Summary:
Your Love Means Everything » "Harry?" The quiet voice roused him from his daze. He didn't need turn his head to know who it was. He had everything about her tuned in. Her voice, the sound of her footsteps, her scent and every facial expression was locked into his mind. H/HrHarry Potter, T, English, Romance & Friendship, chapters: 30, words: 69k+, favs: 862, follows: 1k+, updated: Oct 23, 2012 published: Nov 25, 2009, Harry P., Hermione G.
Chapter 1: Strawberry Swing
Disclaimer: Harry Potter doesn't belong to me. Rather, he belongs to Hermione.
Set in 6th year: Let me know if I should bother to continue. I have a lot planned.
It will be developed rather slowly and it most definitely will be H/HR all the way. Please leave a review and tell me your thoughts.
The night was unseasonably cool for this time of year. The occupants of Privet Drive all slept peacefully. All but a fifteen year old boy who twisted restlessly in his sheets.
Harry Potter was covered in sweat, his usual messy jet-black hair stuck to his forehead as beads of swear trickled down his face. His emerald eyes alight with fear as the nightmare that woke him up remained clear and vivid in his mind. Turning his head and closing his eyes as the reality of the recurring nightmare began to vanish, He closed his eyes tiredly. Sighing, he took a deep breath before hauling his long frame out of the all too short bed. Stumbling slightly as he struggled out of the sheets that tangled and twisted around his waist he finally got free and made his way for the small window that looked out at the pristine and normal neighbourhood Harry had called home for 15 years.
Opening the window to allow a cool breeze into his stuffy room Harry enjoyed the feeling of fresh air against his bare chest. The orange glow of the street lamps the only source of light that flooded into his tiny bedroom.
Turning his sharp eyes toward the table Harry looked at the pile of unopened letters that lay upon his desk.
Closing his eyes against the guilt that flooded his chest every time he thought of his friends. His loyal friends who were only trying to help. But they couldn't. Not when they didn't understand what it was like.
Flashes of the events from the Ministry replayed themselves in Harry's mind relentlessly and without cause.
Tensing his hands around his desk chair he couldn't stop the memories as they flooded back. Real and vivid. Just like always.
Dumbledore's duel with Voldemort, the sheer and unabated power of both wizards as they locked eyes. Fierce and unyielding, their power matched by no one else but each other. Spells like nothing he had ever seen flashing before his eyes in a sea of colours. Bellatrix's taunting smirks and laugh as she ended her cousin's life right before his eyes. Hermione's face as she fell the ground. The helpless feeling in his chest as she lay motionless and still and the sheer relief and joy that consumed him when she recovered. The feeling of Voldemort in his mind and the anger that swelled in his body before he caught Hermione's eyes. Her soft brown eyes that pleaded with him, eeassured him and made him feel as though she was the one in pain and not him. The empty feeling in his stomach as he realized Sirius was dead. The rage that filled him as Dumbledore told him of the prophecy. His fate and destiny laid out before him like a schedule. Indisputable and unchallenged.
Harry clamped his teeth together tighter as though to keep everything inside of him and ignoring the neat handwriting that was unmistakably Hermione's made his way out for the wardrobe. Pulling out his running shorts and a shirt and putting them on with renewed vigor Harry made his way toward his door quietly. Running quickly down the stairs and expertly avoiding the creek in the step charged out of the door before breaking out into a run. His hair wiping about behind him as everything left him, his tormented mind clear as he enjoyed the brisk dawn air that consumed him every morning at the same time. Sedating him until nightfall. When the nightmares would return.
"Where have you been boy?" Vernon Dursley's voice bellowed throughout the house as Harry made his way into the kitchen. It was about 6:30 and Harry had been running for a good 2 hours. His body soaked in perspiration as he found the ability to push himself further and further everyday.
"I was out running." Harry replied civilly. His eyes scanning the kitchen quickly. Aunt Petunia was by the stove, her beady eyes locked on him as she turned her nose up at his appearance. Dudley was stuffing his face. Long gone were the days of his diet, he now ate what he wanted and when he wanted. His podgey little face hiding his pale blue eyes as he looked at Harry with a smirk. Clearly entertained by the anger evident in his fathers voice.
"Running?" Vernon spluttered, pieces of bacon flying out of his mouth as his face turned slightly purple. "What on earth? Outside? In front of the neighbours!"
"Yes running." Harry bit out sarcastically, his patience wearing thin. "It's a form of exercise. Perhaps you should research it for little Duddykins." He continued daringly, the purple of his uncle's face only spurring him on. "It does wonders for one's stamina uncle."
"How dare you!" Vernon roared, his eyes almost lost between the pools of fat that existed over his obese face.
"I'm going to my room." Harry rolled his eyes slightly before picking up an apple and tossing it between his hands. "I have homework to do."
"Oh i don't think so, you ungrateful brat!" His uncle shouted. "You have chores to do!"
"Get Dudley to do them." Harry muttered angrily, "he could use the manual labour. Who know's maybe he'll lose a pound or two?"
"I'll give YOU manual labour." Dudley sneered. Waddling across the table in what he apparently thought was a threatening manor. His podgy arms held upright as though ready for battle.
"Please Dudley." Harry smirked, his eyes glittering as he looked at the boy who used to be able to strike fear into him so easily. "I'm not 5 anymore. You can't touch me."
"You want to bet?" Dudley shouted, his face resembling his fathers.
"You should calm yourself down." Harry said pleasantly, the taunting smirk still in place. "Your heart is probably struggling under the strain of standing up for so long. How bout you go to the living room and watch some telly?"
Harry was prepared for the right hook that was sent his way only seconds later. Ducking out of the way easily, Harry whistled as he made his way out of the kitchen. Apple still in hand as Dudley cursed from the floor, Aunt Petunia kneeling beside her obese son as Vernon shouted obscenities in Harry's direction.
So what did you think? Be honest. Not brutally… I mean.. I do have feelings…
Chapter 2: See You Soon
A/N: keep the reviews flowing. It'll only take a second I swear!
Closing the door gently behind him, Harry sat heavily on his bed. Taking a bite out of his apple he briefly felt a stab of guilt at provoking his relatives. He was usually more reserved when it came to the Dursley's. But as the holidays were drawing to a close – there was only 4 weeks to go - the temptation was too much and he decided to have some fun. Honestly, they weren't the smartest people around. Easily riled up and easy to outwit in any situation.
The events over the past year had also contributed to him feeling no fear of them. They couldn't hurt him more than he already was. Their threats of no dinner or the prospect of countless chores rolled off his back without any remark. The chores in particular, at the beginning helped to keep himself busy, his mind concentrated on the task before him and not on the vivid memories that kept in him awake at night.
The summer heat on his back coming as a welcome relief against the dark and sleepless nights he endured in his tiny room. Although he couldn't completely block everything out – it became bearable and he was able to cope in his own way. Taking another bite of his apple, his eyes drifted away to the pile of letters on his desk. He had been ignoring them for the past couple of months, not wanting to talk to anyone. Not knowing what to say – he was sick of lying. What was he supposed to write anyway?
'Hey! Yeah I'm just dandy. I haven't can't sleep. How are you?' or
'Hey! I just found out the fate of the wizarding world lies on my shoulders and my godfather died and it's my fault. Oh and you were almost knocked off by a death eater because of me as well. My bad.'
Harry snorted quietly, yeah that would go down real well.
Looking over the pile of letters again, Harry felt the familiar tug to read them. Once again his eyes glued on Hermione's pile of unopened letters. Yes. She had her own 'Hermione Pile.' At the beginning of the summer Harry was inundated with letters from what seemed like everyone. Ron. Remus. Dumbledore. Tonks and of course, Hermione. After a while, the flow of letters decreased. Ron no longer wrote seemingly giving up on receiving any type of response. Hermione however – Harry closed his eyes sadly, had not stopped. Every second day he would get a letter from her. He could only guess what was inside. Biting his lip slightly Harry tore his eyes away with a lot of effort. Getting up, he walked quickly to his wardrobe and rummaged through his clothes. He had purchased new ones through the summer. One day – feeling particularly rebellious and knowing that he was being followed anyway, made his way to gringotts and exchanged his money to wizarding currency. Then he went on a shopping trip in London. Tonks trailing behind him, cursing under her breath as Harry ignored her.
Deciding on a pair of dark cargo pants and a white v-neck shirt, he made his way to the shower to freshen up.
20 minutes later Harry stood staring at his reflection in the mirror. He was barely recognizable. His jet-black hair had grown out, making him look older and rouged. His messy hair sticking out in all directions, with his fringe sweeping across his forehead casually and covering the scar on his forehead. His eyes, as green as ever, stared back at him blankly and the light stubble on his chin gave him a weary look. His face had matured. His jaw was sharp and defined and his face tanned from his being in the sun for the entire summer. The dark circles under his eyes the only indicator that anything was wrong.
Suddenly loud voices broke through his haze. Familiar voices.
Eyes wide with surprise, Harry tore the door open and ran down the stairs quickly.
"Where's Potter?" Moody's rough voice came from the living room.
"I'm here Sir." Harry spoke up. Striding into the room before stopping suddenly. Moody wasn't alone – he definitely wasn't alone. There, in the middle of the living room stood Moody, Mr. Weasley. Tonks and Kingsley.
"Ah Harry." Arthur said cheerfully, coming up and slapping him on the back. "You all packed son?"
"Packed?" Harry asked stupidly. "What for?"
"We're here to pick you up." Tonks said in explanation, a knowing look in her eyes. "Didn't you get our letter?"
"Oh of course." Harry smiled feebly. "I'll just go get my stuff." Without waiting for an answer, he walked briskly out of the room and into his bedroom.
Cursing under his breath at the mess he quickly chucked all his clothes in the open trunk that lay next to his door.
"Need some help?" Tonks' voice interrupted from the door. Her eyes sparkling as she watched Harry run around the room.
"Um. Yes please." Harry said pathetically, his shoulders slumping slightly in defeat.
"You know Harry." Tonks said seriously as she waved her wand casually, clothes folding themselves neatly into his trunk. "I know you're not having a great time at the moment but by ignoring your friends, you're only causing them more pain."
"I don't know what to say to her." Harry muttered, sitting on the bed. His mind full of his brown eyed best friend and the hurt he knew he was causing her.
"I'm sorry Harry." Tonks whispered, her eyes going over to the pile of letters on his desk. "But she'll want to hear from you. She's coming in a couple of days to the order anyway. You can't avoid her forever."
"I don't want to avoid her." Harry said with difficulty and staring at Tonks helplessly.
"Tell her you're ok then. Put her mind at ease." Tonks smiled softly before getting up and levitating his trunk. "Don't be too long. Moody hates the muggles."
Nodding and smiling slightly, Harry walked over to his desk. Taking a pen from his draw he quickly scrawled a brief note, his messy handwriting barely legible as he tied it to Hedwig's leg.
"I'll be at the order girl." Harry said as he stroked Hedwig softly. Smiling as she gave his finger an affectionate nip before flying out of the window.
Sighing quietly, Harry made his way downstairs. His hastily written words still in his head as he was transported to Grimmauld place.
Hermione.
I'm sorry….
I'll see you soon.
Harry.
Chapter 3: Don't Panic
A/N: Sorry for the lack of updating but I've been a bit sidetracked. This is a quite a long chapter though so I hope it makes up for it.
Concentrating on the words he wrote in haste to Hermione, Harry wasn't prepared for the sudden landing. Losing his balance, he toppled over completely, his wrists going out in front of him instinctively to stop the fall.
"Oh damn." Harry muttered, massaging his wrist slightly as he looked around at the others who were standing around him and watching him in amusement.
Glaring at them slightly, Harry ignored the offered hand from Kingsley and stood up himself. Dusting off his trousers and shirt and mumbling to himself in the process.
"Alright there Harry?" Arthur asked cheerfully. His long fingers adjusting the glasses on his long nose so he could see more clearly, a bright smile gracing his face.
"Yeah I'm fine." Harry mumbled, bowing his head in embarrassment.
"Professor Dumbledore wants to see you." Kingsley spoke up, his hand now withdrawn. "He's in the study."
"Now?" Harry asked tiredly. His eyes scanning the dark and gloomy kitchen of Grimmauld and leaving him with an empty feeling, the absence of Sirius hitting him full force. "Where is everyone?" Harry asked, quietly noting the lack of sounds coming from the rest of the house. It was usually bustling with activity.
"No one is really staying here at the moment." Arthur answered, leading Harry out of the kitchen toward the study area. "Tonks is of course, and Remus. Molly and the children are at the borrow." He smiled down at Harry kindly, "Oh and Hermione of course." He added quickly.
The knowledge that Hermione was at the borrow with Ron without him made him feel oddly annoyed. Images of the two laughing and joking together assaulted him and he tuned out of what Mr. Weasley was saying. Were they missing him? More importantly, was she missing him?
"… anyway, they'll be coming here tomorrow to join us." He finished suddenly.
"Oh. Great." Harry tried to smile, his gaze turning toward the door that they stood in front. Thoughts of Hermione and Ron enjoying the summer together drifting to the back of his mind as he prepared himself for talking with Dumbledore.
Heaving a quiet sigh, Harry knocked once before entering.
Walking into the room Harry quietly made his way over to the chair where he sat down. His eyes locked on the ground and not on the light blue eyes that were now looking at him curiously.
"Hello Harry." Dumbledore spoke, his voice calm and almost cheerful. "How has your summer been?"
"Fine." Harry answered shortly.
"And how are you?" Harry could hear the concern in his voice but wasn't ready to be totally honest.
"I'm fine."
"Have you been reading the prophet?" Dumbledore asked after a moment's silence.
"No."
"So you don't know the what's been happening over the last couple of months?"
"No." Harry shrugged slightly. "What can I do about it from my bedroom?" he asked rhetorically.
"Your little excursion to Diagon Alley and London proved most worrisome Harry." His professor started, his voice adopting a fatherly tone.
"I don't ask to be followed sir." Harry said in irritation, raising his eyes finally and looking him in the eye. "I was fine."
"It was risky." Dumbledore counted.
"Life is risky." Harry snapped. "I don't appreciate being treated as though I'm some kind of convict under house arrest Sir."
"You're being protected for your own safety." Dumbledore reminded him firmly looking at him over his half moon spectacles. "It was selfish of you."
Biting his tongue against a rather less than civilized retort, Harry's eyes blazed in annoyance. "There was no harm done. I don't see the problem."
"There could have been." Dumbledore stared at him. "You aren't alone in this. Your actions affect many people around you."
"I am aware of that." Harry spat suddenly, his green eyes flashing. Vivid images of his godfather falling through the veil filling his vision as the words of the prophecy sounded in his head. "I'm your weapon. I'm valuable to you." Harry looked at Dumbledore in the eye. "I apologize for threatening your plans."
"You are not just a weapon Harry," Dumbledore said quietly.
"Yes I am." Harry said firmly. "I'm the solution to a problem that you can't fix. I always have been." Standing up quickly Harry looked down at his headmaster. "May I leave now Sir?"
"Yes." Dumbledore said quietly, "Yes of course."
Rubbing his eyes and stretching his back, Harry flinched slightly as sunlight streamed in through the window beside of his bed. Cursing himself for not closing the curtains last night he rolled over to grab his glasses and check the time. The big digital clock on his bedside table reading 8:34 A.M.
Rubbing his scar absently he crawled out of bed reluctantly. The Weasley's were supposed to be here by 9:30. Stumbling over to his unpacked trunk he rummaged through his clothes. Deciding on a pair of dark jeans, white shirt and red flannel shirt he made his way out of the room and towards the bathroom.
"Well good morning Mr. Potter." Tonks' voice greeted him as he was walking down the hall.
Turning towards her, Harry let a smile grace his face. She wore her hair green today, green and spiky.
"'Morning Tonks." Harry mumbled ruffling his hair slightly with his free hand.
"Do you make a habbit of walking around the house half naked?" She smirked. He was only wearing pyjama pants that hung loosely at his waist.
"Only if I feel the other inhabitants deserve a treat." Harry remarked dryly before rolling his eyes and smiling slightly as Tonks laughed loudly.
"Now please have your shower before I need to enlarge the corridor to accommodate your enormous head." She smiled at Harry winking.
"Oh ok, but only because you asked nicely." Harry agreed shrugging and making his way to the bathroom. A certain strut in his step that made Tonks laugh again.
"You didn't even bother shaving?" Tonks asked as Harry entered the kitchen half an hour later freshly showered and dressed. His hair a chaotic mess and the mentioned stubble still evident.
"I'm trying for the rugged look." Harry shrugged. "You know. Mysterious and dark stranger in the night?"
"mhmmmm." Tonks made a sound in her throat that Harry had trouble understanding.
"Not a fan?" Harry asked as he reached for a bowl in the cupboard.
"No, it's very..." She searched for the right word, "becoming of you."
"Right." Harry muttered as he poured a generous amount of cereal into the bowl and then coating it with milk. Picking up a spoon, he was about to eat when a sudden thought struck him. "Where's Lupin?"
"It's the full moon." Tonks said simply although Harry detected something else in her tone. Not wishing to push it he simply smiled in understanding.
"Nervous about Hermione coming?" Tonks said sometime later. They were sitting quietly in the kitchen, both lost in thought as the time drew ever closer to 9:30.
"What if she hates me?" Harry asked guiltily. His thoughts returning to the pile of letters that he had opened and read all of yesterday. If she was anything, Hermione was definitely persistent.
"I don't think she could ever hate you Harry." Tonks said comfortingly, her voice soft and honest. "You just have to be open with her."
"I want to be." Harry struggled with himself, "but there are consequences that could hurt her." He paused, "I don't want to hurt her."
"I know Harry." Tonks smiled and was about to add something else before the sound of the Weasley's echoed in the kitchen. Sending him a reassuring look, Tonks took off toward the door just as it opened to reveal Mrs. Weasley steaming into the room.
"Ah Harry dear." She bristled past Tonks and swept Harry up in her arms in a crushing hug. Patting her awkwardly on the back, Harry stepped back from the hug gratefully. "My you've grown some! it's just us three for now, Ginny is with the Lovegoods at the moment but she'll be joining us shortly."
"Hello Mrs. Weasley." He smiled quickly, his heart thumping loudly in his chest as he looked toward the doorway where his two best friends stood and he felt his heart stop. She stood at the doorway, dressed in a pair of dark jeans, a white singlet and a grey cardigan with her dark brown hair pulled up in a messy ponytail. She looked anything by ordinary. Harry felt his heart skip a beat when he caught her eye. Her unnaturally light brown eyes that looked at him in concern mixed with something else, something he wasn't familiar with. Hating the silence, Harry hastily cleared his throat, "Hey." Raising a hand in a short wave before dropping it quickly and averting his eyes to the ground. His cheeks growing hot from looking at Hermione.
"So you are alive." Ron said sarcastically from his spot next to Hermione. "It's nice to have confirmation."
Looking toward Ron for the first time, Harry noticed the steely blue eyes of his best friend.
"I'm sure you would've been made well aware of my death if it happened." Harry replied shortly, his gaze drifting to the daily prophet that lay on the table next to him. A picture of himself adorning the front cover with the caption of 'Our Chosen One," accompanying it.
Ruffling his hair in an action of nervousness, Harry was all too aware of the silence from Hermione and that made him uncomfortable.
"It would've have been nice to have received some news from you though, after what's happened." Ron said bluntly.
"A lot of things would be nice." Harry replied shrugging again, an act that was becoming a habit. "I was…" He glanced at Tonks who stood by the door watching quietly, "busy."
"So busy you couldn't send word to your two best friends?" Ron asked, his voice rising slightly.
"Oh he didn't send one to anyone." Tonks stepped in, smiling at Harry quickly who looked at her gratefully. "Don't take it too personally. He didn't even write back to Professor Dumbledore."
"Harry!" Mrs. Weasley scolded sharply, her eyes going wide at this information.
"Nor any members of the order." Tonks continued. "He only read the prophet for the first time this morning." She looked at Harry before returning her gaze back to Ron and Hermione. "And I'm certain he only read it because it was in front of him."
"So you have no idea what's been going on?" Mrs. Weasley asked, eyes wide and red hair flying about.
"He didn't even know we were picking him up until we knocked on his door yesterday." Tonks went on, saving Harry from answering Mrs. Weasley.
"Didn't you go to Diagon Alley by yourself?" Ron asked, looking from Tonks to Harry.
"Uhhh yeah." Harry fumbled, looking at Tonks apologetically. "I escaped for a day."
"Yeah I know you did." Tonks said looking at him, a look of annoyance as she recalled the incident drifting across her face. "I was the one trailing and watching your back the entire day."
"No one even recognized me." Harry rolled his eyes. "The Order is overreacting. I wasn't being completely reckless."
"How so?" Hermione's voice sounded for the first time. "Because going out in public alone in a time of war, and especially when you're the main target of the darkest wizard of our time seems pretty reckless to me."
"Tonks was following me of course. Besides, I highly doubt she would have known who I was if she hadn't been outside the house before I left." Harry replied his eyes locked on Hermione's. "I knew what I was doing."
"You were being reckless." Hermione repeated firmly, eyes flashing slightly at his nonchalant attitude.
"Dumbledore has already given me the speech on being selfish." Harry said tiredly, his jaw clenching. "I don't need another one."
"Are you sure about that?" Ron asked before Hermione could respond.
"Quite certain, yes." Harry replied shortly as he grew tired of Ron's attitude. "I'm not an idiot."
"Well that's debatable." Hermione muttered from the doorway, her arms crossed over her stomach as she looked at Harry.
"Yeah well I'm not in the mood to have that debate right now." Harry bit out, "Perhaps we'll save it for another time, no?"
Glancing down at the paper once more and seeing his own beaming face shout out at him, Harry felt himself begin to lose control. Closing his eyes to combat the flow of emotions that were swirling beneath the surface he reopened them and looked directly at Tonks. "Is Dumbledore here?"
"No, he's in his office at Hogwarts." Tonks answered. "Why?"
"Is he coming around here anytime soon?"
"Yes, he said he wanted to talk to you again, arrange some meetings or lessons of some sort." Tonks told him, shrugging slightly. "That's all I know though."
"Lessons?" Harry asked surprised.
"Yeah, he didn't go into it with me but that's the general idea." Tonks responded, her green hair turning black to match Harry's.
"What time?"
"Later tonight, after the Order has a meeting." Tonks smiled at Harry.
"Why would Dumbledore give you lessons?" Ron asked curiously.
"So there's less chance of me killing myself?" Harry offered shrugging. "I never have any idea why Dumbledore does anything."
"You lot need to unpack, Ron you're staying in a different room seeing as the twins aren't here." Mrs. Weasley interrupted looking at Ron and Hermione. "Give Harry a moment to settle in himself too". She added, looking at Harry and smiling kindly.
"Whatever." Ron muttered rolling his eyes and lumbering out of the kitchen, his mother hot on his tail.
Harry watched Ron leave with a feeling of anger in his stomach, watching him round the corner and disappear, he turned to Hermione who had remained where she was.
His breath hitching slightly, he couldn't think of anything to say and briefly registered that Tonks had made some excuse up and left them alone in the kitchen.
Ruffling his hair again under Hermione's unwavering stare, Harry opened his mouth and said the first thing that came to mind.
"So, how was your summer?"
"It was fine." Hermione said shortly, arms still crossed over her chest. A look of determination on her face as she stared at Harry.
"I'm sorry." Harry mumbled softly. "It's not that I didn't want to talk to you…" he struggled slightly staring at his shoelaces and taking a deep breath. "Believe me, I wanted to." He smiled to himself before becoming more serious. "I just couldn't Hermione."
"You wanted to?" Hermione asked quietly, her eyes soft as he finally looked up and met her gaze.
"Of course I wanted to." Harry smiled genuinely. "But so much has happened and it just seemed so tedious and stupid to talk about ordinary things. And you deserve so much more than what I give you and I just..." Harry looked at her desperately. "I don't what to do here Hermione. About anything."
"You can tell me anything Harry." Hermione said softly, coming up to stand in front of him and offering him a smile.
"I know." Harry looked at the ground again, shoving his hands in his pockets. "That's what scares me."
Chapter 4: Shiver
A/N: What's this? Another update… whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Enjoy! Oh and if you do enjoy it… or even if you don't… review it? Sweet. Hope you've all had a happy Christmas and have a fantastic New Years!
"Why are you so scared?" Hermione asked quietly. She was standing inches in front of him and he could count the light freckles that were scattered across the bridge of her nose as she looked up at him softly.
"Dumbledore said something about my actions impacting those around me." Harry said quietly, thinking that maybe Tonks was right. Being open with her would probably help him figure things out. "And as much as I really don't want to agree with him" He continued sadly, "It's true."
Clearing his throat he went on quickly before he lost the nerve. "You need to know that I'm in this war Hermione. I'm in it until the end and I don't even have a choice about it."
"What do you mean?" Hermione tilted her head, "Of course you have a choice. You can't be forced into doing anything you don't want to do."
"You don't believe in destiny." Harry said it as though a statement rather than a question, his green eyes scanning Hermione's.
"How do you know that?" Hermione counted, raising an eyebrow slightly.
"If I said there was something bigger than me, bigger than you. That there is something I was born to do, would you believe me?"
"I'll always believe you." Hermione whispered, her voice open and honest. "But what are you talking about Harry?"
"I'm talking about my life being laid out before me." Harry said quietly, sitting down in a chair and leaning his head in his arms on the table, his eyes drifting closed. "You know the weapon they were talking about all last year?"
"Yeah." Harry felt her move around him to sit down beside his chair. Her shoulder touching his and making him shiver at the contact.
"I'm the weapon." Harry whispered opening his eyes and looking at her.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, eyes wide as she looked at Harry. Her hand coming up and holding his softly, her slender fingers entwining with his and gripping tightly.
"I mean that I have to – " Harry started before stopping suddenly as the kitchen door swung open loudly. Turning his head toward the door he met Ron's eye. He was standing by the door, an indistinguishable look on his face as he took in Harry and Hermione's close proximity. Moving his head back to Hermione, Harry realized how close they actually were. Clearing his throat in embarrassment, he leant back in his chair and grinned at Ron. "Hey, unpacked already?"
"I managed to talk mum into going back to the Borrow." Ron answered shortly, his eyes locked on their still joined hands.
Glancing down at their hands Harry felt his cheeks grow warm. Avoiding Hermione's gaze her hastily pulled his hand away and rubbed the back of his neck. His hand left tingling slightly from the feel of her hand in his.
"Right. So where are the twins?" Harry asked curiously trying to recover some self-control over his emotions.
"At the shop I assume." Ron shrugged carelessly, plopping down on a chair opposite. "Business is booming." He continued, an envious look on his face as he looked at Harry.
"Is that safe?" Harry asked, making himself more comfortable as he looked at Ron and taking in his appearance for the first time since he arrived. He was as tall as ever; his long and gangly form seemingly awkward in the small cramped kitchen. His long nose alight with freckles from large amounts of time spent out in the sun. Looking back at Hermione quickly who had been watching him curiously, he noted that she was also a couple of shades darker than when he last saw her. The idea of the both of them enjoying themselves, with each other, over the break nagged at him and he hardly heard Ron respond to his question.
"Mum's not happy about it but Fred and George are one of the only shops open for business." He finished shrugging.
"I suppose they would be doing well." Harry offered lamely, "People need something to laugh about right?"
"I guess so." Ron agreed, shrugging again and reaching for an apple. An act that really annoyed Harry. Did he look like that when he shrugged?
An awkward silence filled the room and Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Hermione was still looking at him, a calculating look on her face as though she was working out a particularly difficult equation. She seemed unfazed by the silence though and didn't seem at all inclined to break it anytime soon.
Sighing quietly Harry asked a question he didn't really want an answer to. "How has your summer been then?"
"Oh, pretty good." Ron grinned for the first time. A smug look on his face as he glanced at Hermione. "Been enjoying the sunshine."
"I can tell." Harry said dryly, his stomach churning slightly. "You've got more freckles than usual."
"The perils of being a red head I suppose." Ron shrugged again and causing Harry to make a mental note to never shrug again if he could help it. "Hermione doesn't suffer from having fair skin syndrome though does she?" he added, nodding towards Hermione who finally broke her vigil on Harry to look at him in confusion.
"I was saying that you went rather brown instead of having a million freckles." Ron clarified at her questionable look, his hand waving over his face to help get the point across.
"Oh, well I guess I'm lucky." Hermione grinned quickly looking at Harry. "You're quite brown yourself, you haven't been cooped up inside this summer then?"
"Uh yeah I suppose." Harry blushed under her gaze. Were her eyes always that light? With gold flecks in them?
"What did you do?" She asked curiously, unaware of the affect she was having on him.
"He went for a goddamn run every morning." Tonks' voice answered before Harry could open his mouth. Taking the seat next to Ron she looked at Harry with her eyes narrowed slightly. "It wasn't just a light jog mind you," She added looking at Hermione and Ron. "The lad's got some lungs on him I'll tell you that much."
"That was in the mornings." Harry defended himself weakly looking at Tonks.
"Aye I know." Tonks said grimly. "Sometimes, 5 in the morning I'd see him wonder out the door and set out. It was still dark."
"Then I would do chores in the day." Harry continued, ignoring Tonks as he looked at Hermione. "Gardening is surprisingly grueling manual labour."
"You gardened?" Ron laughed loudly, his knee hitting the table in the process. "Did you have a frilly apron on as well?"
"No, they were sold out of them at the shop." Harry feigned a look of sadness to hide his irritation.
"My mum loves gardening." Hermione interjected from her spot next to Harry. The glare she was sending in Ron's direction vanishing to be replaced by a soft smile as she looked at Harry. "She says it calms her."
"But she's a girl." Ron blurted out before he could stop himself, his ears going bright red at Hermione's glare.
"You're completely right Ron." Harry remarked as he stood up from the table, his tall figure graceful as he pushed the chair under the table. "It is very feminine of me." He locked his bright green eyes on Ron, trying to read him. "But the alternatives weren't very appealing."
"What were the alternatives?" Ron asked, "Writing to your friends?"
Eyes flashing in annoyance, Harry exerted a great amount of effort into restraining himself from throttling the red head in front of him.
"My friends clearly had a great time without me writing to them." Harry said shortly, his tone firm. "I doubt you needed to hear about my mundane existence over the summer. I wouldn't want to spoil your fun with small anecdotes on my less than thrilling life."
"Don't be silly." Hermione reached out a hand and grabbed Harry by the forearm before he had time to turn and leave. "I missed you." She looked up at Harry, a shy expression on her face a he looked down at her. "I mean you're my best friend." She added hastily, pulling her hand away sharply and turning a light pink colour.
"I missed you, too." Harry admitted quietly, looking deeply into Hermione's eyes and grinning slightly. "I did all my summer homework. Thought it'd make you proud."
"Really?" Hermione smiled broadly, eyes sparkling as she looked at him.
"Really." Harry confirmed nodding, laughing at her expression. Her smile was infectious. "Seems like you're finally rubbing off on me."
"About time too!" Hermione grinned rolling her eyes slightly. "We're supposed to be getting our Hogwarts letters soon." The grin on her face turning into a frown quite suddenly.
"You'll be fine Granger." Harry grinned, eyes twinkling as he patted her shoulder gently, his hand lingering slightly before pulling away reluctantly. "Stop worrying yourself over nothing."
"Yeah I reckon." Ron's loud voice rung out, startling Harry who had forgotten he was even in the room. "The amount of time you spent studying Hermione." Ron shuddered at the thought.
Rolling his eyes slightly Harry turned back to Hermione and sent her a reassuring smile. "You'll be fine." He repeated, more firmly this time and reaching down to pick up her right hand. Squeezing it gently he spoke, a smile in his voice. "Brightest witch of our age?" He laughed softly, "No doubt Hermione. No doubt."
Chapter 5: Sparks
A/N: Hello all! Just wanted to say thank you to all those of you who took the time to review. It really is appreciated. Hope you all had a fantastic New Years (I know I did .)
Walking toward the office quietly a couple of hours later, Harry reflected on the day that had passed. He and Hermione hadn't had anytime to talk since Ron had interrupted them. Their redheaded friend seemed determined to ensure that himself and Hermione weren't left alone at all, his constant presence really beginning to get on Harry's nerves. Harry could swear that Hermione felt the same, her subdued manner and the way she always looked at Ron with obvious distain caused Harry's heart to soar. Albeit briefly, she probably wouldn't want anything to do with him after he told her of the prophecy and all the dangers associated with being his friend. Sighing quietly as a look of helplessness filtered across his face, he paused for a moment in front of the office where Dumbledore awaited him. Readying himself with a deep breath, he gently rapped his knuckles on the dark mahogany door.
"Come in Harry." Dumbledore's gentle voice sounded from the inside, inviting him inside.
Pushing the heavy door open, Harry walked slowly toward the desk. His eyes this time however, locked on the Professor's who stood near a bookshelf, his own blue eyes following the young student's progress across the room over the half-moon spectacles that hung on the end of his long and crooked nose.
"Good evening Sir." Harry replied evenly when he was well inside the room, his hands stuffed in his pockets.
"Good evening Harry." Dumbledore smiled briefly, lines marring his face and making him look remarkably older. "I trust you slept well last night?" He asked, walking back behind the desk and sitting down in the big chair with ease, his long purple cloak billowing behind him.
Averting his eyes away quickly at that question, Harry caused softly under his breath. Of course Dumbledore knew he wasn't sleeping well. You needn't be a rocket scientist to spot the dark circles around his eyes and the general weariness of his stance.
Lifting up a shoulder in answer, Harry tried to smile. "I've slept better Sir." He said, at least half honest.
"It must be hard." Dumbledore started almost hesitantly, his voice gentle. "To be here without Sirius."
"It's fine." Harry replied shortly. In truth it was everything but fine. Everything about the place screamed out at him. Every turn he took he was reminded of Sirius. Reminded again and again that his barking laughter wouldn't ring out through the halls. And it was all on his shoulders. "I'm fine." Harry repeated quietly, nodding to himself as though he was trying to believe the words that flew out of his mouth.
"I assume young Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger have settled in then?" Dumbledore asked tactfully changing the topic to a safer area.
"I suppose." Harry smiled, "Ron has an uncanny ability to settle in anywhere within a couple of minutes Sir, he's made himself right at home."
Chuckling softly, Dumbledore looked at him carefully. "I wanted to apologize Harry."
"Apologize?" Harry repeated slowly, sitting down in a chair and looking up at the headmaster quietly.
"Yes." Dumbledore smiled sadly, "I fear that my costly decision to keep the prophecy from you has damaged our relationship." He paused briefly, "and as such, has inadvertently caused more problems than I had ever imagined possible."
"You lied to me." Harry stated the obvious; his bright eyes the only indicator of his growing anger.
"I was only trying to protect you. You weren't ready to know the truth when you asked me that question back in your 1st year." Dumbledore responded quietly.
"What about after fourth year?" Harry asked stubbornly. "After he came back. After he killed Cedric and after he used my own blood to regain power." He took a deep breath. "You didn't even look at me for a year Sir. You gave me nothing. For a whole year I was in the dark. An outsider and you gave me no explanation until you were forced to."
"You're right." Dumbledore nodded gravely. "I didn't handle that well at all." He smiled a bit, "alas I am an old man Harry. An old man who made an error in judgment." He looked at him seriously. "I forgot who you were Harry and for that I deeply apologize. I underestimated you when I had no reason. You have proven time after time that you can handle it."
"I needed you Sir." Harry replied softly. "They whole wizarding world was against me," he looked at a book that across from him. "Against us." He turned his eyes back towards his headmaster. "He was inside my head." Harry flinched slightly at the memory of having his mind invaded by Voldemort. "I trusted you Sir and you broke it."
"I'm sorry Harry." Dumbledore spoke sincerely after a moment's silence.
"Tonks said something about lessons?" Harry volunteered after clearing his throat uncomfortably, the tension that was present in the room after the headmaster's apology drifting away quickly at Harry's question.
"Ah yes." Dumbledore clapped his hands together although his eyes still held a bit of sadness in them. "Now that you are aware of the prophecy, I trust that you know the importance of preparing to defeat him?"
"Yes." Harry nodded. Deciding against voicing his own doubts about him being the one to conquer the darkest wizard of all time.
"Good." Dumbledore nodded vaguely before continuing. "I've spoken to some of your Professors and members of the order and they've agreed to assist in teaching you some more advanced magic."
"Like what?" Harry asked his curiosity piqued at the prospect of being able to really improve his magic.
"Defense against dark magic of course," Dumbledore smiled at Harry's expression. "And attacking as well. There will be plenty of help available to you."
"Do they know of the prophecy?" Harry asked curiously.
"No Harry." Dumbledore shook his head.
"What about my scar?" Harry asked, rubbing his forehead absently. "The connection between us." He looked at his shoelaces awkwardly. "It's still there."
"I will help you there." Dumbledore smiled reassuringly. "I can teach you to block your mind from invasion."
"You can?" Harry asked, his eyes wide as his heart lifted at the prospect.
"It's very difficult to master." Dumbledore said seriously, attempting to contain Harry's growing excitement. "But I believe you'll be able to do it after a lot of hard work."
"Of course." Harry nodded enthusiastically, a smile gracing his features quickly before disappearing. "Anything that will help I'll try."
"I know you will Harry." Dumbledore smiled a big smile. "I know."
"What did Dumbledore want then?" Ron probed Harry as soon as he entered the living room. There was an order meeting in session and Ron, Hermione and himself were forced to sit idly outside.
"Oh you know.' Harry spoke deliberately vaguely as he made his way over to the couch before lying down heavily, his long legs draped over the edge of the small couch. His face adopting a small frown as he saw Ron and Hermione sitting next to each other on the loveseat. "Just general chit-chat."
"General chit-chat?" Ron repeated an incredulous expression on his face as he looked at Harry.
"We sorted some things out." Harry tried to elaborate. His eyes seeking Hermione's who was watching him quietly, her soft brown eyes looking into his as though trying to read a book.
"What things?" Ron persisted.
"Private things." Harry replied tiredly, wondering when in the hell did Ron become so annoying. Yawning, Harry lent back against the couch heavily, closing his eyes as a fresh wave of exhaustion washed over him.
"Are you ok Harry?' Hermione's soft voice startled him out of his stupor. Opening his eyes slowly, he drew in a sharp breath and their close proximity. She loomed over the couch, a familiar concerned look on her face as she watched him. Looking over her shoulder to where Ron should have been, Harry noted that the couch was vacant. Ron was nowhere in the room. Letting out a small breath of relief Harry smiled up at Hermione before answering.
"Yeah, just tired Hermione."
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked, raising her hand to his forehead and feeling gently before pulling back slowly, an unreadable expression on her face. "You're quite warm."
"From lack of sleep I suppose." Harry offered, his breathing coming out in small gasps at the feel of her so close to him. Her hand was cool against his forehead and had an unnaturally calming effect on him. He hoped she couldn't hear his erratic heartbeat. "Where did Ron go?"
"To bed." Hermione shrugged, settling herself down beside by Harry's hip so that their sides were touching softly. "You dozed off about an hour ago you know" she looked at him worriedly. "The meeting's finished too."
"I slept for that long?" Harry asked surprised, his hand coming up to massage his neck that was a bit sore from his uncomfortable sleeping position.
"Mmmhmmm," Hermione made a sound deep in her throat of confirmation. "Ron got bored of waiting so he bailed about 10 minutes ago."
"Oh thank god." Harry blurted out before turning a slight pink as he realized what he said. "I mean, he likes to sleep Ron does." Harry said as he sat up awkwardly, his feet hitting the ground softly as he attempted to form a coherent sentence. "Wouldn't want him staying up for no reason ey?"
"Of course not." Hermione responded, a questionable look on her face again before turning into a concerned one. "How did your meeting with Dumbledore really go?"
"I already told you." Harry muttered quietly avoiding eye contact.
"You never have been a good liar Harry." Hermione chided softly, a small smile in her voice. Turning to look at her, Harry could see humor in her eyes mixed with something else. That unfamiliar look he wasn't yet accustomed to.
Sighing quietly and letting out a reluctant smile he turned to Hermione, his shoulder resting on the couch beside her. "He apologized." Harry said simply, deciding to start from the beginning. There was something about Hermione that made him feel unusually open and honest. He could be himself around her comfortably and that feeling was something he wasn't used to – but he liked it.
"For what?" Hermione asked, eyes wide as though she couldn't believe the headmaster of Hogwarts would apologize to a 15-year-old student.
Smiling at her expression, Harry took her hand impulsively, his fingers sliding in between her slender ones with apparent ease. "That's a long story." Looking at her, Harry smiled slightly as he felt her apply pressure on his hand in reassurance.
"The night is still young." Hermione smiled, sliding her own body toward him and crossing her legs in front of him so she faced him full on, their joined hands resting comfortably between them. "And lucky for you I've got all night."
Chapter 6: Talk
Disclaimer: Quite obviously I don't own Harry Potter. Pity.
A/N: Once again, I just want to thank you all for the reviews, you've outdone yourselves and I have to admit I am very impressed! A few of you have commented on the slight Ron bashing. I don't hate the guy, I just find him annoying and a bit of a moron – he'll still be a part of the trio because I think it's a great dynamic.
"Either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives..." Hermione repeated softly, her voice almost inaudible as she looked at Harry with bright eyes. Her grip on his hand tightening considerably as the words and implications of the prophecy began to sink in.
"Dumbledore told me after the Department last year." Harry muttered. His green eyes were glued on Hermione's face in an attempt to gauge her reaction. "After Voldemort tried to…" He struggled for a moment, images of Voldemort possessing him flashing through his head. "Anyway, when I went to his office after. He told me the prophecy." Harry looked at Hermione sadly, her unblinking eyes looking at him in shock. "I totally understand if you wouldn't want to be friends with me." Harry said letting go of her hand and standing up quickly, his eyes downcast. "It's so dangerous and I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you." An image of her lifeless body crossed across his mind. "Again." He finished softly.
Looking up after taking a deep breath Harry tried to smile at her reassuringly. "I just thought you should know."
Coughing lightly and rubbing the back of his neck, Harry turned to leave.
"What the hell are you on?" Hermione's sharp voice stopped him as he reached the door.
Stopping suddenly at the tone of her voice, Harry turned slowly. She was still in the same position as when he turned to go except her face was set, her jaw locked and a familiar determined expression graced her features as she looked at him in the eye. "Wouldn't want to be your friend?" Hermione repeated his words, a look of incredulity on her face as Harry stood by the door, a shocked expression on his own face that matched hers. "I don't know what you've been smoking Harry." Hermione shook her head slightly, tilting it to side as she surveyed him curiously. "But you need to stop immediately incase you do some real damage."
"I haven't been smoking anything Hermione." Harry crossed his arms, his eyes flashing slightly in annoyance. "By being my friend you become a target. He'll use you to get to me." He made a noise of frustration in the back of his throat. "He did the same with Sirius and look what happened!" His voice shook slightly and he only briefly registered Hermione stand up and make her way towards him. "He's dead because of who I am Hermione. There is no other reason he shouldn't be here right now."
"Sirius dying wasn't your fault Harry." Hermione stated firmly as she stood in front of him. Taking his hand in hers she repeated the same sentiment again, her eyes locked on his as though urging him to believe her.
Pulling roughly away, Harry took a step back as his emotions boiled to the surface. Eyes blazing, he looked at Hermione helplessly. "Of course it's my fault. I didn't listen to you! I almost led you to your own death Hermione." He shook his head adamantly when she opened her mouth to respond. "He died because of me. You almost died because of me." He looked at her, green eyes desperate. "I thought you had. My heart stopped when you hit the floor Hermione." Taking a steadying breath he managed to control his voice. "I can't handle this Hermione. I'm not strong enough to cope if something happened to you because of me."
"What about if something happened to you?" Hermione counted, hands on hips and she stared at Harry defiantly. "You think it wouldn't be just as hard in my shoes to watch you get hurt?"
"But it wouldn't be your fault." Harry pointed out, his voice rising slightly. "Why risk your life for someone who probably won't make it out of this alive?"
"Don't talk like that." Hermione whispered, her voice dangerously low as her eyes sparkled.
"It's the truth Hermione." Harry shrugged, resigned to the fact. "Me or Voldemort. That's it."
"No." Hermione shook her head, her ponytail whipping about as she looked up at Harry. "I won't let you do this alone Harry."
"You could die Hermione." Harry snapped angrily.
"It's a war Harry." Hermione said, her voice matching his. "People tend to do that. I'm a muggle born, I'm in danger anyway."
"You're my best friend for gods sake." Harry threw his arms up in frustration. "You'll be in more danger than anyone else. I don't want to add you to the list of people who have died because of me."
"I'm safer if I'm with the order. With you Harry." Small drops of tears stained her cheeks as she looked at Harry. "I promise you Harry." She took a tentative step forward, her chin raised in determination. "I won't ever leave you. No matter what."
"Don't say that to me." Harry whispered quietly, closing his own eyes to fight back tears.
"Why not?" Hermione asked, her voice soft as the tension in the room from their shouting slowly dissipated.
"Because it'll hurt too much when you're gone." Harry said, his shoulder's slouching in defeat. There was no arguing with this woman. "I don't want to need you so much. There's too much at stake."
"Don't fight me." Hermione whispered, her hands taking his and gripping firmly. "I'm not abandoning you Harry." She looked at him in eye. "I'm not abandoning you Harry - because I can't." Her voice was barely a whisper but Harry heard her loud and clear.
"I don't deserve you." Harry shook his head in wonder, his hands going around her shoulders and pulling her towards him in a hug.
"Yes you do Harry." Hermione mumbled into his chest, her head fitting snugly in the crook of his neck whilst his own head rested comfortably on the top of her head. Her arms wounding around his waist and holding onto him tightly, as though afraid he would disappear if she let go.
Holding her in his arms. Feeling her steady heartbeat against his chest and the warmth of her body that radiated to him, Harry had never felt more content in his life. Tightening his arms around her, Harry closed his eyes, intent on enjoying this rare moment of intimacy.
Pulling away reluctantly after what seemed like an eternity later, Harry smiled hesitantly down at Hermione. "Thank you." He softly, his voiced laced with sincerity as he looked at her, a small smile on his face.
"You don't have to thank me." Hermione smiled softly. "You're my best friend." She shrugged as though that was a simple enough answer and Harry supposed it was. They were best friends. And best friends support each other through thick and thin, no matter what.
Moving quickly on impulse, Harry brushed his lips against the corner of her mouth, lingering slightly before pulling away. Allowing a genuine smile to grace his face, Harry looked down at Hermione who looked at him with wide eyes, her breath catching slightly in her throat.
"I know. But I just want you to know that I appreciate it." Harry smiled, eyes twinkling at her flustered look. "All of it."
"Y…You're Welcome." Hermione stuttered, her face adopting a faint pink colour as she smiled at him softly.
"Oi Harry!" Ron's not so delicate tones sounded from the doorway of his bedroom.
Opening his eyes groggily Harry cursed quietly. Stretching his back leisurely, he looked at towards the door where Ron stood, a beaming smile on his face.
"What's up Ron?" Harry asked, his voice heavy with drowsiness.
"Happy Birthday!" Ron grinned walking into the room, leaving the door open in his wake.
"Oh yeah." Harry's eyes went wide quickly as he remembered it was his 16th birthday. Shaking his head slightly at his stupidity for forgetting his own birthday, he grinned at Ron. "Thanks mate."
"You slept in." Ron nodded toward the time.
"Yeah well, I must've been too excited to be turning 16…" Harry trailed off. In truth he hadn't been able to sleep for much of the night. After bidding Hermione goodnight, his head was too full to do anything like sleeping. It wasn't until 4:30 that he was able to drift off. "Everyone else is up?"
"Yeah, yeah." Ron waved his hand as he took a seat at the desk adjacent to the bed. "Been up for ages. Mum's made you a feast of a breakfast." He rubbed his stomach in satisfaction.
"Ron what on Earth are you doing?" Hermione's voice carried through the open door. "Are you a complete moron or just an idiot?"
Looking toward where the voice came from, Harry smiled as he saw Hermione enter. Her dark brown hair hung loosely just around her shoulders. The light jeans she wore, accentuating her long limbs as her long sleeve white top fit quite snugly enough.
"Your Mum told you to leave him alone." She shook her head at Ron before turning to Harry. A bright smile on her face replacing the glare she was sending in Ron's direction.
"Happy Birthday Harry." She walked over to his bed and kissed him swiftly on the cheek before pulling away.
"Thanks Hermione." Harry smiled at her pink cheeks. His own stomach doing flip-flops at the tingling sensation her lips had left on his skin. "It's ok though." He grinned over at Ron. "I should get up soon. Best enjoy my birthday right?" Harry asked, swinging his body over the bed so his bare feet rested on the hardwood floors softly.
"See?" Ron smiled triumphantly. "Told you he'd want woken up."
"You're impossible." Hermione muttered quietly, rolling her eyes skyward in a silent prayer.
Laughing quietly to himself, Harry stretched his aching back again. His nap on the couch the night before had left him all knotted. Raising his arms and letting out a yawn, he caught Hermione watching him, an unreadable expression on her face.
"You ok Hermione?" Harry asked in concern, trying to gain her attention. She seemed to be daydreaming; her eyes were slightly glazed and unusually unfocused.
"What?" Hermione asked breaking out of her stupor, her brown eyes lifting up to meet his amused green ones.
"I asked if you were alright." Harry repeated smiling slightly at her dazed expression.
"Oh." Hermione had the grace to blush. "I'm just fine."
"Of course you are." Harry smirked slightly before turning to Ron. "How about a game of Wizards Chess after breakfast?"
"Sure." Ron grinned, his blue eyes switching from Harry to Hermione in confusion before settling on Harry. "Just a heads up though." He smiled, "It'll be your downfall mate."