Harry Potter and all related characters ain't mine…though the plot is very much my idea…R/R thanks for the reviews… Yup… Magic ain't allowed out of Hogwarts right? But at this point the Ministry of Magic's too busy covering their Asses that a little minor magic inside the Leaky Cauldron wouldn't mean much. I think brewing potions is out of the question. Snape had always seen his subject as a form of science and not exactly the hocus pocus type… sorry about that just got to answer a nice review…
Chapter 5: Awkward moments with Girls
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RON
I'm not particularly thrilled with what I'm going to do today. Who would be? Ginny had talked me into apologizing to Lavender because of something, which at this point I still haven't figured out yet.
I'm waiting in front of Lavender's house. Should I knock or should I stay out here till it it's dark. Why did I pick these silly flowers anyway? I looked at the pretty wild flowers I was holding all of them were Lavender or Purple and some were actually pink. The twins would have a feast if they see me here holding this bouquet.
"What are you doing here Ron," I was a little startled. Lavender was wearing a nice blue dress that matched her deep blue eyes. (n/a: I can't remember what she looked like so let's just pretend Lavender Brown had blue eyes and light brown hair.)
"Well, I… I came here to apologize," I said meekly. But I still don't know what I'm apologizing for.
A smile broke in Lavender's face and I actually think it made her a lot prettier. `Hey, since when did you find Lavender Brown pretty?' I asked myself. Well, I have to say since our forth year I've had an eye for pretty girls and well, she's one of the prettiest I know.
"Are those for me?" she asked and well, I think my stupid self just blushed as I gave her the flowers. "Well, don't just stand there. Come inside."
I clumsily went in. I haven't felt this awkward before the last time was when I made a complete fool out of myself in front of Fleur. The house where Lavender was staying in was a beautiful house. It was probably bigger than the Burrow and with nice tasteful furniture.
"Sit down Ron," she said. The house was such a marvel for me. Well, if only we had these nice things in the house then it would have been more comfy.
"So your aunt and uncle are rich?" I can't believe I had to ask a dumb question like that.
She smiled at me she must think I'm very stupid now. "They're just regular wizard just like my parents. They venture into small businesses. We aren't rich like the Malfoys and their lot," she replied.
If this isn't rich then Draco must be right, my family's really poor. "You know Ron, whether someone is rich or poor isn't very important. I know I may not look it, but I couldn't care less if I'm rich or not as long I have my family together," she said that as if reading out my thoughts and I just gave her a smile.
"But you and Parvati have this thing for girly stuff. Hermione told as so," oops I shouldn't have mentioned that.
"Well, it's okay. We do have a reputation for like things fancy and I don't blame Hermione for thinking that way. I mean she's really different from us. Hermione had her priorities straight and well, we still need to develop that. Just after Cedric died I realized that popularity isn't everything. It won't save you from anything," she admitted.
I guess I was looking at a different Lavender Brown. She was no longer the slightly snobbish girl I used to know. Maybe Cedric's death did affect a whole lot of us. Lavender was right I'm lucky to have my family and to think I envied Harry a lot for all his money and popularity and I actually over looked the fact that he had lost his parents at a young age and he actually witnessed someone's death and to top that he had his life at stakes almost every year.
"So what did you came here for again?" Lavender brought me back to reality with her question.
"Well, like I said I want to apologize. The thing is I know that I must have upset you or something but would you mind telling me what I actually did or say that upset you?" I just had to ask her. I was going through a tough thing here apologizing for something I couldn't quite put together.
"You know what, I have a better idea. Let's just forget that I was ever upset with you. See my reasons aren't so important," she replied.
I don't think that was fair. I came here and apologized to her and I assume she had already forgiven me and still I have no idea of the wrong I have done. She's keeping a secret from me. "Why won't you tell me the reason then if it isn't that important?"
"I can't tell you," she muttered and she looked away from me and I think she was blushing.
"Why can't you tell me? We're friends aren't we?" I asked. What was she hiding? It couldn't think of any reason why she was acting that way.
"We are friends. I mean you have been quite a good company and I have to say I didn't expect to be close to Ronald Weasley, one of the famous Gryffindor trio," she said and I wasn't sure if she was joking or was actually complementing me.
"So I'll see you tomorrow then when we practice Quidditch?" I asked as I went towards the door.
"Yup, I'll be there. Ron, thanks for the flowers," she said. I was going to face her and I think she was about to give me a kiss on the cheek and, well, it sort of landed on my lips. We both turned away from each other and I have to say it was so embarrassing. I think my face was as read as my hair.
"I better go now. See you tomorrow. And Lavender I don't have any romantic feelings for Hermione," then I made a run for it. It was my first ever kiss. I can't believe it. I better tell someone or I'll explode. Hermione, no I can't she'll think I'm a kiss and tell. Harry, he'll understand and he's a guy he knows what it's like but he hasn't been kissed yet, well, I guess?
I can't believe what I am feeling right now. I think I'm floating. Lavender Brown just kissed me. Accidentally that is. I went up the hill and I think I yelled out loud for no particular reason at all. I went back to the Burrow but didn't feel like eating dinner. It was so unlike me to skip a meal. I love food but I think writing this whole ordeal would help me breathe better. Ronald Weasley had been kissed. I feel like I'm all grown up now. I started my letter to Harry.
Dear Harry,
Hi there mate! So how's your stay at Hermione's I hope she isn't torturing you with finishing our home works early. I have a very important thing to tell you but promise me that Hermione wouldn't know about it. You know her she'll criticize me, or something if she finds out. Harry, Lavender Brown kissed me on the lips. Mate, one of the prettiest girls in Hogwarts just gave me my first kiss. Isn't that great? I really think I'm starting to like her. (Wait should I tell him that? I really do think I like her so I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell my best friend.) So what do you think Harry? Should I ask her out or maybe date her when we get back to school?
Well, Harry I need to ask you one more thing and I hope you answer me in the most honest way possible. Do you like Hermione and I don't mean like her because she's my friend like? If ever you do and you guys wanted to get together as a couple you have my blessing just don't go making it a secret from me okay? I guess my letter is too long. I hope you guys can come and stay with us. Ginny and I have a very big chance of getting in the Quidditch team.
Your Best friend,
Ron
I wrote Top Secret in front of the letter then tied the letter on Pig for delivery. I hope Harry answers it soon. Well, if those two will get together I do hope I can find someone I can bring along so I won't be the third wheel. I think Lavender would be perfect. I can't believe I'm already day dreaming about it.
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HARRY
I was up late last night reading my mum's diary and I have to say it was the most heart-warming experience. I think I have come to terms to what my mum really is like. Her description of her life when she was growing up was nice and while I read the lines in her diary it felt surreal as if I was really there watching the whole event take place. I don't know what time is it in the morning but the sun was already high.
"Morning Harry! I brought you some breakfast," it was Hermione I guess I really woke up late. I checked at what I was wearing underneath my blanket. I had my pajamas and a big shirt on. Thank goodness I look decent.
"I made these myself," Hermione mused. "I asked mum to teach me how to cook and I think it's pretty easy." I scanned the food right in front of me. There were fried egg four bacon strips and some garlic butter bread rolls and some pumpkin juice.
"You made all of these for me?" No one had ever made me breakfast before. Hermione was still beaming at me. I think she's so proud of the breakfast she made for me and I have to say the aroma was too tempting not to try any. I ate a piece of the garlic rolls and they were delicious.
"These are very good Hermione. When did you learn how to make them?" I simply had to ask.
"Just today. It's actually my first venture into the kitchen to actually do some cooking. Mum was nice enough to teach me," she exclaimed. I guess Hermione was too busy studying that she didn't get to learn more domestic things like cooking. At the rate she was going I think she'll be good as a chef in no time.
"I have to say that for a first timer you're really good Hermione," I commented.
"Well, my cooking isn't as good as yours Harry. I guess I rather felt embarrassed not having to know anything in the kitchen while a boy like you goes really well in it," she admitted and it just made me smile. Hermione Granger the person who knows just about anything acknowledged her naïveté in the kitchen.
"Like I said you'll be good at it in no time," I remarked and she smiled at me. She grows lovelier each day.
"Eat up Harry. We have home works to finish today," I knew she was up going to bring that up at any moment and well it was sooner than I'd hoped. I ate my breakfast while in bed and when I got up to take the tray down stairs, Hermione stopped me and made me take a warm shower instead. She took the tray and went down with a very satisfied look on her face.
Everyday I discover something new about Hermione and I can't help but notice how beautiful a person she has become. She's no longer the bossy little girl that walked up to Ron and me on the train in our first year. Although I really wouldn't mind her bossing me around sometimes because I still think she's cute when she does it. Ron would probably puke if he could here my thoughts right now.
I went inside the bath and took my warm shower. I guess we'll be too busy with home works today but the good side is I'd be able to spend more time with my girl best friend, Hermione. `How would she react if I call her my girl friend in a casual friendly manner of course? Would she mind at all?' I simply thought but I shoved the idea at the back of my head realizing the implications of such actions.
I was done with my warm bath and got back in the room I had my bathrobes on. I'm quite glad I had it on for Hermione was in my room preparing the clothes I was going to wear. "Good you're done. Here are your clothes. After getting dresses get your books, parchments and quills so we can start working. I'll call you to my room when I'm ready. You can go start your reading if you like. I'll be taking my bath now, see you later," she said before leaving my room. She was in a very nice mood. I guess the thought that it was pure study day today uplifted her spirit in some way.
I got the clothes Hermione picked for me on. She made me wear my newly bought green shirt and black loose pants. They were very comfortable to wear and did look quite nice on me. I took Hermione's advice and start getting my school stuff out of my trunk. Snape gave us a five-page essay on how to make an invisibility potion. He really has a way of spoiling our vacation. I had some books, which Arabella thought I should find handy especially in my favorite DADA subject. I wonder who our new teacher would be? I mean Moody is too freaked out after being locked in a luggage bag for the whole school term.
I started reading my Advance Potions also one of the books Arabella lent me. It did have the invisibility potion ingredients and how to make it. It's not very complicated, nothing Hermione can't handle. Snape won't admit it but Hermione is very good at his subject but he's too busy praising Draco Malfoy his favorite Slytherin pet.
"Harry, I'm done get your butt in my room we have some home works to finish and I promise you that when this day is over you'll be home work free in no time," she said gleefully as she poked her head in my slightly open door. I didn't feel like studying to be honest but with her happy disposition you couldn't help but share her enthusiasm.
"I'm coming," I got my parchments, inks and quills and placed it on top of my leather bound books. I went to Hermione's room and she already had two chairs and tables set for the both of us. Hermione's room was lilac in color and had nice pictures placed on her wall. She has a small stuff animal collection that I hadn't noticed before. The tables were by her window so we could see from the outside.
"Watch shall we work on first the hard ones or the easy ones?" she asked and I thought it was best we work on Snape's essay first.
We read the books and openly discussed the procedure. I've always studied with Hermione before and there were times that it was just the two of us but this time being around her felt different. I feel comfortable around her and yet there seem to be this weird thing going on inside me when our skin touches when she tries to point out something to me, which we read from the book. The nice sweet scent of honey in her hair was almost intoxicating. She was still Hermione my best friend only she's slightly different. Why didn't I notice the fact that she was a girl before and to think she was a very attractive one. No wonder Viktor Krum was trying to get to her last year. I have over looked her beautiful qualities because she was too familiar and now I've finally realized the many things I missed noticing in the past.
"Harry, don't you think we can add a few more drops of crop oil so the invisibility potion would have a longer effect?" her question brought me back to reality.
"What? I'm sorry I was thinking about something," I said as I run my hands thru my always-messed up hair.
"You mean someone?" she muttered. "Thinking about Cho aren't you?" well, I was a bit surprised about that and to think I haven't been thinking Cho Chang since I came to the her house and beside I was too busy thinking about a particular someone just beside me. "It's alright Harry. I know you have a thing for her since our first year. I've noticed the way you looked at her at the Yule Ball. You maybe with Parvati but your eyes were fixated to a particular Ravenclaw."
What Hermione said was true I fancied Cho Chang not too long ago but I guess the turn of events at the Triwizard tournament made some dramatic changes in me and it affected my liking for Cho. I realized how much she loved Cedric and I still hold that guilty feeling inside me because I couldn't save him and I guess I would be carrying that burden forever.
"I wasn't thinking about her," I said I think Hermione saw the sudden change in me and I saw that sympathetic look on her face.
"I know that you feel guilty that you weren't able to bring Cedric back with you alive but Harry, you did the right thing. You brought Cedric back to his parents and to Cho just as he wanted you to. If it would make you feel better why won't you write her a letter? If it would help even apologize to her but I really don't think it's necessary. I know it had been so hard for you lately and I want to make you feel better Harry. If only I could share your burden with you, I would," Hermione's concern just enveloped me like a warm blanket. She had always been caring to me. She knew what to say and when to say it.
I just hugged her for what seemed to me was a good couple of minutes then I looked at her. "Thanks, Hermione. I guess I never told you how much I appreciate your friendship and your loyalty to me. You were there for me even at those times when you could have just turned your back on me. I know you've been through a lot for me and I just don't know what I'll do with you and Ron with me."
"I'm your friend Harry and the three of us will always stick together. You can be sure that I'll stand by you through thick and thin and I'd endure whatever trials if you need me to go through with it with you," she said with conviction.
I kissed Hermione's cheek and I told her something that I wasn't really sure what I meant by. "I love you Hermione. I don't know what I'll do with out you," I admitted. `Wait I said I love you. Do I mean it? Of course I do. She's my best friend and I love her a lot,' I reminded myself. I just caught myself panicking.
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HERMIONE
What did Harry said? He loves me? What does he mean by that? `Hey, he's your best friend, of course he loves you in a friendly kind of way,' I reminded myself. We have stayed in my room for almost an hour now discussing the invisibility potion. I did most of the talking and well I think Harry was drifting into deep thought and I assumed he was thinking of Cho whom he had been crushing on for a while. But I think I did something really bad because at the mention of her name I saw that sad look on his face the one that I saw at the night of Cedric's death. I knew I had to comfort him and I did.
I was happy to hear that he was grateful for my existence I thought I wasn't that important to him because it had always been him and Ron together. And just now he said he's thankful and he loves me. What should I say? It's not like he just professed his undying love to me. He only said he loved me because he's my friend, right? "I love you too Harry. You and Ron had been my best friends and I never had any before. I know I have been bossy and all those stuff to the two of you and sometimes you just couldn't stand me but I promise I'll be more understanding, though I cannot promise to avoid arguments with Ron because that boy is very tetchy." There, at last I saw him smile again.
Harry hugged me a few times and I don't know if it's the breakfast I made for him that made him so grateful all of a sudden or it's just his way of getting away from schoolwork. I was happy though because he seemed as interested as I was too study. I think Harry had gotten used to my hair because he didn't seem to notice it like he used to the first time he saw the new hairstyle. I have noticed the changes in Harry also. When he hugged me I felt the formation of muscles in his body it must be because of his too much work at the Dursleys or even his preparations for the Triwizard Tournament. There were no traces of the scrawny little boy. Harry's already a young man and a very handsome one at that. `You can't think of your best friend like that,' I scolded myself.
After eight long hours of studying with only half hour stops for lunch and dinner we've finished our Potions, Transfigurations, Charms and Astronomy home works. We didn't have assignments from Hagrid because he said we needed the break. Harry's almost through with everything but I still need to do my Arithmancy and Ancient Ruins.
"You think I can take Ancient Ruins with you this year and drop Divination?" Harry asked as he was cleaning up his table.
"I don't know but you can write McGonagall and ask if they would allow you to. I think it's a very good decision you made," I commented and well, I really think he's doing the right thing.
"I saw some of the books you were reading and well, I think they're interesting and Arabella suggested I take a worth while subject," he said. He did mention her in his letter before.
"Well, she's right you know and I'm not saying this because I'm already taking the subject but Ancient Ruins is a very interesting subject. If I won't be able to work in Hogwarts as a teacher I think I'm going to be an archeologist for the ministry," I've never told anyone about my plans and well, not even mum and dad knew about it.
"That's great Hermione and maybe we can go on an expedition together or maybe we can talk Ron into some adventures with us," he said with delight. I thought about it, the three of us going to undiscovered sites and we'd be the first wizards to visit the ruins of ancient Atlantis on those sorts.
"I think that's brilliant Harry, although I think Ron would rather play Quidditch and we'll I think you'll be one too," I admitted. I know Harry loves to play Quidditch and even if watching him gives me close heart attacks I love seeing him happy while flying and chasing after the golden snitch. The wonderful brilliance his eyes when he's eagerly going after it. Then the wonderful look on his face when he finally catches it. It was pure ecstasy.
"I do love Quidditch but I don't see myself doing it all my life. I think I can go with you on a few expeditions or two," he said and he grinned at me.
"We'll know that in time," I said and I wondered what would be of the three of us after we finish school. I know we haven't even had our O.W.LS yet but I know that it wouldn't be long.
"Hermione, why didn't you go and visit Viktor Krum in Bulgaria?" Harry asked me as I was reading my Ancient Ruins book.
"Because my best friend is more important than any invitation from any superstar Quidditch player and besides I like our own Gryffindor seeker," I replied. He smile at me and he kissed my forehead.
"I'm just so lucky to have you as my best friend," he said. `I wish I was even more than your friend,' I quietly hoped. But I know that it couldn't be possible. Harry has his eyes on someone else and there are many girls swarming after him.
"Let's just go and stay at the roof. Finish those tomorrow," Harry said as he grabbed me and helped me up on the table.
"But… I'm not done yet. Your home works are finished but mine aren't," I tried to argue.
"No buts! You need a little break. I'll even help you with your home works tomorrow," Harry said and he sat on the roof and motioned me to sit beside him and I still brought the book with me. "You're just too stubborn," he joked.
"So what do you reckon Ron's doing right now?" I asked. Harry and I are having the time of our lives and Ron isn't with us.
"Well, he's probably training very hard so he can secure the position as Keeper," Harry replied.
"You're probably right," I agreed. "But the team doesn't have a captain yet. Who do you reckon will take Oliver's old position?" I asked remembering Oliver's comment at the Diagon alley.
"I don't know? Maybe one of the Weasley twins or even Katie," he said. He was glancing at the book I was reading.
"How about you? I think you can make an excellent Quidditch Captain," I commented and I think Harry blushed.
"I don't think I'm good enough to be captain," he said. But I think he'll make an excellent captain because he's dedicated. "But Hermione I do know someone who'll make a good Prefect," he said.
"Oh yah, who?" I asked. I looked at his piercing grin eyes.
"None other than Ms. Hermione Granger of course," he said in his most convincing tone.
"I do hope so. I've always wanted to be Prefect but I don't know if I'm good enough. You on the other hand have a big chance also. You can be the male prefect," I exclaimed.
"I don't think I'm as smart as you are. Prefects ought to be very intelligent and dependable and those are clearly your outstanding characteristics other than being loyal and kind," Harry's comments made me blush.
"We'll be both Prefects then," I said and he just grinned. "If you'll be a Quidditch captain and a prefect, you'll be having too much work but I'll help you manage everything," I offered.
"You assume so much from me Hermione but I'll try my very best to live up to your expectations," Harry said jokingly and he placed an arm around my shoulder. I have developed a hobby of falling asleep in Harry's arms and every time he'd tuck me in bed.
We were still chatting when we saw Pig Ron's owl arrived. He directly went to Harry. He took the letter from the little owl and the bird flew away quickly.
"It's a letter from Ron it says top secret so I can't show it to you until I find its contents safe," he said and kept the letter in his pocket.
"Why do you two have secrets that you don't share with me," I said because I was a little hurt.
"I'll show it to you if I find it safe for you to read. Ron would probably want to let you know eventually, whatever it is that he thinks is top secret," Harry tried to assure me.
"If you say so Harry. I'm going to bed. I stood up and went to my room.
"Okay, night Hermione. Don't go reading that book tonight, rest and we'll continue studying tomorrow okay," he called out to me. I got his old Quidditch robes on and went to bed.
That night I had the most wonderful dream. Harry kissed my cheek, as I lay in bed asleep. I wonder if it's just a dream or an actual occurrence.
To be continued…