A/N - thank you again for the lovely reviews. We're over half way through (only this and two other chapters to go) and this chapter - eh, I don't know. But I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 3
Hermione stepped out of the carriage and looked up in awe at the beautifully lit castle - Hogwarts had never looked so wonderful.
With a smile, she glanced around her to see quite a few people enjoying the late summer evening before heading into the formality of the Victory Ball that was to take place within the school's walls. Her smile grew into a grin when she saw the familiar figure of Neville hovering at the far end of the steps and without a second thought, she headed in his direction.
"Neville," she called to him, returning his hug when he took her in his arms, "how are you? It feels like I haven't seen you in ages!"
"I know," he said back, "It's been too long. Ginny said you've been on holiday?"
"Yes," she smiled, taking his hand as they made their way up the stairs, "Cornwall, with my parents. So, how are you?"
"I'm okay," he replied, "actually, a bit nervous. And excited. Can't quite believe I'm going to be in Auror training in just over a week."
"You'll be fine," Hermione assured, trying desperately to ignore all the stares they were getting as they entered the large foyer, "do you know if the others are here?"
"Yeah, I saw them all arrive about an hour ago."
"Why didn't you join them?"
"Well," Neville started, then paused as he looked at her somewhat embarrassedly, "it's just that…they're all couples and I kinda feel out of place a bit. I…I thought I'd wait for you. See if you wanted to, er, be my date? I mean, just as friends, obviously, and just for tonight but since they're all together…"
"I'd love to be your date Neville," Hermione beamed, linking her arm in his as they carried on walking, "it would be an honour."
"Great," he grinned, "you look fantastic, by the way."
"As do you," she replied, nudging him slightly.
They entered the Great Hall in comfortable silence and Hermione found any nerves she had disappearing. She spotted Harry, Ginny, Ron and Luna pretty much straight away as they sat in a secured off section of the hall keeping the curious guests far from them.
"It's funny seeing them together," Neville muttered, his words causing Hermione to pause and look at him.
"Who?" she asked.
"Harry and Ginny."
"Why?"
"Because…" he started before stopping abruptly as he tore his gaze from the couple in question and turned to Hermione, a blush covering his face.
"Neville? Come on," she cajoled, now quite curious, "you can't make a statement like that and not finish!"
"Well," he continued somewhat uncertainly, "it's just that, I always thought you'd end up with Harry."
"Me?" Hermione replied, slightly taken aback, "really? Why?"
"You always seemed so close," Neville explained, "I just thought it would be you two."
Hermione looked at him for a moment, lost in thought. She knew that Neville wasn't alone in the assumption that she and Harry were or should be an item. Viktor Krum thought it in their fourth year and Cho Chang thought it in their fifth. And of course, Ron thinks it right now. Still, it always amazed her that so many people could see how right they were for each other except for Harry himself.
Hermione gave a small chuckle.
"Well, Harry is with Ginny," she told him, re-linking her arm with his and pulling him closer to her, smiling up at him, "and tonight, Mr Longbottom, I am with you."
"Making me the luckiest person in this room," he smiled back at her, "shall we, Miss Granger?"
"Most certainly."
They were let in the secured area without any fuss and made their way to the table. After welcoming hellos, she sat between Luna and Neville, enjoying the conversation taking place around her. Ron was telling them of what he was doing in the Ministry, his anecdotes full of hilarious situations with the laughter continuing when Fred and George turned up at their table.
Before she knew it, dinner arrived and discussion became more restricted. She spent her time talking to Neville about how they were both coping with things after the war, aware that she hadn't really spoken to anyone since she left the hospital over a month ago.
Soon the crowd hushed as the Minister of Magic and his officials made their way to the small stage at the head of the Great Hall. All attention was focused on the group as the Minister began his speech thanking those who fought and ultimately won against Voldemort and his followers.
They then began to hand out the awards - various levels of the Order of Merlin to Aurors, members of the Order of the Phoenix and then the group of six friends themselves.
Neville, Luna and Ginny made their way to the stage to collect Order of Merlin, Second Class to enthusiastic applause - but that was nothing to when Harry, Ron and herself stood on the stage moments later.
The standing ovation lasted an uncomfortably long time and when the three of them faced the crowd with their Order of Merlin, First Class medals around their necks, the applause was nearly deafening. Soon a chant of 'speech' began which quickly grew into a roar. Smiling and flushed, Hermione turned to Ron and Harry.
"I think they want a speech," she said unnecessarily.
"Well, they're not getting one from me," Ron replied immediately.
"Nor me," Harry stated, glancing nervously at the crowd over Hermione's shoulder.
"You haven't prepared a speech?" she spluttered, her smile instantly disappearing, "Harry, they told you about this while we were still at the hospital! That you would need to say something!"
"I…I forgot," he mumbled, looking rather sheepish, not able to look Hermione in the eye.
"Forgot!" she seethed, "you forgot! How could you forget?"
"Well…er," Harry began only to be interrupted by one of the Minister's aids asking if Harry was ready to give his speech who retreated rather quickly when Hermione informed him in a very terse manner that they needed a moment.
"So, what do you plan to do now?" she spat at him, only vaguely aware that the chants of the audience has decreased to a concerned hum.
"You could always do it," Ron suggested casually, "you're good at talking." She glared at him.
"Ron's right," Harry quickly agreed, and she turned her glare to him, "I mean, you'd be perfect to pull this off," she humphed at him angrily, "please, Hermione?" he pleaded.
"No," she stated firmly.
"Hermione, come on," he begged, taking her hands in his as he did so, "you are so much better with words than I am. It doesn't have to be much…"
"Then why can't you do it?"
"Because…because I just can't."
She glared at him for a moment more, already feeling her resolve weaken when she saw how deflated he looked.
"You're really putting me on the spot, Harry."
"I know. I'm sorry."
She knew she shouldn't, she knew she should make him be the one to make an idiot of himself in front of all these people - after all, it was him who was supposed to write the speech. But she also knew that part of her that needed to protect Harry from all harm was stronger than the knowledge that he should be taught a lesson.
"Alright!" she growled, "honestly, I leave you alone for a few weeks and you can't do just one little assignment!"
"Thanks Hermione," Harry gushed, "I owe you…"
"You do more than owe me, Harry Potter," was her parting comment before closing her eyes, taking a deep breath and began to try and work out what she was going to say. With a final exhalation, she turned from Harry and Ron and made her way towards the podium.
She tried to ignore the faces of all of the people looking up at her in anticipation. The hum that had been happening while she was debating with the boys was now a surprised murmur with many wondering what was going on. With another deep breath and a quick spell to make her voice louder, she began to speak.
"For those who know me, you would be surprised to know that I am completely unprepared for this speech," a trickle of laughter made its way around the hall, "however, those who know Harry would not be surprised at all to hear that it is because he, in fact, forgot to write this speech that I am now doing it in his place," a louder rumble of laughter sounded in the hall and Hermione relaxed slightly.
"We are here tonight to celebrate the demise of one of our greatest enemies. For some in this hall, it has been a battle that has raged most of their lives and a battle that has seen family members, friends and colleagues succumb to the evil that has surrounded the wizarding world for such a long time.
"But the shadow of Lord Voldemort has hung over Harry the most. From before he was born, Harry's life had been determined by the horror that was Lord Voldemort. A prophecy that made him the 'Chosen One' and then the death of his parents had scared him in more ways than one.
"Yet he arrived at Hogwarts with little knowledge of what lay ahead for him but he found out in the most brutal way possible with his first encounter with his foe. In the following years, his life has been in danger so often that we have all lost count though it seems now, in hindsight, it was all making him ready for his final challenge - a challenge which he faced and triumphed just over a month ago.
"Both Ron and myself found ourselves intertwined with Harry's destiny and neither of us minded the risks or dangers knowing Harry entailed. He brought out in us a loyalty that he didn't ask for but it was something we gave freely. Others, too, saw in him - and still see in him - something worth following, worth dying for.
"He would be the first to say that he didn't ask for that type of sacrifice and if he could, he would have saved all those that have died for him. But evil is strong and no one knows that more than Harry.
"So tonight, as we celebrate his success in removing his shadow, we should also remember those who we have lost. For Harry the list is long - his parents, James and Lily, his godfather Sirius Black, Hagrid, Cedric Diggory, Dean Thomas, Ron's brothers Charlie and Percy and of course Professor Albus Dumbledore. Their sacrifices so that we could live in peace should never be forgotten.
"On behalf of Harry, Ron and myself, I would like to thank the Ministry for the honours you have bestowed upon us. But I would also like to thank those who have stood by us all through thick and thin. The list is long and hopefully you know who you are because I'm afraid that if I list you all, there will be someone I unintentionally miss out.
"Please, enjoy your evening and thank you once again."
The applause started immediately with Neville leading everyone into a standing ovation. Hermione gave a small, embarrassed nod before turning to leave the stage only to see Harry and Ron clapping madly.
"That was amazing Hermione," Harry breathed, "there's no way I could've ever come up with all of that!"
"Bloody brilliant," Ron gushed. She flushed at the praise but then remembered what they had done to her. They had nearly reached their table when she turned to them, eyes blazing. But before she had a chance to speak they were surrounded by their friends, Remus and Tonks leading the charge.
"We thought we'd better come and rescue you Harry," Remus said with a laugh, "as I think Hermione is going to kill you!"
"Which is fair enough," Tonks added, drawing Hermione into a hug whilst still chuckling, "if it was me, I'd kill him too! You did great, by the way. Always saving Harry's arse…"
"Yes, I am," Hermione growled, turning back to Harry who took a step back in defence as she glowered at him. Ginny was at his side with the rest of the Weasley's and various Order members watching them with interest - all laughing at Harry's predicament, "how could you do that to me? In front of everybody! I could've made a gigantic fool of myself! Honestly…"
"But you didn't," he countered, suitably abashed, "you did brilliantly. I mean, you said everything I wanted to say but so much better. I…I am sorry I put you on the spot like that…"
"Put me on the spot! Put me on the spot!" she seethed, stepping towards him, "you did more than put me on the spot!"
"Give it a rest, Hermione," Ginny cut in, withstanding Hermione's glare without a problem, "you did great and everybody loved your speech so what's the problem? Harry needed the summer to have some fun with me not waste it on writing a stupid speech…"
"Harry had one task, one responsibility," Hermione countered, not standing down, "he knew I was going to be on holiday! He knew I wouldn't have done anything about it and still…"
"We have some news," Remus interrupted quickly, stopping Hermione in mid flight. Her attention suddenly went to her old professor and Tonks, her anger quickly forgotten. She caught Tonk's eye and saw a gleam of happiness that told her all she wanted to know.
Tonks had been a regular visitor to the Granger house over the summer, the two friends often talking for hours about this and that. Tonks relationship with Remus was a frequent topic and one discussed at length, giving Hermione an idea of what might come next.
With a smile tugging at her lips, Hermione took her friends' hands in hers in anticipation.
"Remus and I are getting hitched," the young Auror grinned and Hermione exploded into a yelp of joy. The two young women hugged while everyone else offered their congratulations and well wishes.
"I'm so happy for you!" Hermione gushed before pulling away and looking at Remus, smiling, "congratulations Remus."
"Thanks Hermione," he said warmly, gathering his fiancé to him before she could be swept away by someone else, "I really can't believe she said yes."
"The plonker actually thought I'd turn him down!" Tonks laughed affectionately.
"Ah, well," he continued, "I have been a bit dim when it comes to matters of the heart."
"You're not the only one," Ron piped up, catching Hermione's eye and smiling as she felt a familiar heat touch her cheeks, but luckily no-one else seemed to notice.
"Actually, that brings us to a very important issue," Remus said, somewhat more seriously, "Harry, I have a question to ask of you."
Everyone quietened down slightly as Remus stood face to face with Harry, who shifted uncomfortably. Hermione smiled to herself, knowing what was to come.
"Go on then," Tonks prompted after the pause grew slightly.
"Yes dear," Remus said automatically to the amusement of all around him. With a smile, he looked at Harry and said simply, "would you be my best man?"
Harry looked startled as he tried to process what Remus had just asked him. It only took a moment, however, before he broke out into a grin.
"I'd be honoured," he replied in which Tonks pulled him into a hug and Remus clapped a grateful hand onto his shoulder.
"Excellent," Tonks beamed as she turned to the applauding Hermione, "and I would be honoured, Miss Granger, if you would be my bridesmaid."
"Me?" Hermione asked, suddenly aware that everyone was watching her - her eyes glanced unwittingly to Ginny, who was standing next to Harry and looking quite irate.
"Yes, you," Tonks confirmed and Hermione looked back at her friend.
"Can…can we talk?" Hermione said suddenly and without waiting for a response, she dragged Tonks away from the crowd of friends and towards a shadowy edge of the hall. With a quick cast of a few spells that ensured their privacy, she turned to Tonks, "I can't be bridesmaid if Harry is a best man!"
"Why not?" Tonks questioned, puzzled, "Remus wanted Harry with him because of their past and the camaraderie they built up during the war and I want you with me because you are, what I thought, my best friend and I want to share this extremely special day with you by my side. What's wrong with that?"
"Because," Hermione started frantically, "because of…you know."
"We did talk about how this would work, what with your…situation," Hermione interrupted with a disgruntled 'humph', "but we want you both with us."
"But Harry and I?" Hermione continued, feeling quite panicky, "Tonks, you're not making things easy for me!"
"I thought you two were doing alright? I mean, when we spoke last, you said that you were sure that you could handle just being his friend."
"I know," Hermione admitted, "I know. And at the time, I thought I was doing okay. But then he came and visited me…"
"He what?" Tonks cried, surprised, "you never told me that? When?"
"When you and Remus were away for your 'dirty week' in Paris - how was that, by the way?"
"Fantastic. Lots of shagging. But you're changing the subject, Miss Granger - what happened? Why did he come to your place?"
"To say hi and check how I was since I left without saying good-bye and then hadn't kept in touch…"
"I told you he'd do that! Didn't I tell you?"
"Yes you did, Tonks. And I should've listened."
"Why? What happened? Oh, sweet Merlin - you didn't kiss, did you?"
"No!" Hermione cried in embarrassment.
"Well, what happened to get you so riled up?" Tonks pressed.
"We had a chat about…everything but then he stayed, spending the whole day helping my dad put up a garden shed. And then my parents asked him to stay for dinner…"
"He stayed for dinner?" Tonks repeated gleefully.
"That's not the worst of it," Hermione continued with a sigh, "they showed him baby photos of me. And mum was ready to call the social services about the Dursleys. He and my parents got on brilliantly."
"Wow."
"Yeah, wow," Hermione groaned, "it didn't make it any easier to stop loving him, I can tell you."
"I bet," Tonks agreed, "but sweetie, isn't it a good thing? Isn't him coming to visit show that he thinks of you?"
"He was afraid that he had hurt me," Hermione sighed, "he thought I would be moping after him and he was concerned. He didn't come and visit because he had a change of heart…"
"But tonight…"
"Tonight Ginny has been hanging off him. Tonks, his feelings for me hasn't changed and probably never will."
"Hermione, you didn't see him while you were making you're speech. The way he was looking at you…"
"It was out of gratitude and nothing more."
The two looked at each other for a moment and Hermione could see Tonks wanted to say more but held her tongue. The Auror was convinced there was more going on with Harry than he wanted to admit and constantly tried to make Hermione believe that was the case. But she couldn't. She wouldn't. She was determined to carry on without him.
"Does this mean you won't be my bridesmaid?" Tonks asked finally.
"Do you promise me this is not some match making scheme and you asked me solely because we are friends?"
"I asked you because we're friends," Tonks replied firmly, then with a bit of a smile, "though, if something came of it…"
"No, Tonks! No matchmaking! Promise me!"
"Alright, alright! Don't get your knickers in a knot! I promise not to lock you and Harry in a small darkened room so he can come to his senses and snog you silly!"
"Tonks!"
"What?" she asked innocently before breaking into grin, "actually, that's not such a bad idea…"
"Tonks!"
"Bloody hell, Hermione - relax!" Tonks cried, still smiling before suddenly sobering up and taking Hermione's hands in hers, "in all seriousness, I really would like you to be there with me, Hermione. I mean, last year we went through so much, you and me and I think you were one of the few people who could really understand what I was going through with Remus 'cause you were going through it with Harry…"
"It was difficult…"
"Yeah, it was," the young Auror continued, "you saved my life, Hermione, in more ways than one. And although at times we are as opposite as you can get - you are now one of my best friends. Please, say yes."
Tonks was right, the last year of the war brought the two together in a friendship that surprised everyone, including them. They had always gotten on but the dangers both they and the men that they loved were destined to face brought them even closer.
Hermione had never come out with her true feelings for Harry, so it was inferred that her concern was solely due to their friendship and that had been fine for her. Tonks love for Remus, however, was well known and his role within the werewolf community put him in a danger that had Tonks up many a night discussing her fears to Hermione.
For Hermione, Tonks was really the only female friend she had. The tensions between herself and Ginny never healed and although she liked Luna, the blond witch was just that little bit too way out for the more sensible, logical Hermione.
When Hermione saved Tonk's life on the battlefield during one of the many skirmishes throughout the year, the bond between them was sealed.
"Of course I'll be your bridesmaid," Hermione said finally, "it will be an honour."
"Oh, yay!" Tonks squealed as she grabbed Hermione into a hug, making her chuckle, "and I promise I'll be good!"
Hermione didn't say anything as she removed the privacy wards around them and they made their way to Ron, Luna, Harry, Ginny, Neville and Remus. She noticed the concerned looks from both Remus and Harry and the scowl from Ginny. Hermione chose to ignore the redhead and returned her attention to the excited Tonks.
"Of course, you won't need to do much," she was saying, "we're not planning anything huge. And since both you and Harry will be here for most of the term…"
Something clinked in Hermione's brain, causing her to stop in her tracks. Unfortunately it was just as they reached the others.
"Blimey, that took a while," Ron stated bluntly.
"Is everything alright?" Remus asked to which he got a kiss and hug from Tonks.
"Everything is perfect," she replied, "us girls just needed to confirm some finer details, that's all."
"It looked pretty heated…" Harry put in, his concern showing in his eyes - Hermione quickly looked away.
"No, no heat," Tonks confirmed with a smirk, "just friendly teasing. But I got Hermione to agree in the end and that's all that matters."
"Excellent," smiled Remus.
"What do you mean we'll both be here?" Hermione asked, oblivious of the rest of the conversation as she glanced between Tonks and Harry.
"I mean that both you and Harry will be here, at Hogwarts," Tonks said slowly, frowning, "finishing your education."
"What?" both Hermione and Ginny exclaimed at the same time, causing them to share a look of shock. Hermione's heart started beating wildly. What was going on?
"You're going to Hogwarts?" Ginny shot at Hermione, her eyes blazing.
"Yes," she replied, confused, "didn't Harry tell you…?" She glanced slightly to Harry, who was standing behind Ginny, eyes closed and white as a sheet.
"No, he didn't," Ginny continued, "when did you tell him? I thought you guys didn't keep in touch over summer?"
"Well, we didn't. Not really. But he came to visit me about a month ago.…" She was sure she saw Harry flinch.
"A month ago," Ginny repeated, fuming, "when did you decide to come back?"
"When I was still in hospital," Hermione replied, suddenly feeling angry herself, "I spoke to Professor McGonagall then. What is going on here?"
No-one answered as Ginny turned on Harry who was now bracing himself for an onslaught he knew was coming. But Ginny was short and succinct with her fury.
"You bastard," she hissed before turning on her heel and storming off. Harry ducked his head and seemed to be breathing deeply.
"You alright, mate?" Ron asked, concerned but Hermione was just angry.
"What's going on?" she pressed, stepping closer to Ron and Harry so it was once again just the trio. Harry looked up at her then, and all she saw was pain and confusion looking back at her.
"I better go," he said, gave a half smile to Ron and then dashed off in the same direction as Ginny.
"Will somebody tell me what's going on!"
"Ginny didn't know that Harry spent the day at your house," Ron started, "and when he said that he had decided that he wanted to go back to Hogwarts and finish school, she was thrilled because she thought it was to be closer to her."
"At least she pulled back in her quest to get him to be an Auror," Remus added.
"That's because she felt he still could join later," Tonks scowled, her objection to Harry joining the elite band of wizards well known.
"Harry doesn't want to be an Auror," Luna breathed and everyone nodded in agreement.
"Why didn't Harry just tell her that he came to visit me?" Hermione asked, "honestly, it's not like we're…we're having an affair or anything! We've done nothing wrong!"
"Ginny's a bit tetchy when it comes to you," Ron added with a wry smile, "sees you as a threat, I think."
"Well, Harry's not helping matters by keeping secrets from her," Hermione growled, "I don't believe this! It's going to be hard enough being head girl without having Ginny hating me!"
"You're head girl?" Remus repeated, glancing at Tonks.
"Uh oh," Neville muttered under his breath and once again the small group exchanged looks that Hermione didn't understand.
"What?" she asked, glaring at Ron, who seemed very reluctant to answer her, "what?" she repeated angrily.
"Harry's head boy," Ron told her quietly.
Hermione was lost for words, not quite believing what she was hearing. It wasn't supposed to be like this - she was supposed to have the year to herself so she could get over him and now…now not only were they going to be standing side by side at Remus and Tonk's wedding, they were also going to be working together as head boy and girl.
She would be seeing him every day. She would be seeing him every day with Ginny. She would have to pretend every day that they were just friends, that he meant no more to her than Ron did. She would have to lie to everyone, including herself.
It wasn't supposed to be like this.
"I need to go," she said suddenly, ready to run out of the hall and away from everybody.
"No," Ron blurted out.
"You can't keep running, Hermione," Tonks added.
"Besides, you're my date," Neville piped in, "and we haven't even had a dance."
Hermione looked at her friends with realisation of just how silly she was being. Her vows of not letting Harry disrupt her life had failed in her first real test - firstly not accepting Tonks without a second thought and now letting Harry ruin her night.
And there is no way, she thought to herself, that I'm going to let him ruin my year at Hogwarts either.
With a determined smile, she held out her hand to Neville, who took it slightly nervously.
"You're right," she told them, "you're all right. Honestly, sometimes I can be so stupid! I'm letting things that really aren't an issue become an issue so, yes Neville I'm your date and I think a dance would go down quite well right about now!"
So Hermione went off to dance with Neville and that one dance grew into many. Soon, she only thought of Harry and the horror of the year to come in fleeting moments between laughing and talking with her friends. She didn't notice Harry and Ginny re-enter the hall as it seemed they were never in the same place as Hermione. And she didn't notice how Harry's eyes seemed to follow her when Ginny wasn't looking.
But others did, and many wondered how long it will be before things would be as they should. Ron hoped it was soon - the tension was really starting to annoy him.