Disclaimer: I don't own anything Harry Potter related. I just own the story line.
A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed. Note that on the "Good Sir" part, think "Ten Things I Hate About You." Then, think to the prom and the little Shakespeare obsessed girl.
Love Letters
Chapter 3
Harry stared wide-eyed at the vision he had been longing to see for so long. He couldn't believe that the same
shinning brown eyes, flowing hair, and cheery smile he knew so well was standing right before him. Hermione was smiling
back at him but remained still next to two people, presumably her parents.
"We don't know each other Harry," Hermione whispered in a singsong voice.
The ebony haired teenager looked at the brunette with a confused expression until it finally hit him.
"Welcome to the Dursley residence," Harry said, somewhat louder than normal so his aunt and uncle could hear him. "We are so happy to have you in our home. Please, let me take your coats and escort you to the parlor." Harry shook Mr. Granger's hand as Hermione whispered something to her mother and giggled quietly. He took his coat and gestured the gentlemen into the entry hall.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Harry," Mrs. Granger said warmly, giving the boy a hug. "It seems I've known you for ages."
"Mother, stop it," Hermione pleaded quietly as Harry happily took the woman's sweater.
"Hi," Harry said gently to the girl. He couldn't believe she was really there.
"Good Sir," Hermione said seriously, giving him her hand. Harry grinned as he took it and softly kissed it. Hermione smiled broadly. "It's good to see you."
"It's so good to see you," Harry replied. They were both quiet for a few moments, taking it all in. A loud cough from Hermione's father snapped Harry back into reality and soon he had led them into the parlor where the Dursley's waited feverishly.
Before Harry could say another word to Hermione, he was sitting alone in the kitchen, listening to his uncle's stupid jokes and his aunt's annoyingly high pitched laughter. He was thinking about what he would say to Hermione, all the questions he wanted to ask her. A crash and a scream interrupted his thoughts and panic took over. He immediately heard voices.
"I'm so sorry," came Hermione's apologetic voice.
"Not to worry dear," Aunt Petunia said calmly, "It's just a tea cup."
"But it was your best, I'm sure of it and now it's broken. I'm sorry."
"It's quite alright Hermione, I'll just fetch Harry to come clean-"
"NO! I mean, I'll get him. This is my fault, I should help clean it up."
Within moments of the ordeal, Harry saw Hermione round the corner into the kitchen. She ran up to him and gave him the longest hug he had in a long time.
"I've missed you," she muttered into his shoulder.
"I've missed you too, so much," Harry whispered into her hair, not wanting to let go. When they finally parted they looked each other over for a moment. A grin spread across Hermione's glossy lips.
"You got taller," she noted.
"You got shorter."
"Shut up!" Hermione laughed, playfully slapping Harry on the shoulder. Even in heels, Harry was still a head taller than the girl was. But it wasn't her size that was different about her. She was wearing make-up and her hair ran down her back in soft curls. Harry hadn't seen Hermione so done up since the Yule Ball. No guy at Hogwarts could deny that Hermione was simply stunning at the dance. Harry was tempted to say she looked even better tonight, but held his tongue.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked, revealing his biggest question.
Hermione grinned almost devilishly as she made her way around the kitchen, filling the kettle with fresh water to heat.
"I would have told you but I wanted to surprise you," she answered, turning the stove on high.
"Well you succeeded," Harry replied, "but why are you here?"
"My parents are dentists. A dentist's most important tool is a drill. Your uncle's company just recently designed an amazing new drill that my parents are planning to buy. They're here tonight to seal the deal. I'm here to see you."
Harry watched Hermione in amazement as she explained everything so casually. He shook his head and laughed to himself.
"Hermione, you never cease to amaze me," he smiled, leaning against the sink.
"Thank you," she said, leaning against the island, directly across from him.
The two teenagers stared at each other for a while, lost in their own thoughts. Neither said a word until the kettle began to whistle loudly. Hermione busied herself with making a cup of tea and Harry started to make conversation.
"So what do you think of my family?" he asked sarcastically.
Hermione stopped dead in her tracks.
"Oh my gosh Harry, you poor thing, I can't believe you have to live with those people," she whispered sympathetically. "I wish there was some way I could help."
"Coming here has helped enough Herm," Harry said gratefully. She smiled gently at him as she dipped a tea bag in her cup. She took a sip and then looked up at him.
"Come on," she said, starting back to the parlor, "You've got a mess to clean up."
"Which you made," Harry protested.
"Only to talk to you," Hermione said matter-of-factly.
"Fine," Harry said exasperatedly, letting her win. He followed her to the room with a towel in hand and was then on all fours, cleaning up the broken china.
"That's a good boy," Vernon said in a chipper tone, "Harry's always been a hard worker since the day we met him. Always dependable, isn't that right Petunia?"
"Always," she agreed, taking a sip of her tea, a bit of a peeved expression on her bony face. Harry figured that she wasn't too keen on having her best china set broken.
"What class are you in Harry?" Mr. Granger asked, playing along with the game.
"I'll be in tenth," Harry replied, "I go to Smeltings with Duddley."
"Oh really?" the older man stated, "and how do you like it there?"
"Oh, it's really, umm, great. Really great," Harry answered, not exactly knowing what to say. He caught a glimpse of Hermione hiding a laugh and shot her a deadly glance.
"You must be a good friend of Duddley's to do this favor for him," Mrs. Granger said kindly.
"Of course," Harry said, rising from the floor, "Duddley and I go way back. And not only that, but he said that I'd be serving a pretty girl as well and I knew I just had to meet her. So all I can say is, it's been a pleasure meeting you," Harry flashed Hermione a wicked smile, a blush rising in the girl's cheeks, "Mrs. Granger."
The room erupted with a mix of nervous and flattered laughter. Hermione, however, sat frozen and silent in her seat, not believing what she had heard. Harry was hitting on her mother. That boy had some nerve.
"You've got quite the sense of humor young man," Mr. Granger exclaimed, "but this pretty lady is already taken. You'll have to go down the line to the next one." Mr. Granger looked at his daughter, who blushed a deeper shade of red that matched the roses on her summer dress.
"I'll have to do that," Harry stated, grinning at Hermione. The corners of her lips tugged upward as she resisted a smile. Harry excused himself and went back to the kitchen where he waited to serve dinner.
-:-
When dinner had ended, Vernon told Duddley to take Hermione on a tour of the house (Obviously it was time to discuss drills). Duddley waddled into the kitchen with Hermione walking silently behind him.
"This is the kitchen," the gluttonous boy said dully, "and this is Harry."
"Nice to see you again," Hermione said politely.
"Likewise," Harry smiled warmly. And idea finally struck him and he stopped Duddley from going any further with Hermione. "Hey, Duds, why don't I give Miss Granger the tour? You can go watch TV or something."
For the first time Harry had ever witnessed, Duddley looked quite pensive. The boy then shrugged and made his way to the TV room.
"Impressive," Hermione said with an amused expression on her face.
"All in a day's work," Harry shrugged. "Come on," he said, taking her hand, "I'll give you the tour."
"How exciting," Hermione said sarcastically as she followed Harry up the stairs.
Harry ignored her comments and quickly made his way through the second floor until the reached the last room. He opened the door and led her inside.
"And this is my room," he said proudly. He watched as she examined it, expressionless. "It's not much I know but it's home," Harry added, trying not to show how uncomfortable he was. Hermione took off her jean jacket, revealing her bare but tan shoulders. She sat on his bed and looked up at him innocently.
"I don't bite," she said softly.
Harry nodded and sat down beside her. They were quiet for a few moments, both knowing how awkward it was. Harry couldn't understand what was wrong with him. It was just Hermione. It was just his best friend. It was just the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life.
"Did you say something Harry?"
"Huh?" Harry snapped out of his trance, not believing what his mind had just allowed him to think.
"What's beautiful?" she asked him, looking up into his bright emerald eyes.
"Uh, the sunset," Harry lied, not believing he had spoken aloud.
Hermione shifted her gaze to his open window and murmured an agreement.
"You seem distracted," Hermione noted after a few more minutes of awkward silence.
"Just thinking is all," Harry replied.
"About what?" she asked, turning to him with concern written all over her face. That was Hermione. Always worrying and always there with a helping hand.
"A lot of things," Harry muttered, admiring the way the light shone upon her face and slowly faded with the sun.
"Harry if it's about Voldemort, it's not your fault. It was bound to happen."
"You said his name."
"What do you mean?" Hermione questioned.
"You've never said his name before," Harry pointed out.
"I guess I've got no reason not to say it," she replied quietly, "you taught me that."
"It's not him I'm worried about anyway," Harry sighed, standing up and walking the short length to his windowsill. Hermione shortly joined him.
"Who are you worried about?" she asked somewhat casually.
"You."
-:-
Harry felt the night chill upon his skin as he walked Hermione and her parents out to their car.
"It was an absolute pleasure meeting you my boy," Mr. Granger said, shaking Harry's hand briskly. "Don't be a stranger now. And tell your uncle I'll be calling him in the morning to put the finishing touches on our arrangement."
"Okay," Harry replied respectively.
"Now I know why Hermione always talks about you," Mrs. Granger said kindly, giving Harry a warm hug. "Don't ever change." She and her husband got into their car, leaving their daughter to say good bye to her friend.
"So you talk about me?" Harry said in a big headed manner.
"Don't get cocky on me or I'll take it all back," Hermione replied, smiling.
Harry grinned and wrapped her in a tight hug, which they held for a good few minutes without saying a word. Hermione then loosened her grip on Harry's shoulders and wrapped her arms around his neck. He held her firmly at her waist. They looked into each other's eyes, holding the gaze for what seemed eternity. It only seemed natural for Harry to lean down for a kiss. That's what happened in the pictures after all. But Hermione sensed his motives and turned away.
"My mum's right," she said, looking back up at him, "don't ever change." She kissed him on the cheek and then let go. "I'll write you when I get home." She got into the car and minutes later she was out of sight.
Harry stayed on the pavement for a while, staring off into the distance where the car had last been. That was the second time she'd ever done that.