When One's Fancy Turn's to Another
Chapter 4~Happy Birthday, Hermione.
A/N: There is a little H/G and R/Hr in this chapter, not too much, but if even a little makes you squeamish, I am warning you now. This is just a heads up!
The next few weeks flew by. Ginny had discussed with Harry about writing an article on the ministry's obvious prejudice, but Ginny told him the Daily Prophet would not print any thing about it. She would still research and write the article, but she would have to take it to a secondary source.
Ginny's progress on the article was hindered though. The Prophet sent her to write an article on small wizarding towns throughout Europe. Ginny was excited to get to travel, but she seemed hesitant to leave for one reason, Harry. But he promised to write to her often and he was the right amount of melancholy the night she left, so she left pleased and only just a little apprehensive of what might happen while she was gone.
Hermione meanwhile, was for a reason she could not think of , relived Ginny was gone for a few weeks. Harry, Ron, and she spent so much time together, it was almost like old times. They browsed through Diagon Alley together. Hermione laughed as she watched Ron and Harry race brooms. The trio ate meals together, stayed up late together, and basically spent every waking moment in each other's presence.
For some reason Hermione was pleased one night when Harry mentioned he had totally forgotten to write Ginny as of yet. Around the end of August while Harry was gone for a week attending orientation for the final stage of his Auror training, Hermione received an owl from Professor McGonagall echoing Remus' offer of becoming the Transfiguration teacher.
Hermione had spent many nights awake thinking about taking up the offer. She didn't tell anyone, in fear they might talk her out of or in to something she didn't want. After much deliberation and thought she owled Professor McGonagall back saying she wasn't ready to take such a responsibility filled position. A few days after her owl she returned to her apartment from spending the morning with Ron, picking out dress robes for him, to find Professor McGonagall standing in front of her apartment.
"Professor McGonagall, what are you doing here?:" asked Hermione shocked. "I mean you are of course a pleasant surprise, but I didn't think you would come all the way out here to see me. Wait, something hasn't happen to Remus, or Harry has it?" asked Hermione hurriedly with a worried expression on her face.
"Miss Granger, do calm down. Professor Lupin is fine, and Potter well, besides the fact that I hear he still has his irrational moments, I 'm sure he is just fine. I've come here to have a word with you. Do you mind if we go up to your apartment."
"Why no, of course," said Hermione opening the door for her old favorite Professor.
The two went up and entered the apartment in silence. Once inside Hermione offered the Professor a seat, which McGonagall refused.
"Miss Granger, I don't have much time, but I had to talk to you about the Transfiguration position. I found your answer unsatisfactory."
"Excuse me," said Hermione taken aback.
"Not ready for the responsibility, I've never had a student who was more responsible. Now, I want the real reason you have declined this opportunity."
"Truthfully, I just don't feel ready for this. I don't think I can do it."
"I say you can, and I am Head Mistress of the school. I have total confidence in your ability. If this is because of your supposed failure with the Ministry, I think you should know that you passed every class and training session with flying colors."
"How do you know that?" asked Hermione.
"I have my own sources, Miss Granger. Since we both know you could easily do this job and that you would most likely find it enjoyable, can you tell me some other reason."
"Well, I…." stared Hermione when she was cut off by a popping sound just behind her.
Hermione turned and saw her roommate for the first time in over a week."
"Harry!" said Hermione excitedly. Harry smiled widely. He gave Hermione a soft kiss on her cheek and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I missed you, Hermione," said Harry softly. He then looked above Hermione. He suddenly pulled away from Hermione as he spotted Professor McGonagall for the first time.
"Professor! I'm sorry I didn't notice you there," said Harry as his face turned red.
"Its quite alright, Potter. I'm sure you were just happy to see your…ah…friend after such an absence. I trust your Auror training is going well."
"Yes, Professor, thank you for all you help."
"It was your ability and hard work that got you this far, Mr. Potter. It will take much more to meet your goal," said McGonagall looking at Harry. She then fixed her eye on Hermione.
"Miss Granger, I think I have an idea of why you have refused my offer. I just hope you have made the correct choice."
"Professor?" said Hermione uncertainly.
"I really must go, but remember there is always a place for you at Hogwarts," finished McGonagall as she disappeared with a pop.
"A place for you at Hogwarts? Hermione did she offer you a job?' asked Harry.
"Actually she offered me the position of teaching Transfiguration." said Hermione sitting down.
"Hermione! Why didn't you take it? That sounds like your dream job."
"I don't know, I just didn't feel ready. I would lay awake at night and think about it. I could almost see myself taking the position then something would hold me back."
"What keeps holding you back?" asked Harry as he sat next to Hermione on the couch.
"I don't know. Just when I think of living at Hogwarts and teaching there, I feel like I would be missing something, like I wouldn't be whole."
"Hermione, you don't feel bad about leaving me do you?" asked Harry.
"What? Leaving you? What do you mean?" asked Hermione is a strange high voice as she turned red.
"I mean leaving me alone with this apartment for me to pay for. Because don't worry I can afford it."
"Oh that, " said Hermione as she wondered why her cheeks were so warm. "No, Harry. I just honestly don't feel ready."
"Well, I think you would be brilliant at it, but its your decision."
Hermione smiled gratefully. She didn't want Harry trying to talk her into it. But why didn't she want to take the position? For some reason she like everyone else wasn't buying her own excuse. Hermione knew deep down she could do it. And why did Professor McGonagall say she thought she knew the real reason?
Hermione looked at her best friend smiling at her. She sighed to herself as she looked at the reason right in front of her. She really didn't want to leave Harry. She knew she would still see him if she worked at Hogwarts, but she wouldn't see him as often. He had been with her constantly for what seemed like forever. She couldn't stand the thought that she wouldn't be able to see him almost everyday.
Hermione cocked her head and looked into Harry's bright green eyes. She couldn't even fool herself anymore to thinking he was just her best friend. As September drew closer, several times Hermione almost sent an owl to Professor McGonagall. A thousand times Hermione almost changed her mind, but then the image of Harry would appear in her head and she would change it again.
September first came and went, and Hermione never wrote to Hogwarts. Ron left for Quidditch team training and Ginny came back from her European tour. Hermione spent many unhappy days as Harry and Ginny were always in a corner whispering wherever they were. Hermione and Ginny had always been great friends, but lately Hermione found herself thinking not so friendly thoughts of Ginny.
After Ron left, Susan and Neville rejoined the group so at least Hermione had company. Hermione tried to spend her days cheerfully. She worked part time in Flourish and Blotts so she could at least pay for half the apartment. Hermione worked the morning of September 19 which was of course her birthday. Harry wasn't up yet when she had left the apartment and he didn't even come by the bookstore to say happy birthday to her. She was in a very gloomy mood when she left the store that afternoon.
She turned around the corner to head to her apartment when she was greeted by Susan and Hermione.
"Finally, there's the birthday girl!" said Ginny cheerfully as she took one of Hermione's arms.
"Yes! Hermione, happy birthday!" said Susan taking her other arm.
"Well, thank you, but what are you doing?" asked Hermione uncertainly.
"You'll see. Now come on we got a big day ahead of us," said Ginny as she and Susan drug Hermione back towards Diagon Alley.
The three girls first went Madams Malkin's. Here Ginny and Susan forced Hermione to try on dress robes after dress robes, not telling her a reason why. Hermione, after much protesting, finally gave in and tried on various colors of dress robes. After what seemed like hours, Hermione tried on dark blue robes.
As Hermione looked in the mirror in her dressing room, even she could appreciate how she looked. The dark blue robes hung off her body perfectly, hugging her curves in just the right places. The fabric seemed to twinkle in the light, and the color was perfect on her. When she walked out of the dressing room to show Ginny and Susan they both stared and gasped.
"That's the one, Hermione," said Susan.
"You have to buy that," said Ginny walking around Hermione, admiring the robes.
"You're right, Gin. I absolutely have to," said Hermione grinning at herself in a large mirror.
Next the girls grabbed a bit to eat and then went directly to Sherry Shully's Snip and Cut to each get their hair done. After a long afternoon, all three girls left with beautifully styled hair. Susan had hers done half up, with little auburn ringlets cascading down her shoulders. Ginny opted to have hers fully up, neatly in a large bun.
But both Susan and Ginny admitted that their hair looked nothing as well as Hermione's. She had left hers fully down, as perfect, soft, large curls cascaded down her back and shoulders.
"You will look perfect tonight, " said Ginny as she smoothed a stray curl of Hermione's hair, as the girl's stood next to an apparation point in Diagon Alley, waiting to be cleared to go.
'Perfect for what?" asked Hermione
"You'll see, oh we're up!" said Susan grabbing Hermione's hand.
"But where are we going? I need to know to apparate."
"The Burrow," said Ginny grabbing Hermione's other hand. "Now come on."
Hermione thought about asking more questions, but instead she disappeared along with the other two girls.
The three girls both reappeared in the Weasley's living room. Ginny again grabbed Hermione's hand dragging her upstairs.
"Come on! There isn't much time to get ready," said Ginny dragging Hermione up to her room.
"Ready for what? What is going on?" asked Hermione stopping defiantly outside of Ginny's door.
"We already told you you'll see. Haven't you ever heard of a surprise?" asked Susan standing behind Hermione.
"I don't like surprises," said Hermione still standing outside Ginny's room.
"Well, that's just tough," said Susan as she shoved Hermione into the room.
Ginny threw in Hermione's new dress robes and slammed the door.
"Now get dressed and come down stairs." said Ginny as she and Susan went to other rooms to change themselves.
Hermione changed into her robes, wondering what was going on. It seemed as if she was going to have some kind of birthday party, but why did she have to get all dressed up? It was only the Burrow. She loved the place, but elegant was the last thing it really was.
Despite her reservations, she enjoyed putting on her new dress robes. With her hair done and some simple makeup charms, she thought she looked quite nice. She twirled around a few times in front of Ginny's mirror and let out a girlish giggle. She felt extremely out of character, but she would allow it for tonight. Something about the way she looked and felt in her new outfit seemed to take her over.
Hermione practically bounced down the stairs and into the Weasley's living room. Suddenly Pig came hooting by her with a note in his beak. Hermione pulled it out and opened it.
Come, out back
..was all it said. Hermione walked to the kitchen and placed the note on the table, she then walked out back to see and hear something she surely didn't expect. The entire back garden of the Burrow was lit by fairies that had been summoned there. What seemed like a hundred people yelled surprise as she walked just out the door.
Everyone she had ever known since entering the magical world seemed to be there. Old classmates, teachers, friends for France, Viktor, and even her mother and father. She walked out the door beaming as she waved frantically at her parents, Remus, and Hagrid. Her eyes grazed the crowd spotting old friends everywhere, but one seemed to catch her eye more than the others.
Ron Weasley was standing at the end of the garden waiting when Hermione made her entrance. He was prepared to make noise with the rest when she came into the garden and smile at his best friend, but when she actually did appear he found himself speechless.
That wasn't Hermione that exited out that door, it was a vision, an angel. Ron felt his heart catch in his chest. She was beautiful, the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The way her hair was fixed , her robes, and the way she was carrying herself, it was all perfect. Ron also knew that it was still Hermione somewhere in there. There was still the smart, kind, amazing witch he had grown to respect. He was suddenly reminded of why he had such a crush on her at Hogwarts.
Ron couldn't keep his eyes off of her as she walked through the crowd greeting everyone. Finally her eyes rested on his, and he knew she could see right through him.
Hermione's eyes kept glancing at Ron who was still standing in the same spot staring at her. He had a very odd look on his face, that too Hermione seemed to mean, well it seemed to mean…oh but that was impossible. He couldn't be, could he? Hermione tried to make her way over to Ron, but was cut off by a huge shadow. Hermione turned around to come face to face with Hagrid who patted her on the shoulder, beaming.
"Happy Birthday, Hermione!" said Hagrid bending down to hug her.
Ron's gaze followed Hermione as she floated across the garden, greeting everyone. He smiled slightly as she came closer and closer to him. Finally just when she would have had a clear path to him, Hagrid stepped behind her and took her attention away. Ron's head dropped and he suddenly noticed his sister was saying his name rather loudly.
"Ron, Ron! Ron!" said Ginny slightly shaking him.
"What? Gin, oh what is it?" asked Ron turning his head to look at her.
"I was just asking where Harry is. I haven't seen him anywhere," said Ginny giving Ron an odd look.
"Oh he flooed and said he was going to be late. His meeting with his trainer went over."
"Oh, well I hope he gets here soon. Hermione's bound to notice his not here soon, if she hasn't already," said Ginny watching Hermione now leaving Hagrid and being greeted by Viktor Krum.
"Right, Harry, I hope he's here soon," said Ron vaguely as he too watched Hermione.
"Ron, are you alright?" asked Ginny looking at her brother.
"Me? I'm fine Gin, just fine," answered Ron, still staring at Hermione.
Ginny smiled slightly as she followed Ron's gaze to Hermione who was still talking to Viktor Krum.
"She looks wonderful tonight, doesn't she? I know you've always thought she was quite pretty, but she looks somehow different"
"Yes, but she's still Hermione."
"She still is, and …"
"And what?" asked Ron as he turned to look at Ginny.
"And what do you think about that?" asked Ginny grinning at her brother.
"I think that's exactly the way I want it," said Ron grinning back as both siblings understood what he meant.
"Then you have to tell her, Ron."
"But what about…I mean she obviously…"
"Yes, I know and sometimes I think he too, well, you know," said Ginny not daring to say what they both felt about their two friends.
"And if they both feel that way, then I'm not sure I would be doing the right thing in telling her," said Ron.
"She has to know, Ron. You have to tell her, or you will regret it."
Ron didn't say anything as Hermione had finally made her way over to him. Once she was in front of him smiling, Ron felt strangely at ease and he seemed to come back to his senses.
"Didn't expect this, did you?" asked Ron grinning at Hermione.
'Absolutely not, Its wonderful. I don't know how to thank all of you." said Hermione beaming.
"It was all Ginny's idea."
"Oh please, Ron, you and Harry did more than I did. And it was nothing Hermione. After I invited a few people word just spread, and you couldn't keep the people away. I just wanted to show you that you are loved and respected by so many people. I didn't want the Ministry getting you down."
Hermione smiled and hugged Ginny, suddenly feeling awful for the thoughts she had been thinking about Ginny lately.
The two girls parted and held each others hands, smiling with tears in their eyes. Ron took one of Hermione's hands.
"Now, now there will be none of that. Come on, Hermione, we even have a band," said Ron as he tried to lead Hermione over to a clear area that was clearly meant to be used as a dance floor.
"What, dance? Oh, I don't dance," said Hermione not moving.
"I seemed to remember you and old Vicky over there doing something at the Yule ball our fourth year. If I remember correctly is was dancing, but if you have something else to call it, then I won't make you dance," said Ron smiling.
"Oh, fine, but don't blame me if I'm horrible and I step on all your toes," said Hermione as they both walked over to the dance area.
Hermione and Ron both stood in the middle of the clearing and the band took the hint. The played a slow song and Ron took one of Hermione's hands and placed the other around her waste. Together they started moving slowly to the music.
"See, its not so bad," said Ron smiling, as moved slightly around the floor.
"Not bad at all," said Hermione, beaming back.
Ron felt so many feelings as he danced with his best friend. They had shared so much, and Ron felt like he knew practically everything about the girl dancing with him, yet somehow everyday, she seemed to surprise him. He had dated a lot of witches lately, but he suddenly realized that none could compare to Hermione. None of them were as clever, kind, or as beautiful. Suddenly Ron couldn't help himself. Maybe it was her intoxicating scent, or the atmosphere, or the fact that she was so close to him, but he had to tell her how he felt.
"Hermione, I well, I need to tell you something," said Ron moving in closer to her.
"Oh?"
"When you first came back, and Susan too, I was just playing with Susan's emotions. I wanted to make her fall for me. It was silly I know, but when you were gone for so long and I was off playing Quidditch, well I'm afraid I got a big head. I was wrong. I never wanted to hurt Neville or Susan. And I didn't want to see you look at me like you did that night I flew you home. "
Hermione said nothing as Ron moved closer.
"Hermione, lately I've been noticing that when you are around, I'm a better person. And that's not all. When you're around I just feel better. Oh, I'm not good at this. Hermione, what I'm trying to say, is…"
"Ron, I know. I know what you're thinking."
"Oh."
"Ron, you're my best friend and you really are wonderful. There really isn't any reason why I shouldn't, well you know, but I…"
"Its Harry isn't it?" asked Ron frowning.
Hermione just nodded as tears came to her eyes.
"I don't want to hurt you, in fact I would be lucky to be with someone like you, but I can't help it. I've given too much of myself to him, Ron."
"Have you told him how you feel, Hermione?" asked Ron as they still danced.
"No." answered Hermione as tears fell from her eyes.
"Why not, Hermione. He has to know."
"I'm afraid of what his answer will be," said Hermione as she choked on her tears.
Ron pulled her into his arms and they both danced slowly as Hermione cried. Ron didn't let himself feel disappointed in Hermione's answer. He knew right now she needed a best friend.
Harry aparated into the Weasley's living room. He hurriedly straightened out his dark green dress robes that he had changed into at the Ministry before he had left for the Weasley's. Harry walked quickly into the kitchen and to the Weasley's back yard to find it bright with fairies and full of people.
As soon as Harry stepped out into the back yard he was greeted by people. Harry would hastily say hello and shake hands or hug, trying to be polite but move on as quickly as possible. All he wanted was to find Hermione and apologized for being so late. He walked through the crowd but couldn't find her anywhere.
Finally he moved through a throng of people who seemed to be next to the clearing where a band was playing. He made it to the front of the group to find Hermione in Ron's arms dancing. The scene before him made his stomach fall for some reason. The site of Ron's arms around Hermione so intimately did not set well with Harry. For some reason all he wanted to do was walk up to them and break them apart.
Harry stood still with a scowl on his face watching his best friends' dance slowly, not really registering what he was truly feeling. Harry then turned around and with slumped shoulders walked through the crowd, ignoring people who were trying to get his attention.
Harry walked around to the front of the burrow and sat down on a old stump. Behind him was the glow of the back yard and the sound of music. Harry's scowl became deeper as he imagined Ron and Hermione holding each other dancing to that music. Harry suddenly stood up, turned and kicked the stump.
What were Ron and Hermione doing dancing like that? And why did he care so much that they were. Finally it dawned on Harry that he wanted to be the one dancing with Hermione like that. He wanted to be the one to hold her close, tonight. In fact he wanted to be the only one who ever held her like that. Harry realized that he had been thinking that Hermione would always be there with him. She would always have been his Hermione.
Sure she had dated some, but he had never seen her like that tonight, with another man's arms around her. Harry sat back down on the stump and tried to think rationally. He had no claim on Hermione. He knew that. And if she was happy with Ron, who was Harry's best friend, then he would just have to accept that.
Harry sat in silence not wanting to accept what was creeping into his mind. Not wanting to think about it. Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a small girt wrapped in silver paper. He played with it for a moment. Suddenly a noise behind him made him turn around. Harry quickly placed the gift back into his pocket.
"Harry?" said Ginny as she came into view.
"Yea, its me," said Harry heavily.
"What are you doing out here?"
"Thinking."
"About what?" asked Ginny coming closer.
"Different things." said Harry quietly.
"Oh, well do you mind if I join you?" asked Ginny now standing next to the stump.
"No," said Harry moving over so Ginny could sit on the large stump with him,
"So, I guess you saw Ron and Hermione dancing," said Ginny.
"Yes."
"I guess he told her after all."
"Told her what?" asked Harry although he thought he probably already knew the answer.
"Well, that he has feelings for her," replied Ginny quietly.
"Looks like he got the answer he wanted," said Harry.
"Do you mind?" asked Ginny turning to look at Harry.
Harry turned his face to look up at the star lit sky and thought about his answer. Of course he minded, he had just realized that he was in love with Hermione. But she looked like she was already taken by Ron. He couldn't stand in the way of his best friends' happiness, not when it was two people he loved so much. Harry made up his mind.
"No, I don't mind," said Harry lying.
"Are you sure?" asked Ginny.
"I want them to be happy," said Harry. "It was just a shock, I suppose."
"Oh, so you don't have feelings for Hermione?" asked Ginny timidly
"She's my best friend and I want her to be happy. Ron too," said Harry not looking at Ginny.
"Just your best friend then?"
"That's all she can ever be," said Harry.
"Harry, " started Ginny moving a little closer to him. "I …well… I actually…I mean then you won't mind if I do this?"
Suddenly Ginny reached up and placed her lips on his. Harry taken aback didn't react and just sat still with his lips on Ginny's. A gasps behind them made him pull away. Harry looked over and saw Hermione standing there with a horrified look on her face.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…" started Hermione, but instead of finishing she took off and ran back up to the house.
Hermione ran back up to the house as quickly as she could. As soon as she was in the living room, she slumped down on the couch and cried.
"Hermione?" said a voice, Hermione recognized as Ron. "Are you ok? What happened?"
Ron walked over and sat next to Hermione on the couch .
"Hermione, what is t?"
"Harry, and Ginny," gasped Hermione between tears. "I heard them talking and then I…I saw, oh I have to get out of here," said Hermione standing up. "I'm sorry, Ron, I have to go," said Hermione as she disapparated.