Fat Lady and set off towards the staircase down to the library.

He arrived three minutes later passing later than he expected, well, trusting Peeves to do his bidding on a passing student doesn't mark any sign of early arrivals within Hogwarts, but he arrived in one piece, at least.

“Damn, Peeves,” Harry groaned, brushing of the chalk dust off his robes after being bombarded with blackboard erasers.

“Ahem!” coughed the strict Madam Pince, the school librarian.

Harry realized he was at the threshold of the library and his brushing off the chalk was making the shiny library floor dusty.

“S - sorry,” said Harry hurriedly and with his wand, he pointed at the dust and muttered the incantation Ron did back at the Burrow that blew off dust on his old chess set. After directing the dust outside of the library, he replaced his wand inside his robe pockets and went inside the library.

Thankfully, Hermione wasn't the hardest person to find in Hogwarts, usually - despite living in Hogwarts for years now - it is almost impossible to find someone you need instantly. But fortunately, Hermione was one of the few people in Hogwarts whom everyone knows where she stays most of the time.

While walking down the aisle of books that were dedicated to dragon-breeding, the thought occurred to Harry that he realized how bookish Hermione was. He smirked remembering the numerous times he'd catch Hermione reading whether it was for a test or for leisure.

He chuckled at the memory of him accidentally disturbing her so frequently that she silenced him with her magic. He was furious with her the next few hours after that.

Harry wasn't aware of it before or maybe because he was getting closer to Hermione's usual spot in the library, but he heard a distant sound of humming… a very soothing hum. The sound was issuing from someone's lips… someone was singing.

Harry walked forward slowly, listening hard for the singing and at the end of the aisle of books, there was a gap to the left that lead to Hermione's usual spot. Could it be?

The hum evolved to someone singing in lyrics. Harry leaned on the bookshelf and he heard the words ringing in his ears:

“Look at this stuff… isn't it neat?”

A jolting sensation hit Harry's stomach. The singing voice was one of the most soothing and gentle sounds he ever heard.

“Hermione?” Harry mouthed in surprise.

“Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?” sang the voice of Hermione. “Wouldn't you think I'm a girl? A girl who has… everything…”

Harry felt disbelieving to himself that - wondering to himself why - he stealthily peeked around the corner to see Hermione, writing on a piece of parchment sitting at the table. She was against the tall window that the sunlight made a heavenly glow on her. She was facing towards Harry's direction but luckily, she found it no better to look around and was absorbed to her essay.

“Hermione?” whispered Harry, amusingly. It dawned to him that he never heard her sing… not in this performance level.

“Look at this trove,” Hermione continued singing, “Treasures untold, how many wonders can one cavern hold?” Hermione stood from her seat while holding a book, Harry moved his head slightly behind the bookshelf to conceal himself while getting a clear view of Hermione, who was replacing the book on her hand at the shelf.

“Looking around here you think… Sure, she's got everything…” she sang gently as she took out another book and started reading it. Harry grinned when he noticed Hermione smiling to herself.

“I've got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty,” she crooned as she vaguely swayed left and right to the beat. “I've got whozits and whatzits galore…”

Hermione was inside the book that Harry took his chance to move to the other bookshelf across the gap. Luckily, she didn't notice that she continued singing seamlessly as she walked back to sit at her table…

“You want thingamabobs?” Harry's eyebrows rose when she made a brief giggle, “I've got twenty!”

She sighed and with the turn of the page,

“But who cares… no big deal, I want more…” she sang in a very longingly voice that gave Harry an electric sensation in his gut.

There was a brief pause that followed this. Harry used this to recollect what he heard… Why didn't Hermione tell him and Ron that she could sing - and add to that - sing very well?

“I wanna be where the people are,” she sang while flicking her wand towards her bag summoning a bottle of ink. “I wanna see, wanna see them dancing -“ she uncorked her ink bottle and dipped her quill and wrote. “Walking around on those - what you call `em?”

Harry stifled a laugh when he saw Hermione pretended to make a quizzical look before she sang, “Oh feet!”

She stood up and walked towards the bookshelf Harry was hiding behind. Harry hid behind completely that he only heard Hermione's footsteps and singing.

“Flippin' your fins, you don't get too far… Legs are required for jumping, dancing” Hermione sang as Harry heard the unmistakable sound of a book being taken out of the shelf, Harry gave himself a few seconds before peeking again to see Hermione walking back to her table.

“Strolling along down a - what's that word again?” she giggled, spun around gracefully and sang, “Streeeeeet….”

Harry couldn't help but grin broadly… Hermione was brilliant.

“Up where they walk, up where they run, up where they stay all day in the sun… Wandering free, wish I could be… Part of that world…”

Hermione stood against her table and leaned to get her parchment and held it up beside the book she was reading.

“What would I give if I could live out of these waters?” she waved her wand making her ink bottle fly before her “What would I pay to spend a day warm on the sand?” she took her quill and dipped it on the floating ink bottle and began to write. Strangely, Harry found this scene very pleasant…

“Bet'cha on land they understand… that they don't reprimand their daughters…”

She frowned and sang softly while writing.

“Bright young women, sink a swimmin'… Ready to stand…!”

Hermione sustaining the last word soothingly gave Harry the very warm, comforted feeling.

“I'm ready to know what the people know, ask `em my questions and get some answers. What's a fire and why does it - what's the word? Buuurrrn…”

Harry wondered why Hermione drifted off to silence. He realized he was breathing heavily. Did she hear his breathing? He retreated behind the bookshelf.

“Hello?” Hermione's speaking voice called out.

Harry didn't reply. He knew she wasn't walking towards since there was no sound of movement beyond the bookshelf he was at. She seemed to shrug her suspicions off because she continued her singing.

“When's it my turn?” she sang in a somewhat enthusiastic momentum that made Harry feel this positive sense of comprehensiveness in him. “Wouldn't I love, love to explore that shore up above…? Out of the sea… wish I could be…”

Harry looked through a small within the shelf, he couldn't see her clearly so he tiptoed and saw she was sitting on the table facing his direction.

“Part of that… world…” she sang with her eyes closed. The singing voice that rang in Harry's ears in that last line was very gentle and caressing to his eardrums that he realized he was leaning too much on the bookshelf he was hiding that it toppled away from him.

BANG!

Harry screwed his face up at the loud sound of the bookshelf. Books flew from their places and he stood their frozen at the fallen shelf. The sound of deep intake of breath made Harry look up to see Hermione looking as frozen as he was.

“H-Harry?” she croaked weakly.

Before Harry could say anything, the squeaking of Madam Pince's shoes announced her arrival. She gasped in horror to see the commotion.

“WHAT - HOW - WHO DID THIS?!” she asked looking beside herself.

Harry couldn't conceal his guilt any longer, she glared at him and said, “I knew it would be you the moment you placed chalk dust on the library floor - GET OUT!

The next thing Harry knew, he was being chased by books, hitting him firmly on the head. He was chased out of the library and the moment he stumbled out of the threshold and landed face first on the stone floor, the books retreated back to the library.

“Ugh,” Harry groaned. He stood on his knees and saw the lenses of his glass broken. He tapped his wand and nonverbally chanted “Reparo!” making them whole again.

He put his glasses on again and turned to look at the entrance of the library where many students were staring outside at him. To make matters worse, he saw Hermione from afar walking towards the library entrance.

For reasons unknown to himself, Harry immediately walked towards the staircase leading himself to the entrance hall and blending in with a large crowd who came from the outside. He looked up from the crowd of giggling Ravenclaw girls and saw Hermione, looking worried and frightened, surveying the crowd, he put his head down as the crowd gave him a chance to swoop out and climbed down to the cellars where the kitchens were located.

- - -

Harry didn't look at Hermione, who was seated four people to the right in the other side of the table, during dinner that night. It's been hours since he heard her sing… but why was there a sign of tension when they both discovered each others' presence?

Harry recalled the moment at the library while he skewered his fat chicken leg. Hermione has shown a lot of talent in her academics for the past few years. He always had known that. But realizing it now, that's the only thing he can remember that Hermione can excel at apart from being a loyal and brave friend.

But she can sing!

Harry gave a furtive look to Hermione who was eating as usual but had an air of anxiety in her eyes. Why does she look like as if she was discovered doing something bad?

After thinking this idea through while in the kitchens with the house-elves (Dobby was more than happy to give Harry all the accommodations), Harry wondered if Hermione was hiding this talent from him and Ron.

Harry looked at Ron beside him who was sticking a fat juicy steak inside his mouth. In respect to Hermione, just in case, Harry never told Ron what he saw because Harry reckoned Ron might take the piss out of her if Harry did.

But all negativity aside, Hermione, in Harry's opinion, was amazing. Her voice was sort of angelic and the light from the window behind her helped the image stood out. He looked into his plate and remembered the way she sang soothingly and gently. Every time she belted the high notes, he'd get a sudden sensation in his gut. Harry couldn't help it… he hated to admit it but for some reason, it made Hermione appealing in a way. Her voice was so beautiful in a way that it made her tender… sweet… kind…

Don't say that! Harry thought while he scratched the metal plate with his knife.

What was this feeling? It sounded as if he was obsessed by Hermione's voice… it really put an effect on her. Harry glanced at Hermione… he still can't believe that that bookworm, his other best friend, someone who keeps to herself to the general rule is great in singing. Harry's no judge but based on songs he kept on listening back at the Muggle world, Hermione's voice is almost moving.

“Oy, Harry?” said Ron, looking at Harry. “Could you stop the squeaking? It's driving me mad!”

“Sorry, Ron,” said Harry.

“What's wrong with you?” Ron looked at Harry. “I haven't seen you all afternoon, mate. Didn't you say you'd meet Hermione?”

Harry shot a look to Ron.

“I - er - wasn't able to find her in the library.” Harry lied. “I will though, she's having dinner now.” He thumbed behind him so Ron could see Hermione.

“Good, I really need to find a way in that Potions essay.” Ron explained, scooping up a heap of mashed potatoes.

“You better give her a head start though,” said Harry. “Because she'll probably be busy tonight…”

Harry expected Ron to question why he said this. Harry knew that he'll have to confront Hermione about what he saw awhile ago. If Ron were to expect help from Hermione the whole night, Hermione might be too occupied with Harry… if ever she'll take it as a priority to talk to Harry, that is.

“You're probably right,” said Ron, sighing. “Well, at least I did some amount of work the whole day, eh?”

“Yeah,” said Harry distractedly.

“You sure you're alright, mate?” Ron eyed Harry worriedly. “Does your scar hurt?”

“There's no worrying about You-Know-Who at the moment,” said Harry, rubbing his scar which was painless at the moment. “I'm just - er - distracted about a few things, that's all…”

To Harry's delight, Ron didn't push him further with questions and returned to his steak.

“For what it's worth though,” said Ron, looking at the starry sky above them. “These steaks do the trick whenever I feel tense.”

Harry looked at his chicken leg and wondered when his tension will be lifted tonight.

- - -

Harry convinced Ron to quickly go up with him to the common room before the others do. Ron accepted without question and the next few minutes, they were pouring themselves over their homework. In the last minute, Harry thought it was best to avoid Hermione for the time being.

It didn't work though… slightly.

“Hi,”

Harry and Ron looked up from their parchments and saw Hermione carrying her bag. She looked a bit pale and tired.

“Hey, Hermione,” Ron greeted.

“Er… hi,” Harry mumbled.

Hermione didn't sit or move, she was just standing there looking at them (she mostly glanced at Harry.) anxiously as if she was an outcast asking a couple of cool kids if she could sit with them.

“Are you alright, Hermione?” said Ron, pulling a chair beside him. “Sit down,”
Hermione smiled at Ron and sat beside him and without further ado, the three started doing their homework in silence. Ron was oblivious of the awkward nature Harry and Hermione had so he wasn't shy enough to tell random things.

“Hermione? Can you help me here?” Ron asked anxiously, turning to her.

“W-what?” Hermione looked at Ron sound distracted.

“Here,” he pointed to his essay. “I - er - I'm not really sure if I got the definition right…”

“Oh sure, yeah… whatever…” Hermione muttered and took Ron's essay and reviewed it instantly.

Ron leaned backward on his chair and stretched his arms.

“You okay, Harry?” Ron looked at Harry.

Harry was just finishing his twelfth paragraph. He glanced at Ron and raised his eyebrows.

“You alright?” Ron replied with comforting smile, and turned to Hermione. “Harry's been feeling strange lately, Hermione.”

Harry wanted to hit Ron so hard on the forehead but he thought better than to cause a scene in a filled common room.

“R-really?” said Hermione, not keeping her eyes off Ron's paper. “A-are you alright, H-Harry?”

Harry made a furtive gulp.

“I-I'm fine…” he replied.

Ron looked at his two best friends.

“Umm… why are you two stuttering?”

“S-stuttering?” Harry leaned back on his chair and looked at Ron. “I'm not s-stuttering.”

“You are now,” Ron looked at Harry with a raised eyebrow. “It just happened.”

“Y-You're just seeing things, Ron.” Hermione said all of a sudden as she erased out a word in Ron's essay.

Ron turned to her looking slightly suspicious.

“Why would you say that?” he said.

“W-What I'm trying to say is…” she took a deep breath, not looking at Ron. “…never mind.”

“Come off it,” said Ron, sounding a bit irritated. “Is there something going on between the two of you that I don't know about?”

Harry and Hermione turned their heads to Ron slowly. Harry wished they didn't do this since Ron's eyes widened.

“Oh, so there is something going on!” he triumphantly (Harry wondered why he sounded like this.) said. “Cough up!”

“N-Nothing is going on!” said Hermione squeakily. “I've never seen Harry the whole day!”

“The delicious steak in my tummy says you two are hiding something!” said Ron.

“We have nothing to hide from you, Ron.” Harry said. “You're stressed out from studying, I guess…”

“Fine,” said Ron, raising his hands in mock defeat. “Hide your secrets,” he smirked. “Because I'm going to find out about it soon anyway,”

“Here's your essay,” said Hermione quickly. “I-I crossed out a few things, I reckon you'll know what t-to do.”

“Thanks, Hermione.” Ron nodded and took the essay from her hands. “What would I do without you?”

Ron became absorbed on his essay. Harry looked at Hermione who was making an obvious in avoiding his eyes. She was boring into her essay even if he saw a clear view of it where her essay was finished. Hermione was running an inkless quill along it pretending to write.

A few hours has passed in silence. The only sound was Ron's scratching of his quill and the mumbling of the other Gryffindors around. Hermione stifled a yawn and stared into the crackling fire when the ten o'clock hour struck.

“Why don't you go to sleep?” said Ron, not looking at her.

“I'm fine,” said Hermione. “I really don't feel sleepy… yet.”

Harry knew what she was doing. She'd probably be going up to her dormitory if he wasn't discovered overhearing her. It was obvious that Hermione was waiting for Ron to go up to the dormitory leaving them two alone.

He could just go up to the dormitory now but what will happen? Will Hermione go up to the dormitory too? Harry looked around and his heart fell when he saw Neville, Dean and Seamus talking animatedly at the other side of the common room meaning that if he were to go up now, Hermione could go up and talk to him without being interrupted.

“Your hand is shaking, Harry,” said Ron, looking at him.

Harry saw his hand slightly shaking and held it. He just chuckled and told off Ron that he was just cold. Hermione took out her book in Arithmancy and started reading. Harry thought there was nothing better to do than to read his Transfiguration test.

“There!” said Ron before Harry could reach for his bag. “Check it, Hermione!”

It was unusual for Hermione to scan the essay quickly and tell Ron that it was perfect. She usual does a thorough search for any gaffes in essays she checks but in this case, she just shoved the essay under Ron's nose.

“You think its prefect?” said Ron, sounding pleased with himself. “Thanks, Hermione.”

Gladly, Ron didn't use his freedom from his essay to question Harry and Hermione about their unusual behavior tonight. He felt rather sleepy and started yawning constantly.

“I'm beat,” said Ron. “Hey guys, I'll turn in for the night. You coming, Harry?”

It was now or never.

“Sure, I - I kinda feel -“ he suddenly faked a big yawn and stretched, “ - sleepy too.”

Harry was expecting Hermione to say something but she didn't do anything while he packed his stuff away. He was too anxious to talk to her at the moment… what can they talk about anyway?

Harry slung the bag over his shoulder and without looking at Hermione (Not even biding her goodnight.) he was about to set off for the dormitory staircase when Hermione spoke.

“Harry?”

Harry and Ron stopped on their tracks and wheeled to her.

“Yeah?” Harry asked, rather forcefully.

He noticed how anxious she looked. She was fumbling her fingers and her face looked like as if she was concentrating on something very hard. He was wondering how could she speak without stammering.

“Remember that Defense Against the Dark Arts spell I asked you about? The Bombardment Charm? Yeah, I really had a hard time during Professor Dimitri's class last week, remember?” she turned pink, “I set my robes on fire?”

Harry looked at her incredulously, he remembered her blunder last week - it was the talk of the day, actually - but he specifically remembered that she mastered the Bombardment Charm the day after when it was he who taught Hermione in the common room back then. Not only that, she was using the exact same dialogue during the night after that disastrous incident right now.

“Can't it wait?” Harry asked, using the same response last week.

“Oh no,” said Hermione, “You see, I really need you to help me because - er - this is embarrassing… well, you're the only one I can turn to, Harry.”

When Hermione told him this last week, he felt a surge of pride with her words, but this time, he felt a feeling of fretfulness.

But he wasn't going to rewrite history.

“I'm sorry, Hermione… I just can't -“

“IT CAN'T WAIT, HARRY!” she bellowed, slamming her fist on the table. Harry and Ron jumped. Harry felt half-ashamed that the hairs at the back of his head were standing up on end. The half-empty common room silenced a bit. Hermione collected herself and started taking a deep breath. “I'm sorry,” she said in a forced calm way, “I almost lost myself there,”

“Almost?” Ron looked at her bemused. “You blew your top!”

“Look, Ron,” Harry turned to Ron, “I can't go up, I promised Hermione…” he gestured to her and mouthed to Ron that she is having Defense Against the Dark Arts trouble.

Ron nodded thoughtfully and without hesitation, he bade the two goodbye and climbed up the staircase to the boy's dormitory.

Harry wheeled to Hermione who was now looking at him with determination in her big brown eyes.

“I guess we will expect a nosebleed from me like last week?” Harry asked anxiously.

This made Hermione giggle a bit which made Harry sigh in relief.

“Don't worry, I'm quite adept now with Bombardment Charms… thanks to you…” she sighed. “And I had to find a way to get your attention…”

There was an awkward silence that met the two Gryffindors. Harry didn't meet Hermione's eyes as he was more interested with his shoelace.

Hmmm… never knew my shoelaces were that dirty.

He shook his head and made a furtive glance at Hermione, who was looking at the fire blankly.

“Er…” said Harry. “Your voice was nice…”

Hermione looked at him quickly. She was probably expecting the subject on what Harry saw at the library to come up later. Harry was taken aback when she turned a bright shade of pink.

“S-sorry?” she said in a loud whisper.

“I - I said your voice was nice… back there -“ he jerked his head to another direction, “- at the library…”

In all the years they've known each other, Harry felt like he hardly knew her tonight. There she was staring at him anxiously, looking pink in the face, her fingers fumbling on her lap and her intake of breath more obvious than usual. Hermione was never like this Harry…

Harry didn't meet her eyes again and decided to walk a little forward. He moved a bit and found himself pulling a seat and sitting at the table opposite of Hermione. They both sat there, looking at each other, wondering what will happen next.

“Y-you really thought so?” Hermione squeaked.

Harry nodded. He raised his eyebrows when he saw Hermione blush furiously as she bit her lower lip.

“I - I thought it was most beautiful sound I've heard -“ he gulped when he saw Hermione's redness turn redder than ever, “ - since the Fawkes' singing.”

Hermione made a shaky laugh that was close to a squeak but she didn't look at Harry after that. She seemed more interested to count the number of her fumbling fingers that to look at Harry.

“You really didn't have to say that…” said Hermione quietly.

“Why not?” Harry asked, sounding more confident.

“Because…” she looked up at him, Harry was thankful her face's redness started ebbing away. “…I'm really… erm… insecure about this, alright?”

“You shouldn't be!” said Harry, sounding aghast as he stood up and moved to sit beside Hermione. “I heard it, and I swear, I was mesmerized by your voice,” Harry smiled at her kindly. “It made me all… giddy inside…”

Harry made a double take at his words… giddy?

“Stop it!” said Hermione, hitting him on the forearm and hold her cheeks. “You must be joking, really!”

“I - I'm not!” said Harry hysterically. “Why else would I hide behind the bookshelf savoring your own rendition of `Part of Your World'?”

Hermione's eyes widened.

“You heard everything?” she said in the softest whisper she could muster. She was now not only red as an apple but her lip was trembling.

“No…” said Harry, looking away from her. He didn't want Hermione to be more embarrassed than she was now.

“Come off it!” squealed Hermione, sounding panicky in her voice. “Y-you must think I'm horrible, don't you?! You're just being polite!”

“You're not horrible, Hermione!” Harry protested. “Because if I did say you were horrible, I wouldn't be the guy who toppled off a bookshelf and chased out of the library a little later on.”

This didn't do well for Hermione since she was covering her face muttering to herself.

“Oh, my God… oh no…” she moaned. “This is so embarrassing…”

“Why?” Harry's eyebrows rose. “There's nothing to be ashamed of pure talent -“

“Oh, shut up!” said Hermione irritably.

“Don't deny that you're excellent in singing, Hermione,” said Harry, casting a serious look at her.

“I just love to sing… that's all…” Hermione looked away. “I just don't want anyone knowing that I can.”

“But why?” Harry asked. “You think we'll take the mickey out of you if we knew?”

“It's not that…” said Hermione. She looked at Harry. “It's just that… I don't know…” she poked the tips of her pointer fingers against each other. “…Oh, Harry…” she closed her eyes in a painful sort of way.

“What's wrong?” Harry asked warily.

“I don't want you and Ron to know because… it's traumatizing…”

“Why's that?”

“I don't want to talk about it,” said Hermione, wincing.

“And you expect me to back out and feel satisfied with your answer?” Harry grinned at her.

“It's embarrassing, okay?” she crossed her arms. “I just want to ask you a favor and that is not to tell anyone what you heard at the library, alright?”

Harry raised his eyebrows at her. Hermione then made a hurtful scoff and looked at him.

“You're going to tell people?” she asked.

“N-No,” said Harry, feeling rather bemused that Hermione sounded hurt. “I'm not going to tell anyone… but I can't imagine how your talent can be unheard of.”

“I don't have talent, Harry,” said Hermione.

“You do!” said Harry. “Don't tell me you were traumatized by losing to a singing contest back then.”

The instant red glow in Hermione's face and the way she took a deep breath quickly made Harry dawned a thought.

“Oh my Merlin,” he said, looking at her. “Y-you lost in a singing contest?”

Hermione didn't answer but Harry noticed her eyes looked watery as reflections of the fireplace reflected on her brown eyes. She looked sulky in her seat as she gazed at Harry.

“Not a contest, per se… more of a recital…” she moaned. ”It was a terrible day…” said Hermione quietly. “My school had a music recital back when I was a second grader…” she breathed heavily, “I - I was to sing `Over the Rainbow'…” she started sniffing as she pulled out a handkerchief. “But then when I went up the stage, my music teacher played the song on the grand piano… it was so big…” she added absently. “…but I froze in silence because there were lots of people! I saw the faces of my mum and dad, they were smiling at me, giving me confidence but I caved in and I… I…”

“What?” Harry pushed her on.

Hermione then spoke in a near cry and a whimper.

“I ran off the stage, stumbled on the microphone stand and fell -“ she blew her nose. “- down the stage!”

Harry was startled to see Hermione sobbing in her handkerchief.

“Not only that,” she turned into a shade of magenta. “T-That night… I-I was wearing a dress…” she took a deep breath and forced a smile. “…so you can imagine the -“ she then flipped her hand upward. “- the revealing nature of that fiasco when I fell off the stage…” She giggled furiously while she blushed.

“Oh God, Hermione…” said Harry, looking at her with newfound pity. “I'm sorry…”

“You don't have to be,” she said, smiling at him while she wiped her tears. “Ever since then, I keep my singing to myself because when someone praises me of my talent, they'll make me join contests and such… in fact, the one I mentioned was my first one…”

“Wow…” said Harry, having no idea what to say. “But it can't be any worse if it was me or Ron who heard you, can it?”

Hermione slowly broke into a smile.

“Maybe it wouldn't…” she said tracing her finger along the table surface. “But it's bothering me so much… since my mum and dad sent me an owl yesterday…”

The sad tone in Hermione's voice gave Harry a clue what the owl post contained.

“They put you up in another recital?” Harry asked.

“Yes… they reckoned that I was more mature enough to perform and not run off the stage,” she frowned. “I said `Yes' to them and somehow I feel like I regret it… the recital is this July… a month from now.”

“I wish I was there to see it.” Harry encouraged her.

This made Hermione frown for some reason. Harry wondered why but he figured that doing something that frightens you with the knowledge of your friends - the people who give you that confidence - aren't there…

“Me too,” said Hermione and smiled at Harry. “Speaking of which, I want you to not tell Ron… just you knowing about my singing is enough for me… can it be that way, Harry?” she looked at him. “Please?”

The test of their friendship was at bay. Harry simply smiled at her and nodded.

“Oh, Harry…” said Hermione, standing up and hugging him on his seat. She rested her chin on his untidy black hair while she wrapped her arms around him. “You're the best…”

Harry returned the hug by holding her forearm. There was a moment of silence between the two wherein the only sounds were Hermione's breathing.

“Erm… Hermione?” Harry asked, realizing how long it's been. “You can stop now.”

“Oh!” said Hermione and pulled away. “I'm sorry, Harry…” she smiled gingerly and sat back at her chair. “I get a bit carried away when I feel… you know…” she giggled.

“Insecure?” Harry smirked.

“Not really…” said Hermione.

“I see,” Harry nodded. “Do you know what song you'll sing for the recital?”

“I dunno,” said Hermione, looking at the fireplace. “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?”

Harry did a double take as he felt his heart leapt to his throat. Why did Hermione ask that?

“W-why - er - why did you ask that?” Harry gave her a look of apprehension at her.

“What, Harry?” Hermione gave him a perplexed look. “I asked you what?”

“J-just now,” said Harry. “Y-you asked if I…” he blushed a bit, and mumbled. “…If I could feel the love tonight…”

“Oh!” Hermione cried, covering her mouth and blushing. “I'm sorry! I - I was referring to the song, Harry! I thought you knew the name of the song!”

Cue to this, a sudden wave of relief and shame swept across Harry's face while he saw Hermione giggling at him. He made a nervous laugh.

“I - er - thought you asked… that…” he looked down at his lap, feeling red in the face.

“It's okay…” said Hermione kindly. “Everyone makes mistakes… I hope I won't do any mistake this July,” Hermione paused a bit and turned to Harry. “Er… Harry?

“Yeah?”

“Umm… is it okay if you like… erm… critique me?” she winced.

“Sorry, what?” Harry's brows furrowed at her.

“I mean, I have to practice for the July recital at my Muggle home and I'm quite conscious about things and I was wondering if you could see if I'm good enough,” said Hermione in a fast way.

“Er, sure. Why not?” said Harry. “Just tell me when you need me and I'll be there… not that I really know what's good singing or not,” he laughed.

They looked at each other and shared smiles.

“By the way…” said Hermione. “How did you know I was singing `Part of Your World'? I didn't expect the Dursleys to let you watch movies…”

“When I was nine years old,” said Harry. “There was a time the Dursleys had to take me with them to watch The Little Mermaid since they didn't trust me to be in the house alone,” he chuckled. “I enjoyed it.”

“I loved it… the songs can't escape me…” she grinned. “But you should watch The Lion King, it's one of the first movies that made me cry.”

“Don't make me feel bad that I'm being snubbed from Muggle movies, Hermione.” Harry laughed. “And I doubt Dudley will get into Disney movies at this rate…”

“I almost forgot…” said Hermione. “You lived your life as a Muggle too,” she smiled at him. “It's a pleasant thought though, knowing that someone will understand what I'm talking about when I talk about my home…”

Harry returned the grin and wheeled his head around the common room to see it was empty. A sudden thought occurred to him. But would she mind? Ever since the library incident, he's been keen to listen to her voice again…

“Hermione?” Harry eyed her.

“Hmm?” she raised her eyebrows.

“The common room is empty…” he hesitated a bit, sighed and continued. “…er… if it's not too much to ask - er…”

Harry gripped the arms of his chair and made a faux cough. He glanced at her and saw she was smirking.

“Let me guess…” she said slowly. “You want me to sing right now?”

There was no point beating around the bush.

“Yeah…” said Harry then added quickly, “but if you don't like to I completely understand-“

“Tale as old as time…” Hermione interjected Harry with a song. “True as it can be… barely even friends then somebody bends unexpectedly…”

Harry paused for a second. The most wonderful sound affected his own being that he couldn't do anything but sat back and smirked at her while she sang throughout the night…

- - -

It's been two weeks since Harry found out about Hermione's forte in singing. He never knew how pleasant it was to listen to her every time she asked him to listen to her in deserted classrooms every other day.

Harry didn't know why but every time she sang, he couldn't help but notice her singing movements as she did. She would sway slightly to the beat of her song, smile at him from time to time while she placed a hand on her rib and closing her eyes gently to the rhythm.

Some weird thoughts would enter Harry's mind whenever he'd listen to her while sitting behind a desk. As he listened to her voice, allowing her wonderful crooning penetrate his eardrums, he began to grow very fond of her. There are times when she came up to him and asked whether she should pronounce this word in the song like this or that, Harry would feel a sensation in his well being whenever she leaned on him. But he would have self-conflicts with himself that night reminding himself that he has always liked Hermione in a friendly way… it's just that damn singing is making him see an appealing quality in her that makes her attractive.

“Are you even listening, Harry?”

Harry turned to Hermione who was inches away from him. She was smirking at him with an amuse look on her face.

“Wha - ?” Harry blurted out rather stupidly.

“You're bored, aren't you?” Hermione frowned warily at him.

“N-No - no!” said Harry quickly. “I - I was just taking in the - er - performance you did - yeah…”

Hermione looked at him puzzlingly but shrugged.

“Anyway, I was wondering if you could sing this with me…” she asked slowly.

Harry gave Hermione a look of perplexing features. He can't even hold a note if his life depended on it. Hermione seem to have read his mind because she answered, “I guess not…”

She turned away from Harry and walked towards her bag. She pulled out a potion bottle with yellow liquid that gave Harry the impression that that bottle contained honey.

“I suppose you're not really a singer, right?” Hermione asked, sounding modest at best.

Harry nodded. He wasn't keen to sing in front of someone who was miles ahead of him in terms of skill in the craft.

“This will help,” she said happily, shaking the bottle in front of Harry. “The Great Book of Potions, Libations and Concoctions Where Every Single Recipe Is Complex Enough For The Simple Minded by Yousef Dimson says that this gives the drinker a limited time of having a melodious voice.”

“You memorized the name of the book?” Harry looked at her, astounded.

“Of course,” said Hermione distractedly. “Anyways, I made this potion weeks ago because I wanted to get use to singing again. I haven't sung on a regular basis for awhile so I decided it was best to make one just in case.”

“You're not going to use that during the actual recital, are you?” said Harry, looking at the bottle.

“Why would I?” Hermione's eyebrows disappeared behind her bangs. “I just made it just in case… it's like when I drink it, I have a benchmark on how good I should make my voice. Got it?”

“I guess…” said Harry, shrugging. “I think it's obvious that you want me to drink it, eh?”

Hermione nodded happily. Harry forced himself to not roll his eyes. This is ridiculous. There is no way he will sing right now.

“Erm…” Harry groaned.

“Oh come on, Harry!” said Hermione anxiously. “The program says I have a solo and a duet… I have no problem with the solo singing but I need someone to practice with in the duet.”

She was now tugging on Harry's robe sleeve. He looked at her in the eye and saw her eagerness. Harry despised himself for enjoying himself seeing Hermione tugging on his robes. Did it matter to him if he was going to embarrass himself?

“Alright,” said Harry. “Let me drink it,”

Without hesitation, Harry took a swig of the potion. Remembering his earlier observation, the potion indeed tasted like honey. His throat felt icy, as if someone pasted a mint leaf around his windpipe.

“How will I know it worked?” Harry asked, shaking off this feeling.

“Sing,” Hermione rolled her eyes. ”Here, this is my duet piece…”

She handed him a piece of paper that had a staff, musical notes and lyrics that aligned below the staff. Harry remembered his music classes back at Muggle primary school. He wondered why the recital committee was obsessed with songs from Disney.

“'A Whole New World'?” said Harry, looking at Hermione. “What's with the plethora of Disney songs?”

“That's the theme of the recital,” said Hermione in a matter-of-fact tone. “I can't blame them, I love Disney… I wanted to do `Colors of The Wind' for the solo but I'm stuck with `Part of Your World'.”

“At least you're brilliant with `Part of Your World'…” Harry smirked at her and looked at back at the piece. “I never got to watch them all apart from The Little Mermaid,” said Harry. “But I know this song… I just never got around listening to it…”

“It's easy,” said Hermione, smiling. “It begins with the male singer singing, I can show you the world…” she sang, “Shining, shimmering, splendid… tell me, princess, now when did you last let your heart decide? See? You try…”

Harry's face felt hot. This was it… he felt nervous while reading the lyrics. He looked at the notes to see how the song will go but he remembered he wasn't adept at sight-singing. He didn't do much but a nervous chuckle.

“Don't be shy,” said Hermione, giggling. “The potion will make you sound good… now quick, the effect wear off so every minute counts!”

Harry coughed. He swallowed a bit of air into his throat… he made another cough and glanced at Hermione who was waiting for him. This was it… he was going to sing.

“I can show you world,” Harry sang. His eyes widened, his voice was the same as usual but there was something harmonious in his voice when he sang. It wasn't spectacular but at least he can hold a note.

“Excellent, the potion worked!” Hermione smirked. “Go on!”

“Shining, shimmering, splendid… tell me, princess, now when did you last let your heart decide? - Hermione, I can't do this!” Harry suddenly blurted out, feeling hot in the collar. He was feeling rather pleased with himself but in the same time, he felt he wanted to hide under a cupboard from public.

Hermione laughed.

“You're blushing! Oh, Harry… don't worry, it's only me!” she patted him on the shoulder, “You're doing well! Just sing the next verse with the same tone, alright? There's nothing to be afraid of…”

“Yeah, yeah…” said Harry, feeling half-ashamed of himself. “I-I'll start from the top…”

Harry sighed, looked at the piece and began to sing the next verse.

“I can open your eyes, take you wonder by wonder… Over, sideways and under on a magic carpet ride… A whole new world,” he took a gulp of air and noticed Hermione was smiling at him. “A new fantastic point of view… No one to tell us no or where to go or say we're only dreaming ­-“

“A whole new world…” Hermione sang, interjecting Harry. Harry turned to her to see her winking at him. “A dazzling place I never knew but when I'm way up here, it's crystal clear that now I'm in a whole new world with you…”

The next hour, Harry helped Hermione with her piece that he enjoyed himself with the singing. Who could've thought that singing was a waste of time? He may have no natural talent but as long as he had the potion effect on him, he can sing happily. The two took turns to sing their parts and they would sing the song over and over again, enjoying each other's company. During the last fifteen minutes before curfew, the two sat back to back on one of the desks and sang the last part of the song.

“A whole new world -“ sang Harry.

“- Every turn a surprise -“ Hermione sang seamlessly.

“With new horizons to pursue -“

“- Every moment gets better -“

“I'll chase them anywhere,” they sang in unison. “There's time to spare, let me share this whole new world with you…”

Harry took a deep breath and crooned, “A whole new world…”

“- A whole new world -“ Hermione followed.

“ - That's where we'll be -“

“ - That's where we'll be -“

“A thrilling chase,” Harry sang soothingly.

“A wondrous place…” Hermione paused and in unison, they sang, “For you and… me…”

Harry heard Hermione squeal in happiness and felt her arms wrap around him from behind.

“You did great!” she cried and pulled away from him. “Thank you, Harry… you know, it'll be weird that when I go home, I'll be practicing with another boy.”

The happy balloon inside Harry shrunk a bit while he sat on the desk. He just only remembered… he was having so much fun singing that he forgot he wasn't going up on a stage and perform. That it wasn't he who's going up to the stage in Hermione's recital but someone else… the thought made Harry feel a small twinge of jealousy.

“Y-yeah, it will be weird, indeed.” Harry stuttered. “Erm… when will the potion's effect wear off?”

“Twenty-four hours,” said Hermione. “You were great, Harry… I never knew a singing Harry would sound so pleasant.”

Harry felt his heart race a bit. She thought he was great. It didn't matter if some boy will be singing with her, he sang with her first and that's what mattered.

“I have to admit, we had a lot of practice than usual,” Hermione chuckled as she stuffed the potion bottle, her piece, and Harry's copy of the song into her bag. “But then again…” she turned and walked to Harry. “Thank you so much, Harry…” she held his face with her hands. “I feel more confident than I ever had in awhile…”

She gave Harry a hug that Harry took in a new light… he didn't just saw it as a hug from Hermione but a hug that's so special as the moment they had tonight…

“I wish you were there,” said Hermione quietly on Harry's shoulder. “Ron could come too if ever,” she chuckled.

Harry did not answer. He just hugged her tightly. He couldn't help how uneasy he felt feeling this way… he stared into space while his head rested on her shoulder. Harry knew he loved Hermione as a friend… he was sitting there… feeling this emotion of wholeness singing with her.

The way they sang together harmoniously. The chemistry between the two of them was amazing that Harry almost forgot he wasn't going to perform in her duet. For a fleeting moment, right there in that deserted classroom, he admitted to himself that he wished he was with Hermione for the remaining part of the term.

“Harry?” Hermione pulled away and looked up at Harry. “Are you alright? You seem pretty quiet.”

Harry shook his head smiled at her to assure her that he was okay. Gladly, Hermione smiled back and to his pleasure, she kissed him on the cheek and she turned her attention to her schoolbag. Harry pretended he was wiping his face to hide his furious blush on his face.

“It's almost nine,” said Hermione, looking at her wristwatch. “We should go now or else Filch will catch us, I doubt a song will ease his beastly self.”

Hermione, followed by Harry, left the deserted classroom and into the corridors that were now slowly extinguishing themselves to blackness for the upcoming curfew. Harry and Hermione climbed upward through the staircase where an unwitting Hermione was aware that Harry was humming the song they sang a few minutes ago as they went.

- - -

“A whole new world -“

“- Every turn a surprise -“

“With new horizons to pursue…”

“- Every moment gets better -“

“I'll chase them anywhere, there's time to spare… let me share, this whole new world with you…”

Hermione looked beyond her microphone and saw the large crowd before her. She closed her eyes and remembered the way she practiced the final part with Harry… she imagined that night when they practiced…

“A whole new world…” crooned her singing partner.

“A whole new world…” she followed.

“That's where we'll be…”

“That's where we'll be…”

“- A thrilling chase -“

“A wondrous place…” Hermione sang. She could almost feel Harry's back pressing onto hers as if he was there right now singing with her just like how they practiced.

“For you…” sang the two singers. “…and me…”

Hermione heard the band playing the outro of the song as the crowd broke into an ear-deafening applause. Hermione bowed down with her partner and smiled broadly. Her parents were there, beaming at her proudly. She finally did it… she didn't run away like last time… she did her solo singing piece which was “Part of Your World” and now, at last, she executed her duet piece.

Ignoring the host speaking into the microphone remarking their performance, she looked up at the open night sky and started wondering…

Thank you, Harry… she said in her mind and smiled at the thought that Harry might be looking up at the same sky.

- - -

“WHERE'S MY WALKMAN?!” yelled Dudley's voice. “I know I left it here! I need it to listen to this band!”

“Don't worry, Dudders,” said the trembling voice of Aunt Petunia, “We'll find it soon enough! Just relax now…”

Harry heard the distant sound of rummaging from downstairs while he made a mischievous smirk to himself in his bedroom in Number Four, Privet Drive.

The time Harry sang with Hermione was the last time he saw her practiced since she told him she was going to be busy with exams so he didn't quite see her often due to her moving around the school to find teachers. But at best, he kept himself up to be with her most of the time, making her feel comforted which she enjoyed.

He didn't know why or how but during the remaining of the school year, he couldn't stop himself from pushing his affections towards Hermione. He absently wrote her name at the back of his notebook which Hermione caught and he lied to her that he was writing names of people he helped in the past month. The following week before their last day of classes, he was keen to be with her the whole time.

It was inevitable… through the craft of notes, vocals and solfeggio, he developed the fondness of his best friend whom he now wished was with him right now… well, he's going to the Burrow next week and Ron reckoned that Hermione will be there… he will probably tell her how he feels by then.

Smiling at that thought, he placed the headphones of Dudley's Walkman on his ears, lay down on his bed and listened to “A Whole New World” while looking up at the night sky thinking whether Hermione was looking at the same sky as he was…

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