waite waite 2 3 2003-05-09T21:58:00Z 2003-09-06T13:49:00Z 1 790 4506 plymouth 37 10 5286 10.2625 Clean Clean MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Forgiven
Chapter 1.
A light tapping noise penetrated Hermione's sleep. Opening her eyes and blinking in the buttery yellow morning sunlight, she stretched and rolled over to investigate the sound. A large snowy owl was beating its beak insistently against the pane of her window. Stifling a yawn Hermione slid out of bed and opened the window letting the owl enter.
"Hello Hedwig." She mumbled sleepily, softly stroking the birds silky feathers, before untying the letter attached to its foot. Flopping back onto her bed, Hermione opened the envelope, a roll of parchment and a photo fell onto her lap. Picking up the letter Hermione read;
Hermione,
Hope your holidays are going well. I'm missing you lots. It's a shame you couldn't make it to The Burrow, but I bet France was great anyway! Me and Ron have been having fun just relaxing and playing Quidditch mostly. We went to see the Screaming Warlocks' Hogsmeade gig the other night and Cho was there. 'Mione, your not going to believe me but we got on really well, Ron invited her back to his with Lavender for a few days and we've started seeing each other!
I just wanted to let you know, I know you'll be happy for me. You know how much I like her! Can't wait to see you. Owl me back with the time we should meet you in Diagon Alley.
Love, Harry x
P.S I sent a photo of us down at the lake by Ron's, its been so hot here!
Hermione took up the photo and stared at it. Harry and Ron were stood dripping wet waving furiously and grinning. Lavender was swimming in the shallow water behind them and Cho was stood beside Harry smiling and licking an ice cream. Hermione swallowed, she felt strange, almost jealous. She had felt awful when she had realised she couldn't spend her summer with Harry and Ron at The Burrow. The aftermath of the Tri-wizard Tournament hadn't blown over and she knew Harry needed all the support he could get, yet she had wanted to be the one to give it. Shaking her head to clear the muddled thoughts Hermione headed for a shower.
A week later Hermione's bags were packed and safely stowed in a room at The Leaky Cauldron. After waving goodbye to her parents, Hermione exited the dark, smoky pub into the light courtyard. Tapping the crumbling red bricks, Hermione walked through the arch into Diagon Alley. The street was buzzing, crowds jostled her as she squeezed through towards Gringotts, the bank.
"MIONE!" A loud voice yelled. Hermione stared up the gleaming white marble steps and saw a two people rushing towards her. Mrs Weasley, a short, dumpy woman with wild red hair instantly engulfed her in a bear hug.
"Hermione! I've missed you this summer. The others can't wait to see you either; they are just getting a bite of lunch!" Molly Weasley babbled squeezing her hard, Hermione chuckled
"I've missed you too!" she said hugging the woman back, finally being released she grinned up at Ron. His hair had toned down to a glistening auburn and his body matured into a more muscular broad physique. His dazzling blue eyes sparkled as he grinned down at her.
"Hey 'Mione." He said hugging her tightly.
"Hey you." She replied kissing him lightly on the cheek. "Had a nice summer?" She asked. Ron nodded and began to excitedly explain about his intensive Quidditch training which he had been enduring in an attempt to win place on the team that year. Laughing Hermione let him lead her off towards a small café.
Entering the quiet courtyard of the café, Hermione spotted a crowded table in the corner. Four red heads were squashed at one end of the table opposite two dark heads.
"Ello!" Fred and George yelled their faces splitting into identical grins, as they waved vigorously at Hermione over the table. Edging around the table she gave them each a hug.
"Hey guys." She chuckled, wriggling into the space they created for her on the small bench, glancing along the line she saw a very freckled Charlie and a much bronzed Bill grinning at her. Greeting them and flashing them both a smile, she turned her eyes to the familiar face opposite her.
"Hello." Hermione said simply, smiling at Harry. His hair was, if possible, even, messier than before, the glossy raven strands falling in a becoming way over his forehead, disguising the still present scar. His bottle green eyes sparkled as he beamed at her.
"Hey 'Mione. Had a good holiday?" She nodded, studying his eyes she felt her stomach twist as she observed the simmering pain and unease behind the dazzling emerald. She noted his seemingly calm demeanour, his smile was relaxed, one hand was lightly rested on hers across the table, she followed the other arm with her eyes, it snaked over the shoulder of the second dark head at the table.
"Cho, nice to see you again." Hermione smiled politely taking in the pretty girl's oriental looks, her hair was shiny and sleek and hung poker straight to her shoulders, her eyes were large and almond shaped and they regarded her coolly from under thick eyelashes.
"Hi." Cho replied with a small smile, her eyes flitted from Hermione's face to her and Harry's joined hands for a split second. Hermione pulled her hand away and tucked them into her lap. Harry apparently oblivious to the sudden tension leant forward and engaged her in conversation.