Harry Potter H&Hr Fluff Collection

XXXI

Lapsus Animus

“Harry James Evans Potter!” Hermione shouted angrily as her voice carried across the courtyard. Everyone present turned their heads in dramatic fashion as Harry spun on his heel and winced at Hermione's presence. It registered to him how everyone in the courtyard was looking at them. Hermione traipsed down the courtyard, stomping on the grass as her feet carried her. Without a single explanation, not even a breath of hesitation, she raised her hand and slapped Harry across the face.

A chorus of distant “Ooooohs” echoed across the yard as Harry felt the hot pain on his cheek throbbed furiously. His vision blurred a bit due to his eyes watering. He looked at Hermione, feeling emotionally hurt that Hermione resulted in hurting him physically…. It wasn't his fault.

“Hermione!” said Ron, angrily at her. “I know you are sore at him but that was totally uncalled for!”

She pulled out her wand instantly and pointed her wand at Ron.

“Mind your own business, Ronald!” she spat.

Ron flinched. Talking Hermione out of something is one thing but going to the point where she'll hex you if you were in between her prey was almost dumb to execute. Hermione turned her wand on Harry.

“I told you that you weren't supposed to tell me off!” she hissed. “You made me touch my cauldron for stupid reasons!”

“It wasn't his fault, Hermione!” said Ron.

“Do you want me to make you into Ron En Flambé?!” she pointed her wand, her eyes bulging madly at him. “Because I wouldn't hesitate to do so!”

“Hermione!” Ron yelled, sounding both scared and determined. “I - I don't think you would want that!”

“Of course I wouldn't!” she roared. “But if it wasn't for Harry over here -” she gestured to Harry, who was staring at her angrily. “ - the cauldron would've not toppled over and destroy all of my school things AND get me in trouble!”

“But was that worth a slap?” said Ron, trying to sound reasonable as he was already aware how Hermione's wand was lowering a bit. Hermione bit her lower lip angrily and glanced at Harry. It was pretty obvious that she was already regretting in slapping him.

“If Harry just listened to me!” said Hermione, shaking off the remorseful thoughts. “If he just did then -”

“It's just a stupid cauldron,” said Harry darkly at her, his anger getting the best of him, “In fact, I toppled it over by accident - but yeah, you were probably jumping on the balls of your feet trying to get Professor Slughorn his attention so you can show him how big-headed and brainy you are!”

Harry wanted to clap his mouth shut but the poisonous look on his bookish best friend made him grimace. In a split second, she raised her wand.

“J-JUST A COULDRON?!” she cried and without a word uttered from her lips, she shot bluebell flames with her wand. “AND I AM NOT BIG-HEADED!!”

Harry's quick reflexes made him dodge a tongue of blue flames and he landed on his back. He quickly stood up and surveyed Hermione cautiously.

“Oh, my Merlin,” Ron gasped, who has took a step backward. Everyone in the courtyard was now almost gathering around them. “Hermione… don't!”

Feeling rather stupid for doing it, Harry turned on his heel and ran out of the courtyard as more tongues of bluebell flame zipped passed him. He jumped transversely over the low wall that divides the courtyard and the covered catwalk that wreathes around the quad. Harry walked down the catwalk and found himself in a high-ceiling hallway that led to the Owlery. In passing, Harry noticed how very old and rickety the bricked ceiling was. He looked behind and saw Hermione walking towards him shooting another bluebell flame at him.

“Hermione!” he heard Ron yell behind her. “You're acting like a madwoman!”

Harry quickly hid behind a suit of armor as the bluebell flame whipped passed him. He got out of cover and saw Hermione a few feet away from him, aiming her wand. Ron gradually stopped and panted. Harry was quite glad the crowd from the courtyard didn't follow them.

“Hermione…” said Harry slowly. “I - I don't want you to do anything against the rules, alright?”

“Come off it,” spat Hermione, “We broke rules before and I'm not -“

“I can't lie, Hermione!” said Harry loudly. “I - I'm mortified! I - I really, really don't want to get hexed from you right now.”

Hermione did not move and aimed her wand at him. Harry took a deep breath. He knew Hermione… all he needed to do was to talk her out of it.

“I - I don't really want to fight you,” said Harry, breathlessly.

“Come on, Hermione!” Ron pleaded from behind. “He's already trying to apologize! And for the last time the cauldron toppling over wasn't his fault!”

For some reason that Harry will probably never know, Hermione's face screwed in anger.

“Lacarnum Inflamarae!” she yelled.

“Protego!” Harry countered as a barrier bounced the bluebell flame upward. The flame violently hit the rickety ceiling that in a sudden fraction of a second, Harry saw a loose brick fall out of one of the seams above and down to the ground. To his utter horror, the brick fell with such impact velocity that Harry was surprised how a brownish blur materialized in mid-air. It was only a few seconds when Harry saw the brick fall towards the spot where Hermione is at the moment.

Clunk!

It occurred to Harry that he and Ron just stood there in utmost horror. Their jaws had dropped at the sight of the brick hitting Hermione square on the head a few moments before she fell on her face and lost consciousness. The two just stood there, horrorstruck. It felt almost like forever until one of them finally got out of their shock trance.

“Is she… alive?” said Ron almost randomly.

Harry rushed to her and rolled her over. He grimaced to see Hermione's head bleeding severely. He held her up and held her wrist. Fortunately, he felt the beating of a pulse.

“She's alive, Ron.” Harry breathed. He stroked a lock of brown hair out of her face and wiped the trickling blood out of her forehead. “Oh, God - I'm so sorry, Hermione!” he cried.

“It wasn't your fault, Harry,” said Ron lackadaisically. “She drew the first blood,”

“Yes but if it wasn't for my Shield Charm she wouldn't be like this!” he stared at her helplessly. “Wake up, Hermione!” he shook her awake. Hermione was just there, looking lifeless. “Hermione!!” Harry shook her almost violently.

“Harry! You might hurt her!” said Ron, holding Harry's shoulder before he could any further damage to Hermione. “We can just take her to hospital wing, alright?”

“Y-yeah,” said Harry, looking horrified. “I - I just… Oh, God… Hermione… I'm sorry…”

He couldn't believe it! Harry swore in his mind as he observed Hermione's knocked out state. He felt guilty when he caused Hermione her Potions performance grade but to add to her grief by knocking her out completely? Hermione was clearly having a bad day.

“Come on,” said Ron, standing up, and rounded around Harry. “We can take her to the hospital wing - Harry!” he yelled, seeing Harry's distractedly panicked face. Harry shot out of his reverie and nodded to Ron.

Harry carefully pulled Hermione to full height and placed her arm around his shoulder while he held her around the waist. Ron mimicked Harry and it wasn't too long that they carried her off to the hospital wing minutes later where Madam Pomfrey was tending to a couple of Ravenclaw first years.

“Madam Pomfrey?” Harry called from the threshold.

Madam Pomfrey didn't do anything more but an eyebrow raiser. One of the best things about her was that she hardly asked questions about how or why you got into some magical malady or accident. It was like her own being was set to heal the patient, earn her wages, no questions asked. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case.

“What on earth happened to Miss Granger?!” she asked, looking aghast at Hermione's head which had a patch of crimson among her bushy brown hair.

“A - a brick fell on her,” Harry explained. “I-it was an accident! We could've revived her but we weren't keen to let her wake up when her head is bleeding.”

“Then come on - come on - !” said Madam Pomfrey impatiently. She turned to the two Ravenclaws and told them something about rubbing the orange paste to their bite wounds twice a day before they left. Harry and Ron toiled as they carried Hermione to a nearby bed. After placing her there carefully, Madam Pomfrey trudged towards them and observed Hermione.

“Will she be alright?” Ron asked anxiously.

“Of course she will,” said Madam Pomfrey, not keeping her eyes off Hermione. Harry and Ron observed silently as Madam Pomfrey lifted Hermione's eye lids to see her chocolate brown eyes with a lit wand. “She just got a crack on the skull - I can mend it within seconds so don't you worry.”

Harry and Ron exchanged looks of relief. For a moment there, Harry thought he did massive damage there. Madam Pomfrey lightly tapped the crimson patch on Hermione's head. Harry winced when he heard a sickening crackling sound as her skull repaired itself. Madam Pomfrey then muttered an incantation to stop the bleeding and waved her wand as the residue of blood around Hermione's head disappeared as if there was some invisible drainage on her head. Harry realized that the brick hit her around the left temple the moment Madam Pomfrey pulled Hermione's hair aside. He winced when he saw a deep cut as long as half a pencil streaked across Hermione's temple.

“The cut isn't too serious,” said Madam Pomfrey, registering Harry's and Ron's grimaces. “All I have to do is -” she flicked her wand. “- do a little wave.”

It almost looked sickening to see the wound knitting itself. Harry elbowed Ron when he made a look as if he was about to vomit. After the wound was sealed, Madam Pomfrey waved her wand as a bottle of alcohol drenched the sealed wound. Harry thought he saw Hermione's lip twitch for a split second. Another wave of the wand and a bottle of dark red colored medicine saturated a piece of cloth. Harry looked on as the cloth started dabbing Hermione's wound lightly. After a few seconds, Madam Pomfrey finally applied a bandage over her left temple, concealing the wound at last.

“Now all she need is sleep,” said Madam Pomfrey briefly. “If ever she does wake up less than she needs to, the pain from what I just did will traumatize her so I recommend you make her have good sleep for a good thirty or forty minutes. Afterwards, I'll be diagnosing on her status.”

Without a word to let out, the matron nodded to Harry and Ron and left for her office at the backroom. Harry and Ron slowly sat on either side of Hermione's bed. They were glad it was the end of Friday classes. They could stay here without worrying about anything but curfew.

Ron stared at the bandage, probably trying to imagine he could see through it. Harry bit his lower lip guiltily. It was because of him that Hermione was here… he knew perfectly well that Hermione was having the worst day of the year and he had to add himself to the list on why. A feeling of dread rose when he remembered that Hermione was supposed to knit elf hats tonight. She always enjoyed knitting them and he recalled her saying that she couldn't wait to knit hats so she can forget about this horrible day. But after what happened, this won't be the case.

“Hermione is going to kill me,” Harry muttered so Ron wouldn't hear.

“Come off it,” said Ron, who apparently heard Harry, “She slapped you first… what's there to be guilty about?”

“It doesn't matter,” Harry argued. “If I didn't do the Shield Charm -“

“Don't be hard on yourself, Harry,” said Ron reasonably. “We both know that if Hermione just kept her cool, she wouldn't be in this state!”

Harry didn't answer. He didn't like to admit it but Ron was right. If it wasn't for Hermione's bluebell flames, she wouldn't be like this. But he was the reason it backfired… he aimed the shield upward so it could bounce off the ceiling and behind Hermione to avoid damage.

“Let's just… forget it,” said Harry. “I just want to know that Hermione is alright… I hope she will be alright by tomorrow. A Hogsmeade trip will help her ease some depression out of her system…”

Harry reached and pulled the sheets to cover Hermione hoping that the next time she wakes up, she will be alive enough to hex him across the Atlantic Ocean.

* * *

Forty-five minutes has passed when Madam Pomfrey got out of office to tell the boys that she was going to check on Hermione's state. Doing this, however, made Madam Pomfrey request to Harry and Ron to not be near Hermione at the moment while she made her diagnosis. Ron protested but finally gave in after Harry talked him into giving the matron some space finding themselves pacing at the other side of the hospital wing's beds.

The curtains that were drawn around Hermione whipped as Madam Pomfrey came out, looking calm. Harry and Ron rushed to her but before they could throw questions at her, Madam Pomfrey lifted her hands to silence them.

“It just so happens,” she said calmly, “that Miss Granger has not only suffered a damaged skull but also a damaged a part of her brain,”

Harry's jaw dropped. He felt Ron nudge him in the ribs to get his reverie out of his mind so he can listen further to Madam Pomfrey's statements.

“You don't have to worry,” said Madam Pomfrey. “It is not serious but I won't guarantee you that it will completely heal. Either way of the cure, we could be facing permanent damage or otherwise.”

A strong feeling of guilt and defiance to himself rose inside Harry. If the permanent damage gave in, who knows what could happen. Will Hermione lose the intelligence she is known for? Will she be mentally unstable? Harry wanted to grab a brick and whack his head so he can endure the pain with her but will it work?

“Y-you can fix that, can't you?” said Ron, snapping Harry out of his reverie.

“Oh, of course I can but a single flick of the wand can't repair mental stabilities -“

“You said you can fix her!” Ron asked incredulously.

“Let me finish, Mister Weasley!” Madam Pomfrey snapped. “Anyway, I still need Miss Granger to further my observations to see any other possible damage. Do I make myself clear?

Harry and Ron nodded halfheartedly.

“B-but,” said Ron, staring at the curtains. “What will we do till then?”

“Well,” said Madam Pomfrey, “I suggest you have to wait until I call your attention.”

“B-but she will be alright, right?” Harry asked nervously.

“Of course she will,” said Madam Pomfrey. “Let's just hope my theory on permanent damage won't come true. All I need from you two is your patience.”

Harry looked skeptical but finally agreed to wait. Madam Pomfrey told them they can remain for night until curfew to watch over Hermione if they want to. After leaving them alone with Hermione, Harry and Ron approached behind the curtains to find Hermione fast asleep.

The next hour was quite uneventful. The two boys stared at their girl best friend with so much worry. Harry wished he could just snap her out of her sleep but the possible thought of bringing further damage to her made him think twice. He just sat there on a stool, stroking Hermione's hand worriedly. Dinnertime was already upon them and Ron's stomach began to grumble.

“Harry, we better go down to grab a bite,” said Ron.

Harry ignored him. He sat beside Hermione's bed and just looked at her, hoping she will wake up.

“C'mon, Harry,” said Ron. “For the last time, it's not your fault that Hermione is like this. Just… get over it, will you?”

Harry glanced at Ron and looked back at Hermione again. It was true but he didn't want to leave Hermione here… it almost felt like he should starve with her.

“Just go ahead, I'll… catch up.”

Ron shrugged and left the hospital wing leaving Harry alone with a slumbering Hermione. Harry was clueless on what he was going to do now. Frankly, he was hungry but he wouldn't want to leave Hermione even after he blamed himself for making her like this. In retrospect though, Harry thought he should be watching out for himself and not to mention that he had to finish two long essays if he wanted to make the grade for Auror.

“I'm so sorry, Hermione…” said Harry softly, and squeezed her hand tightly. He stood up and whispered to her, “I'll just take a bite to eat, alright? I'll be back for you as soon as I can…”

Leaning in to give her an affectionate one-arm hug, Harry moved a lock of her hair from her face and made his way to the Great Hall for dinner. He met Ron during dinner and told him that Hermione was fine and sleeping soundly as they ate. Ron reckoned that they should visit her after dinner which Harry agreed to only if they work on their essays tonight. His leverage to make Ron agree to this was saying that Hermione would've wanted to see them finish their homework if she was still awake.

After dinner, the two went up to the hospital wing to see Madam Pomfrey drawing curtains around Hermione's bed.

“I'm sorry boys but I have to conceal Miss Granger from the public due to her condition,” she said apologetically to them.

Harry nudged Ron on the ribs before he could protest.

“Erm - can we at least see her before we get back to the common room?”

Luckily, the matron allowed them to see her behind the curtain. Hermione was still sleeping soundly and in the same position Harry recalled her being in. He smiled seeing her sleeping figure breath slowly.

“I wonder how she never snores,” said Ron darkly and turned to Harry. “What do you reckon?”

“Reckon what?”

“Reckon on if her smarts are damaged? That will be a real blow to her character…” said Ron.

“Let's pray that won't happen,” said Harry quietly. “You and I both know that that is why we like her so much.”

“I know,” said Ron, wincing. “I'm just glad she won't get any worse than she is right now.”

“You might speak too soon,” said Harry warily. He recalled how saying one can't get any worse tends to backfire drastically but then again, he's been listening to too much of Dudley's TV shows.

“Boys,” said Madam Pomfrey from outside the curtains.

Harry nodded to Ron. The two bade the snoozing Hermione goodbye and they left for the Gryffindor common room to work on their hellish essays. The thing for Harry was that it wasn't the fact he had a hard time writing them was his problem but it was how bad he felt that he was the reason Hermione missed this night where she fancied knitting elf hats after the terrible day she had. It wasn't too long until he felt sleepy and he and Ron finally turned in where Harry laid on his bed where the guilt in his heart wasn't put to rest.

* * *

“Harry, wake up!”

Harry opened his eyes slowly to see Ron prodding him awake urgently.

“Whazzgoinon?” he said groggily.

He reached for his glasses and put him on to see Ron's imperative expression.

“What is it Ron?” said Harry sleepily. He looked at his clock to see it was only quarter pass six. “It's too early for a Saturday -“

“It's Hermione,” said Ron. “Madam Pomfrey brought her here just now. She said she has something urgent to tell us.”

Without a word, Harry sprung from his bed and got ready. The two made their way to the common room where Madam Pomfrey was standing in the center. A small group of first years where watching curiously from the portrait hole as they clambered out.

“What is it?” Harry asked immediately, still feeling the morning bulge on his head. “Where's she?”

“She is alright,” said Madam Pomfrey. “I come here to tell you that she hasn't suffered any permanent damage.”

A strong wave of relief hit Harry like a gust of wind. She wasn't going to lose her intelligence after all!

“So she's alright then?” Harry asked happily. “Nothing to worry about, I hope?”

“Oh no,” said Madam Pomfrey, frowning. “There's another case we have to deal with, Mister Potter.”

The matron turned to the direction of one of the squashy armchair where Harry was surprised to see Hermione standing behind looking extremely shy and slightly pink in the face. Harry noticed that the bandage on her forehead was gone.

“Oh, don't be afraid, dear,” Madam Pomfrey said kindly. “Come, I want you to meet someone.”

It was weird for Madam Pomfrey to say this. Harry and Ron looked dumbfounded at why Madam Pomfrey was talking to Hermione like this. Harry was about to greet her but she quickly walked forward to stand behind Madam Pomfrey.

“What it blazes?” Ron asked.

Harry's face contorted with confusion. What was wrong with Hermione? Why was she acting like this?

“What's wrong?” Harry asked urgently, desperate to find out what happened to Hermione overnight.

“Boys,” said Madam Pomfrey, turning to them. “I am sad to tell you this but the damage that has been done Miss Granger brought her to a - er - short-term memory loss - “

“WHAT?!” Harry and Ron yelled in unison. Madam Pomfrey raised her hands to silence them.

“Don't panic!” she said irritably. “Mind you, I said short-term memory loss! She won't have it forever. There is a cure to this -“

“Then let's do it then!” said Ron quickly.

“Yeah,” said Harry, guilt-ridden. “The sooner, the better.”

“Of course but we have to wait until tomorrow Sunday for the cure from St. Mungos to arrive. I -“ she quickly raised her hands to them before they could protest, “ - trust you can wait that long?”

The two boys exchanged looks and turned to Hermione. She had her head bowed down looking lost and withdrawn while she twiddled her thumbs idly.

“B-but if she has amnesia,” said Harry croakily. “How much memory has she lost?”

“I'm afraid that she is completely oblivious of everything around her,” said Madam Pomfrey sadly. “But I assure you that she still knows her basic knowledge of the world like reading, speaking, walking and the like. Surprisingly, she knows what a wand is…”

Harry sighed in relief. He didn't know why but he had a hard time swallowing a gulp of air that was now bouncing around his throat. The feeling of anxiety towards his best friend's amnesic state made him feel guiltier than before.

This was his fault! If it wasn't for his stupid Shield Charm, Hermione would've not been like this! Harry craned his neck to the right to get a better glimpse of Hermione but the moment she caught his eye, she moved aside to hide behind Madam Pomfrey.

“So what now?” Ron asked.

“Well, Miss Granger is well enough to walk around now I don't see it fitting for her to remain in the hospital wing any longer…” she said, “I suggest that she will be under your guard since I trust that you two will take care of her taking in the fact that I know you would willingly do so?”

“Of course we will!” said Harry, feeling more eager than Madam Pomfrey expected him to be. “It won't be that hard, right?”

“Yeah but…” said Ron, looking at Hermione. “Won't it be awkward?”

“With a little introduction, Hermione won't be a problem with you two,” said Madam Pomfrey kindly as moved aside and led Hermione to be in front of Harry and Ron.

“Don't be shy now, Miss Granger. I want you to meet these two nice gentlemen,” she said kindly to Hermione who slightly winced and slowly waved at them timidly. “Meet Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter.”

Harry and Ron awkwardly greeted her. It was surprising for her to sway to the left and to the right while she looked at the ground. Harry felt a surge of pity for her.

“Miss Granger?” said Madam Pomfrey, “These two are your friends. Remember when I said I'll bring you to good people?”

Hermione looked at Pomfrey and nodded quickly. In a new light, Harry found it quite pitifully adorable for her to be this way. Madam Pomfrey gave a try-to-greet-her face to the Harry and Ron.

“Er - hi,” said Ron, trying to break the ice. “You can call me Ron.”

Hermione smiled weakly at Ron and when her eyes rested on Harry, she bit her lower lip at him.

“You can call me Harry, Hermione,” he said ineptly.

To his surprise, Hermione's cheeks turned bright red and turned away from him. She looked back at him and waved at him with her fingers as she giggled nervously.

Harry stared at Ron incredulously but met nothing from Ron but a shrug. He looked dumbstruck as he was at Hermione's reaction.

“I guess you can take it from here, yes?” Madam Pomfrey asked.

“Yeah, we can,” said Ron. “Thanks, Madam Pomfrey.”

Madam Pomfrey nodded to them and made her exit to the portrait hole. When it was already the three of them, Harry and Ron looked at Hermione who had her head bowed down. She was swaying slightly to the side as if waiting for something to happen.

“So… you know your name is Hermione Granger?” Ron asked.

Hermione looked up at them and nodded quickly.

“Well,” said Harry, “Hi, Hermione.”

Hermione chuckled nonchalantly and suddenly blushed. She gazed at Harry briefly and stared avidly at her shoes.

“Er… hi,” she finally said in a soft, gentle voice.

Harry and Ron looked at each other.

“Why don't we sit down?” suggested Ron, looking from Harry to Ron.

Harry gestured Hermione to the squashy armchair to her right and she looked at it and looked at him questioningly before sitting down. Harry and Ron took a seat on the couch in front of the armchair Hermione sat.

“Well then,” said Ron, looking at Hermione. “Are you alright?”

Hermione nodded.

“Need anything?”

She shook her head slowly.

“I see,” said Ron, looking at Harry and whispered to him. “What do you reckon we should do?”

“I think we should just keep her company,” said Harry conclusively, “It's the best thing to do, right?”

“Yeah,” said Ron.

They turned to see Hermione reaching out to a metal box filled with chocolates on a side table beside her. She reached out for the top one and looked at it. Hermione unwrapped and sniffed the chocolate before eating it. The two boys looked in amusement as she chewed unwittingly, looking around the common room with interest. Her eyes met with Harry's and stopped her chewing as she blushed furiously at him.

The quick nudge from Ron made Harry look away from Hermione.

“Harry,” said Ron, “May I speak with you?”

Harry gave Ron a skeptical look but agreed to talk to him. They excused themselves to Hermione and they walked away from earshot. Ron turned to Harry immediately and spoke.

“Harry…” he said in a dead serious voice. “I think we have a problem…”

“What?” Harry asked, looking at Hermione who was taking another piece of chocolate.

“Don't you see?” Ron said, gesturing to Hermione.

“See what?”

Ron neared Harry and said in a low voice.

“I think she fancies you…”

It took a good, long second for that to sink in. Harry blinked at Ron's serious face. He thought he was joking but the glint of seriousness in Ron's blue eyes made Harry's green ones widened with shock and discomfited repulsion.

“Are you mad?!” said Harry defensively, his mind's eye already seeing disturbing images. “Why would you say a think like that?! You are mental, Ron!”

“Hey, easy now,” said Ron curtly, eyeing Harry warily. “I'm just saying since -“ he gestured to Hermione who was taking in a third piece of chocolate in her mouth, “- she seems to get flustered a lot when she looks at you.”

A prickling feeling traveled under Harry's neck as he realized how hot it felt around his collar. Now that Ron mentioned it, he also noticed how Hermione acted peculiar to him with her sheer shyness a little while ago.

But he wasn't going to tell Ron that. What mattered right now that it was all rubbish. Hermione could be just really nervous around people she doesn't know thanks to her amnesic state.

“That's pure rubbish, Ron.” said Harry at once.

“Don't deny it, Harry!” said Ron urgently. “You have to watch out for yourself because amnesic Hermione likes you. I mean she really, really likes you!”

He couldn't help but open his mouth slightly at how awkward this sounded. He wanted to punch Ron in the face.

“B-but why are you so alarmed by this?” Harry asked, before he could stop himself.

“Well - I'm just saying - if she gets too fond of you, things will lead to another and you might return these feelings -“ he then quickly added at the sight of Harry's bulging eyes, “- but if the cure comes she might completely forget those feelings!”

“But the thing is that I don't and I shall not have those feelings, Ron!” he said defiantly. “And how are you so sure Hermione has them now?!”

“Calm down, won't you?!” said Ron, flailing his arms. “I'm just saying she is infatuated with you!”

“Oh, bollocks!” said Harry irritably, feeling both ashamed and awkward. “I - I can't imagine you'd think that! Hermione is like a sister to me! I see her as if she was my little sister!”

“Well Harry,” said Ron wryly, “If you allow me, I think there's a bit of a catch because in my professional and genuine Weasley opinion,” he added with mock grace, “If you do claim Hermione is like your `sister'” he did the quote-and-quote gesture with his two hands. “I can sense a bit of contradiction to your statement since firstly, you seem to think your so-called sister is cute and pretty with the air of a thousand nightingales and…!” he raised a finger triumphantly, “Secondly, if you surely think that she is what you say she is, it's quite inappropriate that your so-called sister seems to have a crush on you - !”

Without warning, Harry lightly smacked Ron on the cheek.

“You slapped me!” Ron cried in shock.

“Shush, Ron!” said Harry angrily, pointing to him defiantly. “Just shut up! Don't say anything like that, at all - be quiet!”

Harry was blushing furiously. The words that issued from Ron's lips were almost mind-boggling that had it been a physical object, the sheer force of it would've sent Harry straight out of the window, above Hogsmeade, through the mountains and out back to London where he will land in alley where will find refuge in a cardboard box away from Ron's unholy declarations.

“Blimey, just at least reply with some dignity!” said Ron, rubbing his cheek. “I'm just saying, that's all! I just don't want any awkward situations! You can't deny it, Harry… she seems to like you!”

“I told you -“

“I'm just saying, mate.” Ron interrupted. “I'm not implying anything. All I want is that we get Hermione back to her old self in one piece.”

BANG!

Harry and Ron quickly jumped to the source of the sound. Apparently, Hermione has knelt down on the armchair and looked at the moving portraits behind her with so much interest she leaned forward a lot making the armchair backward. The bookworm rolled over, looking shocked with herself. Ron and Harry exchanged looks of worry.

“In one piece?” Harry asked with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

“It won't be that hard,” Ron replied uncertainly.

Hermione blushed bright red when she caught Harry's and Ron's gazes.

“I - er -“ she squeaked, standing up gingerly, “- erm - sorry…”

She looked guilty and quickly raised the armchair to its original position. Afterwards, she quickly took a step backward to stand beside the armchair looking more timid than ever. Harry noticed that she was biting her knuckles rather cutely.

“You don't have to be sorry, Hermione,” said Ron kindly, walking up to her, “Sit down…”

Hermione nodded reluctantly and sat on the armchair again. Her feet were together while her hands were on her lap. It looks like as if she was being punished.

“You know,” said Harry. “You don't have to feel sorry for yourself.”

Hermione looked up at Harry and blushed. She bit her lower lip and stared at her lap then looked up at him nervously.

“Are you alright?” Harry asked, kneeling before her.

Unexpectedly, Hermione slowly lifted her legs from the floor and curled up on her seat. She never left her gaze from Harry and he chuckled a bit at this action, Hermione blushed more and giggled nervously. Harry caught Ron with the corner of his eye giving him a I-told-you-so look. He ignored him and turned to her again.

“I'm sorry,” she squeaked anxiously. “I-It's just t-that - er - I don't remember having boys for friends before…”

It was this that made Harry felt sorry for her. He can imagine how scared she must be entering to an unknown place and being dragged on to talk to people others claimed she knew.

“It must be scary for you, eh?” said Ron, kneeling beside Harry.

Hermione nodded.

“Look, we're here to help you, okay?” said Ron kindly. “Harry and I will take care of you.”

She quickly lowered her legs to the floor and smiled at them sheepishly.

“You two are nice…” she said quietly. “I just hope I get around knowing why...”

“There's no need to try to remember,” said Harry. “All you need to do is to relax and stay with us, okay?”

Harry placed a placate hand on hers and realize that this was a mistake on his part. Hermione's eyes widened a bit as she bit her lower lip and turned brick red. Harry could feel her shaking a bit. Harry perplexedly stared at her reaction and let go of her hand. He didn't want to admit it for a fleeting moment and he was sure as hell that he didn't want to turn to look at Ron.

“Alright,” she said quietly.

“Ask her if she wants to go to Hogsmeade with us,” whispered Ron as he stood up. Harry looked at Ron and nodded. It was probably for the best since they are planning to go. Hermione could also use some outdoor traversing. He turned to the timid bookworm and cleared his throat. Ron stood by a few feet away from them, waiting.

“Hermione?”

She turned a nervous look at him and smiled sheepishly acknowledging him that he has her attention. He cleared his throat and spoke.

“Er - there's going to be a little trip a little later on… to a town called Hogsmeade not too far from here -“ he pointed to the window, showing Hermione that Hogsmeade was elsewhere. “- and I was wondering if you would like to come.“

A fit of redness erupted in Hermione's cheeks. Harry felt taken aback at her sudden anxiousness that he looked unsure of himself when he inched away from her slightly.

“Y-y-y-you m-mean…” she said shakily, “you - y - you are asking me to g-go w-w-with you?”

Hesitantly, Harry nodded. The amnesic Hermione blushed as she looked away from him. Harry has never seen Hermione blush this much before. He blocked out the voice in his head that sounded much like Ron's.

“W-when are we going?” she asked feebly.

“In -“ he looked at his watch, “An hour.”

“So…” she looked at her own wristwatch, feeling clueless. “…seven thirty?”

“Yeah,” Harry smiled, “Look, why don't you go upstairs to your dormitory - it's the stairs right there - and get ready for Hogsmeade? You own a trunk, alright? It has your initials `H.G.' on them… it's the very light brown one… you can't miss it. Just try not to disturb the four other girls sleeping in their, alright?”

“Lavender and the others left an hour ago,” Ron explained. “She will have no trouble at all, won't you?”

Hermione shook her head to Ron. Harry was glad that she seemed to understand what he says. Harry smirked at her.

“Everything's going to be fine,” he said, holding her shoulder. To his surprise, Hermione held her breath at Harry's touch. A blush traveled across the bridge of her nose as she smiled at Harry anxiously.

Feeling suspicious, Harry let go of her and stood up. Without a word, Hermione stood up and walked to the dormitory staircase that led to her quarters. Harry's eyes followed her every step until she disappeared around the staircase's spin.

Something worried Harry… and it wasn't how amnesic Hermione was… it was the way she looked at him, the way she reacted to his touch, her nervousness around him… was it possible that Ron was right for once?

No… it can't be… she's just too nervous, that's all. I mean, she doesn't even know who we are!

“Well?” Ron asked, walking up to Harry. “Didn't I tell ya?”

“Doesn't change a thing, Ron,” said Harry. “Hermione is just nervous around people! I mean, she's amnesic!”

“Wait till your words come back and bite you in the arse,” muttered Ron so Harry won't hear him.

“What did you say?” Harry demanded.

“N-nothing,” said Ron defensively. “I said Hermione is taking long!”

“I'm telling you, Ron,” said Harry. “Your view on this matter is ridiculous! She could blush for you too, you know. Ever thought of that?”

“Oh yeah?” said Ron in a challenging voice.

Cue to this, Hermione returned wearing a very traditional faded blue sweater and a pair of jeans Harry has never seen her wear before. It was at this moment that when Hermione stepped on the landing, Ron walked up to her.

“You look nice, Hermione!” he said in a tone as if he was high on the caffeine. Hermione nodded to him in respect before he said, “Say -“ he suddenly grabbed her by the shoulders making her squeak in surprise. “Why don't we ask Harry how you look?” he asked loudly as he turned her to Harry's direction and pushed her towards him.

Harry, aghast, looked as Ron pushed Hermione towards him. Ron stopped pushing her as soon as she was a few inches away from Harry. Harry glared at Ron and then looked at Hermione who was a shorter than he was. He noticed how her big chocolate brown eyes were gazing at him with apprehension while she breathed slowly. For the umpteenth time, a blush crept across her face.

“Well?” Ron asked in a mock sort of voice to Harry, “How does Hermione look?”

He didn't know what to say… Hermione looked good enough to walk around Hogsmeade but the way she was staring at him timidly and how her feet shuffled uncomfortably made Hermione look so adorable. He has never seen Hermione this close in a long time.

“Y-you don't like it?” she asked to Harry all of a sudden.

“I - I like it,” said Harry weakly making her giggle nervously yet quietly. All of his power was controlled as he tried to stop his urge from growing since he wanted to smack the grin off Ron's face.

“So….” said Ron, letting go off Hermione. “Shall we?”

Without further ado, the trio set off to the Great Hall for breakfast. Hermione walked dangerously close to Harry and Ron that from time to time, the two would almost stumble when she accidentally stepped on their trainers' backsides. Hermione looked around in awe at everything that moved around her as they entered the Great Hall where four long tables stretched out to the distance.

After suggesting to Hermione what was the best thing to eat and getting a nervous fit of giggles from her when Harry held her hand so he could help her cut a hard piece of thick bacon with her knife, Harry and Ron, closely followed by Hermione, went for the entrance hall where Argus Filch, the caretaker, would inspect their exit to the wizarding village.

Harry looked at Hermione, who was walking beside him, staring around the area and for a sudden flash of a second he saw Hermione's brows furrowed at something. He followed her gaze and saw she was leering at Ron.

“What's wrong?” Harry asked.

Hermione, turning a bit red, tried to speak but closed her mouth. The three followed the crowd of students as they passed the gates of the grounds which were flanked by pillars topped by statues of winged boars. Hermione looked at them with interest before looking back at Harry. In a sudden moment, he felt her hand hold his slowly and tenderly. He raised his eyebrows at her which made her blush a bit before releasing her grasp. But being the empathetic person at the moment, Harry stopped her from releasing her grasp of his hand by holding it back. He smirked at her making her smile back at him sheepishly. As the town of Hogsmeade came into view, Harry turned to Hermione to see her amazed face but to his surprise, she was staring at Ron with a quizzical and slightly annoyed look.

“Why don't we go check the Three Broomsticks?” asked Ron, pointing to the famous pub.

“I think Honeyduke's is a good place to start first, Ron,” said Harry. He felt like he wanted to eat something sweet. “Is it okay with you, Hermione?”

Still grasping to Harry's hand, Hermione nodded and glanced at Ron furtively. The three entered Honeyduke's and luckily, they were early enough to see the shop less crowded than it usually is. Harry showed Hermione the sweets while Ron went off to buy his favorite sweets. Harry let go off Hermione to let her explore the shop. Harry went on his own to buy his favorite Honeyduke's sweets.

A few minutes later, Harry and Ron left exited out of the store. Hermione said she will catch up while she waited for her change. Harry was sucking a sucker when he caught sight of two familiar friends.

“Seamus! Dean!” Ron waved at them.

The two Gryffindors waved back and trotted towards them.

“What's up, guys?” Dean asked happily. “Hey, guess what? Neville and Luna are having their first Hogsmeade date at Madam Pudifoot's!”

“Really?” Ron asked in amusement. “Ha! Never knew Neville had a taste for the romantic type settings!”

Harry recalled the fiasco of Neville when he had a sudden attraction to Luna Lovegood four months ago. With the help of him, Hermione and Ron, Neville finally got the courage to ask her to be his girlfriend which Luna accepted happily. He felt happy for Neville to finally go for something this big for him when he naturally lacked the confidence in himself to do things.

“By the way,” said Seamus, “Where's Hermione?”

Coincidentally, Hermione came out of Honeyduke's carrying a large heart-shaped box of chocolates. Harry's eyes widened as she traipsed towards him and stopped dead when her eyes traveled to Dean and Seamus before turning to Harry.

“Um…” she said nervously, holding the box of chocolates. “Er - I got you something -“ she handed him the box of chocolates, “I - I hope you like it!”

Awestruck, Harry looked at the heart-shaped box to Ron's triumphant and smug grin to Dean's and Seamus' amused faces and to Hermione's eager face. He didn't know what to say.

“Wow…” said Harry weakly. “I - I - thank you.”

“Well - !” said Seamus suddenly, smirking at Harry and Hermione. “I - I think I understand what's going on here -“

“No,” said Harry exasperatedly. “No - no - no - it's not like that!”

“Hey,” interrupted Seamus, “We'll be off to check Zonko's, alright? We'll see you later!”

His face felt hot as he heard Seamus and Dean's snickering at the horizon as they disappeared to another street that led to Zonko's Joke Shop. He glanced at the box of chocolates and to Hermione who was red in the face. Harry glared at Ron who looked at him apologetically.

“Sorry…” Hermione apologized instantly. “I - I - I just thought - er - you might like some -“

“No - no,” said Harry, smiling at her. “I'm glad you got me some. I appreciate it!”

Hermione smiled embarrassedly as Harry pocketed the chocolates in his robes.

“Er - Three Broomsticks?” said Ron, trying to relieve them of the air of awkwardness as he pointed to the pub nearby.

“Yeah,” said Harry quickly. “Let's go then.”

They entered the pub to find it in its usual crowded self. Harry led Hermione, who was clutching his hand, around the crowd as Ron tailed behind her.

“There's a seat, over there,” Harry called as he found a table for four. He turned to Hermione only to find her face looking perplexed. Harry was about to ask her why until Ron spoke.

“I'm going to get us some butterbeer. You two wait here,” he said and disappeared into the crowd.

Harry helped Hermione on her seat and Harry sat beside her. He smiled at her warmly which made her blush a bit. This made him think that for every blush Hermione has, he'd have one Galleon. He has never seen her blush this much in a long time…

“Is there something wrong, Hermione?” Harry asked casually.

Hermione shot a look at him to reveal her face looked contorted with confusion and a bit of irate.

“Tell me,” said Harry gently. “You can trust me, right?”

“Er -“ said Hermione obediently. “I don't wish to sound rude but -“ she stared around and looked at Harry. “What is Ron doing here?” she said in a tense whisper.

“Er - why ask that?” Harry asked with a tone of uncertainty.

“I mean,” she leaned forward on the table. “These outings are usually for two, right?”

“I…” he stared at her. “don't really catch what you're trying to say, Hermione.”

Hermione leaned back on her chair and stared at Harry incredulously. It seemed apparent that she wasn't thinking what Harry was thinking.

“Ummm…” she said quietly, wincing awkwardly. “…well,” she blushed. “You did ask me out, didn't you?”

“What?”

“I mean,” she inhaled, “we're on a date right?”

The words echoed in his mind as it resonated around his soul like when Hagrid rapped a bone on a slab of thin steel two months ago. He gawked at her in shock as the feelings and Ron's awkward statement's sunk into him in spite of himself.

“Hermione…” he said slowly, “w-we are not here on date.”

“We're not?” she asked anxiously. Harry felt a bit sorry for her as she grimaced, blushing everywhere. She bowed her head down quickly, looking away from Harry.

“Y-you thought I asked you on a date?” Harry asked quietly.

“Yes,” she squeaked, still not looking at him. Her voice sounded like a mix between a near-sob and a nervous cough. “I - I - you said that well - you know that you were asking me - oh!” she bit her lip to shut herself up from talking. Harry couldn't imagine how embarrassed she feels right now.

Harry wanted to shift his seat aside so he can stay near Hermione to talk to her but the sheer expression of embarrassment in her face made him felt unsure of himself. He looked up to see a surprisingly satisfied Ron looking at them. It looks like he has overheard everything.

“Excuse me, Hermione,” said Harry, standing up.

He walked to Ron while he spoke with triumph.

“You are mental, Ron! - That's pure rubbish, Ron! - I can't imagine you'd think that, Ron! - Oh, bollocks, Ron!” he was saying this mockingly at Harry before Harry shut him up by pulling him behind a mast away from Hermione's sight and earshot.

“What was that for?!” said Ron hoarsely, fixing his robes. “Geez, Harry, at least give me some dignity!”

“Ron!” said Harry irritably. “Don't rub it in!”

“What do you mean?”

“You were right, Ron!” said Harry heatedly. “I - I think Hermione does fancy me!”

Ron's face was filled with victory.

“Wait - you just said I was right?” he said with an air of happiness.

“Yes,” said Harry indignantly.

“So I am right - wow, this is what it feels like to be right!” he then squinted tentatively. “It's oddly unsettling…”

“Ron!” Harry snapped at him. “The reason why I know is because Hermione thought we were on a date!”

“Oh, really?” Ron asked in aghast.

“Yes, really!” Harry replied.

“No way,” said Ron dismissively and peeked out of the mast to see Hermione twiddling her thumbs while looking behind her, waving shyly at a waving Hagrid from afar.

“She told me,” said Harry calmly, feeling an awkward sensation hit him. “S-she thought when I asked her to go to Hogsmeade, I was asking her on a date! And then she asked me why you were with us and if I recall correctly, she kept on giving you these stares -“

“Oh so that's why she kept on looking at me weirdly!” said Ron, a face of realization dawning in his face. “I thought I had something in my face - she was just questioning my presence!”

“What are we going to do, Ron?” said Harry desperately, craning his head to see Hermione tapping on the table with her hands. “I - I can't go up to her and say I'm not interested!”

“Take it like a man,” said Ron, patting Harry's back. “And who's said you have to say you're not interested? Hermione is right there. Just play along! Humor the situation!”

“Are you suggesting something?” Harry asked skeptically.

“I'm suggesting that you at least play along with this!” said Ron obviously. “I mean, you said you don't have feelings for her but she does for you so what can you do? Play pretend, of course!”

Harry stared at Ron.

“Isn't that a bit too low?” said Harry. “She's still has feelings, you know.”

“Well, yeah - good point,” Ron winced. “But what are you going to do? You obviously don't feel comfortable about this.”

“I do,” said Harry quietly. “But… look, it's awkward, alright? I already told you that Hermione is like a sister to me! Going through with this - this tomfoolery will just disrespect that!”

There was a long silence.

“That was pure crap, Harry,” said Ron, shaking his head. “I'm not telling you take it seriously! Just make her happy!”

Harry glared at Ron but thought about his idea. Firstly, it was the dumbest thing Ron can ever suggest. Why would he, Harry, pretend to succumb to the infatuations of the amnesic Hermione? It felt so wrong and inappropriate! Not that he didn't like Hermione… he has to admit, she has the qualities for a nice girlfriend. He found it hard to imagine how people pass her by when she has grown up very pleasantly through the years. He recalled how pretty she looked at the Yule Ball and was shocked to himself on how he never saw it before.

“Earth to Harry, Earth to Harry!” said Ron, rapping Harry's head repeatedly.

“What?” said Harry irritably, pushing Ron's arm away.

“Are you going to do it?” Ron asked. “Because I don't want this amnesic Hermione to go on the emotional side when you tell her the truth on how you feel!”

“How about we just forget any of that and just let things unfold, eh?” said Harry, feeling annoyed. “Like how about we just go to the table, sit there with Hermione and continue on with the day without saying any damn thing!”

“That could work,” said Ron in mock consideration. “But Hermione is right there embarrassed about what she realized! You can't just leave her hanging like that!”

“Alright, fine!” said Harry. “But I'll only do it if you just let me do the talking!”

“Just make sure you don't actually fall for her,” said Ron. “Because one false step and everything will go `bye-bye'.”

“I won't,” said Harry pointedly. “Just make sure that you pull me out of it when it gets too far, okay?”

“Sure, mate.” Ron said, “But what are you going to do?”

“I - er - have no idea…” said Harry, looking at his shoelaces. “I do have one though but it's pretty stupid.”

“Do it anyway,” said Ron. “Hermione is filled with flutterbies, she will gawk at anything you'll say. Now go, Hermione's waiting! I'll be over at the bar -“

“Flirting with Madam Rosmerta, I know,” said Harry, leaving before Ron could protest.

Harry walked towards the table and when she caught his sight, Hermione stood up straight. Harry smiled at her casually and sat beside her. It wasn't really hard to find a way to please Hermione but one thing is for sure, he'll probably make it up as he goes along. After a few minutes of reflection, Harry turned to Hermione who was biting her fingernails hurriedly. He knew what has to be done.

“So… you still think we're on a date?” Harry asked before he could stop himself.

Hermione turned pink and giggled.

“I was stupid, Harry…” she said at once. “I'm really sorry,” she winced at him apologetically.

“Hey,” said Harry kindly, “It wasn't your fault… I should've said so. Besides, I don't want you to feel stupid, anyway.”

Luckily, Hermione didn't blush anymore. She looked casual already and she looked as if she was gaining more confidence in herself.

“Haha,” she laughed quietly. “Thanks, Harry…” then she tentatively grabbed his hand slowly. “You're really sweet,”

Harry felt a rush of hotness erupt under his collar. He didn't like to feel this way but the utter kindness and gentle attitude Hermione has right now towards him was making him feel all funny inside.

“Tell you what,” said Harry, letting go of Hermione's hand, “How about I buy you something you really like?”

Hermione giggled. Girls usually like this gesture.

“Well, I like peanut butter,” she said, pursing her lips. “I really do,”

“There isn't any peanut butter here,” said Harry, looking around.

“Really?” said Hermione, her face looking downtrodden. “Oh well, I was really itching for a finger-dip in one jar…”

She drifted into silence and turned away from Harry while she twisted a lock of her brown hair with her finger. Harry felt slightly sorry for her. The look in her eyes resembled the same look he remembered when he dropped her offer to help her make elf hats during their fifth year.

And for some reason, he didn't want to deny her again. His mind raced for ideas on how to get what she liked and when he remembered the Conjuring Charms in Charms class after seeing Professor Flitwick outside of the pub window, he finally thought of something.

“I can get you some,” said Harry.

“You can?” Hermione turned to him, beaming.

“Sure,” said Harry and with a wave of his wand, he conjured an empty jar out of thin air. He held it up while Hermione tilted her head to observe it, looking perplexed.

“It's empty,” said Hermione.

“Empty?” said Harry, raising an eyebrow. “No, no it's not!” he took the cap off the empty jar, “It's full to the brim, extra smooth,” he then put in a finger inside the jar, mimicking the action of someone scooping out peanut butter with his finger.

“You know, I really love the stick-on-the-roof-of-your-mouth goodness that it makes you want a glass of milk,” said Hermione as she watched him with amusement as Harry swallowed his finger pretending to eat peanut butter.

“Oh God,” said Harry, mocking a satisfied look, “It's the best bloody peanut butter I have ever tasted.”

Harry looked at Hermione who was beaming at him and without warning, she laughed heartily while keeping her volume low.

“Wow…” she said, stopping her laughing. “You're really good at teasing me -“

“Come off it,” said Harry, holding up the jar, “C'mon, you want some? I know you want to!”

Skeptically, Hermione moved her finger tentatively to the jar and scooped a pretend peanut butter and placed it in her mouth, doing the same thing Harry did. Afterwards, the two smiled at each other as the thought of eating pretend peanut butter together sunk in.

But the pleasant moment between the two desisted when a familiar blonde entered around their table accompanied by two large people.

“Well, well, well… if it isn't Granger and Potty!” said the drawling voice of Malfoy.

“Hello, Malfoy,” said Harry coolly.

“Ha! I guess this is your idea of fun now, isn't it? Empty jars? I thought Weasel-bee usually finds those amusing than you!”

“Who is he?” Hermione asked quietly but fearfully to Harry. The last thing Harry wanted is for Malfoy to give a go at her.

“And what's with the quiet face on Granger?” he said mockingly, leaning his head closer to Hermione while she moved away from him looking frightened.

“I - I d-don't want any fights, mister,” said Hermione shakily. “Please, I don't want any trouble!”

Malfoy chuckled mischievously.

“What?” he snapped making Hermione jump. “Are you playing stupid with me, Granger? Since when do you back down? You were always a big headed beast trying to keep your ground!”

“Leave me alone, please,” said Hermione quietly, her voice filled with anxiety.

“Leave her alone, Malfoy!” spat Harry, standing up, feeling angry. A few tables were staring at them now. Harry thought he heard a nearby Ravenclaw say “There they go again…”.

“Typical Saint Potter!” Malfoy sneered at him. “Not surprising that you'll always be there to save your damsel in distress! By the way, Potty, I think she's broken -“

“Put a sock in it,” said Ron heatedly, behind Harry. Harry thought Ron traipsed to the scene when he saw Malfoy talking to them.

“Or what?” Malfoy challenged. “Come on, show me what little of your useless magic can do, Weasel -“

“Please!” said Hermione loudly, making half the pub quiet. “S - stop fighting! I - I don't want any trouble! I mean, can't we at least be friends?”

It was at this point, Harry and Ron face palmed with embarrassment. Harry glanced at Malfoy who was as astounded as he was. He could've sworn he heard snickering behind him. He didn't know why but what Hermione said was easily the most unthinkable thing she ever said. Be friends with Malfoy? Fat chance!

“I think I just pooped out bricks,” muttered Ron.

* * *

“You did great, by the way,” said Ron as they walked back up the castle hours later. “Can't we at least be friends? Priceless.”

“B-but that's the right thing,” Hermione said calmly, walking in between the boys. Apparently, she realized that whatever she did made her feel stupid. “but… he was mean…”

“Well, I'm glad he didn't hurt you,” said Harry, “I don't want you talking with that sort.”

Hermione blushed and smiled at him. Harry smiled back and saw Ron giving him a significant stare from Hermione's side Harry glanced at him and furrowed his brows before turning to the front to see the gates to Hogwarts in view.

“This bag is heavy,” said Hermione quietly.

Harry turned to see her carrying a Scrivenshaft's bag which they entered after Three Broomsticks. He smirked at her and did a double take when he noticed the same empty jar he used to play pretend peanut butter with Hermione among feathery quills inside the bag. Realizing it, he forgot about the jar until now. An overwhelming sensation hit him as he felt touched that Hermione would even take it with her despite how dull the gesture was. No has ever kept something from him that sentimental before. He looked at Hermione, who was trying to adjust her fingers on the stringed-handle of the bag, and couldn't help but see how her timid, nervous and amnesic behavior made her much more charming.

They all entered Hogwarts around five in the afternoon. Harry, Ron and Hermione went back up to the common room to drop their stuff in their dormitories. Luckily, Hermione went down to the common room quickly without getting lost in her own dormitory. Harry noticed she was carrying the same jar from awhile ago.

“Er - what's that Hermione?” Ron asked, staring at the empty jar.

“Harry gave it to me,” said Hermione happily, beaming at Ron.

“It's empty,” said Ron, glancing at Harry skeptically.

“Of course it's not,” said Hermione, giggling. “But the knowledge of content of this jar is only between Harry and me.”

The way Hermione said this sounded as if she wanted Ron to know that he wasn't in their little secret. Ron's blue eyes widened in surprise as Hermione walked pass him while she looked at the jar lovingly. Harry turned away when Ron looked at him. He knew he felt a bit sentimental over the jar thing with Hermione and remembering how he pledged to Ron that he will just make Hermione happy without developing any feeling in him just made Harry feel at fault.

“Ummm… shall we go down for dinner?” Hermione asked. After a few trips down to the Great Hall, she seems to know where to go now. Bless her and her good memory.

“You go ahead,” said Ron, “Harry and I need to talk.”

“Oh, well - er - I'll just wait for you two by the stairs…”

And Hermione disappeared in a whip of her brown hair going around the closing portrait. “I guess you're standing up to your `sister-rights' very well then,” said Ron, smirking at Harry.

“Look, Ron,” said Harry quickly. “She asked for peanut butter and there wasn't any of it around so I just played her with fake peanut butter.”

“Harry,” said Ron, “you don't play with peanut butter, you buy peanut butter!” he shook his head, his eyes glinting with confusion. “Since when did you have to go all schmaltzy?”

“Schmaltzy?”

“You know!” said Ron loudly. “The whole `sweet-guy-I'm-going-to-make-you-happy' kick!”

“Ron, I'm just doing what you're telling me to do -“

“I know, I know!” said Ron, “But remember that you can't fall for her! Imagine the grief you'll be having when she gets back to normal! She won't remember a thing!”

“And since when is it restricted for me to do what I want?!” Harry blurted out angrily. He knew this was the wrong thing to say.

“R-restricted?!” said Ron incredulously. “Restricted in doing what?!”

Harry blushed.

“I - I - that's not what I meant -“ he shook his head stupidly. “What I meant to say is that -“

“Oh sod off!” said Ron, “I heard what you said, Harry!”

“It's not like that!” Harry retorted. “Why do you make it so hard to believe?”

“Why do you make it so easy?” Ron replied wryly, grinning.

“It's never been easy!” Harry yelled angrily.

A faint sound of a yelp made the two boys turn to the source. A group of first years were staring at them looking frightful.

“Sorry,” said Harry, turning to Ron as the first years quickly left the common room and out of the portrait hole.

He didn't know what's coming to him but Ron's is currently getting on his nerves by pushing these thoughts up his face and rubbing it in!

“The point is that I'm just doing what's best for Hermione to be happy,” said Harry calmly.

“But tell me one thing and I want the full truth,” said Ron seriously.

“Fine,” said Harry.

Ron cleared his throat and spoke after a short dramatic pause.

“Are you hiding the real peanut butter from Hermione?”

And this, in Harry's opinion, was the cherry on top in Ron's barrage of nonsensical questioning for the day.

* * *

Harry and Ron left the common room and traveled down for the Great Hall. They entered the hall to see some sort of activity farther up the table.

“What's going on?” Ron asked.

“Hermione,” said Harry, pointing at the distance.

Up along the Gryffindor table, there sat Hermione talking very animatedly to Parvati, Lavender, Dean and Seamus. Harry's heart did a little flip when he saw the empty jar beside her plate that was playing host to an unusually fat steak. It looked like she was enjoying herself as her body language in speaking was enthusiastic.

“Never in my life would I see her like that,” said Ron impressively. “It's a good change of pace…”

Harry walked forward towards where Hermione sat while Ron followed suit. Hermione stopped talking when she spotted them and smiled.

“Hello,” she said in a slightly high-pitch yet gentle voice.

“Hey,” said Ron, sitting down.

“Hi, Harry,” she waved at him

“Er - hey,” said Harry slowly, catching the smirks of Dean and Seamus before sitting between Ron and Hermione.

“How are you?” she asked sweetly. Harry stared at her and nodded.

“I'm fine, Hermione,” he said and turning to Ron, “Hey Ron, pass the mashed potatoes, please?”

“Oh - I got your dinner ready!” said Hermione suddenly, pulling a full plate Harry thought had belonged to someone else.

Harry watched in amusement as he saw it was filled with lots of mashed potatoes, three stacked fat steaks and four chicken legs.

“I - I - er,” said Hermione, stuttering, blushing as she spoke, “ - thought you m-might like - er - supper ready by the time you got here…”

Harry gazed into Hermione's blushing face, to Lavender and Parvati's exchange of amused but surprised looks, to Dean's and Seamus' eyebrows rising and to Ron, who they both exchanged wide-eyed looks.

“So much for being secretive,” said Ron, stuffing a dinner muffing into his mouth.

Before Harry could say anything, Hermione tugged on his robe sleeve. He turned to her smiling face.

“Aren't you going to eat?”

Harry stared at the plate she gave him.

“I - er - thanks, Hermione,” he smiled at her. “B-but this is too much -“

“Oh!” she squeaked. “I - I'm sorry!”

The way her fingers fidgeted around and her face looking anxious made Lavender smirk at Harry. As far as he knows, he wanted to keep this whole an-amnesic-Hermione-liking-him under the radar!

“I - it's okay,” said Harry, “I - I really don't mind, alright?”

He squeezed her shoulder dotingly making her burst in fits of giggles and blushes. Harry felt taken aback by this since Parvati, Lavender, Dean and Seamus gawked at her actions. It was getting obvious now.

“S-sorry,” said Hermione, rubbing her shoulder where Harry touched her. “I - I'm just nervous -“

He couldn't blame the four Gryffindors at the other side of the table gawking at this scene. He would probably do the same thing if Parvati started to act as if she was all over Dean or Seamus without warning.

“Er - don't mind it, okay?” said Harry, forcing a smile. “Just enjoy dinner, alright?”

Hermione nodded and turned to her plate. Harry felt relieved that he was able to get Hermione off. He looked up at the staff's table to see Madam Pomfrey eating. He was planning to ask her about the cure.

“By the way,” said Hermione, “Thank you for the jar,”

Harry looked up at her. He also noticed how Dean, Seamus, Parvati and Lavender also looked up from their plates.

“Er - no problem,”

“No, really,” she said kindly. “It was really sweet for you…”

Harry looked at Hermione's hand as it slowly touched his forearm. He looked up at her skeptic face as a shade of red crept up her cheeks.

“And if you don't mind,” said Lavender, winking at Harry, “can you tell us how you got this jar?”

“Oh - it's a cute story!” said Hermione excitedly. “But that information is between Harry and me.”

“Interesting,” said Parvati, smirking from Hermione to Harry. Harry felt a hot sensation travel across his collar. “It must be nice sharing a secret, eh?”

“Oh yeah,” said Hermione dreamily, “Harry's nice,” she smiled at him. “He even defended for my dignity from that mean boy, Malfoy.”

Harry heard Ron snort from his goblet.

“Wow,” said Lavender with a hint of tease in her tone. “It must be nice for you to have a knight in shining armor beside you!”

Hermione giggled and glanced at Harry furtively. This made Dean and Seamus snigger.

Harry wanted nothing more but to get Hermione and himself out of here. This was getting more embarrassing as it went.

“Oh,” said Hermione, pulling out her wand and placing it on the table. “This thing makes it hard for me to sit…”

“You shouldn't be putting your wand at your back pocket then,” said Harry, trying to keep things casual, relieved that they are now changing the subject.

“I'll keep that in mind,” she said, turning to her wand. “It has really pretty carvings, doesn't it?”

It was true. Hermione's wand was really well-made. Harry couldn't help but appreciate the wavy woodcarvings in Hermione's wand.

“It does,” said Harry, eating a chicken leg.

“Can I see your wand?” Hermione asked timidly.

Harry pulled out his wand and showed it to her, her eyes widened.

“Wow…” she said in awe. “It's really big!”

Ron snorted loudly in his mashed potatoes and started laughing hard. Harry turned to Ron and felt oblivious why he was laughing so hard. It then registered to him what was last said and he felt his mind racing in total madness. Dean and Seamus, who overheard this, were trying to hold in their laughter. Parvati and Lavender looked indifferent but it looked like they thought the same way Ron did.

“Oh, my God!” said Harry threateningly at them.

* * *

“Can you be anymore mature, Ron?” Harry growled at Ron angrily as they exited the Great Hall with Hermione following them behind. Never in his life would he have to think such a discomfited thought.

“I - I'm sorry!” said Ron apologetically, “I couldn't help it! You know that!”

“That wasn't funny!” Harry spat, rounding on Ron, stopping their walk.

“Easy there, Harry,” said Ron, raising his hands defensively. “Because you and I both know that this no-memory Hermione doesn't like fighting.”

Harry looked behind Ron to see Hermione looking at them anxiously and sighed.

“Alright,” Harry muttered. “But don't say a word.”

“Sure thing, mate,” he nodded and walked up the marble staircase with Harry and Hermione following suit.

On their way to the Gryffindor common room, Harry kept on calling Hermione every time she stopped to observe a moving portrait with interest or when she would accidentally go to a wrong corridor and call for him. Harry can't help but admit that he is now questioning his own being in taking care of her until her memory is restored.

“Son qui,” said Ron dully to the Fat Lady.

The three clambered into the portrait hole where it was surprisingly not as full as they expected it to be. Harry thought of the coming winter when everyone was sleepy at this time. Thankfully, Harry thought, he wouldn't have to worry about Hermione interacting with others doing things that might make her look strange.

“Looks like everyone turned in,” said Ron, plopping himself on the couch. “I reckon everyone is tired after Hogsmeade…”

“Maybe,” said Harry as he sat down beside Ron while Hermione sat on the armchair. “We still have second years,” he thumbed to the corner.

“Heh,” said Ron and moaned. “What do you guys want to do?”

Harry shrugged and fixed his eyes on Hermione who was looking at the empty jar he gave her hours ago. Hermione opened the cap and pretended she was eating peanut butter with her finger. She suddenly caught Harry's gaze when she placed her finger in her mouth and blushed. She pulled her finger out, screwed the cap on and sat silently.

“Are you okay, Hermione?” Harry asked.

Hermione nodded, giving him a smile while she tilted her head adorably.

For the first time in a while, the three just sat in front of fire, waiting for the time to melt until the clock struck nine. Ron started to yawn.

“I'm going to turn in,” he said, standing up. “How about you, Harry?”

“I'm not yet sleepy,” said Harry, staring at the fire. “You go on ahead,”

“Sure - night, Hermione,” said Ron, waving at her and climbed up to the dormitories leaving Harry and Hermione alone in the now deserted common room.

Harry turned to Hermione whose eyes were now looking sleepy. He smiled at the sight of Hermione looking drowsy and then opening her eyes suddenly. He considered to himself that Hermione probably wants to be awake with him. He saw she had the empty jar cradling in her arms.

“Do you want to go to sleep?”

“No,” said Hermione, looking at him. “I'm fine…”

Unlike her, Harry felt sleepy.

“Well, I'm about to turn in,” he said, standing up. “You do know where to sleep, don't you?”

To his dismay, Hermione shook her head.

“Oh… well, you're bed is where your trunk is,” Harry pointed out, feeling that this was the obvious answer in the world at the moment.

“B-but I really don't want to sleep there,” said Hermione, curling up on the armchair. “I really feel out of place…”

Hermione's brown eyes showed Harry a sense of astray. He smiled at her warmly.

“Tell you what, we can both sleep here in the common room,” he said.

Hermione instantly sat up straight.

“Are you sure?” she asked skeptically.

“Of course, I am,” said Harry, “I can't leave my best friend here alone, can I?”

Hermione smiled at him.

“You're very sweet, Harry…” she said, standing up. “I - I can't imagine -“

“Save it,” said Harry, smirking. “I'm just glad you're okay…”

There was a brief silence before Harry spoke.

“Look, I'll be back, I'll just get us some pillows and blankets in my dormitory…”

Harry was about to climb up to the dormitory staircase when he heard Hermione speak.

“Er - Harry?”

“Yeah?” he wheeled around to her.

“I - ummm - have a confession to make,” she said quickly. Harry knew what was coming… he winced pitifully at Hermione's timid look. He could feel the confident energy building up inside her now that they were both the only ones in the room. Harry recalled how the one-on-one opportunities like these boost people's confidence when they want to talk with a person they really like.

“W-what is it?” Harry asked, walking towards her.

“Ummm…” she bit her lip and swayed gradually. “I - er - I know I make it obvious… but I can't help it but I have to confess…”

She twiddled her thumbs uncomfortably.

“Confess what?” Harry asked, anticipating her answer. Couldn't she be more obvious?

“That… I - erm - like you…” she said quietly as fits of blushes crept up her cheek. “I mean, like a crush… of the sort…”

Harry looked in amusement as she started breathing heavily while she interlocked her fingers like a giddy schoolgirl. He has never seen Hermione act like this before so it was almost amusing to see her in this way.

“Harry?”

Harry turned to her and wasn't too sure what face to put on when someone declared that they have a crush on you. He looked at her awkwardly and for the first time in his life, he felt embarrassed to look at her. Despite anticipating it, the solid fact that they both are aware that they know what's going just makes it difficult to discuss.

“I shouldn't have said anything,” Hermione squeaked nervously. “I - I'm sorry -“

“No, wait!” said Harry at once before Hermione could walk towards the staircase towards her dormitory. “It's okay,”

“Alright, Harry -“ said Hermione as Harry approached her. “I - I didn't mean to make you feel awkward… it's just that I really, really like you!” she felt her face rushing as Harry neared her. “When the nice nurse lady brought me here and when I saw you, I couldn't help but find you… handsome…”

Harry ceased his steps and felt a mental Beater bat slam him in the face. Hermione thought he was handsome! He despised himself on how a surge of pride grew inside of him at the sound of these words. He gazed at Hermione's timid state and chuckled.

“Thanks…” he said calmly. “I - er - really don't know what to say…”

“Hehe,” she giggled nervously, “I'm telling the truth… I mean, you're very nice to me… with the whole fake peanut butter and all… but I can't really remember you… it's like I've known you for a long time but I really don't remember you!”

“Don't worry,” said Harry, putting a hand on her shoulder. “You will remember everything…” he didn't want to tell her the part where she won't remember what she did during her amnesic state, “…everything is going to be alright.”

Hermione smiled and took his hand. Harry saw her hold it lovingly and they both shared an exchange of looks. Harry noticed how pretty she looked as the fireplace behind her burned happily giving her a reddish glow.

“You know…” she said, “I can't recall anything but I remember riding this big half-bird, half-horse with you…”

A pang of realization dawned to him when he recalled their flight on Buckbeak during their third year. He remembered how Hermione was extremely afraid of flying on the creature during their flight.

“It must've been a dream,” she said, releasing her grasp from his hand.

“You really can't remember anything, can you?” Harry asked sadly.

Hermione shook her head, not looking at Harry as if he was angry at her.

“I'm sorry,” she said.

“Don't be,” said Harry, “As long as you're happy, I'll know that things will be great in the future… and as far as I know, you've been great and not totally a thorn on the side.”

“Thank you,” she said quietly. “I… I think you have to get those blankets then…”

Harry nodded and turned to the dormitory. His feet was already on the landing when Hermione called again.

“Harry?”

Harry turned to her immediately.

“Yeah?”

“Um…” she walked towards him until they were standing face-to-face. “About the whole `date' thing… I didn't know we were on one, you know? I - I just got confused -“

“Don't mind it, Hermione,” said Harry kindly, waving his hand offhandedly. “But if it makes you feel better, we can call it one.”

For the umpteenth time, Hermione blushed. Harry has never seen her blushed this much in one day he thought it was almost a record for her.

“So…” she said slowly, “If it is a date…” she looked into his eyes and then looked away, “…er - if I'm correct, that is -“

“What? What is it?” Harry asked.

“Ummm…” she bit her lower lip and breathed deeply, trying to find the right words. “…what I'm trying to say is -“

“What?”

“Erm -“ she winced, “It's a date, right?”

“Yes,” said Harry, feeling unsure of where this was going.

“So… if it is a date,” she said slowly, looking at the carpet-laden floor. “Don't dates end with… erm -“

“- you really just have to spill it all out, Hermione.”

Hermione fell silent and looked at Harry.

“…a kiss?”

Harry could've swore he felt a mental image of Ron punch him in the brain telling Harry, “It's a forked road for you, mate!”. A kiss? He stared at Hermione while her disclosure sank in his mind. A kiss? He didn't know why every nerve of his skin felt numb at this… this is Hermione he's talking about! A kiss?! Harry felt his heart race a bit, as he looked into Hermione's big chocolate brown eyes. Why did she have to ask that? It could've been something else! A KISS?!

“H-Hermione,” Harry croaked. “I - I don't think t-that would be appropriate -“

Before he could finish his sentence, the embarrassed and disappointed look in Hermione's face made Harry's empathy get the best of him. He remembered when he was rejected in such fashion back then when he wanted something from someone he cared about… Cho… Sirius… Lupin… Dumbledore… the feeling of rejection of a request you really wanted is something Harry has experienced for too long.

Maybe it won't be that bad… just a kiss…

“Fine,” said Harry, smiling at her. “But only at the cheek, alright?”

Hermione's face turned from disappointed to anticipation. It looked as if she was going to get a large amount of cash. Her eyes looked excited yet nervous as Harry leaned forward to her cheek.

Keep it safe.

Then before his lips reached her soft, rosy cheek, Hermione suddenly caught Harry's lips with hers as Harry's eyes widened with utmost shock while Hermione kissed him. He couldn't believe it!

A funny jolt of embarrassment, shock and revelation shook his lips as it traveled with ferocity of a thousand suns raised and fallen on a thousand worlds. He suddenly pushed Hermione away stalwartly as the two were a meter apart, staring down at each other, breathing heavily, feeling awkward at each other.

“I - I,” Hermione gasped, taking in a deep gulp of breath, “Oh, my God… I - I'm so sorry - I didn't mean it -“

Staring at the fireplace, Harry touched his lips as Hermione's kiss began to sink in his mind… he did not notice it before nor did he ever felt something like it… the feeling of kissing her was… pleasant. The feeling of her lips pressing into his was a feeling he has never felt before… he recalled Cho Chang's kiss but it was somewhat anticlimactic with her crying. He breathed hard as the thought of Hermione's sweetness and all of her glory rushed around his brain. All of this… all of these feelings came to be by just one kiss - it was wonderful - Harry thought with a surge of pride at being one of the people, if not only, to ever feel that.

Harry turned to her and viewed her whole being in a new light. She was right there. All he needed to do was to do the right thing! He observed how her timidly twitchy feet looked adorable and how her wince was beyond something he could comprehend. He did not care if she wasn't as pretty as Ginny or Cho or - dare he admits it - the young McGonagall he saw in the old Hogwarts yearbook he found at the library, all it mattered was that to him - to me - she was the most beautiful of all.

“H-Harry?” Hermione asked anxiously, her face was redder than the common room.

And without a false step, not a minute to spare, Harry quickly moved forward to her and wrapped her around in a romantic embrace as he kissed her passionately, ignoring the fact that she was amnesic, ignoring the fact the pillows and blankets he intended to get, ignoring the fact that they were best friends, ignoring Ron's earlier rebuke… all that mattered was that he had Hermione to himself.

* * *

“Harry! Wake up! Wake up!”

Ignore him…

A prod on his side made him open his eyes irritably. He turned on his side to see Ron looking down on him.

“What?” he spat groggily.

“Madam Pomfrey's got the cure! Colin told me he got a message from Madam Pomfrey when he went for breakfast!” Ron replied happily.

Harry shot upright and took his glasses from the coffee table. He placed them on his eyes meeting the clear view of the common room. He turned on the couch where he slept at last night to find her. He noticed she was curled up on armchair, sleeping peacefully. Harry smiled tenderly at her, recalling how they both ended up in their present positions.

“Harry!” said Ron. “Did you hear me?”

“What?” Harry asked, turning to him.

“Madam Pomfrey has the cure to Hermione's amnesia!” he said.

“Really?” said Harry, happily. “That's great! Now we can get Hermione's memory back!”

Harry stood up and woke Hermione up tenderly. He smiled at her sleeping figure waking up. He couldn't feel anymore happier to have her.

“H-h-h-harry?” she yawned sleepily as she stretched. “What is it?”

“Madam Pomfrey has the cure to your amnesia,” said Harry casually. He was aware that he and Hermione made a pact to keep whatever happened last night a secret.

“Really?” she said in a weak voice that sounded pleasing. “That's great…”

“C'mon,” said Harry, helping her up as she put on her shoes. “It won't be too long…”

The trio left the common room five minutes later after getting ready for the day ahead of them. On the way down, Harry furtively grabbed Hermione's hand which she responded with a smile. Luckily, Ron was in front of them so he was oblivious that his two best friends were walking down the corridor hand in hand.

“Madam Pomfrey?” Ron called as they entered the hospital wing.

Madam Pomfrey came out from her office.

“Ah! I was expecting you three would appear sooner!” she walked towards an end table where a bottle green colored flask sat. “Anything happened yesterday?”

“Nothing specific,” said Ron, smirking to Harry. Harry quickly let go of Hermione's hand as he smirked back at his best friend. “You know, a little awkward introductions and that but we were all okay,”

“That's good, that's good,” said Madam Pomfrey, uncorking the bottle and pouring the contents in a goblet. “Miss Granger?”

Hermione took a step forward and stared at the goblet with interest.

“Over here,” said the matron, gesturing Hermione to lie on the bed. “Now…” she looked at Ron, then Harry and then Hermione who was already sitting on the bed. “…this potion,” she pointed to the goblet, “will bring Miss Granger's memories back. It has a pinch of sleeping potion that will give her time to relax as her memory gain progresses in quarter time.”

Harry, Ron and Hermione nodded in acknowledgement of the effect.

“Will there be any side effects?” Harry asked.

“Nothing,” said Madam Pomfrey, “Oh! But there is one thing - whatever Miss Granger encountered in the hours after her head clobbering, I rest assure you that she will forget all of that.”

Harry's eyes widened. An empty and numbing sensation swelled in his stomach as the words rang in his ears again. How could he be so stupid? Hermione was amnesic… she forgot her old memories that it would be pretty obvious that when cured, she will have her old memories back and the one she had during amnesic state will be forgotten…

“What do you mean?” Hermione asked anxiously. “I - I will forget everything that has happened yesterday?”

“Yes, Miss Granger,” said Madam Pomfrey. “Unless Mister Weasley and Mister Potter remind you - while in your original memory - you will completely have no idea what has happened yesterday.”

Harry saw a glint of disturbance in Hermione's eyes. He could tell she didn't like it… not after what happened tonight. The two caught each other's eyes and not but a grim stare down came between them. Harry felt grieved at this… he loved her… he was going to forget how much fun he had to be with her kindness and sweetness…

What's bothering you? You can always tell Hermione after she gets her memory back.

It could be possible… but it would be different. The amnesic Hermione has never seen Harry as a best friend in their initial meeting whereas the Hermione he knew saw him that and will always be that way. After their kiss, Harry realized how much Hermione was a great person on her own special way like how smart she was, how caring and loving she was with him and Ron and the way she stood up for her own views in life.

But how on earth is he going to admit all of this to a memory-restored Hermione?

“Are you ready, Miss Granger?” asked Madam Pomfrey bringing Harry back to his senses.

“Y-yes,” she said quietly but halfheartedly. “B-but if it's okay if Harry helped me drink the potion?”

Madam Pomfrey didn't question why but she accepted Hermione's request and passed the goblet to Harry. Harry stared at the bluish liquid that looked strangely like grape juice.

“I'll be in my office, Mister Potter,” said Madam Pomfrey, “Remember that she must drink the full goblet.”

Madam Pomfrey disappeared into her office as Harry, Ron and Hermione stayed in silence.

“Well,” said Hermione, twiddling her fingers idly. “I guess this is goodbye then…”

“Oh come off it!” said Ron, grinning. “This is not goodbye! We'll still see each other everyday!”

“I'm talking about me…” said Hermione sadly. “I mean, for all you know, I could be a small memory in the Hermione you know…”

“What do you mean?” Ron asked.

“Er -“ Hermione winced. “It's like if I drink that,” she pointed to the goblet. “My real memories will go back… but this… me… this whole new Hermione that you two were talking about… will be gone… forgotten.”

“Don't say that,” said Ron, holding her by the shoulder. “You won't be forgotten, right Harry?”

Harry nodded absentmindedly. He never felt so depressed in his life.

“Will… will Hermione remember this?” she asked.

“We'll tell her what happened,” said Ron and added after catching Harry's eye. “The things she needs to know…”

“Oh,” she said. “Am I really different from the other?”

“Yeah,” said Ron, chuckling. “But you two have the same charm… though I have to admit, you're a lot more fun than the one we know - we won't tell her that, though!”

Hermione laughed but something about her laugh was saddening.

“I'm going to miss you, Ron,” she said, grabbing his hand. “Tell the Hermione you know what happened, alright? Don't forget me.”

To Harry's surprise, Ron's eyes looked watery. It seemed to Harry that Ron wasn't really good with goodbyes or that stuff. Awkwardly, it was weird for this situation… it was only a memory…

A memory where you are both aware that you love each other.

“Don't cry, Ron,” said Hermione, giggling.

“I'm not crying!” said Ron, scratching his eye. “I - I just got the morning glory, that's all - would you excuse me?”

Ron traipsed out of the hospital wing as Harry could've sworn he heard a soft sob. Feeling astounded by this, Harry turned to Hermione.

“It's funny…” said Hermione slowly. “We just kissed… then now I'll be gone… and the Hermione you'll know will be back!” she said in a faux happy tone. “It's all going to be alright, right?”

Harry didn't answer. He knew that this was it. He felt suddenly stupid that he was taking this too seriously.

“Of course it will,” said Harry. “But if I've known that it will end up like this, I would halfheartedly admit that…”

“Are you going to tell me when I get my memories back?” Hermione asked anxiously. “I really enjoyed your company, Harry…”

Harry looked at her with all the tender feelings he had at the moment. He couldn't help but admit how downgrading this was.

“To tell you the truth,” said Harry, “before you woke up to find that you had no idea what was going on -“ he grimaced. “You were very angry with me…”

“I was?” she asked surprisingly. “For what?”

“I - I made you look pathetic in public,” said Harry. “At the end of the situation, you wanted to hurt me… you wanted to - erm - burn me.”

“Oh, my gosh,” Hermione gasped, putting her hands over her mouth. “I - I'm so sorry!”

“You don't have to be,” said Harry, smirking. “I just hope that when you come back to the way you were, you will be more forgiving.”

“I promise,” said Hermione, “I will try to remember to forgive you.”

“I doubt you will,” said Harry sadly. “But thanks…”

The two entered into an awkward silence before she spoke.

“You didn't answer my question… if you were going to tell me when I get my memories back…”

“Well,” said Harry. “Your true self thinks we are best friends… we love each other as friends… not that kind of way we are having, right now and it's a known fact that you will frown upon that.”

“Can you at least try to talk to me?” said Hermione, “I mean, when I'm back to normal… who knows? It could happen again.”

“You won't even have a crush on me,” said Harry. “You heard me, your normal self isn't the romantic type.”

“But what if she was?” she said, “What if that's all a secret and the one you are talking to right now are forgotten memories that my normal memories have been hiding?”

The thought was comforting but it didn't improve Harry's mood. The smoke emanating from the goblet made Harry look at it.

“I guess this is it,” said Hermione, frowning. “Give it to me,”

Harry halfheartedly handed her the goblet as she stared at it. She sniffed it and shook her head away from the odor.

“It looks icky,” she pointed out and before she could drink it -

“Wait,” said Harry, grabbing the goblet and placing it on the side table.

Harry then turned to Hermione and held her cheek. He leaned forward to her and kissed her lovingly. Hermione kissed back and grabbed his shoulder as Harry raked her brown hair. They pulled away from each other and exchanged smiles.

“I'm going to miss you,” said Harry, smirking.

Hermione took the goblet from her side table.

“Me too,” said Hermione and looked at the goblet. She looked at Harry, smiled and said, “Well… see you in another life, yeah?”

Harry nodded as he saw Hermione take the whole goblet in one gulp. Harry grabbed the goblet from her the moment she dropped it unceremoniously. Hermione closed her eyes dreamily and in one gasp of air from her, Hermione fell backward to her bed, bringing her to a world of dreams.

* * *

The lake of Hogwarts spread across Harry's view as the wind rippled his black hair. He never felt so brooding in a long time since Sirius died. It's not that it could be worse but he felt like he lost a whole lot of things yesterday after Hermione got her memories back.

All he could recall from yesterday that fifteen minutes later, Hermione woke up feeling all groggy and asked how did she get to the hospital wing - which confirmed her memories being back - and Ron and Harry gave a detailed account on what happened, from the chase, to the bluebell flame attack and her getting hit by a falling brick causing her unconsciousness. Hermione instantly remembered all of this and to Harry's luck, Hermione apologized with an extremely remorseful apology. It would've been a much untailored start for the three if Harry would've not hugged her abruptly making her stare at him with surprise. Harry quickly apologized trying to make it as if that his intentions were out of worry for her since he felt that it was his fault that he got her unconscious. Fortunately, Hermione was convinced at this but the look from Ron's suspicious face forced Harry to not look at him.

Even with the apology, Hermione was still mortified that she attacked Harry and during the whole day, she was very pleasant towards him and kept on asking how he was doing from time to time. Harry enjoyed this but the fact that she didn't remember about last night was very heart wrenching for him. It was at the point when he saw Hermione coming up to him asking about anything she missed that Harry left without answering her.

He sighed sadly and stared at the reflecting waters. He wondered why he was feeling this way and reminded himself that he was deeply in love with Hermione now after the kiss two nights ago. What made it worse was that how his mind drifted down to memory lane to remember any moment between him and her so he can enjoy that he shared those with Hermione. He recalled their venture around time back at their third year and their time together during the Triwizard Tournament… she stuck to his side no matter what. Harry felt a heave of pride when he remembered Hermione kissing him twice on the cheek in previous years. One was during the end of their fourth year before he left for the Dursley's at King Cross and the second time was during their fifth year before his first Quidditch match of the year.

But why was he feeling sorry for himself? Shouldn't he at least try to court her? The feelings were there, she was explicitly single and he could make this work. His experience with Cho made him see his mistakes so with Hermione, he can make it work this time… but why was he skeptical?

You can't take that kind of rejection.

One thing that Harry feared was that how Hermione in her present state will likely reject Harry due to the fact that Hermione was strictly conservative about the whole best friend issue. He could not only get that kind of rejection but he might also destroy his friendship with her. But that didn't stop her when she showed some infatuations towards Ron back then… but he always thought that she was more comfortable with him than Ron. He felt that - and he despised himself for admitting it - Hermione saw him as a brother and for the first time in his life, he guiltily felt jealous that Hermione had feelings for Ron instead of him.

How about now? You can always try to ask her…

He would trade everything right now just to make her return all of the feelings that he's been bottling up for too long. All he wanted is to let Hermione know that during her amnesic state, she had a crush on Harry which he returned after lots of blocking out leading them to snogging around the common room. A jolt of sadness hit him when he realizes that that he might never kiss her again unless he admitted his feelings towards her.

“Harry?”

Harry was surprised that it was Hermione. She was smiling at him while she carried her schoolbag around her shoulder. There was something impressive about her figure that made Harry smile back at her.

“I saw you from the library window,” she gestured to the castle at the distance. “I thought I'd come down here to check on you.”

“That's nice of you,” said Harry unresponsively, turning to look at the lake.

Hermione sat beside Harry and the two enjoyed a long, peaceful silence. Harry could hear her breathing and sniffed the smell of cinnamon from the shampoo she bought in Hogsmeade during her amnesic state. Harry reckoned she probably used it. He looked at her with the corner of his eyes to see her scratching the back of her ear as she opened a book to read. It looked like reading beside Harry beat out the library as the perfect reading spot for Hermione at the moment.

“Ron told me everything,” said Hermione abruptly, breaking the silence.

Harry tore his eyes away from the lake and fixed his eyes on her.

“Ron told you what?”

“He told me that after I got hit on the head… I had amnesia,” she said. “That through and through you two took care of me and made sure I didn't do anything stupid.”

Harry chuckled.

“You weren't really that hard to get around except for that Malfoy fix.”

“Ron told me that,” she said, mocking a wince, “I found it very funny… but yeah, Ron told me how you were very remorseful for me because you thought it was your fault that I got amnesia.”

Harry looked away from her and felt an unusual throbbing in his gut.

“That was really kind of you…” she said, holding his shoulder, “I found it touching that you were worried about me.”

Harry inadvertently reached for hand and held it. He felt Hermione's hand squeezed his.

“I was,” said Harry, not looking at her. “It wasn't easy to know that I hurt you.”

“It's alright, Harry,” said Hermione, “You didn't hurt me. It was an accident…”

“Still…” he said, “That brick fell on your head because of me,”

“Oh, drop it,” said Hermione sternly. “I didn't come here to argue about what really happened last Friday… I just came here to see if you're alright.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Well, the last time you spoke to me was yesterday after lunch… I found it strange that you ignored me when I asked you… and then as the day went by, I felt like you were avoiding me…”

Harry didn't answer so Hermione continued.

“Then when I asked Ron awhile ago if there was anything strange or funny apart from me pleading to you and Malfoy to be friends, he told me to ask you and he gave me a look,” she looked at Harry thoughtfully, “that made me feel like there was a connection about your cold shoulder behavior…”

“W-what are you getting at?” Harry asked.

“What happened?” she asked. “Ron told me things but not everything… I want to know what happened in your point of view.”

“Nothing really,” said Harry, “But you were different…”

“Different?”

“Yeah, different… you were much more outgoing, quirky and quite out of character which frankly, I found amusing…” he finished rather lamely.

“I was?” said Hermione, “Ron told me that I did things but he never told me that…”

“And…” Harry felt like he should tell her that she had a crush on him. “…that was it.”

“So why are you so silent to me?” she asked.

“I - I still feel guilty,” Harry lied. “I feel like I am not forgiven for letting you go through that…”

“Harry, you shouldn't feel sorry for yourself,” said Hermione anxiously. “No one could stop the brick from falling. I want to talk to you again and you know I hate it when my friends don't talk to me out of spite.”

Harry looked at her. Harry wanted to hug her on the spot as she stared at him forlornly. He knew that fact too much to ignore her.

“I'm sorry,” said Harry, “It just felt weird that before you lost your memories, you were trying to hurt me then later on, you were this sweet and timid girl who kept on following me and Ron as if you were a duck. I have to admit, I kind of miss that…”

Hermione giggled.

“Awww…” she then leaned on Harry's shoulder making him feel relaxed. “I can be your duck if that makes you feel any better,”

Harry felt a bit confused at their conversation. He didn't really know where it was going but what mattered was that she was with him.

“You don't really remember anything at all?” Harry asked slowly.

“No,” said Hermione, leaning away from him. “I can't say I have… but I found this empty jar in my bag,” she opened her bag and showed him an empty jar. “I reckon you might know something about it…”

Harry broke into a smile. He felt his heart warming up remembering how they shared the fake peanut butter together in the Three Broomsticks. He stared at his schoolbag and saw a jar of peanut butter between his books. Ever since their little pretend game, he had this craving for peanut butter that he bought some in Hogsmeade. Until now, he forgot to remove the jar from the bag he used to bring with him when they journeyed to Hogsmeade two days ago.

“No,” said Harry, his confidence in him rising, “but I think you might like this…”

Harry reached for his open bag and pulled out the jar of peanut butter and handed it to Hermione. Hermione's eyes widened.

“Oh, my God,” she said. “Peanut butter! I - I've been craving for this in the past few weeks!” she stared at Harry incredulously. “Did I tell you that when I was amnesic?”

“Nope,” said Harry, “but I can tell that you love that stick-on-the-roof-of -“

“-your-mouth goodness,” Hermione finished his sentence with him, impressed with him. “H-how did you know that? I only told that to my mother and father.”

“I'm not sure,” said Harry, feeling more confident than ever, remembering how the fake peanut butter antic two days ago worked well. “Lucky guess, maybe.”

Harry stood up and carried the strap of his bag. He slung it over his neck and looked at Hermione.

“I'll be off to see Ron for a moment, I promised him that I would do something.”

“Wait,” said Hermione, standing up, “I know there's some explanation - and I know you're jesting - but how did you know I love peanut butter?”

Looking beyond the lake, the feeling in Harry grew as his confidence became profound. Who knew that the memory of sharing that delicious treat would make him feel this surge of confidence in him?

“Well,” said Harry, looking to the distance and then to Hermione, “because I love you.”

Harry liked it that Hermione didn't give a strong reaction but a warm smile at him and a slight blush. He then walked up to her, smiled and affectionately squeezed her forearm as he passed her and went his way.

“Yeah,” said Hermione quietly, looking at him in great surprise as a forgotten memory in her slowly crawled up her mind. “I love you too,” she added inadvertently, smiling.

With the wind whipping his jet black hair, Harry never felt better. He looked up at the castle adoring how grand it looked and feeling a jolt of pride that he gave Hermione an impression that will last for a long time… long enough to be seared into her chain of memories.

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