Magical Frequency

Chapter 2:

Harry was too wired to even think about sleeping. He stayed up the remainder of the night, alternating between staring into the mirror and out of the window, watching the colorful lines dance in the sky. Fear gripped his heart. It was no dream, no fake memory. It really happened. He had talked to his father, and now did not know if he ever was going to again.

Morning came slowly, and once again, Halloween was hell for Harry. He started his day like normal and showered before everyone else, and headed out the door, with the mirror clutched tightly in his hands. Being Head Boy had its advantages. He was not going to let his father slip away. Not again.

He made his way down to the Great Hall, and smiled slightly. Like clock work, he just about knew where the Head Girl was at all times, partially from being so close, as close as two friends could be, and some instinct within told him so. And it was right. Hermione was sitting there already, and she, as always, brought a little sunshine to his ever growing dismal life. As he sat down next to her, he noticed the books she was reading about magical connection and protections.

“Morning Hermione,” Harry said, as he sat down. She looked shocked at first, but a large smile grew on her face as she realized who it was. She quickly surrounded his neck with one of her famous hugs, now her usual greeting for him.

“You didn't sleep,” she said. Her arms were still around his neck as she pulled back, loosing the hug slightly. He smiled shyly as the closeness, but said nothing. He never had to. She always could tell was he was thinking and the same with him. “A nightmare.”

“I sure hope not,” Harry said a smile growing. “But I don't feel like talking about it if that's alright.” She smiled, but kept her arms around his neck.

“Thank you,” she said, like she had for the last week or so. He allowed his arms to go around her. “If you need anything-”

“Actually, could we not go to the feast tonight?” He asked, not wanting to be around too many people. Professor Lupin had been reinstated and he wanted to know a bit more about his parents, especially with the discussion he had with his father the previous night. She eyed him strangely. “Its just with the war and all, I'd rather not relive my parents…..” She buried her head in his neck as she hugged him tighter.

“Sure,” she said after a few moments of hugging. “I understand. But you owe me one now.” She pulled away from him and returned to her breakfast and her book.

“Hermione, I owe you about a million for everything you've ever done for me,” Harry said. He leaned over and kissed her cheek, catching the slight blush rising up on it. He did not know why he did so, other than he had be dying to do that all morning. He never told anyone about his feelings toward her, after the fiasco with Ron made the pain even worse. Most of the time, he brushed it off as a crush that he could not get rid of. This was not one of those times.

“Thank you,” she said still blushing. “What are we doing today?”

“We are going to have dinner with Moony,” Harry said happily as he found a plate filled with food in front of him. He looked over at Hermione who just smiled. “Thank you.” She blushed again, and began to concentrate on the book in front of her.

Ron came down and sat across from them. It had been little over a month since the “incident” had happened and they had, on the surface, worked out all of the problems. Ron however, still was being a jerk to them both, though not noticeable unless you were Harry. Weeks of training with Dumbledore had brought his wizarding skills to almost par of the old mentor. This however was before a short, but intense trying session within his mind with the Great Wizard himself Merlin. Now he believes in himself (and has the power to back it up), but that he did not give credit to either of his mentors. That came from Hermione's constant support and tutoring.

“What you so happy about?” Ron asked as he began to fill his own plate.

“Harry invited me to a private dinner with Moony,” Hermione said softly. She must have been holding back her blush because Harry knew he was. “He wants to talk about…..” Her voice trailed off as her blush increased.

“Forget it,” Ron said, waving them off. “I don't care.” He glared at Harry momentarily before returning to him meal.

“Well, I'm going to the library,” Harry said, standing up from his seat.

“But I just got here?” Ron said confused.

“Then finish up and you can join me in the library,” Harry said picking up his bag. “I'm going to get started on a side project.” Both of them knew he had done a great deal of these for Dumbledore and for himself in preparation of the final battle. “Want to come Hermione?”

“She's already got her book here,” Ron said after swallowing a mouthful of food. Harry had to admit, the only good thing that came out of Ron's and Hermione's relationship was the boy learned some manners. Some.

“I think it may be a bit quieter in the library,” Hermione said. She marked the page of her book and accepted Harry's outstretched hand for help up.

“You two loons have fun,” Ron yelled at them. Harry noted the hate and anger in his words, which should have gone unnoticed.

They walked silently into the library and once they reached Hermione's supposedly unofficial table (Harry had money that she threatened anyone who thought about taking her table), Harry set off to find what he needed. Coming back after about a ten minute search and three minutes talking to Madame Prince, Harry sat down with two thick volumes on magical anomalies. He had to find everything and anything he could about what happened the previous night.

“You have a question Hermione?” Harry asked without looking up from the book. He looked up now to see her blushing face as she pushed a fallen strand of hair behind her hair.

“What are you looking for?” Hermione asked him, shyness in her voice.

“I'll tell you when I find it,” Harry said, going back to his book. His face burned slightly as he thought about what he had unconsciously asked her earlier. He did not mean for it to sound like a date, but it meant a great deal to him to have her there with him. Even when she was dating Ron, she was the only person he allowed to comfort him when he finally told her. Ron was still in the dark about the prophecy, but now that Hermione knew, everything seemed a bit light, a bit better.

“Hermione?” Harry asked. She looked up at him. “Thank you….for tonight I mean. I know you probably wanted to go to the feast, but….thanks.” He felt the blush over his face as he did this.

“You're welcome,” Hermione said blushing as well. “This just means you'll have to do something for me.”

“You name it, I'll do it,” Harry said with a large smile. They shared another smile before returning to their books; Harry could not help but glance at her every now and then, making sure she was still there and giving into a bit of his crush.