Chapter Seven: Winning And Losing

Saturday, 5:54 AM, Gryffindor Common Room w/ Harry

Dear Diary,

Everything's been going great! Well, except for the part where everyone found out who I was.

Gryffindor won the game. Ron owes five new books I've always wanted. And well, Ginny doesn't get Harry.

I love my life, diary! Harry, oh my God, he and I are together now! I can't believe it! I've been pinching myself over and over to check if I'm dreaming or not.

I guess you're wondering why I'm in the Common Room with only Harry. The thing is, he needs to finish this D.A.D.A. essay and I'm helping him. Oh God, he's so adorable! He keeps sneaking these cute little smiles at me and occasionally slithers his arm around my waist and presses me against him before kissing my forehead.

I'm guessing you want to know the story, right?

*~*~*~*

It was the practice before the game the next day when Phineas told me. I was out in the pitch, hitting the bludger back and forth with Phineas. After I managed to hit it outside of the pitch, Harry went to look for it and borrowed my stick just in case.

"Hey, Hermione." Phineas greeted, flying towards me.

"Don't call me that, you idiot." I replied, angrily.

"Fine, 'Algernon'. It's Harry, isn't it?"

"W-What?"

"The reason you left me. You left me for Harry."

"No! I wouldn't leave you for Harry! Harry's my best friend!"

"Yeah, but you like him, don't you?"

"I-I—I'm not answering that!"

"See? The fact that you avoid the question means you like Harry."

"Whatever." I gave up. Arguing with him wasn't worth my time.

"I'm going to make you pay, Hermione."

"Don't do anything stupid, Phineas."

"It's not going to be stupid. I'm going to reveal you for the fraud you are."

"Look, I'm sorry that things didn't work between us, but why is it my fault if I'm in love with someone else? I can't control how I feel!"

"I don't care whose fault it is. All I know is that you're going to regret it."

"Specter! Westbridge!" Harry interrupted. We both spun around to face him. "Time to practice! Come on, we've got a game tomorrow!"

After, Phineas seemed to return back to normal except whenever he shot me nasty glares. I caught him scowling towards Harry whenever he wasn't looking.

I wanted to confront Harry about it, but Phineas' looks told me to think otherwise.

*~*~*~*

We were all nervous for the game. Even Harry was stuttering when he repeated the strategy to us. Then Ginny went to him. "We'll do great, Harry. You especially. Remember to just keep your eyes out for the Snitch." She said, flirtatiously. Harry nodded and Ginny pecked his cheek.

The boys were giving catcalls and wolf-whistles and I looked away from the two of them, my stomach twisting in jealousy.

Soon, we flew out of our tents and into the pitch. Before long, the game was already in its climax. Harry was battling with the Hufflepuff seeker for the Snitch.

When Harry managed to catch it, I was a few meters away from him, clapping as we won the game.

Then Phineas flew by and tugged on my wig. It flew off easily and my hair came tumbling down my shoulders. Everyone stared at me. There were soft murmurs from the people around me. My head was turning from left to right to look at everyone gaping and whispering about me. I looked at Harry and his face was one of horror. That look did it. I knew it was directed at me and I suddenly felt completely naked, exposed, embarrassed! Without any warning, I flew as fast as I could towards the Forbidden Forest. Tears escaped from my eyes.

"Hermione! Wait!" I could hear Harry call behind me.

I only flew even faster. After a while, I flew down into the forest, jumped off my broom and ran. I didn't know where I was going as long as I could get away from everyone.

I could hear twigs cracking underneath my feet and I felt the soil beneath me move with every step I made.

I finally settled beneath a tall, shady tree. I leaned against its rough trunk, brought my knees up to my chest and folded my arms on top of them. With my breath still hitched, I began sobbing, burying my face in my arms. I couldn't help it.

I sobbed and sobbed until I heard twigs crack and shuffling feet. "Hermione?" My head popped up to see who is was.

It was Ron. He had a weak smile on his face and his hands were shoved into his pockets.

"Hey," He greeted nonchalantly.

"Ron, I—You win the bet then?" I asked, tears dripping down my flushed cheeks.

"Forget that bet for a while! Are you okay?" He asked, sitting next to me.

I nodded. I wondered why Harry wasn't the one with me since he flew after me.

"If you're wondering where Harry is, I told him to go away for a sec." He informed, as if he was reading my mind.

"Oh."

"Harry's not mad. At least, I don't think he is."

"I lied to him, Ron! He'll never forgive me!"

"Harry would forgive you. He's your best friend, remember?"

I kept quiet. Ron slid his arm around my shoulders and squeezed me gently. "By the way, you don't lose the bet. You won the game before anyone found out." He murmured, quietly.

"But Phineas found out before we won the game. He caught me with my wig off."

"Yeah, but he didn't find out because you told him. He caught you, so it's alright."

I hugged him then. "You owe me my books." I whispered.

Ron laughed. "Yeah, I know. Do you want me to call Harry? I think you guys need to talk."

"B-But—"

"I think it's time. He's worried to death about you."

"O-Okay, then."

Ron left me for a while. Then after a few minutes, Harry came. His expression was empty.

I looked away for a while then I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Hey," Harry greeted, a small smile on his handsome face.

I didn't reply and Harry sat beside me. "Are you mad at me?" He asked, looking at me.

I shook my head. "No. Shouldn't you be mad at me? I've been lying to you!" I replied, looking at him now.

"It's fine, Hermione. I know about the bet. Ron told me about a while ago."

"So you're not mad?"

"No. But I do want to know why you agreed to the bet in the first place?"

"Ron's a git, you know that, right? I don't back down from challenges, Harry. And I certainly do not lose them either."

Harry chuckled. "I guess. Still, Ron said you needed to tell me something."

"Oh, er, um… Well, it's nothing really. Ron talks about loads of rubbish."

"Really? He said it was urgent." I noticed that he was coming closer to me and my breathing hitched and I could hear my heart pounding as he came closer.

"Um, well…"

Harry leaned back and let out a small laugh. "I miss this." He said, suddenly.

My heart was still trying to get out my chest and my breathing was still unsteady when I replied, "What?"

"You know, moments like this. When it's just the two of us playing around."

"I-I guess."

"Do you miss it?"

"I guess I do. I missed the days before everything changed. But there really is no use in saying so. No matter how hard you try, change comes and can't be stopped."

"Hermione."

"Hmm?"

"Look here for a sec."

I turned to look at him. His face so close to mine. His eyes were filled with emotion and his lips were gracing a handsome smile. He leaned closer and closer. I could feel his warm breath on my face and I felt my eyes droop down. The next thing I knew was that Harry was kissing me and I was kissing him back.

After we let go, our breathing was unsteady and our eyes were clouded over with hunger and want.

"I-I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me." He apologized, shaking his head lightly.

"Why are you sorry?" I asked, afraid if he was going to say it was a mistake.

"You're not upset?"

"Of course not. That was one of the best kisses of my life."

He laughed. "Only one of them?"

"Okay, fine. The best kiss of my life."

"Well, I hope the year can continue with me giving you those kinds of kisses."

"I hope so too."

Then Harry gave me a mischievous smile and leaned in again to capture my lips. When the kiss ended, I leaned against his broad shoulder with his arm around mine and we were left in a comfortable silence.

"So… Does Ron really have to give you your books?" He asked, awkwardly.

I laughed at his question. "Of course he does. I'd kill him if he wouldn't. Why? Would you like to buy me some books too?" I gave him a hinting smiled.

"Well, no." Then he grinned at me. "But, I would like to treat you to lunch. What do you say? Next Hogsmeade trip we can have our first date and Ron can buy your books then."

I smiled and gave him a kiss. "I'd love to, Harry."

*~*~*~*

EPILOGUE:

*~Two or so years later~*

"How does it feel?" Harry asked, me slinging his sweaty, dirty, filthy arm around my shoulders. It was my first practice as the official beater for Puddlemere United. Harry, as usual, was seeker and Oliver Wood, Harry's old Quidditch captain, was our captain. Despite the protests from Ron, complaining that we should be on the Chudley Cannons, we both joined the team.

"You mean practice? Well, my shoulders, back, arms and legs are sore from all those push-ups, sit-ups and hitting exercises but it was all right. Plus, Oliver Wood was a good captain." I said, stepping out of his grip.

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked, confused at my actions.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that you're all dirty and sweaty and stuff. I honestly don't want to smell your man odor."

"Really? Want a kiss then?" He asked, coming close.

"Don't you dare, Potter!" I screamed, running away. After our little game, he managed to catch me from behind and gave me a kiss on the back of my neck.

"Ugh, disgusting." I mocked when he let me go.

He merely laughed. "I can't believe I'm going to be twenty-two in just three weeks." He mentioned, changing the subject.

"Yeah, but it doesn't feel any different, you know."

"I guess. But how about you? How does it feel?"

"To be twenty-three this September?"

"No, to know that after my birthday, your team jersey will have to say 'Potter' instead of 'Granger' on the back." He grinned.

I smiled and kissed him briefly on the mouth. "It feels bloody fantastic."

*~*~*~*

A/N: And that is the end! Hoped you like it! After this note is an excerpt from my new story, "Love Story". I'll be posting it soon, so keep an eye out for it! ^_^

Sneak Peek:

Chapter One: Dreams And Realities

From my point of view: (Hermione)

It all started with a dream. Harry's dream, to be more precise, one of which he chose not to speak with me about. All he told me was that he wanted to go to Dumbledore's office. And since I'm Head Girl (privileges include access to Dumbledore's office at anytime, so long as I inform my arrival) and he's my friend, he was thinking I could let him in. He did say it was a one-minute thing.

"Come on, 'Mione. It'll be really short, I promise." He begged, his hands clasped together.

"I don't know, Harry. Do you need to use something in his office or are you going to talk to him?"

"No, I need to use something in there. I just need to, let's say, 'deposit' something. I can't have you telling Dumbledore, Hermione."

I swallowed a heavy lump in my throat. "But I can't go against the rules, Harry. We're not allowed to use anything inside his office without his permission! We'd be breaking about thirty school rules! Not to mention a few rules on violation."

"Please? I mean, he told me how to use it and stuff. It'll be quick. I just need to—to forget."

My eyes were cast downwards. The pleading in Harry's voice made me look up at him and our eyes locked and my heart beat wildly. His eyes showed off an expression of urgency, panic and begging. It was then when I gave up. Carrying on with this disagreement wasn't going to do anything except make Harry annoyed.

I sighed. "Fine. But only one minute, you hear?"

He grinned. "Thanks, 'Mione."

*~*~*~*

I had no idea he wanted to use the Pensieve. It seemed off-limits to me, the way it was always enclosed in a glass cabinet ever since Harry managed to see Dumbledore's memory in our fourth year.

I didn't even touch it. And yet, here was Harry, in front of me, cautiously opening the glass doors. Its light blue aura somewhat frightened me.

"Isn't that used to store memories?" I asked, watching him pull out his wand. I was standing a few meters behind him, like he had requested of me. What memory could be so private he didn't even want me to see it? The fact that he was being so secretive hurt me a bit, but I immediately pushed my ridiculous feelings away.

"Yeah, but you can also store some unwanted things from your head in here. This is just one dream of mine I really want out of my head." He replied, peering into the Pensieve. That statement only made my curiosity stronger and I stepped two meters closer. He didn't seem to notice, so I decided to step another meter closer.

"Why's that?" I asked, trying not to sound like I was prying.

"It was strange." He replied, looking over at me, shrugging.

I decided to stay quiet, understanding that he didn't want to give out any more information about it. Suddenly, he looked over his shoulder at me; his look was heavy and firm. "Very strange," He murmured. His tone was unfamiliar and his face had a look I couldn't decipher. It seemed almost empty, yet there was a certain look I didn't recognize. I stared into his eyes and saw raw emotion in there.

He looked back into the Pensieve and murmured something inaudible. Then he placed his wand to the side of his head and drew it back slowly, a blue thread trailing after it. He led it to the Pensieve and it glowed brightly. I was scared that Harry could get blind.

I shielded my eyes from the light and looked at my wristwatch. Six forty-four. "We have dinner, Harry and I've still got Head Girl duties after that." I said, trying to stop him from staring into the bright light.

He turned around and eyed me suspiciously. "You're not overworking yourself, are you?" He asked, coming closer.

I swallowed and loosened my collar a bit. "N-No." I replied, suddenly feeling uncomfortable about the topic.

"Remember third year? You're not using the Time Turner again, are you?"

"No! I-I know better than to use it again." I felt for the golden chain around my neck and flooded with relief. It's true that I stopped using it, but that never stopped me from wearing it. It still hung onto my neck in double chains. The last thing I needed was Harry misinterpreting the situation and thinking I was still using it.

"We should get to dinner, Harry. Dumbledore's going—"

"I know, I know." He smiled brightly at me. "Let's go."

*~*~*~*

I didn't know I'd be back in Dumbledore's office after only one day. This time, I—we were sent there. Harry and I got into a bit of trouble in Potions. Clearly Professor Snape intended us on having us sent there since he was the one who paired us op together for the experiment. Both of us were terribly moody. I was in a mix of emotions. I was angry with Harry for ignoring me, offended that he didn't trust me enough to tell me his dream, and another emotion I can't quite describe.

Harry, on the other hand, was always moody.

In the end, we argued over every little detail, from the cauldron's position on the table to the number of ingredients we needed. Professor Snape always came to our table, scolding us and telling us to concentrate. Strangely though, he never deducted any points from Gryffindor despite numerous times he visited our table.

After, our cauldron began to shake violently and Snape came over to investigate. In the end, he got covered in thick bluish-green goo. After yelling at us, taking away thirty points from Gryffindor and failing us, he sent us to Dumbledore's office then retreated to his bathroom in an attempt to clean himself.

We argued the entire way there. Even while waiting in Dumbledore's office.

"It's really all your fault! You always put too much salamander eyes!" He blamed, yelling at me.

"Me? You always put too little snakeskin powder! That's why the entire experiment went wrong! Do you have any idea what this could do to my Head Girl status?"

"This has nothing to do with your Head Girl status! I'm already falling behind as it is! That fact that we both failed this experiment is going to bring me down even more!"

"Oh Merlin, we failed! I can't believe this! How could I fail? I think I should ask for extra credit or something. Oh God, I can't fail! I never fail!"

"Could you just—"

Then the Pensieve opened by itself. The glass doors flew open and the Pensieve glowed brightly. We both stayed quiet and stared at the glowing object. I slowly made my way towards it and peered into it.

Inside it was a meadow. The meadow was a blissful green and the grass leaves were tall and were being blown by the wind, making it look like pulsing waves. The sky was a mellow blue and there wasn't a cloud in sight.

I squinted even closer and noticed that underneath one of the big, shady trees, there were two people resting under it. A boy and girl to be exact. I bent down even closer to see who it was. Harry was beside me, a look of horror on his face.

Then my Time Turner slid out of my school blouse and dropped into the Pensieve, which glowed brightly as a reaction. I froze. Harry frowned.

"The Time Turner—" He murmured.

"It isn't what you think, Harry! I swear I'm not using it anymore." I interrupted.

He merely nodded at me. I tugged in the Time Turner but it wouldn't come out. I pulled harder and it pierced the back of my neck. I yelped in pain. Harry's eyes flew to me. "What's wrong?" He asked, his voice still a bit cold yet concerned.

"My Time Turner's stuck in Pensieve. I can't seem to pull it out." I explained, looking at him. I couldn't help the tears in my eyes. The Pensieve tugged me in further; as a result, I screamed in shock.

Harry moved behind me. "I think you should unfasten it. I know you can't get another Time Turner ever again, but I think it's best that you leave the Time Turner here, we can't have you swallowed." He pushed my hair to one side and a chill ran down my spine. I felt his warm breath against my neck and didn't realize he was so close.

"Is that okay with you?" He asked, his breath giving me goose pimples.

I nodded slowly. I felt his hands move onto my neck and his touch sent a jolt through my entire body. He unfastened my Time Turner with a soft click. Still holding both ends of the necklace, he took it off and left it dangling off the edge of the Pensieve.

"Miss Granger, Mr. Potter?" We heard Dumbledore behind us. We turned around and saw that he wasn't there yet. Harry closed the glass cabinet and we went forward to look for the headmaster.

"Ah, there you are. Come out, don't hide there." He ordered us, gently. We moved forward as he descended down the stairs. Harry slid his arm around me and we walked forward cautiously. I looked over my shoulder at the Pensieve. I noticed that it was still glowing brightly and that the Time Turner was swallowed entirely.

"Miss Granger? Is anything the matter?" Professor Dumbledore asked, amusingly.

My head snapped back to look at him. "Oh, er, um, nothing's wrong, Professor." I replied, uneasily. I looked back at the Pensieve, which was now dark. "Nothing at all."

*~*~*~*