Soul Searching/End Game
EG Chapter 11 - Dating Disaster, Part 1
By Chem Prof
Chapter 11, Dating Disaster, Part 1
December also brought even more twists to the soap opera that Hogwarts had become. After the Witch Weekly article had come out Susan Bones had approached Harry at the end of a DA meeting and demanded equal time for Hufflepuffs. Though everyone was aware that it was all in fun, Harry had laughingly accepted and Susan had the chance to spend a week as Harry Potter’s girlfriend after his time with Padma ended. Thus it was mid-December before Harry and Ginny officially got back together again.
Luckily for Susan her week happened to coincide with an unannounced Hogsmeade day. Since Voldemort’s forces were still in disarray from their most recent defeat, it was deemed to be a good time to let the students get out of the castle. Just to be on the safe side, the students weren’t informed until the day itself, and there was a lot of scrambling at breakfast that morning as schedules were quickly rearranged and students made plans of where and when to meet.
Parvati and Padma playfully pouted that it was not fair that Susan got to have the Hogsmeade visit just because it happened to come during her turn, so Harry graciously hosted a table for them, as well as Hermione, Ginny, and Luna at the Three Broomsticks. There he gave each of them a hug and a kiss and presented each one with some of Honeyduke’s finest chocolate as a token of his appreciation for them putting up with the Harry’s Honeys nonsense. Of course, Colin couldn’t resist taking more pictures, so Susan got to be in an official group picture too.
The impact that Harry’s dating of Susan, then Ginny again only a week later, would have been expected to have on the Hogwart’s gossip circuit was severely reduced by the news that Hermione had finally selected a boyfriend from among her suitors. It was Blaise Zabini. The idea that the muggleborn goody two shoes Gryffindor Head Girl was going with the Slytherin ladies’ man sent shock waves through the castle.
While Harry was uneasy about what Hermione was getting herself into, he publicly supported her decision. They had talked it over at length as Hermione sought his advice while she was considering it. He had thought that Ernie McMillan would be a better choice. Her reasoning was that she didn’t see herself in a long-term relationship with any of the available boys at Hogwarts, so it didn’t matter if they were that compatible. (In her mind the key word was available. The only boy she was interested in a long-term relationship with was already taken.)
She decided that she wanted a no-expectations relationship like Harry had enjoyed with Parvati or Susan and was only in it to have a little fun. If Harry could have a fling with some of the most attractive girls in the school, she could go with the best looking guy. And, she admitted to Harry in a confidential aside that he found uncomfortably frank, Blaise turned her on more than the others did.
Ron was not happy at all with Hermione’s choice, but he knew there was nothing he could say about it. He had expected her to end up with one of the Ravenclaws, Terry or Anthony. After all, who would be more suited to Hermione than a Ravenclaw? But while his and Hermione’s friendship had recovered to the stage of being able to engage in polite conversation, he was certain that she would not be receptive to any relationship advice from him.
He was well aware of Blaise Zabini’s reputation, which was why he had wanted to keep the Slytherin from getting any ideas about his sister. Unfortunately, being more isolated due to living in the Heads suite, and not being inclined toward gossip in any case, the two head students were not as familiar with all of the stories about Blaise.
-ooOoo-
Friday, December 20
It had been a rough month and a half for Ginny. While intellectually she knew that having Harry date several other girls was a good idea, and would be better for her in the long run, it had been hard to watch them with him. Parvati in particular took great delight in letting everyone know that she was dating Harry Potter, making quite a show of being with him every chance she got.
While Ginny had to admit that it wasn’t nearly as bad as the spectacle Ron and Lavender had put on last year, it was still hard to take. Now she appreciated Hermione even more, despite the fact that Hermione was much more competition for her for Harry’s affections than any of the other girls. Her bushy haired friend had kept her ‘girlfriend’ status with Harry much more low key and had never flaunted it in Ginny’s face.
Harry’s short relationship with Susan was another blow to Ginny’s self-confidence. While she knew full well that there was nothing serious about it, the fact that Susan was one of the more well-endowed girls at Hogwarts brought Ginny’s body insecurities to the forefront. Sure, she knew that Harry had said that he preferred smaller girls, but what if a week with the buxom Hufflepuff changed his mind? She was well aware of the hard time the other boys had given him about Susan’s assets.
Of course, when she had summoned her courage and asked him about it during one of their weekly secret dates (the last secret one for a while, thank goodness) his response had been perfect. He had assured her that he liked her just the way she was. And while he was honest and admitted that it had certainly crossed his mind what Susan might look like in one of Hermione’s tiny bikini tops, Ginny was the one he fantasized about. That had earned him a mind-blowing snog. And then it got even better.
“Seriously, Ginny, as far as I’m concerned the girl I’m falling in love with has a figure that’s just right.”
It was a few seconds before Ginny managed to find her voice. Her heart was beating so fast she thought she was going to pass out. “Do you really mean that?”
“That you have a great figure? Sure.”
“No, the other part.”
“That I’m falling in love with you? I think so.”
Ginny was pretty sure her feet hadn’t touched the ground all the way back to Gryffindor tower.
Tonight, she had decided, was the night she was going to make at least some of those fantasies a reality. She had waited patiently for the two of them to get to know each other better, and it had worked. They were much more emotionally connected than they had been. Now it was time to move their level of physical intimacy forward. She wanted him to see her. She wanted him to touch her. While she knew they weren’t ready to make love yet, she intended to go at least as far with him as she had with Michael and Dean.
-ooOoo-
Harry approached the Room of Requirement with some trepidation. Ginny had asked him to meet her there instead of walking down together, and he was pretty sure he knew why. While he was nervous, he figured that it was time. He was now deeply committed to this relationship, more than he had ever been.
When he entered the room it was quite different than its usual setting of a sofa in front of a fireplace. The light was low, being provided by candles spaced throughout the room, giving it a soft glow. The room was filled with comfortable cushions, pillows and throws and the floor was covered with a soft, thick rug. Off to one side was a miniature replica of the prefects’ bath, complete with a miniature waterfall. It was the perfect setting for seduction.
Ginny was waiting for him, and had already removed her robes. As he removed his own, his eyes were captured by her outfit. She was wearing a simple blouse and skirt, but the blouse was untucked and partially unbuttoned. He could see no evidence that she was wearing a bra.
She came forward and took his arms and placed them around her neck, drawing him into a slow, sensual kiss while she began unbuttoning his shirt. When she finished she pulled back a little, and looked deeply into his eyes while she moved his hands down to the remaining buttons on her blouse, then began running her own hands up and down his chest.
Harry’s heart was pounding, pushing blood to all the appropriate places as the objects of his fantasies came into view. Finally Ginny spoke. “Go ahead, Harry,” she whispered. “You know we both want this.”
Her buttons were completely undone, and his hands moved to her waist, which pulled her blouse further apart and exposed more of her to his view. Harry froze, trying to control his breathing. Merlin, she was so beautiful! Ginny sensed his hesitation, and knew he needed more encouragement.
“It’s OK, Harry. We’ve been together for six months. It’s way past time that we took this step.” Harry moved his hands up her sides and across her ribs as she trembled, her heart beating as hard as his was. Then Harry paused again with his hands just below her breasts, a slight frown crossing his face. Six months. She had been with Michael Corner and Dean Thomas for about a year each. Did that mean?
Ginny saw the frown and realized how nervous he was about this. He was so sweet. The other boys she had dated hadn’t hesitated a bit. She just had to get him a little more comfortable and he would be fine. She leaned forward and kissed him again, then smiled encouragingly.
“Um, Ginny. I’ve never done this. Do you …? I mean, I don’t … Have you, I mean, are you …?”
Unfortunately, Ginny completely misread his anxieties. She still thought he needed reassuring. She was the experienced one in relationships, while he was the novice. She had to let him know that she knew what she was doing, and it was all right. Her next action was one she would regret for the rest of her life.
She laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “Oh Harry, what do you think happens in the broom cupboards of this school?”
Harry froze again. Unbidden, the scene he had witnessed of Ginny and Dean kissing in the corridor forced its way into his mind. She had been pressing her body tightly up against his, and writhing sensuously. If that’s what they were doing in the corridor, how much further did they go in private?
That image was replaced by one of her and Michael in a closet, fumbling with each other’s clothing, Ginny gasping as his hands closed over her small breasts. That was forced out by an even more troubling one. This time it was her and Dean again. Her shirt was completely off and he had a hand on one of her breasts, while he bent his head to the other one. She began to moan as his tongue teased her nipple, while his other hand slowly rose up her thigh under her skirt.
“No!” he shouted, backing away, a look of horror on is face. “No! You didn’t!” But he knew that wishing wouldn’t make it true. She had. It felt like a knife had been plunged into his heart, and he stumbled as he retreated, his legs nearly giving out, his mind reeling. Try as he might, he couldn’t get the visions out of his head, each more lurid than the one before. He shook his head futilely attempting to clear it.
“Harry! Harry what’s wrong?” What are you talking about?” Too late, Ginny correctly interpreted the look of horror on his face as he backed toward the door. Dismay filled her face, mixed with guilt and terror. Harry saw this, and it was the final confirmation. He turned and fled.
Ginny sank to her knees in shock. What had happened? Things had been perfect and then … His final expression before he turned away was etched permanently in her mind. A look of horror … and disgust. Ginny fell to the floor sobbing uncontrollably. In less than a minute’s time her entire world had been shattered.
-ooOoo-
Hermione was settling down on the sofa in their common room with a book. Harry had just left a few minutes ago, more nervous about this date than he had been all term. She had an idea why. She knew how much Ginny wanted this to happen and she hoped Harry was ready for it.
Then the portrait flew open and Harry tore past her and into his room, his door slamming behind him. Her connection to him was overwhelmed with a sense of dismay.
“Harry, what’s wrong? What happened?” But by the time she got these words out he was already past and in his room. His door glowed briefly with a locking charm. She raised her eyebrows as she realized that he had used a charm that they had just discovered recently, one that she knew the counter to but that no one else in the castle would be able to undo.
She opened her mind to him in case he wanted to communicate with her, but then she shrank back as overwhelming pain poured off of him. Much as she wanted to go to him and help ease his pain, she realized that he wanted to be alone right now. With a sickening feeling, a thought came to her about what might be causing this pain.
A minute later the portrait opened again and Ginny stormed into the room. Ignoring Hermione, she marched right up to Harry’s door and tried to open it. Stepping back a step, she drew her wand and shouted “Alohamora!” Nothing happened. Desperate, she began pounding on the door. “Harry! Harry! I need to talk to you! Please, Harry!” There was no sound from the room.
Ginny turned and noticed Hermione and stalked over to the chair next to the sofa and threw herself into it. Hermione said nothing, merely observing for the moment. Tears had streaked Ginny’s face, and her robes were open, having been thrown on haphazardly. Her blouse was untucked and incompletely buttoned. As the younger witch sat there breathing heavily, her sadness turned to fury.
“Don’t say it!” she snapped at Hermione. “Don’t say a word!” Hermione began to protest but Ginny cut her off.
“I know you. You’re dying to say I told you so.”
Hermione forced herself to remain calm. Ginny was hurting and needed to be able to vent her anger.
“You are the biggest prude in this school. You and him both.” Now Hermione was getting annoyed. She didn’t consider herself a complete prude. After all, which one of them was the one who owned the thong bikini and which one only owned a boring one piece? But Ginny was still going strong.
“What’s wrong with you? Everyone in this school does that. No one else thinks it’s so bad.”
Ginny had finally run out of steam, so Hermione responded. “I doubt that I’m the only one. Harry obviously agrees with me.” Ginny crossed her arms and huffed. “I imagine Neville does too.” Ginny glared at her, but had to admit she was probably right about that one too. “I don’t think Ron would be to happy to hear about your …”
“Don’t talk to me about Ron! He’s such a hypocrite. You know very well he had his hands all over Lavender last year. You know she makes sure all the guys she dates enjoy her ‘assets’.” Ginny practically spat out the last word. Hermione squirmed uncomfortably. When Lavender had been dating Ron last year she had tried to convince herself that that wasn’t true. Ginny saw her discomfort and drove in for the kill. She was hurting badly and right now felt like taking everyone down with her.
“Maybe if you weren’t such a prude he would have given you what you wanted. Maybe he knew he wouldn’t get anything from you and that’s why he …”
“That’s enough!” Hermione snapped. “This discussion isn’t about me. I’m not the one who just messed up my relationship with Harry.”
Ginny burst into tears, the fury dissolving back into grief. “Oh my God! Hermione, what am I going to do?”
Despite her hurt at what Ginny had just said, Hermione crossed over and pulled her friend into a hug. Ginny sobbed into her shoulder for a while, her whole body shaking.
“I don’t know Ginny. I think you just have to wait and see. You’ve just changed the way he thought about you. Unfortunately, he just discovered something about you that’s upset him.” That was an understatement, she thought. “I don’t know what will happen now. You know him, he’ll probably brood about it for a month.” Ginny managed a small, teary smile and nodded slightly. It wasn’t much comfort but it was the best she could do.
Eventually, Ginny pulled herself together a bit. “I’m sorry for what I said earlier Hermione. I wasn’t thinking and that was uncalled for.”
“It’s OK, Ginny, I understand. Sometimes we lash out at our friends when we’re hurting badly.”
Hermione gave her another hug and Ginny, after taking one last longing look at Harry’s door, left the room and began the longest walk she had ever made to Gryffindor tower.
Hermione had just returned to her seat when Harry’s door opened again. She turned to see him standing there frowning.
“Are you OK,” he asked, looking concerned. “I heard all of the yelling. She had no right to say that to you.”
“Harry, stop!” Hermione exclaimed as she jumped to her feet and crossed to him. “I should be trying to comfort you, not the other way around.” As she reached him his shoulders slumped as his mind returned to the painful situation.
“I can’t believe it. I just … I mean I don’t … I …” He continued muttering incoherently as she guided him over to the sofa and sat him down next to her. Finally he stopped and looked at her questioningly. She swallowed hard, knowing what was coming next.
“You knew?”
“I’m sorry, Harry. I thought about telling you but I just couldn’t. I mean …”
“No, I understand. I’d never expect you to betray a friend’s confidence. I guess I should have figured it out. But maybe I didn’t want to.”
“I tried to tell her it was a bad idea even back then, but she …” Hermione paused. Harry probably didn’t want to hear about how much Ginny had enjoyed that with Michael and Dean. “That’s just the way she is, Harry. You heard what she said. Not everyone feels the way we do about it.”
“Does that mean you think it’s all right? Are you defending her?”
“No, not really.”
“That’s not the way I thought she was. I thought she was this sweet, innocent, loving, caring girl. I thought she was perfect.”
“No one’s perfect, Harry. No, not even me,” she chided him in response to the way his head twitched toward her. A ghost of a smile flitted across his face and vanished. “You have to deal with people the way they are, not the way you wish they would be.”
“I know that. But it hurts so much! I can’t help thinking about her and … and seeing them …”
Hermione felt awful. It was painful to see him hurting like this. Her stomach was clenched into a knot, and she knew that his must be ten times worse. She reached out and took his hand and tried to send him as much comfort as she could.
Suddenly the portrait burst open again and Ron stormed into their room. This is getting ridiculous, Hermione thought, we should change the bloody password. Before either of them could react Ron was across the room and had grabbed Harry’s shirt and yanked him to his feet. Normally, with all the training he had been doing, Harry could have easily defended himself against this assault, but right now his mind wasn’t focusing very well.
“WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY SISTER!” Ron shouted, and simultaneously his fist connected with Harry’s jaw. Harry’s head snapped back and the momentum carried him over the back of the sofa as he crashed to the floor. Before he could take another step Ron found himself frozen in place from a wordless petrification spell from Hermione. With one arm she spun him around to face her.
Ron had seen Hermione angry plenty of times in his life, but he had never seen her like this. He didn’t think he had ever even seen Ginny this angry. As Hermione pointed her wand at him he could see her furious face and blazing eyes and it occurred to him that he might have just made the costliest mistake of his life. Then she lowered her wand and raised her other arm.
SMACK!!
If Ron had thought Hermione had a good punch when she had decked Malfoy four years ago, it was nothing like the one she had now that she had physically matured, and been lifting weights for six months to boot. When he regained his senses a bit later, one thought was attempting to etch itself permanently into his memory circuits. Don’t. Attack. Harry. In. Front. Of. Hermione.
Meanwhile Hermione had hurried over to Harry and helped him to his feet and back onto the sofa. She quickly cast some diagnostic charms and was relieved that Harry’s jaw wasn’t broken, but it was severely bruised. She cast the strongest pain numbing charm she knew. At that point she turned her fury back to Ron. With another flick he was levitated from the floor where he was trying to shake his head back and forth and deposited in the chair. She adjusted the spell she had cast so he could move his head and nothing else.
When Ron was finally able to think clearly (but not clearly enough or he would have kept his mouth shut) he started up again, still angry. “Ginny just went running up to her dorm crying, and her robes were open and her blouse was messed up. What the hell did you do?”
“Harry didn’t do anything, Ron!” Hermione shouted, her anger only slightly abated. “Maybe it’s more what he didn’t do.” She knew that wasn’t quite correct, but it was the best explanation to give Ron. “Maybe she wanted him to do something and he wouldn’t. Maybe she and you want different things from a relationship than Harry and I do.” That last bit wasn’t really necessary and probably a bit of a cheap shot, but she was in no mood to be reasonable right now.
Ron’s mouth opened and closed a few times, while his brain tried to figure out what the heck she was talking about. It was now functioning fully enough that he realized that there was no way he was going come out ahead in this conversation. In fact, the best he could hope for would be if he managed to come out with no more damage than he had already suffered. He listened in growing shame as Hermione continued to berate him about his temper and jumping to conclusions. He had done it again. When would he ever learn?
“I … um … OK, I guess I … I don’t really understand what happened. I’m sorry I jumped to a conclusion. I shouldn’t have hit you before giving you a chance to tell me your side.” Ron suddenly realized that Harry was not participating in this discussion at all. Had he hit him so hard that he couldn’t talk? He looked like he was really suffering, and his blank stare made it seem that he was off in another world.
Hermione finally spoke again, this time in a cold, controlled, emotionless voice that somehow scared Ron even more than the rant. “Harry and Ginny have had a disagreement about their relationship. That’s all you need to know. They are probably not going to be comfortable around each other for some time. The best thing we can do for them is to keep them from unpleasant encounters with each other. Good night, Ron. We’ll see you in the morning.”
-xox-XOX-XOX-xox-