Belong to Nowhere
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
AN: I know...I know it has been forever since my last update. First, RL really got me these past weeks...then comp broke ...and so on!
But I finally managed to buy a new comp(!!) and have a little vacation... Merlin, I needed that!
Thanks to Brooke and Acoustics1220!
Chapter 13: dealing with the rumors
Hermione was walking alone in the Hogwarts' corridors. She knew that Ron and Harry would be watching Gryffindor's Quidditch practice, even if they didn't take part in the team anymore.
She knew how difficult it was for them to quit the one thing they loved so much for the fight against Voldemort.
She intended to go outside, to read against the big tree near the Lake.
"Hermione!" she heard someone behind her. She turned around and saw Dean Thomas. "I want to speak with you, if you don't mind."
"I thought you were at practice."
Dean shrugged. "Yeah, but I asked Colin to tell them that I wasn't feeling well. I really need to talk with you, Hermione."
"Alright, Dean. I was going to read by the Lake. Why don't we talk there? It's very quiet."
"That's sound great."
"So, Dean, what do you want to talk about?" Hermione asked, sitting against the tree. Dean sat in front of her.
"Hermione, there's something you should know."
The young witch raised an eyebrow. Dean continued, "You know that Potter and Weasley didn't believe you when you told them the reason you had been gone these past few days…"
"I already told them I was-"
Dean raised his hand motioning for her to stop. "I know what you said you were doing and- really- that's not my place to tell or say anything. What I'm saying is that they don't believe you. I heard them talking about it. In the beginning I wasn't really paying attention but then…then Potter mentioned something that caught my attention. That's why I want talk with you."
"What did you hear?"
"Potter commented about a blue phoenix."
Hermione felt her heart stop. "W-What?" And Dean told her everything about what had happened…even the fight with Harry.
Hermione looked at Dean in disbelief. "Thanks, Dean, for not say anything about the drawing."
He smiled. "I gave you my word Hermione. I don't know why you wanted that drawing, but I realized it's important."
"Yes, Dean. It is. It's very important," she agreed. They sat in silence for a few seconds until Hermione let out a giggle. Oh, yes, a giggle.
Dean looked at her like she had grown an extra head. "What?" he asked.
"You and Harry. You fought. I mean, that's just wrong," she tried to sound serious but failed. "But, oh well, you two fought because of me- I mean, me!"
Dean glanced at his hands on his lap and then looked back up at the girl in front of him shyly.
"Oh, well, yeah, I guess," he said, his cheeks burning. But then he remembered something. Something not very nice: the rumors. "Speaking of the fight, there's…er…something else."
Hermione raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.
"You see," Dean began, "Everyone heard about the fight and you know how people can be…"
"People began to say that you, Harry and I are a love triangle," she concluded, shaking her head. "That's ridiculous."
Dean shifted, feeling uncomfortable. "Er, that's not exactly what people are saying." Hermione looked at him quizzically. Dean continued, "There's a rumor that Harry fought with me to protect your, er, honor."
"My…honor?"
The young man was very anxious. "Er, someone started a rumor that I got you pregnant-" Hermione gasped. "And Potter, as a good friend, demanded an explanation." He stopped and glanced nervously at her. To his surprise, she laughed.
"That's ridiculous. Simply ridiculous. I just can't be pregnant." She sobered. "I just can't," she repeated sadly, this time.
"Yeah, I know."
"And besides, I think people have to shag to get pregnant. And I don't remember us shagging."
"Hermione!"
"Sorry, that's just ridiculous. But what are you telling people?"
"I denied it of course, but to tell the truth, I think the best policy is to act like nothing's going on. With time, the rumors will stop."
"Yeah, you're right."
"I just thought you should know. People can be very cruel sometimes."
"Yes, I know and thank you. But just one more thing: Harry and Ron. I suppose they also heard about the rumors."
"Probably. I mean, yeah. They aren't stupid. Well not completely at least. But it's strange. They didn't say anything. Even Weasley. He didn't say a word."
She sighed sadly. "That's because they know it's not true. It's impossible that it's true."
Dean smiled. He was about to say something when they heard voices.
"Oww! Now I can see how bad Dean Thomas is feeling!" they heard Harry sarcastically saying. He, Ron, Ginny, and Luna were walking towards the couple. "I thought you were ill!"
He and Hermione stood up.
"I had to talk to Hermione, Potter. But I don't think it's your problem."
"Do you think it's not my problem? Ha! If you are impairing our Quidditch team then, yeah, it's my problem!"
"You aren't even on the team anymore! The only person who can say something is Ginny. And I didn't hear her say anything yet." Dean turned to Ginny. "Ginny, I'm really sorry that I missed the training but I really had to talk with Hermione…" He turned back to Harry, narrowing his eyes. "Alone."
Ginny smiled. "That's okay, Dean. Just…next time let me know first."
Dean nodded. Harry seemed ready to explode. He just wanted to kill that-that Dean Thomas! Ron and Luna stayed silent. Ron looked lost. What the hell was happening? And Luna…well Luna looked like…Luna.
"Harry," Hermione spoke for the first time.
"What!" the dark haired wizard spat. Hermione stepped back, shocked. "There's no need to say anything! Just don't let your love issues ruin Gryffindor!"
"Love issues? What-?" But Harry didn't hear her; he continued to shout angrily, "What are you going to do next? Skip classes so you can snog? Or maybe shag? Isn't it what people are saying about you? Maybe people aren't wrong….maybe you-" Slap! Hermione slapped him on the face.
"Mate!" Ron cried not believing what had just happened.
"I-I can't believe you, Harry Potter!" Hermione cried out, angry tears falling from her eyes.
"Hermione I'm sure-" Ron tried to speak up, but was interrupted by Harry. The boy who lived lost control.
"You can't believe me? I can't believe you! You and-"
"SHUT UP!" Ginny yelled. She went to Hermione and hugged the crying girl. "How dare you, Harry? If Dean and Hermione needed to talk it's their problem. Hermione can date, snog, whatever with anyone she wants! Now stop acting like a bloody older brother!" Before anyone could say a word, she said softly to Hermione, "Let's go to your room, Herms. This prat doesn't deserve your tears."
Head Girl's bedroom
"Shhh…" Ginny was saying, combing through Hermione's hair softly. The brunette had her head on Ginny's lap, eyes red from crying. "You know how he is, Herms. Don't let him bother you."
"T-Thank you, Gin," Hermione whispered, lifting her head and meeting Ginny's eyes. "Thank you."
"Thank you for what?" Ginny asked with false ignorance. "I did nothing."
Hermione shook her head. "No, Gin, you stood up for me. I really appreciate that."
"Herms, Harry may be my boyfriend and I truly love him, but you're my best friend. He had no right to say those awful things to you! Like I said you have every right to do anything you want with anyone you want!"
"B-But I wasn't doing anything wrong with Dean. We were only talking!"
"I know, I know, darling! But that's not the problem." Ginny sighed. "What I'm saying is that you have to show to my boyfriend and my brother that your life doesn't always depend on them."
Hermione looked unsure.
"You know, Dean is very good kisser," Ginny commented mischievously.
"Ginny!"
"Of course I prefer Harry but-"
"Ginny, please!"
Ginny held up her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay!" she said. "However I have to tell you, it would be well done for those pricks if you started to date Dean. But I won't insist. I don't think you can control your heart. So, now, why don't you take a nice shower and then take a nap? You look awfully tired, Hermione…"
Hermione smiled appreciatively at her friend. "I guess you're right," she said, and without thinking, she began to take off her jumper. It was when she remembered the mark. She was wearing a short sleeve blouse. Without thinking twice, she pulled her jumper down.
Ginny did her best to pretend she hadn't noticed what had just happened. "Well, I guess, I'm going to Gryffindor Tower. After all," she said looking at herself, "I also need a shower. See you, Herms."
"See you, Gin. And thanks. Thanks for everything."
"Nah, what are friends for?" she asked and then left.
***
Later, that night
Hermione was preparing to leave her dorm and go to dinner when she heard Anthony's voice through her door.
"Hermione?" he asked tentatively
"Yes, Anth-" she said opening the door and stopped. It was Harry, looking at her with pleading- puppy dog eyes. "What are doing here, Potter?"
Harry cringed at the way she addressed him. Hermione never called him Potter. It was just so…cold.
"I-I want to talk with you, Hermione."
"I think you said everything you wanted to say," she said without looking at him. "Now, if you excuse me…" And she began to close the door but he stopped her.
"Hermione, please," he begged. She took a deep breath and gave in, letting him enter the bedroom.
"You hurt me today, Harry," she said, not waiting for Harry.
He came towards her and tried to touch her arm, but she stepped back. He frowned.
"I know and I'm sorry."
"Why? Why, Harry? Why did you say those things?"
"I-I don't know. It's just…I couldn't control myself. Thomas-"
"Dean, Harry. His name is Dean. And he didn't do anything."
Harry snorted. "Right. Dean. Dean just got on my nerves. And those people saying that he had gotten you…you know."
She nodded. "Yes, I know. He told me. He didn't want me to hear these things from a stranger."
"Oh. How nice of him."
"Harry, would it be so bad if I dated Dean?"
Harry was taken aback. Was she going to confess? "Er…" Hermione narrowed her eyes at him. "O-Of Course not. He is a good bloke," he said with a fake smile.
She smiled, shaking her head. "Oh, Harry!"
"Am I forgiven then?" he asked innocently, his green eyes boring into hers.
"Yes, you are," she said placing a hand on his cheek. The same cheek she had slapped. "Your cheek is still red. I'm sorry."
Without taking his eyes off hers, he placed one hand over hers. "It was my fault," he replied huskily, and then began to kiss the palm of her hand.
Hermione's heart began to beat very fast. She closed her eyes, her lips were partly opened. She could feel his hot breath skimming her cheek as he started leaning towards her… his hand still holding hers.
Oh Merlin…
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AN: So that's it...chapter 13. Ginny is a wonderful friend, isn't she...?
Tell me what you think!
Kisses!
Sweet Lemmon