Unofficial Portkey Archive

Author's Note: Hey you guys! Here is the 2^nd part to this story and my favorite. I want to say thanks to all of you who took the time to read and review this story. They all meant so much to me! And to Anonymous, who didn't like it, you are entitled to your own opinion. Thanks for reading it through and reviewing anyway. I appreciate it!

Thanks again everyone!

Anjel

Let Me Love You - Part 2

Weeks went by and everything was the same in the world. Hermione had forgiven Matthew -- though I may never find out the reason behind it -- the next day when he had come over to apologize profusely. At least he had the heart to apologize face to face and not over the phone, the slimy git. Lucky for Hermione, I was at work and wasn't there to answer the door and then shut it in his face, making sure to hit him.

Our conversation was never mentioned, as if we had silently agreed to silence. I see her, though, give me these sad glances from time to time, mostly when she thinks I'm not paying attention. These looks puzzle me because it seems she wants to tell me something but doesn't know how I'll take it. I haven't questioned her about it; she'll tell me when she's ready.

Now here I am, in Hogsmead, trying to find a gift for Ron, whose birthday is only two days away. We are planning a surprise party, though he already knows about it; Ginny could never keep a secret. It had been Hermione's idea and with the help of Mrs. Weasley, they had made arrangements and everything was set. Everything but one.

I have to bring a date. Ron's words, not mine. His exact words were, "She'll see you with this gorgeous girl and get jealous. The next thing you know, she's screaming that she loves you."

I've never taken Ron's love advice to heart; ever. This time I figure what have I got to lose? The only problem is where am I going to find this so- called-gorgeous girl? Ron offered to introduce me to a few on his Quidditch team but I declined without hesitation. I've seen Ron's types and except for Anna, they were all Barbie Doll replicas to the way they looked and thought. I know you're thinking Barbie Dolls don't think -- exactly my point.

Spotting something glistening in the window I just passed, I back up and smile wide. Perfect. Though Ron is on one of the most famous Quidditch team, his coach is too cheap to get the team the newest and fasted model broom; the Moon Trimmer. Now it's glistening in the window and I know Ron would do anything to have this broom and though he has the money to buy one himself, he would feel guilty if he had it and the rest of his team didn't. Well, getting it as a gift is a different story (as he's hinted for months now) and besides, he's captain.

When I decided to go shopping today for Ron's gift, not only did I not expect to find the perfect gift but I also didn't expect to see something that would prove Matthew is cheating on Hermione. Well, I found both.

As I'm waiting for the owner of the store to reappear from the back, I hear a familiar yet hated male voice. I turn around slowly, only to find Matthew standing behind me with a witch hanging on his arm and his every word. And it isn't Hermione.

My blood begins to boil even before I realize it's Matthew and I have to control my fiery emotions before my anger gets the better of me. The woman is pretty, sure, but not beautiful like Hermione. She doesn't have that mind-boggling confidence that Hermione possesses and I'm sure she doesn't have the brain either.

She is a brunette, like Hermione, but her hair is straight and seems fried to the crisp (probably from all that dye or color or whatever it is girls stick in their hair to change the color) and doesn't look like it would shine in the sun like Hermione's hair does. She's short and wearing a too short skirt, with a top that looks about three sizes too small. This girl looks as if she tried to dress sexy this morning and failed miserably. Hermione is the classy type, who knows not to go too far.

While I'm comparing this unknown witch to my Hermione, she realizes I am looking at them and lets out a squeal that I'm sure burst my ear lobes.

"Aren't you Harry Potter?" she asks in a high-pitched, sickening sweet voice.

"No shit, Sherlock," Is what I want to say. I mean, hello, doesn't she think I'd know my own name? Instead, I paste a fake smile on and respond through clenched teeth. "Yes, I am. I didn't know you and Matthew were together. He's never mentioned you before." If I ever wanted to get revenge at him for what he did to Hermione I'm glad I waited, because the look on his face was well worth the wait.

"Oh, you two know each other?" she asks, looking back at Matthew with such adoration I want to puke. Thank God Hermione has never looked at him like that.

His dark eyes never leave my face. "Yes, we both know a mutual friend," he replies and I want to spit in his face. He seems to be pleading with me to keep quiet. If only he knew what was coming.

"Oh really? How nice!" she says and I wonder why she isn't asking who. Well, I'll save her the trouble and fill her in without her having to ask.

"We both know one of my best friends, Hermione Granger," I tell her, watching Matthew's reaction. His jaw is clamped tightly shut and I see out of the corner of my eyes that he has his hands balled into fists at his side, clenching and unclenching.

"Oh! Isn't she the witch who found some cure for some disease or other?" she asks, as if it's the easiest thing in the world.

Now my veins are threatening to pop from my neck as I try to control the anger not only towards Matthew but towards his little plaything also. How dare she act as if it weren't a great accomplishment! I bet the only great thing she's ever done was get her hair to its natural color; which would be a huge accomplishment in itself, I'm sure. I swallow harshly, making sure to keep my face expressionless. I continue, "Uh-huh, that's her. Did Matthew, here, tell you how good of friends they are?"

She shakes her head and looks up at him. He tries to smile down at her but I can tell he much rather punch me to a pulp right about now. Good.

"No, he's never mentioned her. How come you've never told me you had such famous friends, poopsy?"

I almost explode with laughter this time and it's much harder to keep a straight face. I cough into my hand to keep from bursting out in guffaws. "Yes, poopsy, how come you've never told her how good of friends you and Hermione were, or should I say still are?"

The witch looks at me, confused, than back at Matthew, who looks exactly like Uncle Vernon when I used to mention the word 'magic.' If I weren't so angry with him, I think I'd be enjoying this.

"They are so close in fact that -" I begin, ready to spell out the whole thing for this not-so-bright human being before Matthew cuts me off abruptly.

"You know, dear, you really shouldn't have to wait in line for me. Go on and shop for those new robes you wanted and I'll meet you there, okay?" By now, he's quite aware that we've attracted a crowd (much to my delight) and hurriedly pushes her out the door before she can even get a word out.

During this, I turn around to find the cashier ready with my broom. I hand him the money and say a cheerful good-bye. As I'm exiting the store, Matthew comes around to face me, face still bruise-purple, and hands red from his nails digging into his palms. He grabs the front of my robes with a fist and tries to pull me closer, but I push away his hand with ease, and slowly brush off the front of my robes.

"So, she your new daytime toy or something?" I ask, nonchalantly, looking him in the face. I don't wait for him to answer and continue, "I'm sure Hermione would just love to meet her, don't you think? Hey, I know! I'm sure you've heard about Ron's surprise party on Saturday. Well, dates are required, you know. Wouldn't she just love to come with you?" During my little speech, my voice has gone from calm and expressionless to hard and cold.

Matthew stands there, either in shock or fear, I'm not sure which, with his mouth hanging open. I step closer to him, my face only inches from his and hiss, "You've hurt my best friend way too many times. If I were you, I'd change my name and move to the farthest continent. In fact, I'll give you a head start before I hunt you down and take away the one thing that you need to learn to keep in your pants. Okay?" My words surprise even me and I silently try to calm myself down.

Matthew's eyes turn wide and his face turns so many shades of colors that I'm afraid he's going to be sick all over me. It takes him a while to respond and when he does, his voice is calm, as if he's negotiating the price on a purchase instead of facing Hermione's very angry best friend. I guess he feels it would be easier to try and talk this out then use violence. Fat chance.

"Harry, calm down, will you? This is just a huge misunderstanding, is all!" He lets out a nervous laugh and takes a step away from me. "You see, Barbie -"

I choke back a laugh. "Barbie?" I repeat, incredulously.

"Yes, Barbie. The woman who was with me? She's my cousin from America, you see, and she's come to visit for a week, that's all. You thought I was cheating on Hermione, didn't you?" He lets out another laugh, and looks at me uneasily, trying to see if I bought his lie. "I would never cheat on Hermione. I love her."

Suddenly, something bursts inside of me and all I see are bright, red dots. Before I know it, my arm is in the air, my hand balled into a tight fist, swinging straight towards Matthew's face. My knuckles make contact with his nose and I hear a sickening crunch of cartridge. Blood spurts everywhere, from his face and my hand.

I ignore the throbbing pain in my hand and glare at him. "How dare you say you love her! You don't know anything about her and you don't give a damn! The only reason you're with her is for publicity! I've had enough of sitting by and watching you disappoint her day after day; cleaning up the messes you make! You think what I did to you now is bad but don't let me see your filthy face again or you'll wish you only had a broken nose. Don't think I won't hold you on my threat from before; that is if you even have one," I sneer at him, my voice loud and harsh and ringing in my ears.

By now, there are people all around us, gasping and yelling, though I ignore them. I give him one last blood-freezing look and stalk away, the crowd parting to let me by. Somewhere in the distance, I hear cameras flashing and I know this will be all over the morning paper tomorrow.

::::::

HARRY POTTER: OUT OF CONTROL?

This reporter thinks so. While shopping in Diagon Alley yesterday afternoon, a very angry Harry Potter begins to yell at a poor passerby. The man, who goes by Matthew Peterson, says he was just walking by when Potter grabbed him by the arm and swung him around. After shouting threats at the poor man, Potter began to punch him furiously in the face. "It was as if he were possessed. He just began punching me and wouldn't stop until he had successfully broken every bone in my face," said Matthew, who was being taken care of by mediwizards. "We had spoken to Harry only a couple minutes before in the Quidditch shop. He seemed very pleasant. I guess this tells you to always be careful around these hotheaded celebrities," says Peterson's pretty girlfriend, Barbie Etheridge.

Many people are expressing concern for the safety of their lives. Many said they saw Harry storm away from Peterson and one woman described him as looking possessed. "His eyes were large and red and he was breathing heavily,' she said. Many are now pressuring the Ministry to do something about Potter's atrocious behavior that should most certainly get him fired from his job. We don't need Aurors who could throw the Avada Kedavra curse only because another person cuts in front of him in a line. Minister Arthur Weasley has assured us he will talk with Potter and straighten him out. We could not get a comment from either of Potter's good friends, Ronald Weasley or Hermione Granger.

Matthew Peterson is now being treated at St. Mungos and has been told his wounds will heal in no time.

"HARRY JAMES POTTER!" The shrill scream sends chills down my spine and I reluctantly leave the sanctuary of my bedroom to confront my best friend in the living room.

A seething Hermione is pacing up and down the length of the room, her face a dark red and her body shaking in uncontrollable anger. The wrath of Hermione Granger is not a pretty sight to see.

As soon as she sees me, she stops and takes a deep breath, obviously getting her lungs ready. I see Ron sitting on the couch reading the blasted Daily Prophet that Hermione has neglected and his face curves into a large smile. "All right, mate!" he cries, only to receive a deadly glare from Hermione.

She snatches the newspaper out of his hands and tosses it at me. "What the bloody hell is this?" she screams, not aware of the two words she has just used. Ron and I are in shock, however, at hearing her use them.

I look down at the paper in my hands and grimace. It's not enough to have one picture of me beating on him, no, they have to have three! There I am, my fist connecting with his face and the other two are of me walking away and the other is of Matthew's bleeding and swollen face. They look bad enough without having them moving. Merlin, he looks horrendous. I can't help but smile.

"What is that? Are you laughing?" Hermione shrieks, wiping the smile clear off my face. "Don't you dare joke about this, Harry, don't you dare! What makes you think you have the right to beat my boyfriend? What got into you?"

I quickly read the short article. Now my face is red. "I can't believe it! He lied!" I shout out, swinging the newspaper side to side. "I didn't just grab him all of a sudden! Hermione, he was with another girl! See her? That's who he was with! He was ready to hit me first! I was defending myself, not to mention you!"

Hermione's red face suddenly loses all its color. Ron stands up quickly and moves behind her, while I step forward, afraid she's going to faint. I curse myself silently; that wasn't the way I wanted to tell her.

"W-what?" she stammers, her voice now a whisper.

I sigh and rub a hand over my face. From behind her, Ron's eyes are wide and I see the same anger I have bubble to the surface. "I was buying Ron's present when I noticed Matthew behind me in line, with her on his arm. She recognized me and I struck up a conversation with them, ready to humiliate him. He tells her he'll meet her outside and when I stepped outside to leave, he came up to me and grabbed the front of my robes. I was telling him what I thought about him for hurting you and, well, when he made up some bogus lie and said he loved you, I just, I don't know, I just sort of exploded and that's when I punched him. Once."

She stares at me for a second, either trying to understand this whole thing or deciding whether or not to believe me. I step closer and take her hand in mine. "Hermione, I'm sorry, really I am. But it's the truth. He almost burst when he thought I was going to tell her that you and he are together. Then he tried to tell me she was his cousin from America and that he would never cheat on you because he loves you. I just couldn't walk away and do nothing. I'm sorry."

She looks up at me and does something that shocks me. She pulls her hand out of mine and steps away. "You're lying." This is said in a whisper, but her words echo loudly in my head.

My mouth opens and closes, like a fish out of water. I feel like one; all the oxygen has left and I feel like I'm suffocating. "I-"

She takes a step closer and snatches the paper from my hand. "How dare you lie to me," she hisses her face now red again, her eyes glinting maliciously. "I can't believe you would go and make up a story like that. I trusted you, Harry, and you let me down. You're not my father and you can't tell me who I can and cannot date, do you understand me? Matthew loves me, unlike you. Now leave me alone before you see how it feels to be on the receiving end of my wand. How could you?" She gives me a look of such hatred, my blood freezes, and then pushes past me, ignoring Ron's calls.

I stand frozen to the spot and a minute later I hear the front door open then slam shut.

"Harry?" Ron calls my name softly and I hear him as if he's far away. He touches my arm, hesitantly, and I'm suddenly angry.

"You think I'm crazy, huh?" I accuse, Ron's puzzled face showing the opposite but I don't care. "You think I'm lying too, don't you? I hate Matthew so, of course, I would go and try to punch his face in then make up a crappy story, right? Isn't that what you think?" I'm yelling now and my anger is directed at Ron though I'm anything but angry at him.

He holds up his hands. "The only thing I think is that if it were me, I would have done a lot more damage to the bastard," he says then grins at me.

All the steam has left and I realize I'm blaming Ron for something that doesn't even involve him. I rake my fingers through my hair. "I'm sorry, Ron," I murmur, suddenly ashamed.

"It's okay, mate, I understand," he says, clapping me on the back. "I also don't think you're lying and I don't think Hermione meant that either. She's just in shock and doesn't want to believe it."

I shake my head and slump onto the couch, defeated. "No, she's right. I had no right to do what I did, even though I would gladly do it again. I can't tell her who to date and who not to date, even if her boyfriend is a good-for-nothing, cheating, bastard."

It's Ron's turn to shake his head. "But, Harry, don't you see? You were protecting her. You love her; it's only natural to want to keep her from things that would only hurt her. "

"But Hermione said -"

"Hermione didn't know what she was saying. She knows you love her, albeit differently than you actually do, but she knows. She didn't mean it, any of it. She's just in shock and angry. Deep down she knows you're right and that she has to come to terms with her relationship with Matthew. Just give her time."

"Ron, I've had ten years full of time. I think I've just ran out of it."

::::::

I want to taste your kiss

Be the one that drives you wild.

The sunlight peeks through the cracks between the closed blinds, sending patches of light on my face, making me squint. With a groan I shift myself only to end up on the floor. Now fully awake, I remember that I slept on the narrow couch in the living room instead of my own room, waiting up for Hermione. I also remember Ron sleeping on the floor next to the couch, where I am now laying on the pillows he was using. Lucky for him, he is already up.

I stand up and begin picking everything up; my mind too preoccupied with worrying thoughts of Hermione to realize I could just use my wand. I walk over to the kitchen and find a note perched on the counter.

Harry,

P.S. I made some coffee for you since I know you'll be too worried to even remember to eat.

I smile and replace the note back on the counter, shaking my head back and forth in amusement. I take the coffee pot and pour myself a cup.

"He's right, you know."

The voice startles me so much, most of the coffee ends up on the floor than in my mug. I spin around to find Hermione standing there, in the same clothes she was wearing yesterday, her eyes puffy and red, her hair a mess.

Dark circles line her eyes and I know she hasn't slept all night; which worries me. Where did she go and when did she get back? For that matter, who's right?

"H-Hermione!" is all I can sputter, my face suddenly on fire with guilt. I grab a towel and bend down to wipe the floor and to get away from her intense gaze. That sad look is back but this time she's not hiding it.

I hear her walking quietly towards me and then her feet are visible right in front of me, quickly replaced with her face. She pulls the towel out of my hands, replacing it with her own hand, and pulls me up with her. We're now only a few inches apart and I see the visible pain in her face. It's like a secret that's tearing her apart inside, and for a moment hope bubbles up at the thought that her secret might be the same like mine, only to be squashed by her next words.

"Ron's right. You do know me better than I know myself at times but this is something I have to handle myself. I've been thinking and have decided that I don't know for sure if Matthew is cheating on me and will give him another chance. I talked to him last night and his story is exactly like the article."

I feel the same anger begin to boil and I want to shout at her. "Hermione, I wouldn't lie to you! Yes, I hate him more than I've hated anyone, maybe except for Voldemort, but your happiness is always on the forefront of my mind!"

She holds up both hands. "I know, Harry, and I don't think you're lying either. What I said last night was out of anger and denial. I didn't mean it and I'm sorry. But I have to see for myself. I have to see something, anything that will clue me in on Matthew cheating on me. Call it stupid but it's my business."

"But -"

"Let it go!" she snaps, then regains control. "He is going to come to the party today and I don't want you to cause anything, do you hear me? I don't want any trouble, so please try to control this hatred of yours."

"Hatred? He hates me too! Why do I feel like your anger is one-sided?" I snap back angrily.

She goes to reply but I cut her off, now tired of trying to help someone who doesn't want to be helped.

"You know what, Hermione? Do whatever you feel is necessary. I was only trying to protect you from getting hurt but it's obvious you don't want any protection." I turn to walk away, my now cold coffee forgotten.

"Harry," she calls. I stop but don't turn around. "I'm not that eleven-year-old girl who had to be saved from the troll anymore, Harry. I don't need protecting. I just need to learn from my mistakes and you solving them for me isn't going to help, as much as you think it will. Please try to understand."

I turn around then and say in a voice so cold it scares me, "How many mistakes do you have to make in order to learn from them?" With that I walk away, not before catching the tears that spring to her eyes.

::::::

Hours pass while I stay locked in my room, seething and guilty all at once. The Weasley's and Anna have all showed up to help Hermione with the decorations and I guess she told them what had happened because none of them have come in to talk to me.

"Harry?"

Okay, so I spoke too soon. Anna calls my name again and knocks softly. I stand up to open the door and there she is looking ill at ease. "Hey," she says quietly, giving me a smile.

"Hey." I hold the door open for her and she steps in, looking relieved to see my bed made and that she hasn't woken me up. "What are you doing here?" I ask her, though not unkindly.

She takes a seat at my desk and turns to look at me, concern evident in every feature. I still find it amazing how she's become such a big part of our lives and how well she fits in with the Weasley's and all of us.

"I came to help with the decorations and to make sure every guest arrives with a present. Ron's orders not mine," she answers with a grin.

I can't help but laugh. "What, he doesn't trust my ability in collecting his gifts?" I ask.

"Oh, so he asked you too, did he?" she laughs, shaking her head in amusement. "What am I going to do with him?"

"You could try locking him in a room with Snape; that'll straighten him out," I offer, trying to keep a straight face.

"Hey, not a bad idea," she responds, looking as if she's actually considering the idea.

We both look up at the same time and laugh, a good feeling spreading over me. I needed that.

After our laughter there is a sudden silence and I get the feeling Anna has not just come in here to check up on me but to also see what it is she can do to help this fight Hermione and I are engrossed in.

I sigh and shift slightly, uncomfortably. "Okay, what do you know?" I ask with another resigned sigh.

She looks taken back for a moment then shakes her head. "Just that you and Hermione aren't speaking."

I give her a doubting look with which she responds with, "Honestly!"

"But, she, no one, told you?"

She shakes her head. "No, Ron just looked worried when he stopped by this morning before practice and when I asked him what was wrong, that's all he would say. I don't think he feels it's his business to go spreading the word."

I hesitate for a moment, not sure if I should tell her about Matthew. I don't want Hermione more upset with me than she already is.

"You told have to tell me if-"

"Matthew is cheating on Hermione and when I told her, she called me a liar!" I rush out suddenly, surprising Anna as well as myself.

Her blue eyes become wide at this and after a moment I continue, not stopping until the whole story is out. I feel as if a small burden is lifted off my shoulders, but only a small one.

"Well, I ..." she starts but looks as if she's having a hard time finding the right words. "I ..."

"It's okay, Anna. I wasn't expecting you to have life giving advice or anything, I'm just glad I told someone besides Ron. I just wish she'd realize what a mistake she's making. I mean, this is Hermione for Merlin's sake. She doesn't make mistakes."

"Doesn't she?" Anna asks me. "Harry, have you told her how you feel?"

"How I feel? You mean how I think she's making a huge mistake in staying with him?"

She shakes her head. "No, I mean have you told her how you feel about her?"

I sit there flabbergasted for a moment. "How I feel about her? You know?" There is no way she could have known unless Ron had told her. "I'm going to kill him …"

"No, Ron didn't tell me, Harry," she laughs. "It just shows. I can tell you love her, everyone can."

"Wh-what?! How!"

"By the way you look at her, or talk to her, or even walk in front of her. It's the things you do for her that don't seem necessary but you do them anyway. It's the way you care, Harry."

"But Ron -"

"Yes, Ron cares too but it's a different kind of care. It's a big brother- best friend sort of care, not like you."

I slump back in my seat, defeated. "I'm that obvious, huh?"

Anna smiles. "Yes, you are."

"Well, at least I'm not that obvious. Hermione doesn't seem to notice."

"Maybe she does and is ignoring it because she doesn't want to ruin your friendship or maybe she really has no clue."

I sigh, running a hand through my already messy hair. "But I don't get it. Why is she with him if she knows he's bad for her? She's too smart for that."

"You've heard of the saying 'Love is blind, deaf, and dumb' well, so is deception. She might be intelligent but she's lonely. She only sees what she wants to see, therefore ignoring the fact that Matthew doesn't really love her."

"But I'm right here! Why doesn't she see that?!" I cry, feeling exasperated.

"Make her see it, Harry," she says then stands up and with a last smile, leaves my room.

Show her, huh? How in the hell am I supposed to do that?

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