Was it all enough? - Year 7

"Dad!" Hermione exclaimed before reaching across to hit her father's arm. Then they all started laughing.

"I'm sorry Harry I couldn't resist. When my wife said how nervous you were this morning I just couldn't help myself," Mr. Granger said.

Harry's color started returning but he just nodded and tried to smile.

"I can't believe you did that after he took us to supper last night," Hermione said then turned to Harry. "He's terrible sometimes."

It took a while before Harry felt totally comfortable again. But then they started helping to get ready for the party. Harry went to the store with Hermione and her mom and then helped her dad move some things around. Other family members started arriving early that evening.

Harry met her grandparents and a few cousins. None of them knew she was a witch so this was a very muggle party. Hermione was doing her best to make sure Harry wasn't left out. With an hour or so before midnight Hermione asked Harry if he wanted to take a walk. They both headed out and quickly cast a warming charm. Hermione was excited that all of her family liked him. They got back with about fifteen minutes to go before midnight. With a minute left, her aunt announced to everyone that it was bad luck if you weren't kissing at the stroke of midnight. Harry looked at Hermione nervously and saw her blush and kind of shrug her shoulders.

With everyone counting down, Harry was just worried about kissing his best friend. It's not like that didn't interest him, it would just be the first time he's ever kissed her. When the count got to two, Harry leaned into Hermione and kissed her lightly until they heard the clapping on television. He pulled back and Hermione was smiling at him. He smiled back and hugged her. The guests started leaving soon after and after the last one left Harry helped them clean up. Soon after that her parents went upstairs. Harry and Hermione were sitting on the couch quietly. He wanted to say something but didn't know how.

"Hermione," he said and then added. "Oh, never mind."

She looked and could tell he was bothered by something. "What is it? You can tell me anything."

He looked at her and she just gazed deep into his bright green eyes. "Has Neville already asked you to the Beauxbatons dance?"

"No, why?" she replied.

"Well, would you like to go with me?" he asked looking directly into her eyes.

Internally she could almost melt but she responded with. "Sure, it'll be fun."

"Great, thanks," Harry said before getting the concerned look on his face. "Um... I wanted to apologize for the kiss. I was just nervous and everything. I don't normally kiss that bad."

Hermione just started laughing. "It's not funny Hermione. I don't want my best friend thinking I'm a bad kisser," Harry said angrily.

"Oh Harry. It wasn't supposed to be an earth-shattering kiss; it was supposed to be a friendly kiss at midnight. Besides, I've already heard from Cho about how fantastic you're supposed to be. What did Kristi think of your kisses?"

Harry blushed but said, "I haven't kissed Kristi! Why don't you believe I just went there as a friend and nothing more?"

"It's just that she's so beautiful and aggressive. And, she's got the reputation of a man-eater. I thought she would just have her way with you," Hermione said.

"Have more faith in me Hermione. I'd tell you the truth. Nothing happened; we hung out and sat around her apartment talking, nothing more. Give me some credit."

"You've got to admit that most guys; and all of the Weasley's would take all that someone like Kristi would give them, and you had been used to having Cho crawl all over you."

"Well I do miss being crawled all over but I can hold out a while longer," he jokingly said. "Ron wouldn't do anything with Kristi if he was still seeing Parvati."

"I'm not so sure. The only reason I'd agree is that he'd probably pass out if she came on to him," Hermione joked back.

The next day when Harry got home, Sirius was there looking upset. "There's been an attack on muggles," he said. "It was out the outskirts of London and three families were killed."

"Was Voldemort there?" Harry asked.

"We don't think so, just Death Eaters."

"Not a good start for Mr. Weasley," Harry said.

"True, but at least he's not trying to hide it," Sirius said. "How were you holidays?"

"I took Cho to Rome and we decided to officially break up. But other than that the rest was pretty good," Harry said.

"I saw the picture of you and Kristi. Is anything going on there?"

"Nothing at all. I slept on the couch. How was your time with Kelly?" Harry asked.

Sirius perked up and told him about how good of a time they had. This really made Harry feel good. He wanted Sirius to be happy.

Harry was waiting for the train to arrive at school so he could see his friends again. He watched many students get off the train and then he saw his friends. Ron ran over and said, "Oh man you should have seen Malfoy. He won't even come near us he's so mad about dad becoming Minister. This is going to be great."

"Our compartment was crowed with people congratulating Ron and Ginny the whole time. Aren't you lucky that you don't have to ride the train anymore?" Hermione said.

Things quickly got back into a routine of classes, practice with Hermione and studying in the common room. Ron got back in the routine of disappearing with Parvati almost every night. They were in the common room before Ron slipped out one night talking about the upcoming dance. "So Harry, are you taking Myrtle to Beauxbatons?" Parvati asked.

"Nope. A real, live girl has shown me pity and has agreed to be my date. I know it will be hard for all of you to believe." Harry joked as he gave a quick glance at Hermione who just smiled.

"So who is it?" Ron asked.

"I'm not sure I should say. She may not want anyone to know. I'd like to tell you but I'd probably get in trouble," Harry said with a grin. The next thing he knew he was hit in the head with a pillow. "Ow!"

They all turned to Hermione who was blushing. Parvati picked up on it and said, "You and Hermione are going aren't you?" Hermione nodded and Parvati spoke again. "That's great. You two looked great dancing at the last ball."

Neither Ron nor Ginny seemed to be thrilled about that idea. "You two are just doing everything together this year aren't you?" Ron asked.

"What's the big deal?" Harry asked.

"Nothing. It's just that you two have this special project, you made some grand spectacle at our ball and now you're going to the other ball together," Ron replied.

"Yeah, and you've been pretty busy with Parvati. I think your priorities are a bit different this year. Not that I blame you," Harry said looking at Parvati who smiled. "I say spending time with your girlfriend ranks way above schoolwork."

"Yeah, I guess," Ron said before leaving with Parvati.

Harry could tell something was wrong with Ginny, but he was going to leave it to Hermione to figure out. "I'm heading up to bed. Goodnight."

In the Dark Arts class, Professor Steiger was having them move to a new level of pain spells. Every minute in this class made Harry annoyed. He didn't see why they had to practice these spells on other students. They watched some of the Slytherins cast the spells on each other and they looked very painful. Ron got partnered up with Parvati and went to the front of the class. Ron was supposed to go first but was hesitating. "Now Mr. Weasley, say the curse." Steiger said.

Ron still was hesitating and finally said, "I don't want to hurt my friends sir."

Everybody in the class sat up straight and was paying close attention to what was going to happen. "Say the curse Weasley or it will be 50 points from Gryffindor."

Ron only hesitated a second before saying, "No sir, I won't hurt my friends."

"Fine 50 points. Miss Patil please demonstrate the spell," the professor said.

Parvati looked at Ron then lowered her wand as well. "No sir, I won't hurt my friends."

"50 points. Next group. Potter and Granger."

Hermione stood up and quickly said, "No sir, I won't hurt my friends."

"50 points. Potter."

"I won't do it either sir." Harry said following what all the other Gryffindor's were doing.

"Fine, we'll see how many points your house wants to lose."

Hermione shot her hand up. "Yes Miss Granger."

"Sir, as Head Girl, I'd like to request the presence of the head of Gryffindor House. In the inter-house rules, it states..."

"I know the rules girl," the professor yelled. "Will any of the Gryffindors come up to demonstrate the spell or do I need to take points for all of you." None of them said anything. "Very well, we'll move on."

Hermione's had shot up again. "Granger," the teacher said.

"Sir, I requested the presence of Professor McGonagall. The rules say that if you insist on the punishment, we have the right to have our head of house present if the punishment seems arbitrary to us. If we are losing that many points, I would like Professor McGonagall now please."

The Slytherins were snickering but the teacher looked like he could explode. Suddenly the teacher seemed to relax and say. "Very well Miss Granger. We'll write off today as a learning experience. There will be no points taken from Gryffindor. You will all have to demonstrate your ability to cast the spell on someone. Does anyone volunteer?"

Harry raised his hand and heard the Professor say, "Potter."

"Yes sir, they can cast it on me," Harry said and Hermione gave him a strange look.

Harry came up and went to the front of the class with Hermione behind him. He said, "Go ahead Hermione. It'll be fine."

Hermione said the spell and Harry quickly cast a shield charm, which absorbed Hermione's spell.

"No shield Potter," The teacher spat.

"Why not? You can see them perform the spell and it come at me. That's obviously proof enough that they can do it," Harry said and heard a bunch of "Yeah's" from the other Gryffindors.

The teacher reluctantly gave in and all of the Gryffindors cast their spells at Harry. "Now Potter I want to see your spell." Steiger said smiling.

"I won't hurt my friends but would gladly demonstrate on Malfoy," Harry said turning to glare at the Slytherin.

"Mr. Malfoy has already had it cast on him so that won't work."

"Well I'm sure that a student's spell wouldn't bother you much sir, maybe Harry could cast it on you to prove he learned the spell," Ron said surprising everyone.

The teacher was looking at him harshly but then the bell sounded to end the class. Hermione handed Harry his books and they all left. "Ron, that was brilliant. I can't believe you stood up to him like that," Harry said, followed closely by all the other Gryffindors. Ron was going very red but obviously liked the attention.

Hermione fell back next to Harry and said, "We should still tell Professor McGonagall about Steiger."

"Absolutely," Harry agreed.

Before their practice that night they went to Professor McGonagall and told her everything. The Professor seemed very annoyed. "You did the perfect thing by stating the rules Miss Granger. I don't know why we're still allowing that class here. I can assure you that there will be no punishment for refusing to knowingly inflict pain on other students."

"What about if he pairs us with Slytherin? They won't hesitate to use them on us," Harry asked.

"You can refuse that as well. I will speak with the Headmaster and try to prevent something like that from happening," McGonagall said.

Harry's Quidditch had started again and the French team had won their next two matches. This week they were playing Viktor Krum and Bulgaria the week before the Beauxbatons Ball. Harry was very nervous all week since Bulgaria was the only team to beat them last year. Harry had given his passes to Sirius, Kelly, Professor McGonagall and Hermione for this match.

They arrived at the stadium and wished Harry good luck before he went to the locker room. They heard the Bulgarian team being announced to loud boos until Krum came out. At this point everyone cheered. He was the best player in the league and everyone showed respect toward him. The crowd cheered just as loud when the French team was announced and it even got a bit louder when Harry came out. Harry tried to tune it out and concentrate on finding a way to beat Viktor. Harry met Viktor in the middle of the stadium and they wished each other good luck. Harry really admired how hard Viktor played the game and yet how he still treated Harry nicely.

The match started with a blur. Harry quickly tried to focus on help break up Bulgaria's scoring drives along with making sure Viktor didn't see the snitch first. The French team was every bit a match for the Bulgarian team this time. Viktor and Harry had both performed very dangerous feints but so far neither had crashed. Suddenly they saw the snitch and were both following it closely bumping into each trying to throw the other one off course. The snitch was heading straight for a tower when Viktor bumped Harry and caused him to veer off a little. Luckily, the snitch veered in the same direction and Harry didn't lose much distance. The two seekers were both able to stay right behind the snitch as it flittered all around the stadium. Each player had made a grab but had just missed. They were focusing exclusively on the snitch now and seemed to be closing in on it. Harry couldn't hear any sounds and as he was making another grab, he could feel another hand start to close, when suddenly; SLAM! Both seekers ploughed into one of the stand platforms and fell a good seven meters to the ground.

The crowd suddenly became silent with both seekers in a heap on the ground and no one knowing who had the snitch. The whistle was blown to stop play but the official couldn't call a winner since they didn't know if the snitch was caught or not. Once the medi-wizards got to the seekers, they huddled with the referee who blew his whistle again and yelled, "FRANCE WINS!" The crowd erupted in thunderous clapping but quickly died down once they saw both seekers being carried off on magical stretchers not moving at all.

Harry woke some time later to a familiar smell. He ached all over and thought he was in Madame Pomfrey's care. However the voice he heard wasn't familiar. Ah! You are awake. You had everyone worried.

Harry reached for his glasses but didn't find them. The lady with the voice presented them to him. Harry realized this wasn't Hogwarts. "Where am I?" Harry asked.

"This is the Mt. Rouge Hospital in Paris. You came here straight from the match. You two were much too foolish. It's just a silly game," the nurse was saying.

"Two? Is Viktor alright?" Harry asked.

"Yes, the other seeker left this morning. Broken arm, leg and concussion. You were a bit worse. Arm, collar bone and major concussion."

"Who won?" Harry asked.

The nurse laughed and said, "Well you did of course. Look at all the cards!" She pointed out a table that was lined with get-well cards. She also handed Harry his glasses.

At this point Harry heard the door open. "Harry! You finally woke up." Sirius came over and grabbed his hand. "How are you feeling? They said you had a major concussion."

"I'm just sore but feel pretty good since she just said we won!" Harry exclaimed.

"Winning makes the pain seem not so bad doesn't it?" Kristi said. He hadn't seen her come in behind Sirius.

"Kristi! We beat Bulgaria. I finally beat Krum. This is so great," Harry exclaimed.

They both laughed at him. "When can I leave?" Harry asked the nurse.

The nurse smiled at him and said, "I'll send the doctor in soon. I'm sure he'll keep you until at least tomorrow."

"Tomorrow! I don't want to miss any classes," Harry complained, not wanting to miss any school.

Sirius looked at him and said, "Harry you've been here two days already. You won't be getting back to class until Wednesday at the earliest."

"Two days! Have you been here the whole time?" he asked.

"Most of it. Kristi spent quite a bit of time here as well," Sirius said.

"Thanks you guys. You didn't have to do that Kristi," Harry said feeling bad that they had stayed for so long.

"I had to make sure to protect the team's investment didn't I? I wouldn't want them doing anything to keep you from playing again. Being out two days is bad enough," the beautiful chaser said.

"I've been out longer," Harry said with a smile. "I can't believe we beat Bulgaria."

The next afternoon they released Harry and he and Sirius apparated to Hogsmeade. Sirius talked him into a butterbeer before walking back to the school. All the patrons were congratulating him. There had been articles about how amazing he and Viktor played. Sirius walked him to the common room and told him how proud he was of his performance.

Harry went to his room and got the list of the homework he had missed. It was a good thing he had been ahead in some classes and had a free period. He should be able to catch up in a couple days. Harry went back down to the common room to study and was sitting in the back corner when some of the other students came in. Most didn't notice him at all. In fact it was Neville who first came running over. Soon Hermione came over and gave him a big hug. "How are you? We were so worried."

"I'm fine. No big deal. Can you believe we beat Bulgaria?" Harry said.

"What did you think you were doing? You ploughed right into the wall!" Hermione said sounding mad.

"I had to get the snitch," Harry said. "Ginny, help me out here. You're a seeker, tell her what I mean."

"Oh no. Hermione was furious and after hearing her describe what you did, there's no way I would have done it," Ginny said.

"We stayed until late that evening but then Professor McGonagall said we needed to return," Hermione said sounding upset.

"That's ok. Kristi and Sirius stayed with me," Harry said causing both Ginny and Hermione to flinch a little. "At least I got back before the ball," Harry said smiling at Hermione.

She had been so worried about him and angry that he could be so reckless while flying and yet when he looked at her with those eyes and smiled, she just melted. She didn't think it would be a good idea to let him have any idea about her feelings. They had agreed to be roommates, friends after school. Maybe that's all he would ever want. Merlin knows he's the nicest person she's ever known. Still wrapped up in her thoughts she finally heard. "Hermione. For the third time, will you please come to supper with me? I haven't eaten any good food in a few days." Looking up she saw Harry smiling and holding out his hand for her.

Harry had to force Hermione to come and practice elemental magic with him. She kept insisting that he needed to rest. In the end, he said he was going by himself and that got her to come along. She seemed to be more intent on making sure he was ok than in practicing herself. "I was really worried. The sound you two made when you hit the stadium was terrible," she said.

Harry smiled and said, "I'm glad I didn't hear it then. I didn't even know I had the snitch until the nurse told me after I woke up. I thought I was in Madame Pomfrey's ward until the nurse started speaking French." He hesitated and said, "Thanks for worrying about me. It means a lot."

"I just don't want you to back out of our deal to be roommates by getting yourself killed or anything," Hermione said trying to make a joke.

"If I do, I'll try to come back as a ghost and still be your roommate," he flashed back.

The day of the ball, they were all in Hogsmeade so the women could do some last minute shopping. Harry and Ron held back and followed the women around. They walked by the jewelry store why the women were trying on some clothes and Harry noticed a small simple necklace with what looked like a cat's-eye stone in the middle. It really looked like something Hermione would like so he bought it. The group headed back to the castle so the girls could start to get ready. Ron and Harry played a couple games of chess. "So are things getting serious between you two?" Harry asked.

Ron didn't really even get red and replied, "Maybe. It just feels right with her. We don't fight or anything, it's really nice."

"That's great. I'm really happy for you," Harry said honestly happy for Ron.

Ron looked at him and said, "So what about you? Are you two really dating?"

"No, I told you she's going with me because she feels sorry for me because of Cho. Hermione doesn't think of me that way," Harry said honestly feeling this way.

"But do you think of her that way?" Ron asked.

Harry thought for a second and said, "You know, more and more I do. But, I'd never do anything about it. I don't think things between you two are back to being perfect and I don't want that to happen to me."

The two friends headed upstairs to get ready and were easily back down before the girls were. The first down was Ginny who looked stunning. Ron had to keep saying things to the other boys who were making comments about her. She and Colin quickly went out the door. Parvati was next and Ron greeted her with a kiss and she took his arm and they left. Even though Harry always thought Ron would end up with Hermione, he was glad to see his friend so happy with Parvati.

The next minute Hermione came out and Harry was just amazed at how pretty she looked. Here she was, his best friend and now he was seeing her as one of the prettiest witches he knew. She was wearing a shimmering golden gown and had her hair pulled back. "You look amazing. Thank you for coming with me," Harry said meeting her on the bottom step.

She blushed as she said, "Thank you Harry."

She started to take his arm but he stopped her. "Here, I go this for you today." Harry held out the necklace.

"Harry! This is beautiful. You didn't have to do this." Hermione was floored by Harry's thoughtfulness.

"I wanted to celebrate our last school ball together. Actually our first and last school ball together. Here, let me put it on you," Harry went around and slipped the necklace around her neck. She lifted her hair so he could hook the clasp and he felt her jump a bit when his hands touched the back of her neck. Harry fumbled for a second but finally got the clasp hooked. "Now Miss Granger, let's go to France."

There were portkeys setup and when the couple arrived and stepped through the door into the hall, the French students started clapping and before long it was very loud. Some of the students came up to him and congratulated him on the match. It was the first time France had beaten Bulgaria in over fifty years. Harry kept trying to direct Hermione to the table where Ron had saved them seats. He whispered, "Sorry about that Hermione."

She smiled and said, "That's just part of the package, I can live with it." They only sat for a few minutes and Harry asked Hermione to dance.

"I don't think we'll be as adventurous this time," she joked.

"Whatever you say. You're the boss," Harry joked with his best friend.

"Don't forget that when we're living together," she said.

"Oh, are we going to live together or be roommates?" Harry said with a sly grin.

Hermione gave the same sly grin back and said, "Is there a difference?"

"Definitely," Harry responded.

The two friends danced for a couple songs and sat back down with Ron and the others. A few of the French girls had come up to ask Harry to dance but he always replied with, "Ah, thank you but I want to spend all my time with my date tonight."

Hermione kept blushing each time and finally Parvati asked, "Ok, what is he telling them."

Hermione wouldn't answer so Harry said, "I told them I want to spend all my time with my date thanks."

A bit later, Harry heard a familiar voice. "'Arry! All the girls are saying you won't dance with anyone other than your date. Say it isn't so." Gabrielle had come up behind them with a pout on her face.

Harry replied, "Then I'll pretend you're my date for a couple songs. Is that ok?" The young veela girl smiled brightly and pulled Harry to the dance floor. The Delacour women really knew how to dance, Harry thought. Just like at the last dance, Gabrielle led him around toward tables where she knew her friends were.

After a couple songs, he left Gabrielle at her table and went back to Hermione, "I hope that was ok with you?" he said smiling.

"Of course. I know you can't resist a veela," Hermione joked having a wonderful time with Harry. They had danced a few more times and were again sitting with the full table when Harry got a familiar feeling; a terribly familiar feeling. Suddenly he sat straight up and looked around.

Hermione noticed right away that something had changed with him; she could just feel the difference. "What's wrong Harry?"

Harry didn't answer immediately but then the feeling became stronger and he saw some of the younger students at the far end of the dance floor acting strangely. "Ron, Hermione, get the Hogwarts students back to the school. Dementors are coming."