Corrupting Lives

Chapter 1 - Meet the Grangers

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling actually gets paid to write this stuff. I don’t, so guess what? I don’t own Harry Potter.

Author’s note: I’ve been obsessed with this plot for a very long time, I’m glad I finally got it on paper. It’s surely not one of my best works but I hope you’ll like it. The title is still in working progress... I wanted to upload this before we start a new year so this title stays for now.

This is set in the early 80s in a country (doesn’t matter which one) which is having some political problems.

The plot is loosely based on actual happenings in my country in those times.

Dedicated to all those who in times of need stand up for what they believe in.

So here it goes…

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The changing light, the never ending rhyme; getting tired

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“May I be excused?”

Suddenly five pairs of eyes turned her way and she felt like she was being scrutinized, finally her father nodded his consent. She stood up gracefully and left the dining area; the minute she arrived in the kitchen she took a deep breath in and sighed.

She hated these formal dinners where she had to be in her utmost behavior while pretending to be following what was being said. Politics, she never did understand it and unfortunately for her, her father was one of the country’s major politicians. And since these were difficult times for her country, or so her father said, it meant more formal dinners with various allies of her father.

Her father constantly repeated, “there should be more democracy” or “this is about your future”, phrases that were never explained, phrases that she had been hearing for the last few months and had become an annoying repetition.

But that’s all they ever told her, they never said what was going on. When she pressured them about this her father would say that it was for her own good, “leave politics to me, you just live your life as usual”. He didn’t tell her what was going on and yet he expected her to accept everything. She was becoming tired of being treated like a child instead of the 21-year old woman she was. Her father was saying that these were tough times and yet around her everything seemed to continue normally, nothing was being said on the news and people certainly were not talking about it openly, that is if there really were something to talk about after all.

And these dinners? They were formal evenings where her behaviors had to be perfect so that her father could impress his allies; at dinner there was mainly superfluous talk and after her father and his ally would go discuss politics while her mother and the ally’s wife would talk houses and people. And she was left either alone or in the company of the daughter or son of the allies.

Tonight their guests were the Weasleys, these consisted of Arthur and Molly and seven children. They were great allies of her father and wonderful people; in fact their daughter Ginny was Hermione’s best friend even if the former was a year younger than the latter. They talked about everything and Hermione felt like Ginny was the only one who could understand her.

Then there was Ron, the youngest of the Weasley boys and the only one accompanying his parents tonight. This made the overall feeling of the dinner worse. It’s not that she didn’t like Ron, but it was obvious, too obvious that he really liked her. To add to this her father wanted to set her up with Ron, again this was painfully obvious.

The evening was progressing slowly and nearing the end of the meal, talk was turning to politics and her father started to comment on his political enemies – The Red Party and passing some rude comments about them. With Ron throwing certain glances at her and her father passing all these comments she had had enough and excused herself to go to the kitchen where she was now.

She suddenly heard footsteps coming her way and didn’t have to turn around to guess who was coming, her mother Elizabeth Granger.

“Hermione what’s the matter this time?” she asked her with a strict voice.

“Nothing mum, I’m just tired that’s all, and I needed a bit of air” she answered while turning around to face her.

Elizabeth sighed and told Hermione in a soft voice: “Hermione, I know you don’t like these dinners and that you don’t understand the meaning of them, but this country-“

“Is on the brink of war,” she said finishing her mother’s sentence, “Yes mum, I know that, I’ve heard that so many times now.”

“But you don’t understand what it means?”

“Mum no one ever tried to explain to me what it means! All you and dad ever do is repeat these phrases: “we’re on the brink of a civil war” or “this is for your future”; well why don’t you explain it to me! Tell me what is going on you’re not protecting me by keeping me in the dark.”

Elizabeth looked at her daughter for a long time, she certainly was not a child anymore and she was right, they were not protecting her by keeping her in the dark. Hermione had always been bright, she knew when something was up and this time something certainly was up. But her husband wanted to hide everything from Hermione, he didn’t want her to get herself entangled in the complicated web of politics, what he didn’t realize was that by doing this he was hurting Hermione more.

“You’re right honey; we’re not protecting you this way, come sit.”

“What this means is that the party in government, the Reds, are abusing the power given to it by the people, instead of practicing democracy and equality they are dividing the people into two by doing something against your father’s party and its followers and feeding a completely different reality to the Reds followers!” Hermione didn’t seem to understand this so her mother continued, “look; imagine that you have a child and you want to enroll it in a good school, now say that it is difficult to enter this school since it is very popular. What is going on is that since you are not of the same party as the government your child will ‘unexplainably’ not be accepted in this school.”

“But mum how do you know this? How do you know that it isn’t just coincidence?”

“Because it’s not just one occurrence, many people are coming to your father to tell him similar happenings! Molly’s eldest son’s child was just refused by one of the state schools, and it’s obvious they know which party Bill supports!”

“Then why are they not saying this on the news? Why aren’t people talking about it on a national scale? Why is everything so secretive?”

“Because Hermione, the media is controlled by the state and the people are afraid! Today’s dinner is important because there’s a rumor going around that the Lovegoods, a perfectly respectable family who is on our side, have been threatened. Mr. Lovegood owns a newspaper and he was starting to hint certain happenings and behavior by the government that puts it in a difficult position and he was threatened not to write anything or else…”

“But didn’t you just say that these were rumors?”

“Oh Hermione, I know you believe in justice and that corruption does not exist but honey, here in the real world corruption does exist and right now we are surrounded by it.”

This last comment was greeted by a tense silence which left Hermione thinking that maybe just maybe her father was right. She was glad her mother had told her everything, she finally felt like she was being treated as an adult who could understand what was going on if only it was explained to her. Her thoughts were cut short when her mother told her that it was best to go back to the dining room.

When they returned her father gave them a strange look but stopped there. The evening continued as usual with her father and Arthur going into the office to talk more freely while her mother and Molly stayed in the dining area to talk by themselves and she was left with Ron.

She went out in the little garden they had and Ron followed her out as she knew he would.

“So, how is Ginny?” she asked to start a conversation.

“She’s OK,” came his short answer making it clear that he wanted to talk about something other that\n his little sister. “So Hermione, what would you think if I asked you out?”

‘Not even trying to be subtle here’ thought Hermione.

And he continued, “You know our parents certainly approve so that would be no problem.”

Her heart was screaming: ‘I don’t care if our parents approve, I certainly don’t and that would be a problem!’ but she couldn’t tell him that, he deserved at least more respect, so instead she told him, “Ron I’m really sorry but I don’t” –

“Feel the same way, yeah I get it. I just wanted to check that’s all.”

He looked really disappointed by what she had just told him but was trying hard to maintain his dignity; “Ron someday you’ll find someone who will be very flattered by your request.”

At this he attempted a smile, just then her mother came in the garden and saved her from any further embarrassment. “Ronald you and your parents are leaving soon.”

“Thanks Mrs. Granger,” and with that he entered the house leaving Hermione alone with her mother.

“What happened Hermione?” she asked her with a warm voice.

“He just asked me out that’s all,” came her reply and her mother’s eyes danced at those words but then darkened almost immediately.

“And you said no.” It wasn’t a question and she sounded disappointed.

“Mum I know that he comes from a good family and shares our political ideology but, I feel nothing for him.”

At these words her mother came approached her and gave her a hug, “That’s Ok Hermione, I don’t want to force you into a relationship.”

“Thanks mum; what about dad though?” She asked knowing that her father would not understand.

“Leave him to me, I’ll explain.”

Hermione smiled and voiced her thanks and as they were entering the house she couldn’t help but think about the relationship between her and her mother. It had always been easier than that with her father that’s for sure. Her mother was strong and yet kind, she knew her duties but also knew her rights. They were similar in various ways, her mother and her.

Her father was a different case altogether, he was strict and had an overwhelming sense of duty, duty to the family, duty to the country; this part of him made it more difficult to reason with him. Many times his way was the right way and often the only way.

As she watched the Weasleys leave and saw the saddened look on Ron’s face she couldn’t stop her train of thought from going back a few minutes in time. She felt guilty by refusing Ron’s offer but as she had told her mother she didn’t feel anything for him. She didn’t fee; anything for anyone at that time; no guy made her heart beat faster, no guy who sent butterflies to her stomach, no guy…no one at all. And even though she tried not to show it, she felt alone.

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So that was the first chapter, review and tell me what do you think. Happy New Year to you all

Thanks,

marija

Chapter 2 - Meet the Potters

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling actually gets paid to write this stuff. I don’t, so guess what? I don’t own Harry Potter.

Author’s note: I’ve been obsessed with this plot for a very long time, I’m glad I finally got it on paper. It’s surely not one of my best works but I hope you’ll like it.

This is set in the early 80s in a country (doesn’t matter which one) which is having some political problems.

The plot is loosely based on actual happenings in my country in those times.

Dedicated to all those who in times of need stand up for what they believe in.

Sorry, sorry for taking so long! From now on I won’t give any deadlines because I know I can’t respect them.

Here’s the 2^nd chapter, hope you like it.

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“Harry! Come down please!” his mother’s shouts echoed around the big house.

“Coming.” Came his reply from the shower.

It was a big house – it was enormous and everyone in the district knew whose house it was; it was the Potter’s house. The Potter’s were part of the Red political Party, that it they formed part of the coalition which was governing the country at the moment. Approximately four years ago, the Potter’s party had won the election but needed another party with which to form a coalition. They had chosen the party headed by the Malfoys, and since then they governed the country.

The Potter family was a small family, it consisted of James and Lily and their 21-year old son Harry. Harry had just graduated from college and was preparing to enter University; he was not interested that much in school but his parents insisted on him to continue his studies saying that that way he would have more chances to find a good job. Harry was more interested in sports and other hobbies like cooking but he didn’t want to disappoint his parents, so he always tried to act in a way that he thought would please them. They had done many things for him, he knows that with his father being in government it was difficult for them to take care of both the family and the country. But he never felt second important. His father was always working a lot but he always had time for him.

Life was as you call it ‘great’! Everything was going perfectly – he had a loving family, good friends like Daraco Malfoy and he was going to enter a University (even though he didn’t know how he would manage this since he was sure that he had literally sucked in one admittance test).

“Harry?!” he heard his mother’s shout again.

“Coming mum!” he called again from the shower. He turned the water off and grabbed a towel and went out from the shower. While getting dressed he looked at his face in the mirror. ‘Life is great’ he repeated to himself, but his eyes betrayed his thoughts, and the mask he kept around his parents came crumbling down. There he was, Harry Potter, son of the country’s most important politician. People thought that he could have it all, money, success, even girls; and yet sometimes he felt like he had nothing. Even though he had a family that loved him and good friends, he wasn’t happy. His heart desperately wanted to do things that made it happy but he always chose the ways that he thought would make his parents happy.

It had started quite innocently when at school he didn’t know which subjects to choose, his father had told him that he thought Social Sciences helped a lot in understanding society. So he chose that subject and he ended up liking it very much. From then on he always asked his parents opinion but instead of trying to see what he, Harry, wanted; he just went with what his parents wanted. It was a mistake – he had realized that now, but he was too used to it to back out – it became like a dug, he knew no way out of it. He never blamed his parents for it – he had started the whole thing – his parents were too good to him, he could never place such a blame on them.

As he went out of the bathroom to go downstairs he couldn’t help but look around the house once more; this was not the house he grew up in, they had moved here only a few years ago just after his father had formed his coalition, in fact Harry thought that this was just one of the many advantages to have an important father. As he entered the kitchen he found his mother looking at him with an almost angry look on her face.

“Sorry mum, but I was in the shower.”

Her face softened immediately. She was a really good mother; she was always there for him and his father. Many a times he had the feeling that if it wasn’t for his mother’s support ,his father would have never made it in politics or anything else for that matter. She was the family’s column of strength, faith, courage and love; she held the whole unit together.

“Sorry Harry, I didn’t hear you answer. I wanted to ask you if you could go to the market place for me.”

“Yeah sure, what do you need?”

“Ah, you’re a saint Harry, here this is the list,” she said as she gave him a piece of paper. He picked up some things he was going to need and left.

As he walked through the mysterious roads of the city his mind wandered again to his dreams. He always dreamt of doing things no-one expected from him, like playing football or opening a restaurant; but these were just dreams. He had never talked to anyone about them, he was afraid they’d laugh at him.

At school he always played football and his team won the school championship each year that he played with it. As for cooking, it was the only subject he had ever been really good at. For the other subjects he either had help from his friend Draco or he managed to just pass them. And to think that he had chosen cooking by accident! One time they were urged to choose an extra curricular subject that was not sports and he forgot to choose, so they put him in the class which had less students in it – cooking.

He smiled slightly now, fate had brought him to that subject, because it turned out he was really good at it. Just as he arrived near the market he spotted Draco talking to some people and quickly went to meet him. Draco Malfoy was the son of the man who made a coalition with his father – Lucius Malfoy . They had been friends at school since before he could remember then what happened 4 years ago only made them better friends since they were passing through similar experiences.

As he approached Draco, he saw that he was shouting at the people he was talking to. After a couple of seconds these left and he approached Draco, as he came close to him he could hear him say “stupid morons”.

“Well that just confirms that the previous conversation was not a pleasant one eh?” Harry told him.

Draco turned suddenly at his voice, it was clear he did not realize he was being watched.

“Harry, man what did you do that for? You scared the hell out of me!”

“Sorry, but from where I was standing it looked like you scared the hell out of them,” he said pointing at the direction in which those ‘stupid morons’ had went.

“Yeah well they were getting on my nerves.” At Harry’s inquisitive look he continued: “they’re just extreme supporters of my father’s party. They believe everything he says and think that what the others say is nonsense and that it’s insulting my father.” He rolled his eyes while saying this last part.

Now Harry never understood politics, he never even tried; it was too much of a complicated mass in his opinion. But he thought that it was important that his father’s supporters believed him. When he voiced his opinion to his friend, Draco looked at him strangely than said, “I always forget you don’t care about politics. Of course it’s important, it’s just that they exaggerate a bit, that’s it.”

It was obvious to Harry that Draco was trying to change the subject and his next question confirmed this.

“So Harry what are you doing here?”

“Oh just need to buy some stuff for Mum,” and with that they both went to the market. As they were looking around for the stuff on his mother’s list a couple of gurls passed by and Draco let out a whistle.

“You have to admit that they were really gorgeous.”

“Draco don’t start with this again; ‘oh this one is beautiful’ ‘look at that one Harry’, why don’t you just talk to them instead of trying to set me up?”

“Well Harry, now that you’re asking; it’s because I don’t need one.”

Harry actually stopped and turned to look at Draco who had this huge smirk on his face. Now this surely was news to Harry, since when had Draco find himself a girlfriend? Draco seemed to be reading his mind.

“I’ve been going out with this amazing 20-year old for three months and I’ve been dying to tell you.”

“Three months? Why did you wait so long to tell me?”

“Well actually it’s because she wanted me to keep it between us but I finally convinced her that you wouldn’t tell anyone. So I told you.”

“Well tell me something else about her like what’s her name or where is she from?”

“I’d rather not, I don’t want you looking around for her and steal her from me,” he said with a wink.

While looking at Draco now you could tell that he was really beaming. He generally kept an emotionless or sarcastic expression on his face because his parents raised him up telling him not to show any emotions that people could then use against him. But now he was actually beaming, the difference between the Draco shouting at those two before, that Draoc worried about politics and this Draco here was tangible.

“Wow mate, you look like you could fly. I’m happy for you.”

And even though he truly meant what he said he couldn’t help but feel jealous of Draco. It was obvious that he had found that someone special that everyone wants. That someone special that he wanted too but it seemed that this wasn’t happening anytime soon and therefore he couldn’t help but feel jealous, he didn’t want to admit it so he quickly change the topic.

“So Draco, do you know when the acceptance letters will come?”

“They should be coming in a couple of days; why, you’re worried?”

“Actually yes, I’m worried about one of the admittance tests, I don’t know if I passed it.”

At this Draco stopped, “Harry you do know that if you don’t pass an admittance test you won’t be admitted?”

“Yes I know, that’s why I’m worried! I mean what if I don’t pass? What if I don’t enter University? My parents would be so disappointed!”

“Don’t worry Mr. Potter, I’m sure you’ll do well,” came a cold voice from behind Harry; he saw Draco tense and knew immediately who it was. Lucius Malfoy. He turned and saw him standing there looking superior with his long blond hair and his walking stick.

“Draco, you do know that our maids can do the grocery so that you don’t need to come in here like any other citizen.”

“Yes father.”

“And you Harry, for ages I’ve been telling your mother to get a maid.”

“I know Sir, but I think she loves to work around the house.”

“Of course, well what is this nonsense of not entering University?”

“I’m just not sure about one of the admittance tests.”

“Oh well don’t worry about it Harry, everything will work out as it is supposed to. I’ll make sure of it, it is of utmost importance to have you in University; better you than people of other ideals.”

Harry did not understand what Mr. Malfoy meant by this but he didn’t give it any thought. Meanwhile Draco’s face had clouded, he looked almost livid. He thought that it was best to change the subject and to get out of there. So after the formal goodbyes were said to Mr. Malfoy, they paid for the grocery and left.

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So that’s the second chapter, what do you think? Leave your comments,

Thanks,

marija

Chapter 3 – When Harry and Hermione met

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling actually gets paid to write this stuff. I don’t, so guess what? I don’t own Harry Potter.

Author’s note: I’ve been obsessed with this plot for a very long time, I’m glad I finally got it on paper. It’s surely not one of my best works but I hope you’ll like it.

This is set in the early 80s in a country (doesn’t matter which one) which is having some political problems.

The plot is loosely based on actual happenings in my country in those times.

Dedicated to all those who in times of need stand up for what they believe in.

****************

I’m getting tired of having to copy that part each time!!! But anyway, lets get on with the story; once again sorry for taking so long to update! A huge thank you to those who reviewed – please continue to do so, the reviews are the fuel to this engine ;)

So here’s chapter 3.

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“What?!” Hermione exclaimed looking with disbelief at the paper she held in her hands. That paper held the results of the admittance tests which were crucial to her since she really wanted to continue her studies. She had always been good at school but her doubts clouded her and before receiving any results she was always very nervous, each time her doubts were unfounded since she always passed.

But not today; today her doubts prevailed. The paper said the she had failed an admittance test – she Hermione Granger, who always topped her class, had failed one of the most important tests in her life. She checked and rechecked the paper but its contents didn’t change. ‘This cannot be happening,’ she thought, her logic taking control of her mind. At first she thought that her dreams of entering University and study Medicine had been shattered but as she thought more about it, she knew that this wasn’t possible. She had studied a lot for her tests and she knew that she didn’t go that bad. So she decided to check with some of her friends to see if more had failed like her.

She called Hannah and Lavender – they both had passed, then she called the Patil twins and was surprised to find out that they didn’t pass either. But they didn’t sound surprised at not passing and that neither did Hermione.

“Well Hermione did you honestly think that they’d let you in, with the way they’re controlling everything?” told her Padma.

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know Hermione, I’m sure your parents warned you as ours did. You are a Granger after all! The Reds wouldn’t let want you in University when they can let all of their supporters in.”

Hermione couldn’t believe what she was hearing, Padma was telling her that the results where changed by someone because of politics, because she didn’t support the same ideals as the people in power did. Padma’s voice brought her down to the earth again.

“Hermione, I’m sorry but I have to go now.”

“Sure, thanks for everything,” and she put the receiver back in its place and recovered her train of thought. Was Padma right? But this was crazy, she lived in a free country, a country of justice. No, this couldn’t be true, but then she remembered her mother’s words, “here in the real world corruption does exist and right now we are surrounded by it.”

She had to talk to someone quickly, so she decided to go visit Ginny Weasley. On her way out she met her mother and told her about the results, she looked sad but not surprised. “I’m sorry honey,” she told her, “do you want to talk about it?”

“Thanks mum, but I’m going to find Ginny.”

And with that she left for Ginny’s house. The Weasleys didn’t live far from them so she arrived there quite quickly. Their house was a modest one, not too big but big enough to hold seven children. It had something comfortable about it, something welcoming and Hermione loved to come visit Ginny and observe the Weasley family since she never had any siblings.

It was Ginny that answered the door and she immediately knew that something was bothering her friend, so she told her mother she was going for a walk and left with Hermione. Once they arrived in the park and found an empty bench to sit on , Ginny asked Hermione what was wrong and Hermione told her about the results.

“I’m so sorry Hermione, I know how much you wanted to enter. But it’s curious isn’t it? That you of all people failed the test.”

“Exactly Ginny and this is what’s bothering me mostly.” And she explained to Ginny what Padma had told her.

“Wait, so you think that they didn’t let you in on purpose? Because of the political party you support, like what happened to Bill?”

“Ginny, I never thought I’d say this but yes. And if it’s true I won’t stay here like an idiot and let politics dictate my life.”

Ginny smiled at her friend, recognizing the look on her face – the look of someone determined and when Hermione Granger was determined, nothing and no one could stop her.

“Good, Hermione. So what are you going to do?”

“Ginny, I’m going to talk to my teachers. I’ve always been somewhat of a teachers’ pet they cannot deny me some answers,” she said smirking at the last part.

So together they went to visit Mrs. McGonagall, Hermione’s favorite teacher; when opening the door she looked surprised to find her best student there but let them in anyway and offered them tea.

“So Miss Granger what do I owe this visit to?”

“Well you see Mrs. McGonagall, I received my results today and I have to say I was quite shocked to discover that I had failed a particular test.”

At this Mrs. McGonagall looked saddened, “I see you’re not surprised,” told her Hermione “Please tell me what’s going on, I think I deserve to know.”

“Miss Granger I know nothing for sure but I’ve heard some rumors from the educational board, rumors of certain people finding a way to have control over the educational system. I would have to assume that this is only part of the whole picture. I’m afraid that if things keep on going the way they are, they will also control what we teach in schools and how we teach them.”

“But that’s impossible! How can they do such a thing?” asked her Ginny.

“Miss Weasley they will use threats and other dirty tricks like this one on Miss Granger and others like her.”

So it was true, this was the ultimate confirmation that she needed. The government wanted to take control of the country using methods that aren’t exactly democratically accepted. She couldn’t believe nothing was being done to stop this! Someone had to do something.

“What can I do?” she asked her mentor.

“What do you do when you face a test Miss Granger?”

“I seek knowledge.”

“Exactly. Inform yourself, read books, talk to people, find a way! When you do, don’t stay alone. Only by being together can we fight this…”

“…corruption.”

Mrs. McGonagall looked at her student admiring her once more; she was such a determined young woman in her studies and most of all in the things that mattered the most. She had no doubt that Miss Granger succeed in anything she tried.

They left Mrs. McGonagall and Hermione was even more determined then before to find some answers to her questions, so she left Ginny and went to the library to pick a book or two on politics and societies.

***

“I can’t believe this!” Harry stared at the piece of paper in his hands; he was waiting for the letter to arrive but at the same time he was very nervous about it. His future depends on the letter, his hands were shaking when he opened it and now they’re shaking even more. This letter held the results of his admittance tests to the University, he was nervous because he thought he had failed a test meaning he would not get into University thus disappointing his parents.

But the results the letter held were not the ones he was afraid of. It seems he had passed every test and with flying colors!

“I can’t believe this,” he repeated, “this is incredible, I made it. Maybe I just thought I went wrong in that test, I was worried for nothing ‘cos it all came well in the end. Oh hell, what am I doing talking to myself?! Mum! Dad!”

He went down the stairs looking for his parents, he couldn’t wait to tell them the good news. He was glad he wouldn’t be disappointing them. He went into his Dad’s office-room as he liked to call it and found his mother there too. His Dad was on the phone but when he saw Harry coming in he quickly cut the conversation with whomever he was talking to.

“Mum, Dad my results arrived and guess what?” he told them with a huge smile on his face. His mother’s eyes widened in surprised while his father’s clouded with what seemed to be concern.

“You passed?” asked him Lily incredulously, Harry’s smile immediately began to falter.

“You’re surprised? You didn’t think I could make it?” he asked her.

“You didn’t think you could make it either. Didn’t you say you thought you had failed one of the tests?” Asked him his father.

“Yes I did, but it’s clear that I was wrong. Look for yourself.” Harry answered him handing him the sheet of paper which contained the results.

James took the sheet and this time his eyes did widen when he saw the results. “It’s not possible,” he whispered while handing the sheet to his wife.

“Not possible? Dad I got the results, I managed to enter University. I thought this was what you wanted!” Harry couldn’t understand why his father was acting this way.

“But not like this! I want you to get all that you deserve-“

“Oh, so you’re saying I don’t deserve this?”

“You told me you thought you failed! This paper says you got a B+, that’s a bit higher then failing.”

“So I was wrong I wasn’t close to failing. What’s the big deal?”

“You didn’t seem wrong when you came back from the test.”

“Why are you doing this Dad? Why can’t you just be proud of me like all dads would be.”

“Harry stop,” told him Lily, “you don’t know what you’re talking about so don’t talk like that to your father.”

“Fine, I won’t talk to him at all then. Is that ok?” he was so angry that he just went outside slamming the doors after him, barely hearing his mother calling his name and his father telling her to let him be.

He couldn’t believe his parents; he did all of this for them – for their happiness and this is how they reward him? By saying they don’t believe he could have got that result. He kept walking, he didn’t even know where he was going he just knew he had to get away from his parents.

His parents – he didn’t even want to think about them, he was just so mad at them, so mad he couldn’t see properly. In fact he didn’t even notice there was someone walking in front of him till he bumped into that person and heard a soft “ouch!” and suddenly they were both on the floor.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t notice were I was walking. Here let me help you gather your things.” And he started to collect the other person’s books.

“It’s Ok, I wasn’t looking either so I guess it’s my fault too.” A feminine voice replied. The voice was so sweet he had to look to see who it was he was speaking to and as he turned his head he found himself gazing into the most beautiful chocolate eyes he had ever seen.

Soon he realized he was staring too much and offered his apologies once again to the young woman.

She just smiled at him and he thought he was melting, “It’s OK, like I said it’s my fault too.”

Harry collected all her books and gave them to her, she thanked him and was preparing to go. But he didn’t want her to just go; he wanted to get to know her better. So he grabbed her hand keeping her from going anywhere and told her: “What do you say I buy you a drink just as an apology.”

She seemed to think about it but then answered, “Sure, I would love to.”

And he led her to the nearest café he knew.

***

She generally was not the kind to accept an invitation from a guy she barely knew but she didn’t know why she felt like she could trust him. Maybe it was because of his eyes, his emerald eyes that made her feel somehow safe and wanted. There was certainly something about him, he was tall but not too much, built but not too built and when he grabbed her hand to stop her from leaving she felt warm. Yes there certainly was something about him, that’s why she told him yes.

He led her to a café where they sat and for a few minutes said absolutely nothing, until he wound up the courage and started talking.

“So it’s quite a selection of books you have there.” He said pointing to the books she had took from the library. “I mean it’s not everyday you see a young woman reading about politics.”

“Yes, I guess you’re right. It’s just some research I’m doing.”

“Research? When there’s no school?” he asked her.

“No, it’s not for school, it’s um, for my parents.” She lied, not wanting anyone to know for now what she was working on. As she mentioned her parents his emerald eyes clouded. “Something wrong?” she asked him.

“No, it’s just that I just fought with my parents.”

“Oh I’m sorry? What about, if you don’t mind me asking.”

Apparently he didn’t mind because he ended up telling her a lot about his relationship with his parents. How he wanted to enter University just for them, how in reality he wanted to open a restaurant.

“Why are you so afraid of disappointing them? Don’t you think your parents would be happy if you were happy?” she asked him.

“I don’t know, and well my father has an important job, it would look bad.”

That she understood, it was kind of the same thing with her father really. She told him this and he looked surprised.

“And what do you do? Do you try to impress you father too?”

“I guess I do in a way, it’s just sometimes it seems like it’s never enough!”

He seemed to understand this and she felt like she could tell him anything. They continued to talk about parents and friends when she realized that almost an hour had passed since they met! She started to gather her things to leave.

“You’re going?” he asked her looking almost sad.

“Yes, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how much time had passed, I mean we’ve been here for an hour now.”

“An hour?!” he checked the time and realized that she was right; an hour had passed and now he was late for his meeting with Draco. “Oh, I’m so late! I had to meet my friend to go to the cinema.”

He quickly paid the bill for both of them and then turned to her.

“Well it was nice meeting you, um I just realized that I don’t know your name!” he told her, and she looked at him and they both started laughing.

She then went to shake his hand and told him, “I’m Hermione, pleasure to meet you.”

He gladly shook her hand, “I’m Harry and the pleasure’s all mine,” he told he his eyes twinkling. “Listen why don’t we meet again here, say next week.”

This time she didn’t even hesitate to tell him “yes”, they settled on a time and date and left the café going on different directions but having the same feeling in their hearts – happiness.

***

So that was the third chapter, hope you liked it.

I don’t know when I’m going to update next, please be patient, I won’t desert you ;)

Thanks

Marija

Chapter 4 – The Underground Tale

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling actually gets paid to write this stuff. I don’t, so guess what? I don’t own Harry Potter.

Author’s note: I’ve been obsessed with this plot for a very long time, I’m glad I finally got it on paper. It’s surely not one of my best works but I hope you’ll like it.

This is set in the early 80s in a country (doesn’t matter which one) which is having some political problems.

The plot is loosely based on actual happenings in my country in those times.

Dedicated to all those who in times of need stand up for what they believe in.

***************

So sorry it took this long to post this! Like I’ve said I’ve been very busy with my studies!!!

I’ve also wanted to thank all those who reviewed last time, when I opened the inbox and saw all those review alerts I almost fainted!!! Honestly!

Anyway, on with the story – unfortunately not a lot of h/hr stuff in this one but more on what’s going on in the country.

Once again I apologize for any spelling mistakes....

*****************

Hermione took a look around her as she walked through the narrow city streets, there were women discussing everyone’s lives; men sitting on the doorsteps watching people pass by while smoking their favorite pipe; children playing with marbles on the floor without any worries of what could happen.

A poster on a wall caught her eye and she stopped to read it like other people were doing. It was a political poster. The message being short but effective leading people to think on what the government is doing in their country. She heard a woman say that it was time someone was doing something; she couldn’t help but smile at this, a hint of satisfaction rushing through her.

She was after all partly responsible for all the posters in the city – you could find them everywhere: on the walls, on the floors, in the main square even in the toilets. That was the idea – spread the word as much as possible that the country must do something to stop all the injustices from happening. As she passed by two other people whispering about it she knew that it was working, her plan was working.

She turned the corner at the end of the road to arrive at a dead end; there she knocked three times on a door which seemed so small you had to be around 1m tall to pass from it. After a couple of seconds the door opened, the young man who opened the door nodded at Hermione and she crouched to pass through the door. Once inside she could see half a dozen people around a table who all turned to acknowledge her, she made a sign with her head for them to carry on discussing as she continued on her way deeper in the room. She arrived at the end of the corridor and entered the room on her left, the walls were covered with the same political posters covering the walls of the city and there was a small desk and chair, all filled with papers – notes; notes from the meetings of the underground association and ideas of what to do.

She then heard steps approaching and she turned to the door to see Ginny Weasley there.

“I heard that you came, so are we starting the meeting?” she asked Hermione.

“Yes, we’ll start soon. I’m sorry I’m late Gin, I had a stroll around and lost track of time.”

“It’s OK, not everyone is here anyway.”

They left the small room together to go back near the others, as she approached the table around which everyone was gathered she could see writings on the wall – Secret Resistance Team, Resistance Association, Team Undercover, Anti-Government and many similar titles. She chuckled silently as she remembered that particular meeting, they were trying to find a name for themselves but everyone seemed sillier than the one before so they had finally decided to not try and establish a name.

So it was not consciously that they had begun calling the group – The Underground – in fact it was by chance. When meeting outside they would say to each other “See you in the underground” referring to their meeting place so that others would not understand what they meant; the name remained. Now they were The Underground – a group of youths trying to open people’s eyes so that they could see that the government was tricking them, using them.

This group was of course her idea, after her encounter with Mrs. McGonagall she had gone to the library and learnt what she could about political systems and read history books of how people stood up for their rights. She had come to the conclusion that the citizens should be made aware of what is going on so that they could unite together against the government.

Ginny had been the first to join her and with her entered her brothers Fred and George, they had then passed the word along and more people had joined in. She had been quite happy at the sight of all those members, so many people willing to actively do something that could make the difference. But then after the members joined in questions about how to go about this arose.

Because it was obviously easier said than done, how do you transmit a message to someone without them knowing who you are? They were afraid that something could happen to them if certain people found out what they were doing – Hermione would bet anything she had that if the Reds found out about them, they would try to shut them up – so they kept everything a secret. Still trying to find a way to reach their aims, Hermione had noticed some graffiti on a wall – no one knew who had wrote it but the message was clear for everyone to see. At that moment she knew what they had to do and they had begun producing the posters and sticking them by night when the streets where deserted.

The effect was immediate, people in the streets stopped to read them and then discussed about them. After just one day policemen were seen removing the posters – Fred (or George) said that this was a good sign since it meant that the message was also arriving in high places. So they doubled their efforts and every time a poster was removed, another two were hung up somewhere else. The officers quickly realized that it was impossible to keep up with them and didn’t try to remove them anymore.

Ginny’s voice woke her from her thoughts as she called everyone to gather up for the meeting to start. She then looked at Hermione, letting her know that she should start – they had took her as their leader so she was the one to start the meetings.

“Ok people, today we met to discuss what else we can do. The posters were a huge success but obviously they’re not enough, so the question is: what do we do now?”

At this point Fred and George stood up and took the meeting in their hands.

“We have an idea. The posters have proven to be a very efficient medium so we thought that we could do something similar: Leaflets. We’ll gather some facts about the injustices that have been occurring, write them on a piece of paper and then spread them out in the city.”

“Exactly bro, nicely said. We should write stuff like ‘You are not alone; this is not only happening to you; together we can stop this’ and also ‘The Potters and Malfoys are scum’”

“What?” Hermione asked them.

“What?” Fred or George replicated.

“We’re going personal now? Do you think that’s wise?” clarified Hermione.

“What I think is that we have to go straight to the point. This government sucks – and who is the government? The Potters and the Malfoys. This is the truth, they are the reason why we’re in this mess. They are the ones who destroyed our sense of democracy and sense of freedom. Hermione, some of my friends can’t even dare to say that they know me because they know that they will not be treated as all the others. I went for a job interview last month and they tried to figure out what party I support before seeing if I was good for the job or not! This has to stop.”

“I know it has to stop! But we have to be careful, lets leave the insults for now.”

Fred and George did not dare to contradict her, they knew that she was in a particular position because of her father; they knew she was afraid something would happen to her family if the wrong people found out about this.

They started to discuss logistics about the leaflet and what to write in it when Hermione’s mind wandered again this time to something completely different – a guy, more specifically, Harry. Sometimes she couldn’t stop thinking about him, he had something that attracted her to him so much. They were similar in many ways – both a bit shy, wanting to do the right thing but at the same time not knowing what this was, both wanting to show their parents that they could make them proud and both searching for that special someone in their lives.

After that first meeting they had met again a week later and she had found herself looking forward to seeing him again. She had felt so comfortable talking to him like she had known him for years instead of a week. They talked about loads of different things but never once approached politics. She didn’t mind, actually she was glad, she was already hearing about politics at home and at The Underground so it was quite a relief.

This was a couple of weeks ago, and in less then 72 hours she was going to meet him again. Unconsciously a smile tugged her lips and she heard Ginny call her. She looked up at her to find her smirking. ‘Oh oh, caught.’ Ginny of course knew about Harry and was very happy for her friend – it was about time that she found someone who would make her smile just like she had found her someone.

“We’re ready Hermione; but I’m sure you knew that.” Ginny told her, smirking again.

“Yes, sorry. So we’ll meet again when we have the leaflets in our hands?” Everyone nodded, “Ok, great. Off to bed people; remember groups of threes - Weasleys you first, Neville, Seamus and I will go last.”

Hermione arrived home half an hour later finding her parents eating.

“Hi Mom, Dad.”

“Hi honey, want to eat?” her mother asked her.

“Yeah sure. Thanks.”

“Did you by any chance pass through Tower street coming home Hermione?” her father asked her.

“No Dad, why?”

“It’s filled with those posters again.” He said with a smile on his face. “Last week the special squad had brought them down but today it was filled with them. This is so good, someone has finally opened his eyes and actually doing something. I bet the Reds are angry.”

She looked up at her father and saw satisfaction written all over his face. Ever since the posters had made their appearance in the city he couldn’t stop talking about them. He was proud that the citizens had finally shown courage. But of course he didn’t know he it was that was making them, he often said ‘When I’ll find out, I’ll personally thank them – this is a huge risk they’re taking’, she wondered how he would react knowing that his own daughter was taking this risk.

She didn’t have a lot of time to think about it when the phone rang suddenly, her father went to answer the it.

After a couple of minutes he returned with his face blank.

“Various clubs of our party were attacked and burnt. In the city they threw stones at the Finnigans’ house, breaking the window and hitting Mary.”

Her mother gasped, she knew Mary very well being one of the most active members of the women’s section in the party.

“Why?” Hermione managed to ask.

“Because they want to frighten people, to stop them from talking.”

Hermione couldn’t help but think that this put them backwards – after weeks of putting out the posters this will surely frighten people again. How could someone order these things? Attacks! Is this what the country was reducing itself to? She knew that if this continues it could push the country to civil war.

**********

Meanwhile, in another part of the city…

The night was calm and only a few people were outside. Draco and himself were in the park talking about girls, he had told Draco about Hermione who was happy for him. Hermione… he couldn’t stop thinking about her! How could someone have this effect on him? When he was with her he felt so at ease, like he could talk to her about anything! And in fact he did tell her things he never told anyone else; he felt like he could trust her with everything. He had to admit that it was a bit scary – to trust someone he had just met so much but he couldn’t help it.

He looked at Draco as he spoke about his mystery girl – he never did tell him anything else about her. All Harry new was that this girl was amazing - which was good. Draco needed someone to understand him. Harry knew that Draco’s relationship with his family was strange to say the least. They were not supportive of his decisions and it wasn’t the first time that he heard Draco speaking in a negative way about his parents, especially his father. Mr. Malfoy was a person who likes to be in control, and one who likes to show that he is in control. It still surprises him to some extent that his own father chose to work with Mr. Malfoy.

At the thought of his father Harry felt saddened, they still were not talking to each other from last time. It’s not like he really had the time anyway since his father seemed to spend more of his time at work on in his office on the phone. He always seemed distant and pensive so Harry just chose not to interrupt him again. He didn’t even know what he’d tell him. He knew that their fight was mostly his fault – he had come to the conclusion that he had wanted so much to impress his parents that he chose to do things that he thought would make them proud. In the meantime he chose to ignore his wishes and sacrifice them for the greater good – so to speak. But it didn’t mean that it was his parents’ fault since he is or should be responsible enough to take his own decisions.

You would ask where did all this come from – he had spoke to Hermione about it and that’s what she said. After lots of thinking time he realized that she was right. But he was still very proud and chose not to say anything to his parents’ yet – when he finds the right time he will apologize but not yet.

Suddenly Harry heard a noise and looked up to see a guy running towards them, Draco had heard the noise too and his face darkened as he recognized the guy. The tall brown-haired guy came near them and in a breathless voice told Draco:

“Clubs of Blue party – attacked – stones thrown and houses burnt down.”

Harry didn’t make out the sense of that sentence but it seemed that Draco did as his eyes widened suddenly.

“Where?” he asked

“Some in the city, near the Finnigans’ but mostly in other towns.” Came the reply.

Draco swore, at this point Harry asked him what was happening exactly.

“Houses and clubs of people supporting the Blue Party were attacked!”

Harry frowned, some people really had nothing to do – going around vandalizing people’s homes. It was crazy. Then it clicked in his mind that Draco had said that only houses of the Blue Party supporters had been affected and saw how badly it effected Draco.

“Draco, this is our fault. If there’s someone going out burning places it’s not our Party’s fault! It’s this person’s!”

Draco turned to look at Harry and seemed to be thinking exactly what to tell him.

“Harry, go home and tell your father about it. Right now you may not understand its relevance but you’ll understand soon enough. Go.”

Harry did as told and went back home all the time thinking about what Draco had told him. He arrived home and found his mother on the sofa watching TV, he asked her for his father.

“Why? What happened?” she asked him.

James must have heard him enter because he came at that moment in the living room and asked what was going on. Harry told him what the brown-haired guy had told Draco and James immediately went in his office to make some phone calls. Harry turned to look at his mother who had a look of terror on her face, he asked her what was wrong but she told him that soon everything would be fixed.

He then went upstairs to sleep and couldn’t shake that night’s events from his head.

*****

Thanks for reading, I don’t know when next chapter will be up but I can assure you that there will be more H/Hr stuff in it.

Thanks again,

marija

Chapter 5 - I think I'm falling in love with You

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling actually gets paid to write this stuff. I don't, so guess what? I don't own Harry Potter.

Author's note: I've been obsessed with this plot for a very long time, I'm glad I finally got it on paper. It's surely not one of my best works but I hope you'll like it.

This is set in the early 80s in a country (doesn't matter which one) which is having some political problems.

The plot is loosely based on actual happenings in my country in those times.

Dedicated to all those who in times of need stand up for what they believe in.

***************

I am so so sorry!!! I have promised to update this but I've let it slip aside. I've had a major writer's block; I tried to focus on this but for some reason couldn't. Finally I wrote this chapter - I know it's short, but it's all I could do for now.

***************

Harry wanders haphazardly about the city streets; he has a lot to think about. After the first attacks of a couple of months ago there have been more, always aimed at Blue supporters, it was clear to Harry that this was some sort of political assault to make his father's Party look bad. His father was more out of the house than in it; Harry thought that he was trying to preserve the Party's image by working hard.

As he passed a busy street he could feel people watching him and murmuring about him. He had become used to it by now, since certain leaflets and posters had been circulating around the city, everyone turned to look at him and murmur about him. He had been so angry when it all begun - he had been feeling people's eyes on him but didn't know why.

Then he had seen the leaflet - it was a political propaganda against his father's Party and his government. It said that the government was corrupted and unjust - two things he knew his father would never be. Then it also said that the Malfoys and Potters were stealing from the people - stealing their rights. Now a political propaganda he could stand but personal insults he couldn't. He had immediately told Draco about it but instead of being angry like he was, Draco tried to change the subject.

Every time he had tried to ask him Draco avoided the subject. He couldn't understand why Draco was being so secretive, he knew he was up to something - Draco Malfoy was always up to something. He was sure that it had something to do with Politics, maybe with Mr. Malfoy or the Party in general but he didn't know why it bothered him so much. Lately he was even more distant than usual and this led him to believe that something was going to happen but nothing new happened.

Perhaps he had some problems with Mystery Girl, he was certainly talking about her less - but that could be because they were not meeting that often. He didn't know what else to think, he really wanted to help his friend but it seems like he wasn't in any mood to share his problems with anyone.

Harry continued to walk around trying to make time go faster, he was going to meet Hermione in an hour and just couldn't wait. He was getting more and more nervous - today he wanted to tell her something important but if his nerves were not going to calm down soon he wouldn't be able to tell her anything at all!

They have been meeting more regularly; Harry liked to think that it was because she couldn't stay away from him for too long. They had become great friends and more than that; they were on the same page in so many ways. Both were waiting for something like this to sweep them off their feet; both were scared to not be ready, both needed this in their lives. Harry was crazy about her; she was amazing, brilliant, fantastic… he was running out of adjectives. She was always on his mind in a way or another and he couldn't wait to meet her.

He turned the corner to find himself looking at graffiti on the wall - “Potters and Malfoys leave us alone”, he frowned once again but continued to walk head up. He knew that people were watching him again and he wanted to show them that he wasn't ashamed of being a Potter - not at all. He knew that his father was an honest man and would never take advantage of his position and that all the leaflets and posters were just trying to bring down their morale.

He continued to roam about the city for another thirty minutes before going to the café where he was meeting Hermione, it was still quite early but he had nothing else to do so he went. Curiously enough as he approached the café he saw her there, lost in the imaginary world only a book could offer you. His heart skipped a beat as he thought that maybe she was as anxious as him and went there early for his same reason.

He went near her and said:

“'Pride and Prejudice' - well the title is interesting enough,” he said referring to the book she was reading.

At the sound of his voice she lifted her face from the book and her eyes shone as she took his presence in. He was charming as ever with that smile and those emerald eyes. She could feel herself blush, she knew she was too early for their meeting but couldn't wait anymore at home so she came anyway. But he was early too, this meant that he couldn't wait either; she smiled at him.

“Yes it's very interesting; it's about how pride and prejudice can be powerful obstacles in the course of love.”

He nodded and sat down next to her; he ordered an iced tea and spent some time watching her as she carefully placed a bookmark in the page she was reading and put the book away to give him her full attention. As she lifted her head to look at him their eyes met and he couldn't help a smile from forming on his lips. `She's so beautiful', he thought - she was not one of those stupid girls that thought only of their hair and make-up and general appearance. She was passionate about the things she did, she was intelligent, fun, and so many other things.

As they waited for their drinks Hermione started talking about the book `Pride and Prejudice' and some of the other books she liked. He had lost her somewhere during her explanation of the wonderful world of books to look her. He had done this often and now knew a lot of her movements. Like when she talked about things she loved her eyes danced and she gesticulated with her hands animatedly, or when she was nervous she bit her lip in the cutest way, when she was hiding something she wouldn't keep eye contact because she knew she was a terrible liar; and his favorite - when she laughed: it was music to his ears.

He continued to watch her but suddenly realized that she wasn't speaking anymore, instead she was looking curiously at him.

“Are you listening to me?” she asked with a hint of laughter in her voice.

“Yes, of course.” He answered, trying to hide the fact that he was too busy admiring her to listen.

“Sure you were,” she replied skeptically. He had the decency to blush at this.

“So are you doing something this weekend?” he asked to try and change the subject.

“I am, why?”

“Oh, it's nothing.” He answered a bit disappointed - he had planned to take her by the sea.

“It's not nothing; tell me.”

“No really it's nothing serious; I was just going to ask you if you wanted to come to the sea.”

“Oh. I am sorry, if I had known before I would have not made plans.” She told him truly disappointed now that she couldn't go with him.

“Nah, it's okay. We'll do it some other time. What is it that you have to do anyways?” he asked.

“It's a family thing, that kind of thing you can't escape you know?” She told him quickly; in truth she had some meetings with The Underground. Since the attacks had started they were as busy as ever trying to find out exactly who was doing these attacks. They were also intensifying their work on the people, trying as hard as they could to open their eyes and start crying for Freedom.

Their leaflets and graffiti had taken a slight insulting tune since the attacks started, even though Hermione was against it at first she thought that an attack was too personal and needed to be tackled as such.

“Hey are you okay? You kinda went somewhere else,” Harry said cutting her out of her thoughts.

“Yes, sorry I was just thinking about something.” She answered cryptically.

“Want to talk about it?” he asked her, realizing that something was troubling her.

“No, it's nothing. Thanks anyway.” She answered, not ready to tell him about her political background and involvement. They talked about anything but had never touched the political subject and for now she was glad to leave it at that.

They stayed at the café for about an hour talking and laughing, finally it was time for Hermione to leave.

“I'm really sorry but I have to go now my mother is waiting for me.”

Harry checked his watch and was surprised to find that an hour had already passed. He didn't want her to leave since he still had something to tell her.

“Can you stay for just another minute I have something to tell you, please.”

Since she really wanted to know what he needed to tell her she stayed. He looked ecstatic when she told him she'd stay but then he started to become nervous. He took her hands in his and she couldn't help but think how perfectly their hands fitted in each other. When he looked at Hermione thought she would melt into those green eyes.

“I know we haven't known each other for a very long time but I can't stop thinking about you. And it's strange because it's something I never felt before but it's strange and nice at the same time and now I'm rambling.”

He laughed to try to fell less nervous but she was blushing thus making him even more nervous so he thought that it was best to just say it.

“I…I think I'm falling in love with you.”

***************

And that's the 5^th Chapter. I have no idea when the next chapter will be uploaded, all I can say is that the next chapter is a really important one.

xxx

marija

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