Things Don't Always Go as Planned
Chapter Eleven: Hermione's Past
AN: I'm so sorry I haven't been updating sooner. I've just been so busy with finals and projects that I don't have the time. But since it's winter break, I've decided to update more often. Sorry for the long wait again, but here we go…
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Hermione smiled to herself. She was touched by the sight in front of her. He fell asleep as soon as he lay onto his bed. Harry was really tired. He hadn't changed and he was still wearing his glasses.
"Oh Harry." she whispered making sure not to wake Harry up. She transformed his current clothes to pajamas then taking off his shoes before levitating him and tucking him in. He looks so peaceful in his sleep. She took off his glasses and placing them next to the night stand. Absentmindedly she kisses Harry's forehead before turning off the lamp.
"Good night, Harry. Sweet dreams." she said before heading to bed.
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Hermione woke up bright and early. Her lips were still tingling from kissing Harry's forehead the night before. In a good mood, she was humming to herself as she headed downstairs to help her mom with breakfast.
To her surprise breakfast was already cooked and prepared.
"Good morning, Hermione." Mrs. Granger greeted as she place eggs on the table.
"Good morning mum." Hermione greeted back. "What is all of this? Why are you dressed up for work? Don't you and Dad have the day off?" Hermione asked confused.
"Oh, I'm sorry Hermione. Your father and I wanted to spend time with you and Harry, but there was an emergency at the clinic and we need to go to work today. So, I decided to make breakfast for the two of you." Mrs. Granger answered.
"It's alright Mum. I'm sure Harry and I understand." Hermione reassured.
"Okay, I better go. Your father is waiting for me in the car. There is money on the counter if you need any for lunch. Be sure to call if there is an emergency. We should be home before dinner. Bye, love you." Mrs. Granger said goodbye as she picked up her purse and coat before heading out the door.
"Goodbye.", Hermione said back.
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Harry woke up feeling the morning sun rays hit against his face. He got up groggily as he was rubbing both his eyes. He had to take a moment to remember where he was. I'm at the Grangers.
As Harry swung his legs across to the edge of his bed, he felt this strange tinkling feeling on his forehead. He absentmindedly raised his hand towards his forehead not knowing that's where Hermione kissed him last night. It wasn't a painful feeling‒ more like a sweet gentle sensation. I don't remember changing or getting into bed properly.
Putting that thought aside, he reached over to the nightstand for his glasses. Then he quickly headed downstairs.
"Good morning, Hermione." Harry greeted as he made his way to the table.
"Good morning." Hermione greeted back.
"Hermione, where are your parents? I thought they were spending the day with us." Harry asked taking a seat across from Hermione.
"Unfortunately, Mum and Dad have to work today. There was an emergency at the clinic; she left us some money for food and all. So I guess it's just me and you today." Hermione answered as she began to fill her plate.
Harry nodded as he too, began to fill his plate with food. Hermione shot him a concerned looked as she took a sip of her orange juice.
"Are you alright, Harry? You seem like there is something bothering you." Hermione asked concerned.
"It's just that I don't remember‒", Harry began.
"how you got into bed?" Hermione finished.
"Yes?" Harry said looking at Hermione shockingly. How can she finish my sentence, it's like she can read my mind.
"Well, I couldn't go to sleep last night. So I decided to see if you were awake." Hermione laughed to herself before continuing, "But you were knocked out as soon as you laid in bed. So I transfigured your clothes then properly tuck you in.", Hermione explained leaving out that she kissed his forehead then blushing at the memory.
"Oh.", Harry said as red slowly crept onto his cheeks as well.
"So, Harry what would you like to do today?" Hermione said hoping to change the subject.
"I have no clue, Hermione. What about you? What would you like to do today? I'm up for whatever." Harry answered looking at Hermione.
She is giving me that 'I have an idea' smile. "I think I know what we can do today." Hermione said. "I'll just clean up here first‒and before you can argue you can clean up at lunch."
"At lunch right?" Harry stated again making sure he heard her correctly.
"At lunch, Harry." Hermione repeated.
"Okay, thanks Hermione. I'll meet you in the lounge as soon as I'm done."
Hermione nodded as she began to clear up the table.
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Harry was all set, and curious to find out what Hermione had planned out for them today. After waiting for a few minutes, Hermione shortly joined him.
"Are you ready to go out for a walk?" Hermione asked.
"Yes. You?" Harry asked in returned as he reach out and opened the door for Hermione.
"What a gentleman." Hermione teased as she walked through the door. "Yes, I'm ready."
Harry jokingly rolled his eyes at Hermione. "So, Hermione what exactly do you have planned for us today?" Harry asked as he locked the door before joining Hermione.
"Well, since I don't usually talk about myself‒not that I like to but I thought it would be nice if I showed you around the neighborhood. You know, show you where I grew up."
"That sounds wonderful to me.", Harry smiled at her.
Hermione felt her heart skipped a beat. Breathe Hermione, in… out… Oh my gosh I think I'm going to have a heart attack if he smiles at me like that again. After realizing they already arrived at their first destination.
Harry stopped and looked around for the reason why Hermione stopped. "The library?" Harry asked confused. Then suddenly began laughing to himself. "Of course you would spend a lot of time here."
Hermione playfully nudged Harry's stomach.
"Sorry, but let me guess this must be your favorite place as a child?"
"Actually, no. I'll show you my favorite place later. In the mean time would you like to go inside check it out?"
"Sure.", Harry said. How could I say no, when her eyes sparkle in excitement.
The library didn't look much different from the library at Hogwarts, just a few changes and arrangements here and there. Of course, no floating books or anything magical.
"You know what's weird?" Hermione whispered.
"What?" Harry whispered back.
"I didn't spend so much time in the children area. I spent most of my time in the older sections. If I remember correctly when I found out I was a witch, I came straight here to find more information about the magical world. Even though, it was from a Muggle's point of view they actually got some things right, surprisingly. They think we are ugly looking with warts all over our faces."
Harry laughed out loud. Suddenly they were scolded by the librarian to be quiet. Both tried to hold back their laughs.
Hermione face suddenly became serious. "I don't why I did that, I think it's because I wanted to show that I'm just as good as any witch or wizard who grew up in the Magical world and that I'm no different or anything less because I'm a muggle-born."
"You definitely showed them.", Harry said sincerely.
Hermione quickly turned her face away to hide her blush. "We should go; I have more places to show you. Besides if we stayed longer, we probably get kicked out for making too much noise." Hermione suggested before leading Harry towards the door.
"Where is the next stop Hermione?" Harry asked as he tried to catch up with her.
"It's not too far from here. Just a few more blocks."
Shortly they arrived to their next stop. "This is my primary school, Harry."
It was a small school. They sat on a bench facing the school and they watched little children run around and play.
"It looks like my primary school, just a little smaller." Harry said.
"Yeah, it was a small school‒a good school. But it doesn't exactly bring good memories." Hermione said staring blanking at the school.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked turning his head to look at Hermione. Knowing what he knew about Hermione, he guessed that she loved school. It surprised him to find out that her old primary school wasn't exactly her favorite place in the world.
Hermione shamefully looked down at her hands avoiding looking into Harry's green eyes. "You and Ron are my very first friends." she admitted. "I wasn't exactly what you call 'popular' at my old school. I would tell myself that it was because I was different. But deep down, I knew it was because they couldn't look pass the way I looked, my know-it-all attitude, or that I love to read." Hermione blinked vigorously trying to push aside the tears threatening to fall.
"I didn't exactly have many friends as well." Harry said trying to make Hermione feel better.
"But Harry, they didn't choose to be your friend because they were afraid of Dudley. Me on the other hand, they didn't choose to be my friend because of me.", Hermione explained sadly.
Harry reached out to Hermione's chin and turned her face so she was looking straight at him. "Well, then that's their lost. Looking pass your looks, know-it-all-attitude, or your passion for reading, I see the most amazing best friend I could ever ask for. Not only do I like those things about you, but I also like the caring, brave, compassionate side of you Hermione.", Harry stated looking into her deep brown eyes so she could tell that he honestly meant what he said.
Hermione's heart swelled at every word Harry spoke. 'This feeling' is beginning to show up more often, and it was scaring her to death.
"Thank you, Harry." Hermione said as she got up from the bench. "I promised you that I would show you my favorite place, but I want to show you just a couple more places."
"Sure."
After walking silently for a short period of time, they finally arrived to a local park near the school.
"Is this your favorite place?" Harry asked breaking the silence that grew between them.
"Not quite." Hermione said flashing a gentle smile at Harry before taking a seat on the swing. The snow was gone from winter, but it was still chilly outside. There were very little people at the park. "Did you know my mom use to send me here when I would spend too much time in the library or reading at home?"
Harry laughed quietly to himself. He could picture younger Hermione being scolded for reading.
Hermione got up again. "Come on, Harry I'll show you my favorite place in the world." she said as she began to lead Harry towards the uncommon area in the park.
After walking through tress and brushes and a lot of sharp turns here and there, Hermione finally lead him to a giant tree. Harry shot her a confuse look.
"Harry this is my favorite place." she said as she began to climb up the tree.
"This tree?" he asked still confused as he began to climb up the tree to join Hermione, who was sitting of a thick stable branch. A tree? How could a tree be her favorite place? How did she even find it in the first place?
"Yes. I bet you're wonder why and how I discovered this. Well, I use to come here to the park with my cousin, Daisy. We were close back then. She was like my older sister. I hung out with her a few times, but she had her own friends."
Hermione let out a deep sigh. "One day when I found out she was moving, I was really upset. I practically ran away from her when she told me in the park. With my eyes full of tears not able to see where I was going, I just let my legs lead me away. After running a few minutes I finally came across this area. I was leaning against the tree to catch my breath while crying my little eyes out. Then the next thing, I knew I did accidental magic and I apparated on top of the tree."
"I have a question."
"What is it, Harry?" looking at Harry. She is beautiful. With that look she took his breath away.
"I thought you were afraid of heights? Isn't that the reason why you hate flying?" Harry asked while trying to remember how to breathe.
"This is only a few meters off the ground, not to mention the thing holding me is thicker than a broom stick and it's connected to something stable and attached to ground. As of flying you're on a tiny broom stick, you're like a hundred meters off the ground, and you could lose control of your broom and kill yourself. I don't know about you, but I would much rather be on a tree than a broom stick any day." Hermione stated matter-of-fact kind of tone.
"I don't exactly agree with you, but I see why this is your favorite place."
Hermione laughed. Her laugh made Harry's heart leap for joy. "I come here when I'm upset, happy, angry, wanting to be alone, and wanting to relax. Sometimes I would sneak a book and read here or just sit here and enjoy the view and watch the sunset or look at the sky."
After sitting in silence just enjoying the view, Hermione finally decided they needed to head home for lunch.
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After heading home and eating lunch and keeping to her promise after Harry cleaned up Harry came across some family photos of Hermione. There were all different kinds of photos. There were some of her family, birthdays, recitals, and holidays.
Harry laughed at a photo of Hermione in a pink tutu with her arms across her chest. She doesn't look like a happy camper.
"Hermione?" Harry called out.
"Yes?" Hermione answered walking into the lounge looking at Harry.
"Care to explain this picture?" Harry asked with a smirk on his face.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I was five back then. Mum put me in ballet classes. This particular picture is when I was my first ballet recital. Oh how I hated that." she explained.
Harry broke into a fit of laugher. "Hermione. Ballet. Pink tutu."
"Shut up, Harry." Hermione said before breaking into a fit of laughter as well.
"Any other secrets you've been keeping from us?"
"No, not really. I was forced against my will to do ballet for another two years. Then I stopped when I turned seven. Then I was put into piano lessons, but I quite enjoyed those lessons."
They spend the whole afternoon talking about Hermione and her childhood. Hermione shared stories about her and her parents. She shared photos of her muggle families and tried to hide embarrassing one from Harry. But with his seeker skills she failed with every attempt.
Hermione didn't know exactly why she was sharing all these things with Harry and only Harry. When she thought about showing him around she didn't ever expect it to be a very emotional experience for her. She was even more surprised of how supportive and understanding Harry was during her little tour around her neighborhood. When he did things like that, Hermione couldn't help but resurface those 'feelings' she is desperately trying to hide.
These 'feelings' aren't going away as fast as I want them too. I'm scared to death; this is not how you are supposed to feel towards your best friend especially towards your fiancé's best friend. I don't know why but it's different with Harry. I can totally be myself. I can show him my faults and flaws, or I can show him the side I don't want anybody to see and I know he won't judge me or hate me. Merlin, please help me.
They spent the whole day like this until Hermione's parents came home from work. They both asked what they did for the day and Hermione explain that she and Harry were up to. Both of smiled and even chipped in and told Harry even more embarrassing Hermione moments. He never had seen Hermione so red in his life. They all couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Hermione.
During their dinner conversations were filled with "I remember when Hermione was younger…" or "Remember the time Hermione…", or "Mum, Dad I think Harry has heard enough about me..."
I really enjoy staying at the Grangers. They are kind, caring, and loving people. Now, he knows where Hermione gets all her amazing traits from. Not to mention, it was great to know the people who raise the woman I love. It's times like these that I miss my mum and dad. Though I might not have siblings like Ron or Ginny, Hermione showed me that I could have a loving family even being the only child. I can't help but dream of what kind of family I would have with Hermione. I hope we could be just like the Grangers but sadly that dream will never come true.
Harry liked learning all these childhood memories from Hermione. It showed him more of the beautiful, smart caring girl he knew and fell in love with. He loved how her eyes twinkled at happy memories and how her eyes darken a little at sad memories. Spending times like this alone with Hermione makes him wonder why he didn't realize his feeling for Hermione sooner. Or better yet, why didn't he say something.
After looking back at all the years, I can't help but feel guilty for all the years I've wasted. If I just did something sooner, maybe just maybe that ring on her left finger would symbolize a promise to me‒not Ron.
As Harry and Hermione lie in their bed and replay the events that happened, they both couldn't help but think that this will be a day they will never forget.
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AN: Sorry it took forever before this update. Don't worry; I'm already working on the next chapter to make it up to you guys. Please don't for get to REVIEW and tell me what you think.