A/N:
This chapter is dedicated to Chetna1979. She says that among all the stories I have written, she loves this one very much, along with All Because of You. I know that there is a clamor for updates on ABOY, My Cheating Heart, and The Potter Bride. Trust me, I know. I read all your messages and reviews (okay, I usually skim on the really horrible and negative ones) so I understand your feelings.
I will try to update as much as I possibly can for either of those three fics. Maybe I can finish Queen of the Yule Season in time before 2020 starts. Hopefully. (Fingers Crossed)
I have a revenge fic up for release soon and the good news is that it will be a completed story so no need to wait long.
I feel horrible for not touching on my other stories but life happens and it actually depends on which muse is calling out the most.
With that said, I'm plugging all my stories (one-shots, completed works, and works in progress alike). Hope you'll enjoy them since I did put a lot of effort into them.
I just want to thank you all for reading my stories. 2019 has been a very fruitful year for me - word count wise.
I just want to greet you a Happy Christmas!
As always, your reviews, faves, and follows are highly appreciated.
Seven Years of Loving and Loathing
By: tweety-src-clt9
CHAPTER SEVEN: First Date Blues
Hermione Granger is pacing back and forth in her private quarters at the head's dormitory while her eyes are busy perusing the clothes scattered on her bed. In less than an hour, the first Hogsmeade trip of the school year will be taking place. While she's been to lots of visits to the quaint village ever since her third year, in terms of attractions, there's nothing new to see except for the merchandise maybe. What's making her nervous though is the fact that this will be the first time she'll be going with a boy, not just any boy at that. She'll be going to Hogsmeade with only Harry Potter for company. Harry James Potter, the boy she spent the last seven years loathing and avoiding because of some petty miscommunication problems through their Hogwarts years.
The fact that she spent most of her Hogwarts years hating Harry for nonsensical reasons is already enough to make her nervous about this Hogsmeade trip. If you add the fact that Harry Potter is also the most fancied boy in Hogwarts, is the only son of the heroes of the Wizarding World, and is the heir to a vast fortune, then it's enough to make any young witch's head spin. She may be level-headed than most teenage girls her age – but this, well, date – is really making her bloody nervous.
It's not even about everything that's universally acknowledged about Harry Potter – his looks, his wealth, his family heritage, and his athleticism. No! What makes her nervous most of all is the fact that she fancied him too much.
Harry Potter is her first crush at Hogwarts even in their first year. Although her sweet spot for him was short-lived after his faux pas which led to this overblown misunderstanding (mostly on her part), her rekindled feelings for him ever since they became friends again is making her feel scared. She knows that Harry would never play with her feelings. The bloke's too loyal and too sincere which he demonstrated by waiting for her for seven years, but still, this Hogsmeade trip is the first date for her as well. The yule ball with Viktor Krum is just that – a dance – since he had a girlfriend back in Bulgaria. So, this little outing with Harry is her first official date. Sure, they agreed to go as friends but the bloke already poured his heart out for her in his poignant letter of apology after their second kiss.
If she were honest with herself, she's stressed out about this date. She wants everything to go smoothly. She wanted Harry to have fun since it will be his very first time to hang out with a girl. Also, she really liked him. She even had a gut feeling that maybe, just maybe, he's the one… Sigh…
Her musings were interrupted when she heard a series of knocks on her door. She hurriedly wrapped herself in a robe and opened the door. To her delight, all her four best friends are standing outside. Parvati and Lavender are already dressed to impress. Ginny is dressed in a simpler outfit but she's still able to highlight her slender body. Luna too looked so adorable in her light blue sweater and plaid skirt.
"Thank Merlin you guys are here! I need help!" She exclaimed.
"Don't worry, darling! We'll help you get ready. Harry Potter won't know what him," Parvati winked.
"Too true, Pav! We'll make Harry Potter even more in love with you, 'Mione," Lavender grinned.
"I'll do her hair," Ginny volunteered.
"I'll do your make up, 'Mione. I know you want to keep it light and natural," Luna offered with a bright smile.
"Thank you! I really am bloody nervous," she admitted.
"We know! We can see the way you've been exchanging these sneaky little glances with Mr. Hotness. The sexual tension between you two is so thick," Lavender remarked as she started pairing some of her clothes on the bed.
"What?! Of course, not!" She denied and her friends rolled their eyes.
"Puh-lease! The whole's school's just waiting on the future Lord Potter to formally announce his intent," Parvati grinned.
"What intent?" She was curious.
"Oh, right! Muggleborns don't care about these things. No offense meant, 'Mione," Ginny said.
"Care about what?" She raised an eyebrow. What could they be talking about?
"Harry is the eldest son, right?" Ginny prodded and she nodded.
"Well you see, he's bound to succeed his father for the Potter seat. And well, since the House of Potter is Ancient and Noble, then, he will one day be called as Lord Potter…" Ginny continued and she gestured for the feisty redhead to continue.
"Basically, since his status demands it, when he is serious about pursuing a witch, then there will be protocols to follow… It usually starts with the declaration of intent. Something like that! The last time Hogwarts has seen that happen is well, during the time of Lord Longbottom, Neville's father, and then, of course, Lord Potter, Harry's father, do it for their wives," Ginny explained.
"Oh… I see," she remarked.
"It will be so romantic when Harry does it for you," Luna the ever romantic, swooned.
"Well… We – we're just friends," she blushed.
"Uh-huh!" Her friends had knowing grins on their faces and she huffed.
"Are you gonna help me get ready or not?" She tried to change the topic.
"Oh, we will! But you owe us serious girl talk after this date. It's Harry Potter, after all!" Lavender smiled wistfully.
"Harry's just an ordinary bloke, you know. He just wants to be treated normally," she shrugged. Upon getting to know Harry once again, the more she understood his desire to be treated like everyone else.
"To you, maybe… But to the rest of us, he seems so out-of-reach. Besides, his family is the stuff of legends," Parvati said.
"He said he wants me to meet his sisters. I don't know what to say to that," she blushed. Her friends squealed as they bounced up and down in excitement.
"We're so witnessing an ancient protocol of courtship soon!" Ginny said with excitement as the others giggled.
"Just help me get dressed," she muttered as her face reddened like a tomato. Honestly! Harry won't do that, will he?
Harry Potter is nervously sitting on the couch of the private common room in the head's dorm. He heard some squeals coming from Hermione's bedroom almost an hour ago so he reckons her friends were there. As he's tapping his foot on the floor, with his hands clapping nervously on his lap, he remembered the letter his father and Uncle Sirius have given him. Since he's read the letters for so many times, he could already remember the words to heart.
To my dearest son,
Your mother has told me that you finally convinced the girl you've been fancying since your first day at Hogwarts to go on a date with you. That's the spirit! Potter men never give up on the love of their lives.
I only have three words of wisdom for your date.
Treat her with respect.
Offer to pay, especially for the larger expenses. We sent you more galleons for this date. If she declines, politely accept it. (I faced hell with your mother in my youth because of this paying dilemma)
Be yourself. Witches could tell if you're being a pretentious poncy git.
Good luck,
Your Dad
James Potter
P.S. Do let us know if you're serious about this girl. There are courtship protocols, a wizard of your status should follow.
Dear Pup,
Finally! You finally scored a date with your witch. You are so like your clueless father that it's hilariously saddening. I could only hope that you will have your happy ending just like the idiotic Prongs. If this Hermione is like your mum, then, I think you got this in the bag.
Since my advice in your first year didn't work, I could only wish you good luck. I also added in a few extra galleons for your date.
The coolest godfather in the world,
Padfoot
"Hi, Harry!" Hermione's friends greeted him as they walked down the stairs.
"Er, hello. You all look nice," he smiled.
"Thank you… Although, we all know that it's not us you're waiting to see," Lavender winked and he tried but failed to blush like a little boy.
"Hermione! Get your cute butt down here!" Parvati called out. His eyes were immediately glued to the stairs that led to the head girl's room when he heard footsteps. His jaw dropped as he saw Hermione walking down the stairs. She had always been beautiful to him – with her untamable hair and her eyes that looked like fresh chocolate – but today, she looks so adorably gorgeous. If that made sense.
Hermione is wearing a white turtle-neck sweater paired with a denim skirt that ended above her knees and some black leggings. She had a comfy pair of red shoes on and she wore a red beanie over her long curly hair that fell down in bouncy ringlets.
When he heard giggling, he hid his embarrassment at being caught with his jaw dropped by clearing his throat.
"Hi, Hermione! You look really nice," he ran a hand through his messy hair to cover up for his nerves.
"Thanks, Harry. You look nice too," she said shyly.
"Well… Since y'all are looking nice, all of us have someplace to be… Blokes to see," Parvati winked at them before all of Hermione's friends exited their dorm. When the door closed, he turned to Hermione.
"So, shall we go?" He gestured to the door.
"Yes, let's," she smiled brightly which made his heart race.
"Well?" He held out his hand to her.
"Lead the way, Mr. Potter," Hermione took his hand and together, they made their way towards the carriages as they exchanged small talk. Oddly enough, when Hermione held his hand, and when she started talking, he felt at ease. It's like they were just plain old friends again and that this is not a date of sorts. You better not screw this up, Potter! You waited a bloody long time for this…
"Harry, look! Do you already have this one?" Hermione pointed to an old book on arithmancy that's on the top shelf. On their way to Hogsmeade, they decided that since they both love books, they should visit the bookshops first just to get it out of the way.
"Hmmm?" Harry carried five books, three of which were hers and the two were his. He was standing at the runes section so he walked towards her. She subtly looked him over and she blushed. He really is a fine-looking bloke! The black sweater he wore perfectly highlighted his muscular arms and his broad shoulders. The dark jeans he had on made him look simple yet handsome. She's seen the way other witches were looking at him longingly and she also noticed the look of envy and contempt being sent her way.
"Do you already have that book? Since arithmancy is your best class – " she pointed and following her finger, Harry reached for the book. The muscles on his back molded to his sweater.
"Numerology in Ancient Magical Rituals translated from the original text by Emrys Myrddin," he read the title.
"Well?" She excitedly prodded.
"Oh, er – " He made that adorable gesture he had when he's anxious and nervous, rubbing the back of his neck, but since his hands were full, the books toppled over.
"Sh – Shucks!" He muttered and she chuckled a little. He crouched down to pick up the books and she helped him. When they reached for the same book, their hands touched and she pulled away.
"Sorry," she said with a blush.
"Er, no. It's my fault – I just – "
"Hey! No need to be nervous, it's just me," she smiled at him.
"Well… It's just, my family actually has a first edition copy of this book. In original Welsh by Merlin. I just didn't want to come off as cocky and such," he shrugged.
"Oh… Of course, not! I just thought you'd enjoy this one," she said as she picked up the other books.
"Do you… want to read this one?" He said as he stood up with three books in hand.
"Er, it's too – "
"I could, er, buy it for you… as a thank you gift for coming with me," he said with a shy smile.
"Oh no! You've already given me so much," she said.
"Really, I insist. It's a really good book," he took the other fallen books from her hand.
"If I say yes to your gift, would you let me pay for the butterbeer, at least?" She offered and he nodded.
"Of course. Besides, I wanted to let you borrow the one in our library but my mom's an even bigger fan of arithmancy so – " He chuckled.
"Oh… So that's where you got your arithmancy genius from?" She teased and he blushed.
"Er, I just like numbers is all," he shrugged.
"Thank you, Harry. Since you got me this book, you should let me get you something too. Maybe a sweet or one of those Quidditch things," she smiled.
"Quidditch things?" He snorted and she huffed playfully.
"You know I don't really care much for that dangerous sport," she said.
"Maybe you could get me some sugar quills instead? I'd rather not accept Quidditch items from someone who doesn't enjoy the sport, it could bring me bad luck and Gryffindor must win the cup this year. Potter honor or my dad might disown me," he joked.
"I really don't understand men and sports, but well," she shrugged.
"Are you, er, done roaming this shop?" He gestured to the shelves and she chuckled.
"Scared that I take five hours here?" She raised an eyebrow at him.
"No! No! It's just – "
"Relax. I'm just kidding. Let's go," she had a playful grin on her face as she turned away. After that, they visited Schrivenshafts, Zonko's, and the Quidditch Shop. She smiled as she watched Harry purchase gifts for his sisters. He clearly adored his younger sisters and she envied them for having such a thoughtful brother. Being an only child is rather lonely at times so she finds it very endearing that he is such a caring brother. After an hour of shopping and just looking at different stores, they decided to go to The Three Broomsticks.
She smiled when Harry opened the door for her. He always did that even at Hogwarts and she only noticed it now. When they found a table, they sat across each other. After giving their orders, she started to open the conversation once again.
"Are you just a sweet tooth or you bought sweets for your sisters too?" She asked. She decided on this topic since something about the fond look in his eyes as he talked about his family made her heart swell with admiration. She absolutely adored blokes who clearly loved their family.
"Oh… Well, some of them are for my mum and dad. The rest is for my cousins, the children of my Uncle Sirius. I love the little troublemakers," he grinned.
"Oh? Tell me about them," she placed her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her palms as she listened to him talk animatedly about his family.
"Well, Uncle Sirius, if you remember him from the Hogwarts Express our first year, he has two children…" She almost swooned out loud as he talked about his family. Be still my heart, she thought as she felt more and more infatuated with Harry Potter.
Suddenly, there was a commotion in the pub when they heard a frightened yelp from Neville, "Luna!"
"Oh my!" She quickly turned to the direction of Neville's voice. Before she could react, Harry all but ran toward his best friend.
"Neville? What happened?" Harry asked his godbrother who cradled a collapsed Luna in his arms.
"She was eating lunch and then – "
"Neville, are there peanuts in her food?" Hermione panted as she followed Harry.
"I'm not sure but – "
"Madam Rosmerta! Madam Rosmerta!" She called the owner of the pub.
"Yes – oh my! What happened?" The voluptuous witch exclaimed.
"Are there peanuts added in that dish?" She pointed to Luna's food.
"Well yes, I add peanuts for flavoring," came the worried reply.
"Shit!" She said with worry.
"Neville, lower Luna to the floor. Let me do something," Harry instructed. Neville nodded and Harry pointed his wand all over Luna. He was murmuring a series of complicated diagnostic spells and she could only stand there, slack-jawed.
"It's as you said, Hermione. Allergic reaction. Just let me do some first aid and then we could accompany Neville in bringing her to the hospital wing," Harry said.
To everyone's surprise, Harry removed a tiny box from his pocket. Pointing his wand to it, he canceled the shrinking charms before opening it. He removed a small vial with a green looking potion inside of it.
"Please open her mouth, Nev," Harry said. Neville took a deep calming breath before he obeyed Harry's command. With a slightly shaking hand, Neville forced Luna's mouth to open. Harry moved closer, opened the vial, and poured the potion into Luna's mouth. Harry carefully used a hand to close Luna's mouth and after a few seconds, her eyes opened.
"Ne – Neville?" She whispered. The crowd cheered and Hermione sighed in relief.
"Thank you, Harry! Thank you!" Neville said with feeling.
"No worries, mate. Wouldn't want your date to keep fainting on you," Harry said.
"Neville… I feel dizzy," Luna said.
"We'll come with you to the hospital wing, Nev. I need to tell Madam Pomfrey about all the tests and the potion I gave her," Harry stood up from his position on the floor.
Like a strong hero from a romance novel, Neville lifted Luna in a bridal carry as he walked towards the door of The Three Broomsticks. Harry quietly followed his godbrother after giving her a glance that she only acknowledged with a nod.
As they reached the carriages, Harry helped Neville lift Luna to have her settled on the seats before all four of them made their way back to the castle. When they reached Hogwarts, as soon as their feet touched the ground, Neville didn't wait for them and he ran as quickly as he could towards the hospital wing.
"He really does love her, doesn't he?" Hermione remarked as they brisk-walked after the couple.
"Yes, he does. You should have seen the punch he gave me after I confessed my mistake about trying to bring them apart," Harry admitted.
"Oh?"
"Yes. Neville seems the gentle sort, but well, he is planning to go into auror training, you know? Besides, all that work with plants makes him good with his hands," Harry chuckled.
"Harry?"
"Hmmm?" He glanced at her.
"Why do you carry potions with you?"
"I want to be a healer, Hermione. Although I plan to get a muggle degree in medicine too," he said with a blush.
"Wow! That's brilliant… But if you don't mind – "
"Why do I want to be a doctor?" Harry said and she nodded.
"My youngest sister had cancer when she was three years old. Leukemia. If my parents weren't influential, St. Mungo's would never have treated her since she's a squib… So, I thought, what if I could mix muggle and wizarding medicine? Maybe I could help people. And so, the dream started," he shrugged. She took his hand and squeezed it in a gesture of support.
"That's a noble dream, Harry. I wish you all the success. From what I can see, you will be a great doctor someday," she smiled at him.
"Thank you," he squeezed her hand in return. When they reached the hospital wing, Harry immediately briefed Madam Pomfrey on all that he had done for Luna. She was quiet the whole time as she watched him. He really is such a remarkable wizard.
When they left the hospital wing, Harry halted in his step.
"Are you alright, Harry?"
"Oh, Merlin! Hermione, we left all our things at the Three Broomsticks – "
"Hey! It's okay!"
"But your books and our date – "
"Harry Potter! Are you a wizard or not?" She teased.
"Oh… Right! Sorry. Expecto Patronum!" She was so surprised when a silver stag floated from his wand. Oh my! He can conjure a bloody corporeal Patronus too! Harry Potter, is there anything you can't do?
"Please go to the Three Broomsticks. Tell Madam Rosmerta to kindly owl all our things to us. I'm willing to pay extra for the hassle," Harry commanded his Patronus. With a gallant nod, the stag floated away.
"You really are full of surprises, Harry Potter," she said. She didn't even conceal the admiration in her voice and she bit her bottom lip to stop herself from giggling when he blushed.
"I hope they're good surprises," he said as he ran a hand through his messy hair.
"Of course, they are," she grinned.
"So… er, do you want to go back to the head's dorm?" He offered.
"Why don't we visit the kitchens first? We could grab some food and have a quiet picnic in our dorm? We need some peace and quiet after all that action," she suggested.
"That sounds brilliant, Ms. Granger!" He grinned.
"That's what they call me," she said as she held on to his arm and led the way to the kitchens. You keep being your charming self, Harry Potter, and I just might fall in love with you… Oh, who am I kidding? I am half-way there…