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Chapter 7 - Reactions
Harry's world went from heaven to hell in about 10 seconds. He felt as if his breath had been knocked right out of him.
Boyfriend? Boyfriend! She had never mentioned any boyfriend.
Harry eyed the guy that Hermione had just claimed as her boyfriend. He hated him. He didn't even know him, but he hated him, right now more than anything else. He had taken the one thing that Harry desired most. And Harry hated him for that.
Around him, Harry could hear a conversation going on. He vaguely remembered being introduced to this Kyle guy. But Harry was barely paying attention. He felt numb. All he could see right now was this guy, the enemy, seated next to Hermione. His Hermione. And he was holding her hand!
Harry's world turned red with rage. He could see himself yanking Kyle up from his seat and choking him with his bare hands. He began to smile, happy with himself, but was jolted out of his fantasy by a voice calling his name.
"Harry, Harry...." Hermione was saying. "Are you alright?"
Harry hadn't realized that he was now seated on the edge of his chair and he was gripping the arms very tightly, his nails digging into the material. Everyone was looking at him now with concerned expressions.
"Yes, I'm fine," Harry said, trying his best to be convincing. "Actually, I'm a bit tired. It's been a long day. I think I'm going to go to bed."
"Oh, of course," Hermione said, rising. "I should have realized that you'd be tired. Let me show you to your room."
Harry stood to follow Hermione to his room. He saw Kyle stand and offer him his hand. "It was nice to meet you Harry, Hermione has told me so much about you," Kyle said.
'Pity, I haven't heard a thing about you,' Harry thought bitterly to himself. Harry shook Kyle's hand. He wanted to break it, but restrained himself. "Nice meeting you too," he said. He muttered a quick goodnight to Ashley and Ron, before following Hermione. Harry did not speak to Hermione as she led him to the room. He just needed time to himself.
Ron, sensing Harry's foul mood, excused himself to go talk to him. He saw a very angry Harry sitting on the bed when he entered.
"Bit of a shock, that was, huh mate," Ron said, carefully. Harry did not blow up often, but he looked on the verge of a major explosion.
"Did she ever mention any boyfriend to you," Harry asked.
"No, she didn't. It makes you wonder. Maybe it just started."
"I don't think so. He looked really comfortable to me, like they've been dating for a while. Did you see how he just came in and kissed her? I can't believe it."
"So what are you gonna do," Ron asked Harry.
"What can I do? I've lost her. She's moved on like she said she would. She deserves to be happy. How can I stand in the way of that?"
"So you're just going to give up? Just like that."
Harry did not respond. He just sat there looking dejected and angry.
"She still loves you, you know. I could see it in her eyes. No one could miss the looks you were passing each other during dinner. If you really love her, then fight for her. Don't be a bloody coward. She waited years for you. Don't you think she deserves the same from you."
"I know, I know," Harry said. "I just don't want to cheat her out of her happiness, if she really is happy with that asshole."
"Well, you'll never know unless you try. I'm going to go back out now. That Ashley sure is cute. Wonder what my chances are with her," Ron said with a smile before heading back to the living room.
Harry lay in his bed thinking. This definitely was not the welcome he had been expecting. He loved Hermione. Now she had a boyfriend. He knew it was unfair to be upset with her. After all, how many girlfriends had she watched him parade around with? But he couldn't help but feel betrayed that she did not tell him about it. Wasn't he her best friend? He did have a right to know.
Though he had lost the battle, Harry knew that he wouldn't give up. He couldn't give up. He loved Hermione too much and wasn't going to let her get away that easy. Ron was right, she had waited for him to come around for a long time. He was willing to return the favor.
Harry thought back to earlier that day when he had pulled Hermione into his arms. It felt so right, natural even. She was everything he remembered and everything he needed. He wasn't willing to let that go. Not now, not ever. This Kyle had better get ready for a fight. This meant war.
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Hermione walked Kyle to the door. She didn't know why, but she felt relieved when he said he had to leave. At the door, he pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly.
"Sorry I stopped by unannounced, but I had to see you," Kyle told her, still holding her in his arms. "I really missed you today and I know you will be busy over the next couple days with your visitors."
"It's okay, Kyle," Hermione reassured him. "You know you are always welcome." She was still in Kyle's embrace, but another fellow was currently on her mind. She immediately felt guilty for having those thoughts of Harry, especially while she was with Kyle. 'It's just the shock of seeing him again, that's all,' she reassured herself. 'This is where I belong.'
She looked up to find Kyle staring at her.
"I love you Hermione," Kyle told her, sincerely. He was still staring at her, as though he was waiting for her to reply. But Hermione knew she could not say what he wanted to hear. She honestly did not know how she felt. It had been a very confusing night for the girl who knew everything. She did not want to lead him on. So instead of a reply, she placed a kiss upon his lips. Kyle looked disappointed that he had not gotten a reply to his declaration of love, but accepted her kiss nonetheless.
As she closed the door, Hermione unwillingly began to compare Harry's hug with that which she had just received from Kyle. She remembered how it felt to be that close to Harry and she knew whose arms she'd rather be in, whether she was willing to admit it or not.
Hermione forced those thoughts out of her head. It was shortly after Harry went to bed and she contemplated checking to see if he was still awake. She decided against it. She still felt bad for not telling him about Kyle and decided to face those questions tomorrow.
Hermione went back to the living room where Ashley and Ron still sat. They had hit it off wonderfully.
"I'm gonna head to bed," Hermione informed them. "Are you two, gonna be okay?"
"Yeah, you go ahead. I'll keep Ron entertained," Ashley informed her, with a mischievous grin.
"Night, Mione," Ron said, standing. He and Hermione embraced once more.
"See you guys in the morning," she told them, before heading to bed.
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Hermione awakened early the next morning. She wanted to prepare a big breakfast for her two best friends. She stood in the small kitchen, waving her wand around, causing items to fly out of the cabinets and refrigerator. Since leaving Hogwarts and being able to use magic whenever she wanted, Hermione found that she rather liked cooking. It was a lot easier to cook with magic.
Ashley stumbled out of the bed, after being awakened by the sound of clanging pots and pans. She entered the kitchen, seeing a bowl of pancake batter with a large spoon in it that was doing a very sloppy job of stirring. There were also pans of bacon and eggs on the stove that were being flipped and turned by two cooking utensils that were floating nearby. And sitting at the table was a very satisfied looking Hermione, obviously happy with her progress.
"So, you gonna cook your way into Harry's heart," Ashley asked. She couldn't resist teasing Hermione. It was so easy. "My mom always said that the way to a man's heart was through his stomach. Of course, I've always found the route through his pants easier."
"You would, seeing as though you can't even boil water without starting a fire," Hermione retorted. "And furthermore, I am not trying to capture anyone's heart. I'm just making a nice breakfast for my three best friends."
"Yeah right Hermione. I saw the way you two were looking at each other. I thought you guys were gonna go at it right in the middle of the living room. There was definitely some chemistry there. And did you see the way Harry looked when Kyle came in. He looked like somebody stole his candy."
"Don't be ridiculous. I don't know what you're talking about," said Hermione. "Harry and I are just friends." She busied at the stove, trying not to look at Ashley because the truth was written all over her face.
"Come on Hermione, admit it. You still love him. And even if it isn't love, don't act like you wouldn't jump at the chance to make him another one of your naughty proposals."
Hermione's jaw dropped. She couldn't believe Ashley went there. "Well what about you and Ron? You two sure looked chummy. 'Go on Hermione, I'll take care of Ron. Oh Ron, I really love your freckles. Oh Ron, I think red hair is sooo sexy,'" Hermione mimicked and pretended to gag.
"He is cute," Ashley admitted, blushing. "But at least I'll admit it. You, my dear friend, are in serious denial."
"Whatever," Hermione muttered. She continued to prepare breakfast, waiting for Harry and Ron to wake up.
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A/N: That's it for now. I know this chapter stopped kind of abruptly, but it may be a few days before I can work on it some more. Hope you enjoyed it anyway. Next chapter will be a lot more Harry and Hermione interaction. Yes! My favorite ship and the very reason I am writing this story.
Thanks to Amber and Gadriam for your critique and ideas. I also want to say thanks to the many people who reviewed and told me your thoughts on what should happen next. I appreciate all the ideas and don't be surprised if you see a variation of it in the next chapter.
Please continue to review. All are welcome, even the bad. I try to correct things that are pointed out to me so keep it coming. Thanks for reading.
The Sweetest Thins
(Have fun reading OOP this weekend. I know I will.)