AN: Hey everyone! Thanks for the wonderful reviews! It was really encouraging to read them and I decided to get this update out for you today! It was hilarious to see how many of you hated Ron for interrupting, hehe. Ron and his bad timing, eh? Regardless, all of the reviews are much appreciated and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Spoiler Alert: Obviously, there will again be no spoilers in this chapter. Nearing the end like we are, I think it's safe to say that this entire piece should have no spoilers.
Disclaimer: The same as at the beginning of the story. I did not own the Harry Potter universe, and I still don't. All of the credit goes to the wondrous J.K. Rowling!
Enjoy!
VIII
The news of the couple spread around the school like the plague. By breakfast time the next morning, every individual-including the portraits-knew of the new couple. However the opinions were divided. Harry was met with congratulations, pats on the back, and also suggestive winks, but also he was on the receiving end of numerous incredulous and disdainful looks-and not the usual ones from the Slytherins who were all sore from losing the Quidditch match. Hermione was greeted with far more disapproval from the masses than Harry. Most of the boys could not believe that Harry would go for someone as… "plain" as Hermione, however, they didn't really care because that left more of the more "beautiful" girls available. At the same time though, every single girl seemed to detest Hermione's guts for stealing the heart of the young war hero, every girl except Ginny (and Luna) perhaps; the young redhead girl was ecstatic about the wonderful news. Luna accepted it happily in her own detached way. The somewhat eccentric blond witch smiled serenely and simply mentioned something about watching out for "Flaming Nifflebiffs". Hermione didn't quite understand what exactly a Flaming Biffy-oh whatever it was-was, but at least Luna wasn't glaring daggers into Hermione's back at any given moment. Luckily, the two had their own closest friends, as well as each other, for support. Never before had Harry felt so happy, and Hermione felt completely fulfilled. As Ginny often gushed, "Those two are perfect for each other!" Throughout the week, Harry and Hermione spent as much time together as they could. They often studied in the library and walked to class in each other's company. A little time was devoted every night to simply cuddling and talking comfortably with each other in the cozy confines of the Common Room. They found out more and more about each other as well as learning to trust their counterpart completely.
The S.P.E.W. meeting of that week was a major success. About 32 students showed up which was a complete improvement from the last meeting. Hermione spoke a little bit about the program and its mission before handing the spotlight over to Dobby, who Harry invited to speak. Dobby described in detail the punishments of a House Elf. He also pointed out the role of House Elves and how insulting it was to be freed by their masters. To be freed meant that the Elf had not done its inherent job properly. With all of this in mind, the group shared several ideas and discussed each of them. The next meeting date was decided and now S.P.E.W. was officially started! Harry and Hermione stayed behind after everyone had departed.
"Well, that went well." Harry grinned.
Hermione leapt into his arms, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, Harry!"
"For what? You did most of the talking." Harry joked.
Hermione slapped him playfully before retorting, "If you hadn't put up all of those notices, I'm sure we never would've gotten this kind of response."
"This is all your doing, Mione. It's your vision, your design, your drive that made all of this possible. I was just a bloke that came along, liked what he saw, and gave the club a little push."
"Thanks again, Harry."
"Anytime."
The remainder of the week flew by. Harry took every opportunity to catch a seat by his girlfriend. The two chatted amiably and Charms had never seemed like such a short class. The happy lovebirds were completely oblivious to the mixed emotions of the classmates behind them. The positive effects they were having on each other were very apparent as well. Harry's academic ability skyrocketed. He had never been lacking in the department, but it seemed that Hermione's influence was enhancing his abilities. Perhaps it was the fault of the study sessions that he and Hermione often held. McGonagall was pleasantly pleased at Harry's clear and concise essay responses. "Hermione's been double-checking it for me." Harry admitted sheepishly. Hermione, conversely, experienced a significant increase in her social capacity. The young woman was now far less reserved and frequently found herself simply hanging out with her close friends. Books and classes were still paramount to her life, but she was far more relaxed than before. Life was certainly improving all-around.
~<>~
Finally, the weekend arrived. The long anticipated date was to occur at last. Harry found himself digging through his trunk, looking for something acceptable to wear.
"Cool off, mate." Ron said coolly from atop his bed.
"I'm about to go on a date with Hermione Granger! I can't believe it!" Harry said giddily.
"You are completely smitten aren't you?" Ron laughed.
"Bugger off, mate." Harry rolled his eyes. Finally, the raven-haired boy settled for a comfortable pair of jeans and a warm green sweater.
"Oh yeah, mate." Ron winked, "You look absolutely smashing in that ensemble. You'll likely knock her off her feet on your first date!"
"What's your point?"
"Relax, Harry. Honestly, don't try to be someone that you're not or seek to impress her. If she's already agreed to go out with you, you have no worries in that department. Now you just have to 'pull her in' per se, and make sure that she really likes you for who you are. Be yourself, my friend."
"Wow, Ron," Harry snorted, "That was actually a very sensitive thing to say."
"Yeah yeah, and don't get used to it either. But I'd like to meet her sometime today." Ron looked thoughtful for a moment, "Well, I've met her before, but we haven't gotten on so well. I guess I want to start over."
Harry stood up, pocketed his wand and some coins, and turned to his friend, "Seriously, Ron, what's going on with you? No offense, mate, but you never talk like this."
Ron looked flustered, "Well, who says that I can't give my best friend some manly advice?"
Harry had a revelation, "Luna."
"What?"
"It's Luna isn't it? You've finally grown up and now you're looking to get with her, eh?"
"What? How did you know?-I mean, it's not that!"
Harry rolled his eyes, "If you really have matured, I'd say go for it, mate." Harry turned to leave, but as he reached the door, he turned back to ask, "By the way. Where and what time do you want to meet Hermione?"
"Three Broomsticks, of course. For the time, how about two o'clock? Oh, and Harry…"
"Yeah?"
"Please don't tell Ginny about this."
"About wh-oh, right. Sure, mate."
Harry made his way down to a small, garden plaza just outside of the school, the prescribed meeting point. His heart seemed to beat a little faster with each step. Their first date was finally going to happen. Harry casually leaned against a wall and looked up to the sky. Puffy white clouds floated lazily past the tall spires of Hogwarts. The sun was a brilliant orb in a blue-painted sky. Northern winds blew fresh, clean, and cool air from the hills and swept it throughout the chilly school grounds. This would be an excellent day for any sort of outing.
As Harry was distracted by the beautiful scenery, Hermione happened upon the serene young man and silently snuck up on him with a smirk. Finally, she pounced and pulled him into a fierce hug. Harry made a surprised, "Oof!" sound before returning the gesture energetically.
Hermione pulled back and smiled widely, "Nice weather, isn't it?"
Harry stared down at the girl in his arms and mumbled a reply, "Beautiful."
Hermione giggled, "I'm not sure if you were talking about the weather, or maybe something else."
"Both." Harry amended with a blush. Hermione was sporting a nice pair of jeans, a soft pink shirt, and a light jacket for the weather. "You look great!"
Hermione blushed, "Thanks. This is just casual though."
"What's your point?" Harry winked.
Hermione rolled her eyes but was smiling happily, "Never mind, let's get to Hogsmeade!"
"Hopefully it doesn't turn out like last time," Harry said casually.
"Yeah, but how would you have known about last time?"
"Well, erm, I guess I should admit now that I found out through some more underhanded tactics." Harry looked sheepish and guilty when Hermione raised her eyebrow.
"When I found out that you were going out with Clark, I already knew what he was like, and I really didn't want you to get hurt… so I had to spy on you guys." Harry pulled a long cloak out of his pocket (magically enlarged of course) and swept it around himself.
Hermione gasped softly when Harry suddenly disappeared, "Wow! Is that an Invisibility Cloak?"
Harry pulled it off, "Yeah, it was passed down to me from my father. Are you mad at me for spying on you?"
Hermione looked thoughtful, "I probably should be. But is it bad that I'm not?" she looked at Harry levelly, "If I had found out under any other conditions, I'd probably be really upset. Spying on a girl can sometimes mean that you don't think that they can take care of themselves,"
"But I don't-"
Harry was cut off by a well-placed finger and Hermione continued, "but seeing how things turned out, I think I'm rather glad that you did do a little spying. I probably should've listened to you from the start."
"So everything is good now?"
"Great."
"Wonderful! Let's get this friendly little outing started then! I promise that we won't set a foot inside the Quidditch shop."
"Honestly, Harry, don't be silly, if you'd like to, I wouldn't mind going in there for just a bit."
"You don't understand, Hermione. I already have a broom, and enough broom servicing kits to last my entire life and even the lives of my children, I don't need anything from that shop. I'm actually thinking about just giving them away to Hogwarts."
"Or we could sell them at reasonable prices to raise funds for S.P.E.W."
"We could do that!"
The two laughed before heading out. They talked comfortably with each other as they walked on to Hogsmeade. This was sure to be a fantastic day.
First, the happy couple headed to Honeydukes to restock their sweet supply. Hermione picked up a good size of chocolates while Harry splurged on licorice wands and sugar quills. Harry insisted that he pay for all of the merchandise and pulled out a handful of coins to prove that his wallet could sustain the blow. Hermione finally relented with a smile and made Harry promise that he would let her pay for something later. The two finally left with filled bags and content grins.
Harry led Hermione next to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. They found Fred and George and again, headed to the back room where Harry-with Hermione's help-related the story concerning the WWAT."
"By Merlin's beard!" George gasped.
"There's no way we can market this after hearing that."
"Most definitely, they were rather dangerous to begin with anyways."
"It was very irresponsible to even think about it." Hermione scolded.
Fred and George looked at each other with amused grins, "I'm glad you were able to bring her back, mate." They said to Harry, "Congratulations to you two!" Harry simply rolled his eyes and he and Hermione stayed around the shop for a little bit looking at the various products hanging off the walls and exchanging witty jokes with the twins.
They then strolled down the streets, looking for the next shop to stop by. Periodically, some of their peers would make snide comments about the couple, but these were ignored without much thought. They stopped by various shops to pick up quills, ink, parchment, and some more common potions ingredients. Hermione raised an eyebrow in question as they passed Quality Quidditch Supplies but Harry waved it off with a grin and a nod towards Must-Have Manuscript.
The two entered the quaint shop and were introduced by a charming bell near the door. Hermione waved familiarly at the older woman at the desk before making her way to the shelves. Harry followed closely. Not having been in this store often, he felt out of place. Hermione smiled at Harry, "Don't worry, Harry, I won't be too long, I just want to look around a little. You can do the same if you like."
Harry laughed nervously and slowly explored the vast maze of shelves and ancient tomes. He pulled out books indiscriminately and leafed through them with mild interest. Harry learned that there was indeed a bogey-removing charm. That was sure to be useful come allergy season. Finally, Harry reached a rather intriguing book, On the Invigorating Topic of Teachers: A Guide to Bothersome Habits that your Teacher is Sure to Appreciate. Harry pulled the book out carefully and read the title again. Beneath it in neat print was "Presented to you by Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs." Harry nearly dropped the book but regained his hold. He tenderly opened the maroon cover and read the short description. "From the nameless writers that brought you, A Universal Guide to Transfiguration, and Howling Misconceptions, they now bring you a hilarious guide to bothering your 'favorite' teachers and becoming a nuisance to even the most stolid of wizards." Harry closed the book carefully and began his hunt throughout the shop for more books written by his parents.
Hermione finally caught up with him several minutes later. "It's not so bad now is it?"
Harry looked towards his close friend excitedly, "Look, my father wrote this with his friends!"
Hermione looked over the book carefully, "Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, Prongs? Aren't you a Potter, Harry? Who are these people?"
Harry looked at his girlfriend guiltily for keeping such a major part of his life away from her. At that point, he silently vowed that he would tell Hermione everything as soon as possible. "Well, those are the secret nicknames that my father and his friends had. My dad was James Potter though, and his pseudo name was Prongs."
"Why Prongs though?"
"I'll tell you everything soon." Harry replied gently.
Hermione nodded, "James Potter, eh? Oh! Is there any chance that your mum's name was Lily?"
"Wait, you've heard of my mum?"
"Actually, I bought a book written by her last week when I was here. She's a brilliant magical creature's rights author. Lily Potter, right?"
"Definitely! Can you please show me where I can get that book? I want to collect everything that they've written."
"Of course. Let's get this grand search started!" Hermione took Harry's hand excitedly and the two hurried through the old shelves. Harry momentarily forgot his mission though, as the only thing he could focus on was Hermione's smaller, soft hand around his own.
The two spent the next several hours in the shop (obviously enlarged by magic) scrounging the high ledges for more books written by the Potter lineage. Hermione employed a wide use of multiple searching methods to find a couple more books and Harry readily accepted the help. Time flew by as they scanned the shelves and read small excerpts of the many books that they found.
Forward. The entire purpose of this substantial volume is simply to act as a participant in a running competition that I am involved in with my very best friend and companion, Lily. (No offense, love, but I'm definitely going to win this one. There is no way that I'm going to clean the house for the next year!) The tome contains a compilation of my true experiences in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and is essentially an extension of Hogwarts: A History. These experiences are reworded for the reader's comprehension and should be written primarily in standard explanatory textbook format with true examples interspersed throughout the collection. I would like to give special thanks at this point to every single person mentioned (and some not mentioned) in this volume for making my Hogwarts experience what it was. Furthermore as this book contains highly classified information that should not be exemplified throughout the general public, (targeting those with evil intentions, of course) I have contracted the help of one of my generous friends and charms masters to create a series of protections to ensure the absolute safety of the school. As you can clearly see now, this supposedly substantial manuscript is exactly three pages. Said pages should include 1) the Cover Page, 2) the Forward (this page), 3) the Back Cover. If any of these components are missing, please return this book to the store or shop in which you obtained it and ask for either a refund or a replacement. In standard text, three pages typically do not constitute a substantial volume, but all should be explained shortly. Referring back to my generous friend and charms master, the complex series of charms (which are unbreakable, I assure you of that) has made it certain, that until you complete a binding Wizard's Vow, with the very book that you shall read, no other page will ever be revealed to you. If you would like to continue, carefully read the following pledge. With the consequences of death and an eternity in The Tickling Chamber, complete the Wizard's Vow by placing your own blood (a single drop is enough, thank you) anywhere on this page, tapping your wand anywhere on this page, and also reciting the following vow:
I Solemnly Swear,
Under the Penalty of Death and an Eternity in The Tickling Chamber,
That with the Knowledge Obtained through the Examination of this Book,
I will Not Share, Distribute, Hint, or Communicate this Knowledge
To Any Members of the Sentient Parties that have Not Underwent this Exact Vow,
I will take No Significant or Insignificant Part in the Planning, Instigation, Execution, or Conclusion
Of Any Harmful Act or Acts with the Intention of Malice or Destruction
Towards Hogwarts.
With the Vow completed, you will be able to read to your heart's content. Notice that you will not be able to share your findings unless you can convince your pals to take this fastening contract. Furthermore, all implied meanings of the contract should be examined and entertained with extreme scrutiny. With all of this said and done, I invite you to enjoy the book as well as the rest of your life. P.S. I'm going to win, Lily!
Hermione looked up at Harry and grinned cheekily, "Your father was a really exciting writer!" she motioned towards the paper-thin book, "Would you mind if I borrowed this sometime?"
"Not at all! It sounds like it should be a really good read." Harry glanced idly at the clock hanging on the wall. It was two o'clock. "Oh bugger! Hermione, we have to go!"
"Where?"
"The Three Broomsticks. Ron really wanted to meet you… again."
"Ron? Why?"
"I'm not exactly sure, so why don't we go to find out."
"Sure, we've been in here for hours anyways."
"It was really fun." Harry admitted.
"I'm glad that you weren't bored out of your mind."
"Me too!"
Harry took the large stack of books to the counter and paid for them without a second thought. It was a hefty sum, but completely worth it. Harry and Hermione then exited the large bookstore, Hermione with a new book, and Harry with a bag filled completely with new books to read. Reflexively, Harry grabbed Hermione's hand as they rushed to the crowded café. As they pushed through the busy crowds, he reveled in the feel of her hand in his own. Finally, the couple made it to the teeming café and continued to push their way in. They saw Ron valiantly trying to save a table against the angry glares of some other students.
"Seriously, you don't want to sit with me. I swear, I've been having the very worst gas problem for the past week and a half…" he saw Harry and Hermione and shouted loudly, "Oi! You couldn't have been a little later?"
Harry grinned and led Hermione over to the table where they sat down promptly. Ron grinned at the two of them and ordered two more Butterbeers for his new companions.
"So, how has the date been going?" he asked conversationally. "Don't tell me you were late because you were doing something I would do!"
Hermione blushed and Harry glared at Ron, "No, Ron, the date has been great and we just got caught up in the bookstore."
"In a bookstore! I never would've thought you had it in you!"
"Shut up, Ron!"
Ron laughed heartily, "I'm just messing with you guys." At this point he turned to Hermione and offered a hand. Hermione took the proffered hand and shook it firmly. "How are you doing, Hermione?"
"I'm doing just fine, thanks."
"Right, well let's get right down to it." Ron cleared his throat for dramatic effect, "I really wanted to talk to you today to apologize for the way that I've been treating you."
Hermione was pleasantly surprised at the honest apology. She took a moment to compose herself before she smiled happily at the redhead. "Your apology is accepted."
"Fantastic! Anyways, if you'd just let me explain, I suppose that I didn't want Harry, here, to be associating with you because… well, to put it bluntly, he's a world hero, and you… well, yeah." Hermione rolled her eyes while Ron continued, "I guess I was just more worried about his reputation than even he was. Again, I want to say that I'm sorry. It's obvious that you make Harry very, very happy and I'll totally support that."
"Well, erm, thanks for the apology. I really appreciate it." Hermione said.
"So, friends?"
"Of course."
Harry grinned widely. It wasn't everyday that Ron truly apologized for anything. Luna was definitely a positive influence on his best friend. "So," Ron started, "What have you two been up to."
"Not much." Harry answered, "We stopped by Honeydukes, and then we've been in Must-Have until just now."
"Are you kidding? That's almost four hours in a bookstore! What could you possibly do for four hours in there?"
"We were searching for-"
Harry cut Hermione's reply off quickly, "Hermione was just showing me some of the neat books that are in there."
Hermione looked at Harry in question but played along nonetheless, "Yeah, you'd be surprised how many books they have on Charms. It's a really fascinating subject."
"Spare me the details," Ron answered dryly with a wink.
The three goofed off and sat around the table comfortably talking and laughing at jokes for about an hour. Ginny joined them halfway through and the infamous trio became a quartet. Eventually, Harry and Hermione decided mutually to separate and continue their date. After excusing themselves, (and slapping Ron for another rude comment) Hermione dropped some coins onto the table and the two left. After strolling through Hogsmeade for a couple more minutes, Harry nudged Hermione gently, "Let's go somewhere, where we can talk in peace. Come on." Hermione smiled and followed as Harry led her to their next destination.
The buildings and shops eventually gave way to a gorgeous afternoon sky and the Hogwarts Lake opened up before them. Wind swept through the tall, unkempt grass and the water reflected the dazzling sunlight. Vibrant trees dotted the rolling hills. The air was alive with life and energy while the radiant sun warmed the cool afternoon.
Harry and Hermione wandered around the pool. "So, was there anything particular you wanted to talk about?" Hermione asked.
Harry regarded her carefully before he slowly launched into the story, "Erm… well, Hermione, you probably know that I've been keeping a lot of things from you lately…" Hermione nodded in understanding. Harry took a deep breath, "I just want you to know that even though we haven't known each other for too long, I feel like you're someone that I can trust completely. There's just a part of my life that I don't like talking about though. I mean, I don't even talk to Ron about it."
"It's usually not good to keep things bottled up, Harry."
"I know, Mione, and you're the person that I want to spill to." Hermione remained silent but smiled at him encouragingly. "So, I suppose I ought to start at the beginning… My parents are James and Lily Potter, and even though they got together in some really dark times, (Voldemort was approaching the peak of his power) they still loved each other very much…"
~<>~
"-And that's it. Voldemort was defeated, and you know the rest of the story up until right here."
Harry and Hermione had walked around the lake several times by the time the entire tale was told. Supportively, Hermione had grabbed Harry's hand and was still hanging on. Sometime after the 7th round around the lake, Harry and Hermione settled comfortably next to each other under the shade of an old tree as they watched the sunset in the distance. Many hours had passed already and the sky was lit into brilliant red and orange hues by the setting sun.
Harry watched Hermione carefully as she finally spoke, "Wow, Harry." She said and paused, "A lot has really happened to you. I could not ever imagine anyone's life being even half as upsetting, dramatic, or desperate as yours." She frowned slightly, "And I'm really sorry you had to go through that," Harry was about to protest at her pity but Hermione pushed on, "But I don't think anyone else in the entire world could have done a better job than you have done. Harry, you had to mature ages before most kids even know what mature means, and you might feel like you've completely missed out on a vital part of your life. But think about it, with Voldemort gone, now you can enjoy the rest of the fantastic life you're sure to have."
"Thanks for understanding," Harry mumbled softly.
Hermione snuggled into his warm body before replying, "Thanks for telling me everything. And if you ever need someone to talk to, I'll always be happy to listen."
"I'm glad, but now, you know everything there is to know about me. Oh, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about any of this…"
"Of course, I wasn't planning on telling anybody. You can trust me, Harry."
"I do."
The two stayed silent and marveled in each other's company until Harry finally pushed himself up. He offered a hand to Hermione who accepted it gratefully and Harry pulled her up. "We ought to head back to the castle now. I'm expecting you'll be wanting some dinner!"
"Well, I am feeling a bit famished now. Let's go! Last one to the Great Hall is a Flaming Nifflebiff!"
Harry chased after the young woman and shouted, "What in Merlin's name is a Flaming Nifflebiff?"
"I'm not sure myself-but it sure doesn't sound like a compliment!"
AN2: Alright, there we go! I had a lot of fun writing this chapter! I hope that it didn't seem rushed with the writing or the relationship or anything. As always, comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks again!