Chapter 4
Harry heard Hermione's sharp intake of breath as her hand fell from his chin. He opened his eyes slowly, somehow scared of the way she might be looking at him.
Hermione could feel her mouth hanging open as she looked at him in confusion. Why would he be thinking about me to the point that he missed Ron's entire wedding? She wondered fervently. We're already together…pretty much. What else…? She shook herself from her thoughts. "What?" she asked hesitantly. She shook her head again and concentrated on focusing her attention on him. "What did you just say? Why?"
Harry placed his hand on her upper arms and pulled her a little closer. His hands rubbed up and down as he studied her. "I said I couldn't concentrate on the wedding because I couldn't stop thinking of you," he said quickly.
"Why?" she repeated numbly. She couldn't believe that thoughts of her could be so distracting.
Harry sighed and shook his head. His hands stopped rubbing her arms and he closed his eyes for a moment as he tried to collect his thoughts. His eyes opened and he looked at her curiously. "I don't know," he said softly. "I just cou…"
"Come on you two! Hurry up!"
Harry looked up and Hermione turned abruptly as the sound of Mrs. Weasley's voice cut through their conversation. "What're you doing? The reception is taking place without you. Come on, now," she urged. "Let's go." She beckoned them through the door and ushered them back into the Great Hall.
As they found themselves a spot to sit, Harry leaned toward Hermione and whispered, "boy, these Weasley's don't waste any time beginning the party, do they?"
Hermione chuckled. "Apparently not," she replied.
They were greeted by people they hadn't seen in quite some time and it wasn't long before they were separated by the crowds of partiers.
"Hiya, Harry," Hagrid called out genially. "How ye been?"
"Oh hey, Hagrid," Harry said smiling at his rather large, burly friend. "Doin' all right. How 'bout you?"
"Oi! Not bad, been hangin' 'round, teachin', same 'ol thin," he replied, clapping Harry on the back and making his knees buckle slightly. "Where's our Hermione?" he asked, looking all around the Great Hall.
"Right there," Harry said, finding her immediately in the middle of a crowd and pointing her out to Hagrid.
"You two been gettin' on all righ'?"
Harry looked at him in confusion. "Not bad," he replied evasively.
"Still shootin' that movie?"
"Yeah, we're about done though, I think," Harry replied absently, his attention focused on Hermione as she talked to Seamus. They were laughing together and he felt a jolt of jealousy when Hermione reached up and touched his arm.
"…movie. Ne'er quite…"
Harry stared at her for a long moment before he suddenly remembered that he'd been talking to Hagrid. He looked at Hagrid and back to Hermione. "Hagrid, I'm sorry. Can I get back to you in a bit? There's something I really need to do."
Hagrid looked slightly put out until he caught Harry watching Hermione. He nodded his head and smiled. "O'course ye can, Harry," Hagrid said, chuckling. He leaned down over Harry and said softly, "'t won' do to dwell, Harry," he shook his head, 't won' do to dwell."
Harry looked at him in surprise, I need to stop being so obvious, he thought, feeling irritated with himself.
Hagrid's eyes had drifted to Hermione and then back to Harry. "Won' do at all," he said softly. "Best 'o luck to ye."
Harry smiled up at him. "Thanks, Hagrid. You're the best."
"Don' mention it," Hagrid said smiling. He cocked his head in Hermione's direction. "Get on with it now. Go on," he said as he nudged Harry in Hermione's direction.
Harry smiled and nodded before he headed off toward Hermione. He was almost to her when the music started playing. He watched as Seamus grabbed her arm and pulled her onto the dance floor. The pain in his stomach was excruciating as he watched on.
The second the dance ended he made a beeline for her and was stopped on the way by Luna. "Harry," she said softly, drawing his name out slowly as she spoke. "You're the best man, Harry. You have to dance with the bride." Harry smiled at her and nodded.
Smile and nod…smile and nod…you're getting a little too good at evasive maneuvering!
Whatever it takes! Now just shut it!
As he and Luna began to dance, Harry's attention was drawn once more by Hermione who was now dancing with Charlie. He'd felt that now-familiar pang earlier when she and Charlie were preparing to walk down the aisle. Seeing them together now brought it back a thousand-fold. What the hell is wrong with me?
"Are you all right, Harry," Luna asked, watching him with concern.
"Sorry?" Harry replied, trying hard to concentrate his attention on her. "Did you say something, Luna?"
Luna followed Harry's gaze to where it rested on Hermione, and she sighed heavily. "Nothing, Harry," she replied softly as she shook her head. "You know, Harry, the Crumple-Horned Snorkack is well on its way to becoming the number one house pet for all wizarding families? It was in the Quibbler yesterday," she looked at him and realized he still wasn't listening. "Were you aware that even Hermione put in a request for one? Said something about wanting a nice, lovable 300 pound pet in her house. Snorkack's even like to sleep on the bed, did you know that?"
"Really, Luna? That's wonderful," Harry said distractedly. "I hope Hermio…" he stopped talking and dancing to look at her questioningly. He blinked rapidly a few times and Luna looked at him openly, with little laughter in her eyes. "What did you say?" Harry asked, not believing for an instant that he'd heard her properly.
"I said, it's beautiful weather out there tonight. The sky is clear and the air is warm," she replied thoughtfully. "What did you think I said?"
Harry shook his head to clear the cobwebs. "Nothing, Luna," he said with a look of confusion. "Just
forget it."
Luna leaned in closer to him as they resumed their dance. "All right, Harry," she said airily. "Let's just forget it."
"Congratulations, by the way," Harry said softly. "Ron's a lucky guy. You two are great for each other."
Luna began to laugh softly. "Ron told me about…what was it?" she closed her eyes for a moment while she concentrated. "MEFO? Is that right?"
Harry laughed and circled her around a little faster. "MFEO. It means…"
"Yes, that's right," Luna said, interrupting him. "Made For Each Other."
"Yeah," Harry said sheepishly. "I can't believe he told you about it. In fact, I can't believe he actually remembered it with as nervous as he was."
"Well," she said, looking at him intently, "he seemed to think it suited more than just us. It kind of stuck with him." He watched as her eyes sought out Hermione. She looked back at him with a knowing smile.
Harry's cheeks flushed instantly and he turned his head in the opposite direction of Hermione and looked at Luna out of the corner of his eye. He couldn't resist smiling at her. "Well, all right then," his voice came out in a nervous squeak. He cleared his throat and they finished their dance laughing quietly together.
When the song ended, Luna leaned toward him and whispered, "trust me, Harry, the sooner you do it the better it will be…for both of you."
"Thanks, Luna," Harry replied as he leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.
Luna flushed slightly and pushed him in the direction of Hermione. "Go on. Tell her."
Once again he smiled and nodded. Bloody hell…everyone knows now!
Everyone but her!
Once again…could you just shut it?
I would if you'd stop dragging me back!
Then do me a favor and ignore me for a while. I'm trying to get to the girl.
Well try a little harder…I'm tired of all this!
That makes two of us.
Well, technically Harry, it's only one. I live inside you, remember?
Harry sighed heavily and silently locked the lips of the voice inside his head.
He was determined to reach Hermione this time when he was stopped by Lavender's hand on his arm. "Hi Harry," she said brightly. "How are you? It's been so long since we've talked."
Harry looked anxiously around the room and his stomach flopped when he saw that Hermione was now on the dance floor with Ron. He looked irritably at Lavender before he realized it wasn't her fault. "Hi Lav," he replied sourly. "I've been all right, how about you?" His responses were automatic and her replies were tuned out as he watched his two best friends dance.
"Hey Lavender," Seamus called from a few feet away, "wanna dance?"
Harry could feel Lavender's eyes on him and he looked at her, forcing himself to relax. "I'm sorry, Lav. Honestly, I am. I just have a lot on my mind right now. How about a dance later?" he reached out to grab her hand and gave it a soft squeeze.
He saw her body slacken as she smiled. She looked at Hermione and then back at Harry. "She's a lucky girl, our Hermione," she said with a somewhat dreamy air. Harry looked taken aback and Lavender smiled at him. "Later, Harry," she said as she walked away to join Seamus.
Harry watched for a bit longer as Ron and Hermione continued to dance. No matter how much he wanted to, he just wasn't able to take his eyes off her.
"You'd be a fool to let that go, Potter," a voice said quietly near his ear.
"What?" Harry asked abruptly, turning around. He hadn't known anyone was so close to him, and he definitely hadn't expected that anyone to be Severus Snape.
Snape's sneer was about as close to a smile as Harry could ever remember seeing. He nodded in the direction of Hermione. "Granger," he said as though it were obvious. "You'd be a fool to let her go."
"What do you know about that?" Harry asked defensively. The very last thing he'd planned to do was talk to Snape about his love life.
"I'm not an idiot, Potter," he snarled. "Anyone here can see the way you've been watching her all night. It's quite obvious that things aren't where they should be between you. You'd be an even bigger fool than your father ever was if you let what you have slip through your fingers."
Harry looked back at Hermione and then again at Snape. "Leave my father out of this," he said brusquely.
"Say what you will, Potter. However, the fact still remains," he paused for only a moment as he studied Harry, his eyes narrowing, "are you, or are you not," he raised an eyebrow, "a fool?"
"I'm not a fool," Harry replied wearily. "It just scares me."
"As it should," Snape replied with his trademark arrogance. "The question now is, what do you plan to do about it?"
Harry looked at Snape with something bordering on renewed respect. "I'm going to take care of it," he replied. "Right now."
"See that you do," Snape snarled has Harry turned away from him. "Oh, and Potter?" Harry stopped and looked back at his old professor. Snape smirked. "I noticed you and Miss Granger were not present during lunch earlier."
Harry felt the blush creeping up into his cheeks. Oh, bloody hell.... "Um, no, sir," Harry stammered, "we went for a, um, walk around the lake."
Oh, shit! Could you be a WORSE liar?
Now really isn't a good time for this....
Snape nodded. "Indeed." He took a sip of pumpkin juice and looked around the room. "So," he began casually, "did you extinguish the light?"
Harry gulped. That's it. We are so in trouble. "Yes, sir," he said in a choked whisper, completely embarrassed.
"Excellent," Snape said with what Harry thought sounded like amusement in his voice. "Now. Didn't you have a certain something to take care of?" Harry looked at him, scrunching his eyebrows in confusion. His brain was so out of whack over the thought that Snape had actually confronted him about the little tryst in his office, he had completely forgotten what it was he was supposed to be doing. Severus nodded in the direction of the dance floor, then walked away.
Harry stood there completely flabbergasted. Okay. He knows it was us. Best not to tell Hermione.
He didn't seem angry. And it was kind of funny.
Hermione certainly won't think so...oh, speaking of Hermione....
Yes, speaking of...go get her, Tiger.
Harry pushed Snape out of his mind completely and concentrated instead on the task at hand. He turned and walked determinedly toward the dance floor to claim what he damn sure wasn't fool enough to let go.
He couldn't wait any longer. He needed to get to her. Waving uninterestedly at the few people who called to him, he made his way out to the dance floor and stood a few feet away from Ron and Hermione. Ron caught his eye and stopped dancing immediately. Hermione jerked to a stop and stumbled slightly. Ron held onto her until she was steady and she looked up at him questioningly. "Ron, what…" she stopped suddenly and followed his gaze to where Harry stood behind her. Her smile lit up her face and she dropped her arms from Ron immediately and turned around to face him.
Harry couldn't ever remember seeing a sight more beautiful than the one before him. He stood, mesmerized by her smile and the way her eyes seemed to light up just for him.
Ron coughed and cleared his throat in a covert attempt to get their attention. Neither of them noticed when Luna came up behind Ron and whisked him away with her, leaving them standing, staring at one another.
Harry took the first tentative step forward and Hermione followed his lead until they were standing directly before each other. He put his arms around her and began to lead them in a slow, rhythm-less dance. She smiled and wrapped her arms around him before she placed her head against his chest. His head rested against hers as they swayed back and forth in slow, silent circles.
Neither of them noticed their friends and loved ones watching as they appeared to dance to their own music. A few of the women were teary-eyed.
From out of nowhere came the voices of reason.
"Oi!" shouted one.
"Let's pick up the pace here," shouted the other.
"What's everyone standing around gawking at?"
"Nothing to see here."
"Everybody dance."
"Everybody sing."
"Everybody get naked!"
At the last comment the people around the hall began to laugh and Fred and George looked at each other and began to laugh with them.
It took a moment but Harry and Hermione finally returned to reality and looked around the Great Hall. Here and there people still lingered, watching them intently.
"Now that you two are done…" George said with a mock-stern look at Harry and Hermione.
"We've got a little something for Ickle Ronnikins…" Fred said.
"…and his lovely bride," George added.
Up to that point no one had noticed the box that Fred held in his hands. He held the box out toward George who grabbed one side of it. Together they pulled it apart and a great bang filled the air and bounced around the Great Hall. Nothing else happened.
"Thanks, guys," Ron said, looking at them strangely. "That was, um, a really great sound, yeah. Luna and I, we, appreciate that."
Fred and George began to laugh. "Hang on…" said George.
"Just wait…" added Fred.
"Look up," said George.
"Can you see it yet?" Fred asked.
Falling from the high ceiling, they could barely make out something flashing. As it dropped lower they began to make out different, multicolored lights. One minute they appeared to be falling in no particular order and the next they grouped together to spell out…CONGRATULATIONS RON AND LUNA!
Mrs. Weasley put her hands to her mouth. "That's my boys," she said proudly as tears welled in her eyes.
As the lights fell closer to them they could just make out in small letters…sorry Luna, no refunds or exchanges!
Mrs. Weasley quickly removed her hands from her mouth. "All right you two," she hollered, "you better hope I don't get a hold of you later."
Everyone else around the Great Hall burst into laughter along with Ron and Luna.
Ron walked over to Fred and George and looked at them affectionately. "Thanks, guys. You're nutters, both of you, you know that."
While the attention seemed to be drawn away from them, Harry grabbed Hermione's hand. "Come with me," he whispered fervently. "Let's go." He cast his eyes toward the crowd surrounding Ron and Luna.
Hoping no one would pay them the least bit of mind, Harry quickly pulled Hermione from the room. Neither of them noticed Ron's smile as he watched them rush out the door.
"Harry, what's going on?" Hermione asked breathlessly when he finally stopped.
"We need to talk," he said abruptly.
"Why? What's so important that it can't wait until after the reception?" she asked, feeling somewhat anxious and irritated at the same time.
"You'll see," he answered vaguely. "Where can we go?" he said aloud to himself as he looked around the hallway.
"Do we have to be alone?" she asked, her anxiety building rapidly. "I mean, can't you just talk to me here so we can go back into the reception when we're done?"
Harry ignored her. "Room of Requirement?" he said aloud. "No, that won't work."
Hermione grabbed his chin and pulled him around to face her. "Harry, you're starting to scare me," she said firmly. "Tell me what's going on."
…it's beautiful weather out there tonight. The sky is clear and the air is warm…
Harry smiled. "Thanks, Luna," he said softly. He looked at Hermione and leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Come on," he said excitedly, pulling her down the hall and toward the exit.
She followed him out of the castle and was struck instantly by the warm breeze blowing gently across the darkened sky. She looked around as they walked quickly in the direction of the lake. The moon was shining through the clouds that had gathered around the peak of the mountain before them. The sky was littered with thousands of stars, and the night air was warm and sweet smelling. As they neared the lake Harry pulled her into his arms. "I never want to let you go again," he said heavily. His voice was husky, as though laden with emotion.
She pulled from his embrace and looked at him worriedly. "Harry, what…" His gaze was so intense she had to look away. She turned her head and closed her eyes. She took a long, deep breath and tried again. "Harry, what's going on? What do you mean you never want to let me go? Please tell me what you're talking about."
"Follow me," he said, his smile brightening as an idea occurred to him. Hermione hesitated and fought against him as he pulled her with him. "Trust me, Hermione," he pleaded, "please."
Hermione's resolve broke instantly and she allowed herself to be led wherever he wanted to go. They walked in silence for about ten minutes, as they followed the familiar path around the lake. Harry had been holding her hand and now he brought her closer and put his arm around her. She wrapped both of her arms around his waist and snuggled her head into his shoulder. It wasn't long before she realized where he was taking her.
About ten yards to the front of them Hermione saw the tree. Their tree. It was the largest tree near the lake and it stood, in all its splendor, a couple of yards from the edge of the water. The three of them-she, Harry, and Ron-used to sit beneath it and talk, play, do homework, or to just be together in silence. There were times that she and Harry had come to sit beneath it by themselves and times when she'd come with only Ron. In all those times, she'd never felt the sense of apprehension she felt now. Something about this time was different and she couldn't fight the anxiety that welled up within her, the closer they got to it.
Harry directed them over to it and then turned toward her, gathering her into his arms. He held onto her tightly and she felt him breathe deeply as though trying to memorize her scent. What is going on? She wondered anxiously. Could he be…?
Don't be stupid Hermione. He's not ready for that. Time, remember? Give him time.
Hermione sighed and relaxed against him.
He pulled away from her and stared at her intently; his eyes intentionally devoid of any emotion…he'd had a lot of practice at that through the years.
He reached his hand up to the back of her head and gently removed the barrette that was holding her hair up. He dropped the barrette to the ground and raised both his hands to loosen her hair so it hung down around her head and shoulders, as close to the way he liked it as he could make it. He ran his fingers through it a few more times. Hermione's eyes were closed as she lost herself in the feel of his touch. He pulled her toward him and kissed her forehead.
"I love you, Harry," she whispered softly.
Harry moved his hands to cup her face. He lowered his head and kissed her gently on the lips. "There's something we need to talk about," he said softly, "and it can't wait much longer." He dropped his hands and put them on her waist, directing her toward the tree. He sat down with his back against the tree and he pulled her down to sit between his legs.
Tears were in her eyes at his apparent refusal to repeat her words. Her heart was breaking as she sat down with him. He pulled her back against him and kissed her neck. "I have something to tell you," he said softly, "but first, let me show you something." He spoke quietly as though sharing a great secret and Hermione felt a quiver of excitement course through her.
He sat up straight and she maneuvered around so she could watch him. Harry closed his eyes, and raised his hand toward the lake. The image he found in his mind burst forth as the water nearest them transformed into a beautiful fountain with soft, shimmering lights reflecting from beneath it. It was not large nor was it bright enough to attract attention. It was perfect, and it was theirs.
Hermione looked at him in surprise, "Harry, wha…"
He placed his finger gently upon her lips. "Let me speak before I lose my nerve," he replied, chuckling nervously.
Hermione nodded. "Okay," she whispered softly. He removed his finger and gently caressed her cheek before placing his hand in his lap.
"I was watching you tonight, while you danced with Seamus, Charlie, and Ron. Do you realize," he paused, a look of wonder…of realization, in his eyes. Her heart hammered against her chest when he touched her hand. She looked down at his hand holding hers, unable now to look at the intensity in his eyes. For a moment he watched her. He raised his hand to lift her chin until their eyes met. "Do you realize the affect you have on people? The way everything about them changes just because you're there? I was watching you, and I was watching them, and the moment they put their arms around you they seemed to glow."
Hermione shook her head from his fingers and looked down into her lap. "Harry, I…"
Harry appeared as though he didn't hear her as he continued to speak. "It's not because they held a beautiful woman in their arms, Hermione. It has nothing to do with the way you look. It has everything to do with who you are. I realized that tonight."
She tried looking up at him again. His eyes looked glazed in the soft light from the fountain. He blinked and focused his intense gaze upon her once again and she tried once more to speak. "Harry, what are…"
Her words halted when he raised his hand in the direction of the fountain and the lights beneath it turned dark. "That fountain is like me," he said softly. "In perpetual motion. Only one direction. Unable to stop moving simply because it has no choice but to go on," he said a little more loudly. "Watch." He raised his hand and the soft, shimmering lights returned. "That light is you," he whispered, his eyes still looking intently at the fountain.
Hermione raised her hand to his cheek and pulled his head around until he was looking at her. "What are you saying, Harry?" she asked softly.
Harry took a deep breath and reached up to place his hand over hers against his cheek. He kissed her palm and lowered their hands together. He turned his eyes back toward the fountain. "Do you see what a difference the light makes?" he asked, pointing at it once more. "Can you see the way it changes everything about the fountain? Everything just seems more alive. Listen, even the water sounds differently," he turned his head and gazed into her eyes, willing her to understand. "That's what you do to me. You make me feel more alive. You make everything in my life more beautiful," he paused to search her eyes questioningly. "You are my light, Hermione. Do you understand?"
The tears that welled in Hermione's eyes shimmered in the light from the fountain, making them shine more brightly. Her hands tightened on his and she took a deep, shaky breath. "I…I think so," she whispered huskily as she tried to fight back the tears.
Harry raised his hands to cup her face. She closed her eyes as his thumbs gently wiped the tears from them. "Look at me, Hermione," he said hoarsely, his own emotions making it difficult for him to speak. Hermione raised her head and looked into his eyes. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead before he pulled back and looked again into her eyes. "I know the truth now, Hermione," he spoke quietly, but with an honesty and conviction he'd never quite known before. "I know the truth that you've known for so long." Hermione held her breath in anticipation, sitting quietly so as not to distract him from his thoughts. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead once more. He laid his forehead against hers, his hands still cupping her face. Their eyes were closed. She felt him tense; her tears fell silently down her cheeks. He opened his mouth to speak and together they said, "I love you." Hers, barely a whisper; his, a low, soft confession.