Disclaimer: Not mine at all.
I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far. This chapter is filled with Harry/Hermione to make up for the last one. Thank you for the reviews and comments. Big thanks to Jenn aka Lady Raven for editing for me. Hope you like and enjoy.
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 5
My Angel
I could hear the gentle beating of the tide washing ashore. The warm tickling sand lay beneath my body. Darkness and mystery surrounded my existence but the twinkling stars and round moon radiated light. I felt silver beams shimmer into my soul and sensitive shivers up my spine. "Juliet, my angel the air is cool and water warm. Shall we have a midnight swim?" An old memory asked.
"Mama it tickles my feet." I said while dipping deeper into the dark water.
"Then we shall dance with it instead." Laughter rang through the open air as my grandmother and I danced in the river. We were singing a local French song when the music changed. From a tender voice, it turned into a rowdy clicking noise.
ER…ER…ER… Who invented the alarm clock?
I opened my eyes to see red curtains around my bed. Turning off the annoying buzzer, I saw the numbers 6:00. Pulling the curtains apart, I could see the sun gradually rise from the east window. Another morning, another day, another time to spend my way.
"I never understand how you can be up so early? I'm sure you didn't sleep until 1." Harry jogged in to the Common Room after his morning run. "It's only 6:45, and you are working on homework." He flopped next to me on the couch.
"We have a Transfiguration essay due next Wednesday. I have perfect duty for the next 3 days. So I want to stay on top of things and stay on time." I stated in a matter-of-fact tone. "Besides you know that I never sleep much anyway."
"I know I just don't want you over pushing yourself again." Laying his head on the couch, and closed his eyes. "Also I know that lately you haven't been sleeping well. What's wrong?" His eyes opened at his own question. Should I tell him? "You can tell me Nene." I turned my head at my nickname.
Since we returned to Hogwarts, we had been swamped with our own activities. Ron was trying his best in getting a position on the Quidditch team. This led him to be busy almost every night. Harry would of course help him and other potential players for the team. I was occupied with perfect duties and tutoring, which I had just started. Also with the O.W.L's this year, schoolwork had become more advance to prepare us for it. Yet even with our hectic schedules, we still found some time together at night. When it was just Harry and I, he would become more affectionate and tenderly say my name. I smiled at his express and messy black hair.
"My birthday is next Saturday." I answered softly.
"I know. Don't worry we remember." He replied thinking that was my problem. How do I explain without sounding foolish?
"I wasn't afraid you would forget. It's just that…I." I paused to collect my thoughts. "Remember when I told you about Nice and my family there," He nodded. "My grandmother lived there occasional when we went to visit Uncle Leroy. Mama was the person who taught me how to sing." I still hear her elegant voice.
"So why are you not sleeping well?"
"We had the same birthday. She said I was god's gift to her." My angel " Mama passed away 2 years ago during our 3rd year."
"Why didn't you mention it to us?" He asked harshly.
"Because Ron and you, were mad about the whole firebolt instant and the timeturner was very tiring." I twisted my body away. Then I felt his arm pulled me onto his shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound to crude. I guess I'm just angry for not being there when you needed me the most. Let my finish before you interrupt. You are a great person Nene and I am positive your grandma is proud of you. She knows you care a lot for her, so don't think its silly to miss her. And even if Ron and I are the biggest gits, don't ever think we will not care about you." He compressed closer into me.
"Thanks Harry," I nuzzled on his shirt. He smelled wonderful. It was a combination of fresh pine and sandalwood. Yet the running had made him extremely sweaty, which was very unpleasant. "As much as I like you, you smell awful. Go take a shower." I pointed towards the shower room.
"I thought you would care no matter what." He playfully answered.
"Not when you smell." I laughed at his puppy dog imitation.
"Fine, I'll be back in 15 minutes. Then I'll join you on that essay," walking away to his room.
"I'll be right here." I smiled to myself. What would I do with out him?
The week flew by with amazing grace. Ron had successfully been made Keeper for the Gryffindor team. Harry and I were ecstatic for his achievement. Charlie was so proud, he even bought Ron a new broom. Harry was chosen as the new captain unanimously by the whole team. Happily he shrugged, swung his arm around Ron and said this year the Quidditch cup was for sure to Gryffindor. Neville turned out to be an amazing partner when dealing with our duties. He carried out orders and direction with great responsibly. Though we had our moments of mistakes, we understood each other and our own expectations.
On the day of my birthday, I woke up from another dream of my grandma. Since it was Saturday, everyone still blissful slept without the worry for classes. I looked out the east window to see the sun glow. The reflection off the glass gleamed into my hair. Happy Birthday Mama. I wish you the best where ever you are.
The Great Hall was the only room where everything was in common with each house. People chatting about anything and every thing filled space. The sounds of clicking and clacking made a disorder melody. No one seemed to pay attention to things during the time here, because hunger always took control. Also the feeling of being protected afar was kept in my mind. The head table sat some of the greatest witches and wizards, and yet they stayed here in this far away castle to teach children. I sometimes wonder if I could sacrifice my dreams and talent for others that may not appreciate it.
Walking in behind Harry and Ron, I was pleasantly surprised by all the people wishing me a happy birthday. Sitting across from them, they asked what I wanted to do for the day. Pouring them pumpkin juice, I smiled with delight. I knew they had been planning a surprise party for me, but not until later tonight. Of course they didn't need to be disappointed in my knowledge.
Then I head the distant sounds of flapping and the air current change. Suddenly packages were stacked in front me, blocking my view. I heard various noises around me from my other classmates. I received several gifts from distant family members and family friends. My parents had already given me the music box, so they sent pictures of themselves with letters.
"How are your parents?" Harry asked after seeing a picture of my dad wearing a baby bow on his head.
"Well mom is starting to get weird cravings and she finally finished the new baby room. My dad's been busy with his polo team because of the tournament they entered." I passed a picture of my mom in the new room.
"Hermione, your mom is so pretty." Lavendar said leaning over Harry's shoulder. I know
"Thanks," I politely answered and returned to my last two gifts. I grabbed the larger box and it smelt of jasmine and bamboo. No, it couldn't be. Reaching in, I pulled out a straw patched album full of pictures of the South Pacific. On the first page, was an Asian man paddling in a boat. He was in the action of waving and a big smile across his rugged face.
Hermione,
Last I head from you; your friend had just left the infirmary. I hope he is better and you did not have to worry too much. It has been awhile since we have seen each other. I'm positive you have grown into an elegant young lady. I am currently in Ko Samui off the coast of Thailand. The people here are fabulous. They are excellent when we explain health care and prevention treatments. I hope you enjoy the pictures I have taken for you. Almost forgot…Happy 15 Birthday. Take care and write back soon.
The Running Doctor,
Winston Cheung
"Who is that from Mione?" Ron asked with crumbs falling out of his mouth. Boys! Harry just smiled at Ron's clueless gesture.
"My dad's old school chum." I tried to ignore Ron as he piled more food onto his plate. "After medical school, he returned to Hong Kong. Then he started the South Pacific Awareness Program to help people with health issues. Ron could you please stop stuffing your face like that!" He quickly inserted the double pancakes on his fork. Harry finally couldn't handle the situation and started laughing. Why oh why was I stuck with these two? "Any way," returning to the subject. "We rarely see him in London. He's always moving around helping different villages and towns. I've wished so many times to be there with him. I've heard great stories of all the adventures he has encountered."
"So Ron and I weren't the only ones to corrupt you. I knew you had a rebellious side in you." Harry gave the same charming smile. He can be so adorable if he wanted too. Smiling, I unwrapped the smaller gift to find a pair of gold shaped ladybug earrings. "Is that from," Yes I think it is, "Victor?" He didn't even write a note. On the piece of paper, the only words were Happy Birthday … Victor. You could have just written a quick letter. Honestly Hermione, have you written to the boy? No you haven't either. Sensing my silence, they quickly finished breakfast and dragged me off for the day.
"Please stop. I won't be able to laugh anymore. I think my stomach muscle is going to strain." I said wrapping my arms around myself.
"I think I'm going to pee my pants soon from laughing." Harry stared at poor Ron.
"Go ahead, laugh at the non-muggle. How was I suppose to know that there was two meanings to the word rubber." We continued to chuckle at his mistake. "I've been nice to you all day Hermione in Hogsmeade for your birthday. Thanks a lot!" He said in a saucy manner. Nene breathe before you disappoint the poor boy nice intentions.
"Sorry Ron," I started to slow my hiccups. "Thank you both for spending the day with me. I had a splendid evening." I gave them quick hugs.
"The night is not over yet." Ron grinned and gave the password to Fat Lady. Oh I forgot about the party. Must act surprise. Then I heard the voices and the word SURPRISE. Filling the Common Room were gold trims and red balloons in the air. In the corner was a table filled with various beverages and treats. I recognized most of the students to be 4th year and up. I knew Ginny had something to do with this. Confirming my suspicions, she came running into my arms and suffocating hug. Soon I was pushed along, having different people say Happy Birthday to me. After a period of time, Angelina stood in front of the fireplace to make an announcement.
"Settle down, we have a few rules before we start this party." Groans were heard through the crowd and a single boos from Fred or George. "Just a few don't worry and I'll deal with you later Fred." Do all Headgirls have this power? "Anyway, Professor McGongall is only allowing this to happen if we clean up after ourselves and go to bed at a reasonable hour. I promised her that it would happen. So I would appreciate it if you would just follow these simple guidelines. Thank you and enjoy the party." The music started and people's chatter returned. She walked over to the couch and sat down besides me. "Happy Birthday Hermione," she smiled sweetly. "Have fun tonight. You deserve too with everything you have been doing." She patted my shoulder and left to a very terrified Fred. I wonder what's going on with them?
"So are you liking the party?" Ginny asked behind me. "Because it took a lot of effort on Ron and Harry to get this to work." Climbing over the couch and sitting down.
"You mean from Angelina and you." She blushed and bowed her head.
"How did you know?" Did she really ask that?
"Gin, this is Ron and Harry we are talking about. Of course they had help to pull this off. But I know they put a lot of thought in to this, so I am overjoyed for what everyone did." I smiled showing her my teeth. Then it got very quiet, and I knew something was happening. I looked up to see Harry and Ron pushing a cart with a lighted cake. Stopping they took their places beside me and said, "Make a wish!" Sorry dear readers, birthday wishes are always kept a secret. Blowing them out, I wiped the single tear streaming down my cheek.
"Smile for the camera!" Colin Creevy shouted at the three of us. I had my arms around their waists and their arms on top of my shoulders. We all shared big smiles and laughed at the camera. What was it my dad always said? Oh yes, friends may come in and out of your life, but only best friends stay forever. I hope this last forever.
The rest of the night was filled with receiving gifts, snacking, joking, and dancing. I'm proud to say I got to dance with most of the Gryffindor boys. Lavendar and Parvati seemed jealous, but they had hogged Harry most of the night. At the end of the party only Ron, Harry, Ginny, and I were left in the Common Room. Ginny and I were leaning against each other on the single couch. Harry was slumped on the sofa using his arm to keep his head up. And Ron was sprawled on the carpet. I told him to cut back on the butterbeers.
"Well I am tired. Hermione do you want to walk up together?" Ginny stretched her arms and back.
"No, I think I'll stay down here a little bit longer." I laid my head on the armrest.
"Okay, goodnight Hermione. Goodnight Harry." She walked over to Ron, and gently kicked him. "Come on big brother, get up, I'll bring you to your room." She started to kneel down. Turning over, sounds of protest were made from him. Ginny sighed for help to deal with Ron. It's always up to me.
Standing up, I leaned over Ron and whispered, "Time to get up Ron." Still no movement, "Ron I don't know how to tell you this." I paused to sound scared. "But there is this huge spider on your stomach."
"Great Merlin, get it off." He sprang up brushing himself with his hands. After realizing our giggles he groaned in defeat. "That was so mean Mione." He glared but yawned at once.
"Sorry," I grabbed his palm and kissed it. "Thank you Ron for the party but you need sleep." Pushing him to Ginny they slowly trotted up the stairs. Gazing to my left, I saw Harry sitting up and motioning me to sit down. He's up to something, especially with the mischievous grin. He handed me a package, which seem to appear from thin air. "Harry?" You have already done so much.
"Open it," he spoke anxiously. Under a velvet box, laid a silver bracelet with different color charms. As I looked closer, and they were the names people would call me. Hermione (blue), Mione (red), Juliet (purple), Angel (silver), Ann (green), Sunshine (orange), and Granger (gold). "I wasn't sure if you would like it. It seems tacky to give it to you now." He replied questionably. It's an amazing gift. I throw my arms around him and placed my head on his shoulder.
"It's incredible Harry. Put it on for me?" I murmured into his ear. Giving him my wrist, he delicately placed it around me.
"You knew about the party, didn't you?" he asked directly after clasping the bracelet. I stayed silent. "I heard you breathe in deeply, then you had this weird glint in your eyes when you acted surprised." Oh I was obvious. I wanted them to feel like they got me surprised.
"I'm shocked every second with you two. It doesn't matter if it's during class with untimed statements or for my birthday. Either way I'm still here listening to what you say or do." I brushed his messy hair revealing his famous scar.
"I can't keep any secrets from you. You are just to brilliant for your own good." He played with my hair.
"Of course not. So don't think, you can hide anything from me, Harry Potter." I stretched in front of the fireplace.
"Nene?" Harry softly asked. I turned at his sudden monotone voice. "She was right." He stated standing up with conviction.
"Who was right?" I stepped closer to him.
"You are a gift from god." I think I'm dreaming. He snatched me into a tender hug and I felt nothing but the beating of his steady heart. Raising my head from his chest, I placed a slight kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you Harry for the party, gift, and just listening to me. Goodnight." I was about to walk away when he tugged me back towards his body.
"Not so fast," he said playfully. I started hearing a soft hum in my ears. "I've been aching to dance with a beautiful girl this whole night." He grinned in a teasing manner.
"I wonder who she could be?" I acted unknowingly.
"My Nene, you are a smart girl, I'm sure you can find out if you wanted." He chuckled then we started twirling around the empty room. If I were thinking, I would have thought more about the comment. But the atmosphere was glowing with the burning fire, and sparkling stars outside. The energy of the party still resided inside us, and I giggled with silliness. Everything seemed too wonderful to worry about anything else. Yet if I would have paid attention, I would noticed Harry's eyes which seem to be hiding a deep secret. Maybe that was the problem between us through out our relationship. We always had secrets and things we wouldn't say. But for now things were kept simple, because neither of us was ready to face the truth.