Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me.
I hope you all like this chapter. Big thanks to Jenn a.k.a. Lady Raven for checking my grammar. I'm going to be gone for a couple of weeks, so I will not be posting anytime soon. But that will give me time to get over my writers block too. Anyway I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 8
Halloween
Knock, Knock
"Come in, the door is unlock." I shouted folding my bed.
"Morning Nene." I saw Harry dressed in black slacks and a red sweater. Since it was Halloween, most of the people were wearing muggle clothing for the day. "Where are the girls?" He leaned against the wall crossing his arms.
"They mentioned about Charlie and leather pants. I think they have a crush on him." I smiled remember their obvious affections.
"Good luck to him. They always found a way to get their message across." He grinned at his own comment. "You look great today." He gazed at my direction.
"Thanks, it's nothing though. I think this blouse makes me look childish." I tugged on my honey colored shirt trying to satisfy my self of my appearance.
"Your not childish," Harry appeared behind me. Why does he always smell so good? "If you did, Roger wouldn't have asked you on a date." He stepped in front of me.
"Harry it's just a drink. I'm spending my day with my best friends." I playfully hit his shoulder.
"Which is why, I'm not pulling my hair out about Roger." He ran his hand through his hair. I wonder if he knows he only does that when he's nervous.
I couldn't help but smile at his goofy smirk. "Harry don't worry. Let's go eat." Walking in to the Great Hall, I could smell pumpkin and cinnamon. The walls were covered with orange flowing streamers. People were chatting, which created random noises everywhere. Sitting beside Harry, he handed me French toast and laughed at a joke Ron had said.
As they were debating about Quidditch strategies, my mind wandered off. Since the Quidditch game, Harry had acted completely normal again. He was still affectionate but he didn't have that spark. Part of me was glad when things were normal and the tension was gone. Yet the other part wanted the intense and passionate Harry.
"Mione have you been listening to us at all?" Ron waved his fork in my face.
Focusing back to them, "I'm sorry. What were you saying?" I continued eating my breakfast.
"It's no big deal Hermione. What were you thinking about?" Harry poured me pumpkin juice.
"Probably about a boy," Ron answered in a pester attitude.
"No," I said in a loud tone receiving several looks. "Well," I can't say Harry. "I was just wondering if you ever did the prank Moony sent you?" I stated trying to change the subject. They both started chuckling and I felt odd about their sudden behavior. Slowly they regained control and spoke.
"Just watch and see," Ron grinned wickedly. Harry remained silent but winked at me. I wonder what it is? I hope it is nothing dangerous or out of hand.
Abruptly 60's music filled the Great Hall, and commotion began. The teachers seem to start moving to the beat. Professor Flitwick being so small got on top of the table and started doing the twist. Madam Hooch and Professor Sprout did the mash potato while Professor Figgs danced around them. Other teachers moved as well creating stages of motion all around. At first the students were in shock but then laughter was flooded through the crowd. Then Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape started the gogo, which created chaos of whistles and howlers. Soon Professor Dumbledore was standing and twirling his long white beard. After the best 5 minutes of dancing history, the music ended and movement stopped. Silence fell over us from the embarrassed and stern expressions of our teachers. Then the Headmaster stood, "Well I must say that was the best prank seen in a long time. Mr. Weasleys we certainly did not expect this, this year." He looked towards the dumbfounded twins.
"But it wasn't us," George confessed. Shock looks were seen on the surrounding students.
"Even we couldn't pull off a prank like that." Fred bowed his head down.
" I see. We have a new prankster this year, it certainly will not be boring." He grinned, "Happy Halloween." The twinkle in his eyes shined at Harry and Ron.
Later while we were walking in the streets of Hogsmeade, rumors of the pranksters were still said. Speculation or questions were heard, and Ron and Harry couldn't stop smirking. We spent the afternoon shopping at Honeydukes and Zonko's Joke shop. Excitement was seen on everyone's faces from the carefree day. Soon evening was approaching and Ginny had to leave. I decided to walk her to the carriages while Harry and Ron disappeared off somewhere.
"Hermione you have to tell me everything when you get back." Ginny pulled on my sleeve.
"Gin its nothing." I shook my head.
"Roger Davis asked you on a date. I mean he is one of the cutest guys in our school." She threw her arms in the air. The Weasley's sure like to do that with their arms.
"My best friend is Harry Potter. Do you think it really matters to me?" I narrowed my eyes.
"I'll never found out who you like?" She sighed in defeat.
"Who said I did?" She better not know I have a crush on someone. Wait a second. Who said I did? Oh Hermione you are starting to go crazy.
"See you later Mione," she winked and left with Colin on to the carriage. Strolling along I thought to myself how beautiful evening was. The setting sun created orange glows in the sky and crisp leaves were blown around. I loved walking alone sometimes because of the tranquil feeling of my own thoughts.
"Are you actually going to walk in or stand here all day?" Charlie asked next to me. Where did he come from?
"I guess I got lost in my own thoughts." I said quietly.
"Nervous?"
"No, why would you say that?" I asked in a confused manner.
"Because of your big date, I mean everyone knows. Even the teachers are interested in Roger asking you out." He winked showing his dimples.
"You mean the whole school knows he is buying me a drink." I received a slow nod. "It's only a drink. Do any one of you have lives? Why is everyone so curious about mine?" I started raising my voice an octave higher.
"Calm down Mione. You are a pretty girl. Of course people are going to notice you." He leaned comfortable against the window.
"You're just saying that because you know me." I kicked the pebbles on the ground.
"No I shouldn't be saying that since I am your teacher and best friend's brother. But I'm also a man and I know when I see an attractive girl." I blushed instantly and he grinned smugly. "So let's walk in and show them how attractive people enter in a room." He bent his arm towards me.
"You're a goof ball." I giggled at his silly expression.
"That's why women love us Weasley men." I looped my arm through his and walked in to kids filled area. All eyes darted towards us, and for the first time I didn't care. It helps that Charlie made girlish comments in my ear. He left me at an empty table and went to join the other professors. A few minutes later, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Looking up I saw Roger with a huge grin on his face.
"Hello Hermione. You look wonderful. Have you been here long?" He sat beside me, leaning on the table.
"Thank you," I answered a little flustered. "I just got here." Stop fidgeting with your hands.
"Good, so do you want butterbeer?"
"How did you know, I like butterbeer?"
"I have my ways of finding answers," he winked. "Especially when I think, it is important to know." He sure is forward. "So tell me more about yourself?" Then our conversation soon drifted off into topics of various kinds. After plenty of butterbeer and a cozy evening, we decided to head back to Hogwarts. I assumed Harry and Ron had already returned, so I let Roger walk me back to the Tower. As I reached Fat Lady, I had this weird feeling in my stomach. Ending our night, he leaned forward ready to kiss me. Instantly I held my hand up against his chest.
"Roger, I had a great time tonight. But I'm not sure if I am ready for this." With a slight pause, I gazed every where but his face. Finally he spoke, and I was afraid to look him at him directly.
"I understand. I heard you broke up with Victor Krum this summer. I'm not going to lie and say I'm not disappointed but Hermione?" He tried catching my focus.
"Yes Roger?" Stop feeling bad, he can handle it.
"Could there be a chance for us? He reached for my hand. Oh dear, is their Hermione? I don't know?
"I honestly don't know Roger. I like being around you but I don't know if I could be with you." I gazed every where but at him.
"I can live with that. As long as the answer it not no. I will not give up. I like you Hermione and someday I hope you can say the same about me." He kissed my hand and walked off. That certainly was not expected.
"Orchids," I said the password.
"He looked determined Hermione. I think you should have let the boy kiss you." Fat Lady stated in an orderly manner.
"Just let me in," great lets add more stress to my life.
"Hermione," the Gryffindor girls shouted at my entrance. I think god still hates me. "Did you have fun? What happened? Did he walk you back? Did he kiss you? Lavendar!"
"What it is a very important question? And please everyone in this room is wondering the same thing." She waved around the room, confirming her statement.
"Girls, as a friend, I know she will not say anything. So I suggest we leave her alone, before she hexes us. But if I get any information, I will tell you lovely ladies right away." Ron charmingly smiled towards the crowd. If I was not mad at his comment I would have thanked him for saving me. Pulling me over to our usual spot, Harry had moved so I could next to him.
"Where is Ginny? She said she wanted to talk tonight." I asked scanning for the familiar red head.
"She went to talk to Charlie." Ron said slipping next to me. I stretched my feet horiztonally letting the fire warm my toes. "So spill, how was the date? Am I going to get to beat him to pieces?"
"Ron you will do no such thing. He was a perfect gentlemen and I had fun." I yawned while scolding him.
"Just making sure my Mione wasn't violated in any way." He said seriously.
"I am fine. Ron you really need to stop. I mean I am going to date people. I'm a growing girl, it happens." I calmly said, feeling like I had this conversation before with him.
"Mione, you're my best friend. Right Harry?" Ron received a nod. "You're more then a sister because it's not blood that makes me care about you."
"Oh," well at least I know he doesn't have a crush on me.
"So don't think I'm being jealous. Just over protective of my Mione." He kissed my head. I peeked at Harry, who was staring off into space. Then Ron whispered in my ear, " Now as for Harry, I think it's vice versa." He winked and had a knowing smirk. What does that mean? "I'm starving. I'll be back with food." He shuffled off, leaving me alone with Harry. The never-ending silence returned, and for the first time I didn't know what to say.
"So you really like him?" Harry asked emotionless.
" I like him but not romantically." I mean I don't feel any sparks.
"Really?" His voice and posture returned to normal.
"Honestly I don't know how I feel anymore about certain people."
"I know, I feel the same way." As we stared at each other, I saw raw emotion flicker in his eyes.
"I missed you and Ron. Throughout the whole thing, I thought you two might walk in." I causally laid my head on his shoulder.
"We wanted to give you space. Besides I'm sure Roger wouldn't have like us with you on your date" His arm wrapped my shoulder. "Are you using new shampoo?" He drew me in closer. I thought no one notice.
"Yes I am." He nuzzled into my hair.
"I like it. It remains me of your house." Me too
"Thanks, anyway Harry don't ever think I wouldn't want to be with you or Ron. No matter what, no guy can replace us." I relaxed as he massaged my wrist.
"So did you enjoy your Halloween?" he murmured in to my ear.
"I am now." I slowly drifted off, settling in his embrace.
"Good because you deserve the best." He placed a chaste kiss on my cheek then I slide my head down to his chest. We seclude our selves from every one not noticing a thing. If we did, we would have heard Ron tell Colin to take a picture. Or that people filtered away leaving us alone in the room. Or even just to see the smile on Ron's face, which seem like he had just won a million galleons.