Disclaimer: No these wonderful characters still do not belong too me.
Anyway this chapter is really long. Well at least I think it is. Thanks to everyone who has been sending in reviews. A huge thanks to Jenn a.k.a. Lady Raven who corrects my mistakes. I hope you enjoy the next chapter.
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 6
Boys
Dear Mom and Dad,
I'm sorry I haven't written in awhile. It has been hectic with Halloween coming up. 3rd years and up are free to go to Hogsmeade on Halloween. The 5th years to 7th years can stay until nighttime. Some of us Perfects had mentioned this idea to the Heads and they were fully supportive in our goal. Roger was even kind enough to make the arrangements with the Headmaster.
Harry is well. I think he said he was going to write you soon. He has been extremely busy with Ron since they have a Quidditch match against Slytherin this Saturday. I know in my last letter I wrote you how occupied they are with Quidditch. Lately I have this feeling that it is something else. I might be over analyzing but I feel like they are not fully telling me the truth. I told Ginny my suspicions and she called me a worry bug. Do you think I am to paranoid?
Anyway school is going well. Still top scores Dad, so you can brag to all your friends about me. Professor Snape is still intolerable but he knows what he is teaching. And yes I do feel guilty for calling him those nasty names in my last letter. Professor Figgs has been a wonderful teacher. I'm so happy that Professor Dumbledore decided to hire a woman to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. Yet through these weeks, none of us has seen her real face. She still comes in disguises in our classes. Hopefully some day I will see who she really is. I wonder what she is hiding?
I hope everything is going well at home. Do you have a picture of what the baby looks like? Has the doctor said when we can found out the gender? I'm getting so impatient. I wish I could help you dad with the midnight runs to the supermarket. Mom I hope your feet feel better. Remember to soak them in warm water. Try to stay out of trouble Dad. I heard from Mom that you almost broke your nose trying to win a fencing match. I miss you both tremendously. Love you, always will and never half way.
Love,
Nene
Well there is one less thing off my to do list. Okay Nene where did you place your planner? How did I end up with some many books on this table?
"Hermione, I've been searching every where for you." A deep clear voice asked. Glancing from my piles of books, I saw oak brown hair and wide peanut eyes.
"Hello Roger, I'm surprised. Doesn't everyone know I am always in the library." I joked lightly.
"Sometimes I never go to the obvious answer." He gave a playfully smile. "Besides I assumed you would be watching the Gryffindor team practice. Practically every girl in this school is out there."
"I have never followed the crowd or been a typical girl." I answered briskly. He grinned which made him look very fetching.
"I've noticed." I blushed at his comment. "Anyway our meeting is changing to tomorrow at 8pm instead of tonight." His hands leaned against the empty chair across from me.
"Oh, sounds good. I have a Potions assignment due tomorrow, which I should go over again." I started rummaging for the parchment.
"Do you need help? It's been awhile but I still remember most of my 5th potions class." He quickly winked.
"If you have time? I wouldn't want to keep you occupied here." I started fidgeting with my hands. Why are you nervous Hermione? Pull yourself together. It's only Roger Davis.
"I would be glad to help a lady with my services." Walking around the table, he sat down and we filled the next few hours with conversations about school, friends, and hobbies.
"I still can not picture you to be a painter." Roger said doubtingly as we walked to the Great Hall.
"Why not?" Is it really that hard to believe?
"Painting just seems so abstract. You just carry yourself to be a very logical person."
"Painting can also be about detail, which I think I am. Actually my dad is very detailed and he taught me how to paint." I smiled remembering my dad's goofiness. Arriving at the Great Hall, Roger opened the door and let me in first. Entering in, I was hit with the scent of roast chicken and mash potatoes. Oh that smells wonderful. "Thanks for the help Roger. I'll see you tomorrow." I gave him a quick smile.
"Anytime, I'll remember to look in the library first next time." He nodded and headed towards the head table. Reaching my usual spot, I noticed that all the Gryffindor girls were surrounding Harry and Ron. Well, well what do we have here? Clearing my throat, they looked up from their plates with eyes of relief. Most of the girls stopped talking to see who had finally got the two boys attention so well.
"Hermione, where have you been?" Harry asked desperately.
"Mione, we saved you a seat." Ron pointed across from them. But the young girls seem to move closer, enclosing the poor boys.
"Actually it seems pretty full. I'll go sit by Ginny. I am sure you two Strong Handsome boys can handle dinner all by yourself." Sensing my departure, the young ladies quickly reentered the topics to gain my best friend's attentions. At the end of the table, I found Ginny sitting with Charlie. Even though he was a teacher, he still found time to spend with the family. I envied their family because they always were connected in some way without even saying it out loud. But soon I would be having my own sibling to watch and care for.
"Hermione, I can't believe you just left them to fend for themselves." Charlie pointed at my helpless friends. "I understand what they are going through and ladies it is not pleasant." He stated swinging his mug around.
"Oh hush Charlie. They are loving it and you know it because you loved it too." Ginny remarked while handling me the mash potatoes. She always knew what I was thinking. I smiled at her comment.
"I was just presuming that the big Quidditch players would want some time alone with their adoring fans." I innocently replied and batted my eyes.
"I'll never win with two witty girls." We grinned evilly and we enjoyed the rest of our meal in silliness at their situation.
After dinner Neville had asked me to switch places patrolling tonight. He said he had not finished his Potions assignment and was still missing several inches. I scolded him for a few minutes then finally agreed a upon seeing his embarrassed face.
When I first arrived at Hogwarts, I thought I was in a fairy tale turn reality in the castle. The large stone walls and mysterious corridors screamed adventure. It had a romantic aura, which no author could ever describe to me. Even though I am older, walking in these halls still make my imagination run. I feel like I could be a heroine waiting for her lost lover. Or a lonely victim soon to be attacked by a great monster. What's funny is that it could probably happen in Hogwarts. The unimaginable or impossible always seem to become real.
Turning the corner, I saw four figures lurking around the hall. Well time to be the Perfect. "It is 10 minutes to curfew. I suggest you return to your Common Room before you start losing house points." I imitated my best Percy tone. Startling the four, they stopped at my voice.
"What Granger? Are you not going to sprout facts of why we should go back? Or do you only tell idiots like Neville what to do?" Malfoy sneered with the others three laughing along. To his left stood the Goon twins, Goyle and Crabbe, eating still. His right stood a young boy with blonde hair and light blue eyes. He looked be to a 1st or 2nd year. What was his name again?
"Yeah Granger, sod off and bore someone else." He tired copying Malfoy's smirk. Great he has a protégés now. His comment seemed to please the older housemates because it made them laugh harder.
"Look Malfoy, I really don't care what you are doing or where you are going. As a perfect, you know they are not allowed in the halls after curfew. Just do your job or I will." I narrowed my eyes and walked away. After two steps, I was pushed down to the cold hard floor.
Bang…oh great Merlin my wrist.
With pure venom, I shot my glare towards Malfoy to see him standing behind the young boy. Peter Kingston! Why do all followers have to be named Peter? "Why Malfoy I didn't know you had younger boys do your dirty work?" I started rising from the floor still gripping my hurt wrist. "Afraid doing it yourself would result in failure? I understand though, your achievements are nothing near mine." I challenged coldly.
"Watch what you say Granger. Your two dim wit friends are not here to save you." He plainly responded pushing Peter behind him. Great moves Granger. Now you have a boy strong and faster standing 3 feet away from you. Think, think, think, before you become the next Slytherin conquest. "Or do you think you can handle me?" He arrogantly raised one eyebrow. What the hell does that mean? In an instant I was pushed against the wall very hard.
"Get your hands off her Malfoy!" I heard someone yell. "If you want to fight, I'm standing here waiting." I slowly looked up to see Harry and Ron with their wands out. I have never been so happy to see them. "Ron go help Hermione." Ron nodded and walked over to my limp body. He gently wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed my hair.
"Are you all right Mione?" He asked stiffly. I leaned against him and lazily nodded.
"What Potter? She ran into the wall herself. I think those books are starting to mess with her head. Or maybe the mudblood finally realized she should rid her self to save us from seeing her inferior existence." He said without a single wink.
Bang…Smack…Thump…Ah…!
I stared in wonder of what just happened. Harry had hit Malfoy in the stomach off guard. Then slap Goyle across the face, when Goyle had tried pushing Harry. After that he did a swipe kick to drop Crabbe on the floor. Lastly Peter was scared off by a very deadly glare from Harry. Still awestruck by the moment, I didn't hear him call my name until he tapped my shoulder.
"Hermione, are you all right? Did Malfoy hurt you?" Harry asked concerned.
"My wrist hurts but I'm sure it's no big deal." I tried to shrug off the pain.
"Come on, we are taking you to see Madam Pomfrey." He grabbed my other wrist and carted me away.
Once we were in the hospital wing, I explained what had happened before they had found me with Malfoy. Ron was upset because he didn't get to fight Malfoy himself and Harry was very quiet. After 15 minutes, Madam Pomfrey said I could leave and just to be careful with it for the next week or so. Leaving the infirmary, we heard Ron suddenly groan in pain. I turned to see him holding his left side.
"Ron are you hurt? What's wrong?" I rushed to his side. Why is he hurt? He hasn't done anything to cause him in pain?
"Hermione, he'll be fine. I'm sure he just ate something bad." Harry gentle pulled me away. "I am taking him back to Madam Pomfrey's office. Wait here for me." Then he took Ron to into the infirmary, leaving my thoughts to wonder back to Malfoy. Why is he so spiteful towards us or even me? I still don't understand why? Are we forever stocked by hate? Do I have to live in fear knowing you will never leave me alone? "Nene, lets go." Harry spoke smoothly sensing my thoughts elsewhere. So this is how Harry feels. Living in fear most be very tiring because I feel like I'm walking in a fog. "Are you cold?" Cold no I'm not cold. I just felt so alone and scared. What where they going to do, if Harry and Ron were not there? Would they really hurt me? No they are still kids. But the way they look at me, which was not childish. "Why are you shivering?"
"I'm fine Harry. I guess I'm just thinking about what happened." I muttered more to myself then to him. "Harry I don't need your cloak." I tried returning his robe.
"Hermione for once just do something without responding." He sternly replied and briskly walked back to Gryffindor tower. Since he was 5 inches taller, his pace exceed mine. A few steps behind, I found him standing in front of the portrait waiting for me. As we entered, we were collided with starry-eyed girls. Surrounding Harry, they frivolously chatted about Quidditch and his accomplishments. I was jostled aside without a glance from them. "Would you all just give me a moment of peace!" He roared though the crowd. The room became very quiet by his outburst. "I'm going upstairs to my room and I do not want any disruptions." He glanced towards his roommates. "Hermione I want to talk to you alone. Come upstairs in a few minutes." Harry ascended the stairs and silence still stayed. After hearing the door slam, voices began like a tidal wave. Of course I was the center of attention and their eyes followed me everywhere. Feeling incredible tired; I sat in front of the fireplace pulling Harry's cloak tighter around me.
Cautiously Ginny came over and sat besides me. "What happened? Did Harry and you fight?" No that's the problem; he was saving me not fighting me.
"I had a row with Malfoy and his goons. Harry and Ron found me right when it was getting serious. I just sprained my wrist but I didn't think it was a big deal. Harry's been pretty sullen since we left the infirmary." I gazed into the animated flames. Why is he so angry? I don't want to feel scared right now. Just safe, like how I feel with his cloak around me. It makes me feel warm and shielding from the cold.
"Where is Ron?" She asked looking around.
"He wasn't feeling well. Harry said it was probably something he ate. But it was his left side, and we have been eating the same thing." I started replaying the scene over again.
"Oh yes, he has been having stomach and side ache problems. You know Ron and his eating habits." She smiled earnestly. I gave a clumsy smile back. "As for Harry, I'm sure he's just mad about what happened to you."
"What do you mean?" Shouldn't I be the one mad?
"Mione, Harry's always been overprotective of his friends and you're his best friend. Of course he would be mad. He feels that he needs to protect you." What!
"Ginny I can take care of myself. I'm highly capable of handling my own problems." I lowered my voice.
"But Hermone, he cares a lot about you. If you haven't noticed your one of the only people he talks to freely. I mean come on, who can actually say they are friends or even best friends with Harry Potter. He only lets you see a side of him, that some of us dream about." I nodded passively. "You know that Ron and you have always been his soft spot. He never wants to see you two hurt." But that still doesn't mean that I'm his responsibly. "Go talk to him like you always do." Granger muster up your Gryffindor bravery and face your best friend.
"Thanks Gin." It should not be this hard sometimes.
Knock…Knock… Here goes nothing.
"Harry I just…" Before I could finish, he throw his arms around me, muffling my sentence. We stood for several minutes, while Harry embraces intensely held me. Letting go he closed the door and I sat on his bed. He swiftly crossed the room, and kneeled in front of me. Grabbing my right hand, he careful examined for a trance of injury. When did his hands become so strong and tender?
"I wanted to hurt him so bad Hermione. When I saw him push you into the wall, I thought I was going to attack him right there. And then those annoying smiles on their faces made me want to hit them."
"Harry you did a pretty good job of beating them. They didn't even have a chance against you." I proudly answered with a hint of amusement.
"I'm serious Hermione. Seeing you hurt made me cry inside." He gently put my hand over his heart. "Promise me something?" He slowly rubbed my wrist in delicate circles. That feels so good.
"What is it?" I spoke softly.
"If Ron or I are not around when Malfoy is there, please walk away." I snapped back to reality. Pardon me!
"Harry Potter, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself." I stood with my hands on my hips. He followed my gesture.
"Hermione your wrist was sprained. You were pushed against a wall and they looked like they were just starting."
"I was caught off guard!" I called out.
"He's quicker and stronger then you. You may know a lot of charms or spells, but physically he or anyone else could crush you." He answered solemnly.
"Well even if they could, it is not your or Ron's job to protect me." I replied glancing away from his vivid eyes.
"It became my responsibility, the day I made you cry." He wiped my unconscience tear. "Or when you screamed for help from the mountain troll." He caressed my cheek. "Or the time Malfoy called you mudblood for the first time." His finger raised my chin. "Or when I realized, I couldn't stand the thought of you in pain, because it hurts ten times worst knowing it was you." His green eyes were dancing with emotion, and I felt drowning in his passion. I felt him lean in closing the gap between us. I could hear his breathing mixed with my own. "Nene please promise?" His muscular arms brushed beside me.
"I can not promise I would not fight. But I will promise when to walk away." I stuttered out nervously. I should pull away. This is crossing the danger zone. I should be pulling away. Then why is my body not moving?
"I guess I can live with that…for now." He replied sensually. Oh dear, he just touched my cheek. This is your best friend. Get a hold of yourself.
"Harry?" I licked my lips. Please Harry take control here.
"Nene, just act, don't think." He voice became very husky. Then he slowly moved, so his lips were over mine. Screw it, just lean in Harry. I could almost fell his wet lips as his grip began to tighten around me. Well there goes simplest. 3…2…
Knock Knock
"Hey are you two okay in there?" Ron hollered form the outside. Reality returned and I pulled away from Harry. He paused for a second before opening the door to Ron. I felt so much tension it was hard to breathe.
"We are fine Ron." Harry stressed the word fine. Ron didn't notice and continued on with his questions.
"How about we play a game of exploding snap? It's been awhile since we have had mindless fun." He walked towards me and placed his arms around my shoulder. "Oh Harry, Dean said you had his Charms book that he needs. Funny thing is no one wanted to come and get it. I'll bring Mione down first while you grab it." Without waiting for an answer, he brought me out of Harry's view. Was Ron really this clueless? Hasn't he become observant to anything? What am I going to say or do now? I almost kissed Harry.
"Just give it time Mione." Ron commented knowingly while setting up the cards.
"What do you mean?" I sure have been asking a lot of questions lately.
"He's been alone all these years with no real family or friends. It still takes time to adjust to these feelings he has for other people." Maybe Ron knew more then I thought. "There is no rush." He smiled showing his dimples. "We will always be together. And I know the three of us would protect this till the end of time." He winked with a smirk.