Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognize; if you don't recognize something, I made it up. Any similarities are purely coincidental; the only thing I get from writing is satisfaction. The title is taken from a song by 3 of Hearts, from the movie Where the Heart Is, the refrain inspiring the plot a bit.
Chapter 4
"Hermione, get your cute little bum down here, now! We need to be there before 7:40 or we may lose our reservation. And it's already 7:20!" Harry bellowed. "If you aren't ready in 5 minutes, I'm leaving without you!"
"Don't get your knickers in a twist, Potter. I'll be there in a minute," Hermione retorted.
"I'm serious. We have to go now," he answered.
Harry was so engrossed in checking out the time that he never heard Hermione come up behind him. "Hermione!" he yelled.
"What?" she asked, making him jump.
"Geez, don't do that!" Harry raked his hand through his dark, unruly hair, trying to smooth it down.
"Do what?" Hermione asked innocently. She started for the door. "Aren't you ready yet?" she teased.
"Watch it, Granger, or I might just leave you here," Harry mock threatened.
"Please, Harry. I've waited ever so long to go to Nicoli's," Hermione said, batting her eyelashes. "And sharing this experience with my bestest friend in the whole wide world, well, that would just be the bestest thing to ever happen to me!" Hermione finished dramatically.
"Well, who am I to keep you from the bestest thing ever to happen to you," Harry smirked. "C'mon, my little drama queen."
Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and took her outside. The two walked to Nicoli's and arrived at exactly 7:40.
"Name?" the hostess asked briskly.
"Potter. Harry Potter," Harry answered.
The hostess scoffed. "Yeah, right. Why don't you try that on someone who'd actually believe y…"she trailed off as she finally looked at the person she was speaking with. "You---you---you're…"
"Harry Potter," he filled in. "And you are?"
"Michele," she stammered.
"Ok, so I'm Harry and you're Michele," he stated. "Now that we've got that cleared up, my date and I would like to seated sometime soon."
"R-r-right this way, Mr. Potter." Michele finally managed to collect herself and led Hermione and Harry to a table in the secluded section of the restaurant.
Harry pulled Hermione's chair out for her and she flashed him a smile. "Why thank you, Mr. Potter. You are such the gentleman."
"My pleasure, Miss Granger," Harry said, sitting in his own seat. He looked up and saw Michele hovering, wearing a silly grin. "Anything you need?"
"Um, well, actually since you mentioned it, I was wondering if I could get your autograph. And maybe a picture," she answered hopefully. "Your friend could take it."
At this, Harry's emerald eyes darkened slightly and Hermione's cheeks were tinged pink. "I don't think so," he stated, firmly.
"It's alright, Harry," Hermione answered quickly. "I don't mind." She made a move to get up from the table but Harry stilled her with a hand to her arm.
"But I do," he stressed. "We came here to enjoy the food and each other's company. I specifically asked for a table in the back to avoid people staring and asking for autographs," he finished angrily. "And this lovely lady is my date, not just some `friend'."
By this point, everyone in the restaurant knew Harry Potter was in the dining area and Nicoli DeMarino came out in person to greet him.
"Ah, signore Potter. Buon giorno. I trust all is to your liking thus far. How are you this evening?" the olive-skinned owner asked cheerily.
"Buon giorno, Nicoli," Harry answered, finally smiling. "I'm doing well. How about yourself?"
"Bene, bene," Nicoli answered heartily. He had noticed Michele lurking and rounded on her. "What are you doing, you silly girl? Standing around when there are people waiting to be seated."
Michele cast her eyes down in embarrassment. "Si, signore," she mumbled as she quickly left.
"Scusa. I am sorry for that," Nicoli said. "I need to talk to that girl about not bothering patrons, especially the more well-known ones."
"It's ok. We just want to dine in peace," Harry answered. "By the way, Nicoli, this is Hermione Granger. She's my best friend and date for this evening."
"Buon giorno, signorina Granger," Nicoli said, kissing her hand. "It is a nice to meet you."
"Piacere, signore DeMarino," Hermione answered. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Parla Italiano?" Nicoli asked, his face lighting up. "You speak Italian?"
"Un poco," Hermione said blushing. "A little."
Meanwhile, Harry had been watching this exchange, a look of amazement on his handsome face.
"Would you care for some wine?" Nicoli asked Harry. "We have a wonderful red you should try."
"Hermione?" Harry asked. She nodded. "Sure, we'll each take a class."
"Great. I'll be right back with it." Nicoli disappeared.
"Well, Miss Granger, you never told me you spoke Italian," Harry said accusingly.
"Well, Mr. Potter, you never asked," Hermione mocked. "Besides, it's only a few words and phrases."
"Do you speak any other languages?" Harry asked.
"Um, French, a touch of Spanish and a bit of German and Italian," she answered.
"Wow, that's impressive," Harry said. "And I had no idea. You're my best friend and I didn't know you spoke five languages. What kind of friend am I?!
Hermione giggled at Harry's antics. "I'm only fluent in French."
"There's something else!" Harry continued, comically. "I'm a terrible best friend!"
"Oh stop. You aren't a terrible best friend. Ron doesn't even know. And he's my pseudo, wannabe boyfriend. Or was anyway," Hermione answered, her smile fading.
"Hey," Harry said quietly, reaching out to take her hand. "None of that. Whatever happens, happens for a reason, and it's always for the best. It may not seem like it right away, but it eventually comes to light."
Hermione managed a weak smile. "Thanks, Harry," she said, squeezing his hand.
"No problem. Just remember what I said," he answered, squeezing back.
Nicoli returned at that moment and they quickly dropped their hands. "For you," he said, filling a glass with red liquid and placing it in front of Hermione. "And you," he added, placing it near Harry. They each took a small sip.
"That's really good," Hermione said.
"I agree. What is it?" Harry asked.
Nicoli smiled. "It's called Secro-Bertani Valpolicella."
"It's incredible. I may need a second glass," Hermione joked.
"No problemo, signorina. I brought the bottle for you. It is on the house," Nicoli answered.
Harry tried to object, but Nicoli cut him off. "I insist. It's my way of rectifying the situation with my hostess. Just don't get expect it every time," he said, a twinkle in his eye.
"Grazie, signore DeMarino," Hermione said.
"Prego, signorina Granger," Nicoli answered. "Now, what can I get you two to eat?"
After a quick consultation with the menu, which highly recommended the pasta, Hermione settled on lasagna while Harry went with the veal parmagiana.
"Excellent choices. Your food will be out shortly," Nicoli said, filling the glasses and taking the menus.
Harry glanced at his best friend and was surprised at what he saw. The candlelight caught her face just right and made her brown ringlets appear more golden and flecks of light brown gave her eyes even more depth.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Hermione asked self-consciously.
"I just realized I never told you how pretty you look tonight," Harry answered.
"As opposed to any other night?" Hermione teased.
"Very funny. I always complement you. It was the way the lighting caught your face. It made you look especially beautiful," Harry answered honestly.
"Thank you, Harry," Hermione said, obviously flattered. "You look nice too. And we match," she added, gesturing to the dark yellow shirt he was wearing and the light yellow top she was wearing.
"Ugh, why does this always happen?" Harry groaned. "I need to start telling you what I'm wearing so you don't match me."
"Well they say great minds think alike," Hermione answered.
"But then why would…" Hermione was spared a further retort when Nicoli appeared with their meal.
"That was really quick. How'd you do that?" Harry asked.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Nicoli said with a grin. "Mangi bene." He left them to eat, casting a quick privacy charm to ensure they wouldn't be disturbed. `Ah, young love' he thought to himself as he sighed.
"Mmm, this is so good. You have to try it, Harry," Hermione said. She got a forkful of her lasagna and fed it to him.
"Oh, wow, that is good," Harry agreed. "But have some of this." He took a bit of his parmigiana and gave it to Hermione.
"Yum!" Hermione said. "Normally I'm not a fan of veal, but that is delicious."
The two friends smiled at each other and spent the next twenty minutes engrossed in their meals, occasionally talking and cracking jokes.
"That," Hermione began, putting her fork down, "was absolutely delectable! I don't think I could eat another bite."
Nicoli chose that moment to return to the pair. "How was everything?" he asked.
"Delicious!" answered Hermione with a smile.
"So good," Harry agreed. "I think we'll definitely have to come back to try everything else on the menu."
Nicoli grinned at the compliment. "May I tempt you with dessert?"
Hermione made a face. "I think I'll explode if I eat anything else."
"Well, we can't have that now, can we?" Harry teased. We've still got a party to go to."
"Smart-ass," Hermione retorted under her breath, just loud enough for Harry to hear.
"Language, Miss Granger. This is a family establishment." Harry chuckled.
"So just the check then?" Nicoli asked.
"Yes, please," Harry replied.
Nicoli placed the check face down on the table, only to have Harry snatch it up before Hermione could get her hands on it.
"Tell me how much it is!" she exclaimed. "I want to pay my share."
"No," Harry said firmly. "It's my treat. I'm happy to do it, and I can do it, so I will do it. No arguments."
"Oh, alright," Hermione pouted. Then she smiled at him. "Thank you for a wonderful dinner Harry," she said, somewhat shy.
Harry smiled back. "For you, Hermione, anything."
With that, Harry got up from the table and offered his hand to Hermione. "C'mon, we've got a party to get to," he said with a grin. "But first we have to go back to the house. I refuse to be your twin tonight!"
"They're all going to be too drunk to even notice," Hermione argued.
Harry pulled a puppy dog face.
"Fine," Hermione huffed. "I swear you're a nut."
"But you love me anyway," Harry retorted.
"Yeah, believe in whatever keeps you happy. Let's go," Hermione relented.
"Cheer up, my friend. You're going to have a great time. I'll see to it personally," Harry said, taking her hand.
"I'm holding you responsible for my well-being tonight, Potter," Hermione stated.
Harry grinned wickedly.
"Oh no," Hermione groaned. "What have I got myself in to?"
A/N added 7/8/08 :: Thank you, everyone, for the impromptu Italian lessons. I hope this edit is now using the correct words.
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