Sudden Realizations

Chapter Two

"HARRY!!" Hermione exclaimed, enveloping him into a tight hug. He nearly toppled to the ground from the force of her embrace.

"Almost as bad as Mrs. Weasley," he thought.

"Hi Hermione!" Harry said brightly. He was a bit surprised, as Hermione had completely changed from her reserved and conservative manner. He stood up as he thought to himself, "That was interesting!"

"So what's new?" asked Hermione.

"Nothing really," said Harry.

"Where is all your stuff?" said Hermione.

"In my pocket. I used a shrinking charm," Harry answered nonchalantly.

"That was smart of you," she replied. Then she noticed all his baggy clothes. "Harry!

You're deathly skinny! Have they even been feeding you?"

"Barely," he grimaced.

"Well, how about we get you settled and I'll make us something to eat?" she asked, as Harry noticed that her arms were still loosely around his waist from their previous hug.

"Sure. Wow, this is a very nice house," Harry said, taking his eyes off Hermione and inspecting the house.

" By the way, my parents are at work and will be back around eight, so you have the whole day to get settled. And, if you finish early, I can give you a tour of the house."

"Okay," Harry replied.

"Come on, I'll show you to your room." She led him upstairs and strolled down a corridor that led to a hallway. At the end of said hallway there were two doors across each other.

"Here it is," she said. " My room is across the hall, so if you need anything, let me know. I'll be in the kitchen making lunch, so why don't you unpack?"

"Right," Harry replied. " Oh, and Hermione... THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!" he exclaimed, running towards her and giving her another hug.

"He is so cute!" she thought. "And sweet and polite!" she accidentally added , without noticing she had said that out loud.

"Who? What?" Harry asked, giving her a strange look.

"Merlin, I could melt in those eyes-oh! Nothing, no one!" she said hurriedly, careful not to blurt anything else.

"Okay." Harry sighed. " See you in a bit then." With this said, he opened the door to his room.

"I can't believe I said that out loud!" She retreated to the kitchen, mentally kicking herself. All she could really think about were those blazing emerald eyes. Every time she stared into them, she felt her knees go weak and tended to forget whatever she was saying.

"That boy is going to be the death of me! I have to stop thinking about him!" But she knew she couldn't fight these new feelings that were taking place inside her, so she began to cook, hoping that this could distract her.

Little did Hermione know that Harry was across the hall feeling the exact same way. He placed the engorgement charm on his things as he sat on the bed. He couldn't stop thinking about Hermione. He couldn't fight it though, nor did he want to.

But these pleasant thoughts escaped his mind as he began to think of the consequences that would take place if he ever did end up dating Hermione. She would definitely be in extreme danger for he knew Voldemort would somehow find out about her.

"I don't care what Voldemort tries to do! I love her." That was the only conclusion he cared about.