A/N: Sorry it took so long to update. I didn't mean for it to, but I had a case of writer's block. I started another story, called Planes, Trains, and Harry Potter? It is going to be filled with more humor than this one, but also adventure too! Anyway, thanks to everyone who reviewed, you don't know how much I love hearing what you have to say! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and the Harry Potter world belong exclusively to J.K. Rowling, I'm just a fan, who isn't right?
Trying Times
Chapter Five
The sun shined in through the window and lit up the room. Harry was lying on his bed as he was aroused by the sudden light. He looked over at the clock, reading 7:47am. He had only just gotten to sleep an hour before.
A restless night had followed him after he left the scene out on the Hogwarts grounds. He couldn't get the image of Gregory out of his mind. He desperately wished he could have seen who the other person was.
He had decided that he would tell Hermione first thing in the morning, knowing that she was already asleep and this information was sure to make her uneasy. He didn't want to bother her that night.
Tossing and turning on his bed, he recalled the events in his head. Thank God he didn't see it was me. If he did, who knows what he would do. What does he plan to do with Hermione? It has to do with me, it is always me!!!
Harry closed his eyes for a brief second, regaining his composure, and hopped out of bed. He was glad to have his own room; he was able to move around without having to worry about waking everyone else up.
He turned, and went into his own bathroom to take a quick shower. As the hot water ran over his body his mind was occupied by one thing, Hermione. He couldn't help but think about her right now. What danger was she in? He remembered the feel of having her in his arms the night before as she cried and released all her fears and concerns to him, to have her fall asleep in his arms. He wished he could have that feeling everyday, but how? How would Ron feel?
Lately Ron had been more preoccupied with Lavender. They seemed to have a pretty good relationship going, but this is Ron. He takes everything the hard way. Stubborn git!!
He stepped out of the shower and dried off. He dressed quickly and headed out the door into the common room. His first objective was to find Hermione. He hoped she would be in the common room, reading or studying, but she wasn't there.
He decided to check her room, just in case she wasn't up yet. He walked to the door labeled Head Girl and tapped on it rather loudly. He listened carefully and heard shuffling noises coming from inside. Good, she is in there. The door handle moved and the door swung open. Harry had a smile on his face to greet Hermione, but it vanished when he noticed who had opened the door. There stood Gregory with a perplexed look upon his face. Suddenly he wiped it away and smirked.
Harry immediately felt his face grow red with anger. What is he doing in this room! Why is he in here! The first thing that came to his head he seethed it through his teeth, "Where is Hermione?"
Just then Harry heard Hermione's small voice coming from inside the room. "Harry?"
Harry walked right passed Gregory and into the room. Hermione was just now coming out of her bathroom. Harry couldn't help but think how beautiful she was and how he wanted to hold her right there and kiss her. Stop that! This is not the time to be thinking of things like that, remember the situation!
Harry couldn't help his anger and he said, "Hermione, what is he," Harry pointed to Gregory a look of discontent on his face, "doing here?"
Hermione couldn't believe his tone. Who does he think he is? Is that jealousy? No, he doesn't care for me like that. But, then why is he so mad Gregory is in your bedroom. She looked at him, and immediately put a stern face on and said, "What does it matter to you?" She lightly was tapping her foot on the ground as her arms were crossed over her chest.
Harry didn't know what to say. He knew it looked bad how he said it, but he had his reasons and she was about to know them.
"I was just wondering," Harry said trying to hide his anger.
"Well, if you must know, Gregory came here to escort me down to breakfast, so if you don't mind we are running late as it is," Hermione answered as she strolled over to Gregory and gave him a smile. She looped his arm in his and was about to walk out the door when an arm grabbed her. She turned around to see Harry staring at her. His green eyes looked into hers and she could tell something was different, something was wrong. Why does he look like that? What's wrong?
"I need…" He started to say, but he thought for a moment. Should I confront him right now, in front of Gregory? Or should I let him think I don't know anything and then find out what is going on. Yeah, I can't let him know anything. I will just have to tell her later!
Hermione was staring at Harry waiting for him to continue. She could tell by his face that he was thinking things through in his mind. "Yes," she finally said. It came out in more of an annoyed tone, but she actually didn't mean for it too. She could tell something was up.
"Hermione, I really need to talk to you, when is a good time?" Harry said finally allowing his voice to speak again. He didn't look up to see Gregory's face; he just continued to stare at Hermione hopefully giving her the impression that this was serious.
Hermione realized that it was serious, and said, "Well, I guess we can talk after breakfast…" She couldn't finish what she was saying as Gregory had interrupted her.
"Hermione, did you forget out going to Hogsmeade with me today?" Gregory said in a tone that made Harry want to throw up.
Damnit, Harry swore in his mind. He had completely forgotten today was Saturday and the first Hogsmeade trip of the year.
"Oh, sorry Gregory," Hermione said feeling a little embarrassed that she had forgotten about their date. "Well, how about when we get back?" Hermione said turning from Gregory to Harry.
"Well, Hermione, I would prefer to talk earlier then that," Harry admitted. He had to tell her so she knew what she was getting into. He just then realized his hand was still on her arm, but he made no motion to remove it.
"Well Harry," Hermione started to say, but was again interrupted by Gregory.
"Hermione has other plans, now if you will please let her go, we will be on our way," Gregory stated short and choppy. His voice seemed to cut the air around them sending shivers up Harry's spine.
This time he turned to meet Gregory's eyes. They were cold, unfeeling. Harry could see the secrets hid behind them while he masqueraded around as this goody two shoes. Harry couldn't believe he didn't see through him before now. Harry, reluctantly, let Hermione's arm go, but he did not move away. Please Hermione, please don't go with him. You have to hear me out! He wanted so bad to voice his thoughts, but he couldn't risk letting Gregory see that he knew about him.
Hermione didn't even realize before then that Harry still had his arm on her arm, but she did realize when he moved it away. She missed the warmth that he gave her through his touch. Hermione also couldn't believe that Gregory was speaking for her. He is just trying to make sure you don't turn him down. He hasn't done anything wrong and he is a perfect gentlemen. But Harry really needs to talk to me; maybe I should tell him we will go another day. I finally have a date, with a nice guy, and I am going to drop it just because Harry comes running to me needing to talk. What if it is important? Well, if it is, then he can easily talk to Ron just the same. He probably just needs you to look up something for him or help him find an answer. Yeah, that's right. Hermione made up her mind and she looked at Harry. "Yes, I'm sorry Harry. We will talk later." With that, they turned and left thought the room leaving Harry alone with his thoughts.
Harry stood rooted to his spot. He could tell something was going on, and he had to warn Hermione. "There is no way she is going there alone with him," Harry said aloud. "It's time I go get the cloak,"
Hermione's thoughts were filled with Harry. What is it that he wanted to tell me was so important? Why did he have to speak to me so bad?
"Hermione?" Gregory said as he waved a hand in front of her face. She snapped out of her thoughts immediately and turned to Gregory.
They were sitting inside the Three Broomsticks, having a butterbeer, and talking, or rather he was chatting. She hadn't been paying him any attention really, as she was lost within her own thoughts and the conversation she was having inside her mind.
"I'm sorry Gregory, I just feel out of it today," Hermione said. She really didn't mean to ignore him.
"What are you thinking about? Have you even been listening to me at all?"
Gregory said with a little bit of annoyance in his voice.
"Yes, I have been listening to you; I have just got a lot on my mind with schoolwork and whatnot."
"Ok, well I understand. With N.E.W.T.s soon, we are under a lot of stress,"
Hermione was glad that he wasn't mad and believed her lie. She didn't know why, but she didn't want to tell him she was thinking about Harry.
"Anyway, I know a way to relieve all that stress," Gregory said with an eyebrow raised.
"Gregory, if you are thinking what I think you are thinking, then you know the answer is no. This is our first date!" Hermione said. She was slightly taken aback he would say such a thing.
"No, no, Hermione," Gregory said with a small smile on his face. "Not that, I would never think about that, at least not this early, I was talking about a back rub,"
Hermione, amused, couldn't help the smile form across her face. She watched as he got up and moved his chair behind her. He started to rub her shoulders and her neck. She reveled in the feel of his hands on her tight muscles. God, this feel so good!
"I didn't know you were so tense," he whispered into her ear. Hermione could feel the air tickle her ear and the small portion of her neck. A few moans escaped her mouth as the feeling satisfied her. God, his fingers are like magic! Her head was moving in all directions and her mouth was slightly agape. If people were staring at her, they would probably think he was doing more then just giving her a massage.
Suddenly she felt him stop, and immediately she missed the feel of fingers on her. She felt his hand go around her head and turn her to him. She looked at him through her long lashes and watched as he slowly brought his head closer and caught her full on the lips. This time, the kiss wasn't as gentle as before. It was filled with more passion, more intensity. She felt his tongue explore her mouth and she moved her arms to wrap around his neck to further enjoy the kiss.
Calm down Harry, Calm down! He couldn't' take it. Seeing them kiss like that he wanted to walk over there and rip Gregory's head off! He didn't know what had caused so much rage to form inside of him. He had never been this mad before when Hermione had kissed Viktor. Maybe it's because you know he is bad! Maybe because she is getting into something she has no idea about!
He had watched as he rubbed her back and he almost couldn't watch it. She looked so content, happy, and he wished it had been him sitting there making her look like that. And now the kiss, which was still going on fueled his insides. His heart hammered against his chest as he sunk into the wall, his hands clenched together, gripping the sides of the invisibility cloak.
He watched as they finally parted, both panting for air. He saw Gregory say something and then he slowly got up and walked out the door. Harry followed in hot pursuit. What are you up to now?
Harry walked carefully behind him, narrowly missing a cart that had rolled itself in his way. Gregory walked down Hogsmeade and stopped in front of a small house. Harry watched as Gregory looked around. Who is he looking for? And then Gregory walked to the back of the house. Harry followed and saw that there was a man in a black cloak standing there. His face was hidden, so Harry couldn't tell who it was.
Gregory walked closer to the guy and started to say something in a hushed whisper. Harry eased closer so that he was able to make out what they were saying.
"You got it," Gregory asked.
"Yes," the cloaked man replied.
"Well give it to me!" Gregory ordered as he held out his hand.
The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a long, black case. Gregory opened it up, but Harry couldn't tell what it was. A smile formed on Gregory's face as he stared at the object. "This is perfect," Gregory said as he touched the object. "She won't suspect a thing!"
Hermione, I know that is for Hermione! I have to warn her now! Without even looking back, Harry ran as fast as he could with the cloak still on him. When he reached the three broomsticks he pulled it off and ran inside.
Hermione was sitting at the table waiting patiently for Gregory to return. She was thinking about the kiss they had just shared. It was extravagant, she thought, but something was missing. She didn't know what. Maybe I am reading into this wrong. I mean, I never really had a kiss like that before, so how would I know how it is suppose to feel.
She heard the door open and turned her head, expecting to see Gregory, but instead it was Harry and he looked awfully pale. He was heading in her direction with great speed. He reached her side in no time and sat down in the seat next to her. "Harry?" she asked confused.
"Hermione, listen to me, I have to tell you something very important!" Harry said as he tried to catch his breath.
Hermione nodded. Could this be what he wanted to tell me earlier?
"Ok, Gregory is not who you think he is. He is trying to manipulate you to get to me! He is going to give you something and I think it might hurt you!" Harry said so fast, and Hermione would have missed the words if they hadn't have been so important.
Why would he say this? Gregory is a gentlemen. "Harry, what are you on about? Why do you think that Gregory is so bad?" Hermione eyed him hoping for a good explanation.
"Well, I followed Gregory just now," Harry said and immediately regretted how he had just worded that sentence. Hermione's face now grew into anger.
"You were spying on us?" Hermione was astounded! How dare he!
"Yes, but that isn't the point. I saw him meet a cloaked man that gave him something and then he said 'She won't suspect a thing!'" Harry was hoping he was getting through to her.
"Well, now she will!" a voice said behind them. They both turned to see Gregory glaring down at Harry.
"You stay away from her! I saw you just now!" Harry said glaring right back at Gregory.
Gregory stood rooted to his spot and turned his gaze from Harry to Hermione. "Well, since he had to and ruin it, I guess this," Gregory pulled out the box and gave it to Hermione, "won't be so much of a surprise!"
Hermione opened the box and gave a small gasp. Inside was a sterling silver bracelet. It was lined with diamonds down the side and looked as though it was fairly expensive. She put a hand to her heart and turned to Gregory with a look of amazement.
Harry stared wide eyed at the object. What is he playing at! Something is not right, I know what I saw!
"Gregory, it's beautiful!" Hermione said, finding her voice.
"Well, I am glad you like it, but I didn't want to give it to you now," Gregory stated eyeing Harry again. "I was going to give it to you at the end of the day and ask you to be my girlfriend!"
Hermione couldn't believe it! Did he just say what I think he said? Hermione then realized that Harry had ruined their special moment. She turned back to him and she could almost feel the heat radiating from her. "Harry! Why did you have to go and ruin this!"
Harry was stunned. This was a trick, had to be a trick. Did he just ask her to be his girlfriend? "I, uh…God, I swear I know what I saw!" Harry said trying to explain himself. He still didn't get a good vibe from Gregory, something was out of whack.
Hermione couldn't take it anymore. Why did he want to see me unhappy! Why does he have to do this! Why does everyone get to be happy but me? She then stood up and turned to Gregory. She grabbed his arm and made for the door. She stopped before it and turned back to Harry who was staring at the both of them. "Harry, I can't believe you! Why do you want to see me unhappy? Why do you do this to me?" She said it in such a quiet, yet powerful tone, it stunned even herself. She saw Harry shaking his head no, but she didn't want to hear it. She turned and they walked out of the door.
Harry sat watching the door close behind them and couldn't believe what had just happened. No, this can't be right! I know he is bad! But, maybe the whole time was just to get her that bracelet! No! He is up to no good, I can feel it. Harry stood up abruptly and made his way back out. He walked back to Hogwarts, deep in thought. He had to talk to Ron and see what he thought about the situation.
The cloaked man stood next to a tree, hidden from view as he watched Hermione and Gregory leave the Three Broomsticks. He watched as Gregory clasped the bracelet on her wrist and Hermione lean up and give him a kiss that lingered for a moment.
He turned just then to see Harry Potter emerge from the same place, a look of confusion and hurt etched on his face.
"It is working, and soon Potter; soon you will see what is coming to you! Soon!" The man whispered to no one in particular and vanished like the wind, unknowing to anyone around him.
I hope everyone is still enjoying this story and if you have time, read my other story Planes, Trains, and Harry Potter? You might like it! Anyway, hopefully the next chapter will be out sooner. Now please, REVIEW!!!