The Secret

THE SECRET

It was three days into summer holidays. All that time, Hermione couldn't help but think of her two best friends Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. Ron was in her mind more often than Harry was, however, even though she had kissed Harry's cheek. The kiss was a symbol of friendship and she hoped Harry hadn't taken it as something more.

She finally came to this realization, "I love him. I love Ron Weasley." She decided to write Ron and tell him how she felt. Hermione's letter to Ron was worded like this:

"Ron,

I have heard that you and your family are going away for the summer. If you don't want to go away with them, my parents have given me permission to invite you to come and stay with us.

Ron, I have to admit something to you. I have had feelings developing for you all year. They started developing early in the year. I missed you when you weren't talking with Harry or I. I didn't know how to tell you before we parted at King's Cross Station.

Ron, I hope you will come and stay with me this summer. I would really enjoy the company. Please reply to me as soon as possible.

All my love,

Hermione Granger

XOXO."

Hermione folded the letter and tied it to the leg of the owl her parents got her as a welcome home present. "Hurry Stormy," she said to her owl, "Take this letter to The Burrow. Deliver it to Ron Weasley. Bring his reply back to me."

The dark gray screech owl nipped Hermione's finger affectionately and flew off. Just then she heard her mother calling her. "Hermione, you have an owl here from one of your friends," her mom called.

"Coming mom," Hermione called back. She tied a bathrobe around herself and slipped into her slippers. She ran downstairs. She saw an owl sitting on the back of one of the kitchen chairs. "I don't recognize the owl," said Hermione but she relieved it of its letter and it flew off.

As she started reading, the tears welled up in her eyes. "What's wrong, dear?" asked her mother.

"It's from Harry." She handed the letter to her mother. "I always knew Harry had problems with his aunt and uncle," she said to her mother, "but this really takes the cake."

"Do you want to go and see him?"

"If I can, yes. I'm sure there's more to this than Harry could write in a letter."

"Your father and I have a dental convention to go to in London in a week and a half. We'll drop you off at the Leaky Cauldron. You can get your school supplies as your letter arrived earlier today and you can spend the day with Harry."

"Thanks mom." She hugged and kissed her mom goodnight and returned to her room. Crookshanks started rubbing against her legs. She picked him up. "I love you Crookshanks," she said as she hugged the cat, "I'll see you in a week and a half, Harry. Ron, send your reply soon."

She placed Crookshanks in his cat bed and crawled under the covers of her bed. She turned off her lamp and closed her eyes. In her dreams she saw Harry sitting alone in a room at the Leaky Cauldron.

The next morning came. She was woken up by her owls hooting. She opened her eyes and saw a small gray owl fluttering madly around the room. Her owl was chasing it.

She got up and snatched Pigwidgeon out of the air. She saw the letter tied to its miniature leg. She untied the letter and put Pigwidgeon inside. She then sat down and wrote a letter to Harry. It read:

"Harry,

I'm sorry about the Muggles. I'm coming to get my school supplies in about a week and a half. I will talk to you then. By the way, this is my new owl Stormy. Bye for now.

Love from

Hermione."

Hermione tied the letter to her owl's leg. "Sorry to send you off so soon Stormy," she said. I need you to take this letter to the Leaky Cauldron. Deliver it to Harry Potter." Stormy Hooted angrily and gave Hermione a disgusted look but nipped her finger affectionately before flying off.

She then read Ron's reply. It was worded like this:

"Hermione,

I can't believe you waited this long to tell me. I've also had feelings for you but I was too embarrassed to tell you. I will be happy to come and see you.

I will be there in a week from next Saturday at about 9:00 in the evening. My parents will be dropping me off.

See you then, My Love.

Love,

Ron."

Hermione chuckled. She walked into her private bathroom. She stripped off her nightgown and crawled into the shower. Her dreams of Harry haunted her, but thoughts of Ron kept her smiling.

Meanwhile at the Burrow, Ron was getting excited. "She likes me," Ron told himself, "Hermione really likes me. I can't wait to see her. I can't wait to tell her how long I've wanted to hear her say that she likes me.

I know I've liked her since she was petrified by that Basilisk in our second year. She likes me. She likes me. She likes me.

Hermione, I love you."

* * *

The week and a half passed very quickly. Saturday dawned bright and clear. the Grangers were loaded into their car and driving towards London.

About an hour after leaving their house, they pulled up in front of a grubby looking pub. It was about 9:00 in the morning. "See you tonight," said Hermione got out of the car.

"See you tonight, Hermione. I'm sure we'll be home before your friend Ron shows up at the house," said Hermione's mother.

"What time will you be picking me up?"

"We should be back here between 7:30 and 8:00. We'll then drive back home immediately," said her father.

"Here's your money," said Hermione's mother as she handed her 200.00 British Pounds, "Don't spend it foolishly."

"I won't." Hermione turned and walked into the pub. She walked right up to the bar as older witches and wizards stared at her. "Hello Tom," she said.

"Hello Hermione."

"I'm looking for Harry. He wrote me and told me that he was staying here."

"Harry's not up yet. If you wish it, I will go and wake him for you."

"Yes please."

"Have a seat at the bar. I will go and get him."

* * *

Later that night, just shortly after Hermione and her parents got home there was a knock on their door. Mr. Granger answered the door. Standing there was Ron, Arthur and Molly Weasley. "Hello. I'm Bill Granger, this is my wife Gloria and of course you know our daughter Hermione," said Mr. Granger.

Bill and Arthur shook hands. "I'm Arthur Weasley, my wife Molly, and this is our son Ron.

Thank you for allowing Ron to stay with you while we go and visit our oldest son, Bill in Egypt."

"Do you want to come in for a cup of tea?" asked Mrs. Granger.

"Molly and I must be off. Ron, behave yourself. Your mother and I will see you next summer."

* * *

The next night something dreadful happened. A group of Death Eaters turned up at the Grangers' while Mr. and Mrs. Granger were still at work. They kidnapped Ron and Hermione and took them to Darkwarts castle.

This happened on the same day as Harry ran into Cho down in Diagon Alley. Later that night, more Death Eaters kidnapped Cho from her house. One other Death Eater also kidnapped Harry from Hagrid's cabin the next morning.

* * *

I will take you the present. Harry had just completed the first half of his summer courses. The date was Saturday, July 31, Harry's birthday.

It was early in the morning when Harry heard tapping on the window. He looked over and saw Hedwig sitting on the ledge. She had a letter for him. Harry got out of bed and opened the window. Hedwig fluttered up and sat on Harry's shoulder.

He untied the letter from Hedwig's leg. It read:

"Harry,

I just found out that July 31 is your birthday. I hope this reaches you by then. I am writing to invite you to come and celebrate your birthday with me and my family.

You don't have to. I just thought that maybe you would like to get away from Hogwarts for the day.

I dare say that you will be going to visit one of your other friends, Ron, or Hermione or both.

I hope you will consider coming to see me. I would really enjoy getting to know you better. That's why I'm writing you anyway.

Your friend,

Cho Chang."

Harry smiled. He knew that either Ron or Hermione would invite him to visit. He told himself that he would, however, take the time to go and visit with Cho and her family.

Suddenly a gray owl flew through the window and landed on Harry's night stand. Harry recognized it as Hermione's. He untied the letter it was carrying. It read:

"Harry,

Happy birthday. Remember when I came to Diagon Alley to see you. My parents said you could come and visit.

Why don't you come and visit with me today, so you don't have to be alone on your birthday. Send your reply with my owl.

Love from,

Hermione Granger."

Harry wrote a reply to Hermione. It was worded like this:

"Hermione,

I am happy you invited me over. I will come over later. See you then.

Harry."

Harry tied this letter to the leg of Hermione's owl who was in Hedwig's cage getting a drink of water and a bite to eat. It then flew off.

Harry then wrote his reply to Cho. It was worded like this:

"Cho,

Thank you for your letter. Even though I am visiting with my friends for a while, I will take the time to come and see you and your family. See you later.

Your friend,

Harry."

Harry tied this letter to Hedwig's leg. "Hedwig, deliver this letter to Cho Chang," said Harry. Hedwig nipped Harry's finger and flew off.

Harry then got dressed and went to the great hall for breakfast. Before sitting at the Gryffindor table, Harry walked up to the staff table. "Professor Dumbledore," said Harry.

"Yes Harry," Dumbledore replied.

"I want to visit my friends for the day. I want to be with them for my birthday."

"So you're asking permission to use the portkey."

"Yes I am, Professor."

"Permission granted Harry. You must, however, return to Hogwarts by dark."

"I understand, Dumbledore. Thank you." Harry went and sat at the Gryffindor table and had his breakfast.

After eating, Harry returned to Gryffindor Tower. He went and got his copy of Hogwarts: A History, that he had borrowed from the library. He had wanted to see why Hermione was so interested in it. It was quite interesting, really, Harry had discovered.

At 10:00, Harry took the book back to his dorm room. He grabbed the portkey from the drawer in his night stand. He thought about Hermione. Instantly, the dorm room began to spin. Colors whirled all around him. Just as soon as it started, however, it ended. Harry's feet hit solid ground.

Harry found himself standing outside a very large, white house. Harry walked up to the door and knocked. Mrs. Granger answered the door. "Hello," she said.

"Mrs. Granger, it's me Harry. You met me at the Leaky Cauldron about a three weeks ago," Harry replied.

"Ah yes. Come on in, Harry. Hermione's been expecting you." Harry walked inside. "Please take off your shoes by the door, Harry," said Mrs. Granger. Harry did as he was instructed. Mrs. Granger then escorted harry to a large sitting room. "I'll go get Hermione. She'll be here in a few minutes. Just have a seat."

"Thank you." With that, Mrs. Granger left the room. Harry sat down on the sofa.

A few minutes later Hermione walked into the room. "Harry, hi. Happy birthday,' she said. She walked over and hugged him.

"Hi, Hermione. Thanks for inviting me. Nice home you have here," Harry replied.

"It's so nice outside," said Hermione, why don't we go outside and sit on the patio while I have breakfast."

"Sure. Lead the way." Harry got up and followed Hermione through the kitchen and out onto a luxurious looking patio. A few minutes later, Hermione's mom brought her out a plate of bacon, eggs, two slices of toast and a large glass of orange juice.

"Would you like something to eat dear?" asked Mrs. Granger.

"No thank you. I ate before I came here," Harry replied.

"If you're sure."

"I'm sure, but maybe I will have a glass of juice."

"Orange, apple, or grape?"

"Apple juice," Harry said. Mrs. Granger walked back into the house. She returned a minute later with Harry's apple juice. She set it down in front of him. "Thank you."

"It's no problem, Harry." Mrs. Granger left again.

Harry sipped his apple juice while he waited for Hermione to finish eating. He wanted her full attention when he started talking about what he wanted to talk to her about.

"Hermione," said Harry, "I don't want you to talk until I tell you all I have to say."

"Go ahead Harry," said Hermione.

"Hermione, what I am about to say might destroy the friendship we have, or it may take us to a higher plane than being 'just friends.'

Hermione, those two kisses we shared -- they were the greatest moments of my life. I think I've started to...."

"Morning Herm," said Ron from the patio door, "Morning Harry."

"Morning Ron," said Hermione. She stood up and met Ron at the door. Ron gave Hermione a small kiss on the lips.

"You could have told me," said Harry.

"Wait, Harry. I can explain," said Hermione.

"And you," said Harry to Ron, "you call yourself my friend. Friends don't keep secrets. I hate you both." Harry brushed past them, through the kitchen and to the front door.

He slipped his shoes on and exited the Grangers'. Harry ran down the street as fast as he could. He didn't know that Ron and Hermione were close behind him until Hermione called to him. "Harry, wait!" she called.

"Come on Harry, let us explain," called Ron.

Harry stopped. When Ron and Hermione came up to him, he spoke. "Friends don't keep secrets like this," he said calmly, "Well, I would have expected Ron to keep it a secret, but you Hermione, I would have thought you would tell me."

"I tried to persuade Ron to tell you that he and I were a couple. I'm being honest," said Hermione.

"You didn't even mention that Ron would be here. I wouldn't be so upset if I knew he was going to be here."

"Harry, come back to the house," said Hermione. She placed her hand on his shoulder.

Harry shrugged Hermione's hand off of his shoulder. "I don't need liars as friends. I don't need friends who keep secrets. I don't need jerks like you as friends," said Harry quietly, but angrily. He walked away from them. By the time Harry had gotten to the end of the street, he regretted saying the things he said to Ron and Hermione.

Harry stopped and looked back. He saw Hermione crying in Ron's arms. He was tempted to walk back and apologize, but seeing them in that embrace fueled his anger and he just continued walking.

"I told you we should have told him," said Hermione as she broke from the embrace and lead the way back to the house. Ron followed. He was flabbergasted. He had never heard such anger from Harry, especially towards Hermione and himself.

They walked back into the house. "Where's Harry?" asked her mother.

"I don't know," replied Hermione.

"Did you three have a fight?" asked Mr. Granger.

"I don't want to talk about it," said Hermione. She kicked off her shoes by the door and stormed up to her room. She slammed the bedroom door, jumped onto her bed and cried.

Ron went into his room. He sat on the bed. "Fine with me Potter," said Ron under his breath, "I was tired of walking in your shadow, tired of being the faithful sidekick. I'm glad you don't want to be friends anymore." Ron knew that he didn't mean this. He knew that he'd start to miss the friendship with Harry. He was just letting his feelings out.

* * *

Harry, meanwhile had pulled the portkey out of his pocket. He thought about Cho. The colors whirled around him as he was whisked away.

When his feet touched solid ground, he was standing outside of another house. Harry walked up to the door and knocked. Cho answered. "Hi Harry," she said.

"Hi Cho," said harry dismally.

"What's wrong Harry? Why are you crying?"

Harry hadn't even realized he was crying. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve. "Nothing," he said.

"Why aren't you with Ron or Hermione?"

"Don't mention them!" Harry snapped. He quickly apologized to her. "Sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you like that."

"It was them. What did they do to you?" asked Cho. Harry remained silent. "Harry, you'll feel better if you talk about it."

"It's not what they did or said, it's what I said to them."

"What did you say?"

I found out that they were a couple and they never told me. I called them liars and jerks, I told them I didn't need friends like them."

"Maybe you don't. Maybe..."

"I do. I need them Cho. They were the first two friends that I have ever had. I need them.

I'm madder and more upset at myself than I am at them. I now feel that the damage i caused may be beyond repair.

I yelled at them for falling in love with each other."

"Come on inside. I'm sure you're hungry or thirsty."

"Both actually." Harry followed Cho inside. He started to take his shoes off.

"Don't worry about taking your shoes off Harry. The floor's dirty." Cho then lead Harry into the kitchen. "Have a seat, Harry. I'll make lunch." Harry sat at the table and watched as Cho made soup and sandwiches.

A couple of minutes later, Harry heard Cho say ouch. He saw Cho stick her finger in her mouth. "What is it Cho? What's wrong?"

"I cut my finger on a can." Harry grabbed a napkin from the holder. He walked up to Cho and pulled her finger from her mouth. He saw a small cut on the tip of her finger and wrapped the napkin around it.

Cho looked deeply into Harry's eyes. Harry gazed back. Their lips drew closer and closer. They kissed. In that moment Harry forgot about his problems with Ron and Hermione. All that existed was himself, Harry Potter, and Cho Chang. They parted. Both of them blushed. "What just happened here?" asked Cho.

"We kissed."

"Did you enjoy it Harry?"

"I did. Did you Cho?"

"Immensely." They finished making the soup and sandwiches together. After eating they did the dishes. Harry's heart felt considerably lighter than it did earlier.

The afternoon passed quickly. Harry and Cho played several games of Exploding Snap and several other games.

At 4:00 in the afternoon, Cho started making supper. "Why are you making supper so early?" asked Harry.

"My parents get home from work around 5:00. They like to eat when they get home."

"Oh. Can I give you a hand?"

"You can peel the potatoes. Potatoes are in the broom cupboard. The peeler is in the drawer to the right of the sink. The posts are in the cupboard next to the stove."

"How many will I need?"

"Fill the pot. My family can used left over potatoes for anything." Harry grabbed the potatoes, a pot and the peeler. he peeled a large pot of potatoes and put them on the stove to boil. "Did you sprinkle salt on them?"

"No, but I will now." Harry lifted the lid and sprinkled salt on the potatoes. "Cho, I'm wondering...I know you're still probably grieving over Cederic, but would you care to go out with me sometime?"

"Harry..."

"I really like you Cho. I've lost Ron and Hermione, I don't want to lose you too."

"Harry, just shut up and listen. Yes, I am still grieving over Cederic's death, but I am not going to quit living because of it. I'd be honored to go out with you."

Harry's heart leapt when Cho said yes to going out with him.

* * *

The evening passed. It soon grew dark. "Well Cho," said Harry, "I've got to be going now. Talk to you soon."

"See you soon, Harry,' said Cho's father shaking Harry's hand.

"You are always welcome here," said Cho's mother with a smile.

"See you at Hogwarts next year," said Harry to Julius, Cho's younger brother. Harry ruffled Julius' hair.

"See you Harry," said Julius.

"Come Julius. Let's leave Harry and Cho alone for a while," said Mrs. Chang.

Cho stepped out onto the porch and closed the door. "Harry, maybe you can come and visit again next Saturday."

"Maybe. I will talk to Dumbledore."

"I hope so."

"If I can't come on Saturday, I'll at least see if I can come and take the train with everybody else. I'd better get going. It's getting late." Cho wrapped her arms around Harry's neck and Harry placed his hands around Cho's waist. They kissed deeply. When they pulled apart Harry pulled out the portkey. "Bye Cho. I'll write and let you know when I can see you again," he said.

"Bye Harry. I'll either see you next week or on the train."

Harry thought of Dumbledore's office and was transported there. "Ah Harry, you're a little bit late."

"Sorry Professor," Harry said, "I just had to say my good-byes."

"I understand."

"Dumbledore, Cho's invited me back to her place next weekend. Can I go?"

"Only if you promise to take more care and get back here before it gets dark."

"I will. I'll try to be back before 9:00 in the evening."

"Then you have my permission to go and see her."

"Thank you." Harry left Dumbledore's office. He returned to Gryffindor Tower. Harry sat in front of the fire as he wrote to Cho. The letter read:

"Cho,

I made it back to Hogwarts safely. I have talked to Dumbledore. i am allowed to come and visit you next Saturday. I will see you then.

All my heart,

Harry."

Harry also did some writing in his journal. The entry read:

"Harry's Journal July 31

Dear Journal,

I went to visit Hermione today. I found out that she and Ron have been a couple since the beginning of the summer. They kept it a secret from me.

I told them I didn't need them as friends anymore. Of course, i regretted saying that soon afterwards. It's too late though, the friendship's gone.

A good thing came of that though. Cho Chang and I are starting in a relationship. After blowing up at Ron and Hermione and storming away from Hermione's house I went and saw Cho.

We kissed deeply twice while I was visiting her. I am also going back to see Cho next weekend.

Your friend,

Harry Potter."

* * *

The weeks flew by. Harry visited Cho every Saturday. Their relationship grew quickly. Ron's and Hermione's also grew, but at a slower rate.

After Harry's fourth visit to Cho, he went and saw Dumbledore again. "Dumbledore," he said.

"Yes Harry," Dumbledore replied.

"The train comes on Wednesday. I want to go and take it with my friends. Can I go?"

"Yes Harry. I was going to suggest that you take the train anyway."

The end of The Secret

Companion piece to The Worst Summer