A/N: I actually just got back from seeing the 12am showing of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! The movie was awesome; anyone who hasn't seen it needs to see it now! Anyway, I won't say anymore for those of you who get mad when people talk about a movie (Like Me!) I hope you enjoy this chapter and please review!
Disclaimer: Nothings Mine!
Hermione's All That
The Surreal Life
Harry trudged down the hall, eager to find Malfoy.
He knew what he had to do, and today was the day.
He made a promise last night, one that he had full intentions of keeping, and for that to come true he had to get rid of the one thing that could break that promise…the bet.
He had stayed up throughout the night, pacing his room or gazing out the window, trying to decide what he needed to do and it all came down to one thing…Hermione.
She was the only reason he was happy at the moment and he couldn't imagine his life without her. He was surprised to see how he had lasted so far without her in his life. But he knew, before Hermione, he wasn't really living; just merely existing.
She brought joy, mystery, excitement, laughter, and love into his heart and he didn't think he could ever really tell her how precious she was to him, but he was going to try.
He was coming around the corner when he saw Malfoy standing at the end of the hall. Harry was about to walk up to him, but he stopped. Malfoy was standing there with someone else. Harry couldn't make out the figure because they were standing in the shadow.
Harry leaned back against the wall and strained his ears to try and hear what they were saying.
"Listen, soon you won't even have to worry about them. I will have it all taken care of by the time the Yule Ball comes around. Nothing is going to stop me from getting what I want," Harry heard Draco say.
He listened for the response, but he couldn't make out the words because the voice was so quiet.
Harry saw Malfoy start to turn in his direction, so he slid behind the wall, molding himself into the cement blocks.
He heard Malfoy's heavy steps coming his way and Harry prayed that Malfoy wouldn't see him.
He saw Malfoy pass and he was thankful he didn't even look Harry's way. He waited for him to get on down the corridor and out of sight before he relaxed.
I wonder what he is up to.
Harry started after Malfoy, still determined to do what he set out to. He made it around a few corridors till he finally saw Malfoy.
"Hey, Malfoy!" Harry called. Draco stopped and turned to Harry. His bruise was healing nicely and it barely left a mark. Maybe what he was doing now was planning something; maybe it really was Malfoy posing as Xander.
"Potter," Draco replied, smugly.
"Listen, we need to talk. Man to man," Harry began, not really sure how to approach this. He had never backed out of anything in his life, and to think he was about to over a girl, well a very special girl if he was being honest.
"What do you want?" Draco asked, unenthusiastically.
"Can we just talk, please?" Harry pleaded.
Finally Draco nodded, and they made their way into an empty classroom.
"What's this about, Potter? I haven't got all day to sit around and listen to the many woes of the Boy-Who-Lived," Draco muttered as he sat down on the teacher's desk, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Fine, I'll get right to the point…I want to call off the bet," Harry stated and Draco's face seemed to show a bit of a shocked expression, but one that quickly melted into the all to familiar Malfoy smirk.
"Let me get this straight," Draco started as he got up off the desk, making his way toward Harry. "You," he said, pointing toward Harry. "Mr. I-Can-Do-Anything Potter wants to back out on a bet he made with me? May I ask why?"
"Listen Draco, I don't really feel like getting into details about this, but I just want to call if off. I don't care, say I lost, whatever, but I just want to pretend as if it never happened," Harry explained, hoping that Draco would show just a bit of mercy for his friend.
"So, you want me to just drop the chance of making a fool of the legendary Potter, just because you asked me to?" Malfoy asked. Harry could hear the venom leaking off each word as it filled the air and he knew this wasn't going to be easy.
"Even though I know it is really hard for you to do something like this, I'm still asking," Harry told him.
Draco looked at Harry inquisitively. Harry could tell he was thinking, and when Draco thinks, nothing good can come of it.
"Alright Potter, I'll be the bigger man here and give you what you want," Draco said and Harry's jaw about hit the floor. He couldn't believe it. Alright, who is this and where is the real Draco?
"What?" Harry said, too shocked to actually control what flowed out of his mouth.
"Well Potter, is it that hard to believe?" Draco asked as he turned his back to Harry and strolled around the room. He ambled his way over to the desk again, picking up a few quills that were lying on the table and twisting them in his hand.
"Actually, yes," Harry admitted, watching Draco.
Draco turned and gave Harry a sly smile. "Well of course, there are consequences," Draco said and Harry groaned internally. He knew there had to be a catch. There was no way Draco Malfoy would back out without getting something out of the deal.
"I knew it! What do you want?" Harry asked, reluctantly.
Draco smiled at bit, laying down the quills and picking up a book, flipping through the pages. Harry knew Draco was biding time, almost like a dramatic pause. Harry knew fully well that Draco was trying to make Harry fell uncomfortable, giving him a minute to think over what Draco might say, and even though Harry regretted admitting it, it was working, quite well actually.
"I think that the best payment for me to keep my mouth shut would be," Draco started to say as he looked at Harry. "How about your precious Firebolt?"
Harry didn't move as the words sunk into his head. "Hell no, you can't have my Firebolt!" Harry yelled in fury. He couldn't believe what Draco had asked in return for his silence.
"Fine," Draco said, putting down the books and heading to the door. "I bet a certain bookworm would love to hear about our bet!"
Draco pulled open the knob and Harry watched as he was about to leave. A million thoughts seemed to run through his mind as he contemplated Draco's deal.
How can I give him my Firebolt? It was a gift from Sirius!
But you can get another one.
Yeah, but I love my broom!
Do you want to hurt Hermione?
Suddenly, he came to his senses as Hermione came into his head. He had to do this. If he really thought about it, it was a small price to pay to keep his promise. It could have been worse. Really? Oh, shut up!
"Wait," Harry said, biting his lip to keep from cursing. "You have a deal."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hermione made her way down the hall toward Potions. She had a permanent smile on her face ever since she hit the pillow the night before. She couldn't help but feel as if a huge weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. She felt lighter inside from releasing everything that had been bottled up deep within her for the past year.
She hadn't seen Harry this morning; she went to his room but he seemed to have slipped out early this morning.
"Granger," someone said from behind her and Hermione turned to see who it was.
She saw Draco Malfoy walking down the hall. He slipped up to her and she wondered what he wanted.
"So, how are you?" Malfoy asked and Hermione gave him an odd look.
"Alright, I know you didn't come to chit-chat with me, so what is it that you want?" Hermione asked.
"What, I can't just have a causal conversation with you?" Draco said.
"Well, it doesn't actually suit you too well to have conversations with people," Hermione replied.
"Well, I was just wondering if you would like to go out sometime," Draco asked and Hermione almost laughed out loud.
"You want to go out on a date, with me?" Hermione inquired.
"Well, yes," Malfoy said, giving Hermione a slick smile that usually knocked girls off their feet. He moved a little closer, invading her personal space. He reached up and pushed back some of her hair off of her shoulder, trailing his finger down her arm.
Hermione looked at him and felt nothing; absolutely nothing. No temptation, no attraction, nothing at all. She actually thought of Harry and what he would think if he saw them in this position.
Taking her hand, she pushed Draco away from her. "I don't care if you were the last man on earth; there is no way I would go out with you!" Hermione told him, before walking away.
"Has he even asked you to the Yule Ball yet?" Draco asked Hermione and she stopped in her tracks. She didn't turn around; she couldn't, because if she did she knew he would be able to see the answer written in her eyes.
"He hasn't and he isn't going to. He doesn't like you as anything more than a friend," Draco said and Hermione remained rooted to the ground. "Harry's just using you. I'm just telling you this because I don't want to see a good person like you hurt. And Hermione, the offer still stands. I want to take you to the Yule Ball."
Hermione didn't want to hear anymore, she continued walking and swept into the classroom quickly, taking a seat beside Neville, but Draco's words seemed to linger with her.
The lesson began, but Hermione wasn't really listening. She kept thinking about everything that had happened. Harry isn't using me, why would he be? What would he gain? Harry's better than that. I know him…at least I think I know him.
"Hermione," Neville said and Hermione turned to meet his gaze.
"Hmm," she replied.
"Class is over," he said to her.
"What!" Hermione almost shouted and Neville actually laughed.
"I'm just kidding, Hermione," Neville said.
Hermione perked up and looked around the classroom. Everyone was busy working on their potions. She saw Harry sitting at the back table with Ron and he looked up. She caught his gaze and he smiled at her and gave her a quick wink. She blushed a bit and turned back to Neville.
"I'm sorry Neville for not paying attention. What is it that we are supposed to be working on?" Hermione asked.
"Polyjuice Potion, but don't worry, I've already pretty much done the whole thing. All that really needs to be done is to let it sit for a month and then some form of hair from the person you are changing into," Neville told her.
Hermione was amazed, usually Neville wasn't really that good with potions; it was his weaker subject. Hermione usually prepared the potions and Neville would just assist.
"Are you sure you did it right?" Hermione asked and Neville looked at her with a hurt expression.
"What is that suppose to mean?" Neville asked, narrowing his eyes a bit.
"No Neville, I didn't mean it like that, but you know that Potions is your weakest area," Hermione said. She didn't mean to hurt his feelings, but obviously the comment did.
"Well you know what Hermione; I'm not bad at everything I do. For your information this potion is perfect and if you don't believe me, come back in a month and try it out yourself. Now just because you've gone and made yourself popular, fretting around with Harry Potter and forgetting about who has been your friend since first year, doesn't mean that you can walk all over me. I'll have you know that I can do things without you and I don't need you in my life, because you obviously don't need me!" Neville shouted, and with that he grabbed his bags and marched out of the classroom.
Hermione stared at the spot that Neville was just at and was lost. She felt bad for how she had treated Neville, but if she was being honest, he never really acted like her friend in the first place. The only thing he ever wanted to do was study and he never actually talked to her about anything.
On the other hand, he was really the only person that had actually wanted to be around her for the entire seven years that she had been at Hogwarts. He may not have been the best friend, but he was someone she could talk to and partner with rather than being completely alone.
She felt the tears welling up in her eyes at Neville's outburst. She had been ignoring him lately and he didn't deserve that. She felt an arm on her shoulder and she turned to see Harry standing there.
"Hermione, are you ok? What happened with Neville?" Harry asked, concern written on his face.
Hermione couldn't say anything. She needed to find Neville and make amends. She shook her head at Harry, indicating she would talk later, and fled the room.
She ran down the halls in search of her friend, but he was no where to be found.
She decided to go and check the Gryffindor common room to see if he had gone there.
Saying the password, she slipped inside. She didn't see anyone in the common room, so she ran up to Neville's dorm room. He wasn't inside. The tower was nearly empty…nearly being the operative word.
As she was about to exit through the portrait hole, she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Turning around, hoping that it was Neville, she saw Cho Chang making her way into the room.
"Well, well, if it isn't little miss bookworm," Cho sneered, making her way toward Hermione. She towered over Hermione, but Hermione wasn't in the least bit intimated.
"So, how has life been? It seems you actually have one now."
Hermione gave her a menacing look. "I don't need to speak to you, Cho, so get out of my face!"
"So, Granger, you've actually grown yourself some confidence. Compliments to Harry, I'm sure," Cho said.
Hermione didn't say anything. She wasn't a two year old and she wasn't going to play these stupid games. "I'm looking for Neville. I see he isn't here, so I'm just going to leave." She turned around and started for the door.
"Listen here, Granger. Know this, Harry's mine!" Cho said and the comment made Hermione stop in her tracks. She had it; she wasn't going to take any of this from Cho. Not only did she make her mad because Cho Chang was a stuck up snob who thought of no one but herself, but she had also hurt Harry and all that rage; all that pent up anger she had held within herself toward Cho was ready to be unleashed when provoked, and Cho had finally pushed that button for Hermione.
"Harry isn't yours and if I remember correctly, you were the one who dumped him for Viktor Krum, who's so stupid he probably couldn't even pronounce my name right!" Hermione said back to her.
"Krum, ha! He's history, total history. My new mission is getting Harry back, and just so you know, I never lose!" Cho seethed.
"Well, you can do what you want, but Harry wants absolutely nothing to do with you! You were the stupid one to let him go in the first place. He doesn't care about you!" Hermione shouted back, not at all afraid of this girl who seemed to rule the school. She knew this would cause even more enemies, but she didn't care.
"And you think he cares about you?" Cho said back and Hermione just ignored her. She turned and started heading out the door.
"He never has and he never will! You two don't mix, you're like oil and water. He is Harry Potter and the Harry Potters of the world do not go out with people like you!" Cho voice trailed out of the door before it slammed shut in her face.
Hermione didn't care anymore what people said. She wasn't going to let that ruin what she had with Harry.
What exactly do I have with Harry? We've kissed twice, but we haven't ever discussed it. He hasn't asked me to the Yule Ball or even told me he likes me. What if he really doesn't like me?
Hermione continued to drown in her thoughts. She needed somewhere to think. She would have to find Neville later, it was obvious she wasn't going to find him now because he didn't want to be found.
Hermione made her way to the library. Walking to the farthest table in the corner, she grabbed herself a book and began reading.
Timed ticked by and before she knew it, darkness had now filled the sky and it was past curfew. She realized that the entire time she sat there, she hadn't turned a page. She had a lot of time to think things over.
She replaced the book on the shelf and began walking towards the Great Hall for dinner.
She hoped to catch Neville there, but when she got there, he was no where to be seen. Figuring she was going to just have to eat by herself, she sat down at the end of the table and took a sip of pumpkin juice.
She began to get lost in her thoughts as she waited for dinner to start. The hall was fairly deserted, Harry wasn't even there yet. She picked up her napkin and started tearing it up, piece by piece.
As she began tearing a little song came into her head. He loves me, he loves me not. Oh well, it's not a flower but it will do. Hermione smiled at herself as she began chanting the lines as she tore off each piece. The last piece came up. He loves me! Hermione laughed at herself for doing something so elementary, but she couldn't help but feel a bit of joy at the thought of what she had landed on.
Alright Hermione, get a grip. Just like crystal balls and tarot cards aren't real, neither is this! But hey, I can dream can't I?
She unconsciously began twiddling the locket that Harry gave her in her hands. She looked down at it and smiled. She loved it so much. It was a complete reminder of not only her parents and their happy times together, but also of the best gift Harry could have ever give her…freedom. He helped her to soothe some of the deep wounds she had within herself.
She was able to actually sleep without crumbling into tears or succumbing to terrible nightmares haunting her dreams. Harry was her savior and she owed him a lot…and even though it was hard for her to say this, but if Harry really wanted to be with Cho she would stick with him and help him through it because she just wanted him to be happy…even though it would break her heart to see it happen, she would sacrifice her heart for his happiness. He deserved it more than she could explain.
Suddenly she felt arms around her shoulder and she jumped, startled by the sudden action.
Turning around, she almost bumped heads with a forehead because it was so close to her. She moved back and instantly cringed when she saw who it was. Malfoy!
"So Granger, gonna sit by yourself" Draco asked, staring at her with his gray eyes.
Hermione just shrugged her shoulders. She really didn't know what to say. She looked over and saw that Parvati and Seamus were standing there, smirking.
Hermione felt Draco lean down and whisper close to her ear. "Come on, don't you want to sit near me?"
Hermione moved her head away, very uncomfortable in this situation. Suddenly she heard a voice that made her relax.
"Malfoy, what do you think you're doing?" Harry said.
Hermione turned to see him standing with Ron and Lavender. He had an ugly look on his face and Hermione knew he was upset. He looked over at her and she saw something flash in his eyes, but she couldn't decipher what it was.
Draco stood up and looked toward Harry. "Potter, I'm just making friends with Granger here. Didn't you tell me that I need to start getting my act together and treating people like they should be treated?" Draco sneered in a rude voice.
"Yeah, Hermione," Parvati pronounced sarcastically. "How about you come over and sit with us?"
Hermione looked at her for a moment. She knew they didn't really want her there, but at the moment the whole hall seemed to be watching the scene unfold and she didn't know what to do.
She looked over to Harry for some kind of sign, but he continued to glare at Draco.
Draco turned and laid his hand down on Hermione's, caressing it smoothly. Hermione looked down at what he was doing and then back up at him. Who does he think he is?
"Yeah, come on Hermione. You know you want to," he said, seductively, giving her a wink.
Hermione turned to Harry, who was clenching his fists. She could tell he was trying to hold back his anger.
She pulled her hand away, looking right into Draco's eyes. "No, I really don't think so," Hermione said.
"No, I really think you should," Seamus told her. Draco grabbed her hand and pulled her up. He put his arm on her shoulders, leading her toward their side of the table.
Hermione looked toward Harry and she could almost feel the tension burning off his skin. Ron and Lavender didn't say anything, but Lavender gave her a knowing look and Ron gave her a small smile.
Draco led her to the table. "Sit down Hermione," he said as he sat down beside her. Hermione was hoping that Harry would sit beside her and she turned to him. He was trying to get to her, but Seamus beat him to it.
"So Hermione, how are you doing?" Seamus asked her.
"Fine," Hermione answered. She was really uncomfortable in this situation, but she just had to deal with it. If me and Harry are going to be friends, I need to get along with his friends, even if I don't like them.
Hermione searched for Harry and saw him going to the other side of the table. He sat down in front of her and looked right into her eyes. He seemed to be trying to calm himself. His hand was still clenching and she could almost hear his teeth grinding in his mouth, but he didn't say anything.
Suddenly she felt a hand on her thigh; she looked down and saw that Draco was touching her. She didn't want Harry to see, she feared he would do something he would later regret, so she casually pushed his hand away. Draco looked at her and gave her a wink. He was about to say something, but Hermione was glad he didn't get a chance because Professor Dumbledore began speaking.
Saved by the Dumbledore!
"Students, before dinner is served I have an announcement to make. Everyone remembers the wonderful Yule Ball that we are having and the nominations for the Queen and King. I now have the candidates that you are to vote on."
"The Kings you have nominated are Draco Malfoy from Gryffindor!" Malfoy stood up and smirked at everyone. Hermione could hear several girls swoon. What they saw in him?...she didn't know.
"The next is a fellow from Hufflepuff, Justin Flinch-Fletchly!" Dumbledore exclaimed. Justin stood and people clapped throughout the hall.
"And of course, from Gryffindor, Harry Potter!" Hermione turned and gave Harry a huge smile. He was still angry, she could tell, but he was trying to hide it as he stood, giving everyone a grin.
He sat down and met her gaze. She smiled and she was pleased to recieve a cute half-smile from him.
"And now, for the Queens! The first from Gryffindor house is Cho Chang!"
Everyone in the hall cheered as Cho stood and smiled at everyone. She waved as if she was in a beauty pageant. Oh give it up!
"The next, from Ravenclaw is Luna Lovegood!"
Everyone seemed to be surprised, but they all laughed and cheered. Luna stood up and smiled.
Seamus leaned over to everyone, so that they could hear what he was going to say. "I heard that a lot of people voted on her as a joke."
Hermione felt bad. Luna was a little strange, but she was a good person and no one deserved that.
Hermione looked at Harry for a moment and he was still looking at her. She stared into his eyes, but had to look away. She couldn't get lost in his eyes here; who knows what would happen if she did. She just wanted so bad to crawl over the table and kiss his lovable lips. Restraint Hermione, Restraint!
"Quiet please," Dumbledore said. Hermione snapped her attention back to Dumbledore as he began speaking the last name. Hermione was trying to think of who it would be. Either Lavender or Parvati?
"And last but not least is another person from Gryffindor…Hermione Granger!"
Please review and tune in for the next chapter: Quidditch and Confrontations!