Disclaimer: These characters are definitely not mine.
Hello everyone did you miss me? Well if you did then big hugs to you. If you didn't then to bad for me. Anyway here is the next chapter, hope you all enjoy reading it. Also I need to thank my two lovely readers Jenn a.k.a. Lady Raven and Beachbaby560 for checking my story before it is shown to all of you lovely people. As you can tell I'm in a really good mood, so the next chapter will definitely have much H/H action. Stay tune and enjoy the story.
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 9
Daydreams, Aspirin, and Angry Questions
"You know if you weren't my best friend, I would think you were a goddess placed here to tempt us." Harry appeared sitting on top of the library table.
"Harry don't say things you don't mean." I leaned over to reach my Ancient Runes homework.
"If I didn't mean it, why would I do this?" He pulled me up and kissed me right on the lips. Oh this is good. Why was I nervous to do this? Shut up Nene and enjoy the moment. Breaking apart we stared into each other's eyes and I saw passion burn from within.
"Mione, I don't understand this?" His mouth opened with Ron's voice. What? Slowly his faced dissolved away. "Mione, Mione are you awake?" I felt Ron shake my shoulder.
"Ron what are you doing here?" I thought I was with Harry.
"Mione we have been in the library for the past 2 hours. You fell asleep. I seriously think these books are driving you mad." He angled his head to the side with amusement.
"No they are not. I just got really tired." Why did I dream about Harry? I don't believe I had a dream like that about Harry.
"Since you awake, I still don't understand this question?" Ron shoved the book towards me.
"You don't understand a lot Ron. But we'll still be your friends." Harry called out from behind me. I watched as he strutted over with no awareness of the girls following his every move. He had is Gryffindor uniform on but carried his black robe over his shoulder. His sleeves were rolled up revealing muscles flexing back and forth. As usual his hair was messy and glasses lope-sided. But I had the realization of why most of the female population was drooling over my best friend. "You know if you weren't my best friend, I would think you were a goddess placed here to tempt us." He sat on top of the table, towering over me. This feels familiar.
"Don't say things you don't mean." I got up to reach for Ron's book when I realized where this was leading. Breathe…1…2…3,it was only a dream.
"Of course I mean it. Aren't I right Ron? Doesn't she look amazing today." Harry grabbed the book for me as I still stood looking like a mouth wide flytrap.
"I absolutely agree Harry. If you hadn't shown up, I would have ran off with her myself." Ron dramatically answered while placing his quill down.
"And I thought, I was the only person with that idea."
"You know Harry, I think we might need to fight over for her." Ron patted Harry's shoulder, standing beside him.
"Now or later?" Harry replied instantly.
"How about later? You probably want some time with her before I beat you." Ron stuck his nose in the air. He's getting cocky.
"You mean before I beat you." Harry answered smugly. So is he.
"You two are hopeless." As I sat back watching with merriment. Well at least you're not snogging your friend senseless. Stop thinking about his lips and how they are right in front of you.
"Mione who do you think will win?" Ron crossed over and placed his arm around the chair. Great now I'm trap between big head 1 and 2.
"Think carefully before you answer." Harry raised his brow up and down. Why couldn't he be ugly? I could concentrate much easier if he was. I looked to Ron for help but only received a devilish grin. Well logically either way will result in male ego warfare and macho remarks. Think quick Granger.
"Neither since your both so wimpy." I was about to run away when fate decided I needed to stay. I tripped over myself and was preparing to fall when those familiar arms supported me. Ron burst out laughing while I flushed as red as a tomato. I never said I was graceful.
"Hermione if you wanted to be in my arms, you can just ask." Harry supported me around my stomach, which caused tickling sensations all over me.
"But Harry, Mione never asks a question. It's not in her character too." Ron stated sarcastically.
"Ron Weasley, if I was not embarrassed I would curse you till next week."
"Or still in Harry's arms." He answered back. Sensing my nerves, Harry released me from his touch. Oh should I be thanking Ron or hexing him for his timing?"
"Keep one eye open tonight Weasley." I glared straight at him.
"Never mind Harry you can have her. She has too much spunk for my taste." Ron crossed his arms posing like he knew something important. I throw my fist in the air getting ready to bunch him when I heard the same annoying drawl.
"Having another love spat with your boyfriends. Did they finally decide to dump you? But knowing Weasley, he couldn't afford another girlfriend." Malfoy arrogantly stood with his miniature lackey. Harry instantly held Ron back from beating the Slytherin. "Let him go Potter. If he wants to fight, I'm ready for it."
"Go ahead Potter, we can handle a fight." Peter taunted with a snotty smile spread across his face.
"Malfoy you couldn't handle me last time. Are you sure you can take it now?" Harry replied mockingly.
Why do boys always have to fight?
"There is going to be no fighting today. Malfoy I suggest you leave before you start losing points." I stood
firmly facing him.
"Granger aren't you tired of the point deduction? I would be glad to lose it, just to hit Weasel's face."
"I'll hit you in the face." Ron then jumped towards Malfoy, with Peter dodging out of the way. Harry then grabbed Peter's robe so he couldn't run away. Ron and Malfoy started tossing and struggling on the ground.
"Stop it. Stop fighting." I shouted gaining onlookers around the library.
"I believe that will not stop them Hermione. When it comes to boys and their methods, we women have to result in more practical measures." Professor Figgs took out her wand at the boys. "Petriticus Totalus," their movements stopped from the fully body bind.
"Professor…It wasn't…I didn't…He did," they shouted at once.
"Silence," she placed the silencing charm, and nothing echoed from their open mouths. "I personally do not care who started it or who's fault it is. As 5th year students, you should be setting an example for the younger student body. 20 points each from Gryffindor, Draco 30 points because you are a Prefect. Peter do not look so smug, I'm taking 15 points from you also. If I hear any more complaints, I will hand out detentions. Do I make myself clear gentlemen?" She received reluctant blinks. "Good, Prior Incanctato." Quickly they pull apart and stood up not showing their hurt pride.
"Come on Peter," Malfoy tugged the younger boy's collar.
"But Draco," he whined while being dragged away from us.
"Ron you lip is bleeding." I rush over to examine his injury.
"I'll bring Ron to the Hospital Wing, I was going to see Madam Pomfey any way. You two should be getting back. It is near curfew and you have class tomorrow. I'll make sure he is properly fit before returning."
"Thank you Professor," I smiled to her. She had short black hair today with violet eyes. Even though I never saw her real face, her sweet sparkling smile was always the same. It was the type of smile that radiated light, and which captivated any ones attention towards her.
"See you two later," Ron followed the Professor out the large library doors.
"We should be heading back. It is almost 9 and you still have to tutor Neville in Potions." Harry grinned turning his head away from the door.
"Let me pack my bag then we can go." I wonder why he is smiling like that. I raised my eyebrow in question at his grin. He only smiled wider.
We walked towards the Tower, and I was lost again in my own thoughts. I was to busy thinking to lecture Harry on how he shouldn't be fighting. Lately things had seem peculiar between us. He said more daring comments and appeared beside me most of the time. I'm not complaining but I guess I'm confused of what is going on between us.
"Are you all right?" Harry stopped me from walking further.
"Yes, why do you ask?" I smiled reassuringly then stared in to his green eyes. He had that charming smile again. I wonder if he makes other girl's legs shake like this as much as mine.
"You just seem deep in your own thoughts. Anything I may be of service for?" He bowed his upper body.
"Carry my bag, it's starting to give me a backache." I thrust the heavy bag in his direction.
"I was about to do that anyway." He answered knowingly, "Shall we mi lady?" He arched his arm next to mine.
I laughed, looping my arm through his, "Why thank you kind sir."
I have always been a morning person growing up. The best part of the day was lying in my warm bed and enveloped in to the silence. People are so afraid of it but never fully appreciate the time when everything seems flawless. Just picture yourself beneath a flowing blanket and squishy surface underneath. You can feel the early sun trying to touch you behind the linen curtains. Most importantly it's the only time of day were nothing has been spoiled. It's still innocent from schedules, rules, and responsibilities. Before I came to Hogwarts, my mom told me that life was like mornings. No matter what happens the day before or the day after, a new day must come. The sun must rise, the moon must set, and you must continue.
"Good morning everyone," I cheerfully said to the sleepy eyed table. I heard groans and mumbles of their usual morning greetings. "Did everyone just wake up on the wrong side of the bed?"
"We have double potions today Mione. How are you still so chipper?" Ron asked with a mouth filled reply.
"Then we have Divination, which means more death omens for me." Harry sighed with annoyance.
"Well it's your own fault. I told you to take Arithmancy with me." I smiled with a cheery singsong voice.
"Only you Mione would like Wednesday s," Ron stacked more pancakes onto his plate.
"Hermione do you think you have time to help me with Transfiguration tonight?" Neville asked politely while listening to Harry and Ron discuss Quidditch.
"Yes I think I do. Just find me later on tonight." Then I heard the familiar sounds of flapping and I saw Nice fly towards me. "Hello Nice, here is some toast." She hooted then nibbled on the tiny breadcrumbs.
Dear Sunshine,
I am glad to hear that you're enjoying Prefect duties. I was worried when you said it was difficult to have time with so much responsibilities. Like I always say, responsibilities are only difficult if you allow them to be. Everything at home is fine. We decided to place the Rocking chair in the nursery. Mom likes the idea of rocking the baby to sleep. The office is well and yes I fixed Mrs.Kelly's dentures. She has her difficulties but she is still my patient. Mom seems to be larger by the minute but don't tell her I said that. Andrew sends his regards. He asked me if you were dating anyone. Of course I told him no, but with my baby girl things always seem to change when I think I know the answer.
Anyway I have great news for you. Winston is going to spend Christmas in London. I asked him to stay with us, since he has no family here. I know you are as excited as I am. Your mom thinks we should have another Christmas party. Actually I think it was the Jones sisters who wanted another Christmas party. Well that is all the news I have for you. Remember to write back soon, and don't let that Malfoy kid get to you. Love you always will and never half way.
Dad
"Is that from you Dad?" Harry asked after finishing his own letter.
"Yes it is, everything at home is going well." I gave a small smile.
"Then why aren't happy?"
"I was hoping for news about the baby." I glanced back at the letter to notice at the very bottom was a postscript.
PS You thought I forgot to mention him. You read right, he is going to be a boy. Start thinking of names.
"It's a boy. I'm going to have a younger brother." I shouted loudly. Being overly excited I hugged Neville, who started blushing instantly. I received congratulations and smiles from my classmates. I was too happy to care if I looked like a beaming idiot. The grin on my face could not be washed away today.
"Come on Mione, we better go to Potions so your great day isn't to spoiled." Ron huffed then rushed towards the Dungeon.
"Don't mind him Nene. He is just upset because the Twins pulled another prank on him. You're going to be a fantastic older sister." Harry said with confidence at my abilities.
"I have plenty of practice from you two." I playfully hit his shoulder. We continued talking in to the room, to find that Professor Snape had not arrived yet. Most of the Gryffindors and Slytherins were seated chatting with their neighbors. Ron left us sits in the back and argued with Seamus and Dean about Quidditch. I really need to teach him another sport.
"Hermione are you coming to our practice today? Ron and I came up with these new strategies we wanted to show you." Harry leaned away from the other boys heated discussion.
"No sorry Harry. Terry and Padma wanted to go over notes for Arithmancy." He sagged his shoulders and sighed with dissappointment."You want to tell me all the details after dinner." I tried lifting his spirits.
"Ron and I promised Charlie we would help him clean dirty cages." He answered with the same discouraged tone.
"So I guess we don't have much time to see each other today." I cast my eyes away feeling downhearted. Then I felt Harry place his hand on top of mine and squeezed it mildly.
"How about I try to finish earlier and bring you back snacks? I'm sure you will be hungry after another tutor session with Neville." His finger brushed my knuckles.
"I would like that very much."
"Silence, open you books to page 187. Today we are working on a simple hair growth potion. First we start," Professor Snape's lecture then carried on in its usually manner. I spent the rest of my class helping Neville who succeed in not blowing up any cauldrons. Ancient Runes and Arithmancy were fairly easy since I already read ahead in the book. Our study group of three evolved into a number of 20 in the library. Cho Chang was also in the library when many of us had different opinions on the theorem Professor Vector had taught us. She was able to explain most of our questions and comments. Dinner was lonely because Harry and Ron were gone by the time I left the library. I ended up sitting with Lavendar and Parvati who would not stop questioning about Roger. I finally got them to stop by mentioning Charlie's name. Though it was endless giggles, at least it wasn't directed towards me. I think if the Jones sisters had children they would be my two roommates. Now there is a scary thought, the Jones sisters having kids.
"Hermione are you listening?" Neville waved a quill in my face.
Shaking my head, "I'm sorry Neville. What was your question?" Before he could ask a bouncy red head flopped next to the boy.
"Hello Neville, Mione," Ginny said sweetly. "Sorry I didn't mean to interrupt." She smiled at me then Neville.
"I was just asking Hermione about Transfiguration. Do you need something?" They have been pretty close lately. I think I'm going to have to have a talk with Ginny.
"Remember when you were upset about your headaches always in the way when you wanted to remember things. Well I have been working on this potion, which I think will help." She showed a flask towards us.
"Here just take a whiff of it and you'll feel better." Ginny opened the flask and misty fumes escaped reaching both our noses. At first it was very relaxing but then I started feeling dizzy. Being disorientated I started falling backwards.
"Fred, George come here quick." Ginny screamed across the room. They caught me in time before hitting the floor. Carefully they laid me on the warm maroon carpet. My head felt heavy and I could not focus. Everything around me was yellow with black looming figures. The smell still covered my senses and blocked my thinking.
"Ginny, cover the bottle," I whispered hoarsely. She quickly obeyed without hesitation. "What did you place in the potion?" I slowly blinked hoping to regard sight.
"Just your usual headache cure but I added a muggle indigent. I have been studying muggle medicine and it appeared harmless." She bent closer holding my cold hands.
"What was it?"
"Aspirin," she replied. "It is so common." I took a deep breath in.
"Ginny some people are allergic to aspirin. I happen to be one." I rose with the help of the Twins.
"Oh dear Merlin, I'm so sorry Hermione. I didn't know. Are you all right? We should take you to see Madam Pomfey." She rambled out with concern wrinkling her nose up.
"I'm fine. No need to worry your head off. I'm just a little dizzy. I think a good night rest will do." I stood trying to regain control over my body.
"We'll walk you up Mione." Fred smiled at me.
"Gives us a chance to walk in to a girl's room." George replied humorously trying to loosen the serious atmosphere.
"I thought Fred had plenty of experiences with Angelina." I stated thoughtlessly. I received an up roar of laughs. "But I honestly," before I could continue all members of Gryffindor pushed me up the stairs. Soon I reached my room and I dropped on to the soft bed. Tiredness had taken over and I was not complaining. I felt my body sink heavier into the bed.
I woke from my slumber, glancing to see the numbers 5:30. Tossing and turning from my unwillingness to sleep, I dragged myself out of my bed. Quickly moving around so my bare feet would not have to touch the cold floor. I found my uniform and grabbed my Charms book to read. Silently I tiptoed out the room, trying not to disturb my roommates.
"What are you doing up? You should be in bed resting." Harry surprised me while I was comfortably reading on the large couch. I dropped my book and looked up to see Harry towering over me.
"Harry please don't scare me like that." I took the fallen book from his hands.
"Sorry," he sat besides me in his running outfit. He was wearing the black sweat pants my father had given him and an old worn out shirt from Dudley. Since it was fairly dark still the fire glowed framing those sparkling green eyes. He still had the fresh pine smell and I relaxed in his presence.
I smiled seeing those eyes looked so troubled. "I'm feeling better Harry. Don't look so worried."
"How can I not be concerned? I return last night to find out you had an allergic reaction, which you have never told me about. Then you refused to go to the Hospital Wing, and I went to your room to see that you were very pale." He placed his hand over mine. "Your cold."
"Harry I'm fine. Really it's not a big deal. I only had a whiff of the potion. It is nothing serious."
"But you are still sick, and I don't know how to help you." He touched my cheek with his smooth hand.
"You're doing a great job now." I moved closer next to him. Automatically he wrapped his arm around me and I placed my head on his shoulder.
"Accio blanket," he called bringing a fuzzy red blanket. Placing the soft material around me I snuggled in to his body.
"This is nice." My eyes slowly drape down. Comfortable and soft.
"Yes it is," he replied strongly.
"I wish we could do this more often." I feel drowsy.
"I would do this forever, if you wanted me too." He is so sweet when he says adorable comments like that.
"I might take your offer," I yawned. "Hold me tighter Harry, I'm still a little cold."
"Anything you want Nene."
I woke feeling rather warm and heard random noises. Opening my eyes, I saw I was spread across the couch in the Common Room. It appeared to be dark out again which seem old. I thought I just woke up? "Denis what time is it?" I asked groggily.
"7:30," he turned away from his homework. "Did I wake you? Harry told everyone not to disturb you."
"No, you didn't. Where is Harry?" He's getting a nice lecture about me missing class.
"He went to get your notes and assignment from class." Okay maybe I will not lecture but discuss.
"Is Ron around then?" Finally noticing the absents of many of my friends.
"Harry told him to bring you dinner." He is too nice to me.
"Mione you're finally up. Are you feeling better?" Ron shouted carrying a tray of food.
"Yes I feel a lot better. Why didn't you wake me? You know I don't like missing classes." He helped me to the table with my dinner.
"Because I didn't want to face the wrath of my sister and Harry. Besides it's just class, I'm sure you're still 10 chapters ahead." He smiled with his usual goofy tone. I sat down seeing my favorite pea soup and sourdough bread. There was a note folded next to a hot cup of tea. "I ran into Roger on my way back. He wrote you that note. Well hurry up and eat. You haven't eaten all day and you need your energy. If it was me sick, I would have starved a long time ago."
"That's because of your bottomless pit of a stomach," I poked his nonexistent belly.
"You're so funny. Well eat before its cold, I have to run up to my room and get my Potions book.
Dear Hermione,
I heard you were sick and I wanted to check on you. When I reached the Tower, everyone said you were sleeping. I hope you are feeling better? Are you to sick to go out this weekend? I was wondering if you would like to join me on a Hogsmeade trip? I hope to see you at tomorrow's meeting and get plenty of rest.
Roger
"So lover boy still chasing after you. I thought you didn't like him?" Ron appeared with his book.
"He is not chasing after me. Roger was just checking about my well being. As for liking him, that is my personal business." Besides I still don't know myself.
"Since I am your best friend, I thought your personal business was important to know." He broke my bread apart at my failing attempts too. "Mione, I just think Roger is not the right guy for you. I mean your perfect and he's so uptight."
"Ron he is not uptight and I'm not perfect." I stirred my soup not wanting to continue the conversation.
"Why aren't you perfect?" Harry spoke behind me. Started I spilled some of my tea.
"Please stop scaring me like that," I dabbed the wet spots I made.
"Sorry," he sat down on the table. "I got all your notes and homework. Professor McGonegall said to take you to the Hospital Wing if you're still feeling sick." He smiled then I noticed the purplish color around his eye. What is that?
"Harry are you hurt?" I stood to check his left eye.
"Mione I'm sure it's just the lighting. Come on you still haven't finished your food." Ron grabbed my shoulder. I turned at his touch to see scars along his arm.
"Ron when did you get these?" I pulled his sleeve up, revealing cuts higher up his arm.
"Hermione, we are fine. Just drop it okay." Harry tired calming my growing voice. "You are making a
scene.
"Oh I'm making a scene. Well excuse me for being concerned about me friends." I deliberately spoke
louder. "I mean I have no right to ask why you two have been receiving injuries all the time. I have no right to
wonder where you two always run off too. I have not right to care what it is your hiding." I was screaming at them
with anger.
"I think we should continue this upstairs," Harry persisted.
"Mione, let's talk about this somewhere else. I'm sure most of the school heard you just now." Ron tired placing his hand on my shoulder again. Still frustrated I pulled away from his nearness.
Agitated I walked a few steps then said to them; "No we are not continuing anything. I rather not know until you are ready to tell me the truth." Trying not to cry, I ran upstairs and slammed the door behind me. Finally being alone, I let the hot tears fall from my face. Why are they so stubborn? What are they hiding? Why are they always hurt? What have they gotten into? Why haven't they told me? What is going on?