A/N: Hey, ya'll. Happy late Thanksgiving Holidays to you all! Here's Chapter 5 up; their first date! Thanks for all who are reading this and reviewing! Reviews are better than turkey; gotta love it; it's necessary for a happy holiday (or author!) Once again I don't own A Walk to Remember or the ideas in it. One of the quotes in here is almost word for word from the movie, so forgive me. I can't help the fact that it's a perfect love story movie.
Disclaimer: Yada yada yada Don't own this Yada yada yada!
Chapter 5
Hermione looked at her reflection in the mirror before giving an angry look at Melba and pulling the dress off in a fury. Melba grabbed the dress from the floor and shook her head.
"Hermione, dear! You look beautiful in this! What's wrong?" Hermione gave her a little puppy dog look before bursting into tears.
"Oh, Melba! I'm so scared and worried and nervous about tonight! I haven't gone out with anyone in two years and I'm so scared that I won't be good enough! After all that has happened to me-"
"Hermione, that's enough. Don't go that way; that bridge has been burned. You can only look back that way for memories of experiences and not let it take over your life every time you have a date." She handed her a tissue. "There, now. Harry really likes you, I promise. Why else would he come to the Bison Witch every single day?"
"Maybe he just really likes coffee?"
"Oh, posh. I'm sure he likes it, but I know he's not a very big coffee drinker by the leakage of the plant near his table."
"You mean, he buys coffee every day just to dispose of it in a potted plant-"
"Just to see you, my dear."
"Oh." Hermione wiped her eyes, gave Melba a hug, and emerged into her closet. Her apartment wasn't particularly large, but the closet was large enough to step partially into. She searched among the racks for something to wear. Her eyes stopped on a black cocktail dress and she fingered the soft, flowing fabric carefully. She reluctantly pulled it off the hanger and slipped it on. Her fingers grasped the cool zipper and she carefully zipped it, careful not to snag her hair. She grabbed a pearl necklace from a box and fastened it around her long, slender neck. She slipped on high-heeled black shoes with pointy toes and stepped out of the closet. Melba gasped from her perch on the bed.
"Dear, you look wonderful. That necklace- is it…?"
"Yes. It was Mum's."
Melba gave a kind, motherly smile. "I'm sure if she were here she'd be pleased as pie to see her little girl all grown up and beautiful." She patted Hermione's arm in a caring fashion. After a moment of silence in which Hermione thought upon her mother, Melba finally spoke. "Well, let's go fix your hair and makeup."
Melba took Hermione into the small bathroom and made her sit on the toilet lid. She pulled out a plethora of hair products and stylers. She spritzed on some hair-straightening tonic and began to work. After working for almost an hour, Hermione's hair was finally sleek and manageable. Looking in the mirror, she was amazed that her hair could ever be so beautiful and not bushy.
"Melba, this is amazing! I'm so glad I have you to help me with this!"
"It'll get better, I promise. This is just round one of the hairdo process." Hermione gave a little groan.
"I'm so glad I don't do this on a daily basis-it's way too time consuming."
Melba gave a little chuckle and began to style her long, brown hair. When she was finished, Hermione couldn't help but smile, pleased at the final result. Her hair was curled in loose curls all around her head, no frizz in sight. It was simple, yet elegant, and it fit Hermione's fancy perfectly. Glancing at her clock, she saw there was only 15 minutes until Harry was scheduled to arrive. She ran to the mirror and rushed to apply her makeup. Right as she was capping her lipstick for the final time, she heard a knock on her apartment door. She looked at Melba and gasped.
"It's him!" Melba jumped over the bed and grabbed Hermione's long, gray wool coat from her coat rack. She tossed it to her as she walked towards the door. Melba gave her a quick good luck hug and ran into the kitchen, out of sight.
When Hermione finally opened the door, she saw Harry smiling on the other side. Oh, my! He looks very sexy tonight and-Granger! Shame on you for thinking something like that!
But she couldn't help think it, for it was true. He had on a blue and white striped button up shirt that somehow accented his eyes, slightly baggy blue jeans, and brown shoes. His hair was messier than usual and his grin made her heart flutter.
"H-hey, Harry."
"Hermione. You look very nice tonight."
"Thank you. You don't look half bad yourself."
He gave a nervous little laugh before handing her a white single-stemmed rose, surprisingly without any trace of thorns. "I got this for you."
Hermione smiled at his sweet boy-like shyness. "Thank you! Let me put it in a vase really quickly. Come on in, make yourself at home for a few minutes!" She ran to the kitchen and left Harry looking around her apartment. He noticed that her apartment was very small, and was glad that she didn't know that he was a billionaire. He had no worries, though. Although he had chosen not to use the Felix Felicis before asking her out, he had taken seven drops in his tea before coming in an attempt to make this date perfect.
After a few moments, Hermione emerged from the kitchen, coat in hand.
"Are we ready?" She smiled sweetly at him as he nodded.
"Yeah. Oh, let me help you with your coat." As he took the coat from her hand, her fingers grazed his and his whole body tingled with ecstasy. Controlling himself, he put the coat on her and carefully pulled her hair out from under the collar.
"Thank you, Harry."
"No problem." He stepped in front of her and opened the door for her. She gave him another smile that made his heart race as he closed the door. He led her to his little old car and opened the door for her before getting in on the driver's side. They made small talk as they drove slowly through downtown London. Everything was perfect, and Harry was very glad he had used some of the potion tonight.
As Harry watched Hermione from the corner of his eye, he noticed every little thing about her. Her eyes sparkled brilliantly every time she would smile, her fingers tapped the armrest softly and gracefully, and she would pull back strands of her hair right before she said anything to him. They traveled for a few blocks in silence until he saw her fiddle with a strand of her hair. He stifled a smile and waited until she spoke.
"So, where are we going tonight?"
"Well, I was thinking about going to a seafood along the Thames. Is that okay with you?"
"Sounds wonderful. I love seafood."
"Okay, then! Here we are." He pulled the car into a little parking lot that was already very crowded. He pulled the car into a parking space close to the front and leaped out of the car. He ran around the front and opened the door for Hermione while extending his arm to help her out.
"Why, thank you, Harry."
"No problem. I've reserved a table, so we can go in immediately instead of waiting in this long line." He made a gesture towards the long line that was stretched around the building. He led her to the door and held it open for her to step inside.
It was warm inside the restaurant despite the promise of snow outside. Hermione could see that the restaurant was crowded but somewhat quiet. Harry took her by the arm and led her to the waiter's stand. There was a very pretty Asian girl standing there in a white shirt and tie, menus in her hand. Harry saw her and his face lit up with recognition.
"Parvati, hey! I didn't know you worked here!"
"Why, if it isn't Harry Potter! What have you been up to lately, saving the world as we know it?" Harry gave her a little glare as Hermione looked on, confused.
"Well, tonight I'm here with Hermione Granger. Hermione, this is Parvati. We went to school together. Parvati, this is Hermione."
Hermione gave a little nod. "Nice to meet you, Parvati."
Parvati gave a little laugh. "Same to you! Now, let me seat you guys." She led them to a small table for two that was right by a huge plate glass window. The room was dimly lit, and they could see the reflection of downtown London on the Thames. Parvati gave them menus and left them to decide what they wanted to eat. They looked at their menus for a few moments before Hermione placed hers on the table with a sigh. She looked out the window as she placed her hands on top of the menu. Harry reached out and cradled her small hand with his large one.
"Hermione, what's wrong?"
She gave a little smile. "Oh, nothing. I was just admiring the view."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Can I ask you a personal question? You don't have to answer."
"Fire away."
"Okay. Did you and Parvati ever have a "thing" for each other?"
Harry gave a snort. "Not quite. I did go with her to a Ball in my fourth year, just because Ron was going with her twin sister, Padma." He laughed at some memory. "In fact, they both got quite angry at us after we ditched them during the dance to go spy on--, uh, well, one of our larger friends."
Hermione laughed. "Do I even want to know?"
"Probably not." He took his hand off of hers and placed his menu on the table. Moments later Parvati returned, this time with a notepad in hand.
"Okay, you two! What can I get you tonight?"
Hermione spoke up first. "I'll take the Cajun shrimp pasta with a glass of iced tea please."
"Make that two, please." Harry smiled at Hermione and she smiled back. Parvati jotted down their order and walked away. Hermione turned back to Harry, wanting more information.
"So, why could you not get a date to the Ball?"
Harry sighed and mussed up his hair, revealing his scar to her for the first time. She pretended not to notice and listened instead to his answer.
"Truthfully, I don't know. I'm not meaning to brag, but I've always been, well, you could say I'm a bit of a legend where I come from. Before the Ball, I had girls falling for me left and right, but I guess I just waited to long to ask anyone to go with me."
Hermione couldn't help the feeling of jealousy that rose in her chest. "So, in your past you were a womanizer, basically."
Harry turned so red that his scar almost disappeared. Really, that is a peculiar scar. I've never seen a cut that becomes a perfect lightning bolt.
"Oh, Hermione, you're actually quite far from the truth. True, I have gone out with quite a few girls, but, well, can I tell you something as long as you promise not to laugh?"
"Promise with all my heart."
"I've never been kissed; no girl's ever touched my lips."
Hermione looked at him, flabbergasted. "Why?"
He grinned sheepishly and ruffled his hair again, a habit she realized he did when he was embarrassed or nervous. "I don't know. I just have always thought of love as something pure and perfect. I realized that once my first kiss was given, it was gone forever. I just think that since it's so important to me, I won't just give it away freely to any girl that I date. I'm still saving my first kiss for the one girl who truly loves me for who I am, not just what I possess."
Hermione looked at him and couldn't help the slight mist of tears in her eyes. "Wow, Harry. That's so sweet. I knew you were different from all the other guys I've ever met; now I see I was completely right."
Harry gave a bashful grin and mumbled something incoherent. After a few seconds of awkward silence, their food arrived and they begin to dig in heartily. They ate for a few moments with only the sound of the musicians near the dance floor filling their ears. Harry wiped his mouth with a napkin before turning to Hermione.
"Okay, my turn to ask you a personal question."
"Alright, go ahead, give me your best shot."
"What is a beautiful, intelligent young lady like you doing at a coffee shop, working her life away without schooling or dates for two years before tonight?"
She looked at him, shocked. "How did you know I haven't dated for two years?"
"Uhh, Melba threatened me within an inch of my life not to hurt you when I went back to the Bison Witch this morning to make sure you didn't have anything to do tonight."
"Oh." She stared at him for a few moments in wonderment before finally sighing. "Okay, here's the answer to your question. First of all, after my mom died, all my ambitions to finish my schooling died with her. I found comfort by working where she worked, right alongside Melba. I'm so grateful for Melba, cause she's taken me under her wing during my lowest times."
"That's really good that you have someone to depend on. I've never really had anyone but Ron to depend on since I was one, and you know that's not much to depend on."
They both laughed before another silence fell. Hermione didn't know if she wanted to tell him her reason for not dating until tonight. She thought she could trust him, but…
Thankfully Harry interrupted her thoughts. "Hermione, would you care to dance?"
"Certainly!" Harry stood up and held out his hand to her. She took it, trying not to think about how firm and soft it was, and let him lead her to the dance floor. No one else was dancing, making Hermione feel slightly self-conscious. As Harry began to lead her into a dance, he could feel her nervousness by the way she was all tensed up. He leaned his mouth to her ear and whispered tenderly to her.
"Hermione, just relax. Don't care about what they think. I'm here, and I promise I will never let you go." She smiled at his words and leaned in closer to him. They danced alone on the ballroom floor while all the diners watched them with smiles on their faces. They all remembered what it was like to be young and in love, and nobody touched the dance floor, not wanting to interrupt the coming together of these two young souls. They continued to dance until the lights went down. Only then did they realize that they were some of the only people left in the restaurant. They both gave nervous little giggles and walked back to their table hand in hand. They grabbed their coats and Hermione waited while Harry paid the bill.
As they exited the restaurant, they realized that it had begun to snow. Harry led her to the walkway down to the river's edge. They walked hand in hand down the snowy sidewalks, admiring the view and snow. Harry couldn't help but notice how beautiful Hermione was with her cheeks tinged with pink from the cold. He squeezed her hand tighter.
They continued to walk until they reached a large flat rock posing as a monument. Hermione sat on it, and he sat beside her, refusing to let go of her hand. She leaned her soft, curly hair against his shoulder. They sat like this for a few moments before Hermione spoke.
"I'm ready to answer your second question now." She didn't quite know why, but she felt compelled to tell him her story. He looked at her attentively.
"If you don't want to tell me, you don't have to."
"No, it's okay. This is something I need to finally get off my chest. The reason that I haven't dated anyone since I was nineteen is because, well, until I met you I didn't trust anybody. See, I was dating this guy named Michael. He was an American, here in London on an internship. We met at the library and started dating when I was seventeen and a half, a few months before Mum died. He was everything I ever hoped for, or so I thought. When Mum died, he stood by my side and supported me with all he had. It wasn't until about two months after Mum's death that things started to go sour.
"He started to spend less time with me than before, but I just excused it to his increasing work load. After a while, I realized that he was cheating on me with some French girl. I confronted him, and he told me that it was all a misunderstanding and that he loved me more than anyone else in the world. Me, being the stupid person I am, believed him. We continued dating, but things were really rocky. He told me that unless I had sex with him that he would leave me, but I refused. So he began to abuse me, physically and mentally, until I turned to Melba for help.
"She gave me the courage to break up with him. When I finally did, he snapped and completely lost it. He started threatening to kill me. He actually tried to once, threatening that if he couldn't have me, no one could. I called the police, and he was sent back to America. After that, I went to some counseling, but it didn't seem to help. I had scars, both emotional and physical, and I shut myself away. Eventually, all my friends abandoned me, believing that I was some horrible slut. And I swore to myself to never trust another guy again, to avoid the pain.
"And then you came into the Bison Witch, and, oh, I don't know! I just trusted you for some reason; I saw it in your eyes. It may have been a mistake going out with you, but tonight was the first time in a long time that I actually felt like myself again."
Harry looked at her in amazement, the tears in his eyes mirroring hers. "Oh, `Mione… I'm so, so sorry that all that has happened to you." He pulled her close to him and rocked her back and forth, letting her tears fall on his shirt. "You are not stupid or a horrible slut or anything else he might have made you believe. Oh my, I hate that guy so much, and I've never even met him. I promise that I will never do anything to make you doubt my trust. And I know this sounds crazy since I haven't known you that long, but you are the most amazing woman I've ever met, and I promise I will never hurt you or abandon you."
She looked up to him as a single tear rolled down her cheek. "Do you mean that, Harry?"
He leaned forward and kissed the spot on her cheek where the tear rested, tasting it's salty flavor on his lips. "With all my heart."
He took her by the hand and they walked in silence back to Harry's car. Harry opened her door for her and got in on the driver's side. He started the car, but before he could put it in reverse, Hermione placed her hand on his arm. He looked at her, his emerald eyes piercing the darkness.
"Harry, thank you for listening to me, and for being so sweet. You've proved to me that it is possible to trust again."
Not knowing what to say, he patted her arm and smiled.
The drive to her apartment was silent. Neither minded, though, too enveloped in their thoughts. When they reached Hermione's door, Harry looked at her with an emotion in his eyes that she couldn't read. He smiled at her and hugged her, wrapping her in his arms. They stood like that for a moment until Harry broke the silence.
"Hermione, tomorrow me and a few of my friends and their girlfriends are going to get together at my place and having a little dinner. I was wondering, well, really I was hoping that, maybe, you'd like to come?"
Hermione smiled. "Sure, I'll be there, if you can pick me up." He nodded and she smiled. "Thank you for tonight, Harry. I had a wonderful time."
"Me too. So, does that mean that you'll, well, will you be my girlfriend?"
She gave a huge smile, once again touched by his boyish shyness. "Yes, Harry, I'll be Yours." She leaned up and gave him a little peck on the cheek. "Goodnight, Harry."
"Goodnight, `Mione." She let herself into the house, looking out the door one last time. What she saw was Harry standing in shock, softly fingering the place on his face that had been grazed by her lips.
A/N: Okay, so that was longer than previous chapters. Yay! OMG, writing that last part made me cry a bit; I'm too emotional sometimes. Anyways, please review! Next chapter: Meeting Harry's Mates!
Thanks for Reading,
KatieBug
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