Chapter 2
Harry POV
Things were not in fact okay. Hermione avoided me at every turn for three days. Even in our classes on Monday, she managed to get to each of them early, grabbing a seat next to someone else. My patience is running thin. This is dumb. We’re best friends. So what, we snogged a little. Happens all the time.
I walk into Charms determined to talk to her. It’s our last class of the day and we usually sit next to each other. I glance around looking for the familiar head of curls and huff when I spot her sitting next to Malfoy. She giggles at something he says and I clench my fists, feeling heat rise to my neck and ears. What’s that about? I trudge over to an empty table, plopping down into my chair angrily. I had hoped to beat her here. Wanting to confront her, but of course, she’s sitting with him. They get along well. Both complete swots. To be honest, it’s a little intimidating. Someone finally on her level of intellect. Maybe she likes him? I groan running a hand down my face. What is happening to me?
…...
I watch her say goodbye to Malfoy, catching up with one of her friends in Ravenclaw. I trail behind her, far enough away so that she doesn’t spot me, but close enough to hear her conversation. As soon as her friend waves goodbye, I pounce, shoving her into the nearest closet. She yelps at the sudden intrusion, backing farther into the small room as I lock the door behind me.
“Are you going to ignore me for the rest of the year Hermione?” I growl at her, stalking closer. Her eyes are wide and something like panic crosses her face.
“Uh- I don’t know what you mean Harry.” She squeaks, avoiding my gaze. Her back hits the wall as I push into her space. My hands on either side of her head, leering over her. Close enough that I can feel the heat coming off of her.
“Oh really? Going to play dumb are we?”
She lets out a shaky breath. “Again. I don’t know what you mean. I was just leaving class.”
I roll my eyes, growling, pushing closer to her so our chests are touching. She has to strain her neck to look up at me.
“I don’t believe you.”
She furrows her brow. “Fine! I’ve been avoiding you!” She says irritated and I glance down to her mouth.
“And why’s that Hermione?” I step closer, parting her legs with mine. Our faces are only inches apart. She sucks in a breath and her chocolate eyes search mine.
“You know why Harry.” She whispers. I trail my eyes over her face and I groan, pulling away and running my hands through my hair.
“Hermione please talk to me.” My voice cracks. “I can’t lose you too. You’re my best friend. So what we made a mistake? It happens. Just… please. I need you.”
Wow. I sound pathetic . But it’s the truth. I can’t survive without her. She sighs, pulling me in for a hug. Her face pressed up against my chest. I nuzzle into her curls. Her sweet floral scent washing over me.
“Oh, Harry. I’m sorry. I’ll never leave you. Okay?” She mutters quietly. The relief at hearing those words undoes me and a pitiful whimper escapes my lips. I think I need to make an appointment with my therapist. This can’t be healthy.
She leans back, placing her small hand on my cheek. “I was confused is all. I didn’t know how to act or what to say. I’m sorry Harry. I should’ve talked to you.”
Sighing, I place my hand over hers, leaning into her warmth. “Friends?” I ask and she nods.
“Always.”
A heavy weight lifts from my chest and I can breathe again. I kiss her palm and sigh. She smiles at me, dropping her hand from my cheek.
“Dinner?” She asks, threading our fingers together. I nod, leading her through the door and into the hallway, and accidentally startling someone. They yelp, dropping their things, and scrambling away from us. Hermione looks at me, trying to hide her smile. I laugh, the sound echoing down the halls. She giggles, squeezing my hand. The boy scampers off down the hall. His tail between his legs, glaring at us.
We walk to the Great Hall grinning, finally feeling relaxed. We chat about our classes, falling back into easy conversation. She tells me her partner for potions is dreadful and she’s dying to work with someone competent again. I chuckle, nudging her shoulder.
“You know no one could ever replace me ‘mione.”
She rolls her eyes. “Yes. You are the chosen one how could I forget? Silly me.” I chuckle and pinch her side. She squeals, “Harry! No!”
I laugh harder. “What am I? A dog? Sit Harry! Stay! Good boy.” I pat myself on the head and she giggles.
“Actually you can go ahead and say that last part. Kinda turns me on. The whole praise kink thing. Im kinda into it.” I say wiggling my brows at her jokingly. She stares at me, her mouth agape, cheeks tinted pink. I study her expression and smirk.
“You actually have one, don’t you? Oh man, I should’ve known.”
She whacks me on the chest. “Shut it Harry! I do not!”
I roll my eyes, chuckling. We make it to the table and sit down next to each other. Just now realizing our hands are still intertwined. Whatever, I like holding her hand . We sit quietly as the room gradually fills with students. As soon as everyone sits down and the food appears, an idea pops into my head and I grin, excited by the prospect of making Hermione squirm. I lean in close to whisper in her ear.
“Hermione, be a doll and pass me the strawberries.”
She reaches across the table and hands the basket to me. I smirk, my lips brushing her ear, “Good girl Hermione.” I purr and she gasps, dropping the basket, strawberries spilling onto my lap and all over the table. I chuckle and raise my brows. She flushes scarlet and murmurs apologies to our friends.
I pop a strawberry into my mouth, eyeing her playfully. “Something wrong ‘mione?”
She purses her lips, shaking her head. I look away grinning wickedly, feeling someone's eyes on me, I scan the table. I land on the fire-red hair of my ex-girlfriend a few people over. Ginny is glaring daggers in my direction. Her brows furrowed, lips pursed. I cock a brow at her in question and she just looks away frowning. I shrug, popping another strawberry into my mouth.
Hermione POV
Harry just casually whispered that into my ear. His hot breath tickling my too-hot skin. I literally couldn’t speak. I thought we could go back to normal, but by the way my body reacted, I’m not sure we can. No. I won’t let that happen. I just need to control myself. It’s just Harry. I need a distraction. Maybe I should go on a date. Yeah. That’s what I’ll do.
I start brainstorming. Going through a list of eligible boys I might actually consider dating. My options are limited. I glance over to the Slytherin table eyeing Malfoy. That could work. He’s tolerable now and pretty much the exact opposite of my raven-haired best friend.
Alright. It’s settled. I’ll just tell Draco I need a distraction, doesn’t even have to be a date. Just someone else to get my mind off Harry’s stupid grin. Or his arms. Or his sparkling green eyes. Oh bloody hell . I need some air. I stand suddenly, telling Harry I’m not feeling well and hurriedly walk out of the hall, heading toward the doors to the grounds.
“Hermione!” A voice calls out behind me. I ignore them, walking briskly to the exit. Gasping as I make it outside into the fresh air. My lungs expand painfully. The stars mock me for my stupid feelings.
The other night after the party had been wonderful… until it wasn’t. When Harry pulled away from me, breaking our kiss and stopping us from going further, I’d been crushed. My heart stuttered as the words left his mouth. Finally realizing who he was kissing. He was drunk and not thinking straight. Of course he didn't want to ruin our friendship. He was just being kind. Not wanting to make things weird between us when he inevitably gives it another go with Gin. He obviously still loves her.
I left, unable to look him in the eye. I couldn’t face the rejection as tears threatened to spill. I realized later that night that my feelings toward him have changed. They’ve evolved into a mess of emotions I can’t even begin to understand. He’s my family. My best friend. The thought of losing him because of a drunken hook-up… I can’t ruin our friendship. So instead of dealing with it, I avoided him, pretending everything was fine, running away whenever he was near, and arriving early to class to avoid sitting next to him. Every time he looked in my direction my heart squeezed painfully.
When he pushed me into that closet all dark and threatening, I couldn’t think straight. My body heating as I stared into his emerald eyes. I almost said fuck it and pulled him down for a kiss. No one had ever managed to turn me on so thoroughly like that.
I’m in for it If I don’t do something about this. Maybe I should visit my therapist. We were cleared a few weeks ago. Our PTSD was manageable after months of therapy. She told me I was welcome back anytime if the need arose. With my current predicament, I’m seriously considering her offer.
Gazing up at the stars, lost in thought, someone clears their throat to my left, and I jump, pointing my wand at the intruder. Ginny stares at me wide-eyed, her hands in the air.
“Oh shit. Sorry, Ginny. Old habits die hard.” I laugh, a little strained. My heart pumping wildly in my chest. My hands tremble slightly. A trauma response no doubt. My PTSD is clearly not a hundred percent resolved. I shake my head to clear it.
She raises her brows. “Sorry, Hermione. I should know better. I forgot.” She says apologetically. I shrug, lowering my wand.
“You alright Gin? Do you need help with something?”
She shakes her head, stepping closer. “No. I-” She blows out a breath. “I honestly don’t know exactly why I followed you out here.” I eye her curiously. Her eyes are pained, lips turned down. She looks… defeated.
“No that’s a lie. I do know. Hermione… Are you and Harry… Together?” She asks, clenching her fists, avoiding my eyes. I blink. What the hell? Where did she get that idea? I mean, yeah, we snogged once but that’s nothing compared to Harry’s feelings for her.
“Uh. No. We’re just friends Gin.” I say softly and she nods, looking to the ground.
“Okay. Just wanted to make sure. People have been talking.”
“People? Talking?”
Her eyes shoot to mine and she worries her lip. “Yeah. They say you guys are secretly dating and have been for a while. They think that’s why you’re so close. So… touchy.” I jerk back.
“Well, that’s just preposterous. Ginny, you know us! I mean, yeah we’re close but we’ve always been. We’re best friends.”
She sighs. “You’re right. I know. I don’t know why I let them get to me.” She says shaking her head. I suddenly feel guilty. It hadn’t crossed my mind how my relationship with Harry would make her feel.
“It’s alright. I get it. I’m sorry if we made you uncomfortable.”
She smiles weakly. “It’s okay. It’s honestly helping me. Seeing you two like that. I- I think I need to move on. I can’t wait around for him to want me you know?” She sighs. “Alright Hermione. Sorry to bother you.”
She turns, walking toward the doors. I watch her leave as my mind races with the things she implied. Before she’s through the door she glances over her shoulder at me.
“Oh! And Hermione, Slytherin’s throwing a party this weekend. Theo told me to tell you and Harry. Can you relay the message?” She asks and I nod.
“Sure! And tell Theo to lighten up on that juice I about died last time!” I yell back. She grins, a chuckle escaping her.
“Will do! See you!”
Smiling, I continue on my walk. The rustling of the trees and quiet lapping over by the lake calms me. I fidget with my robes, my mind a reeling mess with this new information. Do people think me and Harry are secretly dating? I mean... I guess I can understand why they might think that. We are rather close. And maybe holding hands in public doesn’t help deter the gossips. I feel guilty for making Ginny uncomfortable. Harry and I are… complicated. I can see how it might look to an outsider. But.. What they don’t see is the bond we forged almost dying together, starving, freezing, you name it. Living in a small tent out in the wilderness for months makes you…close. I’ve seen Harry at his worst, flaws and all and he’s seen mine. When Ron left us, we took solace in each other. Holding each other through the pain, the confusion, the suffering. Those months without Ron… We became inseparable, learning each other's tendencies, comforting one another.
It’s not like I can just stop caring for him, touching him, being there for him. I tried and look what happened. Our relationship is more than friends. I know this, but I refuse to lose him over something as silly as a little crush. I’ll get over it. And that begins with my plan. I’m going on a date. Malfoy is the perfect distraction. He’s just enough of a prat that I won’t fall in love with him. And I like him just enough to spend time with him. He’s actually quite intelligent. A bit of a swot to be honest. It’s like he hid half his personality over the years. Just now letting everyone see who he really is, shedding his mask of cruelty. I decided to ask him to study with me in the library tomorrow. We’re partners in arthimacy, so it’s not that weird or unusual. What could go wrong?
......
I ask Draco after Breakfast and he agrees no questions asked. We’re going to meet in the library after lunch is over since both of us have a free block. I finish eating and gather my things. I’m about to leave when Harry abruptly grabs my arm.
“Where are you going ‘mione? Want to go for a walk around the lake with me?” He asks sweetly. Ugh those eyes. Clearing my throat to stop my treacherous thoughts.
“Sorry, Harry. I’m going to study with Draco in the library.” I say, smiling softly. He furrows his brow.
“Malfoy? Since when are you two study buddies?”
I shrug. “Since now,” I say, stepping out of his grip, and walking toward the exit. That was probably rude of me, but If I looked into his warm eyes for a second longer I would’ve folded. Draco waits patiently by the doors, his lithe form leaning against the wall. He grins as I stroll up to greet him. I can feel Harry’s eyes burning into my back and I resist the urge to turn back. I smile at Malfoy in greeting and he pushes up off the wall.
“Ready Granger? I can’t wait to see the swot herself at work.” He chuckles and I roll my eyes.
“Oh buzz off Malfoy. I know you’re just as nerdy as I am. You just hide it better.”
He scoffs. “Yeah whatever. You got me there. I’m actually excited to talk to someone who knows what I’m saying. Someone who wants to know the likelihood of a numerical sequence pattern in..”
Ugh . Am I really this boring to listen to? Merlin. I smile and nod. He’s so excited to talk about this. I guess I should be kind and listen to him. Sounds like he needs it, and I understand what it's like to want to talk about something I enjoy that no one else seems to understand. Everyone either nods off or rolls their eyes.
I can lend him my ear. We make it to the library and find an empty table toward the back, going over our notes for a few minutes. He asks my opinion on the different patterns involved with divination, sparking a debate that lasts for over 30 minutes, disagreeing about this, that, and the other. Growing more and more irritated with him, I finally concede.
“Merlin Draco! Alright, you win!” I throw my hands in the air, huffing at his insistence.
Madam Pince shushes me and I wince. Draco chuckles, “Fucking finally. I made a bet with Theo earlier.” He says, cocking a brow. “We wanted to see how long it would take for me to win in a debate against you. Thank you by the way. I just won 50 galleons.” He smirks.
My mouth falls open and a laugh bursts from me. I cover it to muffle the sound. “That should piss me off. But bloody hell, I really just fought you on that for half an hour.” I say alight with laughter.
He nods, grinning. “You did… Theo said you’d probably fight me to the death, never giving in.” I laugh again.
“Merlin. I’m not that bad!” Draco shrugs.
“Doesn’t matter to me. All you had to do was give up within the hour. Now.. If we were debating three years ago, I think you would’ve pinned me to the wall and fought me tooth and nail, but you’ve changed Granger…” He eyes me up and down. “It suits you.” He says, winking. “I know Potter likes it.” His brows raise suggestively.
My eyes widen. “He does not!” I splutter. “Why does everyone think that?!” I ask annoyed.
Madam Pince shushes us again and I slouch in my chair ashamed at my outburst. Draco eyes me curiously. “Are you really that dense Hermione?” I jerk back, slightly offended. What does he mean?
“Rude. First of all. And no. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He leans back in his chair, cocking his head to the side. “Wow. You really don’t see it do you?” I roll my eyes.
“Clearly. Maybe you could enlighten me Mr. All Knowing.”
He chuckles, “Nah. I’m gonna let you guys figure that out for yourselves.” His eyes drift over my shoulder to something behind me and he smirks. “Speaking of. I think your enlightenment is burning a hole into my skull right now.”
I furrow my brow, turning to see what he’s talking about. My eyes lock on Harry across the room, his shoulders tense, jaw clenched. He looks livid. His eyes dart away from us, glancing down at his untouched parchment.
Looking back to Draco, he’s grinning, shaking his head. “Bloody blind.” He mutters under his breath. I throw my book at his head and he ducks, laughing at me in surprise. He throws his quill at me and I squeal ducking to avoid the ink-stained tip. Madam Pince is suddenly at our table.
“You two. Out. Now.”
I gulp. “Yes ma’am. So sorry. It’ll never happen again.” I croak. She’s a bloody terrifying woman. Draco muffles his laughter in his hand, gathering his things. I do the same, feeling chagrined. I don’t want her to hate me. Bollocks .
I sigh, throwing the rest of my things in my bag and hauling it over my shoulder. The weight nearly topples me over.
“Here. Let me take that.” Draco takes my bag, throwing it over his shoulder like it weighs nothing.
“Thanks,” I say relieved. Draco walks with me to the exit. His annoying grin never faltering. Once in the hallway, he turns to me, setting my bag down.
“That’s the first time you’ve ever been kicked out of the library isn’t it?”
I roll my eyes. “Of course. I’m appalled at our behavior. She’ll never let me into the restricted section again.” I pout.
He chuckles, glancing back into the large room. He raises a brow and then turns back to face me. He scans my face as if deciding something, then leans in.
“I think I’ve figured out why you suddenly asked me to study. I’m willing to play. But what’s in it for me Granger?” He tucks a stray curl behind my ear. I stare at him in shock, tensing at the intrusion.
“I don’t want to play any games Malfoy.”
He smirks, cupping my cheek. “I beg to differ Hermione.” He purrs. “I think you know exactly what you’re doing.” I huff, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Trying to distract yourself eh? Or are you trying to get a certain someone's attention?” He leans in closer, his lips just inches from mine. “Don’t feign ignorance, Hermione. I invented the game. You know the price. And I want your famous OWL-defying flashcards. In return, I’ll help you. Just say the word.” He smirks, brushing his lips to mine, and pulls away, sauntering down the hall and shaking his head. Feeling flustered suddenly, I blink. What the hell was that? I turn around, glancing into the library, finding Harry glaring at me from across the room.