Gifts and Curses

Gifts and Curses

Chapter 1: Questions and Confessions

Harry Potter sat in the seventh year boy's dormitory thinking about her. The one girl who made his heart stop when she entered the room; the one who made his heart melt whenever she shot him one of her perfect smiles; the one who remained at his side for the past 6 years. Yes, it's true; Harry Potter is in love with Hermione Granger.

But, unfortunately, being the Boy Who Lived, he had to wait until he finally defeated Voldemort before he could confess. It was no easy task though. Keeping his love for her a secret was eating him up. If he didn't do it soon, he feared he might explode or that would march right up to good old Tommy Riddle and beg him to put him out of his pain and suffering. Harry knew that was not an option for Voldemort lived to see others suffer.

After many moments of debating with himself, Harry slowly made his way down to the common room.

And there she was. Her nose was buried in a book, her finger fidgeting with the left corner of the page. To Harry, she was the most beautiful person he had ever laid eyes on.

He walked up to her, his legs suddenly feeling like led, and his stomach feeling like there were a thousand hippogriffs in there flying around and doing the hustle.

“H-Hermione?” he stammered. She looked up at him, her cinnamon eyes lit by the firelight.

“Yes Harry,” she asked him.

“Could you er- do you wanna um- `Mione will you come take a walk with me?” he pleaded.

She nodded, but her eyes were questioning. They walked silently down to the grounds. Hermione was looking at Harry through the corner of her eyes.

I wonder what he's thinking about. Maybe he wants to- no. I can't be. Harry Potter does not like me! She thought to herself. Aw come on, you know you want it to be true Hermione, said a voice in her head that sounded very much like Ginny Weasley's.

As they reached the grounds, Harry turned towards her.

“Hermione, there's uh, something I want you to know. Something, that I think I should have told you a long time ago,” he said without looking in her eyes.

“ Go on Harry, you know you can tell me anything,” Hermione said, trying to catch his eye.

“Well you see, the thing is, I'm uh, I-I'm in uh,” he stammered. “Damn it Potter just spit it out! Stop being a stuttering prat and just tell her!” he thought to himself.

“Hermioneminlovewithyou” he said in a rush.

“W-what did you say Harry,” she asked, trying to look confused. Oh my god! Oh my god! Harry bleeding Potter just told me that he's in love with me! She screamed in her head.

“I said,” he started this time with more confidence, “That I'm in love with you Hermione,” he finished, although somewhat shakier than when he had begun.

Hermione smiled. Taking it as a good sign, Harry lowered his lips to hers. This was certainly not like the kiss he had shared with Cho, back in the day. It was chaste, but sweet. Not sexual, like some crazy erotic make out session, but it was enough.

It was Hermione who had broken the kiss first. “Harry,” she said breathlessly, “I love you too,” she finished.

With that Harry leaned in again, but suddenly remembered why he hadn't told her before. “Hermione, I can't-we can't do this…not yet,” he said, his eyes looking into hers for forgives.

“Harry, I don't understand,” she asked. The happiness, that she had felt seconds before seemed to have evaporated.

“I'm so sorry Hermione, I was going to wait until after the battle to tell you but…I just…I couldn't handle it anymore. I'm sorry. Maybe…maybe we should forget what happened,” he explained.

“But why do we have to wait until after the battle, Harry,” she questioned him.

“Because, well Hermione because of the prophecy. You remember what I told you last year?” he asked her.

“Harry, if you're going to put this off because of some prophecy well then- I mean you know that you're going to be the victor. I'll wait for you…but not for an eternity.” With that she walked away towards the castle.

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Disclaimer: I own nothing. Not even the song.

Chapter 2: Gifts and Curses

Harry waited a few minutes before returned to his dormitory. He sat on his bed and took out the picture of he, Hermione and Ron back in their sixth year. Trying hard not to think about Hermione, he put the picture back on his nightstand.

Then, something clicked in his brain. He got up from his bed, looked under it and withdrew his guitar that he had received from Lupin the previous year.

~Flashback~

“Here Harry,” Lupin said as he handed him a brand new guitar, “I find that this helps me express myself when I normally can not,” he continued. “When you feel you can't talk to others about the things that are running through your head, then you can make a song out of it,” he added with a smile.

~End Flashback~

Harry grabbed a quill and a piece of parchment and returned to his bed. He was going to write Hermione a song, explaining to her and to others his feelings.

A few weeks later…

On the Friday before the Yule Ball (Dumbledore had decided to bring it back due to it's popular demand), Professor Dumbledore stood up at the High Table. The students, assuming that he would like to speak, stopped talking.

“As you all know, that on Christmas Evening, the Yule Ball will be taking place. The rumors are correct when you here that we have booked the popular group `The Weird Sisters',” the great hall erupted with applause. “And,” Dumbledore continued, “there will also be a surprise performer,” with that everyone looked to their friends, murmuring in confusion. “I'm sure that you all know him, as he is extremely well known. You may return to your conversations,” said Dumbledore.

~

The next few days passed by slowly. On the after noon of Christmas day, Harry, Ron and Hermione, sat in the Gryffindor common room. Harry and Ron were playing a game of wizard chess (Ron, looking smug for putting Harry in a tight situation), and Hermione reading her Ancient Runes book (one of many anyhow).

“Aha!” said Ron, “Checkmate! You can escape You-Know-Who five times and you can't even win a game of chess!” he continued.

“Just ignore him Harry,” said Hermione as she stood up.

“Where are you going?” asked Harry and Ron at the same time.

“To get ready. See you in a bit,” she said as she climbed the staircase to the Head Girl's room.

“Women,” said Ron obviously confused at why they needed four hours to get ready.

~

At five to seven, Harry, Ron, and the rest of the seventh year boys emerged from their dormitory. Ron was going to the ball with his long-term girlfriend, Luna Lovegood, Neville was going with Susan Bones, the Hufflepuff that he'd been eyeing since fifth year, Seamus was going with Parvati Patil, and Dean was going with Ron's sister, Ginny. Harry was going to ask Hermione, but figured that if he wanted to wait until after the battle, then he could not go to the ball with her. So, both of them remained dateless.

When they entered the Great Hall, like in their fourth year, the House tables had been removed and replaced with smaller tables. They waited for the music to start up, but none came. Harry went to Dumbledore, giving him the signal.

Dumbledore went up on the stage, while Harry stayed behind. “Ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to this years Yule Ball. Before The Weird Sisters start performing, I would like to introduce, as promised our surprise performer. Please welcome to the stage, Harry Potter.”

Everyone applauded. “Uh, hey guys. I'm going to sing a song that I wrote a few weeks back, for someone very close to me. I asked the drummer for The Weird Sisters to join me onstage as well. My song is called `Gifts and Curses and I hope you like it,” Harry said.

Harry started playing his guitar, followed by the drummer.

Mary belongs to the words of a song.

I try to be strong for her, try not to be wrong for her.

But she will not wait for me anymore, anymore.

Why did say all those things before? I was sure.

(She is the one), but I have a purpose.

(She is the one), and I have to fight this.

(She is the one), a villain I can't knock down.

I see your face with every punch I take,

And every bone I break, it's all for you

My worst pains are words I cannot say,

Still I will always fight on for you

Mary's alive, in the bright New York sky,

The city lights shine for her, above them I cry for her.

Everything's small on the ground below, down below.

What if I fall, then where would I go? Would she know?

(She is the one), all that I wanted.

(She is the one), and I will be haunted.

(She is the one), this gift is my curse for now

I see your face with every punch I take,

And every bone I break, it's all for you

My worst pains are words I cannot say,

Still I will always fight on for you. Fight on for you…

When the song ended, the Great Hall erupted with applause. Most girls were crying, wishing that that song was for them, but they all knew better. Every single person in the hall knew that Harry had written that song for Hermione.

Then he spotted her. She, like all the other girls, was crying. Harry jumped off the stage and ran towards her. When he finally reached her, he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her out of the Great Hall and out to the spot by the lake where they had talked weeks ago.

“So,” he started nervously, “how'd you like my song?” he asked.

“I loved it,” she said blushing. “It's not everyday that the man you love writes you a song a sings it in front of the entire student body,” she added with a grin.

At that moment, Harry leaned into her and pressed his lips to hers. She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, while he wrapped his arms around her waist. Within minutes they deepened the kiss. Harry ran his tongue along her bottom lip, seeking entrance. She allowed him access without hesitation. When their tongues met, they both felt shockwaves running through their bodies.

They both broke the kiss, gasping for air. They sat down, for their legs felt as if they would give out any second.

“I love you Harry,” said Hermione, resting her head against his shoulder.

“I love you too Hermione,” he declared. “With all my heart.”

“Harry?”

“Yeah?”

“What about what you said a few weeks ago? About how you wanted to wait?”

“We'll find a way to make it work. Maybe, we could not tell anyone about us. Just Ron,” Harry chuckled. “You know how he gets when we keep things from him.”

“Yeah. That's probably for the best.”

“Do you want to head back to the tower?” Harry queried.

“Sure, although everyone will think that we've gone to shag…”

“Ah, well you could go back to the ball, excuse yourself, say that you're tired or something and then just go up to bed,” Harry told her.

“That sounds good. So I guess this is goodnight?”

“Yeah…” Harry sighed.

They kissed each other goodnight (the kissed turned into a full on snogging session, by the way). They kissed each other one last time and Hermione started off towards the castle smiling.

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Chapter 3: Keeping a Secret

If Harry and Hermione thought that keeping their relationship a secret was going to be easy, they were completely mistaken. Harry wanted nothing more than to hold her hand in the corridors, or to kiss her in the common room. Hermione wanted all those things as well.

Ron wasn't being that much help either. He almost told the entire Gryffindor house, who wanted to know whether or not Harry and Hermione were dating.

The only time Harry and Hermione could kiss and what not was if the common room was empty. And let me tell you that was not very often because, well it's not called a common room for nothing. They had to stay up really, really late for an empty common room. About the only helpful thing that Ron had done for the couple was to try to send the Gryffindors to bed. He claimed to need to study for his N.E.W.T.S. that were only months away. That didn't bother most of them, until Ron told them that they were a bunch of stupid gits with nothing better to do than playing with their bleeding gobstones.

One time Harry and Hermione had tried to snog in the crowded common room under the invisibility cloak. But after that they decided not to try that again since it frightened the younger students that her moaning, groaning and giggling as they passed by the corner. One of the sixth years even walked right into them. So that was definitely off their options list.

The best idea that they came up with (well Hermione came up with anyways) was to sneak off to their spot by the lake every night. Not the place where they first made their confessions, but the spot across from there, behind a big oak tree. It was actually ingenious really. Since they were Head Boy and Head Girl, they could give an easy explanation saying that they were doing rounds. And, in case they returned too late, they could use the Invisibility Cloak.

One night however, things got ugly. Harry and Hermione were walking back to Gryffindor Tower from their evening `rounds'; they walked right into none other than Draco Malfoy.

“Who's there?” Malfoy demanded. He reached out a hand and started to feel for something, anything. After a great deal of groping, he managed to grasp the cloak and pull it off.

“Well, well, well. If it isn't Potty and the Mudblood,” sneered Malfoy.

“Shove off Malfoy,” Harry threatened.

Malfoy looked down and saw Harry and Hermione's fingers laced together.

“Hmmm,” said Malfoy looking smug. “Potter and Granger…a couple? Well, this is pleasant news. Not for you lot however.”

Harry stepped in front of Hermione. “What are you talking about Malfoy?” he demanded.

“I told you Potter. I told you that it was a bad choice to go with those blood traitor Weasleys and the Mudblood Granger. And if I remember correctly, just two years ago I told you that you would pay to for landing my father in prison. I think, that I have a fair price. I expect it to be paid soon,” Malfoy told them. And with that, he walked away.

~

When Harry was finally in bed, he knew that he wouldn't be able to fall asleep. Malfoy's words played over and over in his head. I won't let anything happen to Hermione. She's way too important to me. But a voice in his head that sounded somewhat like Voldemort's cold voice said: Ah but you know you won't be able to keep her safe forever, what about on summer holidays. You know you won't be able to then.

In the early hours of the morning, Harry finally fell asleep, only to be woken what seemed like ten minutes later. At breakfast, Ron and Hermione noticed his lack of eating.

“Whass wong ate?” Ron asked with his mouth full of eggs and sausage.

“I guess I'm just not hungry that's all,” Harry lied. He looked up at the Slytherin table to find Malfoy staring at him with a sneering expression. Harry knew that Malfoy had informed his father about Harry and Hermione's relationship. He had to keep her safe. So, he marched up to the High Table. He went straight to Professor Dumbledore.

“Is there something troubling you Harry?” asked Dumbledore.

“Professor, might I have a word with you in your office after breakfast?” Harry whispered.

“Certainly Harry. You may go up my office now if you like. The password is Pepper Imp. I will be with you shortly.”

Harry waited for Dumbledore in his office. Moments later, he came through the door and sat behind his desk.

“So, I believe that you would like to discuss the safety of one Hermione Granger, am I correct Harry?” Dumbledore asked him.

“Yes, last night- wait hold on a second! How do you know?” Harry asked looking very confused.

“I saw last nights events with you, Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger in the corridor,” Dumbledore told him.

“How come I didn't see you then?” Harry asked again, now even more bewildered than before.

“You might recall Harry, in your first year, when I found you looking in the Mirror of Erised, I told you that I do not need a cloak to become invisible. Now, back to the subject.”

“Sir, I don't think that it's a good idea for Hermione to be here right now. I don't think it's safe,” Harry explained.

“Harry, you must know that this is the safest place for her right now. What good would it do to send her home? If Voldemort or a Death Eater found her she would be alone. Her parents are Muggles, they cannot help her in this situation.”

“There must be something you could do,” Harry said, his temper starting to rise.

“I'm afraid there isn't Harry. Either Miss Granger remains at Hogwarts and has a chance to survive, or she could be sent home, where the chance of survival is slim to none. Also I doubt that she would be very pleased with you if she uncovered that you were the one who wanted her to be sent away in the first place,” Dumbledore said seriously.

“Professor, I don't know what I would do without her. I mean, I'd be dead ten times over if it wasn't for her. She's always been there to help me an-“

“Then let her help you. You're fighting a loosing battle if you even attempt to take away Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley from your side. Harry, I know you more than you think, and believe me when I say that you really need them by your side.

I believe that you are late for your first class. I will right Professor Flitwick a note, not to worry.” Dumbledore finished.

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Chapter 4: When One Journey Ends, Another Begins

A few weeks later, Harry felt that Voldemort would attack at any moment. Unfortunately, he was right. On the Easter Holidays, students ran into the Great Hall screaming like mad. Harry knew that this would be the last time he saw Riddle. That was the night that either Harry or Voldemort, would cease to exist. Mostly everyone hoped for the latter, although there were a select few that didn't.

Voldemort was nowhere to be seen. Harry said goodbye to a weeping Hermione, and a teary Ron. They told him that it wasn't goodbye, it was `I'll see you tomorrow'. Harry left the two to fight off the Death Eaters.

Harry walked down to the grounds. His instincts were right. Standing there by the lake was Tom Marvolo Riddle himself.

“Well, well Potter, I thought I'd have to go in there after you,” Voldemort sneered.

“As always Riddle, you thought wrong,” Harry yelled.

“Shall we get this over with Harry? I'm pretty sure that it will be painless. As I told you before, I cannot tell you what it feels like.”

“We end this now Riddle,” said Harry with a set face.

The duel was long. Harry fought endlessly, his legs, however were becoming tired. After dodging another killing curse, Harry took the Gryffindor Sword and drove it through Voldemort's `heart'.

Voldemort screamed. His face showed all the pain that coursed through his body. At long last, a black sort of fog came out of Voldemort's snake like mouth, and he fell over. His lifeless body was lying on the ground.

Harry had never been happier. It's over! It's over! It's finally over! He left the body there and headed back to the castle. His happiness didn't end. He saw that the students and teachers had defeated the Death Eaters. He was happy to see that no one from the DA had died, just injured. Then he saw her. Harry ran towards Hermione.

He picked her up and swung her around. Ron came running over. They stood there hugging each other.

“I can't believe it guys, it's done, it's finished, I'm free!” Harry exclaimed.

They all cried together, but they were tears of joy. Harry then felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and came face to face with Albus Dumbledore.

“Professor, it's over. He's dead,” Harry said.

“Congratulations Harry, I am very proud of you. I say this almost every year but I'll say it again; you have shown bravery beyond anything I could have expected of you. I believe Madam Pomfrey would like to see you all in the Hospital Wing. Oh and Harry?” asked Dumbledore. Harry turned to look at him.

“Yes Professor?”

“Please, call me Albus. I daresay we've been through enough for you to call me by my first name” he said with the usual twinkle in his eye. Harry smiled and walked away with his best friend, and the love of his life.

~

Weeks had gone by since the defeat of Voldemort. Daily Prophet reporters were snooping around to get a chance to interview Harry. N.E.W.T.S came and went, and Harry thought that he did pretty well.

A week before the end of term, they got their results. It turned out, that Harry was the top student right below Hermione.

Then the day came: Graduation Day. Hermione was their year's Valedictorian.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I ask you to welcome to the stage, the smartest witch to ever grace the halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Hermione Granger!” said Albus Dumbledore at the ceremony.

“ Hey everyone. I want to say that these have been the best seven years of my life. I met lots of wonderful people like Harry and the Weasleys, and lots of other people here as well like the teachers and most of the students. Thank you all for being so kind to me even if I was and remain to this day a Muggle-born. All of you are wonderful, and you all have a special place in my heart. Congratulations Class of 1998, we did it!”

Everyone clapped. Hermione's parents were crying, along with Mrs. Wealsey. Most of the seventh year girls were crying also. Hermione ran down to her boys. She hugged Ron first, and then kissed Harry full on the lips.

It was another one of their tears of joy moments. But they were sad that they wouldn't be able to see each other at every waking moment of the day. After promising Mrs. Weasley that they would visit The Burrow at least once a week, Harry pulled Hermione off to `their spot by the lake'.

“Can you believe it `Mione? We are fully fledged adults witches and wizards now!” Harry exclaimed.

“Yeah. The only bad thing is I might not be able to see you everyday,” Hermione sobbed.

Yeah…that's what she thinks.

Harry dropped to his right knee and took her hand in his. He pulled out a box and opened it. It was the most beautiful ring Hermione had ever seen. It had a diamond in the middle that was surrounded by small ruby and sapphire gems, their birthstones.

“Hermione Granger, after seven years, I know you might be starting to get sick of me. But will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” Harry asked with a sheepish smile.

“What do you think?” Hermione asked him. His smile faded and his face turned a very unhealthy shade of white. “Of course I'll marry you!” she exclaimed.

Harry placed the ring on her finger, and pulled her behind the old oak tree.

Somewhere in Heaven, Lily and James Potter were looking down on their son and his new fiancé. James put his arm around Lily's waist. The two adults smiled down at the young couple.

“They're just like us, aren't they sweetie?” James asked his wife.

“They sure are, James. Exactly like us.”

~*~*~END~*~*~

A/N: Hey guys. That's the end of my first fic. I know it wasn't the best, but hey, I tried! I have a few ideas that have been on my mind for a bit now, so don't think you've seen the last of me! :D ;)

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