Chapter 6
Harry POV
I could not stop smiling. All day. Just disgustingly giddy. History of magic was a total blur. Neville gave me odd looks the entire class. His concern was apparent. I guess it is a little weird to grin while Professor Binns lectures on about the Goblin wars, but I couldn’t stop.
I don’t know exactly how Hermione feels about me, but it’s obvious she feels something. She knew what she was doing with that damn sugar quill. Licking and sucking on it all class. I don’t think I heard a word from our new professor in DADA. My entire being focused on her mouth. I followed her to her next class with one thing on my mind. I knew it was reckless to pull her into an alcove like that, but I didn't care. I had to taste her.
Grinning on my way to lunch, I turn the corner finding the very girl I’m dying to see. Unfortunately, she’s chatting with Malfoy, her back to me. He sees me coming and nods in hello. I nod back, deciding to leave them be, and head for the Gryffindor table. I hear a squeak and turn back around only to see Hermione and Draco kissing. His hands are on her face, pulling her in close. I stutter to a stop. My brain trying to make sense of what I’m seeing. Clenching my fists as hot molten rage simmers through me. My sight turns red and I quickly turn away, not wanting to see anymore. Suddenly, I'm not hungry at all. The thought of eating makes me feel sick. I make a beeline for the stairs. I can’t believe she just did that. I thought we were getting somewhere. Was I just reading everything completely wrong? The sting of rejection pierces my chest. My hands are trembling. Fuck. I need to hit something.
“Harry!” Someone calls from behind me.
I groan knowing it’s her. I take the stairs two at a time, reaching the portrait in a few minutes. Muttering the password and quickly sprinting up to my room before slamming the door behind me.
“Fuck!” I curse, punching the wall to the left of the door. Searing pain erupts over my knuckles and blood gushes from a nasty-looking gash between my fingers. It trickles down my arm and fingers. I let it fall, numb to the pain as I walk over to my bed, plopping down on the edge. My breathing is labored. Hands still trembling with pent-up rage.
I feel played. Why would she do that to me? Fucking Malfoy? I know I’m a piece of shit but how can she choose him? I mean, yeah he’s trying to be a better guy but he’s still Malfoy. I feel a burning behind my eyes. My heart aching in my chest. I put my face in my hands. The knuckles on my right hand pulsing with every rapid beat of my heart. The blood gushing down my wrist and forearm. I can’t bring myself to care.
A knock sounds at the door and I groan, not wanting to talk to her.
“Go away, Hermione,” I say bitterly. My ire at her is still fresh. I need some time to process. I hear the door creak open. Cursing under my breath for forgetting to lock it. She gasps.
“Harry your hand!”
Rolling my eyes I drop my hands away from my face. “I’m fine,” I say coldly. “Can you please leave? I want to be alone.”
Her eyes are soft, face pinched with worry. “Harry, please. You don’t understand. I-”
“Don’t! Just don’t. You lied to me, Hermione. You said there was nothing there! And I find you kissing him in the hallway. Like we didn’t just snog a few hours earlier. I just fucking can’t Hermione.” I stand, turning away from her, unable to look her in the eye.
“Harry..” She whimpers. “Please look at me. I can explain.”
I huff. “Oh yeah? Are you going to explain why I’ve seen you kiss Malfoy twice now? Fucking Draco, Hermione? How could you stoop so low? I thought you were better than that. Smarter than that. But I guess I was wrong.” I growl angrily.
I know I’m being an ass. But I’d rather be angry than feel the unbearable pain stabbing my heart. She sucks in a sharp breath. Before she can respond I turn to her.
“Do what you want Hermione. I don’t care. This was all a stupid mistake anyway. I don’t know what I was thinking.” I spit, walking past her to the door. I don’t look back as I leave her staring after me. Tears streaming down her cheeks.
Sleep evades me for the next few nights. Plagued with nightmares of Hermione screaming while I sit by unable to do anything. I feel knackered and just overall shitty. I can’t stop thinking about her. About how I treated her. She didn't deserve that. No matter how angry I am at her. She’s still the kindest, most courageous person I know. And I’m an asshole. We haven’t spoken since that day. Giving each other space to settle down. After spending so many months alone in that retched tent, we learned how to work together. Hermione knows I need a few moments to myself to think. To calm my racing mind. And I know she likes to bury herself in her work, distract herself from her own mind. It's how we survived out there.
I guess my sour mood was noticeable because Neville asked me if I was okay in class earlier, saying he noticed my mood swings were worse than usual, and asking if I’d talked to my therapist recently. I appreciated the concern. He’s truly an amazing friend and person. Hermione deserves someone like that. Someone good. Not me. Not Draco. Someone else. Someone not completely fucked up in the head.
Although, now that I’ve had time to think and process, I’m convinced she and Malfoy have something going on. She must’ve been too afraid to admit it to me. The evidence is substantial. And that’s only the things I’ve witnessed. The library, the stairs, the party, the book, and now the kiss in front of the Great Hall. How can she deny that there’s something going on? It can’t be a coincidence that I’ve seen them interact like that on multiple occasions.
Maybe she thought she could date both of us. See which one she likes better. I don’t know. That’s the only explanation I can think of. I just feel stupid, like I should’ve seen this coming. I sigh. I need to talk to her. I know Hermione. Objectively, she wouldn’t do this to anyone. There has to be more to the story. Whether it’s true or not. I won’t lose her. Even if I have to bury my feelings for her deep down. I’ll do it. I won’t let this be the end of our friendship. She means too much to me. I’ll support her in anything she does. I just need boundaries. My therapist says it’s important to establish what you can and cannot handle in relationships. If I want to protect myself, I need to do that with her.
Sitting up, I meander over to my closet. It’s Saturday, so I don’t have to wear my usual school clothes. Throwing on a sage green jumper, the Holyhead harpies logo on the front. I tug on black joggers and white sneakers. I try to tame my hair, huffing when it looks just as disheveled as it did when I started. I roll my eyes, clean my glasses, and head out into the common room. Hoping to find Hermione in the library.
Trudging through the halls, turning the corner to the library, I’m relieved to find it almost empty. Hermione is in her usual spot toward the back. I take a deep breath, cautiously walking toward her and sitting down in the seat across from her. Her eyes jerk up and grow wide as she sees me. I smile weakly at her and mutter a muffliato .
“Hi ‘mione,” I say quietly.
She leans back in her chair, worrying her lip. It takes everything in me to keep from glancing down to her mouth. If she only knew the control she has over me. I sigh and lean forward, resting my chin on my palm.
“Hi, Harry.” She says tentatively.
Taking a deep breath I decide to dive right in. “I’m not going to beat around the bush Hermione. I know I’m a right asshole and I’m sorry for that. I was angry and took it out on you. You don’t deserve that. You deserve someone who tells you how amazing you are, how smart and beautiful you are. Not someone like me... I’m a jealous prick. I didn’t even give you a chance to speak before lashing out.” I say shaking my head. “I know, I suck. But I am truly sorry. Please believe me. I didn’t mean any of it.” I say, searching her beautiful chocolate eyes.
Her eyes glisten with unshed tears. She closes them, letting out a shuddering breath. “Oh, Harry.” She croaks. A tear falls down her cheek. Fuck. I don’t want her to cry!
“Hermione. Please don’t cry. I- fuck. I’m so sorry. Please don’t cry.”
She laughs, cracking her eyes open. She leans forward grabbing my hand. “Harry. I’m okay. I’m just shocked is all. You have every right to be angry yet here you are apologizing. I- You just don’t know how amazing you are sometimes.”
I scoff. Yeah right. She holds my gaze. “You are Harry. And I will keep telling you that until you believe me.” She cocks a brow in challenge and I just roll my eyes. If I was so amazing why did I say those horrible things to her Sighing, I look at our hands on the table.
“Hermione. I- Seeing you with Malfoy put things into perspective for me. The jealousy, the anger… I was hurt. Really hurt. And I realized I can’t have both. I can’t have you as my best friend and something more. If you want him. I’ll support you. I just want you to be happy. But please don’t lead me on like that. I can’t handle it. It’ll break me.” My voice cracks and I clear my throat. Not wanting to break down in the middle of the library.
“Harry… I’m not with Malfoy. Never was. I don’t even like him like that.”
My eyes jerk up to her face. “But I saw you. Several times actually. How can you say that when there’s obviously something there? Please don’t lie to me. I’d rather you just tell me the truth. I can move on Hermione. I just want you in my life. If you want to be with Draco just say so. We can go back to being just friends.”
She huffs. “Harry. You know me. You can read me like a book. I’m not lying.” She blows out a breath. “I wasn’t planning on telling you this, but I think I have to… I’m not good with vulnerability Harry. I- I couldn’t even tell you how I felt so instead I..” She groans, looking around. “Can we go somewhere else? I don’t feel comfortable talking about this here.”
“Of course.”
I stand, helping her gather her things. We head out into the halls. A perfect place comes to mind. I grab her hand, leading her through the halls to the fourth floor. Stopping, I close my eyes. I desperately need a room with a lounge area, somewhere comfortable. Opening my eyes, I glance down to look at her. She’s eyeing me curiously.
“What’re you doing?” She asks. Interesting . Did she forget about the Room of Requirement? I smirk.
“You’ll see.”
A door appears to our right and she gasps. “Oh shit! I totally forgot about this place. I thought it was destroyed in the fire.”
I shake my head, pulling her through the door. A large room awaits on the other end. A huge fireplace to the left gives the room a warm glow. A long rust-colored plush couch against the far wall with two matching armchairs on either side and a coffee table sat in the center. Blankets and soft pillows lay all around. Perfect, I think walking further into the room.
We sit on the couch, our bodies turned to face one another. I intertwine our fingers, pulling her hand up to my mouth, and kissing her gently. I want her to feel comfortable. She smiles softly at me, before taking a deep breath.
“As I was saying. I’ve been struggling with… feelings. Things I’ve never felt before and I-” She closes her eyes. “I was scared, Harry. I was afraid of losing you. So I decided the best course of action was to distract myself. I planned to go on a date or maybe just hang out with another boy. Just to get my mind off of... You.”
I stop breathing, my heart stutters to a stop then races at an ungodly speed. She sighs, opening her eyes, searching mine. I probably look stupid right now. I think I’m going into shock.
“So... I asked Malfoy to study with me. He’s tolerable now. And well... Kind of the exact opposite of you. That day in the library he mentioned something about you and me being ‘bloody blind.’ At the time I didn't understand. Anyway, he figured out what I was doing. Telling me he’s ‘willing to play’ as long as he gets something out of it.”
She rolls her eyes. “I didn’t know he was going to kiss me, Harry. He did it because he thought I wanted to make you jealous. Which isn’t the case. I don’t want that.” She says, furrowing her brow.
“He was adamant about getting these stupid OWL flashcards. Thinking he had to make you jealous to get them. I told him over and over again that I didn’t want that but he didn’t listen, Harry. I’m so sorry. Everything’s such a mess now.” She pulls her hand from my grip, putting her face in her hands.
A relief like I’ve never felt before washes over me. My tense shoulders relaxing. I let out a breath and pull her hands from her face, so I can see her expressive eyes. I cup her cheeks.
“So you do like me?” I ask smirking.
She rolls her eyes. “Harry! Seriously?”
“What? Moral of the story is that this whole thing started because you…” I grin. “.. have feelings for me, right?”
She huffs, crossing her arms over her chest. “So not the point.”
A laugh bursts from me and I grip her waist, pulling her into my lap. She squeals, grabbing my shoulders to steady herself then relaxes into me, smiling. I don’t think I’ve ever been so giddy before. She leans in, pecking me on the lips, soft and sweet. Nothing like our usual passion-filled snog sessions. Although, I'd very much like to get back to doing that. Just as I'm about to snog her into oblivion her smile falters. A frown replacing it.
“What is it?” I ask and she shakes her head, forcing a smile back onto her face.
“Nothing.”
I sigh. “Hermione come on. You can tell me anything.” I say, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
She draws in a breath. “Harry. What if this is a sign? What if we should stay… friends? I’m not saying I don’t feel those things for you. Because I do. But maybe this is all too much. I don’t know. I just- even the thing with Malfoy. I'm just afraid we’ll lose this. And I can’t lose you.” She says honestly and my heart sinks.
She has a point. I haven't been handling this well at all. I don't want to ruin this. Maybe we should just be friends. Keep our relationship from becoming too complicated. I don't know if I can handle another fallout like this one.
“Maybe you're right. I- these last few days have been hell. The thought of losing you..” I shudder. “Are we stupid for even trying?”
“No. I mean, we had to give it a try at least once. I think I’d regret it for the rest of my life if we didn’t, but maybe we should just go back to how things were before. Try to be friends again? Is it worth losing our friendship over?” She asks, stroking my cheek with her thumb. I know she’s right. Maybe the whole Malfoy fiasco is a sign. Maybe we should stop before this gets too far.
“No. I would rather die than lose you, Hermione. I- maybe you have a point. Maybe we should stay friends.” I hate saying it. I want her. I want her so badly it hurts but at the risk of losing her? I can’t. What if we end badly? Or she realizes she deserves so much better than me? Or I fuck up again? Treat her horribly. She’s worth it to me. But I’ll sacrifice anything for her. Even if it means I can’t have her.
“So it’s settled then. We go back to being friends. No more..” she motions to our seating arrangement and I groan, hating myself a little for agreeing.
I reluctantly shift her off of my lap. It feels so wrong. I should be pulling her close not pushing her away.
“No more cuddling or snogging after parties. Just Harry and Hermione. Best friends.” I smile weakly at her. This is going to be hard, but I’ll get over it. I’d rather suffer, pining after her than lose her completely.
“Alright then. Best friends.” She says quietly, looking away from me. I fidget with the tie of my pants unsure how to proceed, feeling suddenly awkward.
“Want to go back to the library? I have some homework I need to finish.” I say trying to lighten the mood. I don’t actually have homework to do but I’ll think of something.
Her face brightens and she jumps up pulling me in for a hug. I sigh into her curls. We can do this. She leans back smiling genuinely at me. “I love you, Harry.”
My heart skips a beat. Oh fucking hell. She just meant she loves me as a friend. I need to get a grip. I clear my throat, smiling.
“I love you too ‘mione. Now let’s go get some work done, yeah?”
Hermione POV
So far so good. I didn’t see Harry much on Sunday. He had Quidditch practice so he was out most of the day. I’m glad we’re able to move on from this. I really thought I might lose him. When Malfoy kissed me outside the doors to the Great Hall, I almost punched him in the face. Again. And then I turned around seeing Harry’s tense form backing away. I hexed Malfoy into the wall, sprinting after Harry.
I felt horrible. He was furious and rightfully so. I made sure to give him some space for the next few days. Hoping he would calm down enough to talk to me. Thankful that he did. For days I contemplated our relationship. There’s obviously something there, but I don’t know if it's worth experimenting with. Maybe it’s just attraction. Or that we’re both traumatized from the war. I don’t know. Whatever it is. It has to end. The relief I felt when he agreed we should stay friends was immediate. Just so happy we were on the same page.
I hope we can go back to normal. Studying in the library on Saturday was…strange. Awkward. Neither of us knew what to say. At one point I stared at the same page of my textbook for over thirty minutes. I couldn’t think straight, let alone concentrate on doing homework. It didn’t help that Harry looked absolutely gorgeous in his lounge clothes. I curse those joggers, praying he doesn’t ever wear a grey pair around me. I think I might combust if he does.
I hope today is better. I’m unusually late for breakfast because I overslept. My mind racing nonstop the night before. I tried counting sheep or whatever they say to do, but nothing helped. I quietly enter through the grand doors of the hall. Mcgonnagal is already speaking at the podium, listing off today’s announcements.
I spot Harry, sliding up beside him. He smiles at me. His eyes trailing over my face. His cute little dimple creasing his right cheek. Odd that in all the years I’ve known him I never noticed it until I lived with him over the summer. We’d been out at a pub, drinking ourselves sick with Ron and George. He was chatting with Ron, laughing at something he said. And for some reason, I had been studying him. Never really taking a moment to appreciate him. Harry is very handsome. Distractingly so. I guess I just never let myself look before. But once I did… I couldn’t stop.
I know that his dimple only pops out when he smiles a certain way. His crooked smile. Or sometimes when he laughs really hard. A deep boisterous laugh. He also has a very faint splattering of freckles on his cheeks. So faint that you can only see them if you look really closely. And his eyes are so unbelievably green. I’ve never seen eyes like that. They’re so expressive too. Like he’s telling you everything you need to know in one glance. He cocks a brow at me. Shit. I’m staring, aren’t I? I feel my cheeks heat. Flicking my gaze toward the front to pretend I’m listening. He chuckles to himself and I sink further into my seat in embarrassment.
Well. So much for friendship. I can’t even go five minutes without swooning. Merlin. Ugh. Get a grip, Hermione. I swear I’ve told myself that so many times already this year, I don’t think I’ll make it. I need to try thinking of things I don’t like about Harry. Something gross, or annoying...
.
.
.
Okay well damn. I’ve got nothing. I guess he’s a little hot-headed sometimes. But I can’t even say that I hate that. Low key turns me on. I huff, rolling my eyes. Harry’s eyes flick to me.
He puts his hand on my thigh, squeezing softly, and leans in close to my ear, whispering, “Are you okay? Why’re you huffing and puffing? She’s just talking about Quidditch Hermione. It’s not that bad.”
I shiver. All of my focus is on his hand as searing hot desire pulses through me. I really hate myself. I let out a shuddering breath.
“I’m fine.” I croak.
He furrows his brow. “You don’t look fine.”
I groan. “Harry. For the love of Merlin. Please… move your hand.” I say breathily and he tenses. His eyes go wide as he realizes what I mean. I close mine, trying to control myself. He slowly removes his hand and clears his throat.
“Oh. Sorry.”
I crack open my lids. His cheeks are tinted pink. Yep. This is going to be a lot harder than I thought.
The next day things are worse. We’re so timid with each other. Not wanting to accidentally overstep. It’s bloody ridiculous. I had to relieve myself a few times last night. Pitifully hoping it would ease the ache between my legs. Distractions. I need distractions. Ah. Speaking of. There’s Draco strolling down the hall toward me, sporting a purple and yellow bruise on his left eye. I didn't punch him but I sure as shit aimed my hex at his stupid face. He flinches when he sees me.
“Malfoy,” I growl.
He runs a hand through his hair. “Hermione. Are you going to hex me again? Give me a matching black eye?” He asks sneering.
I roll my eyes at his dramatics. He could easily fix it with a simple healing charm. Same old Malfoy. Milking his injuries for sympathy. No matter how hard he tries, he still has a little ferret left in him. At least he didn't owl his parents this time. I'm not sure what kind of influence Lucius has being in Azkaban, but I'm sure he could pull some strings. Although, I doubt Draco would ever do such a thing. He hates his father just as much as the rest of us. From what I've learned these past few months, he won't even speak to the man.
“You deserved it and you know it.”
He scoffs. “I was trying to help you! That’s what you wanted right? To know if Potter truly likes you? Well you know now don’t you?”
“I didn't ask for your help! You just assumed I wanted it. And unlike you Slytherins, if I want to know if someone likes me, I’ll just bloody ask!” I yell. It feels good to release some of this pent-up energy. “And you know, if you wanted my help so badly all you had to do was ask. Like a normal human. I don’t want to help you now.” I say, scowling. He rolls his eyes.
“Fine, whatever Hermione. I know it helped. What I was doing. Yeah, the last time was a little too far, but the party? Potter couldn’t keep his eyes off you, so no I don’t regret it and you still owe me those damn cards.” He growls stalking away from me.
“Prat,” I mutter.
“I heard that!” He yells over his shoulder and I stick my tongue out at his back. “Stop being a child, no one sticks their tongue out anymore Hermione!” He yells down the hall. I gape after him. How did he know I was doing that?
Shaking my head, I turn to trudge back down the hallway toward Gryffindor Tower. Walking face-first into a wide chest.
“Ooomf.”
Large hands grip my arms, tilting me back. I look up to find Harry cocking a brow at me.
“You gave him a black eye?” He asks smirking. Oh great.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say side stepping him and walking toward the stairs. He trails after me chuckling. He catches up to me still grinning stupidly. We walk side by side. Not saying anything. Just awkward silence. His arm brushes mine and I groan. Harry peers at me from the corner of his eye.
“What?”
Bloody hell. What is wrong with me? I shake my head, not willing to respond. He huffs, grabbing my arm to stop me.
“Hermione. What is it? Why do you keep doing that? It’s like you’re angry or something but you never say anything! It’s driving me mad!”
“Harry, it’s nothing you need to worry about okay? I’m just angry at myself.” I say and his eyes soften.
“Why?”
“Because! I just- I can’t tell you. It’s too weird.” I say avoiding his gaze.
He sighs. “Hermione. We’re best friends remember. I’ll never judge you for anything. Well. Scratch that. I’d definitely judge you if you were into Malfoy. You two would literally kill each other.” I bark out a laugh.
“He’s so annoying,” I say grinning. Harry smiles, putting his arm around my shoulders and leading me up the stairs.
After a while, he drops his arm, grabbing my hand instead. I sigh happily. Maybe I’m just touch starved.
“Are you going to tell me now? Or keep me in suspense for the rest of my life?”
I let out a breath, feeling my cheeks and neck flush. “I can’t Harry. It’s embarrassing.”
We stop in front of the sleeping portrait of the Fat Lady. He mutters the password, pulling me inside. Not letting go of my hand. Ginny and a few other 7th-years are laying around. They glance up at our entrance and Ginny’s eyes flick to our linked hands then back up. If it’s even possible, I blush harder. Harry completely ignores the group and pulls me up the stairs to his room. Well, this definitely looks bad. I see how one would think Harry and I are secretly dating when we do things like this.
Once in his room, he closes the door, crossing his arms over his chest. “Alright, Granger. Out with it.”
I back further into the room, suddenly needing space. “Nope. I’m keeping this one to myself. Thanks.” I say stubbornly.
I will not tell him that all his little touches and not touches and looks and his stupid face all turn me on. Nope. Not happening. Not when we just decided to keep things friendly. He stalks toward me. His eyes all dark and threatening. Oh, Merlin’s saggy left tit! I squeal, running away and he huffs.
“Hermione. Seriously?”
I run into the closet, attempting to close the door so he can't follow me. He slides his hand into the crack just as It's about to click shut, grunting when his fingers get squished.
“Sorry! I’m sorry I didn’t mean to do that.” I say, opening the door, grabbing his hand, and checking it for injury. Flipping his palm up to make sure I didn't hurt him.
“I’m fine.” He says quietly.
I peer up at his face and his emerald eyes are searching mine. My breath hitches and I tug my hands out of his grip, stepping away from him. He sighs, running a hand through his hair.
“I’m not going to push you, Hermione. You clearly don’t want to tell me whatever's bothering you. But you know you can right? Like I said, I won’t judge you. I can probably relate to whatever it is you’re so embarrassed about.”
I bite my lip debating on whether or not telling him would cross a line. What would that conversation look like? Well, Harry, I am literally drooling over you constantly. Like constantly. I can’t think around you. I can’t breathe. I’m horny all the time. How about you?
He cautiously steps closer, taking my hand, like I’m a skittish animal he doesn’t want to startle. He kisses my knuckles before leaving the closet. I whimper as he goes. Deciding not to tell him. It’ll only create more problems for us. We’re just friends. Nothing more.
......
Later that day, we head to dinner together. Harry didn’t push me further on the subject. Letting me decide whether to tell him or not. Oddly enough, things feel more normal than before. Like we’re finally past all the awkwardness and back to our usual banter. We sit hip to hip chatting with Neville and Dean. They’re telling us a story from after the Slytherin party. How they stayed until the early morning hours, waking up hanging from the ceiling. Apparently, the magic of the room didn’t like a bunch of Gryffindors spending the night, so it tied them to the ceiling. Harry and I both laugh as Neville demonstrates how he woke up.
He grabs my hand out of habit. “Hey ‘mione can you hand me that basket of fruit? I think there are a few strawberries left.” He says leaning into my side.
I freeze. The memory of the last time he asked me for strawberries comes to the surface of my mind. Heat pools low in my belly. My body is hot all of a sudden. His breath on my neck makes me shiver. I gulp, grabbing the basket, and handing it to him. Please don’t say it. Please don’t say it. I peek at him and he’s smirking knowingly.
“Thank you.” He purrs.
I blow out a breath, taking a strawberry from the basket and popping it into my mouth. The sweet juices burst over my tongue and I moan. They’re delicious. Harry groans next to me. I look at him again, furrowing my brow. His eyes are closed, jaw clenched. I lean into his side, whispering, “What’s wrong?”
He shakes his head, clears his throat, and then cracks his eyes open. “Nothing.”
Shrugging, I pop a few grapes into my mouth. Enjoying the sweet tartness, moaning again.
“Merlin. Those are good.” I say, taking another bite.
“Hermione,” Harry growls. I jerk my eyes to him at the tone in his voice.
“Please. Stop. Moaning.”
I gasp quietly, feeling my face heat up. I see Harry adjust his trousers out of the corner of my eye. Suddenly feeling flustered, my skin too hot, and Harry too close, I stand.
“Uh-I have to go. See you later.” I say without waiting for a response.
I need some air. Running out of the hall hastily, not caring if anyone notices. I sprint to the grounds. Heading towards the black lake. I gulp down the fresh air, letting the crisp October breeze cool my skin. I don’t know if I can do this. I think I need some space. Some time away.
At that thought, I decide it’s time to visit my parents for a few days. I trudge up to the owlery and send my parents a letter. I know they hate receiving mail by Owl, but it’s the only way. I have to get out of here. I let them know I’ll be visiting tomorrow. McGonnagall thankfully has a port key set up for me if I ever decide I want to see them. Heading back to the castle, I make my way up to my room determined to get over this silly crush.