His Leading Lady

gluglug

Rating: PG
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 22/06/2007
Last Updated: 02/07/2007
Status: completed

Updated, now it's a four-shot. Now it's Ron's turn to muse on the Harry, Ginny and Hermione love triangle.

Chapters

1. His Leading Lady

2. Hermione's POV

3. Harry's POV

4. Ron's POV

1. His Leading Lady

His Leading Lady by Gluglug

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe and all the characters in it belong to J.K. Rowling. No infringement intended, just borrowing.

Summary: Quick one shot, Ginny POV - Ginny comes to a realization while dating Harry. It's hard to write from Ginny's POV because her character is such a Rorschach test, but this is my attempt.

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The minute she ran into his arms I knew he was no longer mine. Not that he ever was, not really.

When I became Harry Potter's girlfriend that day in the Gryffindor common room, I couldn't believe my luck. After nursing an intense five year crush, the Boy Who Lived finally became the Boy Who Snogged Me Senseless.

And I was happy that my plan worked. Dating other boys, not being Ron's star struck little sister, some Wonder Witch products and a few hair and make-up tips from Witch Weekly sealed the deal. Becoming the girlfriend of the most fanciable boy in the school was amazing. Harry James Potter was every teenage witch's dream - heroic, handsome, sweet and, yes a great kisser.

But that's all we ever did, really, when my brother and Hermione weren't around. Harry never confided in me or talked about his private lessons with Dumbledore. We held hands and snogged (and sometimes did a little more than snog, but no matter what Ron thinks of me, I'm not what he calls a “scarlet woman.”) When Harry and I talked, the subjects were limited to Quidditch, school and making fun of people who got on our nerves.

Speaking of people who get on my nerves, one day while we were enjoying lunch under a shady tree by the lake, the conversation strayed to Hermione. Harry said he was surprised that Hermione and I got into an argument over the Sectumsempra incident. He asked me if she and I were still close after that.

“Of course, we're close,” I lied. “Hermione's like an older sister to me. She's always giving me advice and telling me to study. In fact yesterday, she told me that I should be studying harder for my OWLs and shouldn't let you distract me.”

“That sounds like Hermione. Next thing, I'll bet she'll start telling me to leave you alone so you can study.” Harry grinned.

“She's a bit of a busy body, isn't she? I mean what business is it of hers how I do on my exams? She's not my mum.”

“But you know Hermione, that's just how she is,” Harry shrugged. “She's been nagging Ron and me ever since first year to study harder. She even gave us talking homework planners for Christmas once, remember?”

I rolled my eyes. “Who gives a homework planner as a present? Only someone as boring as Hermione would do that.”

Harry's expression changed instantly. “Hermione's not boring, Ginny. Do you think I would call someone who's been my best friend for six years “boring”?

“Of course, not Harry.” I replied, a little taken aback. “It's just that I find Hermione to be annoying sometimes. You remember how she wouldn't leave you alone about using that curse on Malfoy. I was so glad I shut her up.”

Harry's expression grew stonier. “Ginny, at the time I was glad you did, but I realize now that she was only trying to make me see how I shouldn't have used a curse I knew nothing about. I mean, Malfoy could've died from those wounds if Snape hadn't arrived when he did. I can't stand Malfoy, but I don't want him dead.”

“But you didn't kill him. He's fine now.” I reassured him. “The only bad thing is that you have detention every Saturday and can spend less time snogging me.”

I leaned in to give Harry a kiss but his amorous mood seemed to have left him. He gave me a chaste peck on the lips, picked up his book bag and stood up.

“Ginny, I hate to cut our lunch short, but I just remembered I have some homework to finish before class.”

I pouted at him. “Fine, go do your homework! But what will I do for the next half-hour?”

“Why not get some studying done for your OWLs?” He suggested.

“You sound just like Hermione.” I replied as he headed back to the castle.

I should've known that this was the beginning of the end of my role as Harry Potter's girlfriend. Being less than complimentary about Hermione in front of Harry was a surefire way to put a damper on things. I wonder if Cho Chang had the same problem?

I knew for sure that it was over when I led Harry back to the hospital wing after Dumbledore's tragic death. The second Hermione saw that Harry was safe she made a beeline across the room and flung herself into his arms. I could see the expression on Harry's face as he embraced her; he was glad to see that she was safe, too.

At first I thought he was just relieved that she was okay, as any friend would. Maybe it was the shock of seeing my dear brother Bill's wounds, but it was several moments before Harry and Hermione let go of each other, somewhat reluctantly. In the few short weeks Harry and I dated, he never held me like that or looked at me with such tender concern as he did when he held Hermione. And I felt like an interloper.

That night I cried, partially out of grief for Dumbledore but also because I knew that Harry's heart had already been taken. So when he broke up with me at the funeral, it was no surprise. He said it was to keep me safe, but now I just think it was an excuse. I don't think that Harry deliberately lied to me, but now I know that both Ron and Hermione are going with him on his quest and he's not pushing them away to keep them safe. His quest has something to do with defeating Voldemort but as usual I'm not privy to the details.

So now I retreat to the background, once again a supporting player in the Harry Potter saga. For a brief shining moment, I was the hero's leading lady and I'll always relish it.

But the biggest thing I learned during this time was that the role of Harry's leading lady had already been cast, six long years ago. It's only a matter of time before the hero himself realizes it.

FIN

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2. Hermione's POV

Summary: Due to some reviewer comments and a nudge from my Harmonian muse, I decided to add another chapter, this time from Hermione's POV. The first line seemed to fit for both girls.

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The minute she ran into his arms I knew he was no longer mine. Not that he ever was, not really.

When Ginny became Harry Potter's girlfriend that May Saturday in the Gryffindor common room, my suspicions about Harry's feelings were confirmed. I had an inkling this would happen back when Ginny touched his arm during another euphoric Quidditch celebration. So I was prepared. When Harry looked across the room at me after kissing Ginny, I smiled. He seemed to want my approval and I gave it to him.

Even though my heart was breaking, I was beaming. I had spent years listening to Ginny lament that Harry would never notice her. And after everything that Harry had been through, it was nice to see him so happy. So I put my selfish desires aside and tried to be happy for my best friend and my surrogate little sister.

It was my fault really. I told Ginny to get on with her life, maybe date other boys and told her to stop being so star-struck around Harry. And she did, although I knew that she hadn't given up on him. Sometimes I think she deliberately dated older boys that were close to Harry's age so she could try to make him jealous. She accepted Neville's invitation to the Yule Ball, moved on to Michael Corner, and then Dean Thomas, one of Harry's roommates. Apparently, Harry noticed and was jealous of her relationship with Dean as he kept inquiring about their status.

I tried to be supportive of this new relationship, such as laughing harder than necessary at Ginny's jokes when the four of us were together. But I also couldn't help trying to come between them when the situation presented itself. Luckily it was time for OWLs and I made sure to constantly remind them that Ginny needed to be in the library every night studying hard (rather than snogging Harry in the common room in front of the fireplace).

And I continued my quest to uncover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince. If I could only convince Harry of my theory that a girl could've been the author of those potion tips and tricks. Looking back, I realize now that I was so hell bent on convincing Harry that the Prince was female because I was afraid that I was being phased out of his life now that he had a potentially serious girlfriend. Not just any girl, but Ron's sister. I felt lost and without purpose.

But something happened to me the night Harry went off with Dumbledore. He needed me again. He asked Ron and me to gather up the D.A. and make sure to defend the school while he was gone. I was so scared for him that night even though he reassured me that he would be coming back.

And so I waited, with Luna outside of Snape's office for a few agonizing hours. Luna and I got to know each other better that night. She confessed to me that she had a crush on Ron and she made me admit something aloud I had been dreading.

“You really love him, don't you?” Luna said out of the blue, her dreamy voice suddenly matter of fact.

“Who?” I asked in surprise.

“Harry, of course.”

I blushed. “Harry? Well, of course I love him - he's been my best friend since first year.”

Luna shook her blond head. “I meant you really love Harry, you're in love with him.”

Now it was my turn to shake my head. “Oh no, Luna. You misunderstand me, Harry and I are…”

“Just friends?” Luna finished, smiling serenely. “Hermione, you are a bad liar. You may have been able to fool Umbridge last year with your crying act, but you can't fool me. I know you'll do anything for Harry, including lying and breaking rules. And I know you're not a rule-breaker by nature. And right now, I can see how worried you are about him, even though he's with Professor Dumbledore, the greatest wizard that ever lived. He couldn't be safer and yet you have been biting your nails to the point of bleeding.”

I looked down at my hands, sure enough my nails were bitten down and my left index finger was bleeding a little.

“Did anyone ever tell you that you're very observant?” I asked Luna.

“Yes, my father has always said that. That's why he relies on me to help him find all sorts of creatures nobody else sees… so are you ready to admit that you are in love with Harry?”

I sighed. I wanted to lie to Luna but there was something about her that made that nearly impossible. “Yes, I suppose I am.”

Luna clapped her hands. “Good for you, Hermione.”

“Why is that good for me? Harry is head over heels for Ginny.” I lamented.

“It won't last.” Luna said.

“What makes you say that?” I said in surprise.

“Because Harry needs you more than he needs her. Ginny is my friend but I don't think she will stand by his side the way you have. When we were all fighting at the Ministry last year, I saw how you looked to each other for guidance and how Harry tried to protect you first from danger. And then there was something Neville told me.”

“What did Neville tell you?”

“Last year, he told me that Harry panicked when you were hit with that curse. He could barely function and was afraid that you had died. It was Neville who, despite his bloody broken nose, thought to check your pulse. He said he had never seen such relief on Harry's face when he told him you were alive.”

I considered Luna's words carefully. She was telling me this secondhand and this was before Harry fell for Ginny. On the other hand, Luna was very observant and Neville was a good judge of character….

“Hermione, I'm sure Harry loves you just as much as you love him, his actions speak louder than words. He's just too dense to realize it. He may be the Boy Who Lived, but he's also a typical teenage boy.”

“Thanks, Luna. I hope you are right.”

“Harry's love for you is as real as the Crumple Horned Snorkack.” Luna smiled.

For the first time in my life I hoped that the Crumple Horned Snorkack was real. When I finally saw Harry later that night, I was so relieved that he was in one piece. It had barely registered to me that it was Ginny who had escorted him into the hospital wing. Not caring who was watching, I ran across the room and embraced him.

I'm not sure how long we held each other; I was somewhat aware of Harry inquiring about Bill's wounds as I relished the feeling of his heartbeat against my ear and his hands absently rubbing my back.

That night I cried, partially out of my grief of losing our beloved Headmaster but also for Harry, knowing that his mentor had been taken from him. He had experienced so much loss, first his parents, then Sirius, now Dumbledore. There were so few adults left who could protect him from the danger he was about to face head on. I made a vow that night that I would never leave his side. Harry needed me and even if he didn't know it yet, he loved me. Luna was right, actions spoke louder than words.

Luna was also right that Harry and Ginny wouldn't last. I just learned from Ginny that Harry broke it off with her at the funeral. When I told her that Ron and I were going with Harry on his journey, she looked hurt but not surprised. She told me to take good care of Harry and I promised her that I would.

When Ginny ran into Harry's arms and he kissed her in the common room in front of all of Gryffindor house, I thought he was no longer mine. I'm happy to say that I was wrong.

FIN

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3. Harry's POV

Summary: Okay, due to popular demand (aka some reviewer comments) I added another chapter, this time from Harry's POV. Here are his musings on his relationship with his girls at the very end of HBP.

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The minute she ran towards me, I knew she was mine.

When Ginny Weasley became my girlfriend that May Saturday in the Gryffindor common room, I was elated. After months of dreaming about her while trying to ignore the monster in my chest that emerged whenever I saw her, she finally ran into my arms and I kissed her. I didn't care that most of my classmates and friends were watching; I finally had what I wanted. And what was even better was that my best friends were okay with it. For once in my life, I felt normal and happy. I wasn't the Chosen One, just a teen wizard with a pretty witch for a girlfriend.

When Ginny and I weren't alone, we hung around with Ron and Hermione. I wondered if they too, would start going out. There was nothing stopping them since Ron had split with Lavender. While they did seem a bit nicer to each other, I had no concrete proof that they were seeing each other. And for some reason, I didn't feel comfortable asking Ron what was going on.

One sunny June day, Ginny and I were enjoying a picnic lunch by the lake. We ate quickly and then spent some time snogging under a shady tree. Just when things started to get a little heated, Ginny gently pushed me away and then tried to distract me with funny stories about her brothers.

“And then Fred and George threatened to put Ron's head in the toilet, but Percy found out what they were doing and tattled to mum. She was so angry that she made them clean the toilets for the rest of the summer….”

I listened and smiled vaguely as she went on, paying more attention to the way the sunlight played off her long red hair than the words coming out of her mouth.

“Harry, are you listening to me?” She asked, peering at me.

“What? Oh, yes, of course I'm listening.” I lied.

“You look a little distracted, is anything wrong?” Ginny asked.

“No, I was just wondering…..do you think there's anything going on between Ron and Hermione?”

“What do you mean by `going on' Harry?”

“Do you think that they fancy each other?”

Ginny looked surprised. “Um, I don't think they do. Ron has never hinted to me that he likes Hermione that way.”

I was the one who was surprised. “Really? I think he fancies her; he was jealous of Krum and they've been bickering like a married couple since I've known them. And then there was the incident where Hermione attacked Ron with the canaries after he started snogging Lavender.”

Ginny looked thoughtful, as if this was the first time she had considered this. “Hmm, you may have a point there. But sometimes I think that they fight just like brother and sister.”

I hadn't considered that, could Ginny be right? “So, Hermione hasn't said anything to you.”

Ginny shook her head.

“Are you two still close? I mean, after that argument you had after the Sectumsempra incident, I wasn't so sure.”

“Of course, we're close,” Ginny asserted. “Hermione's like an older sister to me. She's always giving me advice and telling me to study. In fact yesterday, she told me that I should be studying harder for my OWLs and shouldn't let you distract me.”

“That sounds like Hermione.” I smiled. “Next thing, I'll bet she'll start telling me to leave you alone so you can study.”

“She's a bit of a busy body, isn't she? I mean what business is it of hers how I do on my exams? She's not my mum.”

“But you know Hermione, that's just how she is,” I shrugged. “She's been nagging Ron and me ever since first year to study harder. She even gave us talking homework planners for Christmas once, remember?” I chuckled at the memory.

Ginny rolled her eyes. “Who gives a homework planner as a present? Only someone as boring as Hermione would do that.”

I don't know what happened, but hearing Ginny call Hermione `boring' suddenly made me angry.

“Hermione's not boring, Ginny. Do you think I would call someone who's been my best friend for six years “boring”?

“Of course, not Harry,” she replied. “It's just that I find Hermione to be annoying sometimes. You remember how she wouldn't leave you alone about using that curse on Malfoy. I was so glad I shut her up.”

Ginny's words did nothing to dissipate my anger, but didn't want to have my first fight with my new girlfriend. I tried to remain calm and explain to her Hermione's side.

“Ginny, at the time I was glad you did, but I realize now that she was only trying to make me see how I shouldn't have used a curse I knew nothing about. I mean, Malfoy could've died from those wounds if Snape hadn't arrived when he did. I can't stand Malfoy, but I don't want him dead.”

“But you didn't kill him. He's fine now.” She reassured me. “The only bad thing is that you have detention every Saturday and can spend less time snogging me.”

I could tell that Ginny was trying to lighten the mood and she leaned in. But I no longer felt like snogging. I gave her a quick peck, picked up my book bag and stood up.

“Ginny, I hate to cut our lunch short, but I just remembered I have some homework to finish before class.”

The truth was I didn't have any homework to finish. I just felt the need to be alone for a while.

As I walked towards the castle I heard Ginny's disappointed voice behind me. “Fine, go do your homework! But what will I do for the next half-hour?”

“Why not get some studying done for your OWLs?” I suggested, thinking of Hermione.

I didn't realize it at the time, but that was the beginning of the end of my relationship with Ginny. Only a couple of weeks later, any normalcy I was feeling vanished when Dumbledore was murdered. That was one of the worst nights of my life, only rivaled by the night Voldemort returned and when Sirius disappeared behind the veil. My carefree existence faded away as dark reality once again came crashing down.

It barely registered to me that it was Ginny who had escorted me into the hospital wing after Hagrid and I found Dumbledore's body. When we got there, the first thing I remember was Hermione running towards me, with a look of utter relief on her face.

She hugged me and I put my arms around her, also relieved to see that she was okay. I'm not sure how long we held each other; I was still in shock over Dumbledore's death and then seeing Bill's once handsome face destroyed by werewolf bites.

That night I cried, partially out of grief of losing Dumbledore but also for myself. I had lost so much and now my innocence was truly gone. I could no longer pretend to be the normal teenage wizard with a pretty girlfriend. I was the Chosen One, and it was my job to finish Voldemort. And I would have to do it alone.

After Dumbledore's funeral, I broke it off with Ginny. It seemed like the right thing to do, to keep her safe. To be perfectly honest, though, I don't think things would've lasted anyway. I never really let her into the dark side of my life and what I was facing. Being with Ginny was like taking one of the Daydream Charms the twins sold in their shop, something you take to escape reality for a short time.

And now Ron and Hermione want to come with me on the horcrux hunt. I hadn't planned on them doing that, but I need them both and they have been through everything with me. They truly are my best friends in the world.

As much as I love Ron (as a brother), I am especially relieved to have Hermione coming along. If Hogwarts stayed open, I would bet on my Firebolt that next term she would be appointed Head Girl, something I know she always had her heart set on. But instead she is coming with me. The selfless part of me wants to tell her to stay behind to keep her safe, but the selfish part knows that I need her too much. Just maybe she needs me, too.

FIN

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4. Ron's POV

Summary: Okay, I added another chapter, this time from Ron's POV. Here are his musings on Harry, Ginny and Hermione at the very end of HBP.

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The minute she ran towards him, I thought what the bloody hell is going on?

When my sister Ginny became Harry's girlfriend that May Saturday in the Gryffindor common room, I was gobsmacked, to say the least. After years of crushing on the Boy Who Lived, my sister finally moved on and started dating other boys, first Michael Corner then my roommate Dean Thomas. I had no idea that she still fancied Harry and vice versa.

If anyone was going to get together this year, I thought it would be Harry and Hermione.

First she told him that he's never been more fanciable; then she glowed when he complemented her and then I caught them whispering together after Quidditch tryouts. Finally, I walked in on what looked like a private moment between them last November after our first victory match. And then Hermione attacked me with canaries!

I wasn't sure if she was mad at me for snogging Lavender or for interrupting her private time with Harry. Mental, she was. Until she visited me in the hospital after I was poisoned and we made peace. She told me she wasn't jealous over Lavender, she was just angry that I had been such a git to her. Which, I have to admit, I was.

Anyway, Harry was so happy after getting together with Ginny that I decided to leave them alone. Harry's had a rough time of it for most of his life, and he deserved a little happiness. And maybe Ginny could finally get her crush on Harry out of her system.

When Ginny and Harry left the common room after snogging in front of most of Gryffindor house, I approached Hermione, who was standing around looking a little dazed.

“Hermione? You all right?” I asked.

“What, Ron - of course I'm all right.” She replied, a bit flustered.

“You saw Harry and Ginny, didn't you?”

“Yes, I don't think there was anyone in this room who didn't.” Hermione replied, a hint o of bitterness in her voice.

“I can't believe it. I can't believe that Harry fancies my sister. Or that Ginny still fancies him. Did you have any idea?”

Hermione nodded. “Yes, Ron. Harry has been lusting after Ginny all year, I can't believe you never noticed. He was always watching her when he didn't think anyone else was looking. And then he asked about her and Dean all the time.”

“And Ginny?”

“Ginny was a little harder to read. But she seemed so happy to be free of Dean, that I knew it wouldn't be long before Harry would make a move.”

“How do you feel about this?” I asked.

“I'm happy for him.” Hermione replied, sighing. “Harry has suffered so much, he deserves a little happiness.”

“But you'd be happier if it were you.”

Hermione turned pink at this. “Ronald Weasley, where would you get an idea like that?”

“Well, when we made up in the hospital and I realized that you didn't fancy me after all, and you told me you've been venting your frustration because someone wasn't noticing you. You didn't tell me who it was, but I'm thinking it's got to be Harry.”

“Oh Ron, that's ridiculous.”

“Is it? Hermione, you've always been so devoted to Harry, to the point of obsession. It's always Harry this and Harry that…and he never seems to take notice.”

Hermione shook her head. “Well, you're wrong.”

“Then who is it? Who is this bloke you fancy?”

“None of your business.” She huffed and turned to head up the stairs to the girls' dormitory.

That was proof enough for me.

Only a few weeks later, something else happened not only to confirm my suspicion that Hermione had feelings for Harry, but that she was in love with him.

We were waiting in the hospital wing for Harry to return. Professor McGonagall had told Ginny to find him and bring him back. Hermione was on pins and needles waiting as we sat around Bill's bed, staring at his wolf-bites.

Soon enough he returned, Ginny leading him by the hand into the hospital wing. Before I knew it, Hermione was off like a shot and threw her arms around Harry, much like she did last year at 12 Grimmauld Place. Harry let go of Ginny's hand and returned the hug, looking relieved to see her. I thought Harry would let go but he continued to hold her while he asked Madam Pomfrey about Bill's condition. This was proof to me that Hermione loved Harry. And that he loved her back, even if he doesn't know it yet.

That night I cried a bit, partially out of grief of losing Dumbledore but also knowing that nothing would ever be the same. Without Dumbledore around to protect Harry, Hermione and I would have to stick even closer to him.

At Dumbledore's funeral, Hermione cried in my arms. She was crying for Dumbledore, but mostly for Harry. She made me promise that I would stick by Harry now that he had lost his mentor. I promised her I would. She also confessed to me she was in love with Harry. I told her I already knew.

Harry just told me that he broke it off with Ginny. He was apprehensive about it, thinking I might hex him or something. I wasn't surprised at all after seeing Ginny lead him right into Hermione's arms. I knew it was a matter of time.

As promised, Hermione and I are going on the horcrux hunt with Harry. We aren't going to leave him because he needs us now, more than ever. But truth be told, Harry needs Hermione more than he needs me, he always has. He needs her brains, her support, her trust and her willingness to do anything for him. But most of all, he needs her love.

I hope someone will need me like that someday.

FIN

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