A/N: Thanks again for the great response to the last chapter. All of you liked Ron being given a chance. This chapter is mainly filler. But both the ships show signs of sailing here. There is a lot of description in this chapter rather than dialogue so some of you may find it slightly boring. But please read on anyway. The next chapter is a surprise for you all. It will be posted on Christmas Eve and will describe Christmas Eve and Christmas at Hogwarts. Stay tuned for that. (Haven't I given away too much of the surprise?)
Chapter Eight: Getting Closer
With all that had taken place in the past couple of weeks, Harry's feelings for Hermione had taken the backseat. However they were very much present. Harry had started seeing Hermione in a totally different way since Halloween. Initially he had been a bit awkward around her but he got over that quickly. Then the whole incident with Ron happened. In that situation Hermione needed a friend desperately. Harry gave her the support she had needed. Normally he wouldn't have been able to do it for a girl to whom he was attracted. But with Hermione it was different. Physical attraction came way below emotional, mental and logistical support. That is what made Harry feel that his feelings for Hermione were true and not another passing infatuation. He had been able to help her out because he knew her so well. He didn't know Cho or Ginny half as well as he knew Hermione. So he would never have been able to be there for them.
After what had happened with Ron, Harry could have got excited and immediately moved in on Hermione. But he knew Hermione wouldn't want that. He could have taken advantage of her emotional instability to get them together. Still he didn't do it. He wanted the two of them to share something which was pure and not caused by other events. He had again and again resisted the urge to use Felix Felices. If he and Hermione were meant to be together that would happen. No force in nature would be able to stop it. However if they weren't meant to be he wouldn't start something just like that.
Luna was walking back from the Care of Magical Creatures class. It was a cold day so nobody was outside. To her surprise she saw a figure walking around in the quidditch field. As she got closer she noticed it was Ron. This was the perfect opportunity to speak to him. Nobody could see the two of them. She crept up behind him, feeling a bit nervous.
"Hello Ronald," said Luna. Ron stopped walking. Nobody had spoken to him after the Hermione incident except for Harry during quidditch practice. It seemed to him as if a ghost was teasing him. Or was it another dream like the one he had had a few days back. "Am I dreaming or is someone actually here?" he asked quietly without turning back.
"Yes somebody is here," replied Luna. Ron slowly turned. He felt slightly disappointed that it was only Luna.
"Hi Loony… I mean Luna," said Ron uncertainly.
"Your vocal chords are in perfect working order so you can speak confidently. I know they haven't had much exercise lately but that is not a problem," said Luna.
"Why have you come here Luna? If others see you with me they'll stop talking to you as well. You don't want that, do you? I am a criminal. You don't want to associate yourself with me. Go back," said Ron, speaking quite fast.
"I know perfectly well what I'm doing. I just thought since nobody was listening to your side of the story, you'd like to tell me. Maybe explain your actions. But since you don't want that I'll go back. I was a fool to offer you support," said Luna with a hurt expression. This wasn't going like she had hoped.
"Wait Luna! I didn't mean that. It's been very difficult for me. Perhaps I've forgotten what to say when. I appreciate your coming but why would want to talk to me after what I did?" asked Ron.
"There is no excuse for what you did but you still deserve a chance to explain yourself. Even a murderer is not hanged without a trial. Since I'm not seeing anyone giving you that chance I decided to come and speak to you," replied Luna. Things were easing slightly.
"I'm sorry we can't go inside. I don't want you to be seen with me. So we'll have to make do in this cold. I'll start a fire if you want. Thanks for giving me a chance to explain. I waited for someone to come up to me for a long time but nobody came. So I went and spoke my mind to Professor Lupin. He obviously didn't like my actions. However he was very helpful. Had it not been for him and quidditch practice I would have gone insane," said Ron.
"That was clever of you. Professor Lupin is a good man. He helped you out despite what you did. So do you want to talk about it?" asked Luna. Ron nodded. He explained everything to her like he had done to Lupin. He even told her the parts he had skipped with Lupin. Talking to someone of his own age was a blessing for Ron.
"Just tell me one thing Ron. Had you really liked Hermione, would you still have let things happen with Lavender and Parvati?" asked Luna.
"It's difficult for me to answer since I didn't like Hermione that way. I don't mean it negatively. Our interests didn't match. I should have ended things with her as soon as I realized this. However if I ever truly like a girl I won't be able to hurt her. I know this much," said Ron.
"Ron, you are talking so intelligently now. Why did you do such a thing? Things wouldn't be like this if you had used your intelligence before," said Luna.
"I wish I had this intelligence back then. Since I'm alone most of the time I get a lot of time to think. I've realized all this after the damage was done. It's very frustrating but I've brought this upon myself," replied Ron.
"It's good that you told me all this. At least I won't think that badly of you now. If you ever want to talk to me again just send me an owl," said Luna.
"Luna thanks a lot for this. I've been very lonely as you can imagine. Talking to you was very nice. I'll take that offer. I'll definitely want to talk to you again. As you pointed I need to exercise my vocal chords," joked Ron. Luna smiled at him before making her way back to the castle. This was a start for sure.
**** ****
The seventh years had a special Hogsmede weekend for Christmas shopping. None of the other years were allowed to go. As the senior most students, it was one of their many privileges. On the morning of the visit Harry met Hermione in their common room.
"So you've decided what all to buy?" asked Harry conversationally.
"Oh yes! I've even made a list of gifts," replied Hermione.
"Trust Hermione Granger to do that! Is there anything for which you don't need a list?" joked Harry pretending to laugh.
"It's good to be organized. Like it or not I will continue like this all my life," said Hermione firmly.
"I didn't mean it like that Hermione. It was just a joke. I like you exactly as you are. I wouldn't dream of changing any part of you," said Harry in an apologetic tone. Hermione seemed to soften.
"It's okay Harry. My sense of humor seems to have disappeared. The food fight helped me to get some of it. Maybe we could do something like that again," said Hermione.
"I have an idea. What about a snow fight? This time we won't restrict it to ourselves. We'll let everyone else join. In fact we could have a tournament of snow games. You'll really enjoy that," replied Harry. Hermione nodded excitedly.
"I'll put up a notice soon. This seems fun," said Hermione. Both of them walked down for breakfast. They would be going to Hogsmede together. Not as a couple but only to give company to one another.
Hogsmede was less crowded than usual. Harry and Hermione easily found place at The Three Broomsticks. They both had a couple of butterbears. As they entered Honeydukes memories flooded Hermione's mind. This was the last place which she and Ron had visited together. Harry knew this and could sense Hermione's uneasiness.
"Would you like it if we went somewhere else?" asked Harry.
"No, I need to get over all this idiocy. We'll stay here," replied Hermione in a determined voice. She feared how Lavender and Parvati had taken the breakup. Despite not liking Ron she was having difficulties.
After spending time at Honeydukes and Zonko's Harry parted ways with Hermione. Both of them wanted to do their Christmas shopping separately. Harry wondered if he should get something for Ron. Ron had been horrible but he had been a very good friend of Harry's for almost seven years. Also it would put him in a difficult situation if Ron sent him something and he didn't have anything for him. Finally he decided on a box of sweets for him. He got tricks from Zonko's for Ginny, Luna and Dean. He got chocolates for Seamus, Parvati and Lavender. He specially got socks for Dobby, Winky and Kreacher. Kreacher had improved a lot since Sirius' death so Harry wanted to reward him. The gift for Hermione would be the most difficult. He guessed she would be tired of getting books from everybody.
Hermione on the other hand was having an easier time. She had everything written down properly. Even she had got a small gift for Ron. It was a quill set. She didn't get anything for Harry. She had his gift back in her bedroom. She met Lavender in one of the shops. They both started looking at a few necklaces.
"Wow! This one is beautiful," said Hermione, putting it on.
"It looks stunning on you Hermione," said Lavender sincerely.
"I'm buying this," said Hermione looking for the price tag. Her face fell instantly. "Forget it. It's too expensive. Hundred and Seventy Galleons are not worth it but I really liked it."
"That's a pity. Hundred and Seventy is too much but you looked great with it," replied Lavender. Both of them walked out of the shop, Hermione slightly disappointed. They hadn't noticed Harry witnessing the whole scene from the window. His problem was solved. Since he had inherited Sirius' fortune money was not a problem. He got the necklace without hesitation.
**** ****
Before the students went home for Christmas the seventh year would be having their pre NEWTs examinations. These examinations were held in December and March to help them prepare for their NEWTs. All students were taking this seriously. Since the syllabus was small it was relatively easy to study. To avoid the crowd Harry and Hermione had study sessions in the common room of their quarters. Hermione was usually the first to finish. Often she used to help him.
During one of these sessions Harry couldn't concentrate on his work. He kept looking here and there. Suddenly he caught sight of Hermione deep in her work. His eyes got glued to the spot. This was the Hermione he knew. Intelligent, serious and studious. A strand of her hair was coming in front of her eyes but she wasn't even bothering to remove it. He could see her biting her lower lip when she was going over something difficult. He was mesmerized by the sight. His feeling at the moment proved that his liking for her was real. He liked the sight of her in her most characteristic form. He kept watching her like this for a few minutes. When Hermione looked up, she saw Harry was staring at her hypnotized.
"Are you alright Harry?" she asked.
"I l…" Harry stopped. "I left my book in the bedroom," he said, getting up. Hermione looked at him confused. He certainly wasn't studying. The book he was looking for in his bedroom was in his hand.
Harry couldn't believe what he had almost said. That would have ruined everything between him and Hermione. He felt like an idiot for not realizing his feelings earlier. Then Hermione wouldn't have had to go through the Ron episode. That was provided she liked him back. He had to be careful from now. He couldn't lose Hermione. Maybe he could tell her about his feelings later but this was not the time.
The pre NEWTs went well for most people. After the last exam Harry and Hermione got what they had wanted. Snow. This was the best time for a Snow Fight Tournament. She put on a notice.
We invite everyone for a Snow Fight Tournament on the 20th of December on the Hogwarts grounds at 2:00 pm. Hope you will be joining us.
Hermione Granger
Head Girl.
There was a huge crowd for the Snow Fight on the twentieth. This was the first time such an event was taking place at Hogwarts. Most of the students were present. All of them had to get into pairs for the tournament. Harry explained the rules.
"The first part of the tournament is based on artistic skill. You'll have to make a snowman in half an hour. The pair with the best snowman will win. Professor Tonks and Professor Longbottom will choose the winners. The second part will be more interesting. Everyone has to try and throw down the other snowmen while protecting your own. You'll be using snowballs as your weapon. You can protect your snowman using any part of your body. The last snowman that remains standing will win. So let's get started!" he announced.
The tournament was a big success. Padma Patil and Adam Gilchrist of Ravenclaw won the snowman competition. The fight was great fun. Students were throwing their bodies to stop their snowmen from being hit. By the time things ended everyone was covered with snow. Colin and Dennis Creevey were victorious. The sixth year prefects decided to have the same tournament again next year.
The next day most students were leaving for home for the Christmas break. Hermione had decided to stay back since her parents would be leaving for France midway through the holidays. She and Harry had just come out of their quarters when they saw Ron approaching them.
"Hi, can I have a word with the two of you?" he asked tentatively. Hermione nodded.
"I haven't really apologized for my actions but I know it wouldn't have had any effect. So firstly I should say sorry. I should have been frank with from the beginning, Hermione. As you must have realized things weren't working between us and we never faced our problems as we should have. Harry, thanks again for giving me a chance in quidditch. Had it not been for quidditch, I would have gone mad. I know I don't deserve this but please give me a chance to make things normal again. I don't want your answer now. I'm going home for the holidays, so please think it over. I'd really appreciate it," Ron said at length.
Hermione was surprised by this. She hadn't imagined Ron could think this out so rationally. "Have you spoken about this to anyone?" she asked.
"Well, I'd thought it out mostly myself but over the past few days I've spoken to Luna Lovegood a few times. She's the only person to have spoken to me since 'that' happened. I'm really grateful to her," Ron said.
"Enjoy your holidays Ron. We'll think over what you said," said Harry politely. Ron smiled and walked away. He was happy that Harry and Hermione had heard him out. He had tried to give the impression that he was genuinely sorry, which he was.
"So how did it go?" asked a voice from behind.
"What are you doing here Luna? You shouldn't be seen with me," said Ron in a panicked voice.
"Remember we are trying to get back to normal. That's why you spoke to Harry and Hermione. And I just asked you how it went," said Luna calmly. Ron relaxed.
"It was as good as it could have been. They heard me out and said they'll think about it," said Ron.
"That's good. I'm sure they'll be fair to you. Have a nice holiday and come back fresh. Forget all that has happened. You have to be in good spirits," said Luna encouragingly before starting to move away.
"Wait Luna," said Ron, "I just want to thank you for all that you've done for me. You were the only one who still believed in me. I promise you one thing. I will not disappoint you again," said Ron sincerely.
**** ****
With just a couple of days to go before Christmas Harry and Hermione were the only seventh years from Gryffindor left at Hogwarts. So they spent a lot of time together. There were no classes, which made their academic pressure light. Hermione like always insisted on spending a few hours everyday on studies.
"Hermione this is holiday season. We are supposed to have fun," pleaded Harry, who was in no mood to work.
"I don't deny that Harry. But would it kill you to spend an hour or two on your work? We have a whole lot of time left to enjoy," countered Hermione. Harry knew that it was pointless arguing with her.
"Fine, I'll make a deal with you. We'll study on all days except Christmas Eve and Christmas. Is that fine with you?" asked Harry.
"You got a deal. Anyway I've finished my work for now," replied Hermione.
"What do you think about Ron after our brief meeting," asked Harry. Hermione sighed.
"I want to forgive him but I still don't trust him. I'm not sure if he meant what he said. For all we know, he could be fooling us again. He seems to have gauged the situation quite well. Let's see. We'll take things as they come. No need to rush into anything," said Hermione thoughtfully.
"I agree with you completely. What he did was very wrong but he has been our friend for a long time. We need to equate the two sides and see which is stronger. Come on now we need to meet McGonagall," said Harry. They left their quarters. A notice caught their attention.
This year Hogwarts will be hosting a Christmas party. Such parties used to be held a long time ago but were discontinued due to the rise of dark forces. Since that is not an issue anymore, we have decided to restart the tradition. The party will be held on the night of 24th December and will continue till midnight. There will be special food cooked by Houselves who are coming from India.
We invite all of you to attend this party. It will commence at 9:00 pm at the Great Hall.
Minerva McGonagall,
Headmistress.
"Wow, this looks good," commented Harry.
"I hope they serve Indian food. I love it," said Hermione.
Next morning Harry woke up early. Only a day remained for Christmas. Since Hermione hadn't woken up yet he decided to loll around. He took out the necklace he had bought for Hermione and imagined her wearing it. It would look awesome on her. No wonder she had liked it so much.
Even after Harry had completed his morning ablutions there was no sign of Hermione. He decided to wake her up. Hermione's bedroom door wasn't bolted. In fact it was partially open. As he entered his feet stopped moving.
Hermione was sleeping peacefully on her bed. She had a content look on her face. Her hair was loose and was scattered all over. The sight influenced Harry a great deal. It was like the time he had got spellbound during studying with her. He could hear her breathing softly. He didn't know why but it sounded like music to his ear. Her chest was moving up and down with her breath. To Harry it seemed like the movement of a fairy floating in the sky. He was totally awestruck by the sight in front of him. Normally teenage girls needed to do a lot to get guys staring at them like this. But the simple sight of Hermione sleeping had affected Harry like this. How could he go on like this? Hermione in her most simple forms had got him to goggle at her madly. It was incredible.
It was here Harry made a firm decision. He would tell Hermione how he felt about her. It was a total U-turn on what he had decided earlier but he had to do this. He didn't know how or when he'd do it. He was sure that Hermione was the girl for him. Nobody could come anywhere near her. A simple question from Luna had got him to realize this. Since the school was relatively empty now, this would be the best time to tell her the truth. If she didn't feel the same way……… Harry didn't even want to think about that. If the situation arose he'd handle it then. But there was no turning back on this decision now. If he didn't tell her, it would make things difficult between them. All he wanted was the perfect moment to tell her.
"Wake up, Hermione. It's Christmas Eve."