The Troubles and Romances of Harry

Lots of laughter and a bit of tears.

"Harry, mate, do you need this book?" Ron asked holding a tiny book. Ron and Harry were at the Dursleys', packing Harry's things in the opened trunk. Mr. Weasley, Hermione and Ginny were downstairs, Mr. Weasley probably inspecting the Muggle kitchen with Hermione as his guide.

"I don't need it. So how's Ginny... you know 'cause of the ..."

"Well she's OK I guess. She really wants to get back with you. You should have seen her face this morning. After all you love her, right?" Ron said, looking questioningly at Harry.

"I ... yeah, of course I love her. That's why I don't want her to be with me. She would only be in danger," Harry said, averting his eyes from Ron.

Ron, noticed the way Harry avoided eye contact with him. This fact made Ron suspicious. Perhaps Harry doesn't love Ginny anymore? No, what am I thinking? Harry loves Ginny, unless... Ron thought about the train journey, both Harry and Hermione had returned to the compartment together.

Ron also remembered how Hermione seemed unaffected by his confession that he didn't like her anymore.

Ron felt confused, he thought Hermione would be broken hearted, but she wasn't. Perhaps Hermione didn't really like me? What if she likes Harry? Ron couldn't continue thinking since a loud pop was heard in the room.

"Are you all set? We should get going," Mr. Weasley said, suddenly Apparating into the room. Harry and Ron got quite a shock.

"Yes, I'm ready. We can go," Harry managed to say.

"Really dad, you shouldn't Apparate like that, you gave us a fright," Ron said, looking disgruntled.

"Oh, come on, Ron, show some courage once in while. Besides why use the steps when you can Apparate?" Mr. Weasley said cheerfully, reminding Harry of Fred and George, who, like their father, loved apparating even when it wasn't necessary.

"Well, apparating when there is no need for it is ridiculous, in my opinion," Ron stated.

"Right, as if you won't do the same once you pass your test," Harry said laughing.

"I give up. You two will never understand me!" Ron said, dramatically raising his hands over his head in defeat.

Mr. Weasley and Harry stared at Ron and soon the room was filled with their laughs, joined by Ron. Footsteps ascending the steps were heard after some time and both of the girls entered the room to find the three of them on the floor laughing hard.

"What are you doing on the floor? We have to leave now, Mr Weasley," Hermione said, annoyed.

With some difficulty, the three of them got up, covered in pieces of parchment and dust.

"Hermione, I'm sorry but we couldn't help ourselves. I feel so much better. I really needed a good laugh," Mr. Weasley said, whilst waving his wand at the trunks, which in the nick of time, reached the front door downstairs. He proceeded downstairs without further ado while Ron followed suit.

Hermione was about to do the same when her eyes fell on Harry and Ginny. Ginny had moved closer to Harry and the two of them started talking just like they used to before the break up, and the scene angered Hermione.

The sight of them together hurt her. But why? Why? Ginny is his girlfriend after all. She was right; he loves her, I ... what was I thinking? I'm only his friend. That's all, and I should be happy with that.

Harry and Ginny continued talking and Hermione was forgotten completely. See? They aren't even including me in their conversation. I should go downstairs.

Hermione turned and left. The other two were still talking unaware of her leaving, a tear trickling down her cheek. Ginny and Harry joined the group a few minutes later and unfortunately for Hermione, they seemed to be on very good terms once again.

The group proceeded out of the house; at least they were not bothered by the Dursleys' who were out at the zoo. Having them there would have caused problems as usual.

The group silently made its way to the hill, where they would travel back by a Portkey. The sun shone brightly and the surrounding trees looked beautiful to Harry.

He thought about his conversation with Ginny. They were not back together, even though Ginny had clearly explained to Harry that she wanted to fight with him. On the other hand, he did regain her friendship and that, for Harry, was already a good thing. He didn't want to lose Ginny's friendship.

His eyes darted around, taking in the breathtaking views of the lush greenery around him. However, something was amiss. He looked around, Ron and Ginny walking a bit ahead of him while Mr. Weasley was beside him.

Except Hermione, where was Hermione?

Harry looked behind him and saw her trudging along, looking so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed the tree branch sticking out dangerously. She tripped over and would have certainly fallen onto the ground if it weren't for Harry who jumped quickly to her rescue and grabbed her before falling over. Harry steadied her on her feet, still holding her shoulders. The others were oblivious to what had happened and continued walking.

"Hermione, are you alright? You could have hurt yourself. Really, what would you do without me?" Harry asked, cocking his head to one side and grinning broadly at her.

"I... thanks, Harry. I didn't even see the branch, and don't think so highly of yourself, Mr. Potter. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself," Hermione said, a twinkle in her eyes.

"I know that. That's why I..." Harry said, looking deeply in Hermione's eyes, his grip on her shoulders tightened, and he brought her close to him, engulfing her in hug.

What was I going to say? Harry thought, That I love her? I love Hermione, as if! As much as I care about her, I don't love her. I only love one person and that's Ginny Weasley. Yeah, that's right. I'm IN LOVE WITH GINNY WEASLEY.

"Harry? What were you going to tell me?" Hermione whispered into his shoulder.

Harry let go, suddenly breaking the magical moment. He wanted to put as much distance as possible between him and Hermione. After all, he was in love with Ginny, not with Hermione. Right?

"I was just going to tell you that we should join the others; they'll be worried about us by now," Harry said turning around abruptly and walking away.

Hermione face fell. She felt even worse than before. She felt that Harry was going to tell her something more important from the way he had looked at her, but no, he made her feel worse instead.

Hermione shook her head sadly. She followed Harry and didn't utter a single word on the journey back home. Hermione was so quiet during dinner that Mrs.Weasley anxiously asked her if something was wrong. Hermione did her best to smile and chat, but somehow, the day's events had had a profound effect on her.

**********

Hermione combed her bushy hair gently whilst sitting on the window sill.

Her mind drifted back to the hug that Harry gave her earlier that day. The look in his eyes, the way he held her, as if she was the most important person in his life. Even his tone of voice was different, it was more deep and seemed to imply that Harry was about to make some sort of important confession. Hermione closed her eyes, rejecting the image. She didn't want to think about Harry anymore. What is happening to me? Before all I think about was Ron. I was so jealous when he started going out with Lavender, but now he is just my best friend. I cannot seem to forget how nice it was to be held by Harry like that, it gave me a sense of security.

Hermione couldn't continue figuring out her thoughts, because at that moment, reality caught up with her.

She saw very clearly Ginny and Harry talking by the lake. The sight of them angered Hermione. She felt jealous and sad at the same time just thinking about it.

To prevent hurting herself further, she shut the window and closed the curtains. She sat down on the floor and cried her heart out. She didn't want to admit it, but she realised today why she always thought about Harry, why she fought with Ginny that day on the train, and most important of all, why she was feeling sad now.

The answer was simple: she loved Harry.

Oh why I did I have to fall in love with Harry? He's out of my reach, I have to forget him. No. No, I just can't forget him like that, especially since I see him everyday.

What's going to happen now? Hope no one noticed my true feelings for Harry. It would be a disaster. After all, Ginny is my friend too. I can't ruin her happiness. From now on I have to forget Harry. He's just a friend...

********

Ron saw clearly his sister and Harry talking and laughing by the lake. He wasn't sure anymore if Harry and Ginny were really suited for each other. After all, Ginny didn't know Harry that well, plus Ron felt that Harry had too many bad and dark experiences, to really love someone like Ginny who had always lived quite a comfortable and happy life. He felt that Ginny would not be able to understand Harry well; perhaps Ginny was too superficial for him.

Ron then thought about Hermione. She on the other hand knew Harry well; they always had that special connection that in the past Ron was very jealous of. Now however, he knew that Hermione was just his best friend and nothing more. Although he loved his sister very much, he felt that Hermione would be a better match for Harry. There was a problem though; Ron didn't really know if Harry liked Hermione and vice-versa.

Ron glanced one last time at the laughing pair, then he thought about Hermione's sad face during the whole day. He meant to ask Hermione what was wrong, but she left hurriedly looking rather angrily at Harry. At least, she gave Ron that impression. Ron shook his head, his two best friends were acting very strangely.