Harry Potter and all related characters ain't mine…though the plot is very much my idea…R/R thanks for the reviews…This isn't much but I hope you'll like it.
Chapter 3: Getting Close
Hermione
I got up early today and looked at myself in the mirror. Larisse convinced me to look for anything that can tame my bushy hair in an Advance Potions book. I owled Oliver to lend me his old book but I intend to get my own copy of course. It was a little complicated but nothing I can't handle. I still had some potion ingredients left over from last year because I always buy extra incase I needed them.
"Hermione it's time," Larisse said. I looked at my reflection for the last time. After I drink the potion I wouldn't see the bushy hair anymore. The spell promised to make my hair smoother with slight waves and edge curls as I added honey and Rose petals as my last ingredients.
"Come on drink up. I hope we got this one right," Larisse said as she handed me the flask with the blue potion in it.
"Trust me, we've followed the instruction by the book and beside I've done a lot harder and even more complex potions than this," I told her remembering the polyjuice potion although I shivered at the memory of my cat self. I drank all the contents of the flask and before I knew anything I was knocked unconscious.
"Hermione, Hermione are you okay?" I heard Larisse say.
"I'm fine. I guess. What happened?" I asked her but what I really wanted to know was how I looked. I hope the potion worked.
"Hermione, you won't believe it but you fainted and well, I don't think that matters because the potion is a big success," Larisse exclaimed as she hugged me and circled me around the room. "Come on look in the mirror," she instructed and I wasn't sure if I was ready to look at myself. Hermione, you can do this. It's not like your going to take an exam or something. I went in front of the mirror with my eyes closed. I, the brave and courageous Hermione Granger who had been through a lot in the past four years in Hogwarts am scared to look at my very own reflection.
"Hermione, come on look at your self. You look fabulous and please open your freaking eyes!" Larisse scolded and I opened one eye then the other. I couldn't believe my eyes. My hair, it's so, perfect. I think Parvati and Lavender would gawk at the way my hair looked. My hair that with its honey brown color softly cascaded just a little below my shoulders. It was so nice to touch it had the velvety feel of a rose and it smelled wonderful. Larisse stood beside me and for once I thought I had an identical twin.
"I can't believe it worked! The potion did it. And I only need to do it once every five years," I exclaimed. I never really cared about what I looked like in the past, and that was probably the reason why neither Ron nor Harry, realized that their best friend is actually a girl.
"But you have to wash your hair always just to keep it nice and clean and brush it at least three times a day," Larisse instructed.
I hugged Larisse and thanked her for convincing me. I didn't know that looking great would make you feel a lot better about yourself not that physical appearance really mattered much to me but it did feel great to seem a little pretty than the usual.
My mom and dad and Larisse's parents' commented on the new change and they all like it. I personally liked it.
Larisse and Oliver had been sending owls to each other since the day they met and I had to teach her a lot of things bout the wizarding world while she taught me how to put a little blush and lip gloss which I really didn't necessary because I was really happy about my hair.
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We're bringing Larisse and her family to the airport. First I have to make a phone call. I got out a piece of parchment with Harry's home number.
The phone rung two times before an adult female voice came in like a slight shriek, "Hello."
"Hi! Can I speak with Harry please? I'm Hermione his classmate," I said in an odd rather fast way.
She didn't answer but the next thing I heard was a horrible, "Harry! Get down here telephone it's a girl!" I heard the phone being put down on the table in a rather strong way.
I waited until I finally heard Harry's voice, "Hello? Hermione is that you?"
"Hi Harry! Yah it's me. I just wanted to tell you that after we drop off Larisse and my aunt and uncle we'd be at your house to pick your up so get your things ready okay," I said I was almost stammering because I notably talked too fast.
"Okay, Hermione. Sorry for my aunt, she's just like that good thing it wasn't uncle Vernon who answered the phone," he said.
"Well, I have to go now. See you later Harry," I said before hanging up but I still heard him say, "Can't wait."
I called Larisse down and she was all dressed ready for Paris.
"You know I'll miss you," I told her and I gave her a tight hug.
"I'll miss you too sweet cakes. Remember what I told you. Don't bury yourself too much in books. Lighten up a bit," she told me. I just smiled but I couldn't possibly do that. The O.W.LS are coming on our fifth year I have to prepare.
"Hermione, my dearest cousin in the planet. You're a very beautiful person and I'm not saying that because we very much look the same. I just want you to remember that you're not just gorgeous in the outside but your inside is a treasure worth keeping and if any guy is stupid enough not to know it all that I can say is he's stupid," Larisse said and it almost made me cry.
We got in my parents' car then we drove off to the airport. It was only an hour and a half away from home.
At the airport Larisse and her parents took the morning flight to Paris. Larisse also reminded me to owl Oliver about her trip and to confirm their meeting. I have to say I'm so happy for her.
We drove off, and our next stop #4 privet drive. I'm so excited to see Harry but I'm also anxious to see his reaction to my new look.
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HARRY
After talking to Hermione on the phone I felt a lot better. Not having to sleep for almost the whole week was an experience. Blasted nightmares I was having. Arabella gave me a potion to help me with my sleeplessness but last night I was too busy counting the time till Hermione comes and gets me out of this house.
I packed my school trunk and Hedwig was sleeping in her cage. I prepared early breakfast for the Dursleys and finished my chores as fast as I could.
I came to see Arabella before the Grangers would come. She was sitting on the couch reading what seemed to me was an old diary.
"Hi Arabella," I said as I entered the living room.
"So you have come to say goodbye," she said as she looked up to me and smiled. Being around her makes me feel safe.
"Yah, Hermione and her parents will pick me up today. I just hope you can go out and introduce them to you," I said. She smiled warmly at me again.
"I'm sure I'll meet Hermione soon enough but for now I can't leave the house. Harry, I want you to have this," she handed me the old diary. "That's your mother's I kept it so you can read it someday and I think now you're old enough to know some things bout your mother's childhood."
"Thanks Arabella, you're the best," I took the diary and gave her a quick hug.
When I got in the house I quietly carried my trunk and then Hedwig's cage outside. The Dursleys were watching TV and not minding me at all. I sat on my trunk with Hedwig in her cage and I waited. It was almost lunchtime. Then I saw a car stop by the house but I couldn't quite figure whom the girl coming out from the back was.
"Harry!" the girl said I couldn't believe it was Hermione. It's Hermione Granger only she didn't have bushy dark brown hair.
"Harry, it's so nice to see you," Hermione said and before I knew it I hugged her. I touched her hair it was silky and as soft as velvet.
"Hermione, is that really you?" I asked as I looked at her from head to foot. Her hair was very noticeable but she was also glowing. The same familiar brown eyes but her lips she must have used something on it because I think I stared at her for almost a whole minute.
"Harry, hello are you okay?" she said and I was a little startled when she placed a hand on my forehead. I small frown showed in her face. "You haven't been sleeping well are you?"
I can't believe she could still figure that even behind my glasses. "So we're leaving now aren't we?" I said.
"Wait come with me I'll introduce you to mom and dad," she said and dragged me to the car and Hermione's parents came out. "Dad, mom this is Harry Potter you saw him at Diagon alley when we went shopping for my second year. He's my best friend," Hermione cheerfully introduced me to her parents. "Harry these are my mom and dad. Eve and Stanley Granger."
"Please to meet you sir, ma'am," I said as I shook hands to both her parents and I have to say they're quite friendly almost like the Weasleys.
"Please to meet you to young man," Mr. Granger said. "Let me help you with your things," he offered.
"No sir it's not much of a burden," I said feeling a little embarrassed.
"If you say so," Mr. Granger said smiling at me. When Hermione and I went to get my things Dudley came out. Hermione was a little startled.
I came and went to Dudley. "Harry, I want you to have this," he handed me a little book." I didn't get the chance to look at it because he asked me to pocket it. "Bye Cousin!" Dudley said before coming back inside the house.
"Isn't that odd. I thought he hated you," Hermione said. As she took Hedwig's cage and I took my trunk.
"Well, I forgot to tell you about Dudley's change. I'll fill you in later," I said and Mr. Granger opened the car compartment and put my trunk inside. Hermione placed Hedwig at the back seat and I sat beside her while both her parents were at front.
"Thanks Hermione," I said.
"Don't mention it Harry. Anything for a friend," she said and she smiled at me again and I felt like my cheeks were burning up.
I talked with Hermione and the Grangers as we traveled for almost an hour. Mr. Granger was a funny person and Mrs. Granger is so sweet and caring, no wonder Hermione was brought up to be a wonderful person.
We got to the Granger's house. It was beautiful a little bigger than the Dursleys. Mr. Granger helped me with my trunk and Hermione took Hedwig's cage. The Grangers had a beautiful garden with nice flowers mostly pink and purple. Isn't that the color of the flowers in my dreams? I had to drag that thought out of my head.
We were inside the living room. It had light blue walls with family pictures in frames on top a family piano. I placed my trunk down and looked at each picture. It had Mr. Granger's graduation photo, and also Mrs. Grangers. I remembered her parents were both dentists. Then there were pictures of Hermione and her family from when she was a baby onwards.
I saw a picture of Hermione without her two front teeth.
"I see you found my worst picture. I told mom to get rid of it but she said she just love it so much," Hermione interrupted me.
"It's actually pretty. I didn't have any pictures when I was a kid only ones when my parents were alive," I told her.
"I'm sorry Harry, but from now on I'll be a Colin Creevey taking pictures of the major things happening around you," she exclaimed.
"Seriously Hermione, I think you're very lucky," I commented.
"I think so too and I wouldn't mind sharing my blessings with you and beside mum and dad had always wanted me to have a brother but I never had any and now they would sort of have one," she said and I think she was slightly blushing.
"Thanks Hermione, I think your parents are great," I said.
"Let's go up to your room. It's just beside mine," she said. She carried Hedwig up the stairs and I followed her behind and I tried to make less noise as I carried my trunk.
We were standing in front of the door of what I would assume as my room and Hermione slowly opened the door. "My cousin Larisse used it and well, we cleaned the place up so you wouldn't see any of her girlie things." I laughed at what she said. Hermione Granger the girl who couldn't care less what she looked like had a cousin who has girlie things but then again I'm actually seeing a different Hermione, myself.
"It's okay Hermione, I used to sleep in a cupboard and most recently in a storage room," I remarked. I could see that she felt sorry for me but soon replaced it with a cheerful reaction.
"Well, Harry Potter, you're a visitor in the Granger's residence and you will be treated as such and that means no chores for you," she demanded.
"Sorry, Hermione but I don't want to be just a visitor. I want to be part of the family and that means sharing house chores," I think I was glowing red when I said I want to be part of her family.
"If you say so Harry, but you get the easy work, okay? Is that a deal?" she said.
"Okay," I had to agree knowing Hermione she'll keep at it forever if I don't say yes.
"Let's get your stuff in the closet," Hermione said as placed Hedwig's cage on the table near the window. I opened my trunk and got Dudley's old clothes out. Just that moment Mrs. Granger got in the room and saw what we were doing.
"Harry, let me help you with those," Mrs. Granger said.
I have to say I was a bit embarrassed with the clothes I brought but Mrs. Granger had the most motherly features that she almost reminds me of Molly Weasley only she's thinner.
"Hermione, I think we should bring Harry to do some shopping sometime," Mrs. Granger said.
"No ma'am. I don't need to. My clothes are just fine," I said a bit embarrassed.
"No Harry, mum's right. We should buy you clothes. Remember what I told you mum about the second task Harry saved me," Hermione said. I tried to reason with them but with two caring but stubborn female Grangers who am I to argue.
"So tomorrow, we three are going to go clothes shopping. I'll tell your father, Hermione. Do come down for lunch you two once you are finished. We're came home a bit late but I think your dad cooked something special," said Mrs. Granger as she went out of my room.
"Thanks Hermione," I said again.
Hermione took my hand and gave it a light squeeze. "Like I said Harry you're already part of my family." Then she kissed me on the cheek.
Lunch was wonderful. Mr. Granger is a genius when it comes to cooking. He made roast chicken and baked potatoes with gravy. After eating I saw Mr. Granger gardening and I took the opportunity to help him.
"Say, Harry how old are you, son?" Mr. Granger asked as he handed me a pot.
"Well, I'm turning 15 on the 31st of July sir," I answered as I placed some soil in it.
"So how are you and my Hermione doing in school? I think also have another friend. Ron Weasley, the one with the red hair?" he said in his jolly tone.
"Yes, sir that's Ron our other best friend. Well, Hermione is really good in school. In fact I think she's the smartest in our year." I said and I have to say I was speaking the truth.
"Yes, Hermione, she's the smart one. She had been like that even before in her primary years. She was always ahead of everyone and I have to say she didn't have any close friends. She only had her cousins and most of them are in different countries. That's why I'm delighted that she had you boys as her friends. I feel confident that you would look after her always," Mr. Granger said.
"Of course sir. I wouldn't let anything happen to Hermione. She had been a very loyal friend to me and she had always stood by through so many things," I replied.
"I know son. I have to say. She told me a lot about how they treated you at home and I have to say you're a very good boy to be treated so harshly," Mr. Granger retorted.
"It's really okay, sir. The Dursleys aren't the best people but hopefully I can leave with my godfather soon," I said.
We have transferred a few plants to new pots. Then I watered the plants even if Mr. Granger insisted that I rest.
I saw Hermione by her window. She was reading a big book. Knowing her she must be studying in advance. Tomorrow Mr. Granger said he wanted to come along shopping for clothes. The Grangers were such happy people although I haven't been able to spend time with Hermione since she helped me with my things.
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It was nighttime. I had a wonderful day. Although only a little was spent with Hermione. Mr. and Mrs. Granger were so nice. I helped Stan in tending the garden and Eve and I prepared dinner.
I couldn't sleep yet and I looked out the open window. I saw Hermione she was sitting at the roof near her window.
"Hermione, why are you still up?" I asked.
"Harry? I didn't know you were still awake. You did a lot today helping mum and dad. Thanks by the way," she said and I have to say that I startled her a bit.
"It was nothing. Your parents are great and it's fun being around a happy normal family. Why are you still up?" I asked her as I went out my window and sat beside her.
"Nothing, I was just thinking about Larisse. Remember she flew to Paris today. I already owled Oliver because they'll see each other there," she said.
"They must like each other a lot," I commented. Hermione was still look at the distance. From where we were we could see the lights coming from the buildings of London.
I could see that she was shivering from the cold. "Hermione put this on," I offered her my old Quidditch robe.
"No Harry. It's okay," she tried to say.
"Hermione, wear it. You're cold and I want you to have it anyway," I said. She had that confused look on her face again. "I've grown a little over the year and I opt to buy a new Quidditch uniform. Think of it as my thank you," I said.
She smiled at me and wore the robe and she cuddled closer to me. "Thanks Harry. This would be my most prided possession."
"Really? More than your books?" I joked.
"Yah, more than my books," she said as she rested her head over my shoulder. I held her in my arms and she fell asleep. I didn't want to wake her so I had to carry her to her room good thing the window was wide enough for the two of us to enter.
I placed her in her bed and covered her with her blanket. I was about to get out her window when I had to glance back at her. "Goodnight Hermione. Sleep tight," I said and I kissed her forehead. I saw a smile in her face while she was fast asleep and I got out of her room and went back to mine.
I lay down on my bed and pondered at the day's events. I'm now at the Grangers. It's a very happy home and I'm glad I asked Hermione to let me stay with her family. Tomorrow would be another day. I have never enjoyed being a muggle before but I think the Grangers would change all that. Hermione, I hope I could spend more time with you.
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RON
Today is the day Harry is going to Grangers to spend the rest of his summer there. I hope he'll have a great time. Well, not too much of a great time, they might forget about me. Seriously, Ron you think they'll forget about you? I asked myself. I had thought about Harry and Hermione all morning, I wasn't even sure if I ate my breakfast but I must have. I would never let a chance for food to pass.
I promised Lavender I'd accompany her in the hillside while she picks flowers.
"Ron, Have you eaten yet, mom said you should bring this basket along," I heard Ginny say before I got out of the door. She held out a basket for me and I took it, knowing it's food inside and the fact that mum made it, made the offer a lot more enticing.
I took the basket from her and kissed her forehead, something that I hadn't been able to do since he attended Hogwarts. "Bye Ginn," I said before I left the house carrying my basket of goodies.
"Hey, Ron your broom," I heard George say as he handed me Charlie's Comet.
"Thanks," I said and I rode the broom.
"Be careful now and don't do anything stupid," Fred called out. And what does he mean by that anyway?
The wind was blowing against my face as I went pass the oak tree by the hill. I told Lavender that I'd be there after 2 and well, I think I'm a bit early.
Lavender was already sitting at their front porch and she must have seen me because she's already waving at me.
"Hey Lav," I greeted her as soon as I landed outside their front porch.
"Hey, you brought food," she said and smiled at me and turned a blush of pink, that's weird. She has a very cute smile. Heck, she's gorgeous. What will Hermione say if I tell her I went on a walk with Lavender? She'd probably make fun of me or not. Hermione isn't like that at all.
"Ron? Hey aren't we leaving yet?" I heard Lavender say. I helped her on the broom and we flew right at the hillside. The place was actually picturesque for a poor neighborhood like where I live.
We went walking around for a while and Lavender went on picking flowers. "Ron, thanks for coming with me. I know you could be spending your time on more important things like Quidditch," she said.
I hate to admit it but I was a little bored but I intend to keep my promise and not act like a moron and live her here. "No Lavender it's just fine. I think it's actually helpful walking around and enjoying the view," I replied.
"I think this is a nice spot," I said as I placed the picnic basket down and put out the nice blanket for us to sit on.
"Insectus Repelus," Lavender said as she waved her wand and pointed it at the blanket. "There we wouldn't get bitten by any insects.
"Where did you learn that?" I asked. I think I sounded a little stupid.
"Just a spell we girls keep in mind so we won't get nasty insect bites during picnics. Hermione helped me and Parvati to learn that one," she answered and yes, it was Hermione's ingenious again that helped them keep their shapely legs to be smooth and free from insect bites. I bet Hermione has the solution to every problem. Smart ass!
The picnic was nice. I was having fun. Real fun almost like having Hermione and Harry around only it's Lavender Brown I'm with. I have to say we weren't even close at school but I guess since I didn't have my friends with me a common face other than my siblings made me feel a lot more at ease.
"Ron, what do you think Harry and Hermione are doing right now?" she asked me. I looked at her and she was beaming at me.
"Well, my guess is Hermione's in her room reading books because that is the only thing I can think of and Harry would be trying very hard to help out in the house," I said and I have to say that my guess is a 90% possibility knowing those two's character. And if I'm not mistaken Hermione would be soon plaguing Harry to do his homework early. I'm starting to feel sorry for him now.
"You're probably right. You know those two too well. Do you think they'd ever be together like a couple?" Lavender's question startled me.
"What do you mean by that exactly? Just the other day you told me to calm down and not see beyond Harry's stay in Hermione's house and now you're asking me if they'd ever get together," I said in the most confused expression I have.
"Well, are you jealous? I mean I only asked if you think they'd ever be together as a couple," she replied.
"Well, Harry has a crush on Cho, that Ravenclaw seeker and Hermione has Viktor Krum as an admirer. I don't know really," I said. I wasn't sure why but the topic just made me uncomfortable. I just can't picture out Hermione and Harry as a couple.
"Well, do you mean Hermione has Viktor and you as her admirers," Lavender bluntly said. I can't believe what she was doing. She was driving me insane.
"Now, why did I get involved in it?" I retorted. I felt so upset that I stuffed my turkey sandwich straight in my mouth.
"Ronald Weasley, don't you think you're too obvious. You have a crush on Hermione Granger and you just wouldn't admit it. Typical boy," she muttered. Why did she have to push it that way?
"Well, fine so I like her, then what?" I admitted. Stupid git why'd you fall for it now she'll tell the whole school when she gets to Hogwarts.
"That's just what I wanted to hear. I just wanted you to admit your feelings. Now let's get back to eating," she said and I sense something about her. We didn't talk the rest of the way back to her house.
"Bye Lavender," I called out to her before she entered the house.
"See yah around Weasley," she said without looking back at me. It was weird. I half expected her to kiss me on the cheek like she usually did when I walk or fly her home. Well, I still need to do a lot of thinking. Am I really crushing on my best friend, Hermione? Well, I can't take it back now. I already told her that I did.
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The next day, was Quidditch practice day. Fred and George were once again training Ginny and me. I expected Lavender to show up at the hill to watch as play but she wasn't anywhere in sight.
"Hey, Ron watch it," I heard Ginny warn me as the Quaffle sent by Fred almost hit me square on the face. I was able to make a flip and it hit the broom instead.
After a very tiring game Ginny and I went back to the kitchen to drink.
"Hey Ginn, have you seen Lavender this morning?" I asked her.
"I think she's home doing her homework. I went by her house to borrow Heather's old broom. Lavender said she felt a little sick and didn't want to go out. Did you do anything to her?" Ginny suddenly asked me.
"Me? Of course I didn't do anything to her. Why would I?" I said defensively. Lavender didn't go out. Well, I didn't do anything to her. Did I?
"Well, Ron I think something's bothering her and since you're in the same year I think you should be responsible enough to help her," Ginny said.
"I have too many things going on in my head to add her to it," I argued. She just made me aware of my so-called feelings for Hermione and then she suddenly won't come out of the house. Women you just can't figure them out.
To be continued….