Hues
1: green
jealousy
I'm in love again, but you still can't give your peace to me.
PJ Harvey
In the 1150s, a famous arithmancer, Runback Lockjack discovered the magical properties of the number s 4, 9, and 7-
Seven.
Seven.
Sev-
"Trouble in paradise?"
Hermione Granger looked up from her Arithmancy homework to see Hannah Abbott slide into the seat across from her. She tried to ignore her, but she seemed to be stuck on the same damn sentence for the last damn hour. She sighed and gave up.
"Why do you say that?"
Her friend gave her an exasperated glare and grabbed her quill right out of her hand. "Well, I don't know. Quidditch match against Slytherin in twenty minutes. Your seeker boyfriend's on the Quidditch team… super hunky, star-quality boyfriend, I might add."
"Well, why don't you date him then?" She snapped, slamming her textbook shut. Tension seemed to invade her body. She was still waiting for a headache to make its presence known.
Hannah's eyes widened and then narrowed. "Is he being an idiot, then? 'Cause I swear if he's being an idiot, I'll-"
"No," Hermione cut her off. She cracked a small smile at her friend's overprotective ranting. "No, he's being perfect."
Hannah threw her hands up. "So then what's the bloody problem? You're the damn it couple of Hogwarts. And you've been happier than I've seen you in a long time. I don't understand… what's changed?"
She shook her head, frustrated. "I don't expect you to understand. Hannah, I adore you to death, but you expect what everyone else expects."
Hermione paused and let out a shaky sigh. "Everyone expects fireworks and obsessive snogging and a timeless love affair. And how can I do that when my bloody boyfriend spends more fucking time worrying about Ginny's relationship with Draco *fucking* Malfoy?"
"So this is what it's about," Hannah murmured. "Harry and Ginny's close relationship…"
Guilty as charged.
She waited for the jealousy is stupid speech. But instead, Hannah gave a smile and leaned forward. "Nice use of the f-word by the way."
Hermione rolled her eyes and bit back tears of frustration. "I feel so bloody stupid," she murmured. "Because I am jealous. But then it's more than that. Han, I have yet to have a first date. Sure, there's the kisses and the I-love-you's… It's like he's avoiding the entire concept of a relationship. Every thing's so hollow almost… It's been a month since we've been seeing each other and we've spent no time together. And then you and I are going to Paris to see my grandmother on Christmas holiday."
Hannah shook her head. "Wait a minute, I'm still stuck on this Harry and Ginny complex you have. Shouldn't you be jealous of his broomstick instead?"
A grin broke onto her lips and she laughed. "You're not helping."
Hannah shrugged, brushing Hermione's stolen quill against her book. "I got you to laugh, didn't I? But seriously, you've got to give Wonder Boy the benefit of the doubt. First off, he's a guy and that in itself is a problem."
She snorted.
Hannah grinned and continued. "Secondly, the Ginny thing. So what if they used to date? She and Malfoy seem to be happy in their torrid love affair. Besides Ginny and Potter are closer because well, they dated for one and some people are lucky to still be friends with their ex. And also, you and Harry weren't exactly two peas in a pod in our sixth year. The point is, you're not going to have a relationship full of hot and sweaty sex, automatically. You've still got to smooth those kinks and bumps over. Besides if life were eternally perfect, I'd be shagging Oliver Wood."
Hermione rolled her eyes and leaned forward on her chin tiredly. "You're right."
"You bloody bet I'm right. He's in love with you. An idiot can even see it. I still think you should be worried about the boy's attachment to his broomstick. It's unhealthy, I tell you."
"I'm frightened by your broomstick fascination."
Hannah grinned. "It's from dating too many Ravenclaws. Boys in Hufflepuff are boring as it is."
She laughed. "I don't even know why I'm taking you on holiday with me."
"Because I'm cute and you adore me?"
"You're insane."
"I blame that on my mother," Hannah said with a smirk. Her expression grew serious. "Are you sure you want me to come?"
She shook her head. "You shouldn't be asking me that question. You're my friend, Han. You and Padma have seen me through some tough times. Maybe this- Maybe I…"
She sighed and started over. "I'm in love, Hannah. There's no denying that fact. I'm in love with him some much so that it hurts to breathe. But maybe we're not ready for this. Maybe I'm not ready to reveal myself."
"You're not giving yourself any credit, Duchess," Hannah protested. "It's gotta be simple…"
She shook her head. "But it's not. It's complicated." She glanced at her watch. "The game starts soon."
"You look exhausted," Hannah mused. "You worry too damn much. Go back to your rooms. It's not going to kill Harry if you miss one game. The Cup games aren't until after spring holiday anyways. And that's a looooong time…"
"I'm exhausted because talking to you is emotionally draining," she responded dryly. "But I have to go, I promised-"
Hannah shook her head and grabbed her by the hand, pulling her up. "No excuses, love. I'll owl your mum, your grandmum, and Mrs. Weasley if I have to."
Hermione complied rather reluctantly, gathering her books together and following her friend. She was exhausted from talking. Maybe sleep was a good thing…
Or maybe it wasn't.
She was still plagued by a certain question from the back of her mind.
Was she stupid for having any doubts?
**
The Rather Long and Boring Author's Notes:
It took some convincing, but I finally caved into writing a sequel to Unravelings. Frankly, I was overwhelmed by the response to it. I couldn't believe that many people enjoyed. Let's hope my professor feels the same way about my thesis paper tomorrow… *gulps*. Only three more pages left…
Anyhow, this should be a much longer series. I'm actually shooting for seven to eight parts but we'll see how it turns out. It should be a fun ride.
Special thanks to Sarah for taking on the dreaded task of trying to understand the complex working of my mind and beta reading this thang. And to my professor for moving up the due date for my rough draft for my thesis, the paper I should be finishing.
Until the next part!
Kaze