AN: Hey everyone! We're about done now. There are only two chapters left and they'll encompass quite a bit of time! Here is the final complication in the story. Let's see if it all works out. Thanks to all of my reviewers for sticking with me and supporting me with compliments and suggestions. I'll keep all of them in mind when I continue writing other stories! As always, I do this for you guys! Thanks again!
Spoiler Alert: This can't be necessary by now, I mean, it's been ages since the book came out. If you haven't read it still, getting it spoiled by reading will be your own fault! Regardless, you should be safe from spoilers in this chapter so read on!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter universe. That honor goes to the wonderful J.K. Rowling. Thanks for creating such a fun world to mess around with!
IX
Hermione finally returned to dinner-which turned out to be an interesting affair. Harry and Hermione were subjected to glares and disgusted looks when they arrived to the Great Hall, completely out of breath. Apparently, they were several minutes late for dinner already, but neither of them cared too much. They sat down with Ron and Ginny and ate a delicious dinner without any major hitches.
Concluding dinner, Harry caught Hermione's eye and nodded for the door. Hermione giggled and quickly excused herself and caught up with Harry. Even though they quietly left the Great Hall, everyone's eyes seemed to be following them. There were a few gasps of surprise (and even some in indignation) when Hermione reached out and grabbed Harry's hand.
Harry and Hermione left the hall with smiles on their faces. Stars were twinkling in the sky and the fascinating moon cast an ethereal glow on the school grounds below it. "So, Harry, why did you want to come out here again?"
"No reason, really. I guess I just wanted to get away from everyone else for a little longer."
"I still don't really get why everyone is acting so curiously about us. What shall we talk about?"
"I dunno… What about you though? You know my entire life history now. I think it's only fair that you tell me a little more about yourself too."
Hermione laughed. "Well, I suppose it would be a little unfair if I didn't tell you about my dark past…"
"Come now, it doesn't get any darker than mine, so I think you're good."
"I was joking, Harry."
Harry rolled his eyes, "Since when do you, Hermione Granger, joke at all?"
"I resent that. I happen to have a very healthy sense of humor."
Their mindless banter continued on into the evening as the couple explored the grounds of Hogwarts again. Despite Hermione's rather plain history, Harry listened avidly. It was obvious that he wanted to know everything there was to know about being "normal".
~<>~
Night had fallen and Harry and Hermione rushed through the darkness back into Hogwarts and up to the Gryffindor Tower. They were almost caught by Filch but Harry had quickly pulled out the Invisibility Cloak and the couple avoided capture. Finally, they arrived back in to a deserted Common Room.
Harry pulled the cloak off and grinned. "That was close!"
"Too close, I cannot believe I just stayed up past curfew though! It's so exciting."
Harry gasped teasingly, "What have I done to the rule-abiding Hermione that we all know and love?"
"Sorry, love," Hermione giggled, "I think you've created a monster!"
Harry laughed, "Alright, alright, let's get to bed, shall we?"
"I thought we agreed to take things slowly?" Hermione said coyly.
"Merlin, I have corrupted you." Harry groaned dramatically. Hermione smiled widely as Harry winked at her. The boy then offered Hermione the cloak.
"Won't you need this?"
"Nah, Neville is a deep sleeper-well, you have to be to sleep through Ron's snoring." Hermione laughed, "And Ron already knows about us, and he's my best friend. I'm not too worried about anything. But you ought to take the cloak just in case. I know that there are a lot of girls that are out to get you now. Sorry about that…"
"It's alright. I'm not too worried either."
"Well, take the cloak, anyways, just in case."
"Alright then. See you tomorrow morning?"
"I can't wait!" This time, Harry leaned down and kissed Hermione softly on the cheek before heading up.
Hermione watched him happily and giggled silently when Harry opened the door. "Harry! Where have you been!?" Ron hissed.
"I'll explain later, Ron, come on." Harry turned around and flashed a smile at Hermione again before he dragged Ron back into the room.
Hermione, who was still down in the Common Room, took a deep breath before quietly squealing in happiness. She wrapped the cloak around herself and made her way up the stairs to the girls' room. Quietly, Hermione listened through the old oaken doors to hear that Ginny, Lavender and Parvati were arguing. Hermione noiselessly opened the thick door and crept into the room where she immediately tuned in on the conversation.
"-she's still not back! I bet she's with Harry!" Parvati grumbled angrily.
"I don't know what your deal is." Ginny growled, "Why can't you be happy for them? Don't you see how happy they are together?"
"But what's so special about Hermione?" Lavender retorted.
"She's only been here for a few months. I doubt she knows Harry like we do."
Hermione could imagine Ginny rolling her eyes exasperatedly here. "You know what, forget it. We've been arguing for the past hour, and I'm tired. It's obvious that you will never understand. Good night." Ginny jumped into her bed, closed the curtains and cast a silencing charm. Hermione made to move towards her bed but stopped when she heard Lavender speak again.
"What does Harry see in Hermione anyways?"
"She was really nice before. But I don't think she realizes what she's getting into by trying to get with Harry."
"She's not that pretty."
"I agree. Brown hair, brown eyes. Everything about her is just plain. Her face, her figure. Ugh, I don't see how she got Harry!"
"Don't worry, Parvati. I'm sure this is a passing thing. There's no way that Harry and Hermione could stay together anyways. Frankly, she's just too plain to keep his interest for long."
"She's smart too."
"She's the complete opposite of Harry."
"And she runs a club called spew, for Merlin's sake!"
Lavender nodded towards Parvati, "So let's get some sleep now. I'm glad I got that out there though. I'm sure Harry will dump her for someone better soon."
"Night, Lavender."
"Good night."
Hermione stood frozen in the same spot as the two girls finally settled into their beds. She could barely believe that the people she once considered friends would completely turn on her. Numbly, Hermione walked stiffly back down to the Common Room. She carelessly tossed the cloak onto the couch before settling on it stiffly. Finally, Hermione fell into a fitful slumber plagued by a myriad of nightmares encouraged by doubt.
~<>~
Harry woke up with a bright smile on his face. After explaining the incident that occurred the night before and receiving a playful berating from Ron, Harry had settled into bed happily. Sunlight streamed through the window of the dormitory and Harry stretched lazily. Ron was still snoring contently in bed and Neville was nowhere to be seen. He had probably gone down for breakfast already. Harry showered quickly before putting on his robes. He pocketed his wand and headed out, deciding to wait for Hermione in the Common Room.
As luck would have it, Hermione appeared to be in the Common Room already. Hidden behind a large fluffy couch, Harry almost missed her. He spotted the Invisibility Cloak draped over an arm of the couch and snatched it quickly. Harry glanced around the room nervously. Luckily, no one seemed to be around to have seen or taken the cloak. Harry looked down to the sleeping Hermione again. He smiled tenderly and an idea popped into his head. He pulled the cloak around himself and lowered himself to eye-level with Hermione.
"Mione." He whispered. "Hermione, wake up." He repeated softly.
Hermione stirred slightly, "Harry?" she mumbled. She pushed herself up and looked around. Harry was nowhere to be seen.
"Good Morning!" Harry shouted loudly and leapt out of the cloak. Hermione shrieked loudly and jumped.
"Oh my goodness! Harry!"
Harry laughed uproariously and grinned, "Sorry, Mione! I couldn't resist. You're absolutely adorable when you sleep though."
Hermione looked into Harry's eyes and suddenly, the recollection of what she heard yesterday evening hit her again. She looked into Harry's eyes again and tears welled up in her own.
"Hermione, what's the matter?" Harry asked when he saw tears in her eyes, "What happened?"
Finally, Hermione decided that she couldn't let herself be hurt. There was no way that she could allow herself to fall for Harry even more when he would eventually dump her as a passing fancy. Swallowing heavily, she said quietly, "I don't think we can be together, Harry."
Harry just blinked in surprise. "Hermione, what are you talking about? Why can't we be together?"
"We can't be together, Harry. It just wouldn't work?"
"What do you mean? We can make it work! Why can't it work? I'm sorry about scaring you! Who told you-"
"Harry!" Hermione interrupted. Tears were streaming down her face as she proceeded to break more than just her own heart, "Don't make this harder than it has to be. We're just not right for each other. We-we're o-over!"
With that said, Hermione fled up to the girl's dormitory with Harry beseeching her the entire way. "Wait! Hermione, please! Think about everything we've already been through. We became fast friends on the train. Nicholas is on the run from Aurors to bring him to justice for attacking us. I thought out date was great! What happened? Just talk to me! Why?!"
"Good bye, Harry." Hermione said softly and walked into the room.
The door closed with an air of finality. Harry was still standing rooted to the same spot, staring at where Hermione was a moment before. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Harry stood up straight and moved slowly over to a chair in the Common Room. Fortunately for him, most everyone had gone down for breakfast already. Harry sat down heavily in the soft, red and gold colored chair and buried his face in his hands. Harry was not crying, rather, the full implications of this break up had not quite hit him yet. If nothing else, Harry was confused beyond comprehension. He just couldn't understand why Hermione would suddenly want to break up with him. They had seemed so happy last night. What could have happened?
Ron came down the stairs whistling a light tune. Oddly enough, Harry was sitting in a chair in the Common Room still. Ron briefly wondered why Harry was just sitting there with his face in his hands when he decided that it couldn't hurt to ask. "Morning, mate!" he chirped jovially, "Why are you sitting there like that." Harry didn't answer at first, but when he did, Ron couldn't make out what the boy was saying through his hands. "Come again? I didn't catch it the first time."
Ron was very surprised by Harry's solemn and confused face. "She broke up with me."
Ron just blinked. "What?"
"Hermione broke up with me, Ron!" Harry said standing up suddenly. He turned and smashed the wall behind him with clenched fists. Harry sighed, "Oh, who am I kidding? What were my chances with a girl like that anyways?"
"Wait." Ron said tactlessly, "Hermione broke up with you? Are you kidding?"
"I'm not joking Ron," Harry groaned frustrated.
Ron finally came to his sense, "No, that can't be right. Harry, listen to me. You two are absolutely perfect for each other! Don't worry, mate, I'll get to the bottom of this." With that said, Ron quickly exited the Common Room, one mantra running through his mind, I have to find Ginny!
Harry sighed heavily again and looked about the room. It was empty. Shaking his head to himself, he slowly left the Common Room to head down to breakfast. On the way, Harry suddenly felt his shoulder bump into another person. Jostled, he looked up into startling green eyes.
"Oh, Harry! I'm so sorry I bumped into you."
Harry stepped back quickly. "No, it was my fault; I wasn't watching where I was going." He mumbled quickly.
"Harry, I'm really sorry about what happened."
"What?"
"You and Granger breaking up."
"Hermione." Harry corrected automatically. He failed to notice Vanessa's frustrated look as he tried to cover up, "Where did you hear that from?"
"Ron was saying it to himself on his way down to breakfast."
"I'm going to kill him!" Harry growled darkly.
"Look, why don't I take your mind off of her?"
"What do you mean?" Harry asked thickly.
Vanessa rolled her eyes (in a very Hermione-esque way, Harry noted) and replied, "Um… I was thinking that maybe we could hang out this weekend."
"A date?"
"If you want it to be." She answered with a suggestive grin.
"There's no Hogsmeade visit." Harry answered.
"We don't have to go to Hogsmeade to have fun. I'm sure we could find something to do around here."
"Um…" Harry didn't particularly appreciate the way that she had referred to Hermione (as Granger) and he also didn't particularly want to go out with Vanessa but he did promise her a date before and he and Hermione were no longer together. Harry looked around for a way to bail himself out of this mess but found none. Finally another stream of reasoning came to him. Hermione was the one that dumped him-that is, it didn't happen the other way around. Clearly, something with Harry wasn't satisfying her, so therefore, there was nothing Harry could do. Thinking about it in this light made it seem pointless for him to long for something he couldn't have. Sighing again, Harry did his best to smile at Vanessa. It would be best for him to try move on now. "Alright. Where should I meet you?"
Vanessa squealed in joy. "I'm sure we can work that out throughout the rest of the week. See you around!" She winked at Harry and skipped on down the hall.
Harry idly wondered if he had just made a major mistake but quickly shook off those thoughts and continued on to breakfast.
When he reached the Great Hall for breakfast though, it seemed that every single person's attention became focused on him. Apparently word spread about his and Hermione's breakup even faster than word of them getting together. Harry ignored the stares and swiftly moved down to the Gryffindor tables and sat down heavily next to Luna who seemed to be the only one that was not avidly watching his every move.
"Good morning, Harry." She said serenely.
"Morning, Luna."
Ron raced down the hallways after leaving straight down to the Great Hall. Unconsciously, he muttering to himself about how he couldn't believe what was happening. He roughly pushed past a group of girls without a second thought-which is something he would otherwise never do. Finally, he pushed the doors of the Great Hall open with a bang and strode purposefully in. His big entrance was only hampered by him slipping and falling on a wet spot on the ground. He quickly located Ginny and moved over to her where she was flirting with another guy.
"Ginny, we need to talk." He said quietly and urgently.
"Ronald, how many times do I have to tell you!? I can take care of my-"
"This isn't about you," Ron replied immediately and gave Ginny a meaningful look.
Ginny took a moment to realize what was going on before nodding in understanding. As she stood, the boy called out to her but she brushed him off hastily. "Let's go, Ron."
Ron took a moment to glare at the offending boy before he and Ginny left the Great Hall. The two followed an erratic path and it took a moment before Ron realized where they were going. "Aw, Ginny! Why do we have to do this in the girl's bathroom!"
"Because, Ronald, no one ever goes into Myrtle's bathroom and we can't risk anyone overhearing this." Ginny pushed open the door and Ron groaned as he stepped inside. "Now," Ginny said with her hands on her hips, "What's going on with Harry and Hermione that has you so serious?"
"You may not believe this, but apparently Harry and Hermione broke up."
"What!?" Ginny exclaimed. Ron clutched his ears and winced at the high pitched noise.
"You heard what I said. Harry and Hermione have broken up!"
"Wait, who broke up with whom?"
"Harry says that Hermione broke up with him."
"Hermione? Why, though?"
"I have no idea either."
"We have to get to the bottom of this, Ron. Let's go to breakfast and see if we can find them. They have to eat some time. I'll take Hermione, and you can talk to Harry. We'll meet back up again later."
"Sounds like a plan." Ron nodded. The brother and sister shook hands firmly before they left the girl's bathroom and headed back to breakfast.
"You know Hermione didn't want to break up with you, right?"
"Sorry, what?" Harry asked incredulously. Of all of the things he might have been expecting from Luna, this wasn't it. "She did already."
"But do you know she didn't want to?"
"How would you know that?"
"The Topling Ghosts have been chasing her everywhere?"
"Topling Ghosts? What are those?"
"Haven't you ever heard of them? When they pick their target, they follow the person around and tell them evil things about the people that are close to them?"
"What does that mean?"
"Hermione is confused, Harry."
Harry wasn't sure what the eccentric blonde was implying, so he sighed gratefully when Ron and Ginny returned to the Great Hall. "Hey guys!" he called out in relief.
"Morning, Luna." Ron said with a grin.
"Good morning, Ronald." Luna answered peacefully.
"Good morning, Harry." Ginny said while eyeing him carefully. Harry figured that Ron had told her what happened and forced himself to shrug off and swallow the lump that formed in his throat when he thought about Hermione.
It was then that Hermione entered the Great Hall. Having developed some sort of a "Hermione-tracker" Harry immediately looked up at her but quickly turned away and focused fiercely on his eggs and toast. Everyone in the Great Hall watched in fascination and awe as Hermione walked determinedly past Harry and sat down on the opposite corner of the Gryffindor table. It wasn't long before every single person in the large room had deduced what happened. There was a loud sound of chairs simultaneously being scraped against the hard floor as Harry was suddenly mobbed by several girls.
"I'm so sorry to hear-see-that you and Hermione have broken up!"
"Will you go out with me, Harry?"
"Do you need a shoulder to cry on?"
"Come sit by me!"
"Stop!" Ron and Ginny leapt up and shouted in outrage. Everyone backed away for a moment. "Sorry, ladies," Ron said, "but Harry isn't interested in going with anyone right now."
"Yeah," Harry muttered quietly, "I'm already taken anyways…" Ron and Ginny apparently heard him as both blanched visibly.
"What?" Ginny shrieked. "What do you mean you're taken?"
"I sort of agreed to go out with Vanessa." Harry admitted looking guilty. All of the girls sighed dramatically and returned to their seats. Ron and Ginny looked at Harry sternly before dragging him out of the Great Hall for a proper berating.
"Explain yourself right now, Harry James Potter!" Ginny demanded with her hands on her hips.
"Yeah, how could you go and betray Hermione by going out with Vanessa?" Ron added.
Harry's temper flared momentarily at the accusation, "Who's betraying who?" he demanded angrily, "She was the one that broke up with me and destroyed my heart. Now I'm just trying to move on."
"And why would you want to move on? You're being stupid, Harry."
"No I'm not! Hermione was the one that broke up with me. It didn't happen the other way around. Obviously something is wrong with me or there is something with me that doesn't live up to her expectations. I missed my chance, guys, now I'm just trying to move on. Can't you support me in this?"
"You're making a mistake, Harry."
"How is trying to go on with my life a mistake?"
"You two loved each other, Harry." Ginny said beseechingly, "I'm sure there's an explanation for this."
"If there is, she didn't bother telling me." Harry said bitterly.
"I'm sure she's just confused, Harry. Everyone makes mistakes. Just give her one more chance." Ron said.
Harry stopped to think momentarily on Ron's repetition of Luna's earlier statement. He looked tiredly at his two best friends, "Guys, I don't want to talk about this anymore. Just let me live my own life. I don't need you two controlling that for me." He turned around and walked away briskly into the morning.
Ron and Ginny looked towards each other again and Ginny smacked herself on her forehead. Ron sighed heavily, "He really is making a mistake, Gin. I can tell that he still loves her and I'm sure she still loves him."
"Scratch our old plan, we really just need to know what happened."
"Right, I want to talk to Hermione though." Ron said solemnly.
"Don't be too hard on her, Ron." Ginny said softly, "I'm sure she has a perfectly logical explanation. People have been against her ever since she got with Harry, and maybe she was uncomfortable with that negative attention."
Ron nodded, "I'll just go right out and ask her. She won't blame me for being blunt since I'm the insensitive one of the trio."
Ginny laughed. "Report back as soon as you find out what's going on."
"Yes, ma'am." Ron saluted smartly and departed to find Hermione.
It took Ron multiple tries before he finally cornered Hermione by dragging her into an empty classroom. Dust flew into the sky as it was disrupted by the moving bodies. Hermione coughed while Ron rubbed his eyes furiously. "What are we doing in an abandoned classroom, Ron?" Hermione asked.
"Okay, Hermione, let's get right to the point, what's going on?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean. Why did you go and break Harry's heart?"
Hermione stood frozen before she answered, "And how is any of this your business?"
"I'm Harry's best friend and he is abso-bloody-lutely miserable. Harry's also going to do something he'll sorely regret later. That makes it my business."
"What's Harry going to do?" Hermione asked in panic.
"Oh, it's nothing too serious." Ron answered, "But he finally agreed to go out with Vanessa."
"How is that so bad? She's beautiful, smart, funny. Everything he would want in a girl, right?"
"None of those things matter when she likes him for the wrong reasons. Harry is setting himself up for more disappointment. Face it, Hermione, you're probably the only girl in this dimension that truly likes Harry for who he is and not what he's done." Ron said seriously.
Hermione bit her lip, "Why do you care so much about us being together? Remember, you once didn't want me to have anything to do with him."
"My stance has changed, Hermione. You truly make Harry happy, and I can't hold that against you. All I want now he for Harry to be happy for the rest of his life. He's faced enough depression and disappointment already, you know that."
Hermione sobbed and tears started to stream out of her eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She mumbled.
Ron uncomfortably took the crying girl into his arms. "It's alright, Hermione." He said quietly, "I'm sorry for being so harsh on you, but you really hurt him, do you know that?"
"Now I do." She mumbled.
"Why don't you tell me what happened."
Hermione nodded and began to relate the previous night to an intrigued Ron.
~<>~
"So the only reason you did it was because you didn't want people to talk about you like that?"
"Yeah," Hermione said quietly, "I feel so stupid now."
"That's not stupid, Hermione. I understand where you're coming from-and if I can understand, I'm sure Harry will."
Hermione laughed a little at Ron's joke on himself. "What are we going to do now though?"
"Well, Harry's already with Vanessa. I doubt we can do much now since he hates it when people interfere with his personal life and everything." Hermione nodded. "We'll just have to see what happens." Ron continued soberly, "I'll try to push him in the right direction though. In the meantime, you should try to talk to him."
"Thank you so much for listening and helping, Ron." Hermione said gratefully.
"Don't thank me yet. I sure hope everything works out in the end."
"Oh, and assuming that you and Ginny are on this mission together, thank her for standing up for me."
"Will do. Let's get back out there, Hermione." Ron nodded at Hermione and left purposefully.
~<>~
Hermione tried to catch Harry throughout the remainder of the week but he seemed determined to stay away from her and she never got close. Harry had not given into Ron's incessant badgering about Hermione and it was clear that he meant to go through with the date. The week continued and Hermione felt a deep pang in her heart every time she saw Vanessa hanging off of Harry's arm in the hallways. However, when Hermione saw him on his own in the hallways, he always ignored her calls and walked away briskly. It was a miserable week for Hermione and according to Ron-who lived with him-Harry wasn't having an easy time getting over his first love either. Neither of them was able to focus in classes and the professors noticed with pitying expressions.
The weekend finally dawned on Hogwarts and Hermione slowly trudged down to breakfast. Sitting down heavily in her usual chair, Hermione released a great sigh and started to pile her plate with food that (no offense to the House Elves) frankly just didn't look appetizing. The usually sweet and alert Hermione only grunted in acknowledgement when Ginny sat down gingerly next to her. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine." Hermione answered.
Ginny only raised an elegant eyebrow before continuing, "I think everything will be alright. It's obvious that Harry is still depressed even though he's with Vanessa-honestly I don't see what's so special about her."
Hermione sighed, "She's beautiful." She said plainly.
Ginny scoffed, "Oh please, Hermione, look at yourself, you're beautiful too. Your beauty was something that Harry truly appreciated-I would know because I was the one he moped to. You don't care about everyone's opinion-not on this, at least-and that sort of confidence in yourself makes you more beautiful!"
"Thank, Gin… I think." Hermione took a bite of a biscuit and chewed it thoughtfully. The Great Hall doors opened and Harry walked in. Hermione watched with a completely passive expression as he moved to sit with Ron on the other side of the table. Both girls raised their eyebrows as Vanessa quickly took her 'place' in the seat next to Harry. "You can go sit with them, Ginny." Hermione said, "I'd hate to be the one that's separating you from Harry, I know that you're best friends."
"Whoa now, Granger." Ginny teased, "I might get the impression that you're trying to get rid of me." Hermione rolled her eyes and Ginny laughed, "Trust me, both Ron and I have tried, but it's just way too difficult to really get along with Vanessa."
"What do you mean? I'm sure she's nice."
"Oh she is, but she has this uncanny way of drawing all of the attention to herself while it looks like an accident. She just really likes for people to compliment her," Ginny rolled her eyes, "it's just tiring for everyone else."
"I think I know what you mean." Hermione said. Breakfast finished without any other incident. Hermione watched with apparent envy as Vanessa latched herself onto Harry's arm and dragged him out of the Great Hall.
"You want to follow up-close? I know where Harry's cloak is. I don't think he's shown anyone else yet." Ginny offered.
"I'll pass on that offer. I think I'll just watch from afar. I-It hurts enough as it is."
Ginny nodded in understanding. "That's alright. I can stay with you if you want."
"No, I'm sure you have other things to do this weekend."
"I was just going to scrimmage with some friends; it's not a big deal if I bail on them. You're way more important anyways."
Hermione smiled appreciatively but shook her head, "You go have a good time, Ginny. I'll be alright on my own."
"Alrighty. But at least let me go with you up to the tower, I have to pick up a sweater or two-it's going to be chilly today."
"Sure, let's go now." Hermione said immediately after seeing Harry and Vanessa get up to head out of the room. Hermione dragged Ginny off in the opposite direction and the two headed up to the Gryffindor tower through a side door.
"What's the rush?" Ginny asked while breathing heavily after running up 9 flights of stairs. "I got it," she finally said after Hermione remained silent, "You just want to go watch Harry from the dorm to see if he enjoys his 'date', right?" Hermione blushed but did not respond. "Hermione, I don't know what you're so worried about. I'm sure this date will be nothing compared to the one you two had last week. I mean, I'm sure you know him better, but I happen to know our Mr. Potter pretty darn well, and let me tell you, I've never seen him happier in his life. I'm not even kidding, that boy had this 'look' on his face and he was reading!-for fun!"
"You never saw us though…"
"That's the point! Before your fantastic date he was like that!"
Hermione chuckled and blushed, "Yeah, we really did have something…" she said mainly to herself.
Ginny nodded sagely "Which is why it was so hard for me to understand why you broke up with him. Ron told me what happened though, and I can see where you're coming from. Maybe Harry didn't make it apparent that he really appreciated you."
"No, he did," Hermione said quickly, "I was just stupid. I-I can't believe that I was so stupid as to let their words affect me. I mean, I thought they were my friends…"
"It's not your fault, and it's not Harry's either. This is all just a big misunderstanding between the two of you and I'm sure it'll work out." Ginny said with confidence.
"I really hope so." Hermione said wistfully, "I really wish I never let him go now."
"Hey," Ginny said while patting Hermione on the back consolingly, "he probably shouldn't have moved on so quickly anyways."
"Oh come on, Ginny, didn't Ron tell you about his reasoning? It makes complete sense." Hermione sighed, "I think Harry is just looking for happiness now… it's something he deserves."
"Don't worry, Hermione, Harry will be happy. As soon as he comes back to his senses and realizes that you're the only girl for him." The two arrived at the Portrait Hole. Ginny quickly muttered the password to the Fat Lady ("Chocolate Cake") and the two entered the Gryffindor Tower. "We really need to get a better password" Ginny muttered.
"No kidding. Pass on the message." the Fat Lady replied conversationally.
The two girls walked up the enchanted stairs to the girl's dorms where Ginny picked tossed several "Weasley Sweaters" over her shoulder before turning to Hermione again. "Are you sure you'll be okay here by yourself?"
"Yeah, Ginny," Hermione said and gave her friend an encouraging smile, "I promise on Merlin's beard that if I'm not alright, I'll come to find you immediately."
Ginny laughed, "You swear?"
"Swearing is rude." Hermione answered simply with a grin.
Ginny just rolled her eyes, "Fine, fine, I'll see you later, Hermione!" The feisty redhead exited the room and headed excitedly out to the Quidditch Pitch.
Hermione slowly made her way over to her bed by the window of the room. The girl's side of the Gryffindor Tower offered an excellent view of the tranquil green hills of the Hogwarts grounds as well the serene sight of the rippling lake. Often in the evening, with the setting sun casting a brilliant golden shadow upon the glowing lake, the Giant Squid would lift a solitary tentacle up in greeting to any of those that were able to witness it. Majestic mountains rose in the distance and rose up to melt seamlessly into the endless sky.
Hermione gaze wandered across the vast expanse of land that was visible to her and settled on two figures that were walking together near the lake. Hermione could clearly make out Harry's lean figure slowly following while Vanessa's slim form walked just slightly ahead. Hermione vaguely noted how Vanessa walked ahead of Harry while comparing it to the fact that whenever Harry and Hermione walked together, they were always moving equally (except for when one was leading the other of course!).
Hermione could barely hide her satisfaction when she noticed Vanessa slowing to walk next to Harry. The ambitious (in Hermione's opinion, at least) girl reached out for Harry's hand, but Harry casually (and rather conveniently) moved his hand to scratch his head (which had suddenly become itchy!). Hermione knew that Harry didn't really appreciate too much contact until he had gotten to know someone really well or had significant feelings for them and Hermione was fairly confident in the assertion that Vanessa wasn't completely interested in getting to know the real person behind the hero.
Regardless of the details though, Hermione couldn't help but feel a deep twinge of envy and a spasm and jealousy at seeing the two walking around together. Hermione realized that currently, she truly wished that she were the one out there with Harry rather than Vanessa. There was nothing that could change the fact that at that moment, Harry was out by the lake with Vanessa, and not Hermione, who was sitting in her room watching him. Hermione was rubbing her eyes tiredly when she realized that she was developing some very stalker-like attributes.
Harry's walk with Vanessa around the pool was turning out to be rather one-sided. Vanessa was talking for the majority of the time while Harry was deep in thought, so deep in thought that he didn't even realize that he was falling behind. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Vanessa slowing down to walk beside him and reaching her hand out to take his own. In panic, Harry reflexively moved his own hand to quickly rub the back of his head. For some unknown reason, Harry just didn't feel comfortable holding hands with a girl that he honestly didn't know much about. He dropped his hand to his side and quickly asked a question to distract the girl by his side, "Tell me about yourself."
"What do you want to know, Harry?"
Harry shrugged, "Anything. Tell me about your childhood, or just what it's like being normal." He then mentally smacked himself in frustration of his carelessness. Very few people actually knew of Harry's rough childhood and longing to be a normal teenage boy. Harry felt his thoughts drifting to the wondrous times that he had with Hermione but he quickly smacked the thoughts away and forced himself to listen to Vanessa.
"Why would you want to know about those things?"
Harry laughed nervously, "I dunno… I'm just curious. Er… What about your ambitions and dreams for the future?" Harry continued in an attempt to take her attention off of his mistake with some more 'valid' questions.
Vanessa laughed and immediately started launching into a tirade about how she wanted to work in some department of the Ministry. As soon as Harry realized that she was still just focused on her self-image, he drowned her out again. "-what about you?" Vanessa finally finished.
It took a moment for Harry to realize that she was waiting expectantly for him to answer her question. "Oh! Erm… well, I haven't given it too much thought…" he started slowly, "But I think I just want to get married to a wonderful woman, settle down, and have a family." An image of Hermione briefly crossed his mind but he hurriedly brushed the thought aside.
Vanessa pouted, "Oh, come on, Harry! I'm sure you have big plans; I mean you're Harry Potter! You must have something huge planned for your life after Hogwarts." She winked, "come on, you can tell me! A Quidditch Star? Auror? Minister of Magic? I'm sure you could do anything you want! You could be even more famous!"
Harry blanched when she mentioned him becoming more famous, but still did his best to appreciate the intended compliment. He turned and faced Vanessa before looking at her seriously. "Tell me, Vanessa," he started slowly, "why is it that you wanted so badly to go out with me?"
She hesitated slightly before answering confidently. "Why wouldn't I want to, Harry? You're a great guy. First off, you saved the entire world when you could have easily turned on it which shows that you're a very caring guy. Not to mention that you're really intelligent, talented on the Quidditch field, as well as drop-dead gorgeous! What's not to like?"
Harry nodded and smiled at the kind words. "Thanks you." He said with a small smile, "It's good to know that you don't like me only because I'm famous."
Vanessa nodded energetically, "Yeah, you really are a great person, Harry."
Harry plastered a kind smile on his face and nodded. Vanessa's initial answer had been flattering, but not exactly what he expected. Harry didn't see any problem in giving the girl another chance though. Harry sighed inwardly and mentally braced himself for what might come in the future.
AN2: Whew! A lot happened in this chapter. It may seem a little rushed as well, but this story is getting ready to come to a close. I hope that I haven't disappointed too many people with this chapter. Stick around if you want for the final chapter! I'll have it out this weekend! As always, comments and suggestions are appreciated! Cheers!