One Person Two Many

One Person Two Many

Chapter Four

The problem with the situation wasn't the thrill of the risk, as Hermione had half expected it to be. It was that she truly and honestly felt deep emotion for both of the boys. After leaving Draco's room a few hours later, all she had done was mull things over as she stared off into space in the library. From time to time, a falling book jerked her out of her thoughts and made her pay attention to her surroundings.

"Miss Granger? Are you still in there?" inquired a familiar voice, while gently rapping their fist on her head.

Hermione looked up. She smiled. "Hi, Harry."

Sitting down beside her, he said, "Why don't we ditch these boring old books and go for a walk around the lake?"

Hermione looked at the books that were open in front of her. She knew she wasn't going to get any work done. "Sure, why not?" she replied. "Let me drop all this off in the common room first though."

"All right, I've got to go to the little wizard's room. I'll meet you in the Entrance Hall," he said.

Hermione nodded. "See you in five."

Hermione hummed happily to herself as she walked up to the Gryffindor common room. She knew that after spending some time alone with Harry, she would see things straight, she would realise that she didn't even like Draco and that the only reason she had thought she liked him was because Harry had been busy the last few days. She reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, gave her the password, and happily climbed the stairs to her bedroom. Gladly throwing her heavy bag of books on her bed, she sat in front of her mirror and tried half-heartedly to tame her hair. Giving up, she sprayed on a squirt of her favorite perfume, then ran back down the stairs and out of the common room.

As she was walking along the fifth floor corridor to the next staircase, she felt a massive tug at her arm and went flying headlong into a side room. She landed sprawled out on the floor and quickly took in her surroundings.

A hand was offered to her. "Draco," she said. "I should have guessed. What do you want? I'm in a bit of a hurry."

Draco smiled as he pulled her up, and, not letting go of her hand, pulled her close. "Well, what I've got in mind won't take long."

Hermione twisted away from him, a hint of a smile creeping onto her face. "Seriously, Draco, I'm in a rush."

Draco pouted in a whiny voice, "Oh please, I only want five minutes of your time, please. Pretty pretty please?"

"No, Draco. Besides, the prefects' bathroom isn't exactly private. Now if you don't mind, I'm leaving."

"What if I do mind?" he asked teasingly.

Hermione smirked. "Then you'll have to think of a way to," she paused, "amuse yourself, because I'm leaving." With that, she turned and left the bathroom, hurrying down the stairs to the ground floor.

Harry was waiting for her. "What took you so long?" he asked.

"Sorry," she replied breathlessly. "I got a bit sidetracked by -" she stopped, abruptly.

"By a book," Harry finished for her, as they headed out the doors. "Let me guess which book it was. Hogwarts: A History? No, it can't be, you had that memorized by the end of third year. Er, oh I give up. It doesn't matter."

They walked down the sloping grass to the path around the lake. "It's nice being able to spend time alone with you," said Harry. "I don't think we ever do this sort of thing often enough."

Hermione smiled. "It is nice, isn't it?"

They walked hand-in-hand around the lake, pausing every now and again to look at the Giant Squid when it waved its tentacles up in the air. Hermione began to feel more relaxed than she'd felt in days. They reached the far side of the lake, near the Dark Forest, where Harry stopped, dropped Hermione's hand and looked at her.

"Fancy a walk," he paused and smiled mischievously, "in the forest?" he asked.

Hermione nodded, so Harry grabbed her hand again, quickly checked to make sure no one was paying attention to them and then pulled her off to the cover of the trees. It was a place they had been to more than once before. Trees grew thick and close in this area, creating a sheltered space that was almost entirely private. They sat down leaning against a fallen log together, Hermione leaning her back against Harry, and Harry with his arms around Hermione's waist. It was a most peaceful place to be, surrounded by nature, completely alone with each other. Harry lent forward and started to nuzzle Hermione's neck. She let out a surprised giggle, and suddenly turned to face him, tears welling in her eyes, as she was abruptly consumed with guilt.

"'Mione, what's wrong?" Harry asked, shocked at seeing her looking so upset.

"I - I." She fell silent, unable to describe what she was feeling.

"What is it, Hermione? Is it school? Your family?" Hermione just shook her head as the tears began to cascade down her face. "It's all right. You don't ever have to tell me anything if you don't want to," he held her close to him, not wanting her to be alone with her pain, whatever it was.

She stayed like that until she was finally able to control her tears. "Oh, I'm sorry, Harry. I didn't want to spoil our walk by-"

"Nonsense," said Harry firmly. "Hermione, nothing you do could ever spoil anything for me. You know that. I love you."

Hermione looked at Harry's trusting face and smiled weakly. "I love you, too."