Disclaimer: Really they're not mine.
So before I start to say anything, I need to apologies to my beta reader Jenn a.k.a. Lady Raven. This amazing person always checks my grammar so you lovely people can make senses out of my writing. I forgot to do that last time so here's an extra BIG THANK YOU!!!
Well here it is. The beginning is a little slow, but I promise it gets better further on. I'm debating if I want to write a sequel to this. I might start something else but I have some other ideas where I could further develop this. Anyway I'll see how I do with this one, then decide on the another one. Hope you all enjoy and I can't wait to hear from you. Thanks for reading!
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 12
To Give and Receive
Growing up, I always liked watching the snowfall from the sky. They seem to be invading into the world below without any struggle. Unlike rain that was so delicate at contact, snow was sturdy enough to stay intact. Those small droplets of frozen water could transfer into mountain of layers. The amazing thing was the color it choice to be. Why white? Why not red, blue, or green? Who decided that snow should be white? I like it though because only pure white snow could glimmer so serenely during a winter night.
Knock, Knock
"Who is it?" I called out from my windowsill.
"It's me." I heard my mom reply through the wooden door.
"Come in, it's unlocked." My head turned back towards the outside view, only seeing a speck of my mom's shadow.
"I didn't disturb you did I?" She stood besides me, stroking my naturally brown hair again. I felt my mom's protruding lump brush against my shoulder.
"Of course not, I was just thinking." I moved my legs so my mother could sit besides me. She pulled half my blanket and covered her lap as well. For several minutes we cuddled comfortably while my mom ran her fingers through my hair. This is peaceful.
Since my return from Hogwarts, I had rarely time alone to myself. I was bombarded with my parent's friends and family activities. Also the late night chats with Winston and Dad kept me busy from doing much at night. Mom being pregnant for 8 months was strange and exciting all at once. Not being home all these months, I decided to handle most of the housework to lighten her workload. But I still left the midnight runs to dad. Even though I was happy to be home, part of me missed Hogwarts, my friends, and Harry.
"What a crazy night? Why did I agree to it?" My mom spoke, reminding me of her presence.
"Well mainly you let the Jones sisters plan it. Because I quote, if you want to have a Christmas party, then you plan it. Let it be said that we shall never let that happen again." I teased my mom's earlier comments.
"When you're pregnant, you say anything during lunch. But it was still nice to have everyone over for Christmas Eve. I think Winston appreciated having people to let lose with."
"He needed the stress relief." I tiled my head, looking towards my mom.
"He's not the only one. You my dear Nene, look like you haven't slept in years. Are you missing someone?" She helped tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Of course I am. I mean there is Harry, Ron, Ginny, and…"
"Roger," Mom interrupted. What?
"I guess I missed him too." I started biting my lower lip. To be honest, I had not thought of him much since my return.
"You guess? The boy you have been dating only gets an I guess. Harry didn't say you fought or anything." She thoughtlessly said out loud.
"What has Harry been telling you?" I shouted out. Why would he tell my mom?
"Oh well he just wrote about you dating Roger. It wasn't a big deal. Nothing you haven't told me." Her tone carried no hidden meaning. "Besides he was just making sure you didn't let his absence bother you." Nothing else? "He is a rather sweet boy to keep that consideration for you." Roger's or Harry's absences that bothers me. Harry Potter what are you playing at?
"He has his moments." I huffed out loud. She started laughing at my tone of voice.
"Yes, well all boys do. Anyway the reason I'm here was to say how much I missed you." She took my hand. "Don't interrupt. Since you have returned, we haven't had a real chance to talk. Long letters and variety of photos just don't make up for lost time. When you came through that wall, I saw something different in you. I thought, oh no she has gone and changed again. But you know what I have realized these past few days?" I shook my head. "You haven't changed but you seem to have learn about something important to you. Now I have no idea if it has to do with school, boys, or being an older sister. What I do know is that you have an aura around you that makes me proud." She stopped with tears streaming down her face. I lifted my hand to wipe them away, when I felt my own tears on my face. "Nene no matter what it is, it will never just disappear. I love you, always will and never half way." She gently stood up and kissed my forehead. "Good night" and she walked out the door making the best exit scene ever.
Meow…purr…Meow…
"I'm up. I'm up." I wiped away the wet spot left from Crookshanks licking. "Do you do this to mom and dad when I'm away?" Crookshanks only started at my tired expression. Great I am talking to a cat now. I looked to the clock to see 10:30. Why didn't anyone wake me? Anxiously I threw on sweater and ran down the stairs.
I entered into the kitchen to smell my mom's traditional Christmas tree pancakes. Around the table sat my dad with his tousled hair and morning coffee. Winston sat across from him enthusiastically discussing his new project. I saw my mom still at the stove preparing breakfast.
"The lady awakes from her slumber." Winston pulled a seat out for me. I smiled and sat down.
"Breakfast is served." My mom placed pancakes, eggs, and sausages down. Automatically dad stood helping mom onto the chair.
"Mom why didn't you wake me? I could have done this for you." I handed more sugar towards my dad.
"Well it's tradition for me to make evergreen pancakes. Besides we all just woke up anyway." She winked.
"Sunshine do you want to talk all day or finish breakfast so we can open presents."
"What do you think Dad?" I grabbed more sausages onto my plate.
Soon we sat around the fireplace each with our own pile of gifts. We decided to open our individual presents before opening each other's. First I began with the Weasley family. Mainly everyone gave me an assorted amount of quills, sweets, and unsurprisingly books. I did like the peacock quill from Ron the most. Then I chuckled at the gift Blaise sent me. Living with Lavendar and Parvati, I had become accustomed to very strong perfume. Yet it didn't mean that I liked it. Well Blaise usually heard my rants of how much they wore. So she sent me dark blue filter curtains to surround my bed. All I had to do was replace my dorm's curtains and I would be scent free in my bed.
"Hermione, Merry Christmas," Winston placed a rectangular gift in front of me. I pulled apart the wrapping paper to see a large volume of pages. "I know how you like to read. So I thought you would enjoy this."
"I do. Thank you Winston." I turned to give him a hug. "I was always interested in Chinese Mythology."
"Sunshine this is from the both of us." Dad held out a Christmas card. Looking puzzled, I opened the card to see an airplane ticket. Reading the destination, the words Hong Kong sprang out. I'm going to Hong Kong. Sensing my shock, they chuckled at their success.
"Nene you have always said you wanted to visit Winston and was curious at what he does. Well this summer you will." Mom grinned madly.
"I have been working on a new project where I would like you to help me with it. Mainly you'll be teaching English to certain village children. Nothing to exciting, but you'll be traveling with me around the Pacific."
Is he kidding? Not exciting! I'm going to Hong Kong. I finally get to see the Pacific Ocean. No more story books but literally feel the salt water. Finally I reacted and squealed in delight. I jumped up and down screaming. "I'm going to Hong Kong! I'm going to Hong Kong!"
"Honey I think she likes it." Dad placed an arm around my mom.
"I knew she would."
After all the commotion, I recollected my jumbled thoughts. Where was Harry's gift? Sadly I didn't have time to think about it. My dad quickly pulled me into the kitchen to work on Christmas dinner. While we were busy, Winston and my mom discussed about the baby and related issues about him.
Soon the bustle in the kitchen stopped and the aroma filled my nostrils. With a mixture of honey-roasted ham and baked golden potatoes, we had made another successful meal. The doorbell rang and I hurried to receive the returning couple. Opening the door, I saw their newly occurred tan from their recent vacation. Andrew looked exactly the same though. He had his clean-cut brown hair and wire rimmed glasses. His light brown eyes widen at my presence. With a cheerful grin, Andrew pulled me into a hug.
"And the little girl finally returns home. I don't know how your parents can send you so far away. But I'm glad to see your charming smile again." He winked smugly.
"Becareful Uncle Drew, I don't want Aunt Rosemary mad at me." I turned to hug his lovely wife.
"No worries Hermione. I know you'll never want him. He is to big of a geek even for you." Her apple green eyes shined with humor.
"My wife the regular comedian."
"I thought she was an accountant." My dad appeared in the entranceway.
"Don't start with me Granger." Andrew patted dad's shoulder.
"I was just asking." Dad smiled cordially.
"Will you two every act your age?" Rosemary and I strolled towards the main room.
"No," they both chuckled to themselves. Men, always the same no matter the age.
We walked into the dining room, to see that Winston and my mom already set the table. A variety of dishes sat in the middle screaming to be eaten. We started to settle down when I realized that we had an extra setting set.
"Mom you miss counted."
"Oh he'll be here any minute." She causally said sipping from her apple cider. Who else did we invite?
The doorbell rang again, when my dad was about to cut the ham. "Sunshine do you want to get the door while I finish cutting the ham." I nodded and left to meet the unknown guest.
Placing my hand on the knob, I had this strange feeling of what my parents were hiding. Preparing for the cold, I wasn't ready for what I saw before me.
"Merry Christmas Hermione!" Harry stood irresistibly with Bill behind him. Oh bloody hell!
"I think she's awe struck by us Harry." Bill replied in a witty manner. Noting the tension between us, Bill cleared his throat again. "Well I leave you in good hands Harry. Merry Christmas." He patted Harry's shoulder. "Good bye Hermione!" Bill chuckled at my expression and apparated.
Harry's here. He is standing right in front of me. Am I dreaming? I raised my hand to pinch his cheek. "Ouch! Nene what did you do that for?" Harry yelped walking in to the house himself. I staggered back as he moved closer.
"You're real. You are actually here." I rubbed the redness on his cheek.
"I know. I just didn't like the idea of not seeing you for two weeks. I just wanted to…" I grabbed his head between my hands.
"Shut up and kiss me!" Those lips crashed onto mine and I'm not certain if I could describe the feeling soaring through me. My knees started to buckle and I felt lightheaded. All I could feel was his arms tighten around me. He felt soft as snow. His touch was sending chills up mine spine. I knew it wasn't Christmas without snow.
Pulling away I saw a boyish smile creep up his face. He looks so adorable! His eyes darted to my flustered face and he started grinning smugly. Okay he looks like his ego is swelling. I tugged on to his shirt and dragged him towards the dining room. "Come on, I'm sure my parents have been expecting you."
"How did you guess?" He placed his arms over my shoulder.
"I think it was the extra plate setting."
"Ah…to observant for your own good." Harry kissed my ear.
"I believe it saved you plenty of times."
"That's why I'm not complaining." Then we entered in the room greeted by the smiling adults.
"Harry my boy, meet Winston." Dad hollered when seeing Harry again. He looks like he just found his lost car.
"So you're Harry. Doug never stops talking about you." Winston throw his hand out, shaking Harry's cheerfully. Soon hugs, handshakes, and witty comments were traded around the room. Why is it that everyone I know is sarcastic? The fuss soon died down and we finally had our Christmas dinner.
Knock, Knock
"Come in," I answered brushing my hair. It's good to be brunette again. Harry entered and then sat quietly on my bed. He didn't say a word but sat there staring at the floor. Oh no, something happened. He looked up and I gave him a small smile. Harry returned the gesture but I noticed it was very forced. I wonder if he wants to talk about it. I finished my brushing and gently kneeled in front of him. Harry made no attempt to speak so I started to hum Silent Night. I'll give him time to think.
Uncomfortable from kneeling, I moved to sit besides him. His elbows were propped up on his lap while his head lay between the palm of his hands. He was motionless. I raised my hand and slowly ran my fingers throw his hair. I hope this helps him to relax. I felt his body move and found him laying his head on my lap. Getting over the sudden position, I continued to massage his forehead. Rubbing away his worries, I sent telepathic signals to him. What's wrong? Harry you can tell me. I'm listening.
"I just had a talk with your dad." Harry's voice seemed hollow and strained.
"What did you talk about?" Oh daddy what did you do?
"He told me about your summer. How you're going to Hong Kong and stuff. Then he asked me what I was doing this summer. I told him I always stayed with the Dursleys." Harry winced in memory of them. "Anyway he started talking about this reunion he always has with his cousins."
"Oh you mean the Granger father's runaway." Harry snuggled closer, like he was seeking warmth.
"Yeah and that you usually go with him." His mouth brushed against my knee.
"Yes I do. I absolutely forgot about it."
"Well he didn't." I sensed a problem coming up. "He asked me to go with him." Really? I suddenly stopped my movements.
"What did you say?"
"I thought it was about dad's bringing their children." Harry answered indirectly. "And he said it was. So I asked him why bring me?" What is bothering him?
"What did he say Harry?" I tried pushing to find the problem.
"He said he thought of me as a son." His voice was barely a whisper but I heard it clearly in my ears. A long pause fell between us and unknown tension emitted from Harry. Dad actually said that? I knew he liked Harry. Of course he would Nene, dad adores Harry. He thinks Harry is amazing.
Trying to ease the moment, I stood up with a wide grin. "Harry that is great. You'll love it. A whole week of goofing off with money making men. You get to do anything you want without the worry of cost. Besides you deserve to be spoiled a little." Harry slowly nodded to my response. What's really the matter? "Harry what's the problem?"
"I just can not believe your dad would want me to go with him. I mean I'm not his son. I haven't known him that long. And now he wants to bring me along to a family tradition." Harry looked up with confusion splashed across his face.
"He's heard enough from me to know who you are." I confidently answered.
"That's the problem! Why would he want to treat me like a son?" He stated louder.
"Harry anyone in this world would want a son like you. You're an amazing person with so much character it's hard to pinpoint which one to describe. I mean Mr. Weasley, Sirius, and even Hagrid would have you if Dumbledore let them."
"But that's it. They're all wizards. They want me because I'm Harry Potter." He stood walking towards the window. I sighed with sadness at how he didn't realize how important he is.
"You know that is not the reason." I calmly spoke. "You may be the boy-who-lived. You may be the "Great" Harry Potter. But in our eyes, your Harry James Potter. They know you care so much about them that you would die for them. And you know what Harry? They would do the same for you. Anyone would do the same for you."
"But…" Harry turned to face me. "But you have to admit it is a small portion inside their heads." I sighed again because honestly I didn't know. Not growing up with Harry's name in every corner of the world, I didn't know how much it did effect people. Harry spoke, breaking my train of thought. "It is just amazing that your dad would care for me. I mean he's never heard of me until you.
"Why is that so amazing?" I slowly inched closer towards him by the window.
"Nene, I had spent 11 years of my life being told I was nothing. No one cared, empathized, or loved. I was just worthless to them. I was just baggage. A charity cause. They felt proud of themselves because they provided for someone lower then them." His voice carried hurt and pain. I was openly crying never hearing so much despair stumble out of his mouth.
"Harry stop!" I shouted out. "You are worth more than a billion Dursleys. You are not nothing. Without you the Dursleys probably wouldn't be living. Without you no one would be living a life with care, empathy, or love. Without you I would have never met you."
We started at each other openly not masking any hidden feelings. Emotions and thoughts swam inside both our heads, which was the most frightening experience for me. I had never expressed so much love to one person besides my parents. Wait…did I just say love? I don't think I said love out loud. Shivering, I saw Harry step closer to me. He wasn't crying but I could see the unshed tears wanting to spill out.
"You're right." He murmured. "It's just still hard to understand. I mean people actually like me. You actually like me." Harry smiled with a pure devotion. "Thank you." He reached out and entwined his hands with mine.
"Anytime," I felt a soft fleece material against my hand. Looking down, I saw the Christmas gift I had given to Harry sticking out from his pocket. Since he did everything with glasses on, I always saw how dirty it could be. So with Blaise's unrecognizable ability to sew, I embroided his name onto a gold handkerchief. Harry noticed where my eyes were focused and squeezed my hand to regain my focus. Clearing his throat, he apprehensively pulled out a small box from his other pocket.
Unwrapping the awaiting gift, I found inside a metal key. "A key?"
"It's a copy to my vault in Gringotts. If anything were to happen to me, I want you to have all of it." I stared dumbfounded at his present. "You always said its better to be prepared then bored. Besides I like the idea of you having it, then the Ministry of Magic."
Wow! "Thank you for trusting me with this." I can't believe he gave me this.
"Don't thank me for trusting you. I should be doing that to you." Harry lifted my chin. "Now I think we have talked enough." I saw amusement sparkle in his eyes.
"What do you have in mind?" I innocently answered.
"How about I show you?"
"Even better." And our lips were moving but voices were not heard.
Dear Blaise,
My Christmas was amazing. I received an airplane ticket from my parent's, which is going to my dream spot. Yes I'm going to Hong Kong. Remember Winston? I told you about him right? Well he runs a program along the South Pacific and he is letting him join him this summer. I was literally bouncing for joy. And you know I rarely do that. I think I have never heard my parents laugh so hard at me. Go ahead and laugh. I know you probably are at mentally picturing me doing that.
Anyway you would never guess who showed up at my door Christmas night. No it wasn't Roger. It was Harry. Yes, yes I know. You can insert the "I told you so." I guess I never would have thought that Harry would miss me that much. I know you think that we can't survive without each other. I always thought you were wrong. But lately I'm starting to believe that you are right. I received a letter from Ron yesterday saying that he wishes he were here with us as well. But even though I miss Ron, it didn't seem too bad with Harry by my side. To be honest Blaise, I'm extremely confused. I don't know what I am feeling? It's so jumbled together that I don't know where it begins or ends. I know you are probably wondering what I am talking about. I promise I'll tell you everything when we meet again. There is a lot I haven't told you or anyone for that matter. Don't be mad.
On a lighter note, how's your father and the wicked stepfamily? You didn't transform anything dangerous at them did you? I hope you had nice Christmas. I know your stepmother can be overly annoying but she is still your dad's wife. Did you like my gift? I hoped you liked it. I know your family doesn't like muggle things, but when I saw it I thought of you.
Well I better go. My mom and dad are fussing over Harry, and he will not stop sending me pleading glances. I hope to hear from you soon and tell me if you are free on New Year's Eve. We should meet in London like we usually do.
Hermione
Nene,
These past few days have been great. I never felt so cared for before. I mean Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are always sweet to me but they have their own seven kids to worry about. With your family, I feel like I have their full attention. You are probably screaming and biting your lip like crazy. Well don't worry. I'm safe. I know I should have told you I was going to leave. Sirius and Remus needed to meet with me. I really didn't want to go but I had to Hermione. Please believe me when I say I didn't want to leave you. I'm going to be returning to Hogwarts so I will not see you until after vacation. I'm sorry. I know your worried sick. I know you probably would have wanted to come with me. But Nene, I didn't want to say no to you. I know I'm not making senses. You're extremely confused and annoyed. You're probably going to severally hurt me when I see you again. That's why I wrote this to you. I'm still not strong enough to tell you things in person. Forgive me please, and I hope you understand.
Harry
Daily Prophet December 29, 1995
Are the Rumors True?
By Penelope Clearwater
Since the fateful night of when You-Know-Who was destroyed, we have spent eleven years rebuilding are world. Our lives continued and we pushed aside the time were darkness surrounded us. Yet these past four years, there has been hush tones and whispering secrets of His return. But now these rumors are quiet no more.
Last night in the city of Barcelona the Death Mark was seen flying in the sky. Identical to the one seen last year at the World Cup Quidditch Championship, chaos ran through the streets of muggle and magical neighborhoods. Figures in black robes were seen chasing wealthy bureaucrats and retired ministers. Have the Death Eaters returned? Has their master called for their purpose again? Are the rumors true? Has the Dark Lord really reappeared after so many years lost in this world?
Officials speculate that the attacks were related to burglary and old feuds towards the ministers. Though many were saved from the attacks, a muggle security guard and seven employees were killed. The famous Potions Master Ludwig van Gustoven's wife was reported missing along with muggles, Dona Marie and Carlos Lupe. The representative of International Confederation of Wizards only responded with this comment.
"We are currently working to find the origin of the Death Mark seen the night of December 28. As for the speculation of Death Eaters, we reassure everyone in the magic community that, it is only heresy. Our condolences to those who have left us and missing from last night attacks. We will do anything in our power to found the cause of this tragic event."
Yet even with these confident reassurances, Aurors were able to find half a dozen possible Death Eaters unconscience and bound together. They are currently being held for further investigation. Auror Mcmann sent by the British ministry responded with this statement. "We found these men already fasten together quickly after the attacks. As for their role in the incident is it still being searched for at the moment. Many think it may have something to do with the Dark Lord but we are unsure at present time. The future is uncertain but we know someone is watching out for us."
So as the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge has repeatedly continued to deny the return of the Dark Lord, we have stumbled across a dubious hero in our mist. So on behalf of the magic community, thank you willing leader for continuing to fight the evils that may have returned.
"Hermione are you all right?" Winston spoke behind me from the stairway. I quickly folded the newsletter from his view.
"I'm fine. I was just thinking." I walked towards the fireplace.
"I understand what you mean. I get bored when I have nothing to do." He sat down on the sofa. I wasn't bored. Absolutely worried is more like it. Nene just shut up and agree with what he said.
"So I'm not the only workaholic here." I replied glancing back feeling the warm fire.
"Oh look at the time. I should call my assistant." He prepared to leave. "Hermione?"
"Yes," I jolted thinking that he had already left.
"If you miss Harry, just write to him." Winston winked and strolled away leaving me to my thoughts. Am I really obvious? No, he's a doctor of course he can see things. Oh Harry where have you gone? Why couldn't you tell me where you went?
Dear Mione,
The family sends their regards and hope you are having a great vacation at home. I have been training for the past few days so I haven't had time to do much of anything else. As for Harry I'm sure he just needed to meet with them. I don't think it had anything to do with training. But to be honest, he didn't even tell me he was meeting them. He just told us that he wanted to surprise you and Bill volunteered to bring him to your house. Don't worry too much. They are great wizards and you know Harry can handle himself. Again I have no clue where he went. So please don't be mad at me since I can't tell you anything specific. Wait…I just got an owl. It's from Harry. He's coming back to Hogwarts soon. See I told you not to worry. You'll see us perfectly safe after the vacation. On a different note, the attacks in Barcelona are spreading like wildfire. Percy is going crazy because he wants to return to work. He would if mum and dad didn't threaten to disown him if he left our reunion early. Percy then sent a long letter to Penelope asking how she is doing in Spain. I personally think he's just trying to get more information about the attacks. Well I better go, mum wants me to help her do something. Wish I could be there for you. Harry will be here soon, so don't fret. Try and relax okay? Promise that you will not have a swollen lip from biting it too much.
Ron
"You know when you asked to meet me, I wasn't expecting the sullen Hermione." Blaise stirred her espresso from the whipped cream.
"You can leave if you want then." I looked away staring out the window from the corner of the tiny coffee shop. It was our tradition to have coffee every New Years Eve. Blaise lived in an apartment in Soho and spent much of her time in downtown London. This coffee shop was only 5 minutes away from her sophisticate and modern flat.
"Cut the attitude and tell me what's wrong." She leaned back tapping her fingers on the table.
"I…sorry for snapping at you." I glanced apologetically at her.
"Hermione you want to talk. It's written all over your face. Now you know I hate guessing games, so just tell me what's bothering you." Blaise gave me one of her rare honest smiles.
"It's Harry."
"You said he was going back at Hogwarts. What's the problem?" She raised her left eyebrow. "Unless this has to do with what you're feeling about him."
"Yes it is." I gulped my white mocha. "I never told you that he kissed me." She spitted coffee out, hitting the waiter.
"What!" Blaise shouted towards me. "Sorry Roy," the waiter walked away shaking his head at us. "When in sweet Merlin did he do that?"
"Well it didn't happen to long ago and you have been so busy…"
"When?" Her tone was commanding.
"That weekend when I was sick from my allergic reaction." I bite my lips nervously. I hope she doesn't get mad.
"What! It's been nearly a month. You haven't told me in these past 4 weeks. I was in the library all those times and you didn't tell me." She calmly yelled from across the table. She took that nicely.
"It's complicated Blaise. I mean I have no idea what we are. Harry hasn't officially said that we are dating. I literally have not heard Harry say that he likes me." I tried justifying my secret.
"Hermione, don't give me that crap. When two people kiss, that means they like each other. Hell if not at least they are attracted to each other. Besides a boy who isn't your boyfriend, shows up Christmas night because he misses you screams the obvious." She regained her composure and continued to drink her espresso.
"But he never shows his affection in public. He acts normally when we are around other people. The most he has ever done is hugs or touches in front of Ron. But that's Ron!" I leaned forward placing my arms on the table.
"He's Harry Hermione. From what you have told me, I'm sure he just doesn't want the extra attention. I mean you both are shy people. I know you wouldn't like the extra focus on you two."
"But he acts bipolar. It is extremely confusing. I mean why can't he show some thing. I mean look at Roger he expresses what he thinks about me." She quickly interrupted.
"You're dating Roger because he declares his feelings out loud."
"Yes… I mean no." I shook my head. "Honestly I don't know why I'm dating him. At first I actually thought there was a chance for him but there is Harry. Whenever I looked at Roger I wish he was Harry. And whenever Roger says something, I wish Harry would say that to me. Roger just seems reliable in his feelings. I know where we stand."
"So you're dating him because he's safe." She pushed aside her coffee.
"I guess I am." I murmured out loud.
"Then I feel sorry for you Hermione. Relationships aren't like books. You don't know the answer or the ending to the fairly tale story. You don't get reliable responses or safe remarks. It's all uncertain. It's all confusing. It's not suppose to be safe each time. And most importantly that, it's the way life goes." Blaise started drawing circles on the table. "I don't empathize with you Hermione. You don't have a major issue here. All you need to do is talk to Harry."
"I know. You're right. I guess I needed someone to tell me what I needed to do." I reached across to squeeze her hand. "Thanks B for listening."
"It's what I'm here for." She smirked back. "Oh and ditch the Roger kid."
"Yes I know. I will talk to him when I get back to Hogwarts. I'm going to miss hanging out with him though. We had some great debates." I smiled at Roy pouring us more coffee. "But he deserves someone who really likes him."
"So you wouldn't mind if I dated him?" She leaned against her chair comfortably.
"I thought you didn't like him." I drank my hot mocha.
"I said he was up-tight." She smiled. "Besides he has a cute butt." I spat coffee all over Roy.
"What!" She winked and got up to help Roy.
"Mom, Dad, I'm home." I walked into the house looking for my parents. I turned the corner and saw my parents quietly sitting in front of the fireplace. Sensing something wrong, I kneeled besides my mom's leg. "What's wrong?" They were silent but then dad handed me a note.
Dear Mione,
I wish I had a better way of saying this but I can't. Harry has been hurt. I can't say anything specific because I don't even know myself. He returned today with Sirius beaten up and Remus bleeding like crazy. Charlie said we were lucky that no one saw them or Aurors would have been surrounding the school in an instant. They are all unconscious so we don't know what happened. Actually I think I'm the only one who doesn't know what happened. Mione you're right. They didn't tell us something. I think it does have something to do with training. I'm still sitting beside him and I will not leave his side until you get here. I'll watch him Mione. Be calm and don't freak. I'm here for him. Just remember that he's safe now.
Ron
"I have to go to him. Harry's hurt. He…I have go to back to school." I stood up crying frantically.
"No Sunshine you can't."
"What are you talking about dad? I'm going and you're not stopping me." I wanted to run up the stairs but he grabbed my wrist.
"No you will not leave. Your Headmaster sent me a letter saying that it would be best for you to stay until vacation was over. Now I didn't agree with him but then he said it was for your own safety."
"I am safe dad. It's Harry that's hurt. I need to go to him." I was shaking from pain and sorrow.
"He's the one safe now. I'm not risking you getting hurt. And I know he wouldn't want you getting hurt as well." He calmly answered while pulling me into a crushing hug. I started to cry uncontrollable wanting so much to go back. He needs me. Harry is hurt. You don't understand. I need to know that he's all right. I need to see for myself.
"Nene I know how you feel." Mom spoke gently. "You're aching all over and you don't know why. But Nene there is nothing else we can do. All you can do now is be strong until school starts and then you can see him again. For now I think we have more important things to do." She ordered out her last sentence.
"Mom Harry is important!" I screamed.
"I know but I think the baby is too." She looked up towards my dad. "I'm having contractions. I need to go to the hospital." Letting go of me, he shouted for Winston and ran to look for his keys.
I blankly stared at my mom, not knowing what to feel. I am going to be a sister soon but my heart is aching with pain. Should I be happy right now or sad beyond belief?
"Nene?" She reached her hand out to me. I took it sitting besides her. "No matter what anyone tells you about women being weak, remember one thing." I was puzzled at the unexpected comment. "We are strongest during pregnancy and for the ones we love. No matter the heartache or pain, we women endure it all. We take it in, breathe out and continue on. You know why?"
"Why?" I whispered.
"Because love is a powerful thing. It's not flowers, hearts, or romances. But a solid bond, which survives through all the stumbles and falls in life. Don't let anything break that. Don't let them see you weak from it. Don't doubt it's there in the first place." She kissed my forehead soothing away my headache. But one main thought ran through my mind. Am I in love with Harry Potter?