Warning Sign

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and company.

Author's Note: I really have no idea why it took me so long to post this. Here it is now!

Chapter 5

Winterblue

“The part where they jumped. That was pretty funny.”

“Harry, I think you were the only one laughing.” We had just come out of a movie theater after seeing, in my opinion, the worst movie ever.

“It wasn't realistic. There was no way the he could have done that in real life and not even in our world. It could not be done.”

“Okay Harry. That's why it's a movie.” I said as if talking to a small child.

He laughed as he grabbed my hand. “See, this is why you're my best friend. You keep me grounded and you make me laugh.”

I smirked up at him. “I think Ron might be upset to hear that.”

“Well if you promise not to tell then he'll never know.” He winked at me. “It will be out little secret.”

I laughed. Harry's new thing was the movies. We went often and saw just about everything, but he leaned towards the typical guy movies. I didn't mind them really; I could only handle so many romantic, sappy movies with him next to me. Thank goodness they were few and far between. It was easy to talk Harry out of seeing one of those.

Things between us are tense at times. I still get shaky when thinking about what happened at the Weasley's. I'm embarrassed of my actions. I can't help it. As much as I say and try to be over him, it's impossible to succeed when he's around. I come undone where Harry's concerned. I just have to keep trying and then one day I'll find myself successful and I'll be over him. Then everything will be just as it should be. Friends and nothing more.

My new theory is that he knows he will get a reaction out of me so that's why he's doing this. He's been around Ron too much. One day though, the game will get old and he'll find another girl to play the game with. I'm just around—convenient. I'm like a warm up, practice for when the one girl who will turn his attention away from me, shows up. Hopefully by then I'll be completely over him and it won't hurt, but who am I trying to kid. I can't get over him if he won't go away, not that I want him to leave again. I'm such a contradiction.

We continue to walk, the silence between us comfortable. No need for talking. I couldn't say anything anyway, as I was lost in a conversation I had with my mother earlier today.

I went to visit while my father was out playing golf with friends. I hadn't seen my mother lately and I figured girl time was needed. If I had only known exactly what would happen.

“So how is Harry?” Okay, we're diving right in to the personal questions. Time to stop this.

“He's fine. His job is good for him I think. He seems to enjoy it.” Stick to simple, friendly answers.

“Is there anything else you need to tell me?” I looked over at my mother. She stood against the table, dish towel in hand, and an eyebrow raised.

I could now see where I got my questioning nature from. “Need to tell you? I don't think so…nothing exciting going on here.” I decided that looking out the window into the backyard would hide the sheer look of panic on my face.

“There's nothing you want to tell me? About you and Harry?”

I rolled my eyes and rested my elbows on the counter. “Mum, there is nothing going on. We're friends. Why does everyone think something is going on?”

“Friends? I don't think I'd get the same answer from Harry if I asked him. And if everyone is noticing it, you'd think something was there to notice. We could all be wrong though.”

I huffed before answering her. “Please drop it. Nothing is going on. Harry doesn't see me that way and I don't think of him that way.”

I heard my mother sigh. “Well why not? Harry is a nice man. You've known him forever, he treats you well. It'd be a good match.”

I turned to face her, throwing my hands up. “When did we enter the Victorian Age? A good match? Are you trying to sell me off? I'm old enough to make my own decisions including my love life. There is nothing there! It would be hard to have a relationship with someone you are only friends with.”

I can't deal with this. What are these people `seeing' between me and Harry? I've been trying so hard.

“Just think about it. I think you'll be surprised how logical it is. Best friends are usually the…anyway. Your father and I both agree. We think very highly of him.”

`Ahhhhhh! Breath' “You've discussed this with dad?” This was no longer my life. I was now on some alternate planet or reality show. I certainly hope they are documenting this for a good laugh twenty years from now.

“Yes we have. There is nothing wrong with that, you're our daughter. You spend so much time with him and your father was concerned, but once we talked about it he decided with me that Harry is good for you.” With that my mother came over and wrapped her arms around me. “We mean well Hermione. We just worry.”

I was not even asking what she meant by that comment. Good for me how? Worry about what?

“Mione? Did you hear me?” I was brought out of my memories by Harry.

“Sorry. I was thinking. I've got a lot on my mind.” I smiled up at him.

“I was just wondering what you wanted to do next.” Our hands were still linked and now gently swinging back and forth between us.

“I don't know.” I shrugged. “I'm pretty tired. Work has been difficult lately and my family has gotten…weird. I think I just want to sleep.”

Harry put an arm around my shoulders. “As long as you're not blowing me off for someone else.”

I laughed, “No, just my bed.”

“Good.” He gave me a squeeze as we walked.

A few minutes later we were outside my door. Harry wrapped his arms around me in a hug. Slowly he let me go and kissed my temple. “Goodnight.”

I'll I could do was whisper, “Bye.” I watched as he walked silently into the night. I waited till he was gone before going inside. All I could think about was that Harry had never kissed me in anyway before. What a strange day.

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