One Moment in Time
Author: Ohepelss Oramtnci
Spoilers: All Four Books
Category: Romance
Keywords: Harry Potter/ Hermione Granger
Rating: Hmm… how about Pg-Pg-13
Summary: Hermione thinks Ron is cheating on her and breaks up with him. Both are equally upset, and during this time, Harry stands by Hermione and helps her through. Would love eventually blossom between them or would them remain as best friends like they began with?
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter related characters belong to Ms. J.K.Rowling. Other characters which you do not recognize belong to yours truly. Song Sometimes when we touch belongs to Dan Hill and Great Pretender belongs to the Plqtters
Author's Note: Sorry for the long update… I fell and couldn't type for a few days when I wanted to… so know that I'm better… I'll present you with this chapter :D
Kinicky 21- Musical??? Hmm.. not a bad idea though… Well, this story wasn't supposed to be a musical, but I used a tad bit too much music in it… I love songs and add it in at places where I think it's appropriate I guess… since my ideas are mainly derived from songs…
Sinta - Yes, than Harry must be very confidant I guess… What's next?? You'll see
Laurie - Updated
Star429 - Did I say I wanted to write about the dinner? Well… just joking… You'll see the dinner they shared… and a little something more…
Clair - Yes, this is H/Hr… Now how am I supposed to convince you?? Hmm..
Lordanhur - It's nice to hear that this story is this okay :D
Without further ado… I present to you…
Chapter 8: And Sometimes when we touch
The cool air hit Hermione as she stepped into the restaurant Harry had brought her too. The plush maroon carpet underneath her feet creased with every step she took. Hermione looked around, eyes wide open. Out of the many muggle restaurants available in China, Harry had managed to find one that was a pure wizardry one. Hermione took a double-look at her own clothes. She felt out of place. Diners were mainly in robes and wore top hats. Even Harry had donned a mid-night blue robe.
As if reading her mind, Harry took out his polished wand and muttered an incantation. Silvery white light swirled around her as her clothes change from sandals and a flora dress to a shimmering deep purple robe and a pair of glass shoes. Her ponytail was done up in a French twist and from her ears hung a pair of attractive opals. All this happened in a short time and even Hermione herself was slightly shocked.
Harry gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek. "Don't worry, you look gorgeous." Harry said, smiling as Hermione returned the smile. The sound of running feet as a waitress in a black robe and disheveled hair came closer to them, a clip board on hand. She sat it on the podium beside her as she frantically try to flatten her hair and rubbed her hands as she picked up the clipboard.
"Name?" She asked, removing a pen from behind a ear and smiling at them.
"Potter." Harry replied, giving her one of his charming grin. The waitress smile and gave him a wink before turning around.
"Follow me." She continued, making a tick on the piece of paper attached to the clipboard. Harry held out his arm.
"Do I have the honour?" Harry asked, grinning at her. Hermione smiled as she slipped her arm through his and together, they followed the waitress in front of them.
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"Oh yes I'm the great pretender (ooh ooh)
Pretending I'm doing well (ooh ooh)
My need is such I pretend too much
I'm lonely but no one can tell"
Ginny and Draco closed their ears and winced. Ron had started another spate of his singing fits. This was the 100th song in 3 days. He never sang the same songs and Draco and Ginny reckoned that he had sang more love songs than both of them knew, or perhaps, will be singing. The most peaceful time was when he was asleep. At least the whole house didn't rock with his hoarse singing.
Ron wasn't a terrible singer… but well, he had been singing at the top of his voice for the past few days and naturally, his voice had went hoarse. Ginny and Draco decided against casting a silencing charm around the room, as they wouldn't hear him if he got into trouble. But not, they are the ones suffering themselves. Both mentally wished that Harry could manage to bring Hermione back and persuade her to apologize. They have given up with Ron, he listens to no persuasion.
"Oh yes I'm the great pretender (ooh ooh)
Adrift in a world of my own (ooh ooh)
I play the game but to my real shame
You've left me to dream all alone"
A nearby glass vase shattered. Ginny quickly cleared the mess up. It wasn't the first time any item around the house has been shattered due to his singing. They have tried making their way up to his room, but as soon as the opened the large mahogany doors, they closed it immediately, for the sound was just too deafening for them to take it. It's a wonder Ron was able to stay in the room for such a long period of time.
Arthur and Molly couldn't stand Ron's continuous singing and had taken leave to visit Charlie and his wife, Liz, in Romania. Here, Ginny and Draco were suffering from Ron's outbursts, but little did they know that Harry was enjoying his time with Hermione in China, having dinner.
"Too real is this feeling of make believe
Too real when I feel what my heart
can't conceal"
Ginny shook her head. Since Ron missed Hermione so much, why wouldn't he just go and find her in China? Isn't it silly to sing his heart out with no one to listen but them? Trees outside the burrow were bare, since Ron had scared away all the birds with his horrendous singing. Only the crows remain to sing in sync with him.
"Ooh Ooh yes I'm the great pretender (ooh ooh)
Just laughing and gay like a clown (ooh ooh)
I seem to be what I'm not (you see)
I'm wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you're still around"
A tear rolled down Ron's cheek. He wiped it quickly. Men don't cry, even when they are upset. He missed Hermione so much, missed having her in his arms, missed smelling the strong scent of strawberries and champagne that emitted from her brown hair, missed every single thing about her. But he was adamant about admitting his mistake. Talk about the Weasley's pride, he had a big ego to hard to flatten. It never changed even when he was with Hermione.
"Yeah ooh hoo
Too real when I feel what my heart
can't conceal"
Yet, right here, his heart was already bursting, his body yearning to be close to Hermione, his heart, longing to see her again. His eyes caught side of the picture on his bedside table, one of him and Hermione, smiling gaily at each other. It was their wedding picture. Ron thought. Was it time to swallow the Weasley pride and get back the only girl of his dreams??
"Oh yes I'm the great pretender
Just laughing and gay like a clown (ooh ooh)
I seem to be what I'm not you see
I'm wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you're
Pretending that you're still around"
Nearing the end of the song, there was silence. Ginny and Draco pricked their ears, scanning for any sounds of the next oncoming song. None came and they looked at each other in surprise. Suddenly, a ear-splitting crash was heard. Both Ginny and Draco jumped up in surprise and landed on the other side of the couch tearing up the stairs like wild dogs and flinging over the door to Ron's room.
"Ron…" Ginny began as she quickly scanned the room. There was no sign of Ron, only a broken window with the shattered pieces on the ground. Ginny quickly ran towards the window, Draco followed closely. A streak of red ran through the sky and disappeared in a flash. Ron was gone.
"By god, he's gone to China to find Hermione." Ginny trailed off as she looked at Draco. The ends of her lips turned up, so did Draco's. "It's going to be a happy ending." Ginny said, happily, jumping up and down as Draco happily twirled her round. It was the end of their suffering, at long last.
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The waitress had led them up to the beach situated outside the restaurant. Specially set up for them was a gramophone, and a table. Smiling, Harry led her over to the table and pulled out the cushioned chair for her. Hermione gently swept up her robe and seated softly as Harry pushed in the chair for her. The sun had already setting and in place was her glimmering full moon that brightened up the sea slightly. Its reflection cast beautifully as the blue-green waters of the sea rippled. Harry took out his wand and lit three candles on the table to reveal two empty plates, two sets of cutlery, a bottle of red wine in an ice bucket and two wine glasses placed on a beautiful pink silk table cloth.
Harry opened the wine bottle and poured a glass of red wine for both of them as he reached underneath the table. Hermione looked at him curiously, wondering what weird ideas he came up with this time. It was a simple stick and he presented it to her. Holding the stick in her hand, she looked at him weirdly and examined the stick. In the blink of the eye, the stick transformed into a beautiful bouquet of red roses and this transfiguration shock Hermione.
"Thanks." She said quietly, still surprised as she set down the flowers by the side. "What's for dinner?" She asked, suddenly looking up and smiling at him.
"Whatever you want." Harry said simply as Hermione looked at her plate again. Before, it was an empty silver platter, but now, a platter of steak, gravy and potatoes appeared before her, smelling and looking absolutely delicious. She looked over at Harry's plate. It contained the same food.
"To our friendship." Harry said, smiling at her as he lifted his glass. Hermione followed suit.
"To us."
Both downed the glass of red wine and Harry poured more red wine. Their dinner resumed in as both tucked in, talking happily to each other, smiling and joking at the same time. As the last bit of potato disappeared from the platter, soft music began traveling towards their ears. Harry stood up and went towards Hermione and bowed.
"May I have a dance with this lovely lady?" He asked, smiling at her. Hermione nodded and took his hand. Taking her by her waist, he leaded her closer towards the gramophone and they began to sway to the music.
You ask me if I love you and
I choke on my reply.
I'd rather hurt you honestly
Than mislead you with a lie.
And who am I to judge you
On what you say or do?
I'm only just beginning
To see the real you.
The moonlight cast a sort of a glow upon them, framing their features and reflected it upon the sand. They dance together in beat as they move to the music, words not bothering them at all. Quietness was all around, besides the playing music. Their feet dragged slowly across the sand, making imprints upon it.
And sometimes when we touch,
The honesty's too much,
And I have to close my eyes and hide.
I wanna hold you till I die,
Till we both break down and cry.
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides.
These few words make Hermione suddenly feel cold, alone. The thought of Ron just made it worse. Harry could feel it and held her closer to him. Hermione closed her eyes. She was here to relax, not to brood over the past. With Harry's arms around her, she felt a sense of being, warmth and love. Closing her eyes in content, she laid her head upon his shoulders and let him lead her on with the dance.
Romance and all its strategy
Leaves me battling with my pride.
But through the insecurity,
Some tenderness survives.
I'm just another writer
Still trapped within my truths;
A hesitant prizefighter
Still trapped within my youth.
Harry closed his eyes. This felt so right, a feeling he never experienced with other woman before. The only difference was perhaps that she was his best friend. He ran a hand through her hair and stroke it silently, hoping to calm the many feelings within her, wanting her to relax, letting her know that with him here, she'll never be alone. He'll always be there, always be there to protect her and would never leave her alone. For a moment there, he had completely forgotten about his mission here in China.
At times I'd like to break you
And drive you to your knees.
At times I'd like to break through
And hold you endlessly.
There was this feeling that Hermione couldn't forego. A feeling which made her felt that she was cheating on Ron by being this close to Harry. But they were only best friends weren't they? Best friends comforted each other when they are sad, hugged and cried together. That's the things best friends do don't they?
At times I understand you,
And I know how hard you've tried.
I've watched while love commands you,
And I've watched love pass you by.
At times I think we're drifters,
Still searching for a friend,
A brother or a sister.
But then the passion flares again.
They parted slightly and continued their dance, both staring into each other eyes. Hermione's flickered with happiness while Harry's flickered with hope. Harry could only stare at Hermione, noting how pretty she was, how lucky he was to have her as a best friend. Maybe he hoped for something more, but he knew that Hermione doesn't feel the same. He felt lost in the glowing brown orbs of hers. They told him so much, so much more than words could ever put it. Happiness was what she feeling now, but sadness was still evident there.
Harry tried to shake himself out of it. Hermione did not belong to him. She was Ron's, and will always be. Her heart was him, it was too much to hope that her heart will belong to him. What am I thinking off? She's my best friend of heaven's sake. But this was something Harry didn't want to admit. On impulse, he brought his lips closer to hers and caressed them gently with a very sweet kiss. He didn't know why he did that, his heart just commanded him to. He had no want to pull back, all he want was time to stop where it was now and not continue.
This was the turning point. He couldn't turn back; he could no longer deny the feelings he had for Hermione. Yes, he had been deceiving himself for the past few years, deeming her only as a best friend. But his heart no longer wanted that, he wanted Hermione to be his, not Ron's. It was a selfish thought, but love was selfish.
And sometimes when we touch,
The honesty's too much,
And I have to close my eyes and hide.
I wanna hold you till I die,
Till we both break down and cry.
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides.
Hermione's eyes flew open as Harry kissed her. Many emotions were evoked and they stirred around in her heart. She had no availability to explain it. She didn't push Harry away. It seemed as if that this was what her heart wanted, what her heart needed. That little taunting voice behind her head telling her that she was cheating on Ron seemed non-existent at this moment. There was this chemistry between them, a chemistry that she couldn't explain.
Her eyes fluttered close as her arms went around his neck, wanting to be closer to him as she kissed him. This felt so right, felt so safe, so special. She enjoyed it. The taunting voice seemingly grew louder and her eyes flew open as she stumbled back. She noticed Harry's questioning eyes on her as she quickly shook her head.
"What am I doing, what are we doing?" Hermione muttered under her breath. Harry wanted to pull her back close again but she just stumbled away.
"We can't do this, we can't." Hermione said as she ran away, in tears, leaving Harry to ponder on his own. Hermione cried. What was she doing? Didn't she love Ron? Why was she doing this? Just because Ron broke her heart doesn't' mean she has to do the same? Or was it that the one she loved was Harry all along? No, it was impossible, Harry was just her best friend, just her best friend. Why deny the fact that you do feel for him? The little taunting voice was back again.
"Shut Up." Hermione screamed. She was confused, and didn't know what to do.
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Harry watched Hermione go. Now what did I do? Harry paced the sandy beach, scratching his head profusely. He was angry with himself. Why did he do that? That would put a strain on their friendship and he knew it. He hated himself and kicked the sand in his path. He had to go and mess up his life. But he knew that he loved Hermione, it was something that he felt that he could no longer deny it, even if he wanted to. Perhaps this was a better solution.
He could feel the chemistry between them, the electric feeling running through his veins when his lips first touched hers. His hands unknowingly wandered to his lips. He swung them down in anger. He had ruined everything. He began singing loudly, wanting to release all the pent up feelings within him.
"And Sometimes when we touch" (A/n: The irony of this. Both best friends do think alike.. singing out loud when they are angry.. hehe.. )
So do you like this chapter? Well, we've come to the end of this chapter, and probably, very soon to the end of this story, perhaps 2-3 chapters more… but it may increase… depends on how many ideas I have :D Hope you have enjoyed it and please review :D