Harry Potter and all related characters ain't mine…though the plot is very much my idea…R/R thanks for the reviews
Chapter 8: Isn't so Bad
RON
Harry told me that this Kyle guy is going to see Hermione's parents to get his teeth checked. But I bet he just wants to get some more information about our Hermione. Well, I think Harry should best be around Hermione a lot.
Ginny told me that she had informed Hermione about the party. She said Hermione would love to help although she and Harry are in a little mix up. Ginny also informed me that my two best friends have a slight misunderstanding. Well, they aren't supposed to fight. I should be the one having arguments with either one of them. I guess I have to step in.
I already made the perfect plan. Of course Harry shouldn't know anything, as for Hermione, we'll let her in on some but we have to keep a few details to ourselves. I'm actually planning on making it a double celebration since my two best friends have been chosen to be prefects.
"Lavender, you think this whole plan will work?" I asked my dear girlfriend as I looked up to her face. I was lying down on the grassy hill with my head on her lap. I can't believe that while I'm having the time of my life Harry and Hermione had decided to let jealousy get in the way.
"I think your little plan would work. Ginny told me about Hermione though. It's seems Harry's upset with her because a certain guy was going to her house. Well, I can say it's a sign of jealousy alright," lavender said knowingly.
"Well, I think our boy is a little uncertain about competition, remember the time when he asked Cho and Cedric got to ask her first. I know it must have felt awful," I said as I sat up and looked at her.
"Well, I think the familiarity with each is just making them more confused. I bet they can't figure out that their affections for each other is more than the friendly type because they're used to caring and being concerned with each other," she had once again enlightened me. Of course Harry and Hermione had known each other for years, we've known each other for many years and they find their friendship as something very important that they don't want to risk losing it because of some wishful assumptions.
"But what about their fist kiss. I'm sure that made a difference," I reasoned.
"Think of it this way Ron. When we accidentally kissed I was confused. I wasn't sure of what you feel for me, but because I'm a girl I let you make the first move if you wanted to step further. It was easier for us I guess because we've known each other but we weren't that close. As for those two, they might be feeling those emotions even before but hadn't paid attention to it in the past and now the realization just scares the both of them thus resulting to insecurities and jealousy," Lavender beamed at me.
"So when did you became all smart all of a sudden?" I asked. Oh no I hope she doesn't turn into a Hermione type.
"I'm good at matters of the heart, Mr. Weasley. I may not be as good as Hermione in academics but I'm pretty much adept with my emotions," she replied and I just had to kiss her for being so sweet.
"Let's go and find the twins they said they're making some wacky invitations for Harry's birthday. I think we'll be having a special Gryffindor party," I cooed.
"I'm sure Harry will thank you for all these things your doing for him," she said as she kissed my cheek.
"Well, I hope I can get him and Hermione together, minus any hassles," I said.
"We'll work on that when we meet them at Diagon alley," Lavender said and we went our way to the Burrow. Everyone was already informed about the party. Mum and dad thought it was a great idea. The twins were ecstatic and Ginny had been musing about her party theme project. I found it very interesting though.
Percy and Penelope had offered to contact other Gryffindors who had already graduated from Hogwarts. I was really surprised that Percy would want to do something other than to do his job.
I wrote to Bill and Charlie and asked if they would come and they said they would try. But I can bet my wizard cards collection that they would come and wouldn't miss Harry's birthday for the world.
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HERMIONE
Mum and dad left early to pick up their plane tickets. Mum told me that Kyle had called them and would be in the house at 3 just as mum told him. Harry and I barely spoke at Breakfast.
I was stuck in the kitchen thinking of what to make for lunch. Mum had left me looking after batches of her corn muffins. I was thinking steamed fish and salad would be nice for lunch. I think Harry would like it too. It would have been nice to have him here helping me. He knows his way in the kitchen but he's probably studying for Ancient Ruins. It's past lunchtime but mum and dad aren't here yet. I've already started steaming the fish with Basil. I'll work on the salad later. Almost all the corn muffins are done. It's already 1:30 pm and the doorbell rang. I went and answered the door.
"What are you doing here so early?" It was Kyle standing in front of our doorstep.
"I came here for my appointment," he said. He was wearing a blue shirt and khaki pants. His outfit looked signature and must have been expensive.
"But mum said you'd be here at 3 and your an hour and half early. My parents are out come back later as you are expected," I said as I tried to close the door on him.
"Wait, I already told my chauffer to leave I can't go back home. Can I just wait for them," Kyle pleaded. It wasn't like him at all.
"Well, okay, you wait here in the living room. I'm going to check on my fish in the kitchen," I said as I let him in the house. I went back towards the kitchen.
`That git! He's supposed to be here at 3 pm and not a minute earlier. I wish mum and dad were here already.
"Hermione, what is this guy doing here?" Harry said as he went inside the kitchen grabbing Kyle's collar. I have never seen Harry that upset I all our years at Hogwarts.
"Harry, it's all right he set an appointment with mum and dad although he's rather early for it," I replied. "Are you hungry? I made steamed fish. It's simple enough to do."
"So you and your boyfriend stay in the same house as your parents. What an outrage," Kyle said in disbelief. Harry and I couldn't help but laugh. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing," I said. "Come join us. We're going to eat lunch," I asked him. "Harry dear, can you please make a salad for us. I'll just transfer the muffins from the trey," I said and kissed Harry's cheek. It felt so nice being near Harry again.
"Okay. You've already cut the veggies I'll just make some dressing," Harry replied and kissed my forehead before he started at the vegetables and the dressing while I transferred the muffins in a nice serving platter.
"Here Mr. diplomat's son. Since you're here why won't you make yourself useful and start setting the table," I instructed him as I placed five plates and five sets of spoons and forks.
"But I've never done this before," Kyle reasoned.
"I can't believe a full grown man like you can't even arrange the table," Harry commented and I had to stop myself from laughing.
Kyle didn't say another word and awkwardly started on putting the plates on the table. "I'm not used to this you know. Back in my house we have servants to wait on us and to prepare our things," Kyle said.
"Back in my house I do the waiting. Here at Hermione's I help with the chores," Harry said with dignity. "See a man should know how to attend to his needs so he wouldn't be much of a burden."
Harry was right. All his life he didn't want to burden anyone of his existence. I guess that's what the Dursleys made him feel, like a burden to them.
"You're not a burden Harry specially to me and my family," I suddenly had the urge to hug him and keep him safe in my arms.
"Thanks Hermione, so let's not keep our little audience waiting," Harry said as he tossed the salad. I placed the steamed fish on a serving dish. Then I placed the platter with the muffins. Harry got the salad bowl on the table and had set for individual ones for each of us.
"I can't believe this. It's like the two of you playing house," Kyle commented. "But the fish and the salad looks nice."
"This one is for you Harry," I gave him the biggest slice of fish fillet. I squeezed lemon on top of it. I took a piece for myself and offered some to the awkward looking Kyle.
"Thanks Hermione, here have some salad. The vinaigrette is just perfect," Harry said and he placed some on my bowl. He also offered some to Kyle and from the looks of things our visitor is enjoying his meal specially the corn muffins. As for me I'm enjoying the fact that I was sitting beside Harry. I couldn't help but steal glances at him and every time our eyes meet I feel my face grow warm. Harry just gives me that unexplainable feeling.
We ate and Harry and I had the most wonderful time. Not minding Kyle who would occasionally but in our conversation. I guess his smugness fell when he found out that Harry was staying in the house.
"So you're really staying here with her parents and they're okay with it?" Kyle asked.
"I'm just spending the summer here and actually tomorrow we'll be staying in a friend's house till the end of the summer. Her parents will be on a trip to Berlin and Hermione and I will be with school friends," Harry said and I found the idea very enticing.
"Your parents must trust him a lot then?" Kyle asked. Harry and I exchanged amused grins.
"You can say that and besides Harry is the most reliable and most trust worthy person I know. He'd do anything just to keep me safe and he'll never hurt me," I said. I then realized how I've acted towards Harry last night. I was jealous of a girl who looked like Cho and here I was saying how I trusted him. I finally realized my mistake. I was upset with Harry being jealous of Kyle when in fact I was jealous too.
"Of course I would never let anything or anyone hurt you. Not even Voldemort can stop me from protecting you," Harry's words just made me self-assured.
"Who's Voldemort?" Kyle asked.
"He's an evil wizard who've been wanting to kill Harry since he was a baby but my dear boy had managed to survive all his evil plots," I said proudly then I realized that Kyle had no idea what I was talking about.
"Evil wizard? What are you some princess in a fairy tale?" Kyle asked trying to be annoyingly sarcastic.
"Well, she's my princess that's for sure," Harry replied, "but see Hermione here is a witch and I'm a wizard and well, we go to a wizarding school together. If you don't believe us it's quite alright. We don't expect muggles to understand our kind, except Hermione's parents of course."
I couldn't stop myself from giggling Kyle had a strange look on his face. "What's a muggle?"
"I'm going to clean up. You boys wait for mum and dad. And Harry, be nice to Kyle he's not our kind," I jokingly said to Harry. I went behind the kitchen counter. Harry just smiled and nodded. "Muggles, Kyle are non-magical folks like you," I said as I looked at our visitor.
"So it's true. There is such a thing as wizards. I thought Sammy was only joking?" Kyle muttered.
I was starting on the dishes while Harry was cleaning up the table. "Who's Sammy?" Harry asked and I have to say I was a little curious.
"She's a girl I grew up with in France. She would be away on school terms. She said she went to this big school but when I searched for it. Even asked my father's secretary to look it up. There isn't such an institution in existence," Kyle explained.
"She must be studying in Beauxbaton," I suggested to Harry.
"You're probably right. It's the only wizarding school in France," Harry agreed.
"How'd you know about that?" Kyle asked us.
"Well, we had a delegation from that school who came to join us last school term. We had a Triwizard Tournament. Harry here even participated." I shouldn't have opened the topic. Harry had bad memories from that tournament.
"So you mean, she wasn't lying to me? She didn't just want me to stay away from her?" Kyle sighed.
I have to say I'm not really sure. If he'd been acting like the idiot he was from a few days back and last night I think Sammy was definitely trying to get rid of him but he could also be a nice person and had been drawn to being such and ass because of a certain heart breaking experience.
"I think she was only telling you that you two are different but the question is can you look beyond that difference and still like her?" Harry replied. I like it a lot when Harry solves a mystery like that. Well, it isn't a mystery actually just a typical friends turned more that friends kind of thing. He did make a very good assumption and I have to say I'm very impressed.
"Of course I like her. I love her. She was my best friend. I only agree to come back to England because I thought she didn't want to be with me," Kyle muttered. Harry went to my side and was helping me dry the dishes.
"Then why don't you go back to France and tell her what you feel. I'm sure if she does like you she'd be happy to see you again," I said. I guess I was actually feeling sorry for him.
"I can't believe you two are trying to help me. I'm feeling so stupid for acting like a jerk to the both of you specially to you Hermione," Kyle admitted.
"It's nothing. You didn't make any permanent damage," Harry said. I wonder what he meant by that. We've finished with the dishes. Harry and I decided to come and sit with Kyle at the living room.
"So how old is Sammy and tell us something about her?" I asked. Harry placed his arm around my shoulder and I instinctively leaned my head over his shoulder.
"She's fifteen I'm only two months older than her. She's very friendly and she loves taking strolls by the lake. We'd usually go fishing together. I've known her since I was eight and when we turned eleven she went off to this boarding school, Beauxbaton. She would write to me but I have no idea how she sends it to me. When I reply to her letters I'd just leave it by the window at night and when I wake up in the morning the letter would be gone. I found the whole ordeal very strange but I never really questioned her. We'd meet every summer and we'd do the things we love doing together. Before she left for school last year I told her that I think I'm in love with her. Then she told me something that I thought was a joke. She told me she's a witch and that she'd understand if I don't want to see her again. I thought she was saying all that because she didn't want to see me again and she was just making up weird stories. I didn't wait for her this summer and I came with my father here in England." I think Kyle was really affected by this Sammy girl.
"So you haven't spoken to her?" Harry asked as he pulled me closer to him.
"I couldn't talk to her. I was hurt. I couldn't stop thinking about her though. Then when my friends came to the public pool I saw the two of you. I was reminded of how we were like before. I know I was a total jerk but I was a lovesick loser. (Sure he was. I hated him for what they did to Harry.) I'm sorry about what we did to Harry, although we got more of the beating. When I saw you at the British National Theater and well, my friends were there too. They're diplomat's sons and daughters as well but they remembered what happened the last time and didn't want to get any more injuries. But I was too stubborn so I went and spoke to you," Kyle admitted.
"As long as you don't pull a stunt like that again," I said. Kyle nodded. He isn't such a bad person after all but I do need to thank him for something. If it weren't for his coming here then Harry and I wouldn't be sitting here together with his arms around me.
"So are you still up with your dentist appointment?" I asked jokingly.
"I might as well go through with it. I have to admit I didn't expect to open up my Sammy issues but it felt good releasing it after having kept it for so long," Kyle said thankfully.
"I have an idea. Why don't you write to her? I'll let my owl bring your letter to her," I said gladly.
"An owl?" Kyle asked a bit surprised. "But the sun's up. Aren't they supposed to be nocturnal?"
"Well, that's how we send our post. I'll just go upstairs and get a parchment and my quill and ink. Or maybe just pen and paper would do?" I went up the stairs and went to my room. Kyle in a way got Harry and I in good terms so it's my turn to return the favor.
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HARRY
This morning Hermione and I barely talked and before we ate our late lunch I found Kyle the creep in the living room. I realized when I saw Hermione in the kitchen that she was pissed with the intrusion as I was. I admit I was jealous last night and it took me lots of effort not to open my window and pretended to be asleep when Hermione peaked inside it.
I was stuck in my room reading the Ancient Ruins book that she lent me and even that reminded me of her. I'd remember her sitting from across me quizzing me with the latest topic we studied together.
After having eaten a wonderful lunch made by Hermione and myself. I have to say I was in a very good mood. Not to mention being able to hold her made me feel a lot better.
Now, Hermione just went to her room to get some paper and pen so Kyle can write to his old friend Sammy. Yes, as silly as it may sound Hermione and I are actually in good terms with him.
"You and Hermione aren't really boyfriend and girlfriend?" Kyle suddenly asked. I was thinking of just keeping it as it is but I guess it wouldn't hurt if he knew.
"Yes, we're not really a couple," I admitted.
"I figured," Kyle said. "But you want her to be your girl friend?" he asked me. I just nodded.
"She likes you too you know. It's in the way she looks at you and the way you look at her. I guess that's why I wanted to be involved. I was jealous of the fact that here in London you two are happy and in love while Sammy and me are miles apart. I know it sounded absurd but that was what I was feeling," Kyle confessed.
"Hermione and I have a very complicated relationship. I feel complete when I'm with her and yet in one way or another I still think she's uncertain of my feelings for her," it was now my time to say my little secret.
"Have you told her what you really feel?" Kyle asked. "Girls are keen but they'd rather play it safe and let the guys do the first move."
"You're probably right," I said.
"He's right about what Harry?" Hermione said as she came down. She handed Kyle the pen and paper.
"Nothing. We were just talking about how the salad complemented the steamed fish," Kyle answered.
He wrote a very long letter and placed it in and envelope. He wrote Sammy or should I say Samantha Lierre and her address on the envelope. He handed Hermione the letter. "I'll be back in a sec. I think I'm going to write Larisse a letter too," Hermione said as she dashed back up stairs.
"Is she always like that?" Kyle asked.
"Well, if you mean very smart and has too many awesome ideas. The answer is yes. She's actually top of our class. Her being muggle born isn't a deterrent for her. She'd top even those who have been practicing magic all their lives. I know you find the idea weird but I felt the same way when I found out I was a wizard," I explained.
"You're so lucky you found each other. I hope Sammy and I can be together too. I just don't know how my father would react to this if he found out that I'm in love with a witch?" Well, his case would probably be like Malfoy falling in love with a muggle.
"Well, don't tell him yet. Better make it known after you get married or something," I said it like a joke but that's the only logical thing I could think of specially if he's dad is the prejudice type.
Mr. and Mrs. Granger arrived at five past three. "Sorry were a little late," Mr. Granger said.
"No problem Mr. and Mrs. Granger your daughter and Harry are such good company," Kyle replied.
"Where is Hermione, Harry?" Mrs. Granger asked me.
"She's writing a letter to Larisse," I said. "Kyle I better go upstairs and study."
Kyle just nodded as Mr. Granger led him to the small house clinic.
I passed by Hermione's room and she was still writing a letter. I went to my room and started reading my mother's diary. I read about her wish on her fifteenth birthday asking for a sign. She's asked for a shooting star to show up in the sky when she and my dad would kiss so she would know if he's really the one. It would be nice to have a sign like that.
After a few hours Hermione and I came down to say goodbye to Kyle. We wished him well with Sammy and we promise to look for him if ever we plan on going to France because he decided to go back home. We saw him off in a nice Mercedes Benz.
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After dinner Hermione and I came up the roof, a place, which we haven't been on together since our little misunderstanding. She had her Quidditch robes on ready for sleeping.
"I'm glad we're up here again. I'm sorry for being such a jerk last night," I said. She just smiled at me and I know that all is well.
"I actually thought that after last night you wouldn't want to talk to me again," she admitted.
"I don't think I could last a day not talking to you. I know I wasn't fair acting all jealous." Jeez I can't believe I actually admitted I was jealous.
"Well, so was I," she said. Wait a minute. Who would she be jealous with? "Remember the girl on the play, the one with the pink dress. You were staring at her all night."
I couldn't help myself from laughing and Hermione was blushing. "Okay I admit I did stare at her for a while but when I saw the furious look on her face I started staring at you instead but of course I have to focus on someone else when you stare back at me. I didn't think that had upset you last night," I said.
"Well, it did and I feel really stupid," she replied. It wasn't like her to say that. The smartest most talented witch I know thinks she's stupid. Well, if she is then I guess all of us are dumb.
"Seriously Hermione, we both made a mistake. I was jealous of Kyle because I thought you were talking to him behind my back and to think I don't have any right to be jealous," I shrugged.
"Well, I was jealous of a girl who looked like Cho and I too didn't have any right to be," she said. I searched her face and all I saw was a beautiful angel staring back at me.
"So I guess there is one thing we can do kiss and make up," I said. I was feeling very bold tonight. Kyle was right I had to tell her how I feel.
"I don't know Harry. Do best friends kiss?" Hermione asked me as she moved a few inches away.
"Well, no they don't but I don't want you to be my best friend anymore," I said.
"What do you mean? You don't want to be my best friend anymore," Hermione asked with an alarmed look on her face.
"No, that's not what I meant. Okay, let's put it this way. I don't want to be just your best friend. I want to be more than that. I want us to take the next step. Hermione will you be my girlfriend?" There I I finally said it.
She was just staring at me. A single tear trickle down her cheek and suddenly a smile broke on her face. "I thought you'd never ask," she said and we kissed. A sweet passionate kiss shared by two young souls. Then at the back of my head I wished for a sign, any kind.
Our lips parted and Hermione pointed at the brightly lit skies. "Look Harry shooting stars and plenty of them." We marveled at the wonderful display. I wonder why the sky was suddenly filled with nicely colored shooting stars? I guess I got what I wished for.
"So what's the answer to my question then?" I asked her as she cuddled closer to me.
"You really need my verbal affirmation then," she said and I nodded. "It's my honor to be your girlfriend Harry." We kissed for the second time that night and I almost didn't want to let go of her but of course breathing is and essential aspect of living so we had to give in to some air.
"What do you reckon, Ron would say if he found out?" she asked as she took both my hands and held them in hers.
"Something between it's about time and I thought it would take you forever to finally get together," I joked. And she giggled.
"Harry I'm tired can you carry me to bed?" she asked and I most willingly obliged.
I carried her in my arms and we got into her room through her window. We used her table and chair as our stairway and I placed her in bed. I kissed her forehead like I did before.
"Good night Hermione. I love you," I said as I was about to move away from her bed but she suddenly grabbed my arm.
"Can you just stay with me tonight?" she said. My door's locked so I guess they wouldn't find out.
"Okay, I'll stay," I said and Hermione prompted me to her bedside.
"I don't think we can ever do this again so just hold me tonight, okay," she snuggled close to me. Her head rested on my chest. It felt so wonderful hearing her quiet breath. I could smell the scent of her hair that reminded me of honey and the roses from their garden. "Harry I love you too," she said before she closed her eyes and sleep.
I couldn't express in words what I was feeling but I do know one thing. I felt complete. Holding her in my arms just made me feel contented. I lowered my head on her pillow and our faces where only inches apart. "I do have one favor to ask you. I know you can't hear me but, can I keep you forever?" I whispered to her. I kissed the tip of her nose. I closed my eyes as I held her in my arms.
To be continued…
[N/A:] There I quietly got rid of Kyle without having to kill him. Thanks for reading… A couple of Chapters left…