To Ask From The Powerful
Harry couldn't believe what had happened, Hermione had just burst through the door and told him she had feelings for him with Ginny unknown to her in the next room. What the hell was going on with the life of Harry Potter?
`Hey Hermione' Ginny said, Harry cringed for a moment expecting a huge argument to erupt between the two of them. They still hadn't mentioned `the kiss' and Harry was quite glad they hadn't. Hermione's face had lost all its color as she stood there wide eyed in shock at what had just happened, Harry could tell that it was only this shock that stopped her momentarily from either bursting into tears or hexing the pair of them back to the Middle Ages, depending on what kind of mood Hermione was in. Ginny walked up towards Hermione, who didn't move at all but seemed to steel herself for a fight, Harry dammed his luck as he realized he'd left his wand over by the bed, he just had to hope that she wouldn't put anything permanent on him. As Ginny got closer she broke into a little run and threw her arms up around Hermione, pulling her into a hug.
`I haven't seen you since I woke up! I knew you'd come tonight.' Ginny said cheerily taking a couple steps back away from her looking positively ecstatic. What the hell was she playing at? Ginny wasn't the type of girl to get over such a betrayal so easily. She put her arms around Harry's side and gave him a quick hug before talking to Hermione again `We should meet up tomorrow, as you can see I'm miles better now and in dire need of some retail therapy!'
Hermione stood there eyes wide, still in shock for a few moments before recovering herself and trying to talk naturally `Um…that sounds great Ginny…but tomorrow will be…you know, hard…what with tonight and all…but soon!' Hermione had spoken the whole time in a slightly dead, emotionless voice but added the last part overly happy causing both Harry and Ginny's face to show a lot of confusion. `I just wanted to check you were ok, Harry…and now I can see you're ok…well better than ok in fact…' and with that Hermione spun around and practically ran from the room.
Ginny gave Harry a little non playful slap on the arm and spoke with her hands on her hips in that very strict, Molly style, voice of hers `what are you doing Harry Potter?' she ordered the question that let Harry know that no answer was necessary `can't you see how worried she was for you tonight? I know how bad it was for her, she's you're best friend after all. And when she finally gets to see you, you barely say a single word to her!' to say Harry was in shock would be similar to saying that Voldemort only had a little problem with Harry but was basically on good terms. But even with all the shock Harry knew Ginny had a good point, although Harry knew to see if he was ok wasn't the only reason for the visit.
`I'm sorry…' Harry said looking at Ginny.
`You don't need to apologize to me, hun…' Ginny said flirtily before adding `she might not be gone yet, if you run you might catch her…I'll wait here…' she said and gave him a quick kiss before jumping onto the bed. Harry couldn't believe what was happening, Ginny was being so mature and…brilliant. Harry didn't know what was going on but watching her for a second laying on her front, the sight of her long legs in such small shorts was way too distracting for him to be able to think clearly.
Harry pulled his glance away from her and ran towards the door, running full speed through the house as he tried to find Hermione. He stopped first at the kitchen to find it empty and searched through another couple rooms to still find no trace of her. Then an idea hit him and he knew it to be true. He quickly jogged to where he knew she would be, the morning was warm so his jeans and vest were enough to keep him warm. Harry loved these warm autumn mornings more than any others as they brought with them the feeling of the start of a year at Hogwarts, of escaping the summer with the Dursleys. He spotted Hermione where he knew she would be, sitting on the log overlooking the small pond, where they had their first kiss. He approached her slowly realizing that she was too deep in her own thoughts to realize his approach, he stopped just short so as not to scare her with his arrival.
`Hermione?' he said gently as she turned around fast to see who it was, calmness broke into her face as she saw that it was Harry `Um…can I sit down?' Harry asked gently.
Hermione smiled sadly and nodded to tell Harry he could. He made his way over and sat next to her. Moment passed as they just sat there in silence, neither wanting to speak first.
`It's good to see you're safe, Harry. But why did you follow me?' Hermione said, her eyes not leaving the pond.
`Um…to be perfectly honest, Ginny told me too…' Harry said, now was not the time to be lying to Hermione, no matter how well intentioned the lie might be. By her little snorted amusement though Harry quickly regretted not being more economical with the truth just this once. He looked at her and knew that he still had feelings for her, they hadn't left in the last month as he tried to move on. It wasn't Ginny's face he saw in the split second when he thought that he would be dying by Naginis attack, it was Hermione's. After the battle he wanted to run to her and just feel her petite body in his arms, to tell her he was safe and how much he wanted to see if he was right about them, to see if he could change her mind. But her words had rung through his mind, they were just friends and nothing more, he had still liked Ginny and that once he sorted things with her these feelings would disappear. So it wasn't Hermione he had ended up running to, but Ginny. Seeing her here now he didn't know what to do, he had Ginny who he couldn't hurt again waiting for him, and his best friend beside him who he wanted to kiss.
`Hermione… I want to be honest with you, always. Tonight, Me and Ginny…' he started but she interrupted him, turning her eyes to him for the first time.
`Are two of my best friends' she said strictly, like she was daring Harry to challenge that statement `I'm sorry for what I said tonight…it was dumb of me. I was so scared I had lost my best friend that I was just so happy you were ok. I guess I just let my feelings run away…do you forgive me Harry?' she asked sincerely, the whole time her eyes had been locked on Harry and he felt himself practically hypnotized by how much he wanted to kiss the person in front of him.
`Of course I forgive you, but…' he started, but she cut him off instantly.
`Thanks, Harry, I'd better be going. I haven't slept all night' and as she stood up she took a step away and disapparated.
Harry was slightly confused, how do girls do these things? She had ended the conversation properly in about a second just because she had wanted to go. Harry's usual tactic was just to storm of, rather pathetic compared. He got up of the log and started to walk back towards the house, thoughts constantly running through his mind. How had life managed to get so confusing? Every year he was confused about who was trying to kill him and in what elaborate way, now he knew who, and he was following a plan for the entire year. He had thought about this the other day and realized how weird it was to actually know the rough outline of what was going to happen, a rather comforting feeling had spread through him with that. True, the rough outline consisted of numerous battles, while trying to destroy Voldemorts soul, against fully trained Death Eaters, as well as all the other foul creatures Voldemort might have in store for him. And then there was the battle with the most powerful wizard in the world as well still to happen, where Harry would probably die. But Harry was still comforted that he had some sort of rough guide line, usually all these things happened without him having any time to plan. But now he had to add confusion to his life as he tried to work out his feelings for his best friend, who he constantly wanted to be with! Oh, and his feelings for Ginny as well. Harry knew that he could deal with attacks and plots to kill him much easier than his love life…maybe this year was looking harder than he had previously thought.
He found himself already outside Ginny's door and as he went to push the door open he paused, a sense of foreboding going through his body. He took a moment to steel himself and pushed the door open and went in to be with Ginny.
*
The Prime minister had spent all morning in parliament trying to push through a bill, the opposition had spent the whole time trying to delay it. His enemies were now just trying to make life hard for him, to get him to quit, or to make everyone lose confidence in him. Well, everyone pretty much already had, so they should at least of given him this. He needed this bill to be passed, the man had pointed out how necessary it was, how much it would ease his problems and maybe win him another term. The man was starting to become more and more demanding with each visit and the Prime minister always found himself conceding to him. He looked around his room considering if all this was worthwhile. He was constantly bad mouthed by the press, attacked by enemies and friends in parliament and he didn't even have his family to help him forget anymore. But nearly a decade in the job had taught him that there were always ups and downs, this one was just a very long and deep down, there would be other days to celebrate.
`ahh, thinking to yourself as always?' came the voice of the man. However much he had these sudden appearances happen to him he never quite got use to them, and at least the other minister used to warn him of a visit.
`I guess I was…' he said signaling for the man to sit down, which was quickly accepted. The Prime Minister let out a little laugh at how courteous this man could be all the time. `So, what is it today? He asked.
`I see you are having trouble getting that law passed?' he said conversationally.
`With my lack of support nowadays I'd have trouble getting a pay cut for myself approved!' he said bitterly. The man smiled sadly at him adding a small sympathetic smile before speaking.
`It is appalling how peoples… prejudices, can make them so blinkered against what must be done…for the greater good, of course' he added consolingly. The Prime Minister couldn't help but like this man, he was always caring and a good friend to him.
`I'm sorry but I think that bill could take a while to pass…I'm sure I can rally enough support, but it'll take time' he said factly, he didn't enjoy withholding things from this man and always tried his hardest for him.
`Alas, time. Man's greatest enemy' he spoke out loud `but on this instance, it is a luxury we can't afford…'
`There's nothing I can do…trust me if I could do it today I would!' he said, he hated to let him down.
`Try again tomorrow, I'm positive you'll see a definite change in the opposition…' he spoke softly, almost bitterly. He had never seen this side to the man, but he had trusted him since he first met him, so he would once again.
*
Harry was sat outside waiting to be allowed entrance, he knew they were taking there time in order to prove their power but Harry didn't mind them doing this, anything to be out of the house for a couple hours was welcomed by him. Things had got weird at Grimmauld, Hermione was overly friendly and totally avoided that night. In two weeks they hadn't spoken a single word about it even though Harry had found that every word he wanted to speak to her was about it. He had been trying with Ginny, he knew he owed her that much, and although he enjoyed the time he was with her and rarely thought of Hermione, that would all change when she entered the room. When he was with the two of them he would just stare longingly at Hermione, not a single thought would cross his mind about Ginny as they were all too occupied on a certain brown eyed girl. He was amazed Ginny hadn't seemed to notice this, but then again she still hadn't mentioned the night of the attack yet. Harry had even gone to seek answers on this silence at St. Mungos, asking if she could be suffering from amnesia. The answer to this wasn't worth the trip, they didn't even say maybe, just answering that they don't know, although they did tell him they weren't even sure why she woke up which kind of explained their lack of answer. All Harry knew was that if she wasn't talking about it there was no way he was going to bring it up, that was one conversation he was desperate never to have.
`Harry Potter, you can go in now' the secretary said snapping him from his inner monologue, an inner monologue that seemed to be getting a little excessive as he got older. He stood up and walked towards the door pushing them open without pausing as he walked through purposefully. He was sat behind the desk playing with some papers before looking up and faking a look of not expecting Harry. This was badly played Harry thought, he had made this appointment two days ago and he knew that he wouldn't have been forgotten, he was after all the `Great Harry Potter'.
`Harry, it's' so good to see you again!' he said joyously waving him over in a friendly manner to a chair, which Harry took quickly.
`Good to see you as well, Rufus' Harry said confidently to Rufus Scrimgeour.
`So, for what do I owe this pleasure?' he said kindly to Harry, eyeing him intently like he was trying to read his mind and thoughts. Harry knew all to well that the Minister knew why he had come and was just playing with Harry,
`You know why I'm here, Rufus, so if we can drop the charades it'll help things move along quickly, I do have a few rather important things to be getting on with' Harry said politely to Harry, Rufus nodded acceptably at Harry `As to you trying to follow me and all you're reconnaissance on me, it must end. I haven't had the pleasure to meet the new headmaster yet but every single person I knew at Hogwarts has had the pleasure to already. Questioning pupils who are under aged isn't exactly illegal, but the readers of the Prophet may find it a little too immoral for the ministry to be involved in. and as you have realized the following of me hasn't been successful for you, but has created problems for me, so I ask you to cease on that'. Rufus had stared at Harry, lost in thought over what Harry had been saying. Harry knew that he had put him in a tight spot, the Minister hadn't been able to tide Voldemorts rise and if he went to the papers against him, he would be in a very bad situation and would be likely to lose his job. Attacking `the Chosen One' was not a good career move. It was a few moments before he spoke again.
`You're still Dumbledore's man, I see' this threw Harry slightly but he quickly regained and kept his cool allowing Rufus to carry on talking `well, I can personally say that I know nothing of these accusations, but I will look into it and if they are happening they will stop. But I must ask that any news doesn't go to the media, it would be very dangerous for… them, to be informed of anything.' Harry could see he was being truthful and knew it would make his plans easier to do
`There is one more thing I must request. I need open access to the Ministry libraries as well as other information in the Department of Mysteries' a tiny grin spread over the Ministers face, Harry knew why this was and was worried of the consequences, but he knew it had to be done.
`That'll be my pleasure, Harry, you're welcome any time you want to come. I'll have some people show you to anything you need' he said nicely, the grin becoming slightly large on his old face, distorting the smile into something that resembled a sneer.
`I'm sorry but you misunderstand. I won't be here that often, if ever' the Ministers face dropped at this new piece of information `the pass will actually be for Hermione Granger…I can tell by the look on you're face that you know of her and that this'll be acceptable?' Harry asked.
`Yes, that'll definitely be acceptable…' the Minister said, the grin had shrunk but was still slightly evident on his face.
Harry had achieved all that was needed and stood and left without another word making his way quickly to the disapparation zone. He quickly found his way there and disapparated without another thought, the less amount of time he spent out in the open in the Ministry was for the best. With the horrible squeezing sensation that Harry still hated he appeared in the living room of Grimmauld place.
`Hey Harry, you took ages…I was getting a little worried' Hermione said sitting on a chair by the fire looking up at Harry. She was snuggled up on the chair with her book in her lap, the radiance from the fire lighting up her face as she looked at Harry with her beautiful deep brown eyes. Harry couldn't help but feel like his stomach had just flipped as he looked at this beautiful young woman who was his best friend. He forced himself to tear his eyes away from her and made his way to the chair opposite hers by the fire. Sitting down he closed his eyes for a moment, so happy to be back in the safety of his home.
`So, how did it go then?' Hermione asked eagerly looking at Harry. Harry paused for a moment to enjoy the silence for a little longer before speaking again.
`Everything went perfectly.' Harry said opening his eyes again and looking at Hermione, she was just so beautiful in his eyes `you have you're pass, and the following will stop. You're idea of threatening to go to the press worked brilliantly' Hermione smiled and went back to looking at her book. This didn't surprise Harry at all as she often kept her eyes away from him when it wasn't necessary. Harry though wanted to talk to her, he hadn't heard her laugh for so long and he was eager for her to be back in his life properly again.
`So…how are you?' Harry asked, but she didn't look up at him, just answering with her eyes still scanning the page.
`Well you know how it goes…' she said absently, Harry wanted her to look at him so he could look into those eyes. He grabbed the book from her and put it under him as to stop her grabbing it back. She looked at Harry in shock, mouth agape for a few moments before she spoke.
`Give it back!' she ordered strictly, reminding Harry of McGonagall. Harry just shock his head and received a playful punch on the arm `and why not Harry James Potter?'
`Because I need to talk to someone, you don't know how depressing it is to spend an evening in the Ministry with only Rufus Scrimgeour as company!' Hermione smiled and sat up properly to look at Harry.
`Ok then Mr. Potter, you have my full attention now. So what do you want to talk about, because if its Quidditch I'm going to need one of the patented daydream charms Fred and George left here' she said teasingly looking at Harry with a smile playing on her lips.
`Well…I don't know, I just wanted a chat' Harry said uncertainly, he actually wanted to talk about what had been happening between them but didn't think that'd go down so well `…so how are you?'
`I'm good, been a little depressing as I haven't found anything for ages, but with the Ministry pass that should be sorted now' she said thoughtfully looking at Harry `Oh, don't tell Ron, but Victors in town, I'm going to meet him tomorrow' Harry felt his stomach fall out at the thought of Hermione going on a date with Krum.
`Krum? You're going on a date with Krum?' Harry said a little too angrily to look nonchalant as he had hoped.
`Not a date, just as friends, promise!' Hermione said honestly `I've decided to take some time out from boys…' Harry knew she was telling the truth, she wouldn't straight out lie to him about something like this.
`That's probably a good idea…' Harry said thinking fast about Krum when something hit him `Can I see Krum later tomorrow?' Hermione's mouth dropped in shock as she looked at Harry.
`Of course…but why?' she asked confusedly to him.
`Don't worry, I just need to ask him something, I've got to check a few things first then I'll tell you, promise' Harry said earnestly to him, Hermione just nodded and then looked away at the clock.
`Times got away again. I've got to go Harry, I said I'd go round and see Ginny later' Hermione said brightly and stood up to leave, Harry watching her go. Harry couldn't help but constantly realize how good looking she was walking away in her tight jeans. As she reached the door she stopped and spun around, her wand out as she shouted.
`Accio book!'
Harry felt himself get tossed face first onto the floor as the book was pulled instantly from under him. His face was buried into the carpet as he heard Hermione's laugh as she left the room, that beautiful laugh he hadn't heard for so long.
***()____()***
So that's the new chapter, hope you liked it, not much Harry and Hermione which I'm sorry for. Sorry for the late posting, but all my essays are done and handed in now so I have loads of spare time now and postings will be quick and regular from now on, promise.
A LOT of reviews for the last chapter! You guys make me smile, when you review anyway! So you better review again as something a little nasty might be coming you're way if you don't! Be warned!
Here's my thank you to the reviewers, NightsHeart (loving the long review!) Cutie_Claud (love you sooo much!) HPCfan2 (hope you liked it, romance coming soon!) Ruhypo7 (what the hell is you're name?) Lorel (My 100th review!!! You're great!) Remolina (you're quickly becoming my favorite!) YankeeCPA (I bet the reaction wasn't what you thought!) HornetMike (hope you liked it) Babs08 (thanks for noticing OTH thing) Izzieq (poor Hermione!) Djo (you don't review again, something nasty WILL happen! lol) Donnalk (sorry for taking time, dam essays) Poison (good that you got the guts to review!) Potterboy21 (sorry I dint answer you're question in this chapter, it will be answered though…) Ice ace (there are things to overcome, and people may die!) Goddessofrockadpop (still luvin ya!) Hagrid (I like you a lot, you make me laugh) and all the anonymous people (I feel really bad that you don't have names, that would make life a little hard…)
From all you reviewers I want to hear something about you as well as about the chapter! I know its unusual but I can be pretty demanding at times, tell me as much or little as you want, but tell me something about YOU! Or you can ask my advice, like a problem page thing…it'll be fun! This I demand, or BAD things will be happening… LOL. Hope you liked it, next one will be out on Saturday… Till then…
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