When One's Fancy Turns to Another
Chapter 2--Back to the Burrow
The Burrow never seemed to change. It still had its small rooms and scrubbed wood table. It still had its winding staircase and it's strange garden out front. And it still was completely just Weasley. Ron and Ginny Weasley sat at the couch in front of the fireplace, waiting for their company to arrive.
"Last night's at Harry and Hermione's was nice," said Ginny as flipped through a copy of The Daily Prophet
"Aye," replied Ron as he flipped through Quidditch Weekly.
"Hermione looked nice. I think studying abroad agreed with her," said Ginny casually.
"Hermione's been nice looking for a while, Gin. You know I've thought that for some time," replied Ron just as casually.
"She didn't seem to be your preferred conversation partner last night, though."
"Hmm?" replied Ron still not looking up from his magazine.
"You and Susan Bones seem pretty chummy."
"Oh, her, yes it was nice to talk to her again. I must say if studying abroad has helped anyone out, its her. She's gained some nice assets."
"Ron what are you doing?" asked Ginny as she threw aside the paper.
"What do you mean, Gin?" asked Ron still flipping through his magazine.
"Susan's with Neville, you know that."
"So then, where's the danger? If she's with Neville, then me talking with her isn't' going to hurt anything."
Ginny grabbed the magazine out of Ron's hand and threw it aside as she said, "Ron, I'm serious. I don't know what's gotten into you lately, but I don't think I like it. I think maybe your Quidditch popularity is going to your head. You don't need to go around tooling with the emotion of some girl."
"And what about you , Gin?"
"What is that suppose to mean?" asked Ginny defiantly.
"You seemed pretty comfy with Harry last night. You think that's a such a brilliant idea?"
"I was just talking to an old friend. Besides, he's not attached to anyone. What would it hurt if I asked him out on a date?"
"Just keep telling yourself that, Gin," said Ron as he got off the couch.
Ginny didn't ask what Ron meant, she knew. She wondered what relationship Harry and Hermione had. He certainly talked of her often and Ginny had caught Hermione glancing Harry's way all through dinner. Ginny knew she was attracted to Harry last night. She knew she could easily develop feelings for him, and this time for Harry, not some idea she had dreamed up in her head. Yes, she was pretty sure she could. Or was she just interested in something to help her get over her that slimy git she had been with for the past year? No, that couldn't be it, Ginny didn't think she was like that. She was sure if she did develop feelings for Harry, it would be the real thing. But if he and Hermione had feelings for each other, did she really want to get in the middle of that? She didn't want to get hurt and she didn't want to hurt her good friends either. She would just keep it friendly and see what happened. Surely she could do that.
Ginny and Ron spent the morning away from each other. Neither one wanted to hear the other's opinion. They both had the Weasley temper and today it was definitely showing. Around noon, Neville and Susan showed up. Harry and Hermione followed soon. Hermione, Ginny, and Susan made sandwiches together in the kitchen while the boys set up a table outside in the back garden.
During lunch, both Fred and George showed up. It was very much like old times at the Burrow. A crowded table, filled with sandwiches and good friends around it chatting happily. After an hour of eating and visiting, it was decided that a game of Quidditch must be played.
"There's eight of us, that's plenty to have a decent game," said George excitedly.
"Yes, we can have one keeper, one seeker, and two chasers each time. No reasons to have any bludgers," said Fred equally excited.
"I think they'll only be seven of you. I don't fly," said Hermione standing up and collecting empty plates.
"Oh come on Hermione, you can't spoil everyone's fun. Without you it will be uneven teams," said Ron.
"No it won't. I'm not much of a flier either. I'll sit out as well," said Neville.
"Three on Three's no fun! Come on you two, we'll let you be keepers. That way you don't have to move much," said George.
"I don't like heights," said Hermione adamantly.
"Well, we won't be playing very high. We have to keep below the tree line anyway. Come on Hermione, it'll be fun," said Ron.
Hermione looked at Harry who smiled back and shrugged.
"Well you did bring your new broomstick. Seems a shame to waste such a pretty day. Besides you can consider this your first lesson."
"Harry, you told me I wouldn't ever+ have to play Quidditch. You know I have the athletic ability of a tree stump."
Harry got up from the table with his plate. He handed it to Hermione and leaned in to whisper in her ear.
"Come on, Hermione, it'll be fun. Besides I hate to mention certain visits you received this year in France."
"Blackmail, Potter?" whispered Hermione back. "That seems a little beneath you."
Harry smiled and then said rather loudly, "So Hermione, heard from…."
Hermione had pulled out her wand at lightening speed and silenced Harry with a muting charm.
"All right I'll play," said Hermione as she waved her wand and Harry regained his voice.
"With reflexes like that, I don't know why you are worried about Quidditch," said Harry messaging his throat.
It didn't take much to convince Neville to play. Soon they were all gathered outside in the large field behind the Burrow. The split up into teams. Harry as one seeker, Neville as keeper, and Fred and Susan as chasers on one team, and Ginny (who was the Gryffindor seeker after Harry) as seeker, Hermione as keeper, and George and Ron as chasers on the other.
The game was very high scoring, seeing how both keepers were both inexperienced and scared. Most people seemed a little preoccupied with something else than the game. Of course Hermione and Neville were both just trying not to fall off. Harry and Ginny seemed determined to try and out fly each other, while Ron and Susan spent most of the time cracking jokes about one another's flying technique or finding a reason to touch one another.
The game went on fairly well, until George accidentally slammed into Hermione causing her to fall off her broom. Luckily both Harry and Ron were close by. Ron was the one who caught her and as he landed with Hermione on his broom, he whispered in her ear.
"Looks like for once I get to be the hero."
While Harry was distracted watching Ron catch Hermione, Ginny caught the snitch in a very nice dive. Everyone returned to the ground.
"Quite a diversionary tactic I used there, don't you think?" asked George grinning broadly.
"You mean almost killing Hermione? Yea brilliant, " said Harry a tad angrily.
"About that, Sorry Hermione," said George.
"Its alright. No harm done, but I don't think that helped my fear of flying much," said Hermione as she straightened her shirt.
"You sure you're okay?" asked Harry.
"Harry, I'm fine! I think I've had enough of Quidditch for the day, though. I just really would like to go and read."
Fred and George said they needed to get back to their shop anyway, and Neville wasn't up to playing anymore. So Hermione went to find a book while Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Susan decided to stay out and fly a bit more. Neville watched for a while but then got bored and decided to walk around the grounds. Before long, he found Hermione shoeless underneath a tree, reading.
"Do you mind if I sit with you for a while, Hermione?" asked Neville timidly.
"Not at all," said Hermione smiling and moving over so Neville could sit under the tree with her.
"What are you reading?"
"You'll laugh if I tell you."
"It's Hogwarts, A History, isn't it?"
Hermione grinned sheepishly as she handed Neville the book.
"I left this here accidentally the last summer I was here at the Burrow. I couldn't help picking it up, its like an old friend," said Hermione quietly.
Neville thumbed through the book, looking thoughtful.
"So much has changed since the last time I read this book.," said Hermione as she pulled her knees up to her chest.
"Everything's changed and everybody. Well, everybody but me that is. Sometimes I feel like I'm being left behind."
"But Neville, you have changed, and every bit of it for the better," said Hermione earnestly.
Neville blushed a little but he didn't say anything. He kept thumbing through Hermione's book until something feel out. Neville picked up and examined it. His face broke into a wide grin. He handed it to Hermione who immediately felt her face become red, but she couldn't help but smile wide herself.
"A S.P.E.W. pamphlet.," said Hermione as she read through what she had wrote so long ago.
"I was a proud member of S.P.E.W," said Neville as he picked up a twig from the ground.
"Proud? You mean scared and bullied."
"Well ,you were a very enthusiastic campaigner."
"I never did get freedom for house elves. I guess S.P.E.W was a failure," said Hermione as she handed the pamphlet back to Neville.
"A failure! How can you say that. If not for your work we never would have had the House Elf network we had. Those elves never would have had the courage to speak out about their dark wizard masters if it wasn't for you. The information they passed won us the war, Hermione. And it was all because of you."
"You give me too much credit, Neville. We all know Harry won the war for us. Besides, Dobby's the one who was brave enough to speak out. Its amazing how one small creature did so much," said Hermione.
"It was because of you that he was able to. You may not have been able to free house elves, but their situations are certainly better now because of you. In fact all of us are in better situations because of you."
Hermione felt herself go extremely red. Neither her or Neville said anything as he continued to flipped through the book. He stopped on a page that listed the head boy and girls of Hogwarts. Every year it magically updated itself. The one's still living were written in gold and the one's who had passed on were written in black. Most of the ones on the first few pages were all black, but as Neville flipped though they slowly began to turn gold. Amongst the gold on one page, two names stood out in black: Lilly Evans and James Potter.
Neville sighed and said softly," Harry's had such a hard life. It doesn't really seem fair."
"The same could be said for you, Neville," said Hermione as she laid a hand on Neville's arm while she examined the head boy and girl list with him.
"I may not still have my parent's, well not in any real way, but I still have a caring family. My grandmother may be strict and odd, but I know she loves me. I couldn't imagine growing up like Harry did. It must have been awful."
"I'm sure it was, but Harry is a very strong person, as are you, Neville."
Neville smiled at Hermione and closed Hogwarts, A History.
"And now I have Susan. I love her very much, Hermione."
"I know, and she's very fond of you as well. You were all she talked about in France."
"I just hope nothing has changed recently. She seems preoccupied with something or someone," said Neville as he handed Hermione back her book.
Hermione put the book aside and turned to Neville.
"I know it seems a little strange, I mean Susan and Ron, but they were pretty good friends back at school that last year, and they haven't seen each other for a while. I'm sure that's it. Just remember, Neville, who she goes home with at night," said Hermione as she got up.
Neville got up as well as he nodded and smiled at Hermione.
"Let's get back to the house. We'll have to decided what to do for dinner soon."
Neville and Hermione got back to the house to find Ron and Susan alone playing chess. Neville went up to Susan and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Susan smiled but didn't look up from the game. Neville turned and looked at Hermione who gave him an encouraging smile.
Around five Ginny and Harry came in from flying laughing and looking as though they had a very good time. The group discussed their dinner plans, four seemed adamant to stay together while two thought it was best to part for the night.
"I have to check in with the Ministry early tomorrow about the last part of my training" said Hermione. "I really think I need to go home."
"I am meeting with a wizard from South Korea about a new species of venecular tentacles. I should probably be heading home as well," said Neville looking at Susan.
"Oh, ok," said Susan sounded disappointed.
"Well, if you don't want to go…," said Neville looking somewhat upset.
"No, I do. Its just we all seem to be having a good time. I just hate to leave," said Susan.
"Perhaps then its best if you leave now before things get dull," said Ron quickly, glancing at Neville.
"Well, I guess we will have to floo home. Its after five, the new regulations won't let you apparate after five without an after hours permit, and I haven't gotten one yet," said Susan.
" I guess I will as well then," said Hermione.
Ginny walked over to the mantle and checked their floo pot.
"We have a small problem," said Ginny picking up the pot off the mantle. "I'm afraid we only have enough floo for about two people."
"That's not a problem. Neville and Susan can floo home, and Hermione has her broomstick," said Ron.
"I suppose I could fly home, if I just took it slow, " said Hermione looking apprehensive.;
"I can fly you, Hermione," said Harry.
"Oh, you're leaving too, Harry?" asked Ginny. "Well, I can show you the report I did on Auror training later."
"Harry, if you want to stay, I'm sure I'll be fine flying home."
"Harry, mate if you aren't ready to go, I can just fly Hermione home and then apparate back. I have a permit."
"Ron I don't want to be a bother."
"Hermione, you've been one of my best friends for ten years, its not problem. Besides we've barely had a moment to talk."
"Ron, if you're sure, I would like to look at that report. Maybe I can see what I've got in store for me in the last trial," said Harry gratefully.
So it was decided. Susan and Neville flooed home. Neville smiling and waving and Susan looking what could only be described as dejected. Hermione hugged Ginny and they promised to met for lunch soon. Harry kissed Hermione on the cheek and said he would be home later. Hermione went into the living-room and grabbed her broomstick. Ron met her at the door, smiling.
"Hmm, not a bad model. It's the new JetStream model, right? Even has a cloaking device. That'll come in handy."
"I have no idea. Harry bought it for me. He seems to think I need to learn how to fly."
"Well, he's right. Hermione, I can't believe a witch amazing as you can't fly."
"I suppose we all have our weakness," said Hermione.
"True. Well, are you ready to go?" asked Ron mounting the broomstick.
"Ready as I'll ever be," said Hermione getting on behind Ron. "You will take it easy with me, right? No funny business, just a nice steady…. Arggg! Ron!"
Ron had kicked off hard, raising several feet in what could have only been a second. He the proceeded to do a loop that made Hermione grab Ron hard around the middle.
"Ronald Weasley! You know how scared I am of heights and flying, slow down!" shouted Hermione over the wind swirling around them.
"Come on, Hermione you can trust me. You used to trust me with your life," said Ron turning towards her a little.
"Some things change," muttered Hermione so Ron couldn't hear..
The flew the rest of the way in virtual silence. Before long they were right over Diagon Alley. Ron landed in an area specially designed for broom landings. After checking in with the security wizard, Ron and Hermione walked to her flat.
"Hermione, why are you so quiet?" asked Ron.
"I am just tired. Besides, I don't really have much to say," said Hermione as they walked slowly down the street.
"We've not seen each other in over a year, and you don't think we have much to say to each other?" asked Ron.
"Ok, what do you want to talk about?"
"How was France?"
"Nice."
"Nice? That's all you have to say?"
"What else do you want to know?"
"You and Harry seemed to have grown pretty close while you were both there," said Ron as he stopped walking.
"Yes, I suppose we did. Of course we missed you," said Hermione who also stopped walking.
"I missed you two as well, but something seems different about both of you."
"Different? How?"
"Hermione, what are you're feelings for Harry?" asked Ron very bluntly.
"What, my feelings?" asked Hermione, looking shocked as she felt herself blush.
"Yes, your feelings."
"He's my best friend. He knows me better than anyone else alive! I mean he's my best friend!" said Hermione walking a circle around Ron.
"Yes, you said that twice," said Ron looking at Hermione.
"Well, its true. He's my best friend."
"Who are you trying to convince, me or yourself?"
"What are you getting at, Ron," asked Hermione angrily as she stopped circling to stare directly at Ron
"Hermione, I just don't want to see you get hurt," said Ron rubbing the side of Hermione's upper arm.
"I can assure you I'm in no danger of that. It's funny though that you should be so afraid of someone getting hurt," said Hermione stepping back out of Ron's reach.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Ron with his eyes narrowed.
"You know exactly what I mean. Ron, what do you think you are doing with Susan? You're playing with her emotions, I've seen you. And what about Neville? He's noticed, you know."
"Can't I just spend time with an old friend? I have no plans or feelings beyond friendship for Susan Bones."
"What about her, Ron? You're just confusing that girl, and you know it."
"Hermione, why don't you just work on sorting out your own feelings, instead of worrying about someone else's. Now, I see you apartment building right up the road. I need to get back to the Burrow, you know where my sister and your "best friend" are all alone," said Ron and then he disappeared.
Hermione angrily marched up to her apartment and went straight to her room. She didn't eat dinner, but chose to try and read a book instead. All she managed to do though, was cry.