Hermione's Plan
Initial Preparations
By Chem Prof
Chapter 4, Initial Preparations
Monday, June 16
Hermione woke to the sound of a phone ringing. Sitting up and looking around, she was shocked to see that it was 8:00 already. Her parents had probably already left for work, and therefore she was the only one in the house to answer the phone. Thinking quickly, she picked up her wand.
“Accio cordless phone!” In seconds the telephone receiver came soaring through her open door and she caught it, and managed to press the ‘Talk’ button before the answering machine kicked in. “Hello, Granger residence.”
“Hi Hermione, how are you this morning?” She couldn’t stop the grin that lit up her face upon hearing her best friend’s voice. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Harry got to the purpose of his call. Ron had sent a message with Pig that he would be coming over sometime after noon, but Hedwig had already returned from Gringotts with the message that the goblins would like to see him that morning, and had scheduled an appointment at 9:00. Would she like to come with him?
“Of course. How are we going to get there?”
“Well, I thought I’d floo from Mrs. Figg’s house.”
“I don’t think you can floo into Gringotts. And my house isn’t connected to the floo network.”
“Okay, do you want to apparate over here and then we can apparate together to Diagon Alley?”
“I’m not sure that’s wise. I’ve never side-alonged anyone and you shouldn’t be apparating without a license either.” Hermione pondered for a moment. “How about Fred and George’s? You could floo there and I could apparate there.”
“Okay, that works. But we need to work out how to side-along. We’ll need the flexibility. We can’t count on being able to floo everywhere.”
“I suppose you’re right. See you at the twin’s shop at 8:45, then.” They exchanged goodbyes and Hermione disconnected the phone. She checked the clock again and decided she had to hurry if she were going to shower, dress, and eat before she left, and hastened off to her bathroom.
-ooOoo-
George met her at the front door and let her into the shop, which didn’t open until 9:00, just as Fred was helping Harry out of the floo. Harry quickly explained their errand, and Fred suggested that they wear concealment robes if they didn’t want people to recognize them. Harry and Hermione exchanged looks and silently agreed, which caused Fred and George to share a grin.
“You guys are almost as good at that as we are,” Fred commented as George headed to the back of the shop for the robes.”
“What’s that?” Hermione asked.
“Communicating without speaking, by just exchanging a glance. It shows that your minds are in tune with each other.” Hermione nodded as Harry frowned thoughtfully. It was true; they did often know what the other was thinking without saying a word.
“Here, you go, top of the line,” George announced as he handed them a medium and a small size cloak. “They have hoods you can pull up when you don’t want to advertise who you are, but your face isn’t covered enough to make someone suspicious. And there’s a mild Notice-me-not charm on them, but it’s not strong enough to set off spell detectors.”
“No Harry,” Fred interrupted as Harry began to ask the price. “You know your money’s no good here.” Hermione put her hand on Harry’s arm before he could object, silently reminding him of his agreement to accept help. Harry relented, and asked the twins to send one to Ron also. He also let them know that the two of them wanted to speak with them later, and he and Hermione headed out the door towards Gringotts.
The pair arrived at the wizarding bank just as it opened at 9:00, and when they announced themselves to the goblin at the door they were immediately ushered to a desk in the rear of the lobby. There a familiar looking goblin greeted them.
“Hello, Mr. Potter, my name is Griphook.” Harry now realized why this goblin looked familiar. “I have been instructed to take you to your banking representative, Bladrock. Also, it is my assignment to escort you down to your vaults whenever you have need to visit them. Just come to this desk when you arrive at Gringotts.” Harry nodded, wondering if he should mention that he recognized Griphook from his first visit to Gringotts, and also if it was a coincidence that he was dealing with him again. Before he could say anything, they found themselves led into a private conference room, where another goblin motioned the two of them to sit down.
Harry and Hermione found, to their surprise, that Griphook’s use of the plural word ‘vaults’ had not been accidental. In addition to his regular vault, he now had the Black vault, and would also have access to the main Potter vault when he turned seventeen. They paled when he was informed that the total value of the Black family estate was twenty million Galleons, although most of that was tied up in investments and property. ‘Only’ two million was available in ready cash. “Ten million pounds,” Hermione whispered to him in awe after instantly doing the mental conversion. “I guess we don’t have to worry too much about running out of funds.”
In addition to Grimmauld Place, the family’s main residence in London, he owned a country estate in northern England and two other houses, one in Birmingham and one in Edinburgh. There was also an oceanfront cottage near Brighton. Bladrock also informed him that the Potter estate included some properties as well. Besides the main house and land around Godric’s Hollow in Wales, the estate also owned rental units near the university in Cambridge, which Hermione immediately decided would be perfect if they wanted to go undercover as college students. Harry had never realized that the cottage in which his parents had gone into hiding and been ultimately killed was on a small secluded site, well away from the manor house. The Potter estate was only half the size of the Black estate, but was still significant. The combined estates, Bladrock informed Harry, made him one of the bank’s ten largest depositors.
Harry asked if there was a way of buying things without carrying bags of Galleons around, such as with checks like he had seen his Aunt Petunia use. Bladrock responded that he could simply sign for things at the larger shops and establishments in wizarding areas such as Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, where his name would be on a ‘preferred customer’ list.
Hermione then inquired about the possibility of accessing funds from muggle banks. Bladrock responded that Harry could have his choice of a credit card and an ATM card. At Harry’s puzzled look, Hermione promised to explain the difference later and told Bladrock that they would take one of each. Harry then insisted that he make that two of each, with one for him and one for Hermione.
Bladrock concluded by informing them about other services the bank provided. One of those was obtaining muggle identification papers, such as driver’s licenses, passports, and the like. Hermione immediately told Harry that he should have both a passport and a driver’s license. She had both of those already, and they would be necessary if they were going to be spending a lot of time as muggles. She sternly let him know that he would not be actually driving a car until she made sure he knew how, and that she would teach him. Harry grinned and commented why not, she taught him just about everything he already knew anyway. This earned him a mock glare and a punch on the shoulder. Hermione hesitantly asked if they could make Harry a year older on his passport and driver’s license. Bladrock gave her an evil grin and assured her that anything was possible for the right price.
-ooOoo-
When they returned to Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes they managed to get Fred and George alone in the back workroom while Verity, their sales clerk, kept an eye on the few early morning customers. The twins were thrilled with Harry’s suggestion that they branch out into items that would be useful in a battle, citing the example of the shield hats that they were already producing for the Ministry. Harry suggested that they make some in the style of muggle style sport caps that would look more natural, and they readily agreed. He also wondered if their headless hats might be modified to be a reasonable substitute for an invisibility cloak or a disillusionment charm.
“So, what next?” asked Hermione as they pulled up the hoods on their cloaks and exited the twins’ shop. It was just after 10:00, and they still had most of the morning left before they had to be back to Little Whinging to meet up with Ron. She thought briefly about taking Harry’s hand as they walked toward the Leaky Cauldron, but decided that might be pushing it too fast. She wanted to give Harry some time to think about how much they had enjoyed their time together the previous night.
“I think I should get a cell phone,” Harry suggested. “Uncle Vernon complained this morning when I called you that I better not make a habit of it because he wouldn’t stand for me running up his phone bill.”
“That’s a good idea,” Hermione agreed. “I should get one too, then we can contact each other any time we want.” She glanced at him briefly, trying to gauge his mood, then made another suggestion. “I think this might be a good chance to do some clothes shopping for you.”
Harry groaned, but she could see it was mostly for show. Guys were expected to hate shopping, after all. “Okay,” he conceded, “but only if we buy something for you too. It’s only fair.” Hermione didn’t mind that trade-off at all. As they emerged onto Charing Cross Road from the Leaky Cauldron, she hailed a cab and directed it to take them to Knightsbridge, where she spent the next hour introducing Harry to the wonders of Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
Shopping with Harry was a dream. He’d never been able to buy clothing for himself before, so it was a new experience for him and he still had the eagerness of a first-timer. He basically needed everything, and the financial information he had just received meant that they had an unlimited budget. Finally, he trusted her judgement implicitly. The only thing he balked at was the swimwear. He thought he would be more comfortable in the baggier trunks that went halfway down to his knees, but Hermione insisted that the tight briefs would be better to swim in. He couldn’t imagine exposing himself like that but she assured him that all male swimmers wore suits like that or even briefer.
Eventually they compromised and bought two of the kind she liked and one of the type he suggested. After a while Hermione had to begin using discreet shrinking charms to enable them to carry all of their purchases. When it was time for her to pick out something for herself she selected two tank tops, one T-back and one spaghetti strap style, and a pair of shorts and a miniskirt to go with them. She was quite pleased with the way Harry perked up when she came out of the dressing room to model them for him. He even cheekily asked if he could help her pick out a swimsuit. She saucily replied that she already had plenty, but that if he was nice to her they could go shopping again next week and she would let him help her pick one out then.
After an hour spent shopping, Harry persuaded her to apparate back to Privet Drive. She was still reluctant, but he explained that if they side-alonged, the Ministry would not be able to tell who apparated whom, even in the unlikely event that someone happened to see them. First he side-alonged her back to his house, then had her try it on him. They began with short distances of just a few feet, then back and forth from one room to the next. When they finished, she was perfectly comfortable with it, and even popped him from his house to hers and back again.
Once they finished it was time to go to Mrs. Figg’s house over on Magnolia Crescent to meet Ron, who would be coming by floo. Harry caught him as he came tumbling out of her fireplace and helped him dust himself off while Hermione gave him a quick hug. Harry introduced them both to Mrs. Figg (and her cats) and they stayed a while to visit before returning to the Dursley’s house. On the way Harry explained the situation with his relatives.
“I told them that you were both of age and could legally do magic,” he began. Ron immediately got a delighted grin on his face, which caused Hermione to frown as Harry continued. “So they are going to be very nervous around the two of you, and if we’re lucky will avoid us as much as possible. But here’s the thing – you can’t actually do magic here.”
“What! Why not?” Ron had clearly been looking forward to getting some payback on Harry’s behalf. For her part, Hermione gave Harry an inquiring look.
“Don’t you know how the Ministry detects underage magic?” Harry asked. They both shook their heads, Hermione somewhat annoyed with herself for not having the answer. “They can detect that a spell has been cast, but not who cast it. So when Dobby did that hovering charm here five years ago I got blamed and got the warning notice. Any magic done here will be assumed to be done by me, and as I’m still underage, I’ll get in trouble.”
“But that’s … that’s so wrong!” Hermione’s irritation quickly turned to outrage as all of the ramifications of that revelation occurred to her. If that was true, only muggleborn students (or muggle-raised ones like Harry) would ever get underage magic warnings. In all other cases any magic detected would be presumed to have been performed by parents and would be ignored. It was just another example of the blatant discrimination against muggleborn wizards and witches by the magical power structure.
Ron, however, didn’t realize what was going through Hermione’s mind and was puzzled about why she was so upset about not being able to do magic at Harry’s house. “Don’t worry about it Hermione,” he said. “Sure it will be inconvenient, and I was really looking forward to hexing those worthless …” he stopped short at the murderous glare Hermione was sending his way.
Harry quickly interrupted what looked to be shaping up as another row between his friends and tried to change the subject. Hermione could tell that he had some idea of what was bothering her, and vowed to take this topic up with him later, but forced herself to calm down for now. Harry’s Aunt Petunia was not in the house when they arrived, nor was Dudley. Apparently Harry was correct in his assessment that they would be trying to avoid his ‘unnatural’ friends. They settled down at the kitchen table while Harry fixed them lunch. Hermione noted the surprised look on Ron’s face, and guessed that it might be because Harry was doing the food preparation instead of her. Once again she bit her tongue, not wanting to get into a discussion with him of the appropriate roles for men and women, or admit to her lack of culinary skills.
Harry frowned as Ron explained that while his mum had let him come over today, she expected him around the house most of the time as they had ‘a million things to do’ to get ready for Bill’s wedding. Things were in an uproar just then, with the uncertainty about Bill’s condition. The wedding was scheduled for a weekend in July when there happened to be a full moon, and they might have to move it up. For now, Bill was being kept in St. Mungo’s through Friday, which was this month’s full moon. They would know for sure after that.
Harry had been staring at the table in thought, and looked up as Ron finished his explanation. “What about a house elf?” he suggested. Ron’s face brightened up at this as Hermione’s eyes narrowed in exasperation.
“A house elf! Harry James Potter! I can’t believe you would suggest that the Weasleys get a slave!”
“Hermione, think about this for a minute. What about Winky?”
“But she’s free! Why would she want to be a slave again?”
“Because she’s miserable. She wants to be with a family. It’s been three years and she still misses them. You know Dobby told us she’s still drinking, even if it’s not as much as she used to. Why not ask her if she wants to go work for them? Wouldn’t it be better if she was happy working for the Weasleys than being miserable at Hogwarts?”
Ron stayed quiet, having already been the recipient of one of Hermione’s ‘looks’ today. His head swiveled back and forth as he followed the continuing exchange between his two friends, who, while they were in a passionate disagreement, were not getting angry with each other. Hermione was keeping herself under control and Harry was calmly making his points. Neither was even close to stomping out of the room, which was usually the way arguments ended at the Burrow. The most amazing thing was that Hermione actually seemed to be coming over to Harry’s point of view.
Suddenly Hermione’s shoulders slumped and Harry was right there, putting an arm around her in consolation. He knew how difficult it was for her to give in on this issue, and the way he responded, showing concern rather than rubbing her face in his victory, made her love him all the more. ‘Why can’t it be like this when I argue with Ron?’ she asked herself. ‘Because you and Ron don’t have the same kind of connection that you and Harry do,’ was the answer. If only she had realized that sooner, so much grief could have been avoided. She shook her mind away from this thought as Harry and Ron discussed how they would introduce Winky to Molly. Harry shot a look her way as he reminded Ron that they would have to pay Winky, and she managed a small grateful smile.
Once they had dispensed with that topic, Hermione outlined her time turner plan. Ron was somewhat dubious about the idea of staying at muggle resorts. Hermione was more concerned about Harry’s reaction, but he seemed okay with it. He pointed out that they didn’t even know for sure if they could get a time turner yet. Hermione explained that travel arrangements took time to make, and she wanted to do some preliminary checking into availability and he agreed that made sense. Then Hermione suggested to him that he check in with McGonagall, and Harry sent off Hedwig while they filled Ron in on that they had learned that morning at Gringotts.
Suddenly Hermione jumped up from the table. Something Harry had said about his inheritance from his parents had reminded her of something she had vowed to do. “I want to see the cupboard,” she demanded. Harry grimaced and Ron had a confused look on his face. “The cupboard under the stairs,” Hermione said angrily, turning to Ron, “where Harry’s despicable aunt and uncle forced him to live for the first eleven years of his life.”
“That was for real?” Ron asked, turning to Harry in shock. Harry nodded grimly and Hermione thought he was going to refuse to show them, but now Ron was as adamant as she was and he quickly gave in. He trudged out to the hall and gestured to a small cupboard door under the stairs. Ron and Hermione stood there a while, stunned at how small it was. Finally Ron stepped forward and pulled open the door. Hermione choked back a gasp. There, crammed into the tiny space about four feet wide and six feet deep, was a small cot and a vacuum cleaner, some brooms, and a dust mop and a few other cleaning supplies.
“Bloody hell!” This was all Ron could manage, and Hermione couldn’t stop the tears that started streaming down her face. The thought that a small boy, especially this small boy, could be forced to live in such a place was unbearable. She sobbed and threw her arms around Harry’s neck and buried her head into his shoulder. He awkwardly patted her on the back while looking sheepishly at Ron. Ron just stared back, not knowing what to say. After an uncomfortable silence, Harry led Hermione back to the kitchen and Ron followed.
“Look Mate,” Ron began hesitantly, “I’m sorry. I know it doesn’t make any difference now, but I am. I wish you could have had the kind of life I had when you were growing up. You deserved better. But you know what? Even despite the way those freaks treated you, you turned out to be the greatest guy I ever met, and the best friend a guy could ever have.” Harry couldn’t say anything, but merely nodded his appreciation. Hermione, who even though she had sat down was still clinging to Harry with her head against his shoulder, turned and gave Ron a grateful smile through her tears. She had never been as proud of him as she was at this moment.
“Me too, Harry,” she managed finally. “Everything Ron said is absolutely true. After this week we’ll leave here and you’ll never have to look back. Whatever they did is behind you now and if Ron or I have anything to say about it they’ll never mistreat you again.” She reached her hand out to Ron and he grasped it and gave Harry a solemn nod. Ron reached out his other hand to Harry and the trio sat there, united as best friends and totally dedicated to each other. In time the conversation turned to more pleasant topics, and the cupboard under the stairs was put aside.
As the afternoon wore on, Ron began to think about supper. “Why don’t you two come over to my house for dinner?” suggested Hermione. Ron looked uncomfortable at that suggestion, and Hermione realized that he was already struggling with the whole muggle lifestyle. Harry noticed this too.
“I don’t know, I think maybe we should just stay here for today. Maybe some other time?” Hermione could tell that he was somewhat torn. He liked her parents, but was also sensitive to Ron’s discomfort.
“Okay, no problem. I really should check with my parents first anyway,” Hermione agreed. “So, what other ideas do you have? I assume neither of you are thrilled about eating with the Dursleys.” The looks on both of their faces confirmed that assumption.
“How about if we order pizza?” Harry offered. That led to a completely blank look on Ron’s face, and Hermione couldn’t help laughing.
“Don’t worry, Ron, you’ll love it. Let’s have a look at your phone book, Harry and see what’s available around here.” In no time she had found a pizza place that delivered to Little Whinging and after some discussion Harry ordered two pizzas, one for Ron and one for him and Hermione to split. He also decided to introduce Ron to muggle soft drinks, and ordered a two liter bottle of Coke to go along with it. For his part, Ron was fascinated by Harry’s cell phone.
Soon Harry’s Aunt Petunia returned, and she was visibly relieved when Harry told her that they had ordered pizza and would be eating in his room, and wouldn’t be joining them for supper. Harry quickly introduced Ron and Hermione, and Hermione wondered why she trembled at meeting Ron until she recalled the hilarious tale of the visit of the Weasleys to Privet Drive three years earlier. The trio broke away and hurried up to Harry’s room before anything unpleasant could happen.
Hermione was proven correct; Ron loved the pizza and Coke. She decided that she really should return home to eat supper with her parents, since she had been gone all day, so she ate just one slice and left. She had spent the whole day with Harry and knew he wouldn’t mind having some time alone with Ron.
Since there was still some daylight present, Hermione slipped out of her clothing and headed for their pool. After a few relaxing laps she climbed out and rested on one of the lounge chairs, happily reviewing the day. The process of rebuilding her relationship with Harry was going even better than she had thought possible. He had accepted her re-entry into his life as though nothing had happened. And perhaps to his mind, it hadn’t. After all it had been she who had pulled away from him, not the other way around. He had never given up on their friendship. After a few blissful moments of imagining him lying beside her on the next lounge chair, as wet and naked as she was, she had another idea, and summoned her new cell phone.
A few minutes later she was talking to Harry. “Hi,” she greeted him, feeling somewhat naughty that she was talking to him while in the nude. “Just thought I’d check out the cell phones. Do you want me to walk you through how to program in my number?”
“Nope, I think I can handle it,” he replied. “But I think Ron would really like to give this a go.” Hermione fortunately remembered Harry’s description of Ron’s last attempt to use a telephone, and held the receiver well away from her ear while her red-headed friend shouted a greeting. Eventually she and Harry got him speaking at a normal volume. She laughed when they revealed that Ron had already finished her half of the pizza. They concluded by agreeing that Harry would call her again in the morning and she disconnected the phone just as her parents came out onto the porch.
At supper that night, Emma and Hermione discussed vacation options. Hermione explained that she didn’t want anything in Europe, since they couldn’t take the risk of anyone recognizing Harry. That probably also ruled out the States. Emma suggested one of the Caribbean islands or the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. There were many options that would suit their needs, such as Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman Island, or Aruba, but there were three locations that stood out because of their lower cost and abundance of unpopulated interior jungle – Jamaica, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, or the Cancun – Tulum corridor in Mexico. Jamaica had the advantage that the local language was English, but they eventually decided on Mexico. Besides the large number of resorts along a long stretch of beach, there were also the interesting archeological sites which would offer an educational experience as well.
The disclosure of Harry’s financial situation put Dan and Emma’s minds to rest about how they were going to afford a multi-week resort stay. When Emma asked her when exactly they wanted to book the trip, Hermione admitted that they weren’t sure yet if it was going to work, although even without the time turner a two week vacation sounded enticing. The complication of the wedding date was another factor, even disregarding the time turner question. Emma cautioned her that they shouldn’t wait any longer than the end of the week. She and Dan needed at least a week’s notice to make the final arrangements for other dentists to cover their practice, although they had scheduled no appointments for the first two weeks of July in anticipation of taking some sort of holiday. Hermione hoped that they would hear from McGonagall and Croaker soon.
After another relaxing evening reading out by the pool, followed by a quick dip in the hot tub, Hermione went to sleep dreaming of her and Harry lying side by side on a pair of lounge chairs on an exotic tropical beach. In appropriate swimwear, of course.
-ooOoo-
Tuesday began with another phone call from Harry. “Hi Hermione. Would you like to go look at some books today?”
“Sure, what did you have in mind?”
“How about the library at Grimmauld Place?” Harry explained that Remus and Tonks had come over to see him, and informed him that they needed to do something about Grimmauld Place. With Dumbledore gone, and Snape’s betrayal, the Fidelius Charm needed to be renewed, with a new secret keeper. Since Harry was the owner, he needed to be involved, since you couldn’t put a Fidelius Charm on something that wasn’t yours in the first place. Hermione chuckled at the thought of all the mischief that could be caused if that were possible. The Weasley twins, for example, might have made a fortune by putting all the school toilets under the charm and then selling the secret to desperate students.
“Sure, Harry, that sounds like a great idea,” she responded enthusiastically. Harry then told her that he thought they should do that in the afternoon, when Ron was around, and Hermione agreed. “So, what do you want to do this morning, then?” she inquired.
“I don’t know, maybe just sit around and study?” he suggested. Hermione marveled at that offer. Harry really was changing, if he was suggesting to her that they study! On the other hand, she doubted he would have made that suggestion if Ron had been there. Still, she couldn’t think of a more enjoyable way to spend the morning than studying with Harry. Unless?
“I have another idea,” she responded. “How about if you come over here and we study sitting out by the pool.”
“You have a pool? Wow, that would be great. Um, what should I wear?” Hermione knew what he was really asking, and decided she shouldn’t push him.
“Just wear a pair of shorts and a tee shirt. You can bring one of your new swim suits in case we decide to go for a swim.” That would leave it open for him to wear the suit he was more comfortable in, even though she wanted to see him in one of the other ones. But there would be plenty of time for that later. “Do you think you can apparate here?”
“You better come and get me. I wasn’t really there long enough yesterday to get a good look at the place.”
Hermione quickly put on a pair of shorts and a tank top and in a few minutes she was at Privet Drive where Harry was waiting for her, attired as she had instructed. “Hey, you look pretty good,” she commented. She had never seen him in shorts before, and the tee shirt fit his chest very nicely. She knew she was going to have trouble concentrating on studying today, and wondered (hopefully) if he would also.
Harry looked down at himself self-consciously, then raised his head back up and took a good look at her. A bit longer look than normal, she thought. “Thanks,” he stammered, “you too.” She put her arm around his waist and seconds later they were in the Granger family room.
“Whoa, that was a different way to side-along,” Harry commented.
“I thought it would be more fun that way,” she teased. Harry gave her a curious look but she just took his hand and led him out onto the porch towards the pool. Harry immediately noticed the hot tub.
“Do you use that often?” he asked. Hermione thought about how much she should reveal about her family’s clothing preferences, then answered.
“Yes, but I don’t think you’ll want to try it today.”
“Why not?”
“Because we only use it in the nude. And I doubt that at this stage of our relationship we’re ready to be quite that familiar with each other.” Harry stared at her, wondering if she were putting him on. But she just gave him a little smile and continued out to the pool.
Hermione pulled out her wand and summoned some spell books from her room, causing Harry’s eyes to go wide, followed by a comment. “I forgot. We can do magic here, can’t we?”
“Yes. Ironic isn’t it? I’m of age, but I can’t do magic at your house. You’re not of age, but you can do magic at my house.” She paused for a moment, then continued. “You could come over here every morning to practice if you want. We even have a space down in the basement we could fix up to use.” Harry agreed with that idea, and they settled down by the pool to review her spell books.
After a while spent in comfortable silence Harry spoke up. “Hermione? Ron told me last night about you and him.”
Hermione looked over at him and smiled, trying to keep her relief from showing. “That’s good. I didn’t want there to be any misunderstandings between us since we’re going to be spending so much time together.”
“But are you all right?” Harry asked with concern. “I mean, it seemed like you were pretty set on getting together with him last year.”
Hermione smiled again. This concern for her was just another example of why she loved him so much. “No, I’ll be fine. I’ve thought about it quite a bit and I think it’s for the best. We don’t always get along all that well with each other, you know.” Harry failed to suppress a grin at that statement. Ron and Hermione’s rows were legendary in Gryffindor House. “I would hate for us to go with each other for a time, then break up with a nasty fight that would leave us not being friends. The two of you are my best friends in the world, and I don’t want to lose that.”
Harry nodded, processing this information in his mind. “Okay. But if there’s anything I can do …”
Hermione’s first thought was ‘Oh Harry, if you only knew what I wanted you to do!’, but she managed to keep it under control and answered calmly. “Well, a hug now and again would be nice.”
Harry grinned at her again. “You got it.”
After a brief pause, Hermione continued the discussion in a different direction. “What about you? Are you all right about Ginny?”
“I’m doing okay. It wasn’t really for that long,” he answered with a serious tone, referring to the length of time they had dated. “It was a strange feeling, actually. Like I was living someone else’s life. Almost like a dream. I’ve always wanted to be normal, and when I was with her I felt normal, like just another bloke with a girlfriend. I didn’t have to think about all that other stuff.” His eyes had gone into a faraway gaze, and now he returned and looked over at Hermione again. “And you have been keeping me busy to keep my mind off of her, like you promised.” Hermione bit her lip and said nothing. Then Harry grinned and added, “come to think of it though, a hug now and again would be nice.”
A bright smile blossomed on Hermione’s face as she got up and walked over to his lounge chair. He smiled also as he stood to meet her and she raised her right hand in mock solemnity. “I, Hermione Jane Granger, hereby promise to hug Harry James Potter at least once a day.” She wrapped her arms around his back and turned her head as she pressed it to his chest. In turn, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and dropped his head to rest on top of hers.
“And I promise to hug you back.” The two of them stood there, holding each other with the comfortable, comforting kind of hug that is exchanged by two best friends. At least for now.
-xox-XOX-XOX-xox-