Harry Potter and all related characters ain't mine…though the plot is very much my idea…R/R thanks for the reviews
Chapter 9: Almost Caught
HERMIONE
I can't believe my eyes. I woke up in the most wonderful dream. No, it wasn't a dream it was true. Harry is in my bed with his strong arms around me. I can still feel his breath the back of my neck. I had to turn and look at his sleeping angelic face.
I couldn't help but smile at the boy I have known for so long. He has changed, we all have. I never thought such a wonderful night would ever happen to me. I slept in his arms. He was with me just holding.
"Hey," he said as he slightly opened his eyes.
"Hey," I answered back. I couldn't help but smile. His emerald green eyes were staring back at me.
"You slept like a baby last night," he said as he touched the tip of my nose. I think I remember him say something very sweet last night like can I keep you or something, but I was just too sleepy.
"I'm sorry. I guess I was a little tired. It was really nice waking up and seeing your face first thing in the morning," I said. His hand was now touching my face while the other held my hand.
"Seeing your face first thing in the morning is a lot better," he said. I wrapped my arms around her neck and his arms were around my shoulders. We hugged each other for about three whole minutes then we accidentally rolled my sheets and fell off the bed.
We made a nasty crashing sound. I wasn't hurt and I think he wasn't too but we soon heard my mum knocking on my door. "Hermione! Dear open up what happened to you?" We have to do something. I'm not sure if my room was lock from last night. What if my mum found Harry in my room? We immediately stood up.
"You have to go," I said in a very hush voice. Harry was about to make his way to the door. "No not there, use the window."
"Hermione is anyone there with you?" My mum said. Oh dear we'll be in such a mess.
"Wait mum I'm looking for something," I yelled out. "Bye Harry see you in a while, " I said quietly and kissed him quickly on the cheek.
Harry was about to get out of the window when Crookshanks jumped in and made an awful noise.
"What's going on it there? Open the door Hermione," my mum called out again.
"It's okay mum Crookshanks got stuck in the window. I'll get him," I yelled out and motion Harry out of the window. Harry got out safely and he sneaked back to his room. I got Crookshanks and opened the door.
"What were you doing young lady?" my mum asked. Good thing she didn't call for dad. It would have been worse.
"I…I went chasing after Crookshanks," I said.
"But you said he got stuck at the window?" my mum eyed me curiously.
"He did. I ran after him and well, he tried to get out of the window but he got stuck. Poor cat," I said as I rubbed the ginger cat's neck.
"Well, alright, do get ready. Are you finished packing? We'll drop you and Harry off to the Leaky Cauldron before we go to the airport. "Go see if Harry's awake," said mum then she went down the stairs. I knocked on Harry's door. He opened it and pretended to rub his eyes open.
"Relax Harry it's me. That was close we almost got caught," I said in a hush voice.
"That sure was scary. But can I get a good morning kiss I didn't have enough," Harry asked. I kissed his cheek.
"We need to hurry go and get your things packed. We'll be leaving soon," I said before I left him standing at his door. We couldn't possibly risk getting caught. But it wasn't like we've done something really grave it's just that mum and dad would definitely hate the idea of the two of us in one bed. Well, I don't think any sane parent would want their fifteen-year-old girl with someone in bed even if they just slept all night.
After I freshened up I went down to eat breakfast I saw Harry's trunk and Hedwig in her cage ready in the living room.
"Good morning mum, dad, Harry," I greeted everyone.
"I guess the two of you had woke up in the right side of the bed," dad commented.
"We…I mean I sure did. I woke up in the right side of my bed," that was close.
"Did you get your trunk Hermione," mum asked me.
"It's still in my room I'll get it after I finish with Breakfast," I replied.
"It's alright Hermione, I'll get it down for you," Harry said. Before I could say anything he stood up from his seat and went up the stairs to my room.
"He's in a fairly good mood this morning," dad remarked.
"He's just excited to see Ron. It had been a whole month," I replied.
"Isn't his birthday on Tuesday?" Mum asked.
"Yes, and Ron and his family is planning a surprise birthday party," I cooed.
"Well, we bought Harry a little present give it to him on his birthday," mum said.
"He'll be very surprised," I said.
Harry came back after bringing my trunk and Crookshanks in his basket.
"Thanks Harry," I said as he went back to join us in the table.
"Oh, it's nothing. Anything for a friend," he said and I just smiled at him.
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After we finished eating breakfast I helped mum clean the table and Harry helped dad with our trunks not to mention mum and dad's luggage.
Our school trunks were securely tied on the top of the car and mum and dad's luggage found their way in the car compartment. Harry carried Hedwig's cage and I got Crookshanks' basket.
It didn't take us a long while to reach the Leaky Cauldron. After an hour of driving we finally arrived. Dad and Harry got the trunks unloaded
"Oh, dear write to us," mum kissed my forehead. Harry and Dad got our trunks inside the Leaky Cauldron. "Here take this. This is our present to Harry. We love you pumpkin," Mum said when she saw Harry was nowhere in sight and gave me a black box.
"Okay, we're all set. Take care you two and Harry. You're in charge of my little girl," dad told Harry.
I wonder what dad will say if he found out about Harry sleeping in my room. Hmm… I guess I'll never know.
We waved goodbye to my parents as they drove off. When my parents' care was out of sight. Harry placed an arm around my shoulder.
"So are we going on a little date in Diagon alley?" he asked me.
I looked at him. He was grinning at me. "Well, that depends? If you get a perfect score on a little Ancient Ruins quiz that I made," I really haven't prepared any but I can easily make one having read the book a dozen times.
"No fair. You didn't study with me for almost a whole week," he argued.
"That isn't my problem. Come on let's get inside. After we finish the quiz let's go to Diagon alley I need to get my money changed and you can make your withdrawal. I want to see the tunnels underneath," I mused. I haven't been in the underground vaults but I have read so much about them and I really want to see what it looks like.
"Alright then, just make my quiz easy," Harry replied.
"Ms. Granger it's so nice to see you," tom welcomed me as I entered the Leaky Cauldron. There were a few witches and Wizards at inside.
"Hi Tom," I greeted him.
"Your father had booked two rooms for a night for you and Mr. Potter," I realized Tom was looking at Harry's hand over my shoulder. I simply blushed. "Thanks Tom," Harry said politely.
"You're things are in your rooms," Tom said.
"Okay Harry, let's start studying," I said and we went upstairs to get my Ancient Ruins books. I even brought old notes for Harry.
We studied and ate for a while then after a short quiz, which Harry had answered perfectly, we went out to have some transactions done at Gringotts.
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HARRY
I have had the most remarkable day although it almost started in a disaster good thing we didn't get caught.
I plan to make this day special for Hermione and me. It's our first day together as a couple. Well, like what her dad said I'm in- charge of taking care of her and I will do it damn well.
After an exam she gave me we decided to go to Gringotts. We put on our plain black robes and went on our way. Hagrid gave me the key after my first withdrawal in my first year. We first went and got Hermione's money changed. We then went and ask for my withdrawal.
Griphook was assigned to assist us. He looked Grumpy as ever. We went to the usually narrow passage and he whistled and a cart found it's way in front of us.
"Get in and please hold on," Griphook instructed us. I got in first and helped Hermione in front of me.
"You're in for a really rough ride so hold on," I said and she smiled at me but I don't think she'll be smiling at me after this.
The cart started moving and we went lower and lower down. It was a very fast ride and I can feel Hermione holding my arm so tightly while I had my other arm around her waist. She hid her face in the side of my neck.
"You never told me it would be like this," I think I heard her say.
We finally reached my vault. Griphook got out of the cart and asked for my key and the lamp. We went and followed him. After he opened the door the familiar green mist came out. After it cleared Hermione saw the mounds of Galleons, Sickles and Knuts. I have taken a whole lot of them but they seem to grow even more.
"Harry, you're rich!" Hermione commented.
"Come on in. Help me put some in my bag," I told her.
I took two hands full of galleons, whole lot of sickles and Knuts and I think that my moneybag was almost bursting.
"Don't you think you took too much?" she said.
"I'm planning on buying something," I replied and I was getting something for her.
"Whatever you say Harry," she said. We got out of the vault and into the cart. Griphook locked the door and gave me the key.
"Will we be moving like that again?" Hermione asked with a scared look on her face.
"Trust me, it is a lot better going up," I said and we started moving.
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After getting our money we went to Madame Malkin's to buy new robes since most of our old ones we have out grown.
I watch Hermione when she was fitted and I couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful she is and I asked myself how stupid I was not to notice anything then.
After we finished with the robes we went to Quality Quidditch Supply to buy my new Uniform. I already gave Hermione my old ones so I was in need of a new set. I also saw the new Thunderbolt. It's a new broomstick that was said to be better than my Firebolt. The price of course was to be requested.
After a long day outside Hermione and I ate dinner at the Leaky Cauldron. People would stare at us having seen the two of us together.
Hermione was across from me eating her Chicken in Salsa and she still mesmerized me.
"Hey Harry, you won't be done eating if you keep on staring at me like that," she said and I saw her face turn pink.
"Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I can't believe you're finally my girlfriend. I wonder what the Weasleys would say?" I asked her.
"Well, I really don't know. I guess we can keep it a little secret for a while and maybe tell only Ron, Lavender and Ginny," she said.
"You're probably right and if the twins find out about us they'll be following us around the Burrow like cat to a mouse," I commented and she smiled.
"More like Rita Skeeter to you actually," she muttered. I laughed at the idea.
"Hey, I miss your parents already but I'm really excited to see Ron again," I said.
"Well, I miss my parents too and Ron a lot but we'll see them tomorrow. I do hope it would be okay with you if I go shop with the girls I still haven't bought a dress robe yet. I'd really want to shop with Ginny and Lavender then after that we'll go to Flourish and Blotts together. I know you still need to pick up your Quidditch uniform," she replied.
We finished our dinner and went up to go to our rooms. "Er… Hermione can we chat for a while," I asked.
"Sure but were do you suppose we should talk?" she asked.
"Well, we can talk in my room or in yours if you want," I suggested.
"I really don't know Harry. Let's just talk tomorrow. Goodnight Harry," she said and she gave me a quick kiss but it was enough to make my day complete. She went inside her room and I was left at the hall dazed.
I went inside my room I took out some parchment, my quill and ink. I haven't been able to write to Sirius or to Arabella so I guess I should right to them.
Dear Sirius,
How have you been? I hope you and Remus are doing fine. I have good news for you. I was made Prefect along with Hermione, of course her being prefect isn't new because she really has the making of one and she's very pretty too. I guess you find it odd that I'm talking about her this way. Well, Sirius I do need to tell you something. Well, I did promise Hermione that we'll only let Ron, Lavender and Ginny but I guess it's okay for you to find out. Hermione is my girlfriend. Can you believe it after all the years we've been together I never really expected it to happen but it did. I fell in love with my best friend. I guess I said too much.
Your godson,
Harry
P.S. I haven't been getting any nightmares so don't worry.
I finished my letter to Sirius and I guess I can still write one for Arabella:
Dear Arabella,
How have you been? How are the Dursleys? Is Dudley being a good boy? I just want to tell you that I was made Prefect. Well, Hermione and I are. My stay in her house was fun I enjoyed it a lot. Have you heard from Sirius yet? I also wrote to him. I also want to tell you that Hermione and I are going out but only you, Sirius and just our closest friends know about it. Not that you'd tell anyone. I hope I can come and visit you before I go back to Hogwarts.
Your godson,
Harry
There I guess that's enough for tonight. I think I should get to bed so I can start dreaming about the girl in the next room. Could she still be awake?
I stood up from my seat and leaned my head on the wall. "Hermione, are you awake?" I asked
"Harry? What are you doing?" I heard her answer.
"I just want to say good night," I said. I know a wall was separating us but it didn't matter.
"Good night to you too Harry," I heard her say.
"I love you," I said. I didn't hesitate about telling her because that's what I really feel.
There was a quiet pause then I heard her answer back, " I love you too."
I tied the letters on Hedwig's leg before I released her. It was rather late but I guess she'd be back in the morning.
My life is considerably perfect, Hermione and me together. No death eaters, no Voldemort. Well, I guess things would be back to normal when we get back to Hogwarts but at least I still have a month to enjoy and wait my birthday it's coming soon.
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RON
It's our preparation day. We sent out the invitations and well everyone from Gryffindor would be coming, I hope. Lavender and Ginny had been working on the decorations and mum is working on the biggest cake I have ever laid eyes on. I also think it looks so tasty.
Ginny and Lavender thought it best to decorate the burrow like the Gryffindor Common room. The twins have developed new fireworks for the occasion. Lavender thought that after the party maybe we could all go and camp outside.
Well, I do have a few nice ideas up my sleeve. It's nice to have Lavender around and she and mum are getting along pretty well. The twins are actually teasing me about it. They said I'd be the first Weasley to get married. They've seen Lavender in and out my room but it's not like we're doing anything wrong. She was usually helping Ginny and me with the decors.
"Hey, Ron I received a letter from Hermione saying they've made up," Ginny said as she entered my room.
"Good then, we don't have any problems. Is Lavender still helping mum with the cake?" I asked her.
"It's rather huge so I guess so. I heard dad invited Dumbledore and McGonagall and I think they will attend Harry's birthday party," Ginny said. I wasn't sure if it is such a good idea.
"Well, we will still go as planned. How many of our school mates had owled back?" I asked.
"The whole Gryffindor Team are coming and I heard Percy tell Fred that Oliver would be coming too. Lavender had already told Parvati and the Colin brothers wouldn't pass a chance to be in Harry's birthday," Ginny exclaimed. "Your birthday bash would be a hit!"
"Well, did you hear anything about Snape? Did dad invite him too?" I had to make sure.
"I don't know?" Ginny answered. "Well, if he did come would it be a bad thing?"
"Of course Ginny, this is supposed to be a Gryffindor party. If we wanted a Slytherin we should have asked bloody Malfoy and his goons instead," retorted.
"Hmm…that's a thought maybe I should hand out an invitation to him if we ever come across him in Diagon alley," Ginny said.
"If that's a joke I don't find it funny," I barked. What has happened to my sweet little sister? Now she thinks inviting Malfoy is a nice joke.
"If you're done day dreaming up here maybe you can help Fred and George with the fireworks. They specially asked for you," Ginny said before leaving my room.
Knowing those two they are probably up to something. But I went down and helped anyway. Just as I expected just as I got out of the door. A mud pie had splattered me on the face.
"Good one Fred!" Ginny said as she gave the Twins a thumbs-up.
"That's for lazing around when you should be helping us," my little sister had once again humiliated me in front of the whole family. She surely has grown. I guess no one can bully her around anymore. I knew she shouldn't be hanging around Hermione a lot. Lavender and my mum were actually laughing at me.
"Well, don't just stand there," George called out.
"Come up here and help us. We have to keep the fireworks protected in case of rain or being accidentally hit," Fred instructed me as I went up one of the trees they were setting up.
"This things look expensive," I commented. "Where did you get the money to buy them?"
"We didn't buy them, we made them but we did buy the things we used to make them," George explained.
"But still it think these things would cost about 50 Galleons in all," I reasoned.
"We have our ways baby brother," Fred said and he rubbed my head and ruined my hair.
"This would surely make Harry's birthday the best one of the year," George said and I nodded.
It would be Harry's first ever-celebrated birthday party. We'll go as planned. Well stay up late in the Leaky Cauldron and go home late so they wouldn't see our preparations Harry would know about the party when he gets down for Breakfast. So he has to be all freshen up before he goes down and see everyone or it would be nice to see him greet his visitors in pajamas.
"Mum is making a rather big cake don't yah think?" Fred commented as he placed a board over the hidden fireworks.
"Well, we'll have tons of visitors on Tuesday. I heard mum borrowed extra pots and pans from Lavender's aunt," I said.
"Well, I sure hope nothing goes wrong with this little party scheme," George said as he handed me a board to put up.
"It will work. He deserves a birthday party and he'll get one. From us nonetheless," I said.
We finished working and it's now time for us to wait. Tomorrow we'll go to Diagon Alley. Everyone will be having extra shopping loads for the party.
"Ron before we get inside. We have a treat for you tomorrow so do come and stay with us while shopping," Fred said.
Now what are those two up to? Don't tell me I'm in on another prank. I sure hope not. "Okay, I'll bring along Harry then. The girls will be doing some extra shopping."
"Fine by us. You'll like our surprise baby brother," George said before pinching my cheek till it was tomato red.
To be continued…