Hermione glanced quickly into the compartment and saw Ginny sitting next to Harry with a surprised expression on her face. Harry was already getting to his feet and walking towards her quickly.
"Hermione, did he do anything to you?!" He punctuated the question with a scowl at the look on her face. "What did he do?" Harry turned towards the retreating Malfoy and went for his wand.
"Harry, stop!" She managed to get out. "I-It was nothing, really. Are you two ok? That was rude of him to just barge in like that."
Harry sneered at the door down the hall where Draco had just been. "Yeah, we're ok." He sighed and looked quickly back into the room. Harry and Ginny shared a look and he quickly relaxed. "The git does that every time we're on the Express, remember? Was someone actually eavesdropping at the door?" He finished with a smile that quickly turned to a look of concern. "Hermione?"
She snapped to and forced a smile. "He does, doesn't he?" She admitted with an aloof attitude and shrugged.
"Are you sure you're ok?" He pressed and took her arm.
Despite herself she felt heat creep up her cheeks again. "Y-yes, I'm fine, Harry." She forced another smile in the hopes that he'd drop the matter.
"If you say so." He said slowly. "Listen, would it be ok to talk now?"
Hermione stiffened at the thought of talking to him alone. What is he going to do? Tell me how good a kisser Ginny is? She bristled and felt her stomach turn over nauseously at the mere thought of them together.
"Well, I ..." She started but was cut off.
"Great!" He said with a smile that made her melt and her heart skip a beat. "Gin, do you mind if my best friend and I have a bit of alone time to catch up?"
Ginny smiled nervously and looked between the two of them. "S-sure." She said after a moment. "I need to find Luna anyway."
Harry beamed at her and pulled her into a brief hug before ushering Hermione into the small compartment. "Thanks, Gin." He said with a wink as he walked her into the hall. After a few moments he was sitting across from Hermione with the closed door cutting them off from the rest of the train.
"How was your summer, Hermione?" He asked innocently.
She looked up from the floor and found that he was watching her expectantly like he always did when they had talked before. She blushed slightly when he tilted his head to the side.
"Hermione? Was your summer ok?" He asked again.
She nodded slowly and smiled. "It was ok." She admitted. "I missed you and Ron so much! This is the first summer that we haven't spent at least some time together."
"I know what you mean." He replied quietly. Harry looked out the window and his face changed to that of one who was deep in thought. "I wanted to talk to you about so much but I couldn't write it in a letter, there was too much of a chance that it would've been intercepted."
Hermione fought the instinct to hug him, to comfort him, but settled with a quiet sigh. "I know. I wanted to be there for you, but Mum and Dad wouldn't take no for an answer."
Harry nodded quietly then crossed to her side of the car and sat next to her. Hermione's heart fluttered despite the situation that she found herself in. He needs me. I can't just leave him alone, can I? She straightened when he put his hand on her knee and looked at her. His eyes were filled with a profound sadness that made her heart reach out to him. She felt her arms moving of their own accord on a direct path to pull him into a hug but she stopped herself. "I'm sorry, Harry." She said instead and gingerly set her hand on his.
"I miss him, Hermione, I really do." He started telling her how much it hurt to have Sirius taken from him. More than once he wiped away a tear that ran down her cheek before he wiped away his own. All she would allow herself to do was nod and pat his hand gently when she felt he needed it.
"I was surprised how well Ginny listened." He said suddenly. Hermione glanced at him quickly but he was looking at the door of the compartment. When he turned back she looked to the floor. "I don't know what it is, Hermione, but for some reason we connected. I mean really connected with one another."
Hermione felt her heart begin to shatter with his confession and her eyes started to sting. She couldn't believe that he was actually telling her this.
"It's not on the same level that you and I were at, though. I mean, she and I can finish each other's sentences, I'm not sure how we got to that level, but I can't read her like I can you." He said quietly. "It's like there's something missing and I can't quite put my finger on it."
Her heart began beating rapidly again. It's because you don't love her, you love ME! She screamed to herself. "I-I don't know either, Harry." She found herself saying. What? Of course I know! She berated herself. She jumped when she felt his hand cup her cheek and he turned her face to his.
"Are you ok? You're covered in sweat and your face is burning up." Harry asked with a concerned look.
With her heart still hammering away in her chest from the unexpected contact all she could do was stammer. "Y-yes, I-I'm perfectly fine, Harry." She felt her face get even warmer and she stood quickly, regretting the break in contact. "I do feel a bit warm, I-I'm going to go get some water, I'll be right back." She left the compartment in as casual a manner as she could muster and turned back quickly. "Do you want anything?" She asked quietly.
Harry shook his head, the look of concern still on his face. "No, that's alright. I'll just wait for the snack cart to come by."
Hermione nodded absently and closed the door. She took a step and steadied herself against the wall as she wiped away the cold sweat that had formed on her forehead. She stepped forward with a sigh and bumped into a startled Ginny.
"Hermione, are you ok?" She asked as she put a hand on her shoulder. "You look a little tired."
"I'm fine!" Hermione snapped unintentionally and regained her composure immediately. "I-I'm sorry, Ginny, I just feel a little warm and need a drink of water, I didn't mean to snap at you."
Ginny gave her a quick hug. "It's alright." She said comfortingly. "Did you and Harry have a good talk?"
Hermione nodded absently. If you could call that good ... She thought bitterly. "He's gone through a lot and I'm glad he talked to me about Sirius." She admitted.
"Can we talk after you get your drink?" Ginny asked with the gleam from earlier back in her eyes. "I haven't been able to talk with anyone my age all summer!" Ginny had a hint of excitement in her voice that unnerved Hermione.
"I-I guess." Hermione said forcing another smile. "I'll be back in a little bit."
Ginny smiled and pulled her into another hug before she headed back to the car Harry was in. Hermione felt her stomach knot up and she made her way to the galley as quickly as she could. She really needed that water.
She was thankfully able to get to her destination without another distraction and had soon downed a glass of cold water that seemed to help immensely. What am I going to do? They can't have fallen for each other so quickly, could they? Hermione was so lost in thought that she didn't notice someone else had entered the room. She looked up with surprise when he cleared his throat.
"Hermione, what are you doing here? I thought that you were talking to Harry." Ron asked quietly. "Did they get on your nerves too?"
Hermione looked at him blankly for a moment before she realized that he was even talking to her. "Oh, what was that?"
"I asked why you weren't still talking with Harry." Ron said with frustration evident in his voice. "What is wrong with you?"
Hermione looked to the floor and sighed. Oh, I don't know, I'm in love with my best friend who is oblivious to that fact? She sighed again and shook her head. "I got a bit too warm and came for some water, Ron." She said calmly.
"You needed four hours to drink water?" Ron asked incredulously.
"What? Four hours?" Hermione blinked at him. "It hasn't been that long, has it?"
Ron nodded. "Listen, I covered your patrol shift when you didn't show up so don't worry about missing it." Ron sighed and put an arm around her shoulders. "Why don't we go back to the others and we'll hang around until we get to Hogsmeade."
Hermione blanched at the thought of being in the same room as the two of them. "I need to talk to Hannah about some of the items in the memo and there was something I need to talk to Padma about dealing with this year's head girl." She pulled out from under his arm and went to the door. "I'll be along in a few, ok?" Without waiting for an answer, Hermione made her way to the front of the train with the hope that Ron wouldn't press the issue.
She arrived in the empty prefect's compartment and sighed in relief. Everyone's trunks were stored elsewhere and there wasn't a real reason for anyone to come back. She sat down and tried to process everything that she was experiencing. Ginny must have been a real good listener for her to be finishing Harry's sentences this quickly. She pulled gently at her lower lip and let out a long sigh. There was a knock on the door that made her jump involuntarily.
"Hermione? Are you in there?" Ginny asked quietly from the other side of the door. "Are you ok?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and fought back the urge to punch something. No I'm not fine! She sighed and opened the door. "Come on in, Gin, I was just waiting for Hanna and Padma."
Ginny walked in slowly and sat quietly across from Hermione. "Would now be an ok time to talk?" She asked tentatively. Hermione could see that she was chomping at the bit to talk about something.
I bet that something is Harry. She sighed in defeat. "Sure, Gin, what's on your mind?"
"Well," She scooted a little closer to her friend so she was on the edge of her seat. "I don't know how to actually put this ..."
"You're dating Harry?" Hermione said dryly but forced a smile at the end.
"Oh, I knew you'd find out about us." Ginny admitted. "But that's not what I what I have a problem with."
"Oh?" Hermione's interest peaked. If it's not about them dating then what?
Ginny nodded. "You know Harry better than anyone, Hermione."
"Oh I wouldn't bet on that." She sighed under her breath.
Ginny looked at her curiously. "What?"
"You could say that." Hermione said louder with a soft smile on her lips. "Is there something wrong with the two of you?"
Ginny shook her head then changed her mind and nodded slowly. "He told you that we talked a lot over summer holiday? Well, that went a long way to encourage us finally getting together, but ... I don't know how to say it ... I don't feel like he's being fully honest with me."
Hermione arched an eyebrow. "Why do you say that? He's not one to lie offhandedly or anything. If he's not telling you something, it's usually his way of protecting you ... It really irritates me when he does that." Hermione scowled.
Ginny giggled softly. "He does do that, doesn't he? Well, there's nothing wrong with the physical side, I mean we haven't had sex yet, but the rest of it is good." She sighed.
Hermione fought rolling her eyes and instead looked out the window. "Is-" She changed her mind about that question. I don't want to find out second hand how he is ... "What's the problem then? I mean, you two just got together. That's not a long time, in the scheme of things that is."
"Well, I know I love him, Hermione." Ginny admitted with a pink tinge crawling up her cheeks. Hermione flinched but recomposed herself quickly. "I've told him I do, but he hasn't said it back. He just smiles at me when I say it, it's maddening."
Hermione sighed in relief. Well, he hasn't gone that far yet. "How long ago did you tell him, the first time I mean?"
"About a week ago." Ginny sighed. "Is it me? Do you think he doesn't love me?" She looked into her friends eyes pleadingly. "I've had a crush on him for so long and when I finally get him, I can't tell if he's treating me as a long-term fling or as something more serious."
Hermione cursed herself. This is so stupid of me! "Well, Harry has gone through quite a lot of hardship, Ginny, there's a good chance that he doesn't know what love feels like. I'm afraid that you'll have to wait for him." I'm really beginning to hate that word ...
Ginny nodded quietly. "Thanks, Hermione." A sly smile crossed her lips. "So, is there anyone that you're interested in?"
Hermione blanched at the question. Where did that come from?
"Come on, Hermione, there's got to be someone. I know you're not all books and studying, I've heard you talk in your sleep." Ginny pressed with a smile.
"I don't talk in my sleep." Hermione said flatly.
"Yes you do, I seem to remember you saying something about the kitchen not being an appropriate place?" Ginny giggled at the look on Hermione's face.
"I actually said that?" Hermione blanched. That was the first time I dreamed of Harry ... She looked at her hands in embarrassment.
"You did. I've been dying to ask you since I overheard you say that. We were in the common room one night and you fell asleep on the sofa." Ginny leaned in. "Is it someone I know?"
Hermione felt her heart start to race and stories started running through her mind at a breakneck pace. No, she wouldn't believe Colin ...
"Is it someone in your year? In Gryffindor?" Ginny pressed and Hermione blushed profusely. Ginny let out a laugh. "I knew it!"
Hermione gaped at Ginny in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"I know who you're talking about, Hermione." Ginny said more seriously. "I think I've known for a few years now."
Hermione stammered. "I-I'm sorry, Ginny, I know that he's your b-"
"My brother, yes. You don't have to apologize, Hermione, I think you'd make a good couple! Don't tell him I told you this ..." Ginny looked around conspiratorially. "He could do nothing but talk about you all summer."
Hermione's eyes went wide. What? RON?! She looked to the ground again. "But ..."
"It's fine with me, and I'm sure that Harry will be too." Ginny said offhandedly. "The one you'll have to watch out for is Luna she's got it pretty bad for him."
Hermione was so shocked she just sat there wide-eyed. How did it turn around so that I was getting advice from Ginny?
"Oh, we're slowing down, I'll see you back at our car, ok?" Ginny shot to her feet and left the room leaving behind one very stunned Hermione.
Hermione peeked in from the portrait hole. Good, nobody's there! She started for the stairs to the girl's dormitory.
"Hermione?"
Why? Why can't I just get through here without running into someone ... Especially him. "Hi, Harry." She said with a sigh. Ginny wasn't anywhere to be found, to her relief.
He motioned for her to have a seat next to him. She looked down nervously then reluctantly sat on the sofa as far from him as she could without making it blatantly obvious she didn't want to be too close. She couldn't handle that closeness right now.
"Hermione, why have you been avoiding me?" He asked quietly. "It wasn't because of my depression over Sirius was it?"
She looked into his glittering emerald eyes and couldn't help herself. Without a word, Hermione wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a comforting embrace. "No, Harry, don't think like that. I'm glad that you told me what was on your mind." She whispered to him. "I-I'm here for you to talk to when you need it, I hope you know that."
Harry returned her hug with a tight one of his own. "I'm sorry, Hermione, I just ... I don't think I could make it without you with me ... I need you in my life."
Hermione stiffened at the words. Give me a clear signal here, Harry! She seethed as she pulled out of the hug. "What? You need me? What about Ginny?"
Harry looked at her in confusion. "You know I need you in my life, you're my best friend. Ginny's my girlfriend, but ..."
Hermione flinched involuntarily at his reference to Ginny. "But what, Harry?"
Harry looked at the floor and sighed deeply. "There's more that I wanted to talk to you about, Sirius wasn't the only thing that happened last year."
Hermione calmed herself. "Ok, I'm listening."
Harry looked at her and after a moment began to tell her about the prophecy that Professor Trelawney had given. "So you see, if I'm to beat Voldemort ..."
"You have to murder him ..." Hermione finished. "Or he'll murder ..."
"Me." Harry nodded quietly. "I needed time to process this and I wanted to tell you about it first." He looked back to her and wiped away a tear that had started its way down her cheek. "I know I can trust you to keep it a secret until I tell Ron and after that, I don't want anybody else to know."
"Aren't you going to tell Ginny?" She asked quietly, wondering why he hadn't taken his hand from her face. She pushed her cheek into his palm and closed her eyes with a content sigh.
"I don't want her to know." Harry said adamantly. "I only wanted to tell my two best friends. I love you, Hermione, and I want you to know what's been on my mind since Sirius died."
He loves me? She snapped her head up and looked him in the eyes. "You love me?" She asked incredulously.
Harry nodded. "You're my best friend, how could I not?" He added with a smile that disappeared as quickly as it had shown itself. "Hermione, what's wrong?"
"Nothing!" She spat at him. "I'm glad you told me what was on your mind, but I need to get some sleep, and so should you, we've got a big test tomorrow." She stood suddenly and walked with a determined stride from the room.
"Hermione, wait!" Harry called after her but she didn't stop.
I HATE LOVE! She screamed in her mind as the tears started to fall.