A/N: Fair warning this chapter has loads of fluff. But it does have its important parts to it. The real plot will start getting really good in the next chapter!
Chapter 4: Cassandra Evelyn Kovich
Hermione Granger was sleeping peacefully in her bed until she felt something touching her face. Stirring slightly, she peered through her partly shut eyes to see Harry's hand. Smiling, she recalled all the times he had awoken her this way. The same soft touch, that she never wanted to feel go away.
"Wake up sleepy," he said soothingly bending close to her ear.
"Do I have to?" she asked playfully.
"You will if you don't want me to leave without you," he said startling her.
"Oh my, I completely forgot what day it is," she said quickly getting up and going over to her dresser.
She ignored him when he attempted to stop her.
"Better hurry, your parents want to go now because of how long it will take to get there," he commented.
"Did you grab the trunks?" she asked, while running out and into the bathroom.
"Yes," he answered when she shut the door.
Hustling, she took a hot shower. The water trickling off her back, made her feel much better. Fresh clothes always put her in a better mood, especially when she knew she was going to Hogwarts. She still didn't understand where their summer went to.
"Good," she said after she was all set.
Taking her hand they went downstairs side by side.
"I don't know about this," said Mrs. Granger as they entered the kitchen.
"Mum, I told you, we agreed about this," said Hermione.
"Not quite normal to me breaking up, all because of a friend," said Mrs. Granger clearly disappointed in her daughters irresponsible decision making.
"Please don't make this any harder," said Hermione as they ate a quick breakfast.
Hearing no answer did not help the butterflies in her stomach. Mostly silent, they went out to the already packed up van.
"Did you forget anything?" asked Mr. Granger as they all piled in.
Harry and Hermione sat in the back, holding hands. It was as if they were never going to see each other again after the platform. They wouldn't really, at least the same way they had all summer.
"No," replied the both of them at the same time.
This caused them to chuckle and the strained tension is broken.
"So did you remember your homework?" teased Harry seeing a flash of fear in her eyes.
"Yes of course. Don't scare me like that," said Hermione recalling it was with them and playfully slapping his arm.
"No fair, I won't hit you back," said Harry sticking out his lip.
Without speaking she bent in and gently kissed his bottom lip.
"Is that better?" she whispered into his ear.
"Much," he said turning his head and catching her in a kiss by surprise.
They quickly stopped, although they were in the back, the thought of snogging in front of her parents made her embarrassed.
"I'm going to miss that," she confessed.
"Me too," he said shortly, while his thumb caressed her worried cheek.
"Remind me again why we are going to break up," she pleaded.
Very far inside of herself she wanted him to give her no reason. She didn't want this to end. In fact, now it seemed stupid.
"Because of Ron," he said sternly and to her it seemed he was set on doing it.
"Okay," she answered looking down, not knowing he felt the same way she did.
It was funny to her how moments like this happen, when you have no control over what is about to happen next. Especially when she wanted nothing more but to stay in that moment, forever.
"I have something for you," he said suddenly breaking the silence.
She watched him with waiting eyes, as he took a small box out of his pocket.
"I got this for you," he said opening it.
He opened it to reveal a beautiful diamond and emerald ring, that was engraved, which read, 'I promise' on the inside.
"It's beautiful," was the only words she could get from her mouth during this moment of shock.
"See, the diamond represents our love, and the emerald is because of my eyes, that will always be watching you. I remember the day you asked me if I would love you forever. Here is the proof. This is a promise ring. As long as you wear it, it shows that I promise to always love you," he said, with his voice shaking.
"Oh, that's so sweet," she said as he slid the ring onto her finger.
That's how they rode the rest of the way to the train station; holding hands. Once they parked, Harry helped her out of the van and put their trunks on two trolleys.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" asked her Mum.
Her parents were due at work and would be very late to it if they saw them onto the platform.
"Yes, I'm positive," Hermione exclaimed, giving both her Mum and Dad a hug.
"You behave," said her father in a stern tone.
"I'll make sure she does," teased Harry.
"Bye," she said to them as she and Harry turned to walk.
They made their way through the station rather quickly until Harry came to a stop.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"This is the part where we break up," he reminded her grimly.
"Oh, right," she said with a sigh.
"Err, I don't know what to say," he confessed.
"Um, well," she started.
"Uh," he said.
"This relationship just isn't working anymore. It's not you, it's me. Do you understand?" she asked trying to keep a straight face.
"Where did you get that from?" he asked snickering.
The situation was funny really. They both would have rather been run over by a car then do it, and all the words were a complete and total lie.
"A soap opera. But you must admit it was better then nothing," she said laughing along with him.
"Okay, let's just find that platform," he told her, trying to suppress a grin.
After walking a bit more they went to the place between platforms nine and ten.
"You go first," Hermione suggested.
He nodded and went running, she followed close behind. Suddenly they both crashed into the wall. Luckily for some weird reason it appeared no one had seen.
"What happened?" she asked rubbing her head where it was hurting.
"The entrance is closed," answered a female's voice from behind them.
Hermione and Harry turned around to find a girl, about 5' 4", with dirty blond hair and bright blue eyes.
"The name is Cassandra Evelyn Kovich. I have been sent by the head of the order," she stated while pulling out a badge that showed her picture and read the following:
Order Member
Cassandra Evelyn Kovich (Casey)
Age: 15 Gender: F Location: Hogwarts
Height: 5'4" Weight: 120 Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue
Current Mission: Escort Harry Potter to Hogwarts.
Proof of Membership: <I> Albus Dumbledore </I>
"Just call me Casey," she said in a much softer and kinder tone than before.
Hermione's head was reeling. Was this girl really who she claimed to be? That signature did look like it could be Dumbledore's.
"How are we suppose to get there than?" asked Harry.
"Well, there was too great of chance that a death eater could be waiting for you. Follow me," Casey stated.
"Why should we go with you anywhere?" asked Hermione, out of instinct grabbing Harry's hand.
"Because, without me waiting here, the both of you could have died when stepping through," she answered quite bluntly.
Hermione could not believe what was happening. At this rate they would miss the train.
"I don't think I'm going anywhere," said Harry.
"Okay, look. I understand you don't know anything about what's going on right now. I will explain it in a minute. Just come with me," Casey said looking from Harry to Hermione.
"Alright," said Harry suddenly agreeing.
"What?" asked Hermione looking up at him.
"Stay behind if you wish," said Casey now walking toward the brick wall.
She bent down and was, from what Hermione could see, removing a mat that wasn't visible.
"Take my hand," explained Casey.
Very reluctantly, and only because Harry did as well, she took her left hand. In on big step they all went over where Casey had been touching. The next thing she knew they were falling very quickly and came to a stop. They were right beside the train!
"How did you do that?" asked Harry in awe.
"One of the benefits of being in the order," she told him.
"What is this order?" asked Hermione confused.
"First let's get a compartment," suggested Casey.
They all than got on the train. After walking for a while they came to the back. It was empty.
"Lets sit here," said Harry when there was a knock on the door.
It was Ron.
"Good to see you mate," said Ron coming right in.
"Sit down, I want to explain," stated Casey.
Hermione didn't know why, but she felt it was important not to protest.
"My name is Cassandra Evelyn Kovich. I am 15 years old and have been transferred here to Hogwarts due to circumstances out of my control. I am an important member of the order, which you will learn more about after meeting with Professor Dumbledore. I do not want you to look at me as a body guard of any sort but just as a fellow classmate and friend," she explained very kindly.
"Whoa," murmured Ron.
She wasn't quite sure if that was a comment towards what she said, or just how Casey looked. For the first time, Hermione noticed that Casey was very pretty.
"What house are you in?" asked Hermione trying to strike up a conversation with this girl.
"I don't know yet actually," she confessed quietly and sat down herself with a long sigh.
"Rough day?" asked Harry sympathetically.
"You have no idea," Casey said running her fingers through her hair.
"Well, what do you like to do?" asked Hermione trying to be nice.
"I read a lot," confessed Casey.
"Me too," said Hermione brightly.
"Look, I must be interfering so much. I'm going to go and meet the prefects," said Casey getting up and leaving.
"So what's up?" asked Ron casually.
Hermione was about to give him a look but thought better of it. Perhaps it was best to drop the subject they had just learned. What was she thinking?
"Not much," she mumbled, now for the first time on the train looking down at her new ring.
"Studying," replied Harry while rolling his eyes.
"We didn't do as much as we should have," she responded grinning.
"You two are acting weird," pointed out Ron looking from one to the other.
"I've had enough of this," said Harry sternly.
"What?" asked Ron confused.
"I need to talk to you alone. Hermione would you mind leaving?" he asked her.
"No, of course not," answered Hermione, trying to keep her voice steady.
She was very nervous, not having any idea what was going to be said.
"I'll come get you in five minutes," he told her as she walked out, and to her surprise gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Okay," she murmured.
Walking out, she decided that there was nothing she could do now but wait. She went to go to the train bathroom and opened the door.
"Oh my god Ginny!" she screamed at the sight before her, and what a view it was.
Ginny and Draco Malfoy were in the middle of a heavy snogging!
"Hermione this is not what it looked like," explained Ginny straightening up.
"And you better forget it mudblood," drawled Draco as he pushed past Hermione and out the door.
"What was that?" asked Hermione in a firm voice.
"Please don't tell Ron," pleaded Ginny.
"Why shouldn't I?" she asked.
"Because he won't understand," said Ginny.
"I know," replied Hermione thinking back to what Harry could be saying.
"I care for Draco and that's all that should matter," she told her.
"You know you're right," said Hermione, deciding Ginny had just helped her with her own problem.
"I am?" questioned Ginny surprised.
"Yes, all that should count is how you feel," explained Hermione happily feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders.
"So you won't tell him?" asked Ginny hopefully.
"No of course not," said Hermione.
"Thanks," said Ginny happily walking out.
Hermione understood what Ginny had been going through. It was the same feeling her and Harry had. They loved each other but knew it wouldn't be accepted by others. Sure, she hated Malfoy, but it was Ginny's choice and she now wished that she had been more open minded. She knew that Ron wouldn't be as understanding, and she couldn't blame Ginny for wanting it kept secret. After using the bathroom she went and sat in a place near the back of the train where she saw Casey was napping.
"Hey," said Harry coming in after a few minutes.
She just looked up at him and searched his face for any clues as to what happened.
"I told Ron everything," said Harry as if it were simple.
"How did he take it?" she asked worried.
"Great, who would have guessed it? He says he says he's got his eyes out on," said Harry pointing to Casey, "anyway so he doesn't mind."
"That's good. Shame we already broke up," said Hermione sighing.
"About that," said Harry as he sat down beside her. "I've been meaning to ask you Miss. Granger, if you're not already taken, do you want to be my girlfriend?" he asked grinning.
"I don't know Mr. Potter," said Hermione choosing to play along.
"What do you mean?" asked Harry nervously.
"Well, I think you're playing with my heart," she explained leaning closer to him.
"I," said Harry but she interrupted him.
"And that's not fair unless I can play with yours," she said placing his hand down her shirt to touch her chest so he could feel her heart racing.
"Never said you weren't already," said Harry breathing heavily as their lips grew closer.
"Then yes, I'll be your girlfriend," said Hermione with a giggle as their lips touched.
Suddenly there was a loud cough.
"Get a room," said Casey waking up and yawning.
Both of them turned scarlet.
"I think we should be going," said Harry quickly heading with Hermione to the compartment door.
"Just to let you know, they rent rooms out right above three broom sticks in Hogsmeade," explained Casey with a big grin.
"That sounds interesting," teased Harry as he took Hermione to the one they had been in with Ron.
"I can't believe you just said that," said Hermione.
"Said what?" asked Ron.
They had already walked in without her being aware of it.
"Well Casey had this great idea," began Harry but once again Hermione cut him off.
"It was inappropriate," she said quickly.
The thought of doing such a thing with anybody scared her.
Ron grinned, he thought he knew.
"Okay then, and I have a coupon for it if you can get me and Casey one too," said Ron, seeing this was embarrassing Hermione.
"Get us what?" asked Casey appearing behind him.
"How did you do that?" asked Harry impressed.
"Privileges, you'll get them soon enough," she replied simply.
"Cool," stated Ron in awe.
"So what were you getting?" she questioned him.
Ron's face turned as red as his hair.
"Nothing," he told her.
Hermione couldn't help but smile to herself. As she did the rest of the way to the platform station which they had talked during. She could tell Casey was on there side, and something dark was going to soon be happening, but until then, at least she had Harry at her side.
A/N: Here's a spoiler for the next chapter
We get to learn who the new DADA teacher is.
Who gets to be prefects
How the rest of the school reacts to H/Hr
Why this year will be like no other
How Ron will react to D/G
And much, much more!