Disclaimer: No these characters are not mine.
Well I'm glad to hear that everyone liked the last chapter. Are you all mad that they didn't kiss? I was too but don't worry I'll make it up to all of you in the future. So instead of writing a really long philosophy paper, I wrote a chapter. My parents would be proud of my laziness. Anyway thank you for the reviews and my huge thank you to Jenn a.k.a. Lady Raven. Oh I also suck at describing Quidditch. No matter what kind of sport, it goes over my head. I tried my best, but I don't think it I did it any justice. Well anyway on to the chapter, I hope you enjoy it.
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 7
Quidditch
The reason why I liked the library so much was the peace and quiet it came with. Everyone that went in here had the single purpose to work. It was also my haven from every thing outside these walls. I could retreat into my books with out the worries of the real world. It had been 3 days since the whole Malfoy incident and I had not talk to Harry since. Actually I was avoiding both Harry and Ron. Sometimes it's just hard for a girl to act normal after a situation. It didn't help that Harry seem to forget the whole incident. Granted nothing officially happened but we were close. What if we did actual kiss? Would I be hiding under a rock instead of the library?
"Hermione, it is a Friday. Why don't you wait until tomorrow to finish this?" Ginny appeared behind me, blocking me from turning the page. Like I was actually reading.
"Ginny tomorrow is the Quidditch game and I have to patrol afterwards. I will not have time to finish any of this tomorrow." Besides I don't want to think or see Harry.
"You have time later tonight or tomorrow morning. Gryffindor is about to start practice and I want to go watch." She started packing my things into my bag.
"Then go yourself, I'm sure you will not be alone." I stopped her from packing.
"Mione, your best friends are playing together tomorrow. Don't you want to see them?" You don't know how bad I do. "Besides I know for a fact that you are not getting any work done." She smiled causally.
"Of course, I'm working. Why would you think not?" I answered in a rush.
"Mione the book was upside down." There goes my excuse. "Let's go, I brought us blankets to sit on." Once we neared the Quidditch field, I could hear the whispers and murmurs. Looking around the stadium, I saw it filled with girls preparing for the practice. Roger was right when he said, practical all the female population was here.
"Ginny, Mione you came!" Ron shouted to us from across the field. He was wearing the Gryffindor quidditch robes, which made him seem even taller. He looked so happy wearing it. Behind him the rest of the team was emerging from the changing room. I saw Harry discreetly stride over towards us. "Charlie is up in the stands if you want to join him?" Ron pointed up towards the man being surrounded by his own group of fans. We chuckled at his helpless expression.
"We brought blankets to lay on to watch. Hi Harry you wouldn't mind if we laid on the ground would you?" Ginny smiled sweetly. I wonder if she still has a crush on him?
"Sure if you don't mind, but if a blugger hits you it's not my fault." Harry responded light heartily.
"Great, Hermione I'll be right back. I'm going to talk to the twins." She then dashed off towards her older brothers. At least Ron is still here.
"So how did Ginny actually persuade you to come. We haven't been able to see you for days. Are you still carrying homework in your bag?" Ron spurted at me. Harry stood silently next to him.
"I have been busy with work, but I still have time tonight and tomorrow morning to finish it. I thought you might want my moral support. But it looks to me you guys have that area covered." I raised my head to the surrounding stands.
"They don't mean anything," Harry finally spoke. Then the tension returned and I started fidgeting with my hands. Stop being nervous, this is your best friend.
"I'm going to say hi Charlie. Wave me down when we are going to start Harry." Ron positioned his broom, "Chat with you later Mione." Then he flew off, leaving me alone with Harry. Silences over shadow us, and my eyes gazed every where but his face. He looked extremely athletic wearing his Quidditch robes. The gold and red contrasted his green eyes that seem to shine in the afternoon ray. His disheveled hair was growing longer brushing against his ears.
"So…I," We both started to say. We paused then laughed meagerly. This is awkward. Finally looking into his eyes, I noticed how worn out they were.
"You look tired." I asked in a worry tone.
"Late night talking with Moony and Padfoot." He answered quietly.
"About what?"
"Reports, rumors, and mainly about Voldemort," his reply sounded uncaring. "How is your wrist?" He asked looking into my eyes.
"Better, it still has an annoying sting but moving it isn't a problem." I saw the team start to form behind him. "Shouldn't you be starting? I don't want to keep them waiting." I could see Ginny raise her thumbs up behind Harry.
"I will I just wanted to talk to you. Over there is the best place to sit and watch. I'll join you and Ginny later." He paused and I assumed he would say more but then he only gave a small smile.
"Come on Hermione, they are about to start." Ginny dragged me over and placed the large blankets down. Though I don't like talking about Quidditch or anything related to flying, watching was something different. I found it amazing how these people could move around so gracefully without worry. Throughout the practice, I could hear oh's and ah's from the awestruck girls. Ginny would be excited about every play or move, which made her jump up and down. I laid there watching with the warm sun shining on me. I dreamed of flying up there with the cool breeze in my face. The freedom to flip around and see every thing below me. Then I had this funny dream that I was being carried. I could hear people's voices yet it filtered away as I laid my head comfortable against someone's chest. It wasn't muscular but had the potential to be someday soon. He smelt like grass and wood. Exactly like Harry would smell. His arms were strong and I felt safe being carried. The voice's seem vague but distinctly heard.
"I can't believe she fell asleep. I told her not to bring her books."
"Ron she wasn't even reading."
"Well how about these last weeks. She's been in the library none stop."
"Have the two of you had time for her. She has been pretty worried about you two. She feels that you're keeping something."
"Ginny can you open the door?"
"Sure Harry."
"Ron, may be you should leave. This is the girl's dormitory."
"Fine Harry be the lucky fellow to enter unmarked land. I'll meet you downstairs."
"I think this is her bed Harry."
"It is."
"How do you know so certain?"
"Her music box is right there."
"Oh."
"Don't say anything you don't know about."
"Don't do anything your not sure about."
"Sorry, didn't mean to snap at you. I guess everything is starting to take a toll on me."
"Harry talk to her. She will understand. I bet she could help too."
"That's what I don't want to happen."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't even understand myself."
"Nene are you awake?" I felt a slight brush of my hair. "It's nearly dinnertime. Everyone is already in the Great Hall." Harry sat next to me. Why am I here?
"Harry I thought I was watching you practice?" I rubbed my unfocused eyes.
"You fell asleep. I carried you back here." He turned his face at me.
"Oh, why didn't you wake me?" I sat up leaning against the bed.
"Because I'm sure you haven't slept so heavy in a long time." He smiled. I miss those smiles. "Besides you look so adorable drooling." He pinched my cheeks.
"Do that again Potter and I'll make sure you drool forever." I gave an evil glare.
"Great to know. Now get up so we can eat." He started walking towards the door.
"Harry I'll be down in 10 minutes." I look horrible.
"Why just follow me," he leaned against the doorframe.
"I look like a mess." I pointed at myself.
"You look fine. Come on I'm starving." Without a chance I was pulled to the Great Hall. May be the tension is gone.
Later that night, I was working on my homework while Ron and Harry played wizard chess. At times I would hear protests from Harry and smug replies from Ron. I always liked listening to them bicker. They could poke and make fun of anything with each other. I miss sitting here like this.
"Checkmate," Ron grinned arrogantly.
"Someday Ron I'll beat you." Harry stood and stretched his arms.
"Of course mate, you'll beat me." Ron winked towards me. "Loser cleans up." He flopped next me. "So are you ready to cheer for us tomorrow? We want your full attention. That means no books."
"Ron you know I'm ready to watch you two. As for the books, I probably won't bring them." I set my quill down.
"Good to hear," he gave me a huge grin. "Fred, George where are you going?" Ron shouted at the twins.
"Snacks," they answered back.
"Coming with you." He ran towards the door. "Be back later," then he left with the older boys. I returned to my books as Harry sat next to me on the couch. We didn't say anything but enjoyed the silence of our own thoughts. The fire was crackling and the empty Common Room seemed hollow. Only the noise of my quill and our breathing was heard. At least it doesn't seem uncomfortable. This is Harry after all.
"Nene," I felt his eyes on me. "Can we talk?" The three deadly words.
"What is it Harry? Is it important because I have a lot to do still." I moved slightly away from him. "Besides it is late and you need your sleep." I rambled out.
"We need to talk." He placed his hands over my book. "And you haven't turned the page in 3 minutes. Your not even doing work." He stated solemnly. Busted!
"What do you want to discuss?" I picked my bag and started packing my books.
"I…we," he stopped, sighed then pulled something out his pocket. "I got this from Snuffles. It looks like a code but we didn't understand how to break it. Do you think you could take a look at it?" He handed me a piece of parchment. This is what he wanted to discuss. Shut up Hermione, it has to do with his well being.
"Of course, where did you get this?" I noticed that the writings were symbols and scribbles. This is interesting.
"Interception of a Death Eater. Do you have any idea what it may be?" Suddenly I felt him right beside me.
"No, it looks to be Arabic but Chinese too." Don't think about how good he smells.
"Thank you, I know this adds extra stress to you." He placed his arm around my other side.
"Harry, you don't need to thank me for this." Why am I anxious? Stop it Hermione.
"I know but I have nothing else to show how grateful I am." I felt his fingers rest on my waist.
"You don't need to show anything. We are friends." Then why couldn't you sleep the past few nights with out seeing his green eyes?
"Yes we are friends." He pulled away and started walking towards his room. "Nene?"
"Yes Harry." Why am I disappointed in his leaving?
"Do you think you can tuck me in?" For the first time, since I have known Harry, I wondered if he actually has live a life before us.
"I'll sing for you too." I raised and reached out my hand. He smiled and a twinkled shined in his eyes. Harry took my hand and we walked up the stairs together. Thoughts ran through my mind, as we reached his room. No matter how great he will be or famous or rich, Harry will always be Harry a boy who wanted to live. As I pulled the blanket up and hummed a tune, I made a silent promise to myself. I would give this boy anything I could. I would fight or die by his side. I would be with him no matter what.
"Gryffindor, Gryffindor, Gryffindor!" I heard the chant surround me on the stands. I sat between Ginny and Neville watching the Gryffindor and Slytherin team shake hands.
"Let us begin!" Madam Hooch shouted through the air. Then they started and bodies zoomed on top of brooms. Commotion broke out between the audience, as cheers and cries were yelled. I followed all the players as they flew aggressively in the game. I personal liked watching them practice more. It seems so rough when they played. Ron was an excellent Keeper and kept the Slytherin team from scoring points. Being overly joyed, Ginny kept bouncing up and down. She really cares about him. It shows in her eyes.
"The snitch has been spotted!" Lee screamed gaining everyone's attention. I quickly spotted Harry chasing after it with an amazing focus. His eyes narrowed and had a determined glint in his eyes. Then I saw Malfoy, coming from the other direction. He had a malice look in his eyes, which glared straight at Harry.
"Both seekers are heading for the snitch." All eyes fell on them as they flew head on towards each other. They were going to crash. Then I noticed the leer they were sharing, which scream hate. They better not be doing what I am thinking.
"I think they are going to crash! Bloody hell look out!" Silence spread as we all watched in slow motion of the two heated boys.
"Harry pull up," I screamed through the air. Some how that pulled him out of his trance and he focused on the snitch instead of Malfoy's face. Then Harry quickly turned over making him upside down from Malfoy. With a dumbfounded expression, Harry grabbed the snitch while Malfoy was speeding forward. Cheers were heard all around, and applause soon followed afterwards.
"Hermione, lets go down. We won!" Ginny dragged me along. "Ron, Harry! We won!" She hugged them enthusiastically. They had hugs smiles spread across their faces.
"Great job Ron," I hugged him.
"Thanks, Mione." He kissed my head. Turning I saw Harry patiently standing waiting for his congratulations.
I pulled him into a tight embrace and said, "Don't you ever do anything that stupid again."
"I know, I just wanted to scare him." He rubbed my back.
Crossing my arms around his neck, I whispered, "But you scared me as well." And I sniffled on to his shoulder.
"Shh…Mione everything is okay. Don't cry. You should be happy. We can celebrate all night." He moved back showing his charming smile.
"I have to patrol tonight, so I will not be there." I replied with annoyance in my tone.
"I'll join you then," he pushed a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Don't be silly. You just won. Go celebrate with all your adoring fans." I playfully hit his chest.
"It wouldn't mean anything if my greatest fan wasn't there with me." He started back into my eyes. Oh it's that look again!
"Harry, Harry, Harry!" Herds of people soon swept him away from underneath. Bewildered he turned his head and winked towards me. I slowly strolled back thinking about these past weeks. It sure had been exciting. Mother was right. Things always change and sometimes it's more noticeable then others.
"Hermione," I heard a voice call for me. Behind me stood Roger wearing dark jeans and a sky blue sweater. It looked wonderful with his brown hair.
"Hello Roger, how are you?" I smiled.
"I'm great. Actually I came to see if you wanted to take a break tonight." He followed me as I continued walking towards the Tower.
"No, it is my responsibility. I should do it." I said reaching Fat Lady.
"Are you sure? I know you Gryffindors like to party after a victory game." He leaned against the wall.
"Usually, but..." before I could finish Harry appeared out of the portrait. "Harry why are you outside? I told you to go celebrate." I raised my eyebrows.
"Well then I said I didn't want to because you weren't." he crossed his arms.
"Problem solved Harry. I told Hermione she could have a break tonight. I'll cover for her." Roger patted Harry's back.
"Thank you Roger for the offer but I have a duty to," Roger throw his hand over my mouth.
"Just go have fun. You know you want to celebrate. Besides I need to ask you something?" He removed his hand so I could answer.
"What is it?"
"Let me buy you a drink on Halloween?" Did he just ask me out in front of Harry? I looked to Harry who had a blank stare in his eyes. I tried to ask for mental advice but nothing registered. I glanced back to Roger who was waiting for my answer. He's not a bad guy. But he's not Harry. Where did that come from? Think logically. Is there anything wrong? No not really. Then say yes Hermione, before he thinks your brain dead.
"Sure," I smiled weakly. Harry react a boy just asked me out!
"Great, good job today Harry." He smack Harry's shoulder then gave me a wink. "Have fun tonight." He called out walking into the empty halls. We stood for awhile not saying anything. Great tension fun! Why didn't he stop me? May be that kiss was nothing? It didn't even happen Granger. Take control.
"Come on Harry, you just won. Let's go celebrate, because everyone is probably waiting." He nodded and followed me into the festive Common Room. This is going to be a long night.