Twisted Logic

Chapter 3: Complications and Miscommunications

I wanna live life,

And never be cruel.

And I wanna live life,

And be good to you.

"Here, hand me your bag, Hermione." Harry said upon arriving at their hotel room. They would have to share a room, no other rooms had been booked.

"Thanks Harry." She smiled, handing it to him as she stepped over the threshold of the room. "Oh, it's beautiful." She gasped. "Do you always get wonderful suites like this?" She asked in awe, gazing around at the lavish room.

And I wanna fly,

And never come down.

And live my life,

And have friends around.

"Well, that is one of the perks of playing for a national team." Harry grinned, setting their bags down carefully near the couch in the sitting area.

"But, how did they pay for these? This is a muggle hotel." Hermione turned back to him, after dashing to the window and looking out at the view of Halifax.

Harry thought she looked amazing. Her eyes were alight with a childish glint, she loved the crisp blue skies painted with the wonderful sunset. She also loved having a view over-looking a big city, she told him so once. Hermione didn't think Harry remembered these things, but he remembered every word she spoke, whether it be trivial, or important. Her voice was just too sweet-sounding, to be ignored.

We never change, do we?

No, no.

We never learn, do we?

Harry looked around the room carefully, still standing for some reason that was unknown to him. There was a nice oak table right in front of where he stood, another beautiful white cushioned couch opposite him, to match the one he was about to sit on. There was a chair off to the right, and a TV sat in a well-finished rosewood cupboard. All of this stood on a plush, white carpeted floor. Harry looked beyond the couch, at the magnificent view of the Halifax Harbour. The big glass window with the lavish curtains was really what completed the room itself.

"I'm pretty sure they have converters to exchange the money." Harry shrugged, "I don't really think about it too much." He added wondering for a second why he was still standing. He shrugged slightly, stepping out of his shoes and immediately plunking down on the couch, near the bags. "Ahh." He said in a relaxed manor, his eyes closing slightly.

So I wanna live,

In a wooden house.

"Look at you, all worn out. We apparated here, Harry!" She said teasingly, sitting beside him on the couch.

"Yeah, but think about it. We had to go all the way to the EAWO just to be able to travel this far!" Harry scowled over at her playfully.

I wanna live life,

And always be true.

And I wanna live life,

And be good to you.

"Yes, but the English Apparating World Oraganisation is only an hours drive from where we live, Harry." She shot back, sticking out her tongue.

And I wanna fly,

And never come down.

And live my life,

And have friends around.

"Oh shush." He said in a defeated manor. He knew that whenever he said this, he was literally letting Hermione know she had won.

We never change, do we?

No, no.

We never learn, do we?

"Do they have a pool here?" Hermione looked over at him, grinning.

"All of the hotels on Spring Garden Road do, Hermione. These are the first class hotels." He said in a dazed voice, not really paying much attention.

"Brilliant! I'm going to go for a quick swim then, okay?" She said excitedly, pulling her bag towards her and unzipping it carefully.

So I wanna live,

In a wooden house.

Where makin' more friends,

Would be easy.

"Fine by me. But I have a late night training session tonight, so I probably won't be back until about 2 or 3am, okay?" Harry checked his watch, and realized he had forgotten to set it to Canadian time. He quickly set the watch behind 4 hours, and looked at it carefully. It was 6pm, his eyes grew wide, he was going to be late for his 6:30pm practice.

Oh and I don't have a soul to save,

Yes and I sin every single day.

"Harry are you okay?" Hermione looked at him, her eyes filled with concern.

"Is it really 6pm?" Harry looked over at Hermione, his eyes still wide.

She looked at her own watch, "Yes, I changed the time on mine a few minutes before we apparated."

We never change, do we?

We never learn, do we?

"Damn this nice weather!" Harry said looking at the mis-leading sunny sky outside. He jumped up and grabbed his training bag, heading quickly for the door without a backwards glance.

So I wanna live,

In a wooden house.

Where makin' more friends,

Would be easy.

As Hermione watched him leave, she looked slightly put out, for she was going to persuade him to take a swim with her. She sighed, thinking things through. If she was going to pull Harry out of this daze, and help herself too, she was going to have to try harder, much harder.

I wanna live,

Where the sun comes out.

(Coldplay - 'We Never Change' from 'Parachutes')

-------

"Another pint, please." A raven-haired girl spoke loudly over the dim that came with Friday night 'happy hour'.

"Coming up." The bartender said gladly, taking the mug from her and hurrying off to refill it.

Ron could swear he recognized that voice from somewhere. His curiousity got the better of him, as he was debating inside his head whether or not he should go over and find out who it was. Maybe it was an old girlfriend of some sort.

"Hello?" Ron said, unsure of himself. He stood, with her back facing him. He almost expected that she couldn't hear him, but suddenly, her shoulders stiffened as her body tensed. Her posture became much straighter as she slowly, but surely, turned to face him.

"Yes?" She asked carefully, a thick trace of guilt trapped within her one word answer.

"Do I know you from somewhere?" Ron asked, still unsure. He couldn't see all of her face, it almost seemed like she was trying to hide from him behind the collar of her thick, black coat.

"I'm not quite sure." The mysterious girl answered, both of her eyes meeting his, as the complete bottom half of her face was covered by her coat. She stared at him carefully, in fear, waiting for an answer.

"I'm sure I remember you. You have an unforgettable face." He smiled. "Um, where could I possibly know you from?" He began to rack his brains.

"Perhaps from Hogwarts." The girl mumbled, her voice muffled from her coat collar. She never broke eye contact, as her eyes bored into his own, in a probing manor.

"Ah, so you're a witch." He said quietly, giving her a knowing smile. "I don't remember you, though." Ron furrowed his brow as he thought harder.

"Of course you wouldn't, I've changed a lot." She replied quietly.

"That voice, I know that voice." He mumbled, more to himself, then to her.

"Why wouldn't you? I'm ashamed." Ron couldn't see her face, but he could hear a smirk trace itself across her lips.

"Why are you ashamed?" Ron looked over at her, his eyebrow raised in mock suspicion.

"I'm ashamed..." The girl started, lowering her coat from her face, "Because you don't even remember the voice of your own sister." She finished, smiling carefully up at him.

Ron gasped in surprise. This was a true shock. He didn't know how he couldn't have realized it before.

His eyes traced over the features of her face. Her freckles were still intact, along with her slightly small nose. Her ears were covered by her raven hair, but her cheeks were just as rosy, and her eyes were just as crystal blue. She had a coat of make-up on her face. Foundation covered her skin, as dark blue eye shadow was painted thickly across her eyelids, and a crimson lipstick was smeared across her lips. She looked much older. Much older then she was supposed to be.

To be honest, Ron didn't like to see her like this. He took in the rest of her features, and shuddered. Her coat fell open, still hanging off of her shoulders. She wore a short black skirt (too short in Ron's opinion), a skimpy black tank top and leather high heeled boots. She had different bangles and beads around her neck and wrists, along with a few different rings that sat carefully on her slender fingers.

Ron caught a glimpse of a big diamond on her right ring finger. His mind began to reel.

She's married!? WHAT!? Oh wait, no, there's no wedding band. But, she's still ENGAGED!

He honestly felt like he wanted to be sick. What was he supposed to tell his parents NOW?!

She smiled at his dazed expression. "If you weren't my brother, I would have accused you of checking me out, and smacked you one!" She said with a chuckle. "Come on, Ron. Say something!"

"Gin...Ginny?!" He said, in another gasp.

"Do you have any other sisters I should know about?" She said in a mock curious tone, smirking in his direction.

"Good point." Ron said, sitting down on the stool next to her. "So, how have you been?" Ron tried to ask casually. He would probe her for answers later, right now, they had a bit of catching up to do.

"Oh..." Ginny's strong voice seemed to fade slightly, "I've been fine. Always on the go, it seems." Upon these last words issuing from her lips, she turned away from him for the first time in the last ten minutes.

"I see." Ron said, taking this into account, and making a mental note of it. "I haven't seen you around in awhile, where have you been hiding?" Ron said, straining to keep his voice at a calm note.

"Oh, I've been really busy. I don't really get out much, either." Ginny answered, her voice now sounding slightly off-hand and distant.

"Hmm, that's a shame." Ron said shortly, "Mom and dad really miss you, you know." He smoothed his voice back out, turning to face her. "They've wondered where you've been. And to be honest, I've wondered the same."

Ron looked deep into her life-weathered face. She looked defeated, and scared, now that Ron had a chance to look at her properly. She didn't look like the girl he once knew, the strong, Gryffindor he fought alongside in the final battle. She no longer seemed to have substance, as a result of life taking its toll on her. Perhaps her flashy appearance was a desperate attempt to make up for her vacant eyes.

"Don't." Her voice finally cracked. "Please... don't." She now whispered, not bothering to look Ron in the eye, still. She sounded on the verge of tears. Ron knew, that the tough exterior she had layered herself with was just an act.

At the mention of her parents, Ron realized he seemed to cut through it like a hot knife through a slab of butter. She looked as if she was ready to fall to pieces, at his words.

"Okay, sorry. I just think we all deserve an explanation." Ron said carefully, trying not to sound uppity about it. He didn't want to sound like he was forcing answers out of her.

Ginny sighed, "I know. And I'll give one to you. I don't know why I even thought I could run away from this." She finally let her eyes meet his again. "Ron?"

"Yeah?" He looked at her curiously.

"I've got to say, out of everyone, I've missed you the most." She gave him a weak smile, a note of sincerity entwing with her words that hung in mid air, and stretching across her facial features. She placed her hand on top of his on the bar.

Ron gave her a smile, "I've missed you too, Gin." He looked down at her hand on his, and his smile faded, he again, was faced with the big rock on her ring finger. It made him want to turn his nose up in disgust. But then, he looked at Ginny in the eye, and he reasoned with himself that he trusted her judgement.

Ron couldn't look away quick enough, and Ginny saw him take a glimpse at the ring. Her hand removed itself from atop his, and she showed it to him. "I guess you've already noticed, I'm engaged." She looked at him, her lips a cross between a smile and a grimace.

"Who to?" Ron tried not to sound hesitant and worried.

"Well, I'll tell you, because I know I can trust you, and you won't judge me, right?" She looked at Ron, an expression of hope gleamed in her eyes, as if she thought the world of Ron, and only he could help her.

He took a look at her. He stared her in the eyes long, and hard, and then sighed slightly. "Right." He said firmly, giving her a reassuring glance before her drink was placed in front of her. Before she spoke, she gave a nod of acknowledgment to the bartender, picked her drink up, and took a deep sip from it before returning it to it's resting place on the bar.

"Go on." Ron urged her on slightly. He was rather curious to know who it was.

"Well, you're not going to be happy, straight away I can see that." She said carefully, looking Ron straight in the eye with a pleading look.

Ron stared straight back at her, unflinchingly. He readied himself for whatever she was about to say next, his mind absolutely reeling.

"Malfoy." She said quietly, almost as if she was ashamed. "Draco Malfoy."

Ron couldn't speak.

Surely this is a joke! It HAS to be a joke! Dear Merlin, let it be a joke!

"Pardon? It sounded like you said... Draco Malfoy." He croaked out, looking at her carefully. He could feel his brain go numb, and his skin turn a pale white.

"No, you heard me right." She said in the same quiet tone.

"W-why?!" Was all he managed to issue from his lips. Thousands of foul words pushed at his lips, but he kept them closed. The urge to say something bad was so strong, it was almost as if these words weren't just trying to push their way out, but more like running headlong into his lips in one big group.

"He loves me, Ron." She said with sincerity. She continued to keep eye contact, regaining her sense of strength.

Ron gulped in some air, and breathed it back out shakily. "Where do you live?" He asked bluntly, trying desperately to get off of the subject of her future fiancé.

"Do you want me to show you?" She smiled slightly, making to stand up from her stool.

"Sure, why not?" Ron gave her a nervous smile, standing up as she had done and making his way out of the bar with her in tow.

Things can't possibly get any worse!

-------

It was midnight, he had been earlier then he thought.

"Herm? You there?" Harry opened the door, calling into the suite. He dropped his training bag down near the table in the hall. He kicked his shoes off slightly, watching them land near the coat rack. He ventured further in and saw Hermione curled up on the couch in front of the TV.

"Canadian TV is so amusing." She said chuckling and pointing the remote at one of the comedic sitcoms.

Harry smirked and rolled his eyes at her, taking a few more steps and plunking himself down on the armchair just beside the couch.

Harry looked at the TV carefully and chuckled slightly as one of the characters said something funny. But, for some reason, he could feel Hermione's gaze upon him. The look she would give him when she wanted his attention, and he just could feel her staring at him. It was 'the gaze he couldn't say no to', that's what he liked to refer to it as.

He looked over at Hermione, and sure enough, she was fixing him with a penetrating stare. "Yes, Herm?"

"Nothing, was just watching you." And she smiled, turning her attention back to the TV.

He hated, and loved her for this. Those short, intriguing sentences that would come out of her mouth. The ones you just had to think about. Questions would pop in your head, like "Why did she say that?" "What did she mean?" or the classic, "Why does she stop there?!"

Harry was beginning to ask himself those questions. Usually, he would let the moment pass, let the air be cleared. But this time, he wanted to know why she was watching him. A sudden urge to ask her pricked at him like a needle, making him jump at the chance.

"Why? Am I more interesting then the TV?" He asked her casually, turning his attention to her once more. This was one of those 'hit and miss' questions, he knew. The answer could mean everything, and it could mean absolutely nothing at the same time. And in the end, you were left to decide which one it was going to be.

He waited for her eyes to meet his before he gave her one of his 'I'm going to read your thoughts, now' stares. And it seemed to work.

"I would have to say, Harry, the TV comes at a close second, but yes, you are." She smiled her knowing smile, and it nagged at Harry, so. She seemed to know something he didn't. She seemed to have gathered information from something he said, or did, that he couldn't pick up on.

"I don't understand. What makes me so interesting?" He pressed the matter on, before it was too late to just seem casual. He had a burning sensation in the pit of his stomach to know more. Why he wanted to know what she was thinking, he didn't know. He just couldn't put a finger on the feeling he felt. This would determined whether it was a 'throw away' answer or not.

"You just, are." She continued to smile at him. But suddenly, she froze. Her eyes grew slightly wide, and she gasped. "Harry, I'm going to go to bed, okay?" She said quickly, chucking the remote to him so fast, that if it wasn't for his 'seeker-like' reflexes, it would have hit him in the face.

"Oh...kay." Harry watched her jump up from the couch, as if she only realized she was sitting on hot coals, and dash out of the room. "Night, Hermione." He said softly, and solemnly. With a push of the button, he turned the TV off, and was immediately thrown into darkness. But, he didn't care. He liked it this way. All was silent, and still. All was dark, and shrouded in mystery, just like the life he seemed to lead.

-------

I have feelings Harry Potter! I have feelings for him!

Her head reeled as she kicked her slippers off and hopped into bed. She rested her head on the pillows and looked up at the ceiling, watching as it was bathed in moonlight from the crack at the top of the curtains.

She couldn't believe what she was coming to realize. Something so small could make her come to terms with something colossal.

All she had to do was look at him. His messy raven hair, his bottle green eyes, his soft skin and his rosy cheeks. He was just so...enchanting! His grin would light his face up like fireworks, causing her stomach to do back-flips, and her heart to dance and rejoice, knowing that he was happy.

Ever since that night in the living room of their flat, Hermione began to discover that the feelings she had for him, the feelings she thought laid dormant, were still alive, and burning. All it took was one kiss for her to realize this. She couldn't come to terms with it before, her head wouldn't let her. She never realized this before, because she built up a barrier between her and the rest of the world. She put her work first, instead of herself.

She had been living a half life, never being fully awake, never being her full self around anyone. Sometimes, she could hear the old her scream to get out. But she never quite paid attention, she always ignored herself. Her wants, her needs.

But with Harry, things were different. She would look into his eyes, and everything seemed right in the world. She saw the person he was, and the person she wanted to be. She saw good times, and hardships. Highs and lows. She saw it all. It made her nervous, and yet un-afraid at the same time.

Everything she said and did in the last few years, felt like a contradiction.

She, Hermione Granger, was a walking, talking, living, breathing contradiction.

All of the emotions she put on display in front of him were nothing of what she really felt. She took her heart from her sleeve, and replaced it back in her chest. The last few years, she became absolutely oblivious to the emotions she felt towards him, and it was her own fault, to be honest.

She had no one to blame but herself.

And now, she was left to face the truth. Left to face the one question she was dreading to ask herself. The question she was dreading to dwell on.

Does he feel for me, what I feel for him?

Reality hit her smack dab in the face with this sudden realisation. She knew that the feelings she had for him weren't instant. They had developed over time, but never showed themselves for different reasons. She ran back in her head, everything that had stopped her before, that wasn't stopping her now.

In the end, it all came down to the fact that, there was nothing stopping her. Nothing stopping her, but... herself, really. Her problems, her insecurities.

She was driving herself crazy with thoughts about Harry, at this point. The man was in the next room, and she couldn't even bring herself to leave the security she now felt in the unfamiliar bed. She looked over at the curtains and sighed, they were letting in a soft glow of moonlight now, illuminating the room in a slight haze of white light.

She reluctantly began to push herself off the bed, folding back the covers as she made to stand up. Within minutes, she had slipped her dainty feet back into her slippers, and was headed for the door. If she wasn't going to tell him her true feelings tonight, the least she could do was keep him company.

She opened the door carefully, hearing it creek slightly due to the friction between the door and the hinges. Seconds later, and she had emerged from the room completely, making her way to the sitting room. "Harry?" She whispered into the dark, being careful not to trip over, or step on anything, for the place was too strange and new to her, so she didn't quite know where anything was.

She halted in the living room, realizing it was vacant, and made her way to the other bedroom. She tip-toed up to the door, and slowly pushed it open, peaking her head inside.

And there he was. Lying peacefully on the bed, rolled over on his side as he faced the window.

"Harry?" She whispered again, unsure if he was still concious.

"Yes?" He whispered in reply, instantly. She smiled, he obviously couldn't sleep either.

She carefully made her way to the side of the bed, kneeling down in front of him. "Hey." She whispered, smiling as the moonlight gave a soft glow to her facial features.

"W-w-what are you doing here?" Harry asked, not quite sure what to think. He propped himself up on his elbow, watching her hazy outline carefully through his blurry eyes. He didn't know whether this was a dream or not.

"C-can I sleep in here tonight? I'm not really used to sleeping in unfamiliar rooms." She whispered gingerly.

Harry almost couldn't believe his ears. "Yeah... sure." He answered in disbelief, folding the covers back slightly, so she could lie underneath them.

"Thanks." She answered, her voice full of gratitude. She carefully walked around to the other side of the bed, sliding in between the covers.

"Night." Harry whispered, rolling over, so his back was facing her. He was on the very edge, as far away from her as possible, and she sighed.

"Night, Harry. Sweet dreams." She replied, rolling over, so that her back was now facing his, also.

"Sweet dreams." Harry mumbled, the first waves of sleep hitting him gently.

All was quiet, all was still, and the woman of his dreams was sleeping beside him in his bed.

If this was as close to her as he could get, then a night like this, would never be forgotten.

-------

Come on,

Oh, my star is fadin'.

And I swerve,

Out of control.

"Gin, it's 4 in the morning, what are you doing here so late?" A drawling voice said lazily from the couch in front of the TV.

Ginny sneaked in, tip-toeing as if she was trying extremely hard not to step on something fragile. "Come on." She whispered, beckoning Ron inside. "He won't notice." She said reassuringly.

How can he not notice if I'm standing, right here?!

And if I,

If I'd only waited.

I'd not be stuck here,

In this hole.

Ron did as he was told. Stepping in and closing the door carefully. He looked around the dingy room, not being able to believe that Ginny lived there. It was a lot different from the home she grew up in. Sure it was messy, but that was clutter, not filth.

An awful stench drifted into Ron's nostrils as he squinted through the dark, the TV casting shadows around the objects closest to it. He saw wrappers and papers scattered all over the kitchen table across from him, and the walls looked like they had been smeared in rubbish, they were a dull, sick-looking grey.

Come here,

Oh, my star is fadin'.

And I swerve,

Out of control.

"I'm home, honey." Ginny cooed, taking a few steps toward the couch and standing behind the armchair. She watched him carefully, noticing the ever-so-obvious signs of drunkenness.

"Yeah, yeah. I know. Now leave me alone, I'm watching this." He said thickly, brandishing the remote at the TV lazily.

Ginny nodded her head slightly and turned her back on him, making her way towards Ron who was left to stand at the door.

And I swear,

I waited and waited.

I've got to get out,

Of this hole.

"Where do you think you're going?" Draco asked, his attention being taken away from the TV abruptly.

"I...I..." Ginny stuttered. "I'm just going to go to bed, I'm exhausted." She answered meekly to her fiancé, turning to face him once again, as she gripped the top of the chair as if clinging to it for dear life. Fear was laced in the words she spoke, as her eyes watched him worriedly.

Draco stood up carefully. He looked terrible. His once white undershirt was covered in food stains, to match the ones smeared across his grey pants. His hair was messy, his eyes were drooped, and he wobbled slightly, having the definite look of an intoxicated man.

"Why are you going to bed when you can stay here with me?" He asked in the same thick and slow voice. He made his way toward Ginny, his wobbly posture adding to the sinister look on his face, making him seem just that much more menacing.

But time, is your side.

Its on your side, now.

I'm pushin' you down,

And all around.

It's no cause, for concern.

"I'm tired, Draco." She said carefully, in the same meek tone, as if she was a child answering to her father. She bowed her head, not being able to look him in the eye.

"What?! Am I not good enough for you?" Draco snapped suddenly, his voice changing pitch and emotion. He sounded angry and thick. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at her.

"Tha... that's not what I meant, honey." Ginny said, quietly back, never raising her head to look at him. She waited for what she knew was coming next. But she was lucky, things hadn't escalated that far, yet.

Come on,

Oh, my star is fadin'.

And I see, no chance of release.

"Oh, don't 'honey' me!" Draco yelled at her, halting in front of her hunched figure standing behind the chair. "And LOOK at me when I'm talking to you! Never ever, showing me respect!"

Ron grit his teeth as he stood at the door. His fists clenched so tight, his knuckles were white and his mind was racing. He knew that if the light was any brighter in the room, the reddness of his face would be clearly visible. After that point, he heard Draco continuing to yell at her, but he couldn't distinguish just what he was saying exactly, for his ears began to buzz as he stomach filled with rage.

How DARE he treat Ginny this way!

And I know,

I'm dead on the surface.

But I am screaming underneath.

"Sorry, Draco." Ginny mumbled, hot tears betraying her, and streaming down her cheeks. They stung her eyes, but she didn't mind. She was used to pain, by now. The pain of her life seemed to ooze from her, un-noticed by anyone. She swallowed back a lump in her throat. Now, she was for it.

"SORRY?! WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT SORRY?!" Draco bellowed. A fleeting second, and the back of his hand was making contact with her face. A loud dull smack began echoing in her ears as the ground came crashing into her. He smacked her with such force, she sank into blackness, the last thing her ears hearing was a loud cry of anger.

And time,

Is on your side.

Its on your side, now.

I'm pushin' you down,

And all around.

Oh, it's no cause for concern.

Ron ran from his place near the door as he watched his only sister fall towards the ground. Within seconds, he halted in front of Draco, drawing back and sinking his knuckles directly into his jaw. Draco staggered back slightly, the element of surprise being Ron's friend.

Draco wiped warm blood from his lips. "You!" He said coldly, in the same thick voice.

Stuck on the end,

Of this ball, and chain.

And I'm on my way,

Back down.

Stood the edge,

Tied to a noose,

Sick to the stomach.

"Don't you EVER touch my sister again!" He screamed, advancing on Draco again, this time bringing Draco's head crashing down on his thigh, as his knee connected with his gut. Draco staggered again, hunched over, but with another punch from Ron, he sank to the ground to join Ginny.

You can say what you mean,

But it won't change a sin.

I'm sick of the secrets.

Stood on the edge,

Tied to a noose.

But you came along,

And you cut me loose.

Ron took a step back, breathing heavily. He watched Draco fall onto the ground, unconscious and blood sodden. He then turned his attention to Ginny, she was beginning to come to after her short fainting spell. He kneeled beside her placing a hand on her cheek. "Ginny." He whispered carefully to her. "Come on, I'm going to get you out of here, okay?"

You came along,

And you cut me loose...

He waited for Ginny to nod before he gently picked her up in his arms, making his way out of the filthy little flat she called home. Upon reaching the door and opening it, he looked back at the flat once more. His eyes moved from the TV, to the couch, to the small kitchen area in the corner, and finally they rested on Draco.

"No one hurts my little sister. Not even a stuck up pure blood." He muttered, stepping out of the flat without a backwards glance, and slamming the door behind him with a kick of his foot.

You came along,

And you cut me loose.

('Amsterdam' - Coldplay, from 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head')

-------

Harry woke to the smell of strawberries. His eyes opened slightly, and there, beside him, was Hermione. Her head laid gently on his chest and her hand was placed lightly on his stomach as she clung onto him slightly. The covers were over both of them, and the exchanged body heat was delightfully warm.

Harry wanted to stay like this forever. Hermione looked like a beautiful angel when she slept, he knew that. Sometimes, if she fell asleep on the couch, he'd sit in the sitting room and turn the TV on, as if he was watching it. But his real fascination always seemed to lie on her.

"Mmm." Hermione mumbled, shifting slightly and nuzzling her head deeper into his chest. He was going to reach for his glasses so he could see her clearly, but he didn't want to move, for she would wake up and realize she shouldn't be there.

Why does something so wrong, have to feel so right?

He would chance it.

He carefully pulled his hand from under the safety of the covers. He slowly began to inch it toward the bedside table, his eyes darting from Hermione's sleeping form, to the location of his glasses. Any slight movement, and she would wake.

"Harry?" She mumbled, as she began to stir. A huge yawn erupted from her lips as Harry's hand grabbed his glasses. He brought them to his face, sliding them in front of his eyes and balancing them on the bridge of his nose as he looked down at her.

"Yes, Herm?" He asked back, his tone quiet and slightly nervous. Would she move away, now? Would cursed reality strike?

"Morning." She smiled, looking up at him. A slight tinge of red was shown in her cheeks. She bit her bottom lip slightly, her eyes etched with sincere innocence.

"Morning." Harry smiled down at her, losing some of his nervousness.

"Harry?" She asked again, staying motionless next to him. Her face grew slightly redder. Her chestnut curls fell down around her face as she bowed her head, blocking her expression from Harry's view.

Was she...? Nah, she couldn't be. Besides, it's roasting in here, her face is flushed, perhaps.

"Yes, Herm?" He answered back, this time with more confidence. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder protectively.

What would make her want to blush anyway?

"Can we go sight seeing today?" She looked back up at him, giving him an innocent smile. The one a child would give if begging for something they knew they didn't have much chance of getting. The colour in her cheeks turned from crimson to rosy, and Harry wasn't sure if he could tell the difference.

No, she couldn't have been. She can't be nervous!

Harry pushed thoughts out of his head, sighing in mock annoyance, as a smirk betrayed him and spread across his lips. He had all of this planned already. He cleared the day so they could go and get lost in Halifax together. He blew off the chance of a few drinks with some good friends for her, and he was hoping she would be grateful for it.

"What a coincidence!" Harry said, his smirk turning into a grin. "See, because I blew off the guys to do just that!"

Hermione's face lit up, she looked extremely adorable. "Oh, Harry! That's wonderful!" She grinned back up at him, the current position the two of them were in, didn't seem to phase her, lucky for Harry.

Seeing her smile made his heart sore. He couldn't believe how incredibly happy it made him to see her in a good mood. The only thing now, that made him sad, was when she moved.

Hermione sat up. "I'm going to go get ready, okay?" She said, placing a hand on his and looking down at him with a smrik. She slid off the edge of the bed and took the few steps towards the door. She halted in front of it, and before opening it and exiting the room, she turned around, meeting Harry's eyes. She gave him a genuine smile, "Thanks, Harry."

Harry wanted to melt on the spot. "D-don't mention i-it." He stuttered slightly, taking a gulp of air to stop his stomach from doing back-flips. As he watched her leave, a smile traced itself over his lips, he just couldn't help the joyful feeling rising in his chest.

Today, was going to be a good day, he just knew it.

-------

"Ginny, come on, get up." Ron whispered lightly in her ear as she lay on the couch.

"Mmm." She mumbled, prying her eyes open as she was now aware of the strong light engulfing them. She took a good look around the room. Everything bright, crisp, clean and spacious. The absolute opposite of where she lived.

"Where am I?" She mumbled in the same 'early-morning-scratchy-voice'. "What am I doing here?" She became slightly frantic, beginning to panic. She took deep breaths, looking around the room in search of something or someone she knew. She didn't do well in new environments.

"It's okay, Ginny. You're at my flat." Ron whispered calmly, somewhere off to her right. She pushed herself up carefully from the strange leather couch, turning her gaze to meet his. Ron sat down beside her, never breaking their eye-contact.

"But." She answered. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her jaw and she instantly clutched it in agony. "Ahh!" She yelped, trying not to move it as much as humanly possible.

"Yeah, I'm guessing my numbing charm didn't work very well." He muttered to himself, looking slightly put out at his failed attempt to ease his sister's pain.

"It's alright, I'll do it." She said through clenched teeth. Talking was a great effort, when your jaw didn't want to co-operate with you. She pulled her battered and trusty wand out of her pocket and gave it a small swish near her mouth, not even attempting to speak. She excelled in Charms class at Hogwarts, something that really came in handy right about now.

She moved her jaw cautiously. Once she was satisfied, and knew it wouldn't hurt to speak, she attempted a short sentence. "Why did you bring me here?"

"Do you remember anything that happened at all last night?" Ron answered her question, with another question, a slight synical air about him. He watched her carefully, as she moved her jaw still, getting used to the numb feeling. She turned her attention back to him and shuddered slightly.

"Vaguely."

"Do you at least remember Draco hitting you?" Ron said through gritted teeth, he looked away from her, clenching his fist in suppressed rage. He would never hit her again, not if he could help it.

"Yes. But that was my fault." She whispered, looking away from Ron as well, and down at her shoes. "I egged him on." She continued in the same quiet and humble voice. "He really does love me. It's just... hard, you know? His father cut him out of the will, disowned him and everything, just because he proposed to someone like me." She said matter-of-factly, never raising her voice to a higher pitch.

"Someone like you?"

"The lowest of purebloods, I believe, was the term used." She said discreetly, sighing heavily. She continued to stare at her shoes as if they were the most interesting thing in the world. They seemed to stand out immensely on the white carpeted floor. "He used to be so wonderful. So charming, and kind. I used to see life in his eyes. Now they're just grey, and cold." Her voice dropped down to a whisper, as she talked more to herself then to Ron.

"He truly loved me. I know it." She continued before Ron could cut in. Her voice was so soft, yet cut through the air with such emotion, it made Ron shiver. He hated seeing his only sister like this, he really did. "He never used to be the way he is now, with me. It's like I'm skating out on thin ice every time I talk to him. I never know what will set him off next."

"Gin. You can't keep residing the place of his personal punching bag. Things will only get worse. He needs help." Ron answered back, giving her the best advice he could think of.

"He's not crazy, Ron!" She shot at him, her voice picking up in pitch.

"So, you'll pull yourself up to defend him, but let him hit you around like a rag doll?" Ron said, his voice slightly bitter. He watched her with a resentful look, his expression becoming rigid.

Why save her, if she so clearly doesn't want to be saved?

"You don't understand!" She said with a pleading glint in her eye. "You just don't... Maybe I shouldn't have brought you back. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything at all." She said, her voice full of a sickening regret. "You reacted just like I thought you would." She added, her voice going back down, almost as if it was a mutter. Suddenly, she got up, and steadily began to make her way toward the door.

"No, Ginny! Don't go!" He called after her, leaping up and chasing her desperately.

"Ron! Just leave me alone!" She called over her shoulder, her hand clutching for the doorknob. But as she did, the doorknob was turned of it's own accord. She stood there, and watched the door push open, to reveal a blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty. She almost looked like a Barbie doll, in Ginny's opinion.

"Uh.. Am I interrupting something?" She said bitterly. Her crystal blue eyes traced over the scene before her, and they narrowed slightly. She didn't like other girls who talked to Ron. Well, except Hermione of course, but that's because she could see that Hermione had the hots for Harry.

But this girl... This strange, new girl. She was darkly clad and looked extremely out of place.

Riff-raff...

"Sandra, now is not the time. I'm talking to my sister." Ron said warningly behind Ginny. He gave her a look of meaning, meeting her eyes for just a moment. Sandra blushed, but it went un-noticed, for Ginny cut in.

"Oh, no! It's quite alright, I was just leaving." She said coldly, not even turning to face Ron. She pushed past Sandra and made her way down the hall, on the verge of tears, already. The hot tear drops stung her eyes, clinging to her eyelashes and sliding down her cheeks, and yet she had no reason to cry.

"Look, Sandra, I have to go get her, because if I don't, I don't know when I'll ever see her again." He said, moving Sandra gently aside as he rushed out of the flat, picking up speed once he made it to the end of the hall. He heard the elevator ding, and realized that she wasn't going to hold the door for him.

"Damnit!" He muttered under his breath. He pushed open the door next to it and quickly began hopping the stairs two at a time until he reached the bottom. He was out of breath, his face set and his mind determined. He wasn't going to let his sister walk out of his life yet again.

'Ding!'

The elevator doors opened, and Ginny could be seen. She caught sight of Ron and was about to close the doors again, but Ron was too quick. He quickly slid his body into the ever-closing gap between the doors.

"Ha!" He said in triumph, the elevator starting again, as it began to bring them back up to higher floors of the block of flats. Carefully, he crossed over and made his way to the buttons, pressing the giant red stop button in between floors 3 and 4. He turned to Ginny, not speaking a word as he felt her gaze upon him.

"Ron-"

"No, you listen to me, Ginny." He said, sterness laced in his calm words to her. "Don't you dare act like I don't know what pain is all about. Don't think I'm delicate, don't tip-toe around me like I'm some child. No, I may not understand, but it's about time you tried to let me. Because damnit, I've lost you once, and I thought that was for good. I'm not losing you again." He finished, gaining eye contact with her.

His voice, though calm, was full of emotion. Regret, anger, sadness, bitterness. He felt a whole range of feelings as he stood before her, feeling completely naked. For the first time, in a long time, he was being sincere, through and through. He was baring his soul for all to see, wearing his heart out on his sleeve.

"Ron...I -"

"No, Ginny." He said, knowing by her face that her answer was going to be a negative one.

"But.."

"Ginny! I'm serious! Everyone.. And I mean everyone, in our family is splitting up! And I'm stuck in the middle of it all!" He said, his voice finally snapping under the immense pressure he felt. He wanted to crack, to break down.

"Fred and George aren't speaking to mom and dad, you've been gone for 2 years and Bill and Charlie had a row a few nights ago. Mom's heart has started acting up again, and dad is in bits. Neither of them know what to do!" He looked pleadingly at his sister, his mind spinning. He didn't want to quite tell her about Percy yet, he didn't think she needed to know.

"Ron." She said, raising her hand up to silence him from cutting her off this time. She sighed, looking down at the ground in a chance to regroup and collect all of her thoughts. She brought her head up once again, looking carefully into her brother eyes.

His eyes had once been a beautiful chestnut brown. They now looked darker, their shine dimmer. He had lost all hope. Something the both of them seemed to have in common.

"What do you want me to do?" She asked, her eyes full of meaning. She watched him carefully, waiting for a response.

"I don't know! I just... I need someone to help me fix things. A Weasley. Someone who knows the value our family holds, when united. Because everyone else has seemed to have forgotten that." He gave her yet another pleading look.

"And if I help you, you'll help me?" Ginny asked curiously.

"I'll help you with whatever you want. Anything I can do to make your life better, will make me feel better." He said, sincerity painted across his face, and flowing out of his mouth along with his words. He truly meant it, because he wanted to see his sister happy.

For the first time, Ginny smiled, out-stretching her hand to him. "Deal?" She asked.

A small smirk traced itself over his lips as his hand reached out to meet hers. "Deal." He said reassuringly, shaking her hand in the process.

And so, let the repairs begin...

-------

"Oh, Harry! Look!" Hermione grinned, pointing enthusiastically as she clung to Harry's arm like he was her life support.

"Yeah, that's the water front, Hermione. And there's the Halifax harbour." He said, smiling at her excited nature. She really seemed to love all of this, having never been to North America before. "Do you want to go for a walk down it?"

"Okay!" Hermione said happily, grinning from ear to ear. Her and Harry made their way down to the water front for an afternoon stroll.

"I love all of the shops here! And the people are so friendly!" She continued on her list of reasons why she loved Halifax. She looked out over the Halifax Harbour, and saw a massive boat on its way to the other side of the city. "Where's that boat headed?" She asked curiously, grabbing Harry's attention.

"Oh, its headed to Dartmouth. The other side of the city. See that bridge?" He pointed to the McDonald bridge further off.

"Yes."

"That's the bridge you take to get in to Dartmouth. But, that boat is a ferry that's used as means of another way across the harbour." He pointed back at the large ferry making it's way across the water.

"Neat." Hermione replied, the two of them beginning to make their way down the water front, leisurely. The place was packed. People walking in every which way. Harry held on to Hermione's wrist gently, bringing her through the crowded dock.

There was a small building decked with different souvenirs, and other trinkets inside. There was an ice cream stand further down. After that, there was a massive museum, a boat playground and a statue of a big blue wave.

Hermione loved all of the sounds, the smells, the sights. She loved the crisp air, the deep blue of the harbour, and the grey cloudy skies. She loved everything about her surroundings, but she seemed to love it twice as much because these moments were shared with Harry.

Hermione looked up at the cloudy sky awhile later, frowning slightly. As much as it added to the atmosphere, it was beginning to become darker and darker all the time, even though it was only midday. "Harry, it looks like it's going to rain." She mumbled in his ear as they sat together on a green bench further down the docks.

They were huddled together, their bodies only slightly touching, in an attempt to keep warm, both too afraid to go too far into the other's personal space.

"Hmm, it does." He replied, now looking up at the cloudy sky also. Harry then looked back down, rummaging through his pockets in search of the small umbrella he could have sworn he remembered to bring. Just as he found something in his pocket that felt like it, he pulled it out, chanting "Aha!" As the first rain drop collided with the soft skin of his cheek.

"Harry, you're holding up an empty can of red bull." Hermione said, her voice laced with laughter. She watched him carefully, trying so hard to bite back the sensation building up in her stomach to laugh at his forgetfulness, and of course, the adorable look on his face.

He took one look at her, and wanted to laugh himself. "Oh go ahead, laugh. But if I have no umbrella, that means you don't have one either. So we're both just going to get,-" He was cut off by another fleeting, wet sensation rolling carefully down his left cheek, "...drenched." He finished, looking from the sky back down to Hermione sitting beside him.

To his surprise, she smiled, "I don't mind. I've always loved the rain." She said, tugging absentmindedly at the zipper of her thin blue jumper, "I used to dance out in the rain when I was little." She looked back up at the sky, several drops sliding down her cheeks, each one getting heavier and heavier until Harry could hear tiny thuds when the drops collided with her skin. "My mom always warned me about getting a cold, but I didn't care. I never believed her, but then I'd wake up the next morning with a runny nose. Mom's always know best, eh?" She sighed, biting on her lip slightly in thought.

"I wish I could tell you, you were right." He said quietly in reply, the rain beginning to come down softly, the drops becoming more frequent and starting to attack the rest of them. Harry smiled bitterly, looking away from her. His vision concentrated on a nearby rubbish bin, as his glasses began to catch tiny droplets of water, that would roll down their surface. "I'm sure she would have, though."

Out of the blue, Hermione sighed solemnly, wrapping an arm around him and bringing him slightly closer to her, as she rested her head on his shoulder. She completely blew the 'Personal space' boundary right out of the water. "I never knew what it felt like to not have parents until a few years ago, so I'm still kind of new at this." She mumbled to him, smiling sadly.

"Yeah, you'll get used to it. But in the end, we still have each other, right?" He returned her smile, a little more composure in his voice now. He would not crumble, he would not fall apart in front of her. He'd stay strong, just for her, if he had to.

"Yeah." Her smile became broader and fuller, more life being added to her facial features. "Yeah, we have each other. And Ron, of course." She looked up at him, and saw his face fall slightly.

"Yeah, Ron too." He mumbled softly, looking down at his shoes.

"What's wrong, Harry?"

"Nothing. I've just.. I've just been thinking." He smiled inwardly, the rain starting to drench the two of them. He was thinking of her beautiful smile, and her radiant gaze. He was thinking of her soft curls and her plush, olive skin. He was thinking about her, damnit. Her! That's all he could ever think about it...

"About?" Hermione's face became concerned. She watched him, "Harry, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I've just been thinking about trivial things."

Merlin forgive me, Hermione's more then just 'trivial'!!

"Harry." She whispered. Her voice was full of meaning, causing him to turn to her completely. He watched her carefully, seeing a small smile curve onto her lips. There was something different in her eyes, something deeper and harder to read. Something more complex, yet some how simple. It burned brightly, too bright to go un-noticed, too bright to just be nothing at all.

"Yes, Hermione?" He answered back, shifting slightly in his drenched clothes.

Slowly, but surely, she leaned in, pressing a kiss lightly to his lips. It was subtle, and soft, yet intense at the same time. It was completely un-expected, but definitely wanted. Harry sat in shock. It was nothing like the kiss he had with her in their flat a few weeks ago. Neither of them were angry, neither of them were on edge. It seemed to be of her own free will.

She made the decision to kiss him completely by herself, and that is what made Harry enjoy it. That's what made him feel the softness of her lips. That's what made him feel the shivers travel up and down his spine from her arms lacing themselves gently around the back of his neck, pulling him closer as he began to drown in the depths of the ever-growing kiss.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing his lips back into hers, as he was drowning so helplessly, and loving every second of it. He was drowning in her lips, her breath, her touch. He was drowning in her scent, her heart beat, her gentle sighs. He was drowning in her, through and through. And even though the rain began to lash down on them unmercifully, it never even crossed his mind once.

-------

"Are you ready?" Ron asked Ginny, slight nervousness entrapped in his voice. It was almost dinner time, and they were standing outside of their parents house.

A pause, a sigh, and a nervous gulp as she fixed her dress. "As ready as I'll ever be." She said shakily, tightening the pony tail in the back of her head.

She looked a lot better then she had when Ron first laid eyes on her, after all that time. She was wearing blue dangly earrings, a deep blue embroidered, spaghetti-strapped dress of Hermione's, along with blue high-heels to match. She wanted to make a good impression on her parents. At least if she didn't feel the part of their strong, hard-working daughter, she'd at least look it.

'Knock, knock!'

"Come in." Mrs. Weasley said in her sing-song voice.

Ginny sighed, smiling slightly as her eyes began to well with happy tears. In her darkest hours, how she longed to hear that kind and gentle voice. She wanted it to come to her rescue, be her salvation, but she knew she had a long way to go before she could be saved.

"Well don't just stand there, come on -" Mr. Weasley said as he threw back the door. He stopped in mid-sentence, because there, standing in front of him, was his only daughter. His mouth dropped, he couldn't believe it. His stomach filled with an over-whelming joy that couldn't be expressed in words.

"Gin...Ginny?" He mumbled carefully, his hand clutching at his heart in surprise, a note of relief in his voice.

A small smile plastered itself on her face. "Yes, it's me, Dad." She answered, looking up at him, pondering on what she should do next. Should she hug him? Kiss him on the cheek? Shake his hand? She felt like someone's girlfriend, meeting his parents for the first time. She didn't know how they would take her.

"Come here." He said, meeting her half way down the few steps to the front door. He leaned down to her, and embraced her in a warm, fatherly hug. Slowly, but surely, after the shock wore off, she wrapped her arms around him in turn, smiling, with her chin grazing his shoulder.

"It's good to see you, Dad." She said quietly, sincerity in her voice.

"Arthur, what in the world? Don't leave the door -" Mrs. Weasley was cut off by a wonderful sight. There, standing on her front steps was her daughter and her husband hugging. "...open." She finished, making her way towards the pair of them.

Mr. Weasley let her go, and Mrs. Weasley immediately grabbed at the chance to hug her daughter. In this time, Mr. Weasley went on to hug Ron, patting him on the back, and then watching the two women of his life in an embrace.

Mrs. Weasley kissed Ginny's cheek and smiled, pulling away. "We're so glad you're here, Ginny. We were extremely worried. Please, come in, come in." She said, gesturing Ron and Ginny inside. They both exchanged looks of nervousness before entering the Burrow.

Ron smiled as he closed the door behind him, hanging back as Mrs. Weasley wrapped her arm around Ginny's shoulders, leading her into the kitchen. He watched from afar as he saw the joy on his mother and father's faces.

This is how it should be, this is how I wish it was. Good times, spent with a loving family.

-------

"Harry, you're drunk." Hermione whispered, laughing slightly. She was a bit tipsy herself, but no where near as bad as Harry. She took a deep sip from her freshly poured beer, some of the foam from it clinging to her upper lip. She set the drink down and slid her tongue along the foam, removing it from her upper lip carefully.

It was hours later, and they were having a few drinks in the local pub. Well, in Canada, they're called "Bars".

"I am..." A hiccough, "...Not!" He said stupidly, grinning his lopsided grin at her. They sat in a booth, sitting across from one another. Harry didn't have a single care in the world. He had one of the best days in his whole entire life, and he wasn't going to screw it up, the only problem was, he really was drunk.

"Harry, after this drink, I'm gonna go back to the hotel, okay?" Hermione mumbled slightly, a small smirk tracing across her lips.

Harry looked at her. She was so beautiful, like an angel, perhaps. And his hazy vision (due to his drunkenness) made her look all soft and slightly blurry. He wanted to snog her right there, damnit! But he knew he couldn't, he had to regain control. He had to resist all urges.

A half hour or so had passed, and Hermione was almost finished her drink. "Harry, are you coming back to the hotel with me?" She grinned in his direction, taking the last sip of her drink. Well, more like the last gulp.

Harry eeped in the back of his throat. He knew that if he went back with her at that moment, there would be no resisting his urges. He would do to her what he had been wanting to do for years now. And as big of an opportunity as this was, he didn't want to be pissed and not remember it. He wanted to make sure she was alright with it, for a start.

"Nah, I think I'll stay and have another drink. I'll be there soon, though. But don't wait up for me, okay?" Harry said to her with as much firmness as he could muster. He looked over at her, and wanted to die.

Die happy, that is.

She had this amazing and fierce glint in her eye, almost as if she wanted to devour him on the spot. The only problem was, he didn't know whether it was the drink, or her true desire. So, he shook his head, trying desperately to ignore it.

Hermione sighed slightly, "Alright, I'll see you when you get back." She said, placing money on the table for her drinks, picking up her purse and coat, and heading out the door, giving him a backwards glance and a wave.

Jesus, ain't she somethin'.

Harry smiled as he saw her leave the pub. He sighed happily, knowing he was pretty lucky to have someone like her in his life. Deep down, he knew he made the right choice not going back to the hotel with her, then. She was too precious, he didn't want to upset her.

"H-harry?" Someone spoke from behind him, he turned around, and his mouth dropped. There she was, the last person he wanted to see that night. Raven silky hair, beautiful tanned skin, slender figure, perfect smile. His teenage crush... Cho Chang.

"Cho?" Harry asked her, stunned and unsure. He let his drink clash with the table a little harder then intended, his brain reeling.

She grinned, "Yup! It's me, Harry!" She chuckled slightly, looking across from Harry at the empty seat. "Can I sit down? My date's just left. And from the empty glass, to the money on the table, I'm guessing yours has too." She said knowingly, not even waiting for Harry to reply, before she sat down across from him.

Harry had a sinking feeling in his stomach, as his mind began to reel. How could things go from great to terrible in a matter of seconds? He wasn't rude enough to leave right there, but he wasn't gentlemen enough to bare it with a smile, either.

He, now, was beginning to regret not going back with Hermione. Resisting his urges to ravish her would be a piece of cake, compared to resisting the urges to tell Cho Chang off. A PIECE OF CAKE!

The reason he had reserved so much hostility for her memory alone, was simple. She made an absolute fool out of him in their final year at Hogwarts. He wondered how she even had the nerve to walk over and talk to him like nothing had happened.

Images of their last proper encounter, just after he realized his feelings for Hermione, replayed in his head.

"Harry, what is she talking about?" Hermione asked him curiously.

"Yeah, mate. What's going on?" Ron looked just as bewildered as Hermione was.

"I have absolutely no idea!" Harry said truthfully, surprise entwining with his every word. He really, honestly, had no idea what she was talking about. He couldn't have done this to her, he had been sleeping in his bed the whole night!

"Admit it, Harry. You made love to me last night in the Room of Requirement!" She shrieked with glee.

"Cho! What are you talking about?!" Harry raised his voice to match her tone. It didn't help that they were in the middle of the Great Hall, either.

"Is this true, Harry?" Hermione looked like she had been slapped in the face. Harry and her had kissed in a broom cupboard, only days before.

"No!" He said frantically, looking at her as she sat across the table from him.

"Don't lie, Harry. It was the best sex ever! How could forget, baby?" She walked over to him, placing a hand gently on his shoulder.

He bolted up from his place at the bench, as he whacked her hand off of him. "Don't touch me, Cho!" Harry snapped, his voice full of rage. It sent shivers up his spine, as his anger boiled within him.

"H-Harry?" Hermione whispered, a single tear streaking down her face. She wiped it away not waiting for an answer. Grabbing all of her books left on the table, shoving them messily into her bag, and slinging it over her shoulder, she quickly walked out of the Great Hall, her shoulders shaking from silent sobs and her face red from emotion.

"Hermione!" Harry called after her. He turned around and looked at Cho. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?! Why did you DO that?!" Harry yelled at her angrily.

"Now, now, Potter. Is that any way to treat the girl you made love to, last night?" Cho's smile went from innocent to devilish.

"You're loving every minute of this.. Aren't you?" Harry choked out, his voice cracking.

Cho came extremely close to him, the whole Hall watching this fiasco by now. Ron looked at him, giving him a look of sympathy, he knew Harry wasn't lying. He glared at Cho, and ran off to go see if Hermione was alright, Cho continuing to erase the space between herself and Harry.

"Well, now. That's what you get for making me look like a fool. Leaving me for her! No one rejects me, and gets away with it, Potter!" She continued to grin, whispering softly against his neck.

"Get AWAY from me." Harry said calmly through gritted teeth. But even though his voice was calm, everyone could tell anger was behind it. He was furious, and it showed. It was written all over him, his stomach bubbling over with this rage. His eyes blazing with it, his breath unsteady and ragged because of it. It consumed him, it engulfed him, and there was no way he was going to let her get away with this. Not now, not ever.

He shook his head gently, his eyes coming back into focus as he saw the girl who caused this commotion in the first place, sitting right in front of him.

"Harry?" She asked him politely, trying to draw his attention back to her.

"Sorry, Cho. I have to go." He said shortly, taking the last swallow of his drink, and getting up as he grabbed his coat. He tossed money down on the table for his drink, and a tip.

"Oh, well, alright. Bye Harry!" She said to his back, a slightly put out expression on her face. Harry didn't give her a backwards glance, or a wave. He simply opened the door, exiting through it. He pretty much wanted to forget she even existed, and he was going to do just that.

Harry sighed as he left the small pub behind, making his way down the road to the hotel they were staying at. He turned a corner, plunging his hands into his pockets, thoughts flooding through his head.

He looked back at that day, in the Great Hall, in his final year, and saw it as one big complication. But he was over it, it was in the past now. It all started with mis-communication between him and Hermione. She didn't realize just how much he loved her, but he thought he had made it pretty clear.

For if it was clear, she wouldn't have been phased by what Cho had to say. She wouldn't have cried, she wouldn't have ran away, she would have believed him, no questions asked.

And he knew, that he couldn't make this same mistake twice. In relationships, mis-communication leads to complications. And Merlin knows, he's had enough of them to last him a life time.

-------