A Date!
To Harry's amazement, they did have things to talk about.
Music for one. Who knew that they both loved the same groups? Who knew that they both loved to put on earphones and just sit back and relax? Not think, just let the music soothe them.
Who would have thought they both liked to garden? Harry had found out she enjoyed planting and taking care of flowers; Harry having been forced into it after years of doing it for his aunt.
He really enjoyed this side of Hermione. She looked the same…long brown hair, not very bushy as everyone described it, but put back nicely in a barrette. She was a bit tan from going to the beach with her parents, or as tan as anyone in England can get. She was wearing a dress! All throughout dinner she was happy. He saw glimpses of the old, not so emotional Hermione. Maybe all that worry was behind her now that Harry had defeated (barely, but vanquished none the less) Voldemort. Maybe her emotions were on a more even keel which was good for everyone involved, but Harry didn't know how he felt about that. He really liked the kiss they shared and realized that he must feel something more than friends for her, since he actually did enjoy it.
Dinner went better than he could have ever hoped. They tried each other's dishes, they shared a chocolate dessert and both were very full and very happy as they stepped outside into the evening.
"Fancy a walk around that lake?" he tried to sound casual about it. This was something they did all the time at school, but this was in a totally different setting.
"That would be great," Hermione smiled up at him and he felt himself reach for her hand like it was the most natural thing he had ever done. She threaded her fingers through his and they set off around the restaurant to a lake around the back. There was a white bridge that spanned the lake and it had white Christmas-type lights on it. A few other couples were out and about enjoying the sunset and some children were feeding the geese.
By a silent mutual agreement they didn't talk; they just walked and experienced the moment. This wasn't the lake at Hogwarts with a giant squid in the middle. This was a romantic, sunset walk with other people, other couples, walking hand in hand.
However, they weren't taking in the sights. Both were concentrating on each other's hands and how hers felt so soft and smooth; how his were strong and rough from playing Quidditch.
Both were concentrating on the confused feelings that were brimming inside them, ready to spill out any moment.
Harry knew that she was so quiet because she was fighting a battle within herself. He could just see her rational side telling her one thing, and the emotional side saying something else. She hated anything that didn't have a black and white answer, and now they were walking around a lake, holding hands at sunset, a month after sharing a passionate kiss and she was struggling with her emotions. Harry was amazed at how he had given into something he thought he would never be able to feel-a deep, unfamiliar emotion. Trust? Love? He never had that in his life before Hogwarts.
Hermione knew he was quiet because, well, he was never much of a conversationalist. Although, having him taking her hand was very out of character for him, so she could only imagine the confusion going through his mind. He had to be in control and she had witnessed a month ago, him letting go of that control. .
Both knew they were going to have to talk about what happened, and Hermione thought that this walk would be the perfect time. Her parents expected her to be home in a few hours and she wasn't sure when she was going to get another chance to come visit him.
They stopped halfway across the bridge and he let go of her hand to lean against the railing. Arms crossed, slightly bent over, he looked out over the lake over towards a gazebo on the other side. Hermione copied his pose, but set her elbows on the railing so she was able to play with a simple ring on her finger. A 17th birthday present from her parents and it was the only jewelry she wore. With her heart in her throat, her stomach almost nauseous from what she was about to say, she blurted out, "Harry, we need to talk about the tower."
For a second, nothing. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
"I know."
Another moment of silence. Children squealing as geese took bread from their outstretched fingers. Occasional car horn in the distance.
"I don't want you to think that was the reason I asked you up there," Hermione said softly, not able to meet his eyes. She felt so nervous about this conversation, but both knew it had to happen.
"I know."
'I should say something else', thought Harry but he was just as nervous as her. He wanted her to say, "I fancy you" and then it would be easy because he could say, "me too"….end of conversation. But, that was unlikely to happen.
"I originally just wanted a moment with you, without Ron, without Quidditch, without other ears listening…so I could… to tell you… well, to try and tell you-," Hermione paused trying to organize her thoughts so they sounded coherent to him.
"Let me start over." She took a deep breath, crossed her fingers, closed her eyes and blurted out in a quiet voice, "I just wanted to tell you how much you mean to me and to have you know that before going into battle in case you did...die. I knew that I would forever regret if I didn't tell you that and you didn't win," her voice trailed off and she opened her eyes. He hadn't moved. Good sign? Bad sign? She wished he would say something!
Another moment of silence and he turned towards her, their eyes meeting and he could only say, "I know. The future scared me too; what you said, knowing that you were still there for me and knowing how hard it was for you to say everything you did, meant the world to me." Did that make any sense? Staring at each other for a minute Hermione looked away, wanting so much to know about the kiss.
Harry continued to look at her, emotions playing over her face like clouds in the sky. He put a hand on her arm, feeling her cool skin under his hands.
"What is it?" he asked. He hoped that she wasn't mad for calling her on her emotions. She was a very private person and he knew it was hard for her, for THEM to be having this conversation. They were only 17 and had already shared far more worldly experiences than any Muggle teen would probably ever see or know.
"Tell me, Hermione," he turned her towards him and his hand remained on her elbow. Her fingers still fiddled with her Sapphire ring. He held his breath, waiting. She couldn't look up at him. She could feel those green eyes, behind those glasses, taking in every emotion that was showing on her face. He felt her take a deep breath.
"Why did we kiss?" she looked down at her feet, not able to meet his eyes. She felt him drop his hand from her elbow and wished he hadn't. She liked this new level that they were moving towards. "I didn't plan for it to happen."
"Me neither, but I guess, well, to me it just felt….right….for the moment, you know?" he said softly, shifting his gaze to the gazebo. He saw her nod, but she didn't say anything.
He could feel the atmosphere around them change and become more charged with unanswered questions. He also felt that he couldn't talk about this anymore. To him it was a deeply personal experience; he knew for her it was so emotional that she still couldn't put words to it.
"I think, Hermione, that we better head home. Your parents are going to wonder where you are." He held out his hand and she looked at him. Keeping her brown eyes connected with his, she reached out and took it. Just that simple gesture…him holding out his hand…she struggling to maintain eye contact with him, meant the world to two 17 year olds.
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July 10
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are aware that on July 31st of this year you will be of age to use magic at your residence, Number 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging and that you will be of age to receive your Apparating License.
Therefore, we have set up a meeting for July 31st at 10:12am in the Department of Magical Transportation, Level Six, for you to obtain your Apparating License. Please review all rules and regulations prior to taking this test.
We look forward to seeing you.
Signed,
Ministry of Magic
Dept. of Magical Transportation
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July 10
Ron,
I am going for my Apparating License on the 31st at 10:12am. Wish me luck. If I pass, I'll pop over to Fred and George's shop. Say hello to your mum and dad for me.
Harry
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July 10-LUNCH TIME!
Harry,
Good luck with your test! Hope your ears don't end up on your arse like mine did. Fred and George liked that story so much, they are going to try and make some candy that will do that.
Figures.
Sorry I haven't written much, but I have been busy, helping run the store, going out and buying things. I did hear from Hermione that she Apparated successfully to your room. Always knew she would do it perfectly. Hope to see you on your birthday?
Ron
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July 10
Hermione,
I just got a letter from Ministry of Magic confirming my Apparation test for the 31st at 10:12 am. I hope I do as well as you did; at least Malfoy won't be there to witness it if I do mess up!
I plan on taking the bus to the Underground to get to the Department. I am becoming a regular Muggle with all this public transportation I am experiencing. I will never take Floo Powder or Apparation for granted anymore.
I did go and check out that movie you told me about, "Star Wars". And you are right Voldemort puts that Darth Vader guy to shame! Hope you are enjoying your cousin's visit.
Wish me luck!
Harry
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July 11
Harry,
So sorry I kept Hedwig overnight, but my cousin, Samantha had never seen a snow white owl before and was absolutely in love with her. I think Hedwig liked her too, and you know how picky owls can be! I wish we could Apparate right over, but as seeing she is a Muggle that wouldn't work as I am not comfortable with side by side Apparation yet. I might have to see if she can use floo powder…hmmm…anyway, I digress. She so wishes she could be a witch and everyday begs me to tell her a story. I haven't touched upon any part of the Dark Lord; even though she is our age, I don't know if she would understand it.
Mum said that we are going to go to a show in town on the 31st. I will see if we can arrive a bit early and maybe catch up with you. Samantha wants to meet you, and Ron too.
Thanks again for a great dinner the other night.
I would love to do it again sometime.
Best of luck!
Hermione
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July 12
Ron,
I got a message from Hermione saying she will be in town on the 31st with her family. She is going to meet me after my test to see how I did. Think you can make some business deal in London on the 31st, around 11am or so? Oh, Hermione will be bringing her cousin, Samantha. She's a Muggle, but well aware of the Magical World, except for V. Now, I finally know why Hermione kept going to France on vacation, to see her Aunt and Uncle. Guess it wouldn't have hurt to ask what was over there, since they went almost every summer.
Tell your brothers a candy that would make your clothes fall off would be great-they could call it "Seamus on You!" HA HA! I would pay every galleon I have to see that happen to Malfoy, or any of his "bodyguards"!
Harry
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July 12-LUNCH TIME!
Fred and George are getting right on that. They say you should come and brainstorm some ideas with them. Hmmmm…gonna have to start thinking of how to pass that piece of candy to Malfoy.
I wonder if Samantha looks like Hermione? Can you imagine two of them…wait! We could set them up with Fred and George (joke, mate, but a funny one if I do say so myself!)
Back to work…basically being a guinea pig today! Oink!
Ron
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July 15
Harry,
Only 16 more days to go. How can you stand it? You could be a free man after that day! I am glad Mrs. Figg will be back on August 1st so you could use her fireplace if something happens at
your test. Not that it would, but I was just saying…you have to be prepared!
Anyway, Samantha says "Hi". Having her move up to London has been one of the better parts of my life. Her parents are still moving things up from France and securing living arrangements, but I have discovered all sorts of movies, music and even some Muggle Books that are very interesting…tell you about those later!
I bet you are itching to get out of there, so I included a CD I bought. Hope it helps pass the time.
Hermione
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July 20
Dear Mr. Potter,
This note is to inform you that there will be a meeting on July 31st, 10:33am, in the Council of Magic Law. This pertains to a reading of The Will of Sirius Black (deceased) in which you are the sole heir. We apologize for the delay in processing but we had problems tracking down certain paperwork pertaining to his Will. Please be on Level Five, promptly at the above time.
Signed,
Ministry of Magic
Council of Magic Law
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July 20
Dear Hermione and Ron,
I was so excited that I had to write both of you and copy this letter on Dudley's scanner. Thankfully, he is outside probably causing some sort of mischief.
What do you think Sirius left me? This is the first time anyone has mentioned his name and it actually made me a bit
happy. Now, you all WILL have to meet me by the phone box at 11am. Hopefully, I will be out of the meeting by
then.
Ron, does your dad have any idea what this is about?
Hermione, any thoughts on what this is about?
Write soon!
Harry
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July 20
Harry,
Wills are usually read when there is property exchanging hands. Maybe he will sign over his house to you? Maybe he had some money saved in Gringotts that will be transferred to your vault? Ron might know more than me. I am including his letter with this one. Poor Hedwig is flying all over England today! I will definitely be at the phone box at 11am!
Hermione
Harry,
Blimey! Aren't you the lucky one! Fred, George, Ginny and I think it's Grimmauld Place. That is the only thing I know that he owns, but you would know better than us Weasley's. My dad says he knows nothing that goes on the the Law Department (then he said a couple of choice words that I can't even spell!). He did offer his presence if you felt you wanted someone to go with you. Just write and let me know.
11 days til the rest of your life!
Ron
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July 26
Harry,
I am so glad that you liked the CD. Samantha has broadened my knowledge of music quite a bit!
I am so excited that in a few days you will have your license (I know you will do fine!) and maybe a house to boot! Samantha is so excited to meet you and Ron since I have entertained her with many a fine story of our days at Hogwarts (and I stress FINE, not TERRIFYING!).
Sleep well; review everything we were taught in class.
Can't wait to see you on the 31st! I am glad Ron will be there too. Feels like ages since we have all been together!
I am glad you will have Mr. Weasley with you at the reading of the Will. I am relieved he offered!
Love,
Hermione
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July 29
Hermione,
I just finished one of the worst dinners of my life with The Dursley's. They are so uptight about me leaving tomorrow to test. I didn't give them much information, just that I was going to take a test and would be leaving tomorrow, very early. Uncle Vernon just yelled at me for just about everything. From chewing to loudly, to not cleaning the table fast enough. Then, Aunt Petunia actually said that I needed to clean Hedwig's cage because it was smelling up the hall outside the bedrooms (I cleaned it yesterday). Dudley just kept chanting stupid little things and kicking me under the table. I can't wait to get out of here. The only bright spot is that I could possibly have a house tomorrow (guess I will have to talk to Dumbledore about certain" items") and I get to see all you guys. I know we only have about 3 hours until the play starts that you are going too, but at least we can all have lunch together.
Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Love, Harry
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July 30th
I figured you would still be awake and that Hedwig would find you up in bed, re-reading all the rules and regulations that you know so well by now.
Oh, Harry, how I wish for you to get out of there. You were so happy and excited when we were out earlier this month; I want you to stay that way!
I have every finger crossed and so does Samantha!
See you tomorrow!
Love,
Hermione
And so, Harry awoke on July 31st at an ungodly hour. His Aunt and Uncle knew that he was going to become officially recognized as an Adult Wizard and he could see the terror on their faces. "Like I would really do anything to them," Harry thought to himself, then gave a muffled laugh…but they didn't know that!
He packed his wand, his robes and some Muggle and Wizard money into his bag and, to nervous to eat because of the butterflies that had taken up residence in his stomach, took off for the bus stop at precisely 5:47am, singing Happy Birthday to himself the whole way.
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