Hey there again, folks. When I posted this on ff.net someone reviewed and said they didn't think Hermione would buy a gift like that, I thought about that before writing, however, I argued with myself that she's supposedly been with him for two years. Being with someone for that long of a time (in what is essentially a high school-esque setting) really changes you, the dynamic of the relationship between those two people is not always characteristic of them. Anyway, I just felt like that was a totally valid comment for you (the reviewer) to make and I wanted to address it. Thanks again all! Oh, and there's not H/Hr yet either, I really sort of want to set this up, it IS coming though.
--jamie
disclaimer…not mine…
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It was announced this morning that we're having another Yule Ball. For whatever reason, we haven't had one since the one in fourth year. Great. This means I'm going to have to find a date. Well…actually, I've found a date, but she obviously isn't available. I'm sure if I even hinted to Ron that I'd like his help, he'd set me up with one of his many conquests in a second. However, I do not wish to indulge in sloppy seconds, there's no way I'd go somewhere my best friend has already been. And besides, I've seen the girls Ron's been with, they can't even hold a candle to Hermione. Not that they're not pretty, I don't mean to imply that, it's just that most of them aren't too terribly bright. They're a few sandwiches short of a picnic, if you catch my drift. Hermione may not be the prettiest girl in school, but she's definitely one of the most intellectually stimulating, and I've always found that to be stimulating to, um, other parts. Frankly, I haven't got a clue as to what to do about this whole dance thing. I suppose I could just not go, I'm not sure that anyone would really notice, and if they did, I don't think they'd make a big issue of it. Everyone still pretty much knows my name, but it's in a completely asexual way, it's more like a 'damn, good thing that kid's around,' than a 'damn, that kid's good-looking,' sort of a thing. I think everyone expected me to turn in to this incredibly sexy, studly guy. It didn't happen. Not that I'm completely hideous (well, in my opinion anyway), it's just I don't really appear to have the ability to build large muscles. I play quidditch all through the school year and at home the Dursley's are always working me fairly hard, however I just can't seem to get any sort of bulging muscles. I've resigned myself to being a lanky kid with messy hair. Hey, it's not too bad, some girls go for that sort of thing (not Hermione though- Krum's bicep is the size of my head). I'm not fishing for compliments or pity or anything here, I'm doing all right, I've yet to have a girl turn me down, and I've actually been hit on a few times, I'm just not the heartthrob everyone thought I'd be. Oh well. Hey, it sounds like someone's calling my name,
"Harry!"
Yep, that's definitely my name. Who is it and what do they want? I am NOT in a chipper, social mood right now. No sooner does that thought form than Hermione appears in front of me.
"Hey Harry! What had you so occupied that you couldn't hear me? I've been hollering at you for the last five minutes."
"Oh, um, sorry, I was just thinking."
"You better watch that, you might hurt yourself."
Hardee-har-har. She's so flipping funny. God, I am so bitter.
"Yeah, I'll do that. So can I help you?"
I think she picked up on my sour mood because she immediately got a concerned look on her face. I guess she decided to let it go though, because she started talking again,
"So here's the thing, did you hear the announcement about the Yule Ball this morning?"
Of course I heard the announcement about the Yule Ball this morning, it's only been causing me mental anguish all fricking day. Jeez.
"Yeah, I heard. What about it?"
"Well, Viktor's not going to be able to make it and I was wondering if, uhh, erm, you couldn't find anyone else to go with, um, would you mind taking me?"
Look at how cute she looks when she's nervous. I wonder what's making her all agitated? Maybe I should be listening.
"…would you mind taking me?"
Huh? What in the hell just happened here? Did she just ask me to take her to the dance? What am I gonna do? I mean, obviously I want to go with her, I just sort of selfishly wanted to go with a single Hermione as a date, not as a taken Hermione as a favor. Ah well, I guess a little Hermione is better than none at all.
"Sure, Herm, of course I'll take you."
"Really? I mean, you didn't have to answer now, I didn't mean to pressure you, I just meant that if push came to shove and you couldn't think of anyone to ask, I really want to go and…"
She trailed off. That's so cute.
"Really, Hermione. It's not a problem, I can't think of anyone I'd rather go with. Seriously."
"Aww, thanks Harry. You're so sweet. I'm lucky to have a friend like you."
Oh God. Friend. I cringe everytime I hear that godforsaken word. I do not want to do "friendly" things with Hermione.
"Uh, yeah. Well, I've got class now, I really should get going."
I take off out of the room. I can hear her calling behind me,
"Harry! Harry, wait! I'm in this class with you! Where are you going?"
I feel bad, I really do, but I don't slow my pace at all. I just sort of need some time to think right now, even if it is only a few seconds before class starts. I can't believe I'm going to go to the dance with her. What the hell have I done? There's no way I'll be able to keep my feelings in check all night. Wait…maybe I won't. Maybe this'll be it. This'll be the night I finally tell her how I feel. Consequences be damned, it's not fair that I should have to follow her around like a love-sick puppy dog (which is exactly what I am) all the time. I'm getting my feelings out there, putting the ball in her court, so to speak. If it makes her feel awkward, screw it, I've spent the past two years feeling awkward, she can deal with it now. You know what? That settles it. I'll let her enjoy her evening, but as soon as that dance is over, her and I are sitting down and having a serious talk. Now, I just have to figure out a way to keep my head from exploding before the dance…