What if...?

Hey guys well I’ve been working on this story since HBP came out in July. This is my longest story yet so I hope you like it. I am currently beta less so I apologize for the mistakes that I didn’t catch. I have about four chapters finished so far so if you’re interested in becoming my beta review and let me know.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter….but I wish I did =]

What If…..

What if Hermione didn’t already have a date to Slughorn’s Christmas party?

The moon was shining brightly over the dark Hogwarts castle as most of the occupants were already submerged in their dreams, except two individuals.

Harry Potter was sitting next to Hermione Granger at a table in the desolate Hogwarts library.

Harry was trying to read his copy of Advanced Potion-Making but he was unable to focus properly on the book because he kept getting distracted by the young woman sitting next to him who was loudly voicing her opinion about their red head friend.

“He can kiss whom ever he wants,” Said Hermione scornfully as she quickly stood up to retrieve yet another book but continued the conversation as she did so, “I really could care less about who he infatuates himself with.”

Hermione continued roaming the library searching for a book when Harry thought he heard her mumble “Bloody waste of time.” Before she sought out the book she had wanted and returned to their table.

Harry chose not to say anything about it and continued reading and taking notes pretending he didn’t hear her last comment at all. He figured it was best to remain on her good side at least once this year; He hadn’t been on good terms with Hermione ever since he found the Half-Blood Prince’s Potions Book. He knew the conversation was bound to come up sooner or later and he seriously was hoping for the latter.

After a few silent moments between the two Hermione couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“Harry you really need to be careful about-”

“I’m not turning it in Hermione,” Harry exasperatedly whispered as Ms. Pince was prowling behind the bookshelf behind their table, “For the last time please just drop it for once.”

Harry dropped his head on the table refusing to look at her knowing that he’d just hurt her feelings.

“I wasn’t talking about THAT book.” She replied angrily eyeing the book as if it would attack her at any moment.

Harry looked up at her sheepishly, his cheeks turning red with embarrassment. “I’m sorry Hermione.” Harry sincerely said as he gave her his famous lopsided smile.

She rewarded him with a slight smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Its fine Harry, really,” She replied in a whisper and soon replaced her smile with a frown, “As I was saying you need to be careful, I mean you can’t just ask anyone to Slughorn’s Christmas party.”

Harry rubbed his neck; his eyes thoroughly distracted as thoughts were racing through his head before finally looking Hermione in the eyes. “Why not?” He questioned her with a confused tilt of his head.

“Well,” She started hesitantly, “I was in the girl’s bathroom when I heard a few girls plotting with each other on the best way to give you a love potion.”

Harry’s movements stopped as soon as she finished talking and he just sat there with his mouth open in shock. “Wha-” He paused shaking his head. “Really?” Harry’s eyes widening with disbelief.

Hermione could only look at him with pity before replying very slowly. “Yes Harry, what do you expect, I mean people think you’re the chosen one.”

Harry opened his mouth to retaliate but closed it quickly when Hermione glared at him clutching the Daily Prophet in her hand daring him to say what she thought he was going to.

“Yes Harry I know you are the chosen one but it doesn’t matter, they are all hoping that you will ask them to Slughorn’s Christmas party. That’s why you need to be careful about who you ask.” Hermione said quickly before dropping her gaze back to her books.

“O-okay.” Was all Harry could manage; he was astonished by what girls would do just to get a date with him.

Harry looked down at his watch, surprised that it was nearly eleven.

“Sorry if I’m being to forward, I was just wondering w-who are you going to the party with?” Hermione shyly asked, bringing his attention back to her.

“Oh um well,” He slumped down further in his seat, “Truth is I haven’t asked anyone yet.” He added his voice trailing off in embarrassment.

“Oh.” Hermione replied surprise evident in her voice.

Harry couldn’t focus any longer as he just realized that the party was next week, he hadn’t thought of anyone to ask.

“Hermione?”

“Hmm?” Hermione whispered never taking her eyes off of her essay.

“I was wondering, you know with Slughorns Christmas party coming up,” Harry paused to look at her face to see if she knew where this was going. “And seeing as we both don’t have proper dates I was thinking that maybe um you and I could go together.”

Hermione’s head snapped up quickly and she immediately winced in pain at the loud cracking sound her neck made. While rubbing her now sore neck Hermione raised a questioning eyebrow in Harry’s direction that soon led Harry to correct himself.

“You know as friends,” Harry swallowed allowing him time to think. “Friends.”

Hermione looked away for a moment to collect a quill that she had accidentally dropped a few seconds ago only to return with a bright smile on her face.

“Why didn’t I think of that?” She laughed at herself

“Think of what?” Harry slowly questioned her with a blank expression on his face that could bring a lost puppy’s face to shame.

Hermione looked up at Harry with a slight blush on her cheeks as she put her hand to her forehead. “I didn’t think of us going together. I was going to ask Cormac.”

Harry looked at her with an incredulous look on his face. “Why would you ever want to ask that bloke?”

Hermione clearly didn’t plan on answering this question because she stood up suddenly and grabbed her books off the table, slowly making her way around the library putting them in their correct places.

Harry knew it wasn’t like Hermione to run away from him unless she was ashamed of something so he quickly understood that what ever she refused to say couldn’t be good. However, he wasn’t going to let her get to far away from him so he quickly stood up and followed her until she had finally put all of her books away.

“Hermione wait.” Harry gently grabbed her shoulders looking her straight in the eyes.

“Okay, alright,” She said raising her hands as a sign of surrender. “I wanted to make Ron jealous and I figured that Cormac was perfect for doing just that.”

“Oh.” Harry said dropping his hands back to his sides and taking a couple steps away from her.

“Yeah I know not one of my most brilliant plans,” Hermione said shrugging her shoulders. “Look Harry, I would really love to go with you to the party that is if you’re not totally disgusted with me.”

Harry smiled his first true genuine smile in months.

“Hardly Hermione, and besides you just saved me from a night full of weird conversations with Luna.” He added as an after thought.

“Harry!” Hermione laughed as she playfully pushed Harry.

“OOOHPOTTY ASKED GRANGY TO GO TO THE PARTY!” Screamed a voice from above; Peeves just happened to be hanging upside down from the chandelier planning to cause havoc on unsuspecting students in the morning.

Harry and Hermione both covered their ears as he continued to scream “Potty loves Grangey! Potty loooooooveeeesssss Graaaangggeeey!” Before he floated away cackling madly.

They went to retrieve their bags from the table and began their long journey back to the Common Room.

“Are you sure?” Harry asked Hermione just outside the Common Room door.

“Sure of what?” Hermione replied clearly startled from her thoughts.

“Are you sure you want to go with me?”

“Of course, silly.” Said Hermione while grabbing onto his arm.

Harry smiled at her and together then proceeded into the Common Room for a well earned rest.

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The next day Harry was in the Common Room reading his Potion book when Ron suddenly appeared at the Common Room entrance and released a huge sigh as he sat down next to Harry.

“What’s wrong?” Harry readily questioned him without even looking up from his book.

Harry knew that Ron and Lavender were having problems with their relationship and Harry had to sit there and act like he actually cared about his dumb ass best friend’s relationship with a girl that he didn’t even care about. All the while Ron just happened to be breaking his other best friend’s heart. So Harry felt that a little anger toward him was justified.

“Lav Lav is driving me insane.” Ron then proceeded to emphasize this by pulling at his long red locks of hair.

“She’s still snogging you non-stop?”

Ron nodded

“Break up with her then Ron.” Harry mechanically replied as he did everyday.

“Yeah, I guess I should.” Ron muttered shrugging his shoulders.

And like every other night for the past month the conversation ended exactly as it always did. Ron not being man enough to break up with Lavender.

“You’re still reading that thing?” Ron stated desperately searching for a different subject unable to handle the silence that always followed that particular conversation.

“Yeah.”

“Slughorn’s party is soon isn’t it?”

Harry quickly looked up from his book. This was uncharted territory, and Harry found himself wondering if Ron would question him about it further; particularly about his date.

“Yes.” Harry finally murmured.

“Who are you going with?” Ron questioned taking a chocolate frog out of his robes.

Harry looked at Ron before resting his cheek on the knuckles of his hand appearing to be deeply in thought but also calm and collected. However this was not the case as there was a war raging inside of his head.

“Bloody Hell, what am I supposed to say?” He questioned himself quickly getting more and more panicked about the situation.

Several seconds later- though it seemed like hours to Harry- he came up with the solution. It was quite easy actually. He figured since Hermione had wanted Ron to be jealous he decided to tell him exactly just who he was going with.

“Mate, you there?” Came a rather annoying voice that soon was followed by a hand that rapidly waved in front of his face.

Harry shook his head putting on a mischievous smile before replying.

“Yeah, I’m going with Her-”

“Hey boys.” Interrupted a very familiar voice.

Hermione just happened to enter the Common Room right as Harry was about to tell Ron. She walked out of the shadows so they could identify who it was. She began walking over to the couch but stopped short as she noticed Harry sending her a relieved smile. She smiled hesitantly back at him.

Silence ensued for another awkward moment before she continued walking over to them. She stopped and sat on the edge of Harry’s chair as he murmured a hello in her direction.

She slowly looked between Harry and Ron before she realized she had walked in on a conversation that she wasn’t supposed to hear. Normally she would start pestering them about it but she just didn’t feel like dealing with Ron and felt that she could live without knowing for just this once.

“Okay then, well I’m going to head up to bed.” She awkwardly said as she hopped off of Harry’s chair.

“Night then.” Came Ron’s reply.

“Goodnight, Hermione.”

“Goodnight, boys.” Hermione kindly said as she ran her hand lovingly threw Harry’s untamable hair before slowly ascending the stairs.

The silence was deafening as Ron looked in Harry’s direction with accusatory eyes just as Hermione had left the room.

“What was that about?” Ron slowly got out of his chair wanting to know what the bloody hell was going on.

Harry wasn’t going to lighten up the situation for Ron and just replied to his question with a shrug of his shoulders before bidding him goodnight.

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The day of the party Hermione was no where to be found. They had decided to meet each other outside the Entrance Hall so they wouldn’t have to go down to Slughorn’s office alone.

Harry would never admit that he was extremely scared of what people would assume once they saw Hermione and himself together at the party. There were already plenty of rumors going around the castle about the events that took place two years ago. He then realized that he actually cared what those insufferable people thought of him; which had caused him to put on his red tie incorrectly for the fifth time.

His thoughts were interrupted as Ron came into the dormitory and laughed at the look on Harry’s face.

“Mate you look like your about to piss yourself,” Ron said. Harry threw Ron an irritated glare before chucking an over stuffed pillow at Ron’s head while he was bent over grabbing his stomach with glee. “This girl must be bloody hot, if she’s got the famous Harry Potter this nervous.”

Harry just ignored him as he finally fixed his tie. He looked in the mirror trying to flatten his hair but he stopped seeing as he was only making it stand up even more. Harry let out a shaky sigh before walking to his bed and picking up his wand.

“Just in case.” Harry thought to himself wanting to be able to protect Hermione.

He put his wand in his holster, walked out of the dormitory and into the Common Room.

Harry sank down into the couch seeing as he still had half an hour till he had to meet Hermione. He put his face in his hands before he noticed that Ron wasn’t sitting next to him. He looked up to see Ron lingering by the door.

“Where are you going?”

“Oh um…Lav Lav wanted me to meet her so, I’ll see you later mate.” Ron nearly whispered before quickly making his way to the door.

“Hang on a sec,” Harry said stopping all of Ron’s movements.

Ron looked uncomfortable with the situation so he settled for rubbing his neck

“I thought you were going to break up with her Ron.” Harry stood up crossing his arms on his chest.

Ron’s head snapped up and his face began to turn red. “Well I was going to,” He proclaimed lamely. “But then-”

“What did she start snogging you again so you couldn’t get the words out of your mouth?” Harry questioned loudly taking a step towards Ron.

“No,” Ron scoffed.

“Then why haven’t you broken it off with her. You’re the one who is always complaining to me about it and yet you refuse to do something about it.” Harry snapped at Ron and took another threatening step forward who in return walked up to Harry.

“Why do you suddenly care so much anyways?"

They were standing head to head their chests puffed out and noses nearly touching before Ron shook his head grinding his teeth together “You know what, I don’t answer to you.” He started toward the door nearly knocking over a few chairs in his wake.

“Good, just remember that next time when you come crying to me.” Harry turned around and clenched his fists until he heard the Common Room door shut with a thud. He walked to the couch and sat heavily down on the cushions before growling and throwing a pillow across the room.

“Damn him.” Harry mumbled as he ground his teeth together.

He spent the next several minutes trying to control his anger at his best friend. Finally Harry let out a slow breath as he looked at his watch, realizing he had twelve minutes before he had to meet Hermione down at the Great Hall. He stood up and walked out of the Common Room.

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Harry arrived outside the Great Hall seven minutes before he was supposed to meet his date. This led to Harry pacing back and forth wondering why he was so nervous all of the sudden. He didn’t understand, he had been to the Yule Ball with Pavarti in forth year and surely this was no Yule Ball but Harry felt that this party was a lot more important than the Yule Ball.

“Come on Potter its just Hermione,” He told himself, “Your best friend of six years.”

This of course didn’t help at all, if anything it made him even more nervous as he continued to talk to himself.

Harry sighed as he sat down on the stairs slowly running a hand through his raven locks.

“Bloody Hell, what’s wrong with me?”

His thought process was hindered as a small chill traveled up his spine as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He slowly turned around only to be astonished at the sight before him that could only be described as breathtaking.

Hermione was wearing a beautiful strapless knee-length coral dress, that just so happened to accentuate every curve of her body that was usually hidden by those damn school robes. Her hair was put up elegantly with a clip at the nape of her neck. Harry thought that she was even more breathtaking than she was at the Yule Ball.

“Hey, you okay?” said a voice that made Harry suddenly forget his name.

Harry slowly blinked at Hermione before smiling sheepishly at her. “Yeah, just got lost in my thoughts is all,” Harry said while grabbing Hermione’s hand to take it off his shoulder and intertwined his finger with hers. “You look amazing Hermione.”

Hermione blushed slightly and stumbled for words. “Thanks, you look quite handsome if I do say so myself Mr. Potter.” Hermione teased him before pushing him playfully down the rest of the stairs.

“Why thank you Miss Granger,” Harry then proceeded to bow dramatically while holding out his arm to her, “Shall we?”

“Lead the way Mr. Potter.” She cheekily replied with an overly dramatic curtsy of her own before finally taking his offered arm.

They made it halfway down the hall before they broke out in hysterical laughter that had tears soon streaming down both of their faces.

“Nice going Potter, now I have to go fix my makeup.” Hermione laughed while wiping at her eyes carefully trying not to smudge her mascara any more then it was already. She turned to look at him and gave him one of her famous scowls that could rival McGonagall’s. This of course only promoted more laughter from Harry.

“Sorry,” He laughed as he wiped his eyes, “You look perfect Mione.” His hand slowly reached out to tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear all the while he was unknowingly caressing her cheek. Hermione sighed quietly and Harry realized what he was doing and quickly took his hand away. Hermione blushed even more before excusing herself to go to the girls’ lavatory.

“You go on without me.” Hermione quickly turned around and began walking in the direction of the lavatory clearly not thinking that Harry would protest to her suggestion.

She was already halfway down the next hallway when a hand appeared out of no where and stopped her movement. She slowly turned around only to smile at the familiar face.

“No, I’ll wait for you Hermione. What kind of date would I be if I didn’t wait for you?” Harry grinned grabbing her hand and together they ran down the hall.

Me likey REVIEWS lol

A/N:Hey guys! Happy Christmas Eve!

Haha well this week has been amazing! I can’t believe the reviews all of you guys gave me.

I was so excited that you guys liked the first chapter so I’ve been working on looking over the 2^nd chapter all week. So this chapter is kinda short because I really liked the ending of this

chapter, so I decided to end this chapter shorter than it was intended to be. BUT wait you guys don’t have to get your pitchforks out just yet! I’m almost absolutely positively sure that I’m going to post again on Christmas so you guys don’t have to kill me for the little tiny cliff hanger at the end of this chapter. Wow I’m talking way to much soooooooo here….I hope you like your early Christmas present from me!!

Disclaimer: No I don’t own Harry Potter but if I did own Harry Potter….there would be a lot more harmony in the world. =]

She was already halfway down the next hallway when a hand appeared out of know where and stopped her movement. She slowly turned around only to smile at the familiar face.

“No, I’ll wait for your Hermione. What kind of date would I be if I didn’t wait for you?” Harry grinned grabbing her hand and together they ran down the hall.

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They arrived at Slughorn’s office twenty minutes later, once Harry opened the door he immediately grimaced. Slughorn’s office was larger than the most of the teachers’ studies Harry had seen. Slughorn obviously knew this and took advantage of it with the multicolored hangings that were draped on the walls making it appear as if the party was in a tent. Suspended from the ceiling were randomly placed ostentatious orange lamps that continuously swayed with the breeze that came from an open window.

Harry looked sideways at Hermione with a skeptical look on his face silently asking her if they had to go to the party. She turned and smiled while silently communicating with him, Harry’s shoulders slumped with defeat.

“Come on Potter.” Hermione sighed when he refused to return her smile.

Harry stood there still looking rather unconvinced but grabbed her hand in reassurance before stepping into the overly crowded, stuffy room.

Immediately they began weaving their way through the crowd at the door, along the way getting pushed, shoved, and toes stepped on. Apparently the Weird Sisters decided to make their appearance at the same time Harry and Hermione did.

“Were never going to get out of here,” Harry yelled to Hermione over the loud music playing in the room.

Luckily, Harry spotted Neville over in the corner. “Neville!” Harry shouted waving his hand.

Neville turned around and spotted Harry and Hermione in the middle of the huge crowd. He chuckled to himself as he put down his tray before making his way over to his helpless friends.

“Harry-,” He paused as he lost sight of Hermione, “How’d you get in there?”

Harry laughed sourly at Neville’s attempt at lightening the situation but smiled as he held his hand out.

“Mate, just help us get out of here please.”

Neville nodded and began to tug on Harry’s free arm. “You still have Hermione with you?” He quickly questioned as he began to pull harder.

“Yeah, barely.”

Soon enough both a disheveled Harry and Hermione appeared next to Neville. Harry breathing heavily turned to Hermione. “Are you okay?”

Hermione laughed as she caught a glimpse of herself in a mirror on the wall. “Yes I’m fine, though that trip to the lavatory seems rather worthless now.”

Harry laughed along with her before turning to Neville and patting him on the back. “Thanks for that mate, you really saved our skins.” Harry cheerfully stated.

“No problem, I’m sure you would’ve done the same,” He chuckled to himself. “There isn’t really enough room for all of these people though.”

Harry and Hermione both nodded their agreement. “So…um Neville what’s with the outfit?” Harry questioned pointing to Neville’s choice of attire. He was wearing a waiters’ uniform that was completely white and adorned with brass golden buttons along his chest. He also wore white pants with gold stripes down the side of his pants. Harry wasn’t sure but it looked as if Neville was rejected from the Slugclub.

Neville just shrugged offering refreshments to a passing Hufflepuff. “Well-”

“HARRY! Just the lad I wanted to see,” Came Slughorn’s booming voice making Neville drop nearly all of his drinks. “All hands on deck Longbottom.”

Harry looked at Hermione with wide eyes as he felt a hand on his shoulder that slowly began leading him away from his friends. “Come on, so many people I’d like to introduce you to.” Slughorn’s voice laced with excitement at showing off his latest recruited student.

Slughorn seemed unaware of how hard he was gripping onto Harry’s shoulder. Harry looked around and once he saw where he was being led he began to panic. He reached around Slughorn blindly trying to grasp Hermione’s hand but only to find his hand clutching around thin air.

Harry visibly gulped when he realized he would have to endure this torture alone. He turned around and prepared to face his doom as he was led back into the crowd.

“Harry I’d like you to meet…”

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After being introduced to Eldred Wormple, two members of the Weird Sisters, Sanguini the vampire, and several other people whom Harry couldn’t name. He was forced to take pictures with all of them and several with Slughorn before he finally was able to excuse himself.

“Sorry sir but I have to go see where my date went off to.” Harry kindly said as he slowly started backing away as if expecting Slughorn to attack him if he made any sudden movements.

“Ah of course m’boy! You are here with Miss Granger correct?” He asked loudly

Harry opened his mouth only to be interrupted as Slughorn continued on with the conversation.

“Of course, well Harry don’t let her slip through your fingers,” He paused emphasizing his statement by clenching his fist, “That young woman is going places, you mark my words; of course we already new that about you. None the less if you continue on the path of which you are now on you two could be the power couple of the century.” He gleefully shouted patting him on the back before walking off and engaging another student in conversation with no perception of the mayhem he implanted in a young man’s mind.

“Bloody Hell! Power couple of the century?” Harry exclaimed aloud to himself. “We aren’t even together.” He quickly closed his mouth when he realized it was still open from the shock of hearing his professor’s assumption.

“Well its not like you tried to set him straight, now did you?” His conscious accused him in a voice that sounded like Ron’s.

Harry gulped as he put his head in his hands. “I don’t even like Hermione, I like Ginny.” He yelled frustrated with himself.

“You seriously like Ginny? Doesn’t it bother you that she has been with more guys than you can count? It wouldn’t surprise me if she started dating Draco Malfoy.” His conscious scoffed, this time taking on the voice of Lavender Brown. “She’s completely shallow Harry, she has no depth to her personality…and that means a lot coming from me. You would be a fool if you dated someone who knew nothing about you but just liked you because you were the ‘boy who lived’. Actually if you chose anyone except Hermione you would be a fool because no one knows you the way she does.”

“Wait…what?” His eyes opening wide with realization.

“Hey Harry, finally got rid of Slughorn did you?”

Harry turned around. “Oh hey Neville,” He paused as he noticed that Hermione wasn’t with Neville, “Um..where did Hermione go?” He questioned craning his neck to see over Neville’s shoulder.

Neville rubbed his neck looking uncomfortable with the entire situation. “Oh …um some bloke asked her to dance and I’ve um haven’t seen her since.”

Harry looked around the room searching for Hermione and the mystery bloke. He didn’t trust several of the people attending the party so he thought it was best to find her quickly. He knew he was overreacting, Hermione could take care of herself but that didn’t stop him from worrying.

“Who was she with?”

“Um…Mclaggen.” Neville looked down at his shoes.

“What!” Harry loudly exclaimed. “I’ve-I’ve got to find her; I don’t trust Mclaggen at all.” He added as Neville raised an eyebrow in his direction.

He took off almost at a run dashing into the crowd, leaving behind a very suspicious Neville. While he was searching for his best friend he began to think about what his conscious had mentioned earlier. He realized that Ginny didn’t care about him the way he cared about her. To her he would always be the boy-who-lived and he admitted that he couldn’t live with someone who was only with him for the spotlight that he held, even when it was unwanted. He still didn’t under stand the monster in his chest whenever he saw her but he knew it was gone.

“She would never be able to understand me; she would never be able to understand how I’m feeling without having to ask me first. I’m never going to be able to talk to her like she was the best thing that has ever happened to me because, well she wouldn’t be. I could never trust her like I do with Hermione. And Ron of course,” He added self-consciously. “She makes me happy, she distracts me from everything that’s going on around me, but when the world is suffering from the looming darkness surrounding the world we live in, could she- no will she stand next to me until the final battle?” He asked himself

Harry stopped suddenly as he almost ran into Slughorn and veered left quickly before he was pulled into another conversation. That man could talk up a storm and personally Harry would rather talk to Luna than Slughorn any day. He had just passed the camera man when he saw a streak of coral run in between two members of the Weird Sisters.

“Hermione! Hermione!”

Harry swore under his breath when she just continued running giving no indication that she had heard him. He just stood there trying to follow her with his eyes but lost sight of her as she disappeared under one of the hangings. Harry just sighed suddenly feeling hopeless as he continued to walk trying to avoid his many fan girls begging him for a dance.

“Ok, Hermione’s right I really do need to be careful about who I fancy; it can’t just be anyone. She has to really know me, not Harry Potter the bloody boy who lived; she has to know the real Harry. She has to understand why I do what I do, why I have these sudden urges to save people. She has to support me no matter what happens. She has to be there for me, to stop me from brooding over things that aren’t really my fault, even when I convince myself that they are. She has to love me for what I am, understanding that I couldn’t change even if I wanted to. She has to stand with and love me till end, even if I have a piece of Voldemort in me.” Harry laughed at the thought, “No girl would ever come near me if that happened. Who would love me enough to even do all of those things?”

“Oh Harry.”

Well Happy Christmas Eve!

Oh btw I like presents…almost as much as me likey reviews! Oh and I still need a beta!!!

Hey guys! Happy new year! Haha sooo I’m sorry about the Christmas update that didn’t happen I got distracted with family and such. Oh yeah and thanks for the reviews it really makes me happy haha. Well guess what guys!! I got a BETA!! Whoo yeah I’m excited haha so this is the first chapter that was done by J.Michelle so I wanna thank her for being awesome and saving me a lot of time. Well the story is almost over guys just two or three more chapters to go. Well I’m going to go eat some pizza… Happy 2010!

Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter…..stop trying to get me in trouble

“Ok, Hermione’s right I really do need to be careful about who I fancy; it can’t just be anyone. She has to really know me, not Harry Potter the bloody boy who lived; she has to know the real Harry. She has to understand why I do what I do, why I have these sudden urges to save people. She has to support me no matter what happens. She has to be there for me, to stop me from brooding over things that aren’t really my fault, even when I convince myself that they are. She has to love me for what I am, understanding that I couldn’t change even if I wanted to. She has to stand with and love me till end, even if I have a piece of Voldemort in me.” Harry laughed at the thought, “No girl would ever come near me if that happened. Who would love me enough to even do all of those things?”

“Oh Harry.”

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Harry’s breath was soon knocked out of him when a body collided with his. He realized it was Hermione as the smell of her perfume wafted up into his nose. After he began to breathe properly once more, he realized that Hermione was actually hugging him.

“There you are, thank goodness,” she mumbled into his chest, holding him tighter.

Harry put his arms around her and gently held her. “Where have you been? Neville told me you went off with Mclaggen,” he asked her, taking in her disheveled dress and hair. “What happened to you?”

Hermione looked up at him. “Yes, I’ve just escaped,” she paused, slapping herself on the forehead. “I’ve just left him.”

Harry slowly became aware of her body still pressed tightly to his, so he pulled her back slightly in order to look down at her from an arms length.

“What do you mean you’ve just escaped?” His anger was seeping through every word.

Hermione looked down to hide her blush from Harry. “Under the mistletoe,” she muttered. “But Harry-”

“What! Why would you ever willingly go under mistletoe with McLaggen, especially when he’s been making advances toward you ever since the tryouts?” Harry cried out angrily, feeling confused.

“Harry, calm down; I wasn’t finished,” Hermione calmly said as she put her hand on his chest. “He came up to me when Neville and I were talking just after you left; he asked if we could talk. He just started talking about Transfiguration and well, I got distracted so I didn’t notice where he was leading me to. You know how I get when school work is mentioned--it’s my Achilles heel.”

Harry chuckled under his breath but immediately stopped as he saw Hermione scowl at him. “What?” he questioned.

Hermione only scowled at him more. “I know you well enough to know what you were giggling about just now, Potter.”

“Hermione, I was just- wait a second I do not giggle!” Harry loudly proclaimed.

“Harry, you’re impossible,” she laughed, holding onto her side. “Anyway, I had no idea what he was planning until he stopped walking just as we reached the mistletoe.”

Harry slowly took a deep breath, taking her hand in his. “Oh, okay, that makes me feel a little bit better.” He paused, appearing to be deep in thought. “Why is your dress unfastened? I know it didn’t look like that when I left you. Unless, Neville suddenly fancies you and decided to grope you when I left.” Harry smiled brightly as if he had solved a conundrum.

“Harry!” Hermione hit him on his chest admonishingly. Harry smiled slightly but continued to look at her expectantly.

Hermione sighed. “You’re a boy, Harry! They can’t keep their hand to themselves especially when they happen to be kissing someone.” Hermione had a far away look on her face. “He had more tentacles than a snarf Lulump plant,” she exclaimed, shivering at the thought.

Harry growled under his breath. “I’m going to kill that prat. How did you manage to get away?”

“Well, after I pushed him off of me I figured he wasn’t going to be put off, so I told him that I knew a better place to snog.” She paused, seeing the look on Harry’s face. “I then led him through the crowd that you and I got stuck in.”

Harry chuckled at the thought of Cormac getting pushed around and stepped on. He was really impressed with Hermione’s quick thinking, as always.

“Impressive plan, Granger, so you ‘accidentally’ got lost?” Harry laughed, using his fingers as air quotes.

Hermione nodded playfully. “Yes, and I would prefer if I could stay lost. Let’s go over there,” she said, pointing to the nearest corner. “He makes Grawp look like a perfect gentleman.”

Hermione quickly ducked under the hanging that Harry held up for her.He snorted heartily making, Hermione giggle as she realized what she just said and how ridiculous it sounded. Harry ended up chuckling even more as he saw tears start streaming down Hermione’s face. Soon she found herself in Harry’s arms for her legs were unable to hold herself up any longer.

Harry sighed as he wiped his eyes, wrapping his arms securely around Hermione’s waist. It was a comfortable silence between the two, one that could have lasted forever and still would have been enjoyed by them.

“So if not Cormac, who else did you consider?” Harry asked resting his chin softly on the top of her head.

Hermione turned around in Harry’s arms and looked at him. “You really don’t want to know Harry. It will only infuriate you,” she said quietly looking down at her shoes.

“Hey,” Harry said softly lifting her chin up until brown eyes met green eyes. “It doesn’t matter anymore ‘cause you’re with me. I promise I won’t be upset,” he added after seeing the look of disbelief on her face.

“Well, I debated on it for a while and since I could only think of two people who would annoy Ron the most...” she said cooly with a shrug of her shoulders. “It was either Cormac or Zacharias Smith-”

“You considered Smith?” Harry questioned, revolted.

Hermione looked up at him, her cheeks red with embarrassment. “You promised Harry, and like you said: it doesn’t matter anymore,” she pleaded with him before quickly walking out from behind the curtain.

Harry stood there watching her slowly walk away before he moved...he wouldn’t lose her again.

“Hermione, wait!” he called out to her, grabbing her hand and turning her around. “I’m sorry. You’re right, it doesn’t matter to me, and it just took me by surprise at how determined you are at making Ron jealous.”

Hermione smiled up at Harry, but Harry noticed that the smile did not quite reach her eyes. Harry reached down and intertwined his fingers with hers. “It’s fine Harry, really, and I don’t really care about making Ron jealous anymore. He deserves what he gets and I’m just tired of waiting around for him,” she said heatedly.

“Hmm…really?” Harry watched as Hermione nodded her head. “I’m sorry, Hermione. I think it will be good for you though, and it’s about time that Ron learns that his actions have consequences.”

Hermione giggled slightly at Harry while playfully ruffling his hair. “When did you get so smart?” she asked.

“Alas,” Harry said, quickly putting his hand to his forehead dramatically. “I had no choice! You see, I have a beautiful best friend that is extremely intelligent. So, naturally, I was forced--I mean, bound--to learn a few things from her.”

Hermione gasped. “Hey! I didn’t force you to learn anything--wait, did you just call me beautiful?” she quietly asked.

Harry gulped, realizing that she had indeed noticed his slip up. “Of course. Am I not allowed to call my best friend beautiful?” he questioned her, knowing fully well that he wasn’t.

She only looked back at him, clearly shocked at his behavior as a slight blush began forming on her cheeks. “You’ve never called me beautiful before though,” she explained quietly, blushing even more.

Harry ran his hair through his already messy hair. “Well, I thought it was time I did since you do look absolutely amazing tonight, Hermione.” Harry’s fingers slowly intertwined around hers again and he lightly brushed his thumb across her hand.

Hermione smiled brightly at Harry before giving him a tight hug.

“Thanks, Harry. You’re really sweet to say that,” she mumbled into his chest before looking up into his eyes and soon found herself lost in the bright green orbs.

“Harry has the most beautiful eyes that I have ever seen; no wonder I always get lost in them,” Hermione thought, her heart skipping a beat as Harry smiled down at her. “His smile is amazing too, no wonder he has all those girls following him around all the time.” She started to unconsciously lean forward slightly...

Harry noticed this and his eyes went wide in surprise but he leaned forward as well, unable to stop himself.Hermione realized what was about to happen and her heart was beating wildly in anticipation as she looked into his eyes. His eyes were full of joy, laughter, and love.

“Wait, love? It can’t possibly be love; it’s impossible, Hermione yelled at herself, stopping all of her movement. Sure, he loves me but only as a best friend, nothing more. Besides he likes Ginny.” She added, finally able to convince herself of her intentions toward her best friend.

Hermione shook her head, breaking the connection between them and slowly leaned away from him. Harry soon realized he was still staring at her, so he quickly averted his gaze and loudly cleared his throat.

“Um...Hermione, can I ask you something?”

Hermione only nodded, not trusting herself to speak just yet.

“Will you ever tell Ron that you interfered at the tryouts?”

Hermione gasped, clearly shocked that he thought so little of her. “You really think I would sink that low, Harry?” she questioned him, raising her eyebrows in an attempt to try to conceal her pain.

Harry quickly saw past her ruse and backtracked. “No, no, Hermione, of course not. I was just wondering...that’s all.”

“I have no plans of telling Ron anything,” Hermione said with dignity. “I have no plans to ever talk to him again,” she added quietly to herself.

Harry smiled at her as he ran his thumb again the back of her hand lovingly. “Well that’s good. Not that he didn’t deserve it or anything,” he added. “I just don’t want him to screw us over if he falls apart again for our next match."

“Quidditch!” exclaimed Hermione angrily. “Is that all you boys care about Harry?” Hermione suddenly closed her mouth looking at the smug smile on Harry’s face. “Don’t you dare say it, Potter.”

She laughed at her own stupidity. Harry just looked at her innocently before breaking out in laughter along with her.

“Finally!” exclaimed a voice that made Hermione gasp and Harry grind his teeth together. “Excuse me, Potter. I’m just going to borrow Granger for a while,” Cormac said lightly as he approached the couple quickly.

He swiftly latched onto Hermione’s upper arm and quickly pulled her out of Harry’s grasp.

“Hope you don’t mind!” Cormac yelled over his shoulder as he began walking away with Hermione.

Well in case your wondering....I still likey me some reviews =]

Haha oh and THERE WILL NOT BE AN UPDATE NEXT WEEK because I’m going back to skewl =[