(A/N: Hello! I don't know how to thank you for all the great reviews you've sent me. I'm really happy! I also thank my wonderful BETA readers IronChefOr and SarahLupin, for editing the chapter so well! There is just one last thing, before leaving you to the reading: I can tell you already, that something weird is going to happen at the end of this chapter, something really unexpected, and I hope you won't mind…)
Chapter 23. VALENTINE'S DAY
…
It's an odd sensation
Of slight folly
Which is coloring my soul
Imagining, I prepare the pillow
Somebody
Somebody is already in the air
Innocent smile and perfume.
....
"Innocent evasions" by Lucio Battisti
Throughout the week leading up to Valentine's Day, Harry was really surprised to see how excited all the students were, but Ron was most impatient of all. He was planning to spend the whole day at Hogsmeade with Luna and he wanted everything to be perfect. He was now talking about it all the time: at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, even during classes.
Harry was barely able to not shout at his best friend, telling himself that as long as Ron was happy, then he should be glad for him.
On the morning of Valentine's Day, Ron woke up very early, to get ready on time. Harry laughed, amused, while his friend chose his clothes with extreme care, all the while staring at his reflection in the mirror.
"What're you laughing at?"
"Nothing, nothing, it's just that... I've never seen you so nervous in all my life, not even when we entered Aragog's den!"
"Ha ha... really funny! I remind you that exactly one year ago, you were here in my place, getting ready to go out with Cho Chang!"
With those words, Harry's smile disappeared and he became serious. He remembered all too well the previous Valentine's Day and how he had waited for it with anticipation, only to be hopelessly disappointed. Actually at the time, Cho Chang was deeply jealous of Hermione; now that Harry was thinking about it, she wasn't wrong after all.
"Are you going to meet Mark Evans, then?"
Harry's thoughts were cut off by Ron's question and he turned to look out the window. The sky was gray and without sun, but luckily it wasn't raining.
"Yes, I'm going to the meeting with Hermione, and then, I don't know, maybe we'll come back to the castle."
"Hurry up then, or you're going to be late! Look, you're still wearing your pajamas! I'll wait for you downstairs," Ron told him impatiently while rushing outside of the room.
Harry sighed deeply, and got up. He had a quick shower and put on some of Dudley's old clothes: a pair of jeans, a white shirt, and a large sweater made of blue wool. While rummaging through his trunk to look for his scarf and gloves, he found the two-way mirror Lupin had given to him as a Christmas present.
He stared at it for a moment before again rummaging through the bottom of the trunk and taking out the other mirror, the one Sirius had given him the previous year. Suddenly, he had the idea to give one of the two mirrors to Mark.
This way, it'll be easier for us to communicate, he thought, putting one of them in his coat pocket.
When he was finally ready, he exited the dormitory and headed to the common room, where Ron and Hermione were already waiting for him.
= = = = = =
That day, the streets of Hogsmeade were particularly crowded. Harry thought that probably nobody had ever missed celebrating Valentine's Day, not even in time of war.
Harry and Hermione walked along the main street, looking at the shops which were overflowing with wizards and witches, all wearing long black robes and pointed hats. There were also several students, busy enjoying the special day.
Ron and Luna followed them for a short while, but as soon as they had reached the village, they left the other two to go off by themselves.
Shortly, Harry and Hermione were walking on a side street and they soon arrived at the Hog's Head Inn. It was really an odd place, with a huge wooden sign hanging over the entrance, depicting a wild boar's severed head.
They waited in front of the main door, wrapping themselves in their coats due to the intense cold.
"Maybe he changed his mind," Hermione commented, with a note of hope in her voice.
"No, he's coming, look there!" Harry replied, pointing his finger at a figure who was getting closer quickly, completely wrapped in his black cloak.
"Good morning, guys! I'm happy to see you again." Harry noticed that Mark was keeping his cloak collar lifted, as if he wanted to hide his face.
"I'd suggest moving on to a quieter place. The village is a bit too crowded today."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other puzzled, and then nodded and followed Mark along a side street.
Shortly, they found themselves on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, in a very withdrawn corner. Mark looked around him warily and when he was certain they were completely alone, he lowered his collar.
"Oh, Harry, you don't even know how many things I have to tell you! You can't imagine how long I've been waiting for this moment to come." Mark Evans spoke with warmth and Harry's heart was deeply touched by this.
"You've surely asked yourself why no one ever told you about the possibility of you being a Seer... well, maybe it's better if I start from the beginning."
Harry and Hermione were listening to him carefully.
"Your mother had an extremely rare gift. She wasn't a common Seer, no... She was able to do really incredible things. Not only could she foresee the future, but she also had a telepathic talent. She could easily communicate with people who were several kilometers from her, and she was able to read minds and hearts. But most of all, she had the power to master the universal elements, like fire, water, earth, and air. I have reason to believe that you've inherited her same powers."
Harry was feeling really confused.
"But, what does it mean? Why has everyone always kept this hidden from me? I... I don't understand..."
"Unfortunately, these powers are a double edged sword and if they're not used correctly, they could destroy the user."
"What do you mean? Why?" Harry asked impatiently.
"I mean that in order to use those powers, you'll need to have a great amount of energy and ability. If you're not skilled enough, all of your strength could be drawn out of you completely, even causing death!" Mark warned.
"That's why Dumbledore didn't tell him anything, right? Because he feared that Harry could use his powers too early." Hermione seemed really worried and wasn't able to keep silent.
"Exactly! But it's my opinion that now the right time has arrived for you to learn how to use your powers, Harry. Both because it's something that belongs to you from ancestry, but also because the entire world needs your help."
Harry felt shocked by those revelations. Since he had started to train himself in the Room of Requirement with Hermione, he quickly realized that those odd powers were extremely dangerous.
"Please, swear to me that you're going to train yourself. Swear to me that you're going to do your best! Unfortunately, we don't have much time left. I feel that soon something terrible is going to happen, and you're our only hope of salvation against the dark side."
"Yes, I know... as the Prophecy says..." commented Harry bitterly.
"That's right! The Prophecy says that you've got a power the Dark Lord doesn't know, and only that power will be able to defeat him forever. It's of vital importance that you be able to master it as soon as possible."
"I'll do my best, Mark." Harry spoke, staring directly in his eyes; Mark smiled warmly.
"Now that you're aware that you're a Seer, wouldn't you like to talk to Sirius Black at least one more time?" Harry saw an odd twinkling in Mark's eyes, and hearing those words, he felt a new hope rising inside himself, something that he had lost long time ago.
"It would be wonderful!"
"Then train yourself as much as you can and next time we meet, we'll go together to the Veil of Death and you'll be able to talk to Sirius."
"But, that is impossible!" Hermione cut him off, astonished. "You can't make such a foolish promise! It's extremely dangerous to enter the Ministry in secret and it's even more dangerous to accomplish such a difficult ceremony! Harry, you certainly wouldn't..."
"Harry's going to have lots of time to take his own decision. In a few months, when you've started mastering your powers, you can give me your answer then."
Harry nodded. He then remembered something important and searched in his pocket.
"I brought something for you. I thought that we could communicate with these two-way mirrors. It'll be safer for both of us."
Mark took the small packet and hid it immediately under his cloak, staring at Harry thankfully.
"Yes, it's a very good idea, thank you. This mirror is going to be my most valuable possession."
Suddenly, a group of students passed nearby and Mark jumped in surprise, raising his cloak collar again.
"Now I must leave you. Unfortunately, I can't stay longer. I'm going to contact you as soon as I can... goodbye Harry, Hermione."
Mark Evans spoke hurriedly and walked quickly down a narrow street, partially hidden by trees.
= = = = = =
During the entire trip back to the castle, Harry remained silent, thinking over the revelations he had just heard from Mark.
He couldn't believe that he possessed all of those powers. He wondered how he'd be able to use them. He felt that there was not much time left, because something terrible was surely going to happen soon.
They had just passed the huge gate topped with gargoyles and were heading to the lake.
"Don't worry, Harry. Together, we'll succeed!" Hermione told him, trying her best to lift his mood.
"Why don't we have a nice walk? Is there a particular place you'd like to go?" she added, smiling. He felt extremely thankful.
Harry thought about it for a moment then suddenly grabbed her hand.
"I've got an idea. Let's go!"
They both ran to the Quidditch pitch and Harry entered the changing room. After a few minutes, he came back, holding his Firebolt in his hand.
"Can you tell me what we're going to do?"
"You'll see soon! I'm going to show you my secret place."
Harry mounted the broomstick and signaled for her to come and sit in front of him; Hermione was a bit reluctant but she agreed anyway. They took off lightly from the ground and shortly were flying in the sky, high above the castle.
They were darting through the fresh air, sitting very close to each other; Hermione kept her hands near to his and Harry was able to smell her delicate perfume.
His heart started beating faster from the emotions caused by being so close to her.
"What do you think about this? Isn't it brilliant?"
His excitement was rising, just like it did whenever when he was flying, free as ever, with the wind in his hair.
"We're too high, Harry! Why don't we get down now?"
Harry nodded, but instead of descending, he pointed his broom up, heading to the mountains. Shortly, they reached the top of a hill, from where it was possible to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Hogwarts' grounds, castle, and lake.
They landed softly in front of a small forest and sat on a small square of grass, right on the edge above the ravine below.
Harry laid down on the grass, putting his arms behind his head and Hermione did the same, settling herself by his side. Both started to stare at the cloudy sky.
"This place is magnificent and the view is wonderful! How did you find it?"
"Sometimes, I come here to be alone."
Hermione turned to him and remained in silence, listening.
"When I feel sad, I fly up here and after a while, I'm able to overcome my problems. When I look at all those majestic mountains, I realize how small my troubles are when compared to them. This thought makes me able to go on."
"You're an incredible boy, you know? I've always asked myself how you could manage your life, after all the terrible things that've happened to you. But then I realized that you weren't like all the other boys. Anyone in your place would have got mad, but you didn't."
Harry laughed nervously.
"Is this what you really think of me?"
"Oh, yes, and I also think many other things about you, but I don't want you to get bored."
"I'd never get bored, I could stay here and listen to you for hours." Harry propped himself up on his elbows and got seated, staring at Hermione directly in her eyes.
That day she was gorgeous: she was wearing a pink salmon jacket, long to her knees and a pair of woolen black trousers. Her long brown hair was falling on her shoulders in a large number of curls and she had a sweet light in her large chocolate eyes.
This is the right time to talk to her. I must do it now or I'm going to regret it as long as I live! Harry thought, gathering all his courage before speaking.
"Hermione, is there maybe someone... with whom you'd like to go out? I mean, a guy?" Harry felt the panic rising inside and his cheeks burst into flames.
"A guy? Why are you asking such a thing?" Hermione replied really amused, but Harry wanted to go farther.
"I'm serious! Is there anyone you like more than the others?"
"Well... no. Nobody at all. What about you? Is there any girl you like in particular?"
Harry was astonished by her question, but decided to answer anyway. He cleared his throat, then he tried do speak, but for a second he thought he had lost the ability.
"Actually, there is a girl I really like."
Hermione sat up abruptly and stared at him, deeply surprised.
"Oh, this is a revelation! Let's see then, I'll try to guess who this girl is... is she a student?"
"Yes, she is."
"A Gryffindor?"
"Exactly!"
"Maybe I know her?"
"I believe so, yes!"
Hermione seemed even more curious to discover this mysterious girl's identity and Harry was feeling more and more amused by this game.
"How long've you known her?"
"Since my first year at Hogwarts."
Then Hermione started to shake her head worriedly.
"I wonder how Ron would react if he ever saw you two going out together," she said hopelessly.
"Wait a minute! Who are you talking about?"
"I mean Ginny, of course!"
For a moment, Harry stared at her in astonishment, wondering why Hermione could've ever imagined that he meant Ginny.
"I wasn't talking about her!"
"Who else, then?"
Harry hesitated for an instant, then sighed deeply and finally spoke, looking directly into her eyes.
"I was talking about you, Hermione!"
That was it! He had just told her the truth about his feelings for her. Harry was ready to see her get furious or laugh at him deeply amused.
But Hermione remained completely shocked, staring at him with her mouth open.
Harry didn't know what to do; he was in total panic. He decided to grab her hand. He had just stretched out his arm toward her when she stood up abruptly and ran away in silence, heading to the woods behind them.
Immediately, Harry stood up and ran after her.
"HERMIONE, WAIT! What the hell is happening to you?"
She stopped, turning her back to him, as he stood a few steps behind, uncertain what to do. An awkward silence fell between them.
After a few minutes, Harry spoke again.
"I know, I can understand. You didn't expect such a thing from me, but the truth is that... it's been a long time since I've liked you, even though I've never had the courage to tell you... until today."
Harry's heart was beating very fast and his hands were sweaty. Nevertheless, he was trying hard to keep calm, though he really wanted to run away instead because of the deep embarrassment he was feeling. Hermione's silence was pressing him like a huge boulder.
"Hermione, why aren't you talking to me? Maybe you haven't got the courage to tell me that I have no hope with you?" In that moment, Harry realized that his happiness or desperation would depend on her answer.
"Oh, Harry, don't be silly!" Hermione turned to him abruptly and stared at him with wet eyes.
He moved a step closer toward her without swaying his gaze.
"My goodness! Why have you only now chosen to talk to me?" she said with anger.
"What the hell does that mean, 'ONLY NOW?'"
"YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND!" Hermione shouted desperately.
Harry felt so disappointed and deeply offended by that answer. Maybe Hermione was right, maybe he wasn't able to understand her; this was making him mad.
"Why don't you tell me the truth, then? Why don't you tell me that you don't like me! That you'd never want to be my girlfriend! That you could never even bear the thought of hugging me or kissing me..."
"Do you want to know what the truth is?" Hermione's face was now streaked by tears.
"YES, I DO!"
"Are you sure?" she asked again.
"It's my right to know!"
"Here is the truth then!"
Suddenly, Hermione did the most unexpected thing: she moved a few quick steps forward, stood right in front of him, and then took his head in her hands and kissed him passionately.
As soon as their lips touched, Harry felt as though a strong electrical current was going through his body, from the ends of his hair to the tips of his toes. He had never felt such a strong emotion like that in all his life and he was fascinated and scared by it at the same time.
He was completely shocked and confused; in that moment, he had lost all notion of space and time. There was only him and Hermione; nothing and nobody could have ever hurt them.
By instinct, he stretched out his arms and grabbed her by her waist, pulling her closer to him. He wished this wonderful moment would last forever.
Then, the incredible sensation stopped abruptly. Hermione had moved and was now running away from him. When Harry opened his eyes, he needed a few seconds to collect himself; afterwards, he ran after her, heading to the small square of lawn where they had been sitting before.
Harry didn't know what to think about what had just happened. Hermione was standing on the edge of the ravine, looking at him. She was crying and trembling like a little girl, with her arms folded. He started to move closer when suddenly, a deafening blast resounded through the entire valley and the earth shook.
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