Love, Lies, and a Secret.

Chapter 06: Something isn’t right.

Hermione woke up, but remained with her eyes closed. She had had a strange dream the night before. She simply had dreamed that Harry had entered her bedroom, gotten into her bed and slept with her!

‘Merlin, that was an odd dream,’ she thought to herself, a small smile playing on her lips. Truth be told, even if Harry was her best friend, the thought of having him sleeping with her was nice. He was the most handsome guy she knew. There was no way to deny that!

‘Damn you, Katie Bell, for having the chance to see that cute bum of his,’ she thought with a slight giggle.

Hermione sighed, shaking her head. She knew she had to open her eyes, and get out of bed. But then, she suddenly became aware of a strange feeling, a sensation, on the back of her neck. A breath. She then also became aware of the light weight upon her waist.

Hermione opened her eyes, her heart beating very quickly. She was totally awake now.

‘What the hell is going on here?’

The young witch slowly turned around and saw Harry.

Harry. He was sleeping peacefully, his glasses still on. He had an arm around her waist and when she moved, he instinctively brought her closer to him.

“Harry!” Hermione cried.

The dark haired wizard began to stir, slowly opening his eyes. “What…?” He seemed a little lost. “HERMIONE! What are you doing in my bed?”

“Harry, you are in my bed!” she hissed, trying hard to not giggle at his confused expression, which she had to admit, was quite cute.

“Oh,” he said. He started to remember… The pub… Ron…the dancing…her bedroom.

“Oh!” He blushed a deep red as he noticed where his hand was, and he quickly let go of her.

“Er…I am sorry?”

“Harry, my dear friend, can you please explain what are doing in my bed?”

“Er, well, you see…” he was beginning to explain, or trying to, in the least. It was then that voices could be heard coming from outside the bedroom. There were two people, and they were shouting.

“She is my bloody girlfriend, Bones!” They heard Ron’s angry yell.

“Ohh! So now she is your girlfriend!” Susan shouted back. “That wasn't what it looked like yesterday, Weasley. You're such a hypocrite!”

“Mind on your own business, Susan!” he hissed. “Now, get out of my way. I want to speak to my girlfriend.”

“And I already said ‘no!’ She is sleeping. You will not enter her room!”

Harry and Hermione exchanged worried glances.

“Harry, get under my bed. I can deal with Ron,” she hissed in a rushed tone. “I'll try to get him out of the flat. Then you can go.”

“I could Disapparate,” he said, without thinking.

“Have you forgotten that you can't Apparate or Disapparate here? You were the one who insisted on putting up Anti-Apparation wards.”

He mentally kicked himself. “Er…”

She simply shook her head. “Go, go! Under the bed!”

When Harry was finally hidden, Hermione took a deep breath and made her way towards the bedroom door.

“Do you want to speak with me, Ronald?” she asked coolly, after opening it.

“Yes, yes,” he said entering the room and sitting on the edge of her bed. Susan looked at Hermione quizzically, like she wanted to ask her something, but instead, she only said, “I will be in my room if you need me.”

“Thanks, Su,” Hermione said, and Susan left.

“Hermione,” Harry heard Ron saying. Ron’s voice seemed a little unsure. “I-I want to…” Harry could swear that Ron was running his hand through his hair.

“What, Ron?” Hermione spat. “Do you want to say sorry? Do you want to apologize for being a totally arse?”

“Er, yeah… I'm really sorry, Herms.”

“You know, Ron, you need to stop with this jealousy towards Harry. I mean, it’s ridiculous. Harry and I are friends. Only friends, nothing more.” Harry didn't know why but those words brought on a not-so-nice sensation. “But,” she continued, “what really hurt me was seeing you with Lavender Brown. Lavender, of all people! You didn't want to dance with me but you danced with her. Her, Ron! Do you have any idea how I felt?”

“Er…jealous?” Ron asked, almost hopefully.

“No, Ron!” she cried angrily. “I felt humiliated!”

“I-I just wanted to make you feel jealous,” he tried to explain his actions. “You know, like you did in our sixth year. The Slug Party, remember? You went with McLaggen to make me jealous.”

Hermione emitted a sarcastic yet sad laugh. “First of all, Ron, I was seventeen then, for Merlin’s Sake! And second, I didn't invite Cormac to make you jealous.”

“What?! But I thought-” Ron exclaimed surprised. Harry was surprised as well. He had always thought…

“I asked McLaggen to hurt you…like you had hurt me. That year, the only thing you did, besides snog Lavender, was complain about how ridiculous the Slug Club was. You never ever said an appreciative word towards me!”

“But-”

“Have you ever realized it how important it was to me to be part of that?”

“But it was only a club…”

“I am a Muggleborn, Ron!” Hermione cried. “A Muggleborn! Slughorn invited me because of me! Not because of a famous name, or a relative at the Ministry or whatever! No, he invited me because he thought that what I was meant something! And you never congratulated me! All you could do was be angry because you didn't take part in that!”

The room was filled with silence. Harry shifted uncomfortable under the bed. He felt terrible. He had never congratulated Hermione for taking part in the Slug Club.

He had never thought about that, about how it would be important to her.

“I'm sorry,” Ron finally said, breaking the silence. “I'm really sorry for everything.”

“That's okay, Ron,” Hermione said. “I just don't want to argue anymore.” Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. She was going to forgive him? Just like that?! After all he had done?!

“Hermione…”

“Ron…”

Then Harry died and went strictly to hell.

What he heard next nearly broke his heart, even if he didn't understand why. He heard kisses. Ron and Hermione were snogging, with him under the bed.

‘I should… I must be happy for them,’ he thought fiercely.

“Ron… stop!” Harry heard Hermione saying after some time. She was having difficulty breathing.

The answer was…silence.

“Ron, stop!” she cried this time. “I don't want to go further.”

Harry felt an urge to hurt Ron. If he tried to do anything to her against her will… argh!

“Sorry,” Ron apologized, but he didn't sound sorry at all.

“Ron, what about we go to breakfast together? I know a place nearby. I can take a quick shower and-”

“Er, sorry, Hermione, but I already promised the guys from work that I would be playing Quidditch with them today.”

“Oh.”

‘Merlin, Ron, you're an idiot!’

 “Okay, so let me take you to the door,” Hermione said in a small voice. “I don't want you to be late.” Harry felt she was standing up from the bed.

“Right,” Ron said awkwardly, standing up as well.

In silence, the couple left the bedroom.

Harry sighed in relief.

He waited a few minutes before leaving his hiding spot. He wanted to make sure that no one (meaning Ron) entered the room and saw him.

However, the bedroom’s door suddenly opened and Susan Bones came in. He was on all fours. Ridiculous…

He froze. “You can leave now, Harry,” she said as though it was the most normal occurrence in the world to find Harry Potter, on his knees, on her friend’s bedroom floor. “Weasley’s already left.” Harry stood up, looking to her with a slightly surprised expression etched into his features.

“I saw you entering her bedroom last night. So, don't look so surprised.”

“Oh, I swear, Susan, nothing happened…”

“I know,” she smiled at him. “She would never cheat on that idiot.”

“Ron is my friend, Susan.”

“Yes, I know, but this doesn't make him less of an idiot. It's not that I dislike him. No, he is a great guy but he is also a terrible boyfriend.” Harry nodded. He knew she was right.

“It’s always the same thing, Harry.”

“What do you mean? Are you talking about him and Lavender?”

“No,” she replied quickly, “This was the first time, that I know. I'm talking about the other nights. Nights with only just the two of them, without you and Ginny…”

“What about the other nights?”

“He always leaves her alone. He always leaves her alone and goes to talk with his friends from the Ministry. Seamus and I always try to cheer her up but… you know it isn't the same thing.” She took a deep breath. “He doesn't deserve her, Harry.”

Harry sighed, shook his head, but didn't comment. Instead, he asked where Hermione was.

“Taking a shower,” was Susan’s answer. “She said you could go.”

“But I wanted to talk to her. Explain…”

“She knows. But she really needs to be alone right now, Harry. I'm sure you can understand.”

Harry only nodded.

~*~*~*~

Harry and Ron’s flat
Harry's bathroom

With his eyes closed, Harry let the water fall over his body. He really needed this. He needed to sense, to feel, the water washing his problems away.

Everything was so strange, so difficult. He didn't know what to think, what to say, how to react. Why did Hermione and Ron’s relationship suddenly sound so wrong to him? Why was it so painful? Why didn't he have the slightest desire to see his own girlfriend?

Harry sighed, shutting off the water. He wanted to leave the flat before Ron’s arrival. He didn't fancy the idea of seeing his friend right now.

He thought he could go to Grimmauld Place, and ask Remus and Tonks to lunch with him.

Yeah, that was a nice idea.

~*~*~*~

Hermione and Susan’s flat
Hermione’s bedroom

“Hermione, how are you feeling?” Susan asked kindly. “Please be honest.”

“I don't know,” Hermione sobbed.” I really don't know. I don't even know why I am crying!”

“Hermione, what Ron did-”

“No, Susan, that's exactly the problem. I am not crying because of Ron. To be honest, I don't give a shit about Ron right now!”

Susan looked at her, her eyebrows kneading together in question.

“And that's the problem! I know I should be crying because of him… I'm not saying that he didn't hurt me because he did but-”

“You don't know if your feelings for him are the same as before.”

Hermione nodded, looking down at her hands.

“That isn't all?” It wasn't really a question. Hermione only shook her head.

“That's okay-”

“No! How can it be okay!” Hermione cried, looking up at Susan. “Do you know what I wanted to do last night when Harry and I were dancing? I wanted to kiss Harry! God, I wanted to kiss Harry more than anything!” She broke down, crying despairingly.

Without saying a word, Susan took Hermione into her arms and let her cry against her shoulder.

~*~*~*~

A Restaurant

“Now, Harry, can you please tell us what's going on?” Remus asked.

“Er, nothing. I just want to have lunch with you two,” Harry replied, trying to sound innocent. “I thought it wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Oh, don't give me that, Harry! You're too much like your father to fool me!”

Harry sighed, looking between Remus and Tonks. “I slept with Hermione.”

Tonks choked on her drink. Remus gasped. “W-What did you say?” he managed to ask.

Harry looked quizzically at them; then, the realisation came to him. “No!” he said quickly. “It was nothing like that.”  He then proceeded to tell them everything.

“…and then I left,” Harry finished his story, and looked in expectation at them. To his surprise, they laughed.

“Why are you laughing?” he asked indignantly. “It was terrible!”

“We know… we know. I'm sorry,” Remus apologized, sobering. “But, tell me Harry, what was really terrible; you, under her bed, or Ron and Hermione snogging?”

Harry looked surprised at Remus. “I don't know,” he finally said, looking down at his plate.

Remus and Tonks exchanged glances.

“Harry,” the werewolf said, “how do you feel about Ginny?”

“She's my girlfriend.”

“I know, Harry. What I asked was how you feel about her.”

“Er…I like her.”

“You like her? Harry, when are you going to propose her? I mean, I'm sure she's waiting for you to pop the big question.”

Harry ran a hand through his messy hair. What the hell was Remus playing at?

“I still need to finish my Auror training, you know that Remus.”

“Sure, of course. Your Auror training… right. So, it will be next year, right?”

“N-Next year?”

“Yeah, next year. Next year you will ask her. Next year your Auror training will be finished. So, there won't be a problem, right?”

“Er, right.”

Remus shook his head. “Maybe, Harry, it’s time for you to be honest with Ginny… and yourself.”

Harry tried to say something but Remus cut him off. “But, now, let’s eat. I'm starving.”

And they all ate in silence.

~*~*~*~

At Night
Sports Department Party

“So, Ginny, are you enjoying the party?” Luna asked.

“Yes,” Ginny replied, her eyes wandering around the saloon. “It would be nicer if Harry could be here with me. But...oh well.”

Luna gave her a half smile. The blonde girl looked like she wanted to say something, but reframed.

They continued to talk, small talk about nothing in particular.

~~~~

“Won, won.” Ron heard a very familiar voice behind him. He turned around and saw Lavender. She looked stunning, wearing a pink strapless dress. “Fancy a drink with me?”

He knew that he should say no, but she was too hot for her own good. “Sure, I would love to.”

~~~~

“When Skeeter is finished with Meaghan McCormack, you go over and talk with her,” Luna instructed Ginny, “but don't forget-”

“Don't ask her personal questions,” Ginny finished for Luna. “I know, after all, our readers want to know about Quidditch not about her love life.”

Luna smiled at her friend. She was about to say something else when they heard someone snickering behind them. The two friends turned around, and were met with an unpleasant surprise.

“Well, well, well. What do we have here? Looney and Weaselette.”

“Malfoy,” Ginny groaned. “What are doing here?”

“Whoa, whoa!” He held up his hands in false surrender. “I was invited, you know… I am a Hogwarts teacher now,” he said meekly.

“It's beyond me why McGonagall hired you.”

My darling Weaselette, I am what people call a war hero! Order of Merlin, second class, but, of course, I deserved the first class.”

“Only Harry and Hermione received the first class,” Ginny said angrily.

“Yeah, speaking of which, where's Potty and Granger? Off shagging somewhere?”

“They're working.”

“Oh, so that’s what they call it these days?” Malfoy muttered, his eyes flashing mischievously. He then leaned towards Ginny and grabbed her face with hands, kissing her hard on the lips. Luna watched with mild interest.

“What the hell-” Ginny cried, pulling away from him.

“You are pretty good for a Weasley, Red,” he said with a sly smile before walking away.

~*~*~*~

Knockturn Alley
Outside a club.

“Damnit!” Harry cried angrily, hands on his knees. “We lost him.”

“No, we didn’t,” Tonks said. “He entered the club.”

Harry looked to her in confusion. “But I didn't see anything.”

Tonks smiled appreciatively, a hand on his shoulder. “Observance, training and experience, my dear Harry. With time you’ll manage to do it.”

“Okay, let's go,” he said walking towards the club’s entrance. However, Tonks stopped him.

“What Tonks?”

“Before we enter… umm… you know this is dark place, right? The scum of our world frequents it, however-” She paused.

“However what, Tonks?” Harry asked impatiently.

“Not everyone who frequents this place is dark. Some people come here to meet their… er… love affairs, if you understand what I mean.”

“Oh, right. So, this is also a place for lovers. But why are you telling me this?”

“It's just that…maybe you will see someone you know… oh, well, that's it.”

“Okay, Tonks, I got your point. But to tell you the truth, I don't give a damn about someone else’s love’s life. Now, can we go?”

Tonks nodded and they entered the club.

~*~*~*~
The party

“So Meaghan, what are the chances for the next match?” Ginny asked the famous keeper.

“Well, Ginny…” Meaghan began to respond when a shocking scene diverted Ginny’s attention. Her brother, Ron, and Lavender Brown were snogging in a corner.

~~~~

“Lav, we need to stop,” Ron moaned against her mouth. “Someone might see us.”

“Let's go to somewhere else,” she said taking his hand. Neither of them noticed Ginny.

~~~

“…and that's it,” Meaghan McCormack finished what she was saying. Ginny blinked, shaking her head and tried to focus her attention back to the keeper.

“Thank you, Meaghan, for the interview. Good luck with the next match,” she said, shaking Meaghan’s hand.

“You're welcome, Ginny. It was my pleasure, and thanks.” Meaghan smiled. “Now, if you excuse me, I’ll be going back to the party.”

Ginny nodded. “Sure, thanks again.”

When Meaghan had finally gone, Ginny looked back at the corner where Ron and Lavender were. However, the couple wasn’t there anymore.

“Damnit, I need to find Luna.”

~*~*~*~
The club

“So, Harry, did you see him?” Tonks asked, almost shouting into Harry's ear. The place was crowded, so much so, that there was nearly no space to walk. “Harry?”

Harry didn't respond; he had his eyes fixed on something behind Tonks. He looked angry. Furious.

Curious, Tonks turned around and saw a couple near the bar’s balcony. They were talking with the bartender. The young man was behind the girl, holding her waist. They looked… intimate.

“Shit,” was all what she said.

“I don't fucking believe in it,” Harry shouted angrily.

“Harry, you're on duty. We have a mission.”

“Fuck the mission!” he cried and walked towards the couple.

“Double shit. Kingsley is going to kill me.”

~*~*~*~
The Party

Ginny found Luna talking animatedly with a guy she didn't know. The redheaded girl came near her and whispered into the blonde’s ear, “I need to talk with you right now. It's urgent!”

Luna was about to tell her that she was busy, but the look on Ginny’s face told her it really was something serious. She excused herself and went to talk with Ginny.

“What happened, Ginny?”

“Ron. Ron happened. Did you see him?”

“No. Why?”

“The bastard was snogging Lavender Brown!”

The dreamy look left Luna’s eyes. “What?”

“You know when I went to the branch to interview McCormack?”

Luna nodded.

“So, I was interviewing her when I saw them. I can't believe it! The bastard! I couldn’t watch them the whole time, though, so when McCormack left, I looked again, but they had already gone! However, I don't believe they saw me.”

“So you don't know where they are now?”

Before Ginny could say anything, a very familiar and snobbish voice spoke behind them, “Weasel already left the party.” They turned around and saw Draco. He smirked. “He must be fucking Brown by now.”

~*~*~*~
The Club

Harry put a hand on the young man’s shoulder. The man started, and he and the girl turned around. They froze.

“H-Harry?” the girl sputtered, her voice trembling.

“Experimenting a new spell, are you? Terry…” Harry paused and then looked directly into the girl’s eyes. “…Hermione.”

~*~*~*~

Potters Residence, London

December 1979

“So, James, how was the Ministry today?” Lily asked, pretending to act casual.

“Busy, as always,” James replied between bites, not looking at his wife. He hated to have to lie to Lily, but he couldn't tell her that he hadn’t gone to work that day… that, instead, he had gone to visit Mary and Hermione.

Lily took a deep breath. She couldn't take anymore. She was tired of all the lies, so much pretending. She had just stood up from the dinner table when she felt a strong pain in her lower stomach. She grabbed her belly with her both hands and cried out in pain.

James rapidly stood up from his seat and ran towards his wife, concern written all over his face.

“Lily? Honey, are you are alright?” he asked worriedly, helping her sit down. However, she pushed him away.

“Get your hands off me!” she cried angrily.

He stared at her.

“I'm so tired of you, James! Of all your lies!” she shouted, trying to forget the pain, as angry tears fell from her eyes. “I can't take it anymore!”

“Lily, I don't know-”

“James? Lily?” a voice interrupted James. He looked at the fireplace and saw Sirius’ head. “James, my friend, I want-” Sirius was saying when he noticed that something was not right. “Is everything okay?”

“Not now, Sirius,” James said seriously. Sirius nodded in understanding. He was about to leave when Lily called his name.

“Yes, Lil?”

“May I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Did you see James at the Ministry today?”

Sirius froze, and then looked nervously at James.

“Sirius, did you?” she insisted.

“Er…”

James sighed, closing his eyes. Lily lifted herself from the chair, looked at James and slapped him across the face.

“You bastard!”

“Lily, it isn't-”

“I don't need to hear any-” Suddenly, the pain became stronger and, before she knew it, everything went black.

*********************************