The Runaway Sweethearts-Chapter 9
Harry couldn't believe how lucky they were. Ottery St. Catchpole was just sleepy enough that no one noticed them. The bus for London left at noon and arrived in London at two o'clock. Gringott's was open every day when the shops in Diagon Alley were so by three they had money, both muggle and galleons enough to hideout at least until the end of the week. They decided that they'd find a place to hide until nightfall. The first place that made sense was The Leaky Cauldron. Why they picked the most obvious place to find a wizard was exactly the reason they did pick it. No one would look for them there. Excuses were easy since they could say they were waiting for someone and they could eat dinner there.
It became obvious as the evening got darker though that Hermione was nervous. And, he knew it was about several things. First, she loved Hogwarts and doing something like this could get them both in big trouble. Second, she loved Harry he was sure. But she wasn't ready to have rumors spread that they were anymore than sweethearts. Not to mention what would happen if her parents got wind of their fifteen-year-old, almost sixteen-year-old daughter running off with a classmate who was her boyfriend. Third, he was a guy and she probably didn't enjoy the prospect of shacking up with someone who might get funny ideas. He hoped she knew him better than that, but he could see it as a real concern. You never know anyone until you were as close as they were now.
"Sweetheart, I have to take you back to the Weasley's. There is too much at stake for you here," he said lovingly.
"Harry, I know you care about me. I also know you probably have a good idea that I am here because I have this crazy notion that I can be rebellious. You also probably have guessed that I'm having second thoughts. But, I am not going back tonight. Let people talk Harry, especially Ron. Now, I don't care what he thinks. It's personal now. He could have talked to us or at least had his father talk to us before going behind our backs," she said.
"Hermione, listen. I can sneak out of Hogwarts anytime with the map. We can go get that out of my stuff from Privet Drive tonight. We can stay there where you can stay in a private room without fear of being in a hotel with a guy. Then we go back tomorrow and face the music. I'll come see you at your house. I love you, Hermione. If that's the best we can do then that's what we'll do. But I'm not getting you in trouble if I can help it. I'll tell them you were duped into thinking that it was just jaunt to Diagon Alley and back. I'll tell them whatever to get you out of it," he said.
"They're not going to kick us out of school, Harry. We haven't done magic and we aren't stealing. So, I'll just face the music with you," she said. "But I like the idea about getting the map. We might be able to pull off meeting for a few hours every once in a while this week if you can get away. And, your Aunt and Uncle don't care what you do as long as it isn't you-know-what," she said giggling. "I could get my parents to take me to where you live just to say `hi'."
"I think we were just so sad about the prospect of saying good-bye that we didn't think straight," said Harry. "Not that spending every moment with you is a crazy thought, but running away from home and worrying the Weasleys sick is not what they deserve."
"You know how mad Ron makes me though. He was making plans with a girl to see her while he had already schemed enough to get us kicked out because it's painful too watch us is a load of whatever. We need to get really steamy in front of Ron you know," she laughed. "But I'm afraid I'd end up getting too excited that…. Well…probably not, but maybe…but…who knows. Just kidding Harry. Please understand I'm kidding."
"Hmm," said Harry looking at her with raised eyebrows smiling suggestively.
"On second thought," she said blushing and grinning.
"Well, we could do what you just said without going overboard. We could both go get some beach clothes show up late tomorrow afternoon like we were tanning at the beach. Our giggling and laughing out of nervousness will play up our newfound love just enough I think. I mean let him think we were clutching each other on the sand with almost nothing on," he said. "He'd get an eyeful before we left so he had to live with that for the summer."
"You know the beach and doing that for real sounds so cool, Harry." She blushed but didn't say anything about it being a joke. "It's like the old saying `In for a penny, in for a dollar.' That's an American saying I heard once. Don't know if we have an equivalent or not. But if we're going to get in trouble for leaving today, might as well take all day tomorrow and get yelled at for all of it. Why go back early just to get yelled at earlier?" she reasoned.
Harry's mind reeled at the thought of seeing her in a bathing suit and touching her bare skin without having to sneak to do it. He laughed at the pervert thought turned him into. "You know the beach thing turned me into this big pervert thinking of you in a bathing suit," said Harry.
"Yeah, well, you'll be wearing either Speedos or a pair of regular trunks. So, it had better be worth the risk if you ask me to wear anything but a one piece, Mr. I-Wanna-See-You-Almost-Naked. Two can play that game. I'll bet I get more looks than you do too. And if you ever talk about being a pervert again, I'll kick you so hard your voice will sound like a first year's again." She teased. "And, some hunky lifeguard might sweep me of my feet, so consider that too."
"Yeah, and he'll end up looking like a block of limburger cheese with legs once I transfigure the git," said Harry with a smile.
They laughed.
They left The Leaky Cauldron and found a place dark enough off of Charing Cross Road to take off from without being seen. Harry did a quick lift-off and landing to make sure they were safe on the broom. Hermione felt okay with so he headed off hiding in the clouds and shadows as best they could. Harry knew where they could land that no one would notice. It was the top of one of the buildings, surrounded by a church cemetery and mausoleum. He figured people didn't go near cemeteries at night nor did they look at them if they could help it.
It took twenty minutes to walk and five more to make sure the house was empty with no one they could see watching it. Harry slipped in the key he retrieved from under the mat near the back door. The door opened and they went inside.
Harry was so glad that his Aunt and Uncle had extended their holiday until the end of the week. At least he could get the map now. And he could use it to look around the castle in between sneaking out to see Hermione and sitting around bored off his rocker.
Hermione looked around amazed at the almost hospital-like cleanliness of the kitchen and living room. "Harry, we can't stay here. Your Aunt would know if a bug had spent the night," she giggled.
"You can sleep in my room and I'll sleep in Dudley's room. Stay away from the windows though and don't turn on the lights. We can use my wand and sit in my room and talk for a while," he explained. He was glad he'd cleaned up his mess during the past weeks. He was thankful for the daydreams of Hermione coming here and being disgusted with the mess in his room.
"We'll have to get up before the sun comes up so we can fly out without being seen. So we need to get to sleep early," he said quietly.
"Harry, why are you so quiet no one's here. I understand the lights, but the whispering?" she inquired.
Harry laughed out loud for the first time. "I'm so used to having to be quiet in this house I rarely talk out loud. I whisper to Hedwig even."
"That's so sad, Harry," said Hermione. "I just get so angry when I think of them being so mean to you."
"Yeah, well, they're not the kind of people you'd want to call friends even if they were nice to me," said Harry shaking his head.
They sat up joking and laughing. They played exploding snap and snogged. For Harry, he wondered if it ever got any better than this. His favorite person in the world was in his bedroom laughing like a madwoman unafraid to kiss him or pinch him in feigned anger. It had been a long time since Harry wished a moment in time could be stopped to enjoy forever, but this was one. "Hermione, don't forget this night-ever. This is special to me spending time with you. No pressure. No one to annoy us. And, pure fun."
Hermione smiled; then scooted on the floor from her position across from him to sit next to him leaning against the wall under the window. "Harry, if we can bottle this and sell it, no one would ever be sad again." She put her head on his shoulder and they just sat quietly for quite some time and until they realized they might as well sleep.
Morning came much quicker than they anticipated. Neither of them had moved far. The comforter had come off the bed and so had a pillow. When Harry's alarm went off at four o'clock they were both surprised. Harry hurried to the bathroom, brushed his teeth and washed face. When he got back he roused Hermione again. "Hermione, we have about thirty minutes to get out of here and get back before the sun is up. I think we can fly back without being seen," he said softly.
"Sure, where to though? Not the beach right? That was funny, but I think we should just go back," she said. "I'm sorry Harry. I don't think you should get in any trouble. What if my parents are told I ran off with a boy? They'll never trust us and that would really be sad."
Harry smiled. "That's why we're good for each other Hermione. We look out for each other. I thought about that too. We'll go back," he said brushing her hair out of her face. "I've already washed up. So the bathroom's all yours."
Not too long later a still groggy Harry lifted off toward the Burrow. He had been foolish, he thought. It was a hasty decision to do what they did, but it made him smile. "This girl loves me enough to at least try to do something to keep us together. We'll survive. I've done it before and knowing she's here for me. It'll be easier than ever," he said to himself under his breath.
He felt Hermione holding him tight as she could while carrying both backpacks with her cheek against his back. Harry saw the Burrow from a distance and the sun was just on the horizon from the altitude they flew at. They'd make it. Maybe they could even get into the house and pretend they came back late the night before, but he doubted it. They landed softly in the meadow behind the house. He took the backpack from Hermione. They walked back the same way they left-hand in hand.
Nothing could have prepared them for the case of nerves they got when Professor Dumbledore and Arthur Apparated into the kitchen as they came in the door. They never knew how they could have timed it so perfectly. Mrs. Weasley came into the kitchen, "Oh my word, you're alright. Harry Potter you just about scared us all to death. We thought. Well never mind."
Ron came running down the stairs. "Mate, you scared everyone. Ginny's been crying all night."
Harry looked at Hermione. Something was going on that he didn't understand. Ginny descended the stairs with tears in her eyes. Professor Dumbledore spoke next. "Arthur, would you please ask Ron and Ginny to go back to their rooms? The three of us need to talk with Harry and Hermione together. And, then the two of you can decide what we should do."
"Ron, Ginny. Please give us a few moments," said Arthur. The children went back up the stairs.
"First, we must remind you Harry that you are not safe now that Lord Voldemort is back. Because the Ministry doesn't believe us, you have to be even more careful. They will not protect you as Arthur and Molly would," said Professor Dumbledore in a kindly but very firm voice. He looked toward Molly and Arthur.
"Harry, for reasons I cannot explain now, you must trust me when I say that my alternatives for ensuring your safety are limited to making you stay with your Aunt and Uncle-with an occasional stay here. Do not make me regret letting you leave number 4, Privet Drive. This family, particularly Arthur and Molly, have taken you in as their own. Hermione you are like Ginny's older sister and are loved no matter how disappointed people may seem."
"Having said that; we must confess it has been a very long time since we experienced the powerful emotions associated with young love. Arthur and Ron came to me yesterday explaining what has happened this weekend. I understand that Miss Chang told you (Dumbledore turned to Arthur.) of their intentions as they were when they left the house. She could not have known what the outcome would be," said Dumbledore. "Please explain that to them Arthur."
"Harry, I feel responsible for the misunderstanding. I left Cho with only Ron's understanding of the situation and not my intentions. I normally don't tell sixteen-year-olds what I'm going to do about a family issue. I love my son, Harry. Don't assume that I don't care very deeply for you and Hermione as well. But my son needed a friend as well as a parent yesterday morning and his brothers are not always the kindest to him in those situations. I told him that I would do what was right, but that we should sit down and discuss it. We left to go sit and have a man-to-man talk in my office in the Ministry where we would not be bothered. I'm sorry if I'm giving too much detail but it is important for you to understand."
"Hermione, we have always known Ron has had a very hard time telling you his feelings for you. If he had not, we wouldn't have had this problem. You two would have resolved it long ago. He loves you, but maybe he is not as relationship-ready as you and Harry. I listened to him for a long time. He was and is heartbroken. For his benefit, I thought I would support him and take his wishes to Professor Dumbledore. Not because I had any wish to hurt you two. To the contrary, I thought that it would make reconciliation among you easier if you didn't have a confrontation that became more hurtful." Arthur put his hands on each of their knees as Harry and Hermione sat side by side.
Professor Dumbledore continued. "I quite agreed. And, we made plans for you to stay here until today since we had not planned for you to go so soon. We were willing to give you the rest of today to see each other. Then something quite amazing happened. They returned to find you missing with no one the wiser to what was going on."
"Yes, Harry," said Molly. "Ron and Cho sat waiting for her father to come via Floo to pick her up and they were talking about where you might have gotten off to. Professor Dumbledore and Arthur were already searching. The conversation turned to Cho's feelings for you, Ron and Hermione. She was telling Ron how lucky she was to be included as their friend at the party and how much she needed that to get over Cedric."
"She told Ron how Hermione had come to her and told her that you two were willing to do whatever was necessary to keep your friendship except give up your relationship. She explained the plan for Cho to help him realize he was a great guy since neither of you would be able to tell him yourselves for obvious reasons. They knew that you would be angry and wanted to avoid the very confrontation we feared this week."
"It became tearful and Ron told Cho that he didn't want to be a liar or untrue in any way. He admitted that he was upset and was using her to get back at his friends, but that he really did like her. You two did something nice for those two kids. They decided that they would still get together and be friends, but would write more often than see each other. You allowed them to get their hurt out. I didn't get involved at all. They were the ones who said that you two might have been afraid of being separated and may have run away together. Ron came to me and told me no matter how upset he was he couldn't let you guys get hurt by keeping it to himself."
"Harry, you have a family here. It is as if one brother has paired off against the other, but your friendship is stronger. Ron knows that; he hurts a lot still don't let him fool you. He said that if you two came back, he would be okay if you stayed the week," said Mrs. Weasley. "Arthur and I are not so sure. But only because we must make sure that you are not so desperate for each other that you would do something that we have no power to stop. We have some experience with making rash decisions as young sweethearts ourselves."
Professor Dumbledore looked at him carefully. "I trust these two fine people to decide what to do. I have a place for you at Hogwarts for the week, but you must go back to your Aunt's home when Mr. and Mrs. Weasley decide it is best. Talk with them honestly and let them decide. You have not had much parenting, I'm afraid; and, you must trust me that the Weasleys have the best interests of each of you at heart. I must go, there is a meeting of the Wizengamot today. I may not lead it much longer. Things are difficult Harry. Do not, I repeat, do not get out of sight of the Burrow again, Harry, unless you have permission from Arthur or Molly. You must listen to me on that."
"Thank you, Professor," said Harry.
"Yes, thank you Professor," chimed Hermione as Professor Dumbledore walked to the Floo and announced "Hogwarts."
For the next forty-five minutes, Arthur and Molly asked them about their feelings for one another. They listened carefully and laughed about the letters. Molly cried when she understood about how much Hermione really cared about Ron. She was surprised that Harry didn't want to be Ron's rival, but felt he had no choice in matters of the heart but to follow his and hope that their friendship would withstand it.
"It's very early and you must still be tired. Go off to bed. I'm sure Ron wants to talk to you both too," said Arthur. "We'll talk here for a bit and let you know at lunch of our decision."
Hermione went into Ginny's room to get some rest. It was still very early. Ginny had fallen back to sleep. "Harry, talk to Ron. I'm still his friend, but your friendship with him is what matters most."
"Are you okay?" asked Harry. "What do you think they will decide?"
"Harry, it's fifty-fifty. We told them the truth and shared what we could about the letters without lying," said Hermione. "They'll do what's right, just like my parents do."
Harry had never once been in a family situation where his motives, feelings and desires counted for anything. He wished he knew how this worked. He'd always decided what to do. He heard a voice from downstairs that surprised him. It was Sirius. His heart jumped. At first he thought it might be a bad thing because of the animosity between Molly and him for reasons he didn't understand but knew were there.
"Molly and Arthur, I'm his godfather. I reserve the right to try to parent him the best that I can. But I know that you, Molly, and Arthur have done a splendid job with your children. I just ask you to consider one thing. Harry wants to do the right thing too. He is a mature young man in many ways, but he needs discipline that comes from love not anger or from a man who has been in prison and is out of touch with reality. I say all of that to remind you four more days of happiness, not just with Hermione, but from your family will help this boy more than you will ever know. Consider that."
"Sirius, Molly and I understand and appreciate you coming here. And that, mate, is something we may not have considered as much as we should. Thank you," said Arthur.
"Sirius, I disagree with your brashness, but not with your love for Harry. But I can tell you that your point may be the biggest consideration of all," said Molly. "But I won't promise right now."
Harry hung his head and walked off as Sirius said good-bye. He looked out the hall window just in time to see a dog running off.
When Harry arrived in Ron's room, the sun was just beginning to cast a shadow instead of blazing directly against the wall. Ron sat in his chair next to his desk with his hand on his chin barely awake. "Oh hey, mate," said Ron. "Ginny and I snuck down and listened. Bit embarrassing, some of it was, but it's true." He had a handprint on his face from sleeping and his voice was still husky.
"Still mad?" asked Harry. "I wouldn't blame you."
"Well, I'm not ready to sit and listen to you describe what it's like to snog her in detail, but I can accept that she doesn't want me as a boyfriend. I more pissed that she picked a git like you," he said with a little irritation. "And, you heard my Mom, tell you I give a shit so I might just let off a little steam and expect you to take it. Just know that I meant what I said to her too. You two are too important to let you get hurt or for me to be a baby about it."
"Ron, I swear, if there were any way that I knew before the day we got off the train how I felt…I'd have said something. Even if I'd have told you to get off your arse because I would if you didn't," said Harry.
"Mate, it's your story you have to live with it. Even if I think you're full of it. You wanted her. Just admit it. It's easier for me if you do. I can understand a guy looking at a girl and wanting to snog her. But I can't understand a guy saying he cares about the other guy who likes her. Not the way you want me to see it. But I do think the hardest part was that you knew it might change all of us forever."
"A big part of it was my fault. Don't be offended if I don't ask you to go with someone I like without Hermione around. You'll never know another girl I like as well as I do again.
I wasn't really worried about you as a rival. And now that I look at it, I should have known that as sweet as Hermione is. This was possible. I said that Saturday night too I think but I only half-believed then."
I should have seen the signs: you never really took either side when we squabbled about stuff. I know why now. It wasn't worth our friendship. You could have easily used that against me and you didn't."
Ron's face was hard to read. He didn't smile or look up. "So, if you will just promise not to be like some of the losers snogging in every room that we take the Mickey out of when we see them at school, I can live with it. Remember Ginny's not all that cracked up about it either. But she was more worried like I was at first that some Death Eaters had taken Hermione and you. That's when I realized that you guys are one of the most important people in my life, no matter what I couldn't let anything happen to you. I couldn't stand thinking of the last words we had being ones of anger-toward you or her. That is the only reason I'm not angry enough to curse you to hell and back."
"Ron, I can promise that we'll be respectful. And, I hope you know that Hermione and I really did want some one nice like Cho to show interest in you so you know that you deserve a nice girl. That was Hermione's idea, but I agreed completely. She's pretty and all that but it seems that she loved Cedric and is a good person. That's what we hoped you would see. I look forward to the day you find a girl who's good for you, mate," said Harry. "Otherwise, you're a git too for lying about snogging her."
"Yeah, we could have been a right foul git and taken advantage because she is really lonely and sad. We did get a good snog in after we talked Saturday night. We're only friends though. At least going to see her will give me and Hermione something to do when you are back on Privet Drive,' said Ron.
"I'm beat, Ron. I need to get some rest," said Harry.
"Yeah, me too. Oh, one thing. I wouldn't use your tooth brush," said Ron.
"What?" asked Harry.
Ron motioned with his hand showing Harry where he'd rubbed it. "I kind of rubbed it on by crotch and here and here on Saturday night."
"Oh, you flaming *%###$@, I'll kick your *@$%@," said Harry as he chased Ron and punched him until they both were laughing. "You mean like on your jeans right," he asked as moved his mouth like he ate a fur ball flavored bean.
"Yeah, I wouldn't put your nasty tooth brush anywhere near my privates for real, you nasty, foul woman stealing arsehole," laughed Ron.
Harry laughed and lay down in bed thinking Ron would get his later. But he would wait until the end of the week. "Later, mate. See yah at lunch."
"Piss off, Potter," said Ron with a smile. "I'm not saying too much that's nice to you for a while. So get used to it. But I'm going to kill Hermione with sarcastic sweetness. You two deserve at least that much aggravation."
"If that's as bad as it gets…don't think we won't get our revenge somehow though, mate. Remember, there are still images you don't want to remember," said Harry thinking of Hermione's and his conversation the night before.
"Yeah, well bring it on. Be careful though, Hogwarts and her parents' house can be reached in just a few hours," nodded Ron. "Sleep on that, Potter." He raised his eyebrows still nodding smugly.
Harry considered answering but instead ran different scenarios over in his mind's eye. A good-bye kiss with a little emphasis on the hand positioning will fix you, thought Harry as realized that all those thoughts were talk and not much more. Losing Ron's friendship wasn't worth making a scene or making Hermione uncomfortable. She'd proven her love by following him against her better judgment and he'd never forget that. And, his best mate proved once again that Ron just might be a better man than him in the way he was handling it. He thought of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and what a good job they'd done with their son.
Harry turned and looked over at Ron. His best mates eyes were closed but the streaks of tears still showed. Harry would never mention it. There was nothing in the world besides Veritaserum that would ever let him acknowledge to Ron that he saw those tears.
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