Harry Potter and all related characters ain't mine…though the plot is very much my idea…R/R thanks for the reviews… Well, if you think Harry and Hermione were acting a little stupid or dumb well. They're not really. It's just that I like to believe that love makes the smartest people even Hermione a bit disoriented at times.
Chapter 7: Just Letters
HARRY
It's been four days since the night I almost kissed her. I wish I did then I wouldn't be feeling this way. I wouldn't be thinking of what could have been. Ron told me that if I wasn't able to kiss her then, maybe there's a reason for it. He told me I was probably scared and I have to say I was. What if I kissed her and she'd slap me. How would the rest of my stay be like?
I guess I couldn't abuse the kindness Hermione's parents showed me. Hey, it's not like I'm going to hurt her or something. What would a simple kiss do? No, they trust me and I can't take advantage of her. `She's capable to of taking care of herself. She's not a weakling, you know,' I told myself. I had finished writing Ron a letter. Hermione and I were acting considerably the same as before although she avoids looking at me when we talk. I hope I didn't embarrass her or anything.
I sent Hedwig out to give Ron my letter. Hermione and I agreed to go and spend the rest of the month in the Weasleys and her parents agreed also. Thank goodness they had a convention invitation in Berlin. On Monday we will stay at the Leaky Cauldron. Her parents will drop us off in the Leaky Cauldron before they fly off to Berlin. We'll stay there till the Weasleys arrive the next day. We'll go shopping for school things then go and spend the rest of the summer at the Burrow. I'll be spending my 15th birthday at the Burrow. That's a very enticing thought.
I saw a school owl swoop over me. It dropped two letters and a bigger owl came with two parcels and dropped it on my lap. "Hermione, school letters!" I called out as I knocked at her door.
"What?" Hermione came out probably just out of bed. I guess I was up quite early. "Why didn't they bring my letter in my room?"
"Your window was probably closed," I said. Since that night I waited for Hermione to come to our usual spot at the roof. But for three nights now she avoided coming there. I still waited of course but when I looked through her window she was usually already sound asleep.
I gave her letter and the parcel with her name on it. "Let's read it together," she said as we got back inside my room. Mr. and Mrs. Granger were still probably asleep.
We read Hermione's letter first:
Dear Ms. Granger,
We are very pleased to inform you that you have been chosen as the female Gryffindor Prefect. You are to take your responsibilities as such with the help of the male prefect, who had been carefully selected.
You and your counterpart shall stay in the prefects' compartment in the Hogwarts express. Please read your Prefect's handbook, which is located in the parcel with your Prefect's badge. Congratulations Ms. Granger. You will also receive the list of schoolbooks and supplies needed for this term.
Yours Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Head Mistress
"I can't believe it Harry. I'm a prefect. Go on open your letter," Hermione exclaimed.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that after a very stiff deliberation we have chosen you as the Gryffindor male Prefect. You are to take your responsibilities whole-heartedly and I would dearly point out following strict rules and regulations.
We have found in your performance and as for your service to the school you are very much qualified to be a prefect just as your parents were.
You and your counterpart shall take the prefects compartment at the Hogwarts express. Read and understand and put to use the things written in your Prefects handbook located in the parcel carrying your prefect's badge. Congratulations.
Upon your request to drop Divination to take up Ancient Ruins, we cannot allow you to drop the subject because you are half way to finishing the course. We on the other hand thought it best to allow you to take Ancient Ruins as an additional subject provided you pass the exam so you can join students of your year otherwise you would take the class with the third years and move on to a higher level as you improve.
Yours truly,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress.
"I'm a prefect I can't believe it!" I exclaimed. Hermione hugged me and carried her and we circled around like weirdoes.
"You did it Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. We were going around in circles and we fell on the bed with a loud thud. Hermione landed her back on the soft mattress and I fell on top of her. It was like that awkward moment again but this time I had to do it. I don't care what would happen next. What's important is the two of us right here right now. I stared at her deep brown eyes. She smiled at me. I knew that moment was it. I lowered my lips to hers and we kissed. It was awkward at first. A million thoughts were running through my head. I haven't brushed my teeth yet. What if I still have morning breath? But when Hermione responded to my kiss I knew it was okay. Forget about the morning breath forget about everything else. I then realized that my eyes were closed.
"Harry, Hermione! What happened," We heard Mrs. Granger she was coming up the stairs and Hermione and I suddenly stood up.
"Mum, I'm a prefect. Harry is too," Hermione hurriedly said to her mum. Thank goodness Hermione has presence of mind.
"I'll go and tell your father so we can celebrate," Mrs. Granger made her way towards the door but she stopped and looked at Hermione and me. "You two should go down and have some breakfast. Freshen up and go straight to the kitchen." Mrs. Granger left us.
"So what do we do next?" Hermione asked.
"We can stay in my room for a little while and continue…" I was about to finish my statement when Hermione cut in.
"Let's just do what mum says, and we'll think about that later," Hermione blew me a kiss before she went out of my room. That didn't sound bad at all. I couldn't stop myself I jumped a few times and was screaming "yes!" at the top of my lungs.
"What are you doing?" Hermione peaked in my room again.
"I was just stretching out. I'm going to the bathroom now," I said and pretended to stretch my arms up. I got out of the room and into the bathroom. That was really stupid of me then I realized I didn't even bring my towel along. I went out of the bathroom. "Uhm… Hermione use it first I'll just go in next." Hermione had her bathrobe on. She smiled at me and I felt my knees all wobbly. So this is what it feels like. I thought Ron was exaggerating. I went back inside my room and got my bathrobe. I found myself looking at myself in the mirror touching my lips like a ninny. Hermione's lips were so soft and her skin felt so nice and warm. I had no idea that attraction between too people felt like this. Could this be love? Jeez, I can't scare Hermione away with a strong word like that. We're barely fifteen she'd think I'm a psycho. Whatever it is I'm feeling for her I'm sure it's very strong. I admit I like her. No I don't just like her. I think at my young age of, well almost fifteen I found true love.
I heard the bathroom door open. Now I can use the bathroom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We were eating breakfast Mr. and Mrs. Granger wanted us to celebrate before they leave for Berlin.
"So were would you two like to go?" Mr. Granger asked.
"Definitely not the public pool dad," Hermione said. I looked at her and we both laughed remembering what happened a few days ago.
"Well, how about we watch a play," Mrs. Granger asked. I've never been to one so I find the offer quite interesting.
"What plays have you seen Harry?" Mr. Granger asked me.
"I've never seen a theater act before sir," I answered. I felt both of Hermione's parents look at me sympathetically.
"Well, tonight you'll be watching one. How about Miss Saigon? It's playing out at the national theater," Mrs. Granger said. (n/a: I have my reasons why I chose this play so just read along)
"It's a nice play Harry. I've read about its story and it was quite a hit in Broadway.
"We have to wear something formal. Harry put on the nice suit we bought you. It would look very nice tonight," Mr. Granger said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The rest of the days were spent with Hermione and me reading for my Ancient Ruins exams. Then at six pm we started dressing up for tonight's show. Mr. Granger called to reserve four tickets. After they got early from work, everyone including Hermione and me were busy dressing up. While we were studying though, I had to stop myself from kissing her. And she found the whole ordeal amusing. She would watch me make a fool of myself and would tease me by kissing my cheek.
Mr. and Mrs. Granger and I were waiting for Hermione to go down. She was always the last one to come out. When Hermione started to descent from the stairs I was awestruck. I think I had to hold my face because my mouth wouldn't stop falling open. She was so beautiful wearing a nice black dress. She looked like a very beautiful lady.
"Hermione dear you are just so lovely," Mrs. Granger was beaming at her daughter and so was Mr. Granger.
"She's so beautiful just like her mother," Mr. Granger said and I have to say I agree with him a hundred percent.
I offered my arm and she most willingly obliged. If her parents weren't around I would have been liable to kissing her right there and then.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HERMIONE
For the first time Harry and I kissed. He finally did it. I thought giving him the cold shoulder wouldn't work but I guess it does but come to think of it. It was very hard. It took me a lot of effort to force myself not to look at his angelic face. Yes, he looked like an angel to me. Ginny was right I had to knock some sense into Harry.
This morning when our Hogwarts letters finally came we had the best news ever. Harry and I are prefects isn't that grand? But that isn't the best part. Well, I'm really happy about what happened after we found out we were prefects. I had to say it again he kissed me.
So we started reviewing for his test in Ancient Ruins we just have to be in that class together. It was fun watching him just from across me. He would look at me in a way I have never seen him doing before then he would smile at me and it would just make my inside melt. I caught him a few times staring at me and I would giggle or a one time kiss him on the cheek.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tonight I don't know exactly what to wear. I had a few formal dresses but I think they were too childish. Good thing my mum is such a sweet heart and she picked a dress for me on their way home. Of course I didn't let Harry see the dress because I wanted it to be a surprise. I put on a nice black off shoulder velvet gown. It was long but had a slit just slightly above the knee. The dress was simple and yet very elegant it neither made me look young nor old. It was perfect.
As I got down the stairs I saw mum and dads proud expression. And Harry's expression was worth more than all the gold in Gringotts bank. He was staring at me like he had never seen me before. His emerald green eyes matched beautifully in his black formal. Come to think of it it's as if our clothes were matched. Harry and I walked arm in arm and he whispered something very nice to my ear. "You're very beautiful tonight." I couldn't stop myself from blushing.
At the British National Theater many elegant people were gathered and were about to get inside. Mum and dad told as to wait for them as they get our reserved tickets. I finally had a little alone time with Harry who has been a very gracious escort.
"I can't believe I'm with the most beautiful girl tonight," Harry whispered. I blushed like any young woman would when a handsome young man tells her she's lovely.
"You've been around me for four years now and you notice me just now," I joked.
"Actually, I have gotten used to how lovely you are having been around you a lot that I never took the chance too look at you more closely and I have to say spending time with you and your family just made me see how beautiful you are in a far more better light," he confessed and as I stared at his handsome green eyes I would have so wanted to kiss him.
"Ah, it's so nice to see the two of you again," a familiar voice came from behind us.
"Not you again," I heard Harry say and as I turned around I realized why Harry was so upset. It was Kyle minus his stupid friends.
"Hi beautiful, fancy seeing you around here," Kyle said as he tried to approach me.
"Well, I don't share the same sentiments so if you could just leave us alone," I said as I turned my back on him. "Harry let's go let's look for mum and dad."
"So your parents are here too. Are you also from the diplomatic community? My dad is an ambassador," Kyle said smugly. He reminds me, more and more of Draco.
"Well, we didn't ask you did we?" I snapped. I had to keep my composure but that git was getting into my nerve and I could see Harry was pissed off too.
"There you two are," Thank goodness my parents are here. "Let's get inside now. Harry, here take your ticket and Hermione's. We booked late that's why we got two separate pairs of seats. Well, just meet at the lobby after the show. Harry, take care of our baby girl, okay?" My mum and dad went ahead. Harry and I followed in. Thank goodness Kyle the idiot didn't follow.
Harry and I took the seats in the middle as our ticket numbers directed. Mum and dad were a few seats at the back.
Harry took my hand and squeezed it lightly. I smiled back at him. I still had to keep myself in check because I was surely drowning in his beautiful green eyes. People were starting to fill the seats. The lights started to dim. The show was about to begin.
Harry looked intently at the brilliant show. Ms. Saigon was about a sixteen-year-old Vietnamese girl whose parents died and had work in a bar, which American soldiers frequented. Kim, fell in love with one of them, Chris. The cast was mainly composed of Asians. Harry was probably mesmerized by the show. All these Asian girls they remind me of someone, I just can't quiet put together.
"Hermione, the girl with the pink dress doesn't she remind you of someone," Harry whispered.
Of course they're Asians! Even one of them looked like Cho. Hmm…so that's why Harry was watching it so seriously.
"Hermione, did I say something wrong?" Harry asked me. I didn't want to look at him at the moment.
"Nothing. Just continue gawking," I said.
"What?" Harry asked curiously.
"I mean watching. Just continue watching," I clarified. I can't believe I'm acting this way but I guess I'm jealous. `Oh, Hermione grow up!' I scolded myself. But when I looked at Harry he was watching the girl in the pink dress dancing and to think she wasn't even part of the main cast. I hope that girl won't be in the next act.
"Hermione, your awfully quiet," Harry said as he took my hands in his.
"It's nothing. I just don't want to disturb your watching," I said bluntly. The show was wonderful but I definitely want to get ride of that girl in the pink dress. No wait she's now wearing a red one like the rest of them. So what if she looks like Cho? I'm the one Harry wants, right?
The show had the usual before the second act break. I told Harry that I wanted to go to the powder room and I did. I really did need to do anything just to relax the little tension inside me. I was probably just being paranoid but I the fact that the girl resembled Cho and Harry was always looking at her made me feel uncomfortable. It's me he likes, doesn't he? I asked myself in the mirror. I combed my hair a little and powdered my nose before finally going out.
I was about to go back inside when Kyle the obnoxious came out.
"Finally, a little time without your body guard," Kyle stepped up almost pinning me to the wall.
"I don't feel like talking to you okay. I'm going to get back inside just stay away from me," I said I tried to break free.
"Easy, I'm not going to do anything to you. I just want to know your name," he said as he straightened up and stepped away a little from me.
"Why do you care who I am? I'm no diplomat's daughter. In fact my parents are dentist. If you want to get your teeth checked go to them," and I marched back inside. Then I bumped into Harry.
"I was worried what took you so long?" Harry asked with a look of concern in his eyes.
"I just came out of the powder room. Let's get back inside," I said and grabbed Harry's arm before he sees Kyle.
"Hey, did that guy do anything to you?" Harry asked me he probably saw him.
"No I didn't even know he was there. Let's get back inside." I pulled Harry back inside. I was a little jealous about the girl Harry was staring at on stage but I surely don't want him to get into a fight because of me.
"Are you sure he didn't do anything?" Harry asked me for the nth time.
"Harry relax, he didn't do anything to me and beside do you think I'll let him," I said with conviction.
The next act showed Chris with his new wife Ellen. Kim now has Chris' son and he doesn't know about him until he came back. His friend John and Ellen learned about Kim.
In the end Kim killed herself and Chris took their son with them back to the US. It was tragic and yet the play was beautiful. Harry and I met with mum and dad at the lobby.
We were about to leave and the valet had our car up front when Kyle suddenly came and tapped my father's shoulder.
"Excuse me sir?" Kyle said trying to catch his breath. "I heard you're a dentist I wonder if I could set an appointment."
"Well, tomorrow is a weekend and on Sunday we're leaving for Berlin. I don't think I can schedule you till next month," Dad said and I think he was startled by the sudden intrusion.
"My tooth really needs to be treated or pulled. Don't you have a clinic in your house? I'll go there if I have to," Kyle was almost begging my father.
Mum gave him a sympathetic look and offered one of their calling cards. I can't believe it. He just wouldn't drop it, would he? "Be there at around 2 pm."
Kyle smiled at me before he left. He just wouldn't stop pestering me.
Harry and I got in the back. Harry was looking at me in a very strange way.
"How did he know we're dentists?" my dad asked my mum.
"I don't know. He said he just heard it from someone. I wonder who it was?" mum asked basically to anyone.
"Yah, I wonder," Harry said quietly but I heard him.
"Well, who could have possible told that young man that you are dentists?" I said. Harry hasn't spoken till that last remark. How dare him to be upset with me when he was the one drooling over that pink dressed dancer. Ms. Saigon is a musical and that girl didn't even sing.
When we got home I went straight to my room. I thought today was special and well, how can it be when Harry's upset with me. I didn't intentionally give Kyle my parents' occupation. He asked me my name and I didn't give it to him. I can't believe Harry can assume such a thing. Well, maybe I was a little guilty about telling him my parents were dentist and I did lie to Harry about not talking to Kyle but that's beside the point I just didn't want him to get in trouble. I miss Harry already. I wonder if he's at the roof. I changed into my sleeping Quidditch robes and went up the roof. I waited for a while but Harry didn't come out. I guess he doesn't want to talk to me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RON
Harry had told me about the little pool incident with a bratty boy who reminded him so much of Draco. He also told me about the time they almost kissed. I can't believe the bravest boy I know was scared of kissing his best friend that he had grown to like as even more. Well, if I was in his place I would have probably felt the same if I wouldn't get the urge to gag. I couldn't possible imagine Hermione and I kissing, Yuck! No offense to Harry's taste but I like my Lavender a lot better. Hermione, she's a girl and I have to admit she's pretty but she isn't my type. I realized it just now. I must have had a little crush on her before but I had finally gotten my senses cleared. Harry would so want to kill me if he could hear my thoughts about his dear Hermione.
Well, if Hermione and I would date. It would have been a disaster. We would fight about everything and it would be suicidal to even think of trying. Well, back to the problem at hand. I guess the only advice I can give Harry is to apologize. For what reason well, I don't know but girls usually want to be right, as for my case with Lavender if I hadn't apologized to her then she wouldn't have kissed me and we wouldn't be officially dating.
My Hogwarts letter had finally arrived and well, nothing very important just a list of books and school supplies needed. I hope mum and dad would buy me a new dress robe. So if there would be some formal occasion that Lavender and I would attend I'd be at my best and hopefully not at a borrowed sort.
"Hey, Ron Lavender is down stairs," Ginny said after knocking at my door. I forgot I told her that we were going for some early walk. I went down the stairs as fast as I could.
"Hey Lav, did I keep you waiting?" I said as I reached the kitchen where she was waiting.
"No, not at all. Your mother is going to show me some baby pictures," Lavender said as I sat beside her and planted a kiss on her forehead. Then it hit me, oh no not my baby pictures.
"Here Lavender, mum says you should take a look at the naked toddler Ron walking," Fred came out carrying an old photo album and well, before I could do anything the picture got into Lavender's hands.
"You're so cute Ron. I wonder if I can have this one as a souvenir?" Lavender said mischievously. I felt my face flush red.
"You can keep that one dear," mum said and I felt like my family had just betrayed me. "We have plenty of naked Ron pictures." I can't mum still love joking about them.
"Let's go and take that nice morning walk," I urged Lavender for us to leave the house before I get into too much embarrassment. We said good-bye to everyone before actually leaving. The twins even offered to give Lavender more pictures but I had to put a stop to the humiliation.
"It's probably fun leaving with your family," Lavender commented as we strolled at the dirt path to the hill.
"Well, let's see. Other than the twins embarrassing or making fun of me, I guess life in the burrow is considerably nice," I remarked. Lavender smiled warmly at me then kissed my cheek.
"What was that for?" I asked.
"For just being so adorable and funny," Lavender commented and I felt my face turn all red again.
"Lavender, I just remembered Harry's birthday is a few days from now and she and Hermione are staying at Burrow after we go shopping at Diagon alley. Speaking of Diagon alley are you coming with us?" I asked.
"Well, I already told my aunt and uncle and they said I could go and do my shopping with your family," Lavender, pointed out. "About Harry's birthday maybe we can give him a little party."
"Just what I was thinking. You've been reading my mind haven't you?" I joked. "Anyway, I'm planning on a surprise birthday bash. I don't think Harry has ever had any birthday parties before." I suddenly felt a little sorry for Harry. He has never experienced a proper birthday party.
"We're going to surprise him then. We have to inform Hermione though. So she can have a little hand on it," Lavender said. Gears in my head were probably working extra fast.
"Lav, you're a genius," I remarked as I pulled her in a hug. Of course, that it's like killing to birds with one stone. Hermione can help in this little birthday scheme and then Harry would be so happy that he wouldn't be able to stop himself from kissing her because she had been a part of the whole plan and didn't tell him. He'll be surprised and very happy.
I have to get everyone's help. Ginny and Lavender would coordinate with Lavender and I'll work with the twins to have a very memorable party experience.
To be continued…
[N/A:] Ron has plans for a party and Harry and Hermione aren't talking. Will the Redhead plans work or would it just bring additional trouble. How about Kyle? Should I kill him in this story? Sorry…I forgot this is supposed to be fluffy. No one will die I assure you. Will Harry and Hermione finally be together? **Sighs** R/R