Disclaimer: These characters to do not belong to me.
Thank you for the comments and suggests. I have reedited the two chapters to make it a little easier to read. Hopefully it flows better for everyone else. Hope you like the story and waiting to hear from you!
Perceptions from a Lady
Chapter 1
(Hermione POV)
"What are they bloody doing up there? Does it take that long to grab their robes?" Ron roared through the Common Room, startling many of the younger students.
"They're girls Ron," Harry stated.
"Why is Hermione sitting down here, when she should be upstairs doing Merlin knows what." I gave him a stern look, daring to repeat his comment. "Right, you don't associate yourself with people who are to trivial."
"No Ron, I just don't like Lavender and Parvati." I stood angrily. "But since you do, I'll just leave first." But I was held tightly against my will. "Let go of my wrist Ron."
"I'm sorry Mione. I'm hungry and getting impatient. Don't leave without us." His blue eyes plead with sincerity.
"Fine," I sighed. "She is your current fling."
"Which one," Harry finally dared to speak.
"Real funny Potter."
"I try," Harry smiled purposely irritating Ron.
"We're ready!" Lavender's shouted down the stairs.
"Finally!" Ron mumbled, meeting my two roommates at the last step.
"Ron, you look very handsome." Parvati batted her long eyelashes.
"Well thank you ladies. You both look lovely as well." He oozed in a silky manner.
"Harry, I think I'm going to be sick." I whispered into his ear.
"Just don't vomit on the girls. I want to be in Hogsmeade before 12."
"Thanks for the support."
"Anytime sweetheart," he smiled every so smugly.
Soon we arrived at the Three Broomsticks with familiar smiling faces surround us. It was a hot June night, leaving many of the students with flush cheeks. Lines of people stood behind the bar, waiting patiently for their butterbeers. Others sat merrily around their tables, relieving stress from their ending year. The music was beating and the tavern was fully lit. I saw Ginny with her 5th year friends, celebrating their last day of O.W.L's. And around each corner, were rowdy 7th years, smiling from ultimate freedom. Even the Hogwarts staff, sat relaxing with the end of exams.
After finding our seats, the drinks came and conversation seemed endless. I lost count of how many pints everyone had because of the increasing noise. Lavender's red lips widen as Parvati's husky laugh became louder. Behind us, I heard Seamus Finnigan argue with Dean Thomas. And if I wasn't seeing things, Neville Longbottom was snogging Susan Bones. My last night with my friends turned into a grab your own partner feast.
Not wanting to bother Ron's 'activities', I went in search for Harry. I spotted the raven hair boy slip into the back hallway of the tavern. Quickly I followed him and was about to speak when I saw him. Pressed against the wall, was his old flame Cho Chang. Her glimmering black hair spread against the wall, as her hands ran over Harry's back. Feeling very embarrassed and suddenly abandoned, I left them occupied with each other.
"Hold on there, where's the fire?" A deep voiced asked, after I had bumped into him. Still flustered from the encounter, I mumbled about the heat increasing inside. "Come with me than." I desperately followed him, wanting to get as far away as possible.
Finally we reached the clear night's air, and I let a deep breath out. "Feeling better?" I turned to look at laughing dark eyes.
"Oh Mr. Black," I cursed myself for forgetting my manners. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to visit Remus and Ev…Harry."
"Um…Harry's rather busy." I started blushing all over again.
"Well if he's anything like his father, than he should be." His mustache seemed to curl with his grin.
"Oh," I said awkwardly. Silence fell over us, and my self-pity started to kick in. Not wanting to cry in front of Harry's godfather, I decided to leave. "Well thank you for the help Mr. Black. Goodnight."
"Wait," he called behind me. "It's still early. Would you like to spend some time with real gentlemen?" He winked with charm oozing out every pore. Maybe it was the attention from someone or the fact that he was quite an attractive person. But whatever the reason, I smiled with my answer.
"Only if you promise me fun?"
"It's my middle name." Five minutes later and a few bumps, I found myself deep inside the Shrieking Shack. I had rarely entered into the building, and when I did I was usual with Harry or Ron. Yet Mr. Black was awfully sweet, and didn't joke at my jumpy manner.
"We're almost there."
"Where are we going Mr.Black?" I clenched his hand, from a sudden noise.
"It's a surprise. And will you stop calling me Mr. Black. I feel so old when you do."
"But you are older then me." He laughed freely at my comment.
"Always pointing the obvious, aren't you?"
"Sirius, are you there? How long does it take to buy butterbeer?" I heard Professor Lupin yell.
"Probably picked up a 7th year, while he was there." a familiar alto replied.
"Watch it Potter, I know where you live." Mr. Black and I appeared from the dark corner.
"I would assume so since you live with me." He lit the last candle surrounding the small crowd.
"James behave," I spotted Mrs. Potter spreading a thick red blanket on the ground. Next to her was Professor Lupin who held a basket of assorted things. "Hello Hermione, what a pleasant surprise?"
"Sirius here hasn't man handled you has he?" Professor Lupin grinned wickedly.
"No, Hermione is to smart for him." Mr. Potter lifted a bottle from the basket.
"I'm still here you know." Mr. Black raised his voice.
"Exactly why we spoke in the first place." Before I could hear their further comments, Mrs. Potter pulled me down next to her.
"Here, have some butterbeer. You must be thirsty from all this sparring."
"They do this all the time." I watched as the three men, continued their endless witty battle.
"Since they were eleven." She sighed brushing her long red hair. "May I ask, why Sirius brought you here? I would think that tonight you should be celebrating with your friends."
"Well…they got caught up with other things. But I should be resting early tonight. Tomorrow will definitely be a long day."
""It's a lost, you will not be here Hermione. The Leaving Feast shall not be the same." Professor Lupin entered into the conversation.
"We have the Quidditch cup and for sure the House cup, so no loss at my disappearance."
"Well I for one will miss you." I blushed from his over dramatic bow.
"How is Professor Evans?" I tired changing the subject. "Is she not coming? I thought you were all friends?" They stiffened at my comment. But Mrs. Potter reacted swiftly towards me.
"She's busy meeting old friends. I'm sure you will see her tomorrow though."
"I hope so. I need to thank her for everything she has done."
Sounds like you really like her," Mr. Black said, while sitting next to me.
"Of course I do. She's amazing!"
"Yeah, she is pretty amazing." Mr. Potter agreed but was staring only at Mrs. Potter. Sensing their attention away from us. Mr. Black cleared his throat entertaining Professor Lupin and I with outrageous stories. Yet once or twice, I couldn't help but glance at the enamored couple.
(Lily POV)
The night was at an end when Sirius finished the last bottle. All of us where a bit tipsy, but lucky we had placed a somber charm before the celebration. As we stumbled through the underground tunnel of Hogwarts, we tried are best not to wake the sleeping girl.
"Ouch! Watch where you step Padfoot! Some of us, do not have the luxury to buy new robes every week." Remus huffed at the ripped cloth.
"Oh Moony, I'll buy you 300 if you bloody shut up. I have a headache." His hands ran through his thick dark hair.
"Why did you drink the last bottle then?" James readjusted Hermione's weight. Since his job kept him physically fit, we decided to give him the task of carrying her. Luckily she was a small child, or my husband would have whined the whole way back.
"It was calling me. Sirius, you need to drink me. I shall not be wasted on those you do not appreciate me. Drink! Drink!"
"Sometimes I really wonder about you Padfoot."
"Me too Prongs, me too."
"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good." Remus proudly said towards the Fat Lady.
"Only your son, would use that as a password." I said directed at James.
"I know. Makes me tingle all over." He smirked arrogantly back.
"A true Marauder," Sirius placed his hand over his heart.
"Harry, she's back." I heard Ron call out. Inside the warm room, were my son and his friend waiting patiently for their missing partner. Automatically Harry ran forward, checking on the slumbering girl.
"Is she all right?"
"Just tired son," James placed her carefully on the long red couch.
"She was with you all night?" Ron moved to get a closer look.
"Yeah, I dragged her to the Shrieking Shank with me." Sirius slumped onto the velvet chair. "Well after leaving you two."
"I smell Icy Bricks." Ron suddenly sniffed out.
"And Broom Sips." Harry added quickly.
"Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, how would you know what those smell like?" I questioned with demand.
"Oh honey, they're teenage boys. Of course they…"James stopped when seeing my flustered face.
"Smart of you not to finish." I lessened my menacing attitude. "It's getting late guys, why don't you leave this to me?"
"Okay," Remus yawned. "I'm beat anyway."
"Yeah. Tired. Need sleep." Sirius murmured, placing his head on the armrest. Chuckling at his exhausted friend, Remus lifted Sirius out the portrait way.
"I'll be waiting." James gave a swift kiss. "See you later son, Ron."
"Bye dad."
"Later Uncle Potter." Glancing away from my husband, I saw Harry gently sit next to Hermione. And Ron carefully placing a soft blanket over her.
"I'll bring her upstairs. You boys should get to bed."
"Mom, could we stay down here with her?"
"Well"
"Please Aunt Lily?"
"We didn't get to spend the last night with her." Harry turned, reflecting my green eyes.
"Harry I don't"
"Please mom?"
"Please Aunt Lily? We'll let her sleep in. We just don't want to leave her alone tonight." They both pleaded with wishful stares. I wavered back and forth not knowing what to do. As a mother, I wouldn't want two boys left alone with a girl. But as a friend of three guys, I knew nothing would happen.
"All right, just try to get some sleep. She has a long day tomorrow." Their smiles brightened at my agreement.
"Thank you mom."
"Thanks Aunt Lily."
"Goodnight boys," I bid farewell after kissing their foreheads.
"Goodnight," they said in unison as I felt the room.
Slowly I walked into my bedroom, with strong arms circling around my waist. The smell of fresh mint and Icy Bricks filled my nostrils. I turned around smiling at the man who captured my heart.
"I've been waiting two months to have you like this."
"Umm," I kissed James gently. "I missed you too."
"Did you tuck Hermione in?"
"The boys wanted to stay up with her." He suddenly grinned mischievously.
"Want to tuck me in? I promise to stay up all night with you." He tugged me closer towards the bed.
"Sounds like a plan Mr. Potter." I rested my arms around his neck.
"I'm glad you like it Mrs. Potter."
I woke with the feeling of utter completion when James pulled me tighter into his embrace. Being one of the top Aurors, he was always off saving the world. His job was risky, dangerous, and a never-ending adventure. It made me sick worry constantly. Often times he would leave for months, with only my dreams of his wonderful touches. Luckily when Harry started Hogwarts, Albus offered me the job to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. If not, I would have died from the separation from husband and son. <James mumbling> Oh, how I have missed you? I miss running my hands down your chest. I miss your callous hands on my skin. I miss you saying how much you love me. I miss how you kiss all my worries away. I miss being Mrs. Potter.
"Don't think love. It's not allowed this early in the morning." James murmured into my ear.
"How do you know I was thinking?"
"When does my wife, never think?" He opened his maplenut eyes towards me. "What I love most is the color green. For your beautiful eyes, say all the things I miss. Your love, care, and utter devotion to me. I love you and though this may be simply stated, it can't not be denied." He raised my chin and kissed me ever so slowly. It was sweet torture to be married to such a man.
"I love you so much James."
"Lily dear, show me."
(Hermione POV)
Ding Dong Ding Dong
When did my clock turn into that sound? I tiredly opened my eyes to notice I was in the Common Room. Twisting my head towards the dying fireplace, I saw the letters of 4 am. Too early for me to be up and about. <Murmuring> Suddenly I realized I was not alone in the room. Next to me was Ron, who had his head placed on the armrest. He had a particular odd grin on his face, which I didn't want to dwell on. <Rustling noises> Beneath me, lying very still on the carpet floor was Harry. He had left his glasses on, while falling asleep. Silently I reached to remove them when his eyes shot wide open.
"Oh Harry, don't scary me like that." I felt my heart still racing.
"Sorry," he quickly sat up. "Did you just wake up?"
"Yeah, I'm not very tired. I guess I'm a little nervous." I pulled tighter from the blanket around me.
"Don't be nervous. You'll be fine."
"But,"
"Hey listen to me." Harry's hand pressed against my shoulder. "You're the smartest witch in this school. There is no riddle or problem you can not solve. You'll knock the socks off them." He smiled with the charm that could make any girl swoon.
"Thanks Harry," I snuggled closer into the blanket.
"Would you keep it down?" Ron grunted with frustration.
"Go back to bed," Harry cheekily replied.
"I am but…" Ron then stopped when realizing where he was. "Mione you're awake." His face became refreshed.
"Yes I am. Was there something you needed." I smirk while sitting up.
"Can't a guy spend some time with his best friends?" He pulled me closer with his arm around my shoulder.
"All the time," Harry answered, placing his hand above mine and taking the empty sit beside me.
"That or until I find cuter friends," Sadly I only received pillows hitting my face.
(Lily POV)
"Lily where are my shoes?" James screamed as I continued to brush my teeth.
"Under the chair," I heard things being rapidly shifted around.
"How about my,"
"On the table dear."
"You haven't seen?"
"In your pocket," I replied, reentering into the bedroom. He stood confidently in front of the full-scale mirror trying to straighten his tie.
"Sometimes I wonder how you survive without me."
"That's why I married you." He let my hands readjust the silk material. "I'll owl you when I reach Romania."
"Just becareful James," I moved to kiss his lips.
"I'm always careful."
"Honey, no need to lie." His lips curled into his trademark smirk and ran his fingers through my hair.
"You're going to be late Ms. Evans. So you better hurry and change."
"Oh, I almost forgot." Quickly I transformed my hair and charmed my eyes.
"I don't understand why you still keep the charade. I mean the students have seen you treat Harry equally like the rest of them."
"I know dear, but I want them to respect me as a teacher. Not as the great Harry Potter's mother."
"Whatever you want honey." He pulled me closer towards him. "How about a goodbye kiss?"
"Only a kiss?"
"Whatever you want."
(Hermione POV)
"Remember to owl us when you get there. And take loads of pictures for us." Ginny continued on as we waited for the Hogwarts Express to leave. "Oh, you're going to have so much fun. Especially with all the native boys."
"Ginny she's going to learn stuff, not pick up guys." Ron corrected her younger sister.
"I didn't know Hermione picked up guys." Lavender laughed at her own joke with only Parvati agreeing.
"Anyway," Ron rolled his eyes. "You be careful. Try to have some fun while you're there."
"She'll have a great time Ron." Professor Evans smiled proudly. "Owl me if you have any questions or just to keep me updated. Everyone is very excited to meet you. I'm positive you'll enjoy it."
<Train engine starting> "Well you better get on," she gave me a warm hug. "Good trip and safe times."
I moved to face Ginny, who quickly assaulted me with her fierce hug. "I'm going to miss you so much this summer. Have bundles of fun!" She pushed me forward, colliding into Ron. Instantly he wrapped his arms around me.
"Now you be safe at all times. If anyone tries anything funny, you owl Harry or me right away. I want you to enjoy this okay. Don't hide in the library all day." <Train whistle>
"Ron, Hermione needs to go." Parvati tugged on his sleeve.
"Let go Ron," Lavender said with annoyance. Finally his grip loosened, spinning me to the last person. Surprisingly the person I wanted to hear the most from, hadn't said a since morning. Harry had placed his hands deeply in his pockets, looking nothing like his confident self.
"Harry?" I spoke feeling like it was the first time.
"You'll be fine Hermione." His voice roughly came out. "I know they'll think you're amazing." His green eyes directed towards me. "Study hard, and don't forget to owl us once and awhile."
"Don't worry." <Train starts to move> "Goodbye," I turned to leave but was firmly held in place. Soon I spun around impacting into Harry's body. His arms wrapped around mine, holding very still.
"I'm going to miss you." He whispered into my ear.
"I'll miss you too." I replied, keeping the same soft tone.
"No, you'll be to busy with this. And you'll forget boring us."
"Harry the day I think you're boring. Is the day I kiss Malfoy."
"I'll keep that in mind." <Train starts to speed> "Hurry on, before you get left behind." In my dazed fog, I felt Ron and Harry quickly lift me into the train. As they slowly distanced from my sight, my stomached knotted into a billion strings. Soon I settled comfortably in my seat, letting my daydreams take over. But in the back on my mind, I couldn't help feel something was incomplete.
(Lily POV)
We watched as the Hogwarts Express disappear into the rich vast landscape. One by one, everyone returned to school with various activities in mind. I slowly reached the school grounds when I noticed alone figure in the highest tower. Before entering the front gate, I saw an owl swoop out of the same window. Squinting closely at the bird, I realized it was Hedwig, my son's owl.
"Missy, have you seen Harry?" Neville interrupted a sudden conclusion I had. "Ron said he was with you."
"No Neville, I haven't seen him." I lied innocently.
"Oh, he had promised to help me with dueling today. It's not like him to forget."
"Just give him a little time. I'm sure he'll come around." But the comment he nodded too was a statement said more to myself.