AN: Hey everyone. Thanks to the people that reviewed. I'd like to apologize for not making it clear that this fic was AU. I received some concerns about the whereabouts of Hermione. Have a little faith and patience with me. Everything will work out (hopefully!) in the end! In fact, hopefully, the first word in this update will alleviate some of your fears about Hermione be absent from the story! Notice, this is still In-Progress and not labeled Completed so please try not to jump to conclusions too quickly. Regardless, I'll try to do a better job on keeping everyone on the same page. Not too much else to say. I hope you all enjoy this!
Spoiler Alert: There shouldn't be any spoilers just yet. This chapter was written well before the release of Deathly Hallows so everything should be good. If you're still not dong reading though, get to it, buddy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing of the fabulous world and characters envisioned by J.K. Rowling. The only thing I own in this would be the plotline as well as any characters you may not recognize. Enjoy!
II
Hermione waved goodbye to her aunt and uncle as she boarded a large plane in the bustling city of New York. Having heard that the Dark Lord had been defeated, Hermione's parents back in Europe had transferred her from her magical school in the States to Hogwarts. She had gone to the American school because of all of the problems that had arisen within the last century-what with dark wizards and goblin uprisings; just because her parents were both Muggle-non-magical-didn't mean that they didn't demand information about the magical world from Dumbledore when he came by to brief them. They only wanted what was best and safest for their only daughter. Hermione was excited to go to her new school. The only part she wasn't looking forward to was the attention that she knew she would have to endure for the first few weeks as all new students did. Hermione had never had any close friends before-who needed them with wonderful books-so she wasn't too worried about having to make friends, in fact, it wasn't even one of her priorities. Hermione firmly believed that school should be focused only on schoolwork, not social standings and all of that other nonsense.
As soon as the young brunette girl sat down comfortably in her seat, she pulled a book out of her bag. It read Watership Down on the cover, but only she knew that the book was actually Hogwarts: A History. She had wanted to know everything about Hogwarts before she got there, so the entire book was already fully memorized in the confines of Hermione's mind. Not only had she memorized that book, but already she had learned and stored every bit of material from all of the year's textbooks into her brain. It happens when one reads the same tome four times through, cover to cover. As the standard tutorial that occurred on long flights began, Hermione flipped the page and settled herself deeper into her chair as she read contently. So focused was she on the book, she didn't even realize that the plan had taken off until it was well in the air already. Of course, all the better for her-considering her avid fear of heights.
~<>~
Several hours, and about 314 pages later, Hermione's flight landed safely in London. Hermione, having fallen asleep was roused from her slumber by a kind elderly man to her right. Rubbing her eyes quickly, she thanked the gentleman, stuffed her book into her bag and hastily left the plane. Hermione hated flying! Exiting from an ascending corridor, the young witch arrived at a bright and busy airport. It took less than a moment before the sharp girl located her parents-they were waving energetically. Hermione smiled and ran right into the waiting arms of Robert Granger, her father.
"Dad! I missed you so much! I'm really glad to be back!"
"Welcome back, sweetheart."
Hermione then released her father and turned to her grinning mother, Jane Granger, "Mom! It's so good to see you again."
"Hi, darling! Let's get you back home. You have a couple days with us before your new school starts!"
"Yeah, I can't wait!" Hermione grinned. Stopping by the baggage claim, the family picked up her bags before heading to the car and a long drive home…
~<>~
"9¾!? Mom, are you sure that you have the right ticket? Who in their right mind would have a Platform 9¾?"
"This is definitely the one we were sent by Dumbledore." Ms. Granger answered.
"Don't worry, dear, we'll find it." Robert said consolingly.
"Hey Ron," Harry pointed out a family that was obviously lost in the train station, "I think they're probably looking for the Platform. Let's go help them out."
Ron laughed, "I'll leave that to you while I hold a compartment for us, see you later."
Harry rolled his eyes, left the Weasley party, and approached the family.
"Excuse me," Harry said politely. After receiving the attention of an older couple and who he assumed to be their daughter, he continued, "I couldn't help noticing that you looked lost." He smiled and glanced at a cart laden with trunks and an owl cage, "but you aren't by chance looking for Platform 9¾ are you?"
"Oh wonderful!" the women exclaimed, "You can show us where it is?" Harry nodded. "Excellent! I'm Jane Granger, this is my husband Robert and this is our daughter, Hermione-say Hi, dear."
"Hello, pleased to meet you-…" Hermione trailed off with an extended hand.
Harry quickly took her hand and shook it firmly, "Oh, right, Harry! Nice to meet you too, Hermione." Harry glanced at her hand and blurted out, "Your hands are really soft…"
Harry froze and blushed. Mr. and Ms. Granger shared a look and Hermione giggled lightly, "Uh, thanks, Harry. I wish I could say the same for you though."
Harry rubbed the back of his head and laughed nervously, "Well, why don't I show you the platform now before I make an even bigger fool of myself." The group laughed and followed Harry until he stopped in front of a pillar, "You just walk straight into this pillar, and you will end up in the platform." All three Grangers looked incredulous at the prospect of running into a pillar.
"This isn't some kind of joke is it, young man?" Robert asked suspiciously.
"Oh no, sir, I'm absolutely serious, watch…" Harry glanced quickly around, and after he was satisfied that no one was looking, he winked at the family and disappeared into the pillar.
"My goodness, you really do walk straight through that thing," Jane gasped.
"Come on, let's go." Hermione said. She took a deep breath before she ran straight into the pillar. Suddenly, all was black! Then the next moment, Hermione and her cart with her parents tagging along were thrust into a different landing. A train whistle blew which drew their attention to the majestic Hogwarts Express. The old train still gleamed pristinely in the morning light and smoked puffed lazily out around the first car.
"I'm glad you made it" Harry said from nearby as the train whistle blew.
Hermione smiled gratefully at him before turning to her parents. "Well, I suppose this is where we let you go." Robert grinned. Hermione hugged her parents, "Have a good rest of the year, honey."
"Thank you again, Harry for showing us the way here," Jane said.
Harry grinned, "I'm happy to help, Ms. Granger." Looking towards Hermione, "Shall we go?"
Hermione nodded and turned back to her parents for the last time, "Bye! I'll see you over Christmas Break or sometime soon!"
"Have a good year!"
"Don't stick to your books so much, make some friends!" Harry grinned at this.
"Be sure to write or owl often-whatever it is."
Harry took a hold of Hermione's cart and wheeled it over to a pile of other bags while Hermione followed him. "Your luggage will be taken care of." Harry explained. The whistle blew again and Hermione followed him onto the train making sure to look around and marvel at the assortment of odds and ends on the train. "So, you're obviously new here. But you look too old to be a first year." Harry said conversationally.
"Oh, that's right. I'm in seventh year, but I'm transferring to Hogwarts from the United States." Hermione answered.
"Oh! That explains a lot. I'm also in seventh year, by the way."
A pretty girl passed by the two and waved to Harry flirtatiously, "Hi, Harry."
Harry smiled politely, "Eh, hey there, Vanessa." Harry and Hermione found and empty compartment and made their way in. The low whistle sounded one final time before the train began to move. The rhythmic chugging started slowly, but quickly sped up making the sound a dull whir, most likely muffled by magic.
Hermione chuckled, "You're obviously very popular with the ladies at Hogwarts, Harry!"
Fiddling with his shirt, Harry laughed it off, "Aw, I wouldn't say that."
"Oh, honestly, Harry! Did you see the way she looked at you?"
Harry laughed again and shrugged, "So, do you have any questions about Hogwarts that I could answer?"
"Oh, I know everything already. See, as soon as I found out I was transferring, I stopped by the bookstore and picked this up," Hermione pulled Hogwarts: A History out of her bag "It's quite fascinating. Hogwarts sounds so exciting!"
Harry grinned, "Oh trust me, it is! So, I take it you're a rather bookish person? No offense, of course!"
Hermione rolled her eyes and nodded, "I've never had too many friends… But I don't really need them if I have my books to keep me company."
"I think that books are really important too-but it's also just as important to socialize sometime. It's what normal people do, isn't it?" Harry asked curiously. This, however, would be a valid question for him considering how "normal" his life was!
"I suppose so." Hermione replied slowly, "School should be about school though. Everyone makes it into a big social contest. And that makes people think that if they're popular in school, then they are successful in it as well. I really hate how that mentality makes grades seem so insignificant."
Harry looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "I get where you're coming from, Hermione. But honestly, I think that socializing is part of the school experience, and you can't appreciate all of school unless you understand both parts adequately."
Hermione gave a small smile, "Well, I've never had anyone to argue about this with before, so I suppose I've never thought of it that way. I've never had many friends though."
Harry laughed, "I wouldn't call it arguing-more like friendly banter!" he said with a wink, "and I find it hard to believe that you don't have tons of friends, you seem to be a charming, sweet, and-" Harry stopped short. He was about to say "beautiful" but the mere idea of it confused him. He wasn't familiar with these feelings.
"And what, Harry?" Hermione asked softly.
Harry blushed again, "Er…and intelligent!"
Hermione smiled, "Thank you, Harry. You're definitely the closest I've ever had to a friend before. And I think I like having a friend… Perhaps I will give this socializing thing a try here at Hogwarts."
Harry inwardly gave a relieved sigh that she bought his cover up, "Well, Hermione, I'm proud to be one of your first friends!"
The two new friends lapsed into a serene silence, each glancing at the other periodically. Harry was trying his best not to stare at the bushy, brown-haired witch in front of him and settled for fleeting glances while focusing on the scenery through the open window. Hermione was sorely tempted to pull out one of her large, thick books out to read, but decided that it would completely ruin the mood and she was happy for Harry's company. Finally, she resorted to simply looking around the compartment.
Harry saw the trolley pass by through the window and quickly got up. Hermione looked up at him questioningly. "The sweet cart! I'll get something for us!"
Hermione smiled at the sentiment but protested anyways, "Oh no, Harry, you don't have to. You see, my parents are both dentists…"
"Oh, come on, Hermione! Live a little. It's alright to splurge every once in a while." Harry said with a smile. Hermione eventually nodded in consensus which made Harry grin again. He stepped out of the compartment and got the attention of the kind-looking woman that was tugging it along. Hermione saw him confer with her for a little bit before pulling a vast supply of candy and chocolate into his arms. She was confused when it seemed that the woman refused the money and noticed Harry force several Galleons into her hands. Harry was obviously rich too!
Harry returned to see Hermione smiling interestedly at him. He dumped the pile of sugar into the spot on the chair beside her while he took a seat near her. "That was rather interesting," Hermione commented offhandedly.
"What?" Harry asked innocently.
"Why wouldn't she take your money?"
Harry immediately got flustered and started stuttering, "Er… Well, you see… Uh… I don't know?"
Hermione laughed, "I see. By the looks of things, you're clearly very rich as well. Is that why girls throw themselves at you?" Hermione asked with a raised eyebrow.
Harry was plainly uncomfortable and he fidgeted anxiously while answering, "It might be part of the reason…" he said quietly and disdainfully.
Hermione nodded in understanding and didn't push the matter. Harry smiled at her gratefully and she grinned in return. "Ooh!" Hermione squealed, "I haven't had a chocolate frog in absolutely ages!" Harry watched in amusement as Hermione tore the wrapping off of a container and tore the poor, enchanted, savory, frog into pieces.
"Help yourself, we have plenty!" Harry smirked.
Hermione blushed, "I just really love chocolate!"
"I noticed."
~<>~
15 boxes of chocolate frogs, and 9 boxes of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans later, Hermione seemed to be sated. She grinned cheekily at Harry whose eyes sparkled mirthfully. Harry saw the magnificent castle of Hogwarts rise out of the mist from through the window and pointed excitedly, "That's Hogwarts!"
"Merlin! It's even more beautiful than in the pictures!" Hermione exclaimed. The wondrous castle sat atop marvelous rolling hills and its spires shot unending into the distant sky. The train curved around and the Quidditch pitch became visible. Three shining poles stood proudly bearing their respective rings on opposite sides of the oval arena. The train finally slowed down and came to a stop in front of a gloomy forest with a quaint little hut nearby.
"That's home." Harry grinned.
"It's incredible! I can't believe I'm actually going to school here!" Hermione squealed.
Harry laughed at her enthusiasm, "Well, let's find where you need to go." He got up and offered her his hand which she took with a smile. The two walked out of their compartment and filed in behind the throng of students that were pushing to get out. Harry, spotting an older witch, nudged Hermione, "Go talk to that lady over there. She's Professor McGonagall, the Transfiguration teacher here at Hogwarts. Tell her about the transferring and everything and I'm sure she can tell you where to go." Harry pushed her gently in the proffered direction.
Hermione turned around and smiled at Harry, "I had a great time with you today, Harry. Hopefully we'll see each other around."
"We will. Don't worry." Harry said with a kind smile. He watched the girl walk away until he was jostled out of his thoughts by the moving crowd. Giving the girl of his thoughts one last look, Harry turned to continue on to the carriages.
"Harry!" Harry whipped around. He saw his two best friends Ron and Ginny approaching him.
"Where were you, mate? We thought you missed the train!" Ron cried out. Harry noticed Ginny glance at him knowingly and wink. His eyes widened and he knew that Ginny must have seen him. But he also knew that she wouldn't tell Ron-yet.
"Er… I got caught up by some other people." Harry said weakly.
"Ron wouldn't have noticed if you were there anyways," Ginny smirked, "He was too busy basking in the glory and recounting the story of being your best friend to a mob of pretty girls."
Harry rolled his eyes and laughed, "Ron! Didn't you like Luna?"
"Sure I do! But what can I say? All of the ladies want me!" Ron grinned.
Ginny smacked his head for that comment, "If you plan to have anything with Luna, you better change your attitude. She's in my year and she is a really nice girl, so you better not hurt her."
"Yeah, yeah, guys." Ron waved off the comment noncommittally earning himself another whack, from Harry this time.
"Seriously, Ron. I think the girl really likes you, so you've got to stop acting like an insensitive git all the time." Harry grinned, Ginny laughed, and Ron glared at his friends good-naturedly as the trio climbed into the carriages.
Hermione hesitantly approached he rather elderly lady that Harry pointed out. The older witch was in dark forest-green robes and held herself with obvious authority as she overlooked all of the students. When she noticed a timid student beneath her, she looked down with a kindly smile, "How may I help you?"
Hermione blushed and glanced around quickly-in case people were making fun of her-before looking up at the teacher, "Erm… I was told by-well, I was told that I should talk to you. See, I'm transferring to Hogwarts from the United States, and I was told to speak with you about my situation."
"Ah! We did receive your reply letter. You must be Ms. Granger. I am Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts and the Transfiguration teacher. Come right this way, we'll have you sorted and introduced to the school! I'm sure the students will be thrilled to find that we have a transfer student."
"Thank you, Professor." Hermione followed Professor McGonagall up the path to Hogwarts and up the steps into the castle itself. The interior of the castle was beautiful. The air had a cultured feel and the ornate walls were decorated brightly with floating candles and massive portraits that that seemed to be portals to another world. The high ceiling seemed to reach up endlessly and ancient staircases groaned as they shifted. Hermione gasped in delight at the magnificent sights before exclaiming, "I've never seen such a beautiful place before! My old school was nothing like this!"
McGonagall gave a pleased smile before explaining, "Hogwarts was the very first magical school ever established. But I'm sure you know the details, assuming that the records we have of you are correct, Ms. Granger."
Hermione blushed and nodded. She was lead to a statue in the wall were McGonagall clearly spoke, "Bubble Gum", seeing Hermione's raised eyebrow, the professor explained, "Headmaster Dumbledore has an affinity for candy, particularly foreign kinds. Hermione noted this as a peculiar fact about the legendary wizard and proceeded up the stairs that appeared.
"Albus, I have brought Ms. Granger up. I trust you can handle sorting her while I make sure the other students are settled." Professor McGonagall announced.
Professor Dumbledore looked up from a glass ball distractedly, "Oh, yes, Minerva, I can handle it. I will be out as soon as I sort Ms. Granger here."
Minerva left the room and Hermione crept farther inside, gazing wondrously at the marvelous room. Portraits of the past headmasters greeted her jovially and thousands of random knick-knacks and gadgets hung on the walls or lay scattered throughout the tables in the room. Hermione looked questioningly at the ball that Dumbledore was fiddling with, "Is that a Remembrall, Professor?"
"What? This?" Dumbledore asked motioning at the object in his hands, "No, no. It's just a glass ball I picked up on my way through London. I saw it in the store window and it seemed to jump out at me." The old wizard chuckled reminiscently, "It surprises me how efficient muggles can be! Muggles, fascinating creatures with their makines and all."
"I think you mean, machine, professor. At least that's how it's supposed to be pronounced." Hermione said hesitantly.
"Oh, you're right, aren't you, Ms. Granger. Their rules of spelling are indeed rather complex, it surprises me that even they can remember them all! Anyways, to business. Hermione Granger, allow me to introduce you to the Sorting Hat." Dumbledore then held up a raggedy old hat. It was a faded grey color and horribly wrinkled.
"I'm sorry, professor, but it just looks like an old-" Hermione started.
"Who are you calling old here? Me? Or the guy holding me up?"
Hermione jumped back startled. Dumbledore laughed heartily and said, "I will put this hat on your head, and it will decide what house you will end up in."
Hermione stood tensely as Dumbledore approached her with the old hat. After setting it lightly on her head, the tall hat seemed to contemplate for a moment before it spoke, "Yes, yes, you're very sharp indeed. You would be an excellent addition to Ravenclaw. Then again, you're also fiercely loyal to the few friends that you can make so Hufflepuff would be an excellent choice as well. What are you thinking, young lady?"
"A-actually, I don't really know. See, the only person I know is named Harry-I don't think I ever caught his last name… What house is he in?"
"Harry, eh… I imagine I know which Harry you speak of and he's a Gryffindor. Hmm… yes, you would also do well there. You are brave and willing to step up for what you believe in. Yes, indeed, I think I will say-Gryffindor!"
Hermione smiled as Dumbledore removed the hat from her head. "Ah, wonderful, Ms. Granger! May I take this moment to officially welcome you to Hogwarts! Let's get out of here now, I shall introduce you to the rest of the school and announce-well, I have some other things to announce and Minerva will have my head if I don't get down there soon." He gave Hermione a sly wink before leading her out of his office.
In the Great Hall, all of the students were situated comfortably at the tables waiting for Dumbledore to make his announcements and for the first Hogwarts feast of the year to begin. Friends sat together and talked of fantastic breaks from school and relaxing family visits now that Voldemort was vanquished for good. Amicable laughing filled the hallway. Harry sat next to Ron, and across from him sat Ginny. Ron was moaning loudly about how hungry he was and how he wished Dumbledore would get on with the speech.
"Obviously, Ronald, Dumbledore can't make his speech if he's not even there! Has your hunger clouded your vision?" Ginny wondered aloud. Indeed, Dumbledore was not yet in his seat at the front of the hall.
"I imagine he'll be here soon. Don't worry, Ron, you'll make it, you have for six years now." Harry patted his friend on the back.
Clapping started from the ranks of witches and wizards as Dumbledore took his spot. He was gently leading another witch to the podium. "Finally," Ron muttered, "Who's that, Dumbledore has there?"
Harry's face broke into a smile when he recognized the nervous girl being lead to stand in front of hundred of her own soon-to-be peers. Dumbledore gazed around the hall before clapping his hands to gather everyone's attention. With a breath, he launched into his welcoming speech, "Welcome back to Hogwarts everyone! This year has been indeed one of the most exciting school years that I've seen in my entire career here at Hogwarts. We fought, and won a most terrible war. I'd like to take this moment to recognize and thank all of our lost loved ones now-for without them, victory would not have been possible." Silence reigned over the hall for the duration and everyone bowed their heads to think back to the people that they had lost over the course of the war. The quiet was only shattered by broken sobs that wracked the bodies of those affected the most. Dumbledore looked up and continued, "Let us not dwell on the dark past though, rather let us look forward to a bright future that we have created for ourselves. The price of this future was terrible, but now our children and the generations to follow will only have the Dark Lord Voldemort as a memory rather than a looming threat; in that we should rejoice. Now, I will take this time to introduce to you a brand new student here at Hogwarts. She is a brilliant young woman whom I am sure all of you will come to know as an excellent role model." Harry felt himself smile at this, "Also, this young witch is in the 7th year, transferring here to Hogwarts all the way from-" Dumbledore paused for dramatic effect which made several students throughout the hall laugh, "The United States!" Harry immediately started clapping for his friend and quickly, the entire hall shook with the combined applause. After the ovation ceased, Dumbledore continued, "Hermione Granger transferred from the Americas where she used to go to school. Please show her the very best that Hogwarts has to offer and she informs me that she would also be delighted to answer any questions to the best of her ability so feel free to ask."
Harry felt Ron nudge him from beside him commenting, "It's a shame they didn't send a better looking girl over here from the States." He said offhandedly with a sly wink, "I heard they make them pretty fetching over there." Harry glared at him harshly and elbowed him while Ginny kicked him underneath the table, "I didn't say she didn't look nice-it's just we could do so much better, eh, mate?" Harry didn't bother replying.
"It is now my pleasure to announce that Hermione Granger has been sorted into… Gryffindor House!" Applause erupted from the Gryffindor table and Harry felt himself flush. Hermione watched the multitudes of students stare at her as she made her way down to the Gryffindor table. She grinned as she sat down and shook the hands of the people around her.
The attention of the students was quickly shifted back to the headmaster as he waited patiently with a smile, "It gives me even more joy to escalate the fun a little farther! I am most happy to be officially announcing at this time that Hogwarts, this year, will have a Christmas Ball!" The entire student body burst instantaneously into giggles and whispers. Many of the girls smiled excitedly with sparkling eyes while the guys tended to just roll their eyes and give nervous laughs. With a familiar twinkle in his eye, Dumbledore finished off, "This school dance will happen right before Christmas break which gives everyone about two months to work out the 'fine details'" Dumbledore winked, "Now, without further ado, let our-second-Beginning of the Year Feast begin!"
Delicious delectable food appeared magically throughout the whole hall and the students dug in heartily. Ron quickly had his plate piled high with all the matter of edible treats and began to tear through his meal. Harry and Ginny glanced at each other and rolled their eyes. Ginny also gave Harry a pointed nod indicating that he had a bit of explaining to do. Harry smiled and the "later" message was received. Piling their plates with more reasonable amounts of food, they tucked in.
~<>~
Dinner was a fantastic task for Hermione. She had never even heard of some of the dishes, yet she was eager to try everything! She became acquainted with many of the people in her house and was able to answer several questions about life in the States.
"Are the boys over there cute?" Lavender Brown asked.
"Cute? Er… well, actually, I really don't know about that. I've never really had time or an interest in boys when I was still there." Hermione answered honestly.
"Not interested in boys!" Parvati Patil gasped from beside Lavender. Many of the students sitting around laughed genially. Dumbledore, seeing as the students were all done eating dismissed the hall with a smile. "Wait, where do I go?" Hermione asked.
"Just follow the other Gryffindors up the stairs to Gryffindor Tower."
Hermione nodded her thanks and started to make her way to follow the mob of her house peers. On her way, she accidentally bumped into two boys. Turning to apologize, she instantly noticed Harry. He smiled at her widely and opened his mouth but the red-headed boy next to him beat him to words. "Hey! Watch where you're going, new girl." Harry smacked his head and glared at his friend.
Hermione's eyes instantly narrowed after hearing him and she retorted carefully, "And who are you to act so important."
Rising to the challenge Ron replied, "I just happen to be the best friend of the Harry Potter." He nudged Harry and Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, "And I'll have you know that he saved the wizarding world!"
"I know who he is," Hermione said slowly. She regarded Harry carefully. He looked panicked and looked into her eyes apologetically.
"Shut up, Ron!" Harry muttered quickly, "Er… don't worry about anything, Hermione, sorry for bumping into you. Er… we should probably go," Harry said quickly and started to drag his red-headed friend away.
"Wait, Harry!" Hermione called out, "Can I talk to you?"
"Why would he want to talk to you?" His friend asked tauntingly.
Harry looked skyward in desperation and pushed Ron on towards the stairway, "I'll talk to you later, mate, go."
"But, Harry-"
"Ron, just go. It honestly can't hurt." With that, the boy left glancing back multiple times. When he was finally gone, Harry turned to me.
"Erm… Sorry about, Ron, there. How can I help you, Ms. Granger?" Harry asked nervously.
"Well, Mr. Potter… Why didn't you tell me that you were Harry Potter? I should have seen it coming though… I mean, how many boys are named Harry?" Harry opened his mouth, "Don't answer, that was rhetorical question."
"Hermione, I can explain," he said desperately.
"Please do, Harry. I find it odd that we became friends, but it didn't even occur to you to tell me that you were the Harry Potter."
"Would 'it slipped my mind' work on you?" Harry asked innocently.
Hermione gave a small smile, "If you had any chance with that before, it's gone now."
"Okay, fine. Look, I really wanted to tell you, Hermione. I really did. But-I guess I just got caught up in the feeling of being normal with you. I've never had a normal day in my life, trust me on that. And I just really liked the way you treated me." Harry sighed, "I didn't want you to treat me differently."
Hermione's eyes softened immediately and she felt guilty for getting upset, "Oh, I didn't realize it was that, Harry. I'm sorry for jumping on your case, but I thought that you didn't trust me with that vital information, or that you were trying to get a cheap laugh off of my ignorance. It never occurred to me that you didn't want that kind of attention. I promise that I will not treat you any differently than if you were any other Harry. We're still friends, right?"
"Of course," Harry smiled gratefully, "I still haven't told you all of my secrets… But then again," Harry stopped momentarily, "there are things about me that no one knows. Perhaps with time, I might open up more to you, we'll just see what happens."
Hermione nodded in understanding and walked past Harry, heading towards the stairs. When she reached the foot of the staircase, she turned around to find Harry in a daze, "Harry, do you think you could show me the way to the Gryffindor Tower? I'm afraid I'll get lost if I'm on my own."
"Your hair smells really nice!" Harry blurted out. He blushed immediately and nodded to her before walking quickly past her. Hermione just smiled and followed the bewildered boy.
~<>~
"There we go, Hermione. Exactly 265 step. We were lucky," Harry grinned, "If just one stair had shifted, then we probably would ended up taking more, probably 358 or something."
"And how do you know this, Harry?" Hermione inquired.
Harry laughed, "When you've lived in Hogwarts for 6 years, you just get to know these things."
With that said, Harry said the password and the Fat Lady swung her portrait open for the two to climb through. They were greeted with a crowded common room. Apparently, the other seventh years had decided to throw a party before classes officially started tomorrow. "And our man of the evening as arrived!" They heard Ron shout as he got up on a trembling table, "Let us all welcome, the one, the only, Harry Potter!" Wild cheering erupted from the excited party-goers.
Harry held up his hands embarrassedly, "Guys, guys." He shouted until everyone settled down again, "Let's not forget Hermione Granger!" He laughed and jumped to the side so Hermione was in the spotlight. Cheers rumbled through the masses as the party carried on. He looked towards Hermione and the two shared a small smile before joining in energetically in the festivities.
Harry was sitting comfortably on a couch near the fire when Ginny plopped down comfortably next to him. Harry knew it was time to spill. Everyone else was too busy having fun to notice them and they wouldn't be able to hear anything anyways.
"So, Harry," Ginny started, "I saw you and Hermione in a compartment together on the train earlier today. What's going on between you two?"
"There's nothing really going on," Harry answered.
Ginny rolled her eyes, "I think it's pretty obvious to me that you like the girl, will you admit?"
Harry blushed intensely, "Actually, I don't know. I think I might, she's a really sweet, nice, and pretty girl. I wouldn't stand a chance with a girl like her anyways."
Ginny scoffed, "Come now, you're Harry Potter! You've taken on Voldemort himself!"
"Actually, I think I'd prefer taking on Voldemort again over a girl." Harry joked.
Ginny just rolled her eyes, "It's pretty clear to me that you really like her! I think you should go for it! You, more than anyone else, deserve to be happy." Ginny said with a warm smile. Harry grinned back before looking over to where Hermione was conversing merrily with her fellow Gryffindors. As if sensing his gaze, she turned to look towards him and the two shared another small smile.
~<>~
AN2: Haha, I hope you guys don't mind reading a rather clichéd storyline. I'm just trying to get used to writing though. It's been absolutely ages since I wrote something that wasn't music! Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Things will start to pick up and I'll try to update regularly. As always, comments and suggestions are warmly welcomed and appreciated. Cheers!