Hey guy, I know, I've taken my sweet little time to write this up, and I am sorry. I've got to get to bed soon, should have been in bed twenty minutes ago actually, but I really wanted to post this tonight! I'll shut up now. I'm skipping the recap because I just don't have time for it, so just check back in the last chapter to refresh your memory! I'm so sorry for the wait, but something happened with my best friend and it has had me all tore up. But, on a more positive note, I FINALLY updated, so that's good then! I had it finished last night, but the Portkey thing was down and I couldn't get to my Control Panel (I'm guessing it was down anyway. . .) but I just got back from the store and am pretty happy about buying a new cd and getting a few others from my brother, so I am SO pumped to post!!! Haha!
Disclaimer: Nothing is mine. By the way, I used an allusion (ha, my English teacher would be proud!) in the last chapter about Hercules, about Hermione tying her own sandals and everything. Just wanted to point that out. That line does not belong to me, blah blah blah.
Dedication: This chapter is especially dedicated to elphie84 because of her support in reviews and how they reviewed a few times, telling me to get my but motivated, I actually really started getting serious after your last review! Thanks!
Chapter 12: A New Beginning
The dawn is breaking
A light shining through
You're barely waking
And I'm tangled up in you
Yeah
I'm open, you're closed
Where I follow, you'll go
I worry I won't see your face
Light up again
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills my mind
I somehow find
You and I collide
"Collide" HOWIE DAY
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Hermione felt nervous. After her conversation with Potter-- no, Harry-- last night, she felt as if she had taken a dive in a pool full of mixed emotions. She feared it was just a joke, or that Harry would be scared off by what others would say. Hermione was still utterly confused as to exactly why this was happening, why someone would care enough for her. There was sadness because it had taken so long. She was afraid because she didn't know how to be a good friend. What if Pott-- Harry-- just laughed at her attempts and told her it was a mistake, and that she really needed to take a crash course on friendship and how to be a decent friend. But among all these rather negative mixed feelings that were swimming inside of her, happiness was there too, as well as hope and excitement. Hope for this to be a good thing that would work out, and she was excited about starting something new, something she's never had. Hermione wasn't aware that is was possible to feel so much at once without exploding!
Another thought that nagged Hermione was what type of friends were they? They hadn't made any specifics last night. Were they the type that acknowledged one another with a polite, "Hello, how have you been?" in the corridors or in classes when they crossed each other's path and that what the end of it? Where they were barely more than mere acquaintances and had a shallow, but still existing, friendship. Or did it extend to occasionally sitting and joking around with each other, possibly seeking the other one our when they had a trivial problem. Or. . .were they the best-friend type? The kind she'd read about in books sometimes. The ones that were around each other constantly and had each other's back completely. The ones that sat up late, simply talking for the sake of just being in each other's company. And when they finally did go to bed, they weren't worried because they knew the other one would be there for them tomorrow, and the next day, and even the day after that. They would be there to share secrets with and help each other out. They would be there to help solve problems and wait through even the strongest and scariest storms with you. The type of friendship Hermione had yearned for all her life. Where were the boundaries?
Hermione let out a sigh as she stepped out of her bathroom, ready to get dressed for classes. 'Friendship really needed to come with a manual,' she decided as she began pulling her black robes over her uniform. She really needed to know exactly where things stood between the two of them.
She thought back to his words just the night in his beautiful apology. He had mentioned something about wanting to go to Hogsmeade together and just walking down the hall, side-by-side with her. He said he wanted to know her secrets and fears, what makes her happy and sad. He wanted to know her deepest desires and laugh and celebrate with her. It didn't sound like a shallow, barely-more-than-acquaintances friendship to her.
'So what do I do?' she asked herself. 'Do I wait for him in the Common Room so we can walk down to breakfast together? Does he want to be seen with me so soon? Or do I sit in my normal seat and just see if he comes to me? Or should I make the bold move of sitting where he normally does? Would that be too much?' She feared she would come on too strong, or perhaps, not enough. It was funny, just last night she was debating on whether or not to take his friendship, and now she was fretting about not wanting to come one too strong or appear uninterested. So much could change in such a short time!
Hermione decided to go down to the Great Hall solo, sit in her customary seat, and just wait for him to come to her. She didn't want him to think she got the wrong impression on what this "friendship" meant by coming on as someone desperate (even though she was desperate!) that suddenly thought she was his new best friend. He already had two of those, he didn't want another one, especially a girl one. He probably just meant decent friends, which she had to be grateful for, because it was better than nothing.
She mentally berated herself for acting so pathetic and dramatic. She didn't need to overanalyze what he meant by "friends!" She would just have to wait it out to see what he had intended in his confession . Until then, she's have to play it in a nonchalant manner.
As Hermione sat down and began to pile food on her plate, she could help but smile. Pot-- Harry's-- apology still rang through her ears. She wasn't the type of girl that swooned or giggled at sweetness, but P-- Harry's-- words had been very emotional and Hermione couldn't help but redden a bit when remembering such a heartfelt apology was meant towards her! No one had ever apologized to her for their previous actions towards her. She did get a giddy feeling when she thought about it. He had been so sincere and open that Hermione found it hard to believe that his previous actions had ever even happened. She couldn't believe it was the same person. But it was. Perhaps, the Harry Potter from last night was the real Harry Potter. He said last night that he had acted how he thought he was expected, not how he wanted to. With that comforting thought in mind, her spirits lifted and Hermione heartily dug into her breakfast while cheerfully propping an extremely advanced Transfiguration book against the nearest juice jug.
To anyone in the Great Hall, Hermione Granger appeared eagerly engrossed in her book; however, that was not the case. On the contrary, Hermione had too much excitement bubbling over in her stomach to read. She kept tossing inconspicuous glances towards the open doors, waiting for a certain raven-haired Seventh Year to enter. For a second time that morning, Hermione had to remind herself to remain practical about this. Acting too eager wasn't the attitude she should have at the moment; it would only result in disappointment. After all, she still didn't now his intentions. Not to mention, she wasn't ready to even think about letting her guard down. There was still no reason to put complete trust in this boy or his enthralling words, no matter how painfully delicious and absolutely alluring they sounded. She needed to keep a clear head. 'Calm down, Hermione,' a practical voice inside her head reminded her cautiously. 'You don't want to be an open book, do you?'
Hermione took a deep breath to subside her enthusiasm before she began eating again and forced herself to forget about him for a moment so she could read.
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The dormitory was silent as the boys wordlessly got dressed. Harry knew Ron and Draco had been talking about him while he was in the shower. He had stepped into the room and eyed them suspiciously when their hushed conversation abruptly came to an end with his presence in the room. That had been ten minutes ago, and still, no one had mentioned a word.
Harry didn't know how Ron felt about him seeking friendship with Hermione. He knew Draco had told him as he had asked, and that was the extent of it. Harry threw them both a rather stony look, which caused them both to look away. Finally, after another minute of terrible silence besides their muffled shuffling about, Harry muttered, his voice holding a hint of disappointment and anger, "See you two in class," before swiftly parting from them.
His journey to the Great Hall was slow: His mind on his two best friends and their choice to not support his actions. Harry admitted to himself that this was quite disappointing. He was been hoping that they wouldn't deny Hermione their friendship and jump head-first into this new, difficult escapade with him, but it was painfully obvious that Harry was solo on this adventure. It was just going to make this all the more difficult.
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In my head there's only you now
This world falls on me
In this world, there's real and make believe
This seems real to me
You love me, but you don't know who I am
I'm torn between this life I lead
And where I stand
You love me, but you don't know who I am
So let me go
Let me go
"Let Me Go" 3 DOORS DOWN
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Harry felt a strange sense of déjà vu as he entered the Great Hall for breakfast. Had it been just a few days ago when he had been faced with the dilemma of whether to sit with Hermione or not? It seemed as if it had been weeks, maybe even ages ago since then. So much could happen in just a few days.
He searched the hall for Hermione, easily spotting her in her traditional seat. He slowly, determinedly strolled in her direction, feeling once again that everyone's eyes were on him. But it didn't bother him so much this time. He heard someone-- Dean Thomas maybe-- say his name in greeting. He distractedly replied a quick hello.
He stopped right in front of Hermione, who was engrossed in a book. He sat in the vacant seat across from her. "Good morning, Hermione Granger," he greeted her cheerfully, trying to hide his nervousness. What if she just point-blank ignored him? What if her friendliness from last night was just a lie so she could get away from him and go to bed? No, she wouldn't do that to someone-- would she?
Hermione looked up from her book, mildly surprised. She shyly gave him a small grin, which Harry, as relief swept through him, returned. "Good morning, Harry Potter," she replied softly, her cheeks reddening slightly.
They both just stared at one another for a moment, neither knowing quite what to say. Suddenly, Harry realized it was quiet. Too quiet for the Great Hall during breakfast. He glanced around the hall, seeing everyone's gazes on them.. He chose to ignore their offending looks and addressed Hermione again, "Did you sleep well?" he asked, well aware of the sudden murmurs filling the silence of the Great Hall, sounding like a hive full of angry bees, no doubt discussing the feuding families' current status and what was occurring right now: A Potter and a Granger being friendly to one another. . .it was unheard of!
Hermione looked down at her almost-cleared plate of food, unable to look him in the eye any longer. "I slept fine, thank you. And yourself?" she asked politely.
Harry thought back on the atmosphere he had woken up to and the stony treatment he was receiving from his best mates. He was able to muster up a small smile despite his anger and sadness, "I slept fine as well, thank you," he replied formally.
Hermione nodded, "That's good then."
There was an awkward silence. Everyone was still looking at them. Harry took this moment to start up his breakfast plate, though he didn't feel too hungry right now. He glanced over at Hermione and saw that she had returned to her book, though he could tell she wasn't reading a word: Her eyes were staring blankly at a spot on the page, and Harry could see that her cheeks still held a slight scarlet tent to them.
After looking uneasily around once more, ignoring glares and questioning stares, he decided to try to break the thick ice and formality between them again. "So. . .err. . .is that book any good?" he asked awkwardly, not really knowing what to say. Last night he had opened himself up more than he ever had with anyone. He felt very vulnerable, and it scared the Hell out of him to think about how open he had been with her, more or less a complete stranger!
Hermione's response broke him from his panicking thoughts, "It's fascinating." Harry waited for more, but nothing came.
"Sounds nice."
Minutes seemed to crawl by as both students tried to remain calm in a very uncomfortable situation. Neither knew what to say, and anything that they did say would surely echo, even if it had been whispered, in the silence of the Great Hall. Hermione continued to pretend to be reading while Harry munched on his breakfast. He didn't need to look to know his two best mates arrive for breakfast. He felt their cold stares. Harry glanced towards them, watching as they glared back at him, sitting in their regular seats. Harry felt as if a knife had been stabbed into his gut and twisted painfully around. His best mates were deserting him. They had always been able to get along, but now, things looked as if their friendship was drawing to an abrupt close.
Could they just throw away over six (even more for Ron) years like that? What about all the times they had together? What about all those summers of hanging out and playing basketball or American football? What about their adventures and thrilling escapades? Did their history mean nothing to Ron and Draco? Did he mean so little to them?
Hermione seemed to sense his wariness and said without taking her eyes from his book, "Go sit with them. I'll be fine over here. I don't want you to feel as if you are bound to me or anything. They're your best mates." Harry could hear the pain and regret in her words.
Harry tried to say reassuringly, "It's fine. I think they'd disown me anyway." Harry tried to make it a joke, but he realized it was the wrong thing to say when he saw a look of horror pass her features.
She immediately closed her book and grabbed her book bag. "P-- Harry, look, I really appreciate what you are trying to do, believe me, you don't know how much it means to me to know that someone wants to be a friend of mine, but I am not going to let you ruin your life over me. Maybe this is all just a mistake. You should go back to them, tell them you didn't know what you were thinking and we should just stop this right here. It's for the best. It's. . . yes, it's for the best." and with that, Hermione left a dumbfounded Harry in the Great Hall as she quickly rushed from breakfast. Harry sat there for a few seconds, slightly shocked, before jumping up and following her.
He sprinted across the Entrance Hall just in time to see her rush through a door leading to the staircase. He quickly increased his pace and followed. He saw her start up the staircase.
"Hermione!" he called breathlessly, making her quickly spin around and stop in her tracks. He soon found himself standing before her, gasping for breath.
"Harry? What is it you want now?" she asked, looking slightly worried at his current state.
"I-I. . .give me a second," he stated and stood up as straight as he could, trying to take in even breaths. Finally, he was able to continue. "I want to be a friend of yours. Don't be dense, it is not going to ruin my life, believe me. They'll come around, don't worry. Right now, I just want to be focused on making this friendship work. Ron, Draco, and me- we'll work it out, I know we will. I'm disappointed because I thought our friendship was stronger than this, but I guess I was wrong. But before I try to make amends with them, I want to start something with you. This, what we have, what we are going to have, I think, will make my fallout with them worth it. I dunno, I just have this gut feeling that taking these steps is the right thing to do. So, please, stop trying to toss it away. It will work, just give it a chance."
Hermione took all this in. She gave a small nod, "Alright, if you're sure. . ."
Harry beamed, "Absolutely positive."
Hermione grinned, "Alright then, what now?"
Harry laughed, "I say we should head to class. I don't really feel like going through the Great Hall scenario again. I think they were all plotting our stoning as we sat there."
Hermione laughed, "Yeah, I think so to. I wouldn't have been surprised if they had told us to follow them and we were commanded to be flogged!"
"And tarred and feather!"
"Maybe sent to the gallows to be hung!"
"Or tied to the Walloping Willow to be beaten with it's limbs. And trust me, it hurts like bloody hell!"
Hermione's face suddenly gave a horrific look. "How do you know how it feels?!?!"
Harry laughed, "In my Second Year, me, Ron, and Draco were late in going to the train, and being the prats we were, we barrowed Ron's father's flying Ford Angela, and we hit the Willow once we got here. I swear, that wretched car turned on us! It tried to get us killed! But anyway, yeah, we had a bit of a nasty run-in with the old tree. Not a very pleasant experience, mind you."
Hermione's eyes were wide. "You guys flew here in a stolen car and got beaten with the limbs of that monster?!?! Goodness, are you blokes really such prats? Why didn't you just owl Professor McGonagall? Surely she would have done something!"
Harry grinned, "Because, Miss Granger, we were twelve years old! What do you expect? The prospect of flying the car was just too alluring! Come on, surely you can see where I'm coming from! And just for the record, the car was not stolen, rather it was borrowed and never returned. And the only reason for it not getting returned was because the dodgy car took off towards the Forbidden Forest and has been hiding in there ever since!"
Hermione cocked an eyebrow skeptically, "Borrowed and never returned? Borrowing a car without consent it the same thing as nicking it. Maybe getting beaten by the limbs were payback! I do not feel nearly as sympathetic as I did before!"
Harry just rolled his eyes dramatically, "Good thing I wasn't banking on your sympathy then, eh? Otherwise I'd be in a right spot!"
Hermione just gave a 'humph' and started in the direction of her first class, Harry following her. They made their way to their first class, Charms, lapsed in an uncomfortable silence again.
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And we could change, we could change it down
We could change the world, we could strike the chord
We are the lost ones, we are the lost ones
We could re-write history, if only you and me
We are the lost ones, we are the lost ones
And We could change it down
"The Lost Ones" ANBERLIN
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They got there early, and the classroom was deserted. Hermione self-consciously sat down at her usual seat and couldn't help but get a nice feeling when she heard Harry drop into the seat next to her. She gave him a small grin, which he heartily returned.
"So. . .did you get your homework done?" Hermione asked, immediately feeling like a dork the second she got the words how. How embarrassing! She was talking about homework!!!
Harry didn't seem to mind though, "Yeah, I finished the review questions last night once we. . well, you know, after our talk," he finished awkwardly.
"Oh. That's nice then." Now what, Granger?' she asked, mentally berating herself for overanalyzing this again. What was a cool subject to talk about? She glanced out the window. "It looks cold outside," she commented, eyeing the dark clouds with distaste before catching herself once again. Now she was talking about the weather! She could almost feel her face turn beet red in embarrassment, which she quickly tried to hide.
Once again, Harry seemed to be interested in the dull subject, "Yeah, but trust me, the winters here are absolutely breathtaking! Everything is covered in snow, and the castle looks. . . wow!" Hermione watched as his eyes seemed to light up at the very thought of it. "The lake turns to ice and some students go skating on it. I can't skate, so I never have. Also, the hills are great for sledding on. Then there's Hogsmeade. Its little shops look just like they came out of a Christmas card! Everything is so wonderful!"
Hermione grinned. "Sounds beautiful."
Harry smiled back, "It is, it truly is. I can't wait for you to see it, Hermione. Then the Christmas feast is always brilliant. There's a Christmas ball in the Great Hall on Christmas night, which I think is a bit boring, but a lot of people enjoy it. It's like the Fall Bash but a lot more magnificent! Then, twelve giant Christmas trees, and I mean giant Christmas trees, line the Entrance Hall, all decorated brilliantly. Oh! And the breakfast even, is fantastic. Trust me, the house-elves go all out. Honestly, it's quite impressive-"
But Hermione cut him off, "House-elves?" she inquired, in a slightly astonished tone.
Harry nodded his head and replied, "Yeah, they're magical creatures, elves really, hence the name. They are kind of like servants. The elves are freed once their master-"
Hermione cut in once again, "Presents them with clothes," she finished. "I know what they are; I've read all about them. They are treated unfairly! House-elves have a right terrible life! It never mentioned the enslavement of house-elves in Hogwarts, a History," Hermione said sharply.
"Oh. Well, Hermione, that's what they're here for-" Harry began to explain, but Hermione would hear none of it.
Hermione stood as her hands went to her hips as she got in her defense mode. Harry gingerly stood as well, slightly terrified at her sudden strong emotion. "They don't receive wages for their life-long work! They have no rights! How would you like it if you had to serve ungrateful. . .ungrateful. . .bastards your whole life, never knowing freedom! Never receiving wages! Never. . .never anything!" She threw her hands helplessly in the air.
Harry didn't know how to justify their treatment. "Look, Hermione, they like their enslavement. I realize the concept may be rather hard to grasp, but-"
Hermione stomped her foot angrily, "What, are you condoning it?!?!" she asked incredulously, her hands wildly shooting back to her hips.
"Well, no, not exactly. But. . .well, honestly, what makes their masters ungrateful bloody bastards? They are giving the elves room and board and-" Harry sputtered, not really knowing how to debate this.
"At a price!" Hermione pointed out angrily. "They are 'giving' nothing away. People are just too lazy to do things themselves!"
"Hermione. Listen to me, please. They. Like. Their. Enslavement. It's just the way it is." Harry responded helplessly, clueless on what to say to make her understand.
"Because they don't know any better! If they were even decently educated, house-elves could do wonders to the Wizarding World that does not include serving afternoon tea! I've read they have their own special brand of magic and are actually really powerful creatures, but they can only use their magic if their masters allow them to."
Harry sighed; there was no changing her mind. He could see it from her perspective and understood why she must have felt so strongly about this. Growing up in the Wizarding World, he had just never really thought about it. They were there, servant creatures, and that's just how it was. "I see you aren't going to shift your thinking on this, and I don't blame you. When I think about it, I see it as an unfair life as well. They have no liberty rights, I know. But Hermione, there are some things that just are and we've got to accept it. House-elves are here, they're happy as can be. I sneak off to the kitchens all the time. Actually, I know one of the house-elves personally. His name is Dobby. You would like him. He does ask for wages, and Dumbledore pays him."
Hermione cried out in triumph, "Ha! See! House-elves really do want their freedom!"
"Yes, well, he's the only one. None of the others want wages, and they see Dobby as odd because he does." Harry pointed out, remembering the other house-elves' thoughts on his odd friend.
There was a silence following his words before more students began to file into the classroom. Hermione didn't seem satisfied that their debate had been over, but decided to finish it up at another time. Class was about to begin.
Professor Flitwick stood atop a large stack of books, taking role call. His squeaky voice rang through the silent room. Everyone's eyes were on the odd duo sitting beside each other, looking uncomfortable yet firm that was sitting in the bottom row of seats, all the way to the end by Professor Flitwick's podium.
Harry could feel his best mates' gaze on him from across the room, but he tried his best to ignore them. Instead, he became immensely interested in his eagle feather quill.
"Now," squeaked the professor, "I want you do divide off into pairs and work on the charm we were learning last Monday, the Harmonious Charm. Remember, the incantation is 'Harmodious.' not 'Harmonious.' That is the name of the spell. Now, carry on."
Hermione glanced uneasily at Harry. Were they to be partners? She never had a partner before; she always just worked alone.
Harry gave her a grin, "So, Miss Granger, how long to you think before you master this charm?"
Hermione turned slightly pink, "I did last Monday. . .," which caused Harry to laugh cheerfully.
"Well, maybe you can help me then?" He asked, grinning.
She nodded quietly.
"Right, so shall you go first?" he asked, gesturing to the untied shoe that was now laying before them. The charm was used to make things work in harmony. For example, if used on an untied show lace, the laces will automatically tie themselves. It was tricky because you had to have in mind exactly what you wanted the objects to do.
Hermione's demeanor suddenly became more serious as she began to explain the procedure to this charm. "First, you have to think about exactly what you want the objects to do. In our case, we are simply tying shoe laces. Now, remember every time you ever tied your shoe. What did the laces look like? How did they work with each other? How did they harmonize? Then, once you have all those thoughts in mind, enunciate the incantation 'Harmodious' precisely and clearly while waving your wand like this," and she gave a quick flick of her wand . The shoelaces suddenly sprung to life and made quick work of tying with each other.
Harry stared at her, slightly astonished. "Did you just come up with that? It sounded so. . .technical! It's just tying shoes, but you make it sound like. . .well, something huge and important." Harry said, looking at her.
Hermione blushed more than ever. Was it wrong to think of spells like that? Was that an unwanted quality in a friend? Finally, in a small voice, she voiced her fears, "Is. . .is technical bad?" she asked uncertainly.
Harry just shrugged, "Not really, it's just a little. . .I dunno, different I guess. Even the professors don't talk like that."
Hermione slowly twirled her thin wand between her fingers, not really knowing what to say. Finally, she cleared her throat and said, "Yes, well, maybe you should try it now."
Hermione kept quiet for most of the lesson, instead, just watching as Harry's attempts improved until finally, at the end of the lesson, he could successfully tie the shoelaces.
They continued in a similar manner for the rest of the morning classes. They were ignored by everyone, save a few remarks that were aimed towards Harry, asking if he was right mad or what his angle was concerning Granger. The professors acted indifferent. Harry and Hermione ignored everyone and their comments. Hermione stayed quiet mostly, afraid of sound too technical again. Harry kept getting glares from his best mates and tried to deal with their row. He knew he couldn't confide his feelings in Hermione because she would get upset and tell him to desert it. So instead, he tried to put up a cheerful front for Hermione while he brooded angrily inside.
Finally, their last morning class arrived, Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry sat down with Hermione and caught Sirius's eye. The professor winked at him before getting into the lesson for that day. By the end, he announced a pop quiz for tomorrow, and told Harry to stay after class. The bell rang.
Hermione quickly got her things ready. Was she suppose to wait for him out in the corridor while he talked to the professor? Was he in trouble? Oh she hoped he wasn't!
"I'll catch up with you at lunch, alright, Hermione?" Harry eased her dilemma. She muttered something in the affirmative before quickly exiting the classroom.
"So! Things seem to be going well, then, Harry?" Sirius immediately asked.
Harry shrugged, "Yeah, they seem to be okay."
Sirius gave a loud dramatic sigh, "Well, are you going to tell me all the dirty details or do I have to hex them out of you?!?! Come on, out with it boy!" Sirius said before giving a bark of laughter.
Harry grinned involuntarily at his godfather's behavior. "Well, there isn't really much to tell, to be honest. I finally got her to talk to me, I apologized, my best mates hate me, and she doesn't seem to feel comfortable around me. I dunno if she actually wants to be my friend of if she just is because I asked here to, you know?" Harry confided, voicing his fears. Before he could stop himself, he quickly gave Sirius an overview on what had happened so far, including his talk with Draco and the reason why he had been late to class the day before.
Sirius sat down at an empty desk. "Well, it's only been on day. Your mates will come around, don't worry about that. Ron and Draco love you like a brother, and this isn't going to change things. Just give them time to get used to it. It did seem to come out of nowhere to them. The same thing with Hermione. She's a good girl, I wouldn't worry about that Avery bloke too much. He has nothing on you. She sees that. Just give her some time as well. It will take her awhile to get used to this. Everything can't just happen, Harry. Show her your real self. She'll see how friendly you are, and you will eventually gain her trust. The same goes for you. I don't want you to walk into this friendship blind."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Sirius sighed, "I know you don't want to hear this, but honestly, Harry, she is a Granger-" Harry started to angrily cut him off but Sirius just continue louder, "I jus want you to watch your back. Don't walk in too trusting. Let it all come with time, please."
Harry didn't want to admit the wisdom behind his godfather's words, but felt no other alternative. "I will, Sirius. I'll try not to let my guard down again."
"Again?" Sirius asked in a surprised voice.
"My apology to her was. . .a little sappy and I felt so vulnerable. I bared myself to her, I guess." Harry admitted, feeling embarrassment curl in his stomach.
"How?" Sirius asked innocently, though Harry could see a devilish gleam in his eye.
"No, we are not going there!" Harry exclaimed definitely. He knew Sirius would just take the mickey out on him.
"What? Is my godson becoming a pansy? Did you beg for forgiveness by giving her roses and a big, cuddly stuffed teddy bear named Harry that had green eyes and black hair? Aw, that's so sweet!" Sirius cried, creating fake tears in his eyes.
Harry just rolled his eyes. "You are such a prat, Sirius, will you ever grow up?!" Harry tried to appear repulsed.
"Never!" Sirius declared, jumping up on the desk with one hand on his hip while the other held his wand out as if he was in a duel to prove his immature point. "Dignified professor by class, Peter Pan the rest of the time!" Sirius said, referring to never growing up properly.
Harry shook his head at his godfather's antics before starting for the exit, "I'm leaving in case whatever you have may be contagious!" He heard the alleged Peter Pan's loud bark of laughter. He saw a small First Year boy in the corridor and quickly called him over. The younger boy looked at Harry quizzically. Harry opened the door a bit and let the First Year peer inside. He quickly withdrew his head and looked at Harry, his eye's wide in astonishment.
Harry laughed, "That man is completely mad! Never turn out like him!" Harry warned before making his way to the Great Hall for lunch, his spirits lifted.
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Hermione stood outside the Defense Against the Dark Arts room for a moment, pondering what the professor may want with Harry. Was he going to tell Harry to stay away from her? They had a close bond, Hermione knew. Anyone with eyes could tell Harry and Professor Black were good friends. Hermione sighed before turning towards the Great Hall. Once she got a deserted corridor, she felt as if she was being followed. Hermione glanced back behind her, but saw no one. She kept walking. Suddenly, she heard it. Someone's footstep were following her! She quickly whipped around, but once again, no one was in sight.
Feeling her heartbeat start to quicken, so did her footsteps. She kept glancing suspiciously behind her, but no one was there. She could hear them, but no see them.
After a particularly loud sound, she whipped around. "Alright, who's there?" she asked fiercely, brandishing her wand out in the direction of the deserted corridor. "Show yourself!" she commanded, swear starting to journey from her forehead.
She suddenly heard a cold laugh and saw John Avery appear out of thin air, making her gasp. He began walking towards her. "Hermione, no need to be frightened," he said soothingly, taking her wand from her sudden limp fingers and tucking it back in her robes' pocket. "It's just me," he whispered, causing Hermione to take a step back.
'No, no, no!' she thought earnestly, 'not now!' "What do you want?" she asked, their previous conversation burning in her mind.
He just laughed again, "Nothing. I just couldn't help but notice that you and Potter seem to have become friends. Now, I presume what we discussed yesterday will take awhile to settle in your mind. I knew you would need a little time to mull things over, so to speak. But, I can't help but get the feeling that Potter is just going to mess things up." He said softly, stepping closer to her. This time, however, Hermione didn't back away.
His hand came out to caress her shoulder and traveled down her arm, causing her to close her eyes, part from disgust and part from pleasure. His breath was on her ear again as he murmured softly, "We don't want to mess things up, now do we? I want you to make your own decision. And well, let's be honest here, Potter and I aren't very fond of each other. I just don't want you to be persuaded by him."
Hermione opened her eyes, "He's my friend." she said defiantly, and she could see a burning fire in Avery's cold eyes.
"A friend? Does he offer you what I do? Can he guarantee you greatness like I can? Think about this, Hermione. He's. . .soft. He can't protect you like I can. He doesn't have power like I do. And look at how the school is acting." He leaned in again to her ear and spoke quietly, "He'll crack. His best mates, Malfoy and Weasley, they've all been best friends since their First Year. And Malfoy and Weasley, they'll never accept you. Do you honestly think Potter will give them up for you? Do you think things will turn out like they would in some fairytale? That they'll come around and Potter will win over your heart? Trust me when I say Potter is bad news. He won't help you. He will abandon you, Hermione, when he sees things aren't going his way." He said fiercely, causing Hermione to shake her head.
"No, he's my friend. He wants us to be friend, you don't know him!" she cried defensively stepping away from him.
"No! He does not want to be your friend, Hermione. He wants to use you, probably just toy with your heart. His family is your enemy. Even if Potter is genuine, they will tear you apart. He won't leave his friends and family just for the sake of having your friendship. You aren't important enough to him. But to me! My family and friend would welcome you with open arms. Think about it, Hermione."
His heated gaze made her fall under his spell. It was hypnotic. His hand slowly stroked her cheek in a soothing way. "We can be something special, Hermione. Please, don't let Potter influence you. It would be for the worst." A noise suddenly sounded from somewhere close by. Avery didn't even flinch. He stared at her for a second before saying softly, "We'll talk again soon," and with that, he left. He was already down the corridor when Hermione finally began to collect her thoughts. She saw someone coming towards her and recognized it immediately as Harry.
"Hermione!" Harry greeted, surprised to see her. "I thought you went down to the Great Hall!"
Hermione looked behind her, where Avery had left. Should she tell Harry? Something inside her, sounding oddly like Avery's ensnaring voice, advised her against it. "Oh, uh, Filch stopped me, asking something about if I had seen two suspicious-looking Ravenclaw students, something about them setting off dung bombs. I talked to him for a minute. That's all, then I guess I lost track of time!" she lied quickly, hoping he would believe her.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I cannot find a way to describe it
It's there inside
All I do is hide
I wish that it would just go away
What would you do
You do if you knew
What would you do
All the pain
I thought I knew
All the thoughts lead back to you
Back to what
Was never said
Back and forth
Inside my head
I can't handle this confusion
I'm unable come and take me away
"Take Me Away" AVRIL LAVIGNE
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Harry raised an eyebrow, "You talked to Filch?" he asked skeptically.
"Yeah, he's actually not all that bad once you get passed his loathing for the students." Hermione tried to say defensively.
Harry shrugged, "He's a squib, did you know that?"
"A squib?" Hermione questioned.
"Yeah, it's the opposite of a Muggle-born. He was born Muggle into a magical family. A bit embarrassing, to be honest. Usually thought of as a disgrace."
"Oh, poor guy. No wonder he hates the students. He's probably burning with jealously."
Harry nodded, "Yeah, something like that. Anyway, shall we go to lunch?"
With that, they headed off to lunch.
Their afternoon classes crawled by, everyone still ignoring the duo. Harry noticed Hermione seemed to be preoccupied about something, but he wasn't sure if it was his place to ask. Sirius's advice ringing through his mind, telling him not jump in too quickly. Maybe he should hang back a little bit, just to allow them both to take in their new friendship status. It would probably made them both a lot more comfortable. At the same time, however, he didn't want Hermione to think he didn't care for her.
He watched as she mutely at her dinner before finally asking, "You seem a bit quiet, are things okay?" He tried to sound as innocent as possible and not like he was trying to be nosy.
Hermione looked up at him tiredly, "Sorry, didn't catch that, what did you say?"
"Err. . .I asked if things were okay, you seem a bit quiet," Harry repeated, feeling worry start to pool in his stomach.
Hermione seemed indifferent, "I'm fine. Just a bit tired," she lied.
Harry nodded his head in understanding.
They finished their dinner in silence before heading to the dungeons for detention. On their way, Hermione gave a laugh.
Harry, finding her laugh contagious, started to grin, "What's so funny?" he asked, causing Hermione to give another laugh.
"Well, you landed yourself in detention with me so we could talk, and now, well, we're friends, and you've still got detention for the rest of the week! And we didn't even sort things out in detention! It's just a bit ironic." Hermione explained, making Harry's grin wider.
"I guess so, though I don't regret having detention with you," he replied, a serious tone in his voice, causing Hermione's laughter to trail off and making her blush.
"Yeah, well. . .we should probably hurry. We don't want to be late."
The rest of the evening was awkward for the two of them. Neither had anything to say. Hermione's mind was preoccupied on everything Avery had told her the day before and today in the corridor. Would Harry turn on her if she wasn't eventually accepted into his crowd? Surely he wasn't ready to give up relationships that have lasted years over just her. No, no one would do that, and she had no right to expect him to. He would abandon her eventually, once he saw things won't work out, she'd just have to accept that. She would just have to use this as a practice experience for the future. A learning opportunity, if you will. She should guard herself enough so she doesn't get too close to him. She wasn't going to get heartbroken over this. No, this would be a simple, temporary friendship, no lasting strings attached. He will desert her, and she will face it indifferently, she will expect it. He's kind, he'll do it gently.
On the other hand, Avery's friendship sounded more lasting. His crowd would take her in without a second thought, and even if they did oppose it, Avery would take care of it. He had that power. His friendship held more promise in the long run. But Avery was bad news. Luna had warned her. Luna had told her to stay away from him. He promised power. He promise revenge. Avery promised success. But was it all worth it? She would have to offer so much to him first. She was afraid her name would be on the deaths of many people. Is that the kind of person she wanted to be? No, but. . .
Hermione sighed. This was so hard! Harry didn't promise anything permanent, and would be more likely to back down from his stand. Avery, guaranteeing lasting greatness and power, but at a terrible price. At a price she might regret.
This was confusing. Oh how she wished she could see into the future! It would make things so much easier. But she couldn't. And she couldn't have ties to both of them. They were enemies. Being linked to both would only result in her losing both of their offers. No, she would have to choose. She remembered something her grandmother had told her a long time, something about not being able to drink from the cup of Satan and from the cup of God at the same time. She wasn't a religious person, however, her grandmother was and regularly taught her the Bible's teachings. This was one story that she always loved because she always found it absurd that someone would find themselves in such a dilemma. Now she felt the moral crush down at her at full force.
Hermione, lost in her thoughts, was surprised when she felt Harry's hand on her shoulder, trying to get her attention. She jumped, dropping the glass vial she had in her hands, making glass shatter in every direction.
Harry jumped back, pulling her with him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, but it's time to go. Are you alright, you seemed lost in thought. I've been trying to get your attention for the passed few minutes. Are you sure nothing's bothering you?" Hermione could see the evident concern in his eyes.
She just shrugged it off again. "I'm fine." She could see he didn't believe her. "Honestly, I am, I'm just tired. Shall we go?"
Harry cast an uneasy glance at her once more before letting her lead him back to the Gryffindor Common Room in silence.
He walked with her to the Portrait Hole and said good night. He had Head Boy patrols tonight so he had to go. Hermione told him she'd see him in the morning before disappearing through the portrait hole. Harry watched her leave before heaving a sigh and starting down the corridor to begin his rounds.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cause it's you and me and all of the people
With nothing to do, nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people and
I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of
"You And Me" LIFEHOUSE
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hermione went up to her dormitory, still internally battling the pros and cons of befriending Harry and Avery. She laid down, hoping to ease her stressful mind, but nothing was working. The situation still worried her. Finally, after realizing trying to get to sleep was futile, she grabbed her notebook from her bedside table, picked out a pen from on of the drawers, and headed down to the empty Common Room.
She sat in front of the dying fire, feeling a sense of relaxation from watching the orange embers. She randomly doodled on a piece of paper before turning to a fresh sheet.
She tried to think up a poem, but couldn't. She found herself writing Harry's name with "Head Boy" under it. She smiled. He had so much responsibility. And she was such a horrible friend to him right now. She didn't know what she was suppose to do. Finally, she wrote out a heading:
Things A Good Friend Would Do
A (temporary) GOOD friend would. . .
+ Worry about their friend
+ Help their friend with homework
+ Help their friend with problems
+ Be there when needed
+ Make their friend laugh
+ Trust their friend
+ Improve the world for their friend
Hermione tapped the end of her pen on the tablet, trying to think up something else to write. Finally, she decided to describe each action so it would help her be a better friend:
A (temporary) GOOD friend would. . .
+ Worry about their friend- during Quidditch matches, tell Harry to be careful and not get killed!- make sure he uses spells and potions correctly and not do something that would hazardous to himself-
+ Help their friend with homework- read over his essays and correct mistakes- help Harry get ready for tests and quizzes, and the N.E.W.T.S especially!!
+ Help their friend with problems- make sure he doesn't get in trouble- when he's down help him solve whatever is making him sad- LISTEN to what he has to say-
+ Be there when needed- be Ron and Draco- show Harry you can be a good friend- don't let others put him down
+ Make their friend laugh- crack a lot of jokes and try to act witty and funny- send Clarence post
Hermione suddenly stopped, making a mental note to tell Clarence about everything that had happened. She wrote it on the corner of the page before continuing her list:
+ Make their friend laugh- crack a lot of jokes and try to act witty and funny- send Clarence post asking for good jokes- show positive side of everything- the glass is half FULL
+ Trust their friend- stop doubting Harry- show him you trust him- not TOO soon though
+ Improve the world for their friend- make things easier- show him a good Christmas- show appreciation- be there for him now become no one else will be fore the time being
Hermione re-read her list several times, feeling her stress of their friendship slowly ease away. This will surely help her be a better friend. Now she will just have to put her notes into actions while she still debated Harry vs. Avery.
Now that she was feeling better, Hermione stood up and began to make her way to the Girls' Dormitory stairs. Suddenly, she heard a noise sound from somewhere, causing her to stop in her tracks. What was that? Was it a house-elf? It wasn't Harry or Avery, it couldn't be. Harry was on patrols, and Avery can't get in here.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" she asked uncertainly, her eyes searching the dimly-lit room. There was no response. She shrugged and started back to the staircase. Suddenly, the noise sounded again. Whatever it was, it was closer now. She heard clumsy shuffling. "Who's there? This isn't funny!" Hermione because irritated now. She searched the deserted room for a second time before turning towards her dormitory again. She ran right into someone, causing her to almost fall backwards into someone else! Fear automatically crept into her stomach as she felt arms grab her from behind, pinning her arms behind her. She tried to free herself, but it was useless. The person behind her was too strong. She quickly looked at the person standing in front of her and gasped. There, smirking dangerously at her, was Draco Malfoy. Hermione didn't need to look behind her to know that her other captor was Ron Weasley.
"Looks like we found ourselves a dirty little Mudblood," Draco sneered nastily, causing Hermione to cringe.
So what did you think? PLEASE review! I just hope it wasn't a big disappointment. I had a story that I absolutely loved, and they took forever with updates, and when I read the update, I was so disappointed because I expected so much more. . . Oh well, maybe next time! Oh, and I'm beta-ing (is that how you spell it?) for a girl, and you should all take a look at her story, Belong to Nowhere! Also, be on the lookout for a new 2 shot called "Bad Day" that I will probably be posting next, mirroring a situation I had (and am still having) with my best friend. Anyway, don't forget to REVIEW!!! Tell me what you think!
Until next time, Stay Righteous!
*~Archie~*