Harmione and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Owl Post Again

The rest of the year went as planned, Lupin had to resign because of the knowledge of he was a werewolf but he did give back the map and the cloak to Harry. Harry and Hermione hung out more often much to the annoyance of Ginny, who was avoiding them both they trio became mini heroes at the knowledge of what happened that night. Malfoy was still annoying but he was weary around Hermione who made him flinch now and then, Ginny did speak to Hermione once and Pavarti still thought Harry and Hermione were going out but they had to keep saying they were just friends which eased the tension, Harry was given permission to go to Hogsmeade which he took advantage of to get sweets and supplies. Harry came 2nd behind Hermione in their exams which he was surprised with.

"Don't be so glum Harry," said Ron stroking his new owl Sirus had given him

"Yeah, I'll definitely find away to see you this summer," Hermione said squeezing his hand and Ron noticed frowning slightly.

"You ok Ron?" Harry asked peering at Ron with interest,

"Huh?" Ron said snapping out of a daze, "yeh I'm ok mate"

Harry looked at him unconvinced but was distracted by the trolly witch,

"Anything from the trolly?" She asked, Harry let go of Hermione's hand and went up to the trolly and bought some pumpkin pasties and chocolate frogs. He handed some to Ron who thanked him awkwardly, and handed a pumpkin pasty to Hermione who smiled in gratitude at him. And awkward silence passed over the trio as they sat either tapping their feet, or drumming their fingers against the seats.

"So," Harry said looking out the window, "what are you two doing over the summer?"

"Errr," Ron thought, "Dad may be able to get tickets for the World Cup, I guess that'll be good I'll get to see Krum,"

"Cool!" Excitement filled Harry's face,

"Maybe you can come," Ron said smiling, "and you Hermione,"

"Thanks," Hermione said a little flustered,

"Are you ok?" Ron asked

"What?" Hermione asked slightly spaced out, her attention returning to the current conversation.

"You seem," Ron paused, "off,"

"What? No?" Hermione blutered out, "I'm fine," she shuffled slightly, putting a bit of distance between her and Harry. Harry noticed, frowning slightly but Hermione took no notice.

"You and Harry have been weird, for the last few weeks," Ron enquired

"Harry's just been..." she looked at Harry, "we've just, been talking more often about stuff," Hermione cringed at her response, but it seemed to work and Ron muttered 'weird' but relaxed and the tension in the room was relieved.  Hermione sighed, as Harry stayed silent, completely silent he made no contact with anyone but he didn't know why. He didn't know how he felt a swirl of burning emotions of fear, confusion, attraction and pain writhed through his body. His scar began to twinge a little as he squeezed his fists. Hermione had buried herself in a large book, and Ron was shuffling through sweets and cakes, Harry took this as an opportunity to leave and he wandered about lost in thoughts.

'Did Hermione want to be friends?'

'How would he tell Ron?'

'Or Ginny?'

'What if Voldemort found out?'

'What if...?'

Harry was so deep in thought he didn't notice he had walked into someone.

"Oh sorry!" Harry gasped, helping the girl up,

"Its ok! Oh Hi Harry!" It was Cho, Harry fell silent as the girl stared at him a pumpkin pasty in hand, he smiled awkwardly before waving and turning around rushing as quickly as he could back to his compartment sitting down next to Hermione. Who gave him a quick glance, before returning to the confines of her book. And Ron was blissfully unware, deep in a sleeo snoring lowdly the new owl roaming around him, Harry grinned as he watched the British countryside fly by as they headed back to King's Cross, back to the Dursleys for another summer. He looked at Hermione, small cute freckles had began to form on her nose and her bushy hair surrounded the book she was reading, he wanted to say so many things but ended up just blurting out,

"Hey?" The words didn't sound right coming out of Harry's mouth, he didn't understand why he was so nervous and he felt like the room was one hundred degrees.

Hermione peered up curiously from her book her chestnut-brown hair reflecting against the sun, she looked at Harry a uncertain look on her face.

"Hello Harry, are you ok you've not been-"

"Do you still like me?" Harry asked rubbing a thumb over his fist nervously as Hermione's face errupted in a bright blush.

Hermione stuttered as her emotions swirled through her body, her heart and her head fighting a vicious battle. Her head said everything could go wrong and that she should be sensible with her and Harry's emotions, but her heart said that she felt something deep for Harry, she didn't really know what it was but it was powerful. "Yes."

Harry's head perked in excitement, a stupid grin stretching across his face as Hermione's head fell in a flurry of blushes,

"But I don't know if we can be together," Hermione admitted, shuffling nervously against the seat,

"What?" Harry asked softly looking down again,

"We're young Harry, you're dealing with a lot right now, and what happens when our friends find out?
What would happen if Voldemort found out.... What if..." Hermione trailed off a tear sliding down her face,

"What if?" Harry asked timidly,

"Whaf if I'm not good enough?" Hermione asked a small sob escaping her,

"Hermione," Harry sighed, "you are the brightest witch of this age, without you I would be nothing, you saved the whole school, you saved me and I know you're scared... But, so am I, I've never felt like this before, I've never shared so much with someone before and I've," Harry took a deep breath trying to stop the tear that was slowing making it's way down his face, "I've been this afraid of losing someone," he finally broke down letting the tears fall down his face, Hermione was on him in an instant wrapping her arms around discarding her book envolping Harry in his safe place. Harry fell into her arms and sobbed quitely as the two enjoyed the close comfort of each other, peace in both their hearts and minds as they broke apart.

"Harry I-"

"Its ok Hermione, I understand so lets take the summer to figure out where we both are and we'll see each other if we can go to the World Cup. This is just as difficult for you as it is for me, and I understand."

Hermione smiled warmly at him, "thank you Harry," she touched his chest lightly staring into his eyes, she leant forward closing the gap between them,

"Where are we?" Ron sat up dazed and confused as he pushed sweet boxes off his lap. Harry and Hermione jumpee apart, scarlet-faced as Ron looked them overwhelmed with confusion at what was going on.

"I think we're nearly here," Harry said looking at the bussling station ahead of him.

The train came to a stop a Hogwarts students flooded the platform as Harry eyed the Dursleys from a distance and growned inwardly. Hermione seemed to sense this, and placed her lips against his cheek warming Harry's face as she smiled at him. She squeezed his hand letting warmth pass between them,

"See you soon Harry," Hermione said wistfully, a tear forming in her eye,

"See you round," Harry managed to force out overtaken with emotion, Hermione began to walk away as did Harry when he was spun around a two arms wrapped around his chest. Hermione burried her busy head into Harry's chest, as Harry squeezed her tightly. He wished he could spend all summer with Hermione, but he had to let her go. He removed his arms and allowed each finger to fall out of Hermione's tender hands until they were apart. He nodded at her and she did the same, a grin appearing on both their faces as Mr Dursleys grumbles became louder. Harry's heart felt heavy but he could smile.

They would see each other again. Soon.