Chapter 18 - Flashback
Hermione went to the couch in front of the fireplace and started thinking back to the end of Fifth Year. She didn't remember ever sleeping with Ron, but why did she suddenly have a guilty feeling running through her body?
Flashback to end of Fifth Year
"Hermione, I think we should see other people," Todd said firmly.
"What, you're breaking up with me?" Hermione said in shock.
"I met someone else," Todd said.
"You've been cheating with me? With who?" Hermione said in a fuming tone.
"Cho-Chang," Todd said softly.
"What! You've been cheating on me with that Mudblood," Hermione said with even more shock.
"Look Hermione, she's different. She actually cares about me. She isn't going out with me because I'm good in bed, but she actually cares for me," Todd said hotly.
"You asshole," Hermione shouted and ran off.
Hermione ran through the corridor, desperately not trying to cry, but it was no use. Tears flowed through her eyes. She almost made it to the Slytherin portrait hole when she ran into a tall red head.
"Oh I'm sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going," Ron said sincerely.
"It's fine," Hermione said wiping her tears.
"Why are you crying?" Ron asked.
"It's nothing," Hermione said still wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Ron asked again.
Hermione nodded her head and headed for an empty classroom.
End Flashback
"Oh my god, I did sleep with him," Hermione said to herself.
~*~**~*~*~*~***~*~**~
Harry went back outside and was trying to think about what just happened. Why did Hermione suddenly get sick? He felt that she wasn't telling him everything and he knew that he had to find out. Then the face Ron was giving Hermione at dinner suddenly popped into his head. He knew he saw that _expression on Ron's face before, but didn't know when.
Flashback to end of Fifth Year
Harry was in the Common Room reading Quidditch through the Ages. When he looked up, Ron seated himself beside him with a huge smile across his face.
"What happened to you?" Harry asked.
"Oh nothing, you wouldn't believe me if I told you," Ron said.
"Try me," Harry said curiously.
"No! I'm going to bed, I'm really wiped out," Ron said with a yawn.
"I'll find out sooner or later," Harry said in a determined tone.
The next morning, Harry went down to the Great Hall and saw Ron staring at Hermione.
"Why are you looking at Hermione like that?" Harry asked and seated himself across from him.
"Look at her," Ron said angrily.
Harry turned to the Slytherin table and saw Hermione clinging on Zane Lawrence. Harry rolled his eyes and turn back to Ron.
"She's flirting with Zane, what else is new?" Harry said and put syrup on his pancakes.
"Exactly," Ron said in an aggravated tone.
"She always flirts with everybody. Nobody ever takes it personally. From the looks of it she must have broken things off with Todd. Poor bloke," Harry said and took a bite of his bacon.
"But how could she do that to someone? What if someone does take it seriously?" Ron said still in an annoyed tone.
"Well, whoever does is a real dumb ass. Everyone knows that she isn't in a relationship for more than a month," Harry said and sipped some orange juice.
"Once she sleeps with him, then she'll be through with him. She doesn't know that people have feelings too. Now we know who the slut of Hogwarts is," Ron said disgusted.
"Now Ron, you don't know that for sure. Maybe she just hasn't found the right person. Besides, you don't know for sure that she sleeps with them and then is through with them. It could just be rumors created by angry ex-boyfriends," Harry said and took a bite out of his toast.
"Trust me. I know," Ron said and gave her the same look that he gave her that dinner night.
Back to the Present
Now he remembered where he saw that _expression, but why was Ron so mad at Hermione? Come to think of it, that's when he started acting negative toward Hermione. The only reason that stumped him was, why? Ron never told Harry why he suddenly despised Hermione so much. What could she have done to him that was so dreadful?
He finished patrolling and headed back inside. He walked up to the Gryffindor Tower and entered the portrait hole. He was surprised that the Common Room was empty. He sat on the couch and stretched his legs. He knew that if he stayed any longer then he would fall asleep on the couch. He went up to his room and put on his pajamas. It was such a long day that he didn't make any effort to go under the covers. He just clasped onto his pillow and fell into a deep sleep.
He woke up with the sun shining in his eyes. He grabbed his glasses and a clean uniform and went to the washroom. He took a shower and put his contacts in, brushed his teeth, got dressed. He didn't want to spike up his hair today. So he just brushed his untidy, jet-black hair to the side and headed back to his dormitory. He grabbed his school materials and made his way to the dungeon. On his way, he saw Draco and Blaise.
"Hey Harry," Blaise said happily and gave him a hug.
"Hey Blaise," Harry said as he pulled away.
"It's great to see you too Harry," Draco said sarcastically.
"Sorry mate," Harry said and shook his friend's hand.
"Is Hermione still in her room?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, but she wasn't feeling very good, so she is going miss today and get some rest" Draco answered.
"Well, I'll meet you two later. I'm going to see if Hermione is okay," Harry said and rushed over to the dungeon.
He went up to the Head Boy and Girls portrait and whispered the password {sliver serpent}. He ran inside and dropped his things on the couch. He ran up to Hermione's room and knocked on her door.
"Come in," Hermione said weakly. Harry opened the door and saw Hermione sitting up to face her visitor.
"Hi sweetheart," Harry said and went over to her bed.
"Hi," Hermione said softly.
"Not feeling well?" Harry asked and brushed her hair out of her face and kissed her forehead.
"Yeah, the medication isn't working this morning," Hermione said confused.
"Is there anything that you need?" Harry asked.
"No."
"Wait, I'll be right back," Harry said and rushed over to washroom.
About ten minutes later Harry came out of the washroom with a towel in one hand and a small bowl in the other. He placed the bowl on the nightstand next to Hermione. He dipped the towel into the bowl and drained it.
"I think this will help," Harry said and dabbed her forehead with the towel.
"Thanks Harry," Hermione said softly.
"I have to tell you something," Hermione said.
"Go on," Harry said and dipped the towel into the bowl of water again.
"Um…Um… I…" Hermione stuttered.
"You what?" Harry asked.
"I…need you to go get me stronger medicine from Madame Pomfrey," Hermione said.
"Alright," Harry said with a smile.
"Is that all?" Harry asked. He saw that she wanted to tell him something else but decided not to push it.
"Yeah, oh and a hot towel," Hermione said. Harry looked at her and she tried not to look right at him.
"Okay, I'll be right back," Harry said left the room.
~*~**~*~*~**~*~*~**~*~*~*~**~*~
Hermione threw her head onto her pillow and wanted to cry her eyes out. Why couldn't she tell him? It's not like she did anything wrong. She never felt guilty about sleeping around, but why now? It's not like Weasel was important. Heck, she just remembered that she slept with the bloke. She knew she was going to have to tell him sooner or later.
*~~**~*~*~*~*~**~*~**~
"It's a wee bit stronger than the first," Madame Pomfrey explained.
"Thank you," Harry said politely and went to the door before remembering the hot towel Hermione wanted.
"Madame Pomfrey, you wouldn't happen to have a hot towel by any chance?" Harry asked.
"I do as a matter of fact. I'll be right back," Madame Pomfrey said and headed to her medicine cabinet. She came back with a towel on a tray.
"Here, it's not too hot," she said handing Harry the towel.
*~*~**~*~*~~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry went back up to Hermione's room with the potion in one hand and the towel in the other. When he opened the door, Hermione's face was buried in a book. Harry shook his head and said, "Let me guess - Hogwarts A History."
"Yes, how did you know?"
"You only read that book every second of the day," Harry said pouring the potion into a glass.
"What about you and Quidditch Through the Ages?" Hermione said in her defense.
"Hey, that is a really interesting book," Harry said handing her the glass.
"If you say so," Hermione said and rolled her eyes. She took a sip of the potion and made a sour face.
"What does it take like?"
"Like sour milk and green apple," Hermione explained and finished the potion.
"Ugh… I don't think I would be brave enough to drink that over and over," Harry said in admiration.
"You get use to it after a month," Hermione said placing the cup on the nightstand next to her bed.
"Is there anything else I could get you?" Harry asked placing the hot towel on her forehead.
"No, not right now," Hermione said softly and laid her head back down on her pillow.
"Alright, I think I have a least ten more minutes left for breakfast," Harry said and leaned forward to give her a kiss on the forehead. "Feel better okay," Harry said and went to the door.
"Harry…um…" Hermione stuttered.
"Yeah?" Harry said and turned to Hermione.
"Could you get my homework and notes for today?" Hermione asked.
"Sure," Harry said with a warm smile.
He shut the door gently and went down to the Great Hall. The entire morning went by so slow. He kept wondering about what Hermione wasn't telling him. Draco, Blaise and even Snape knew something was on Harry's mind.
"Mr. Potter. Mr. Potter."
Draco nudged Harry in the side. Harry quickly came back to reality and Snape asked again.
"Mr. Potter, what are the ingredients for a Wilderweed potion?" Snape asked.
"Um…rat's tail, dragon hair and wolf ooze," Harry said.
"Very good Mr. Potter you just described the ingredients for a very weak sleeping potion," Snape said. Harry quickly put his head down; he was so embarrassed.
"Maybe next time you will stop daydreaming in my class and pay more attention to the lesson. That will be five points taken off from your next essay," Snape said and went back to his desk.
"Yes sir," Harry said. He could hear some of the Gryffindors snickering at him. Harry looked back.
"And what are you laughing at Weasel?" Harry said and narrowed his eyes at Ron. Ron was about to say something back when Snape asked, "Mr. Weasley, are you finished with your essay?" Snape asked.
"No sir," Ron answered back.
"Oh well, in that case twenty points will be taken from Gryffindor," Snape snapped.
"Thanks a lot Weasel," Harry sneered at Ron.
"Mr. Potter, will you come and sit next to Mr. Zabani and Ms. Malfoy will sit next to Mr. Malfoy tomorrow. That will be the new seating arrangement for the rest of the year," Snape said and went back to grading his papers.
Harry gathered his things and sat in Hermione's old seat. Blaise leaned next to him and whispered, "I think Snape did you a favor."
Harry looked back up at Snape and he had a grin on his face. Harry couldn't believe it. Snape was actually smiling but when Snape realized Harry was looking at him, he quickly put on his serious face and proceeded to grade papers. The rest of the afternoon went by a lot quicker than that morning. Harry gathered all of Hermione's homework and notes. He ran into Dobby on his way there.
"So sorry sir."
"It's okay," Harry said and shook the little house elf's hand.
"So, how have you been?" Harry asked.
"Good sir, and you?" Dobby asked.
"Good I guess. Hey Dobby could you do me a favor?" Harry asked.
"Anything sir," Dobby said with excitement.
"Could you get a few things from the kitchen and put them in front of the Head Girl room please?"
"Of course," Dobby said. Harry handed him a list of thing and was on his way to see Hermione.
When he got there, as he asked, there was a tray full of fruits and a goblet. He picked up the tray and opened the door. Hermione was fast asleep. She looked so beautiful, even without makeup, her long curls all over the pillow. Just her simple beauty was enough to get Harry aroused. She looked so peaceful, he didn't want to wake her up. He placed the tray on the nightstand, whispered a charm so that the food would still be fresh when she woke up and left a note. He kissed her on the forehead and left for Quidditch practice.
It was the first practice since coming back from the winter holiday and he wanted to try out some of the new plays he made over the holidays. He got to the Quidditch pitch, but no one was there. He figured it was still a little early. He got on his Firebolt and did a few laps around the field. As soon as he finished, he went back down to see if anyone had arrived - no one. He went into the locker room - no one. He looked at his watch. 5:30. Practice started at 5:15. He went back on his Firebolt and hovered around for a little bit longer. About ten minutes later, he heard someone calling his name from down below.
"Hey Harry."
"Colin," Harry said and squinted his eyes at the person flying up to him.
"Sorry Harry. Snape had me stay after class," Colin apologized. "Where is everyone?" Colin asked looking around.
"That's what I would like to know," Harry said with an infuriated tone. "Come on." Harry flew past the Quidditch field and landed in front of Hogwarts. He stormed into the castle, bumping into people who were passing through the corridors.
"Harry not so fast," Colin said trying to keep up with Harry's pace.
"Hey Harry," Draco said.
"Not now," Harry said and turned the corner.
"Hey you!" Draco yelled at Colin.
"Me?" Colin said going up to Draco.
"What's your name again?" Draco asked.
"Colin."
"Yeah, what's the matter with Harry?"
"Umm… I'm not sure. I got to Quidditch practice late. I asked him where everyone was and he just flew off and went inside. He looks really pissed," Colin explained
"That doesn't sound good," Draco said.
"No it doesn't," Colin agreed.
"We better go stop him before he does something he's going to regret," Draco suggested. They both ran to stop Harry.
*~~**~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~**~**~
Hermione woke up because Crookshanks leapt onto her bed. She sat up and stroked her ginger cat. She noticed the tray on the nightstand along with the note.
Dearest Hermione,
Thought you might get hungry when you get up. I didn't know what kind of fruit you like so I got a little of everything. I went to Quidditch practice but I will come back up to check up on you and to bring you your dinner. Your homework is on the chair in case you get bored. Get better okay?
Love Harry
Hermione laid the card down and looked at all the colorful food that was beside her. She hadn't eaten all day and she was starved. She got up and stretched for a moment and went for her homework. She scanned though her notes and chuckled. "Harry was never really good at taking notes."
She placed the books on her bed and started her homework while eating her snack.
*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~~**~*~*~**~*~
Harry finally got to the Gryffindor portrait hole. He whispered the password and went through. Not to his surprise, all of his Quidditch teammates were in the Common Room talking to their friends.
"What the fuck is going on here? You're supposed to be at Quidditch practice!" Harry yelled.
"Oh really, guess we forgot," Ginny said. Harry eyes turned a bright green and his face turned the color of Ginny's hair.
"You forgot! How could you have forgotten? You've only been playing for the Gryffindor team for two years now and you guys are saying that you forgot!"
"You don't have yell," Dean said, comforting Ginny.
"Yes I do! Only one person came to Quidditch practice. One, and this is his first year. Now I expect you all down there in ten minutes or I will have to replace you all with the reserve team," Harry said and went for the portrait.
"You can't do that!" Padme Bell shouted {Katie Bell's younger sister}.
"I'm Quidditch captain I could do what I please," Harry said.
Colin had just walked into the Common Room. Harry turned him to the opposite direction.
"Let's go Colin."
When they got out, they saw Draco waiting outside the portrait hole.
"So what happened?"
"Let's just say I scared the shit out of them."
Draco did his signature smirk and snickered. "Way to go mate! I have to meet Blaise but I will catch up with you later."
"Later," Harry said
"Bye Draco," Colin added.
"What's your name again?"
"Colin."
"Yeah…. Okay."
Harry and Colin went back to Quidditch Field and did a few laps. About ten minutes later, the rest of the team had arrived. Harry informed the team that he wasn't going to replace them but if it happened again, he would have to; they all let out a huge sigh of relief after this news. After that ordeal, Harry showed his teammates the plays he made over the holidays.
Miraculously, it felt like old times. They all got along like before. They laughed, and actually talked to each other without somebody ending up hurt or crying. By the end of practice, they learned five new plays and were sure that they would win the Quidditch Cup. They all walked back to the Gryffindor Tower laughing until Draco and Blaise showed up.
"Hey guys," Harry said excitedly.
"Hey Harry," Blaise said and gave him a friendly hug.
"Hey Draco."
"Wow Weasley, is that a Nimbus 2000," Blaise said sarcastically.
"It only took your family eight years to get it," Draco said with a chuckle
"Did your family have to starve for eight years so they could get that broom at the secondhand shop?" Blaise said. Draco, Blaise, and even Harry were laughing at Blaise's comment.
Ginny couldn't take anymore of it and ran off crying and the rest of the Gryffindor team ran after her. Before Dean left he turned to Harry.
"I thought you changed, but you are still an asshole and that goes for all of you."
Draco was about to go after him but Harry put his hand on his shoulder.
"It's not worth it."
Colin walked up and saw Harry talking to Draco and Blaise.
"Hey Harry. Hey Draco. Hey…. Blaise," Colin said and blushed furiously.
"What's your name again?" Blaise asked.
"Dylan right?" Draco said.
"No…it's Colin."
"Oh… same thing," Draco said.
"Hey I got to go see Hermione. I'll see you later."
"See ya mate," Draco said and they did their handshake.
"I have to go too. Bye guys," Colin said cheerfully and left.
"Do you know that kid?" Blaise asked.
"No, I've never seen him in my life until now," Draco said.