Clarity

Finding the Answer

Luckily, Harry knew Ginny’s schedule and was able to grab her on her way to Divination. “Ginny I need to talk to you.” He looked stressed.

She figured it could probably wait until after her morning class. “Harry, I’m going to class. You’re going to have to wait.”

“This can’t wait. You need to skip it.” Harry said and started to pull her away from the tower.

“What the hell is going on, Harry?” Harry didn’t answer her, just continued to pull her to the Gryffindor common room.

She followed silently the rest of the way, but when the portrait door closed behind them she let him have it. “I can’t believe you! I can’t just skip class because you need to talk to me. What the hell is the problem?”

“You know what Ginny, I can’t deal with you yelling at me right now. This is serious. There was another prophecy.”

Ginny laughed like he was telling a joke. “Please Harry. What did it say, that Voldemort is going to win?” She sat on the couch and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Ginny,” Harry huffed, “This affects both of us. The prophecy basically said that I need to conceive a child if I want to win the war.” He looked at Ginny in anticipation.

Her mouth hung open wide. Harry took one of her hands and stroked it with his thumb to try and comfort her. When she finally caught her breath she spat, “I’m only 16, Harry. I still have a year left of school, you can’t possibly be asking me to carry your child.”

“I know this is a bit sooner than we assumed, and it may throw a wrench into the plans we’ve had; but this isn’t something that we can take lightly, Gin.” She looked into his eyes. He hadn’t called her Gin in a while. She saw the sincerity in his eyes and heard it in his voice. He was serious. “I’m not going to let you do this alone either. We are in this together.” He moved closer to her and took her chin in his hand. He pulled her face gently up to his for a kiss. It wasn’t anything he expected a kiss with the mother of his children to feel like. It was warm and sweet, but there was no passion behind it.

Ginny sighed and cuddled into his chest. It had been a while since they sat like this. She quickly contemplated her role in this. She got pregnant, and yes sacrificed a year at Hogwarts, but she knew that Dumbledore would never let her miss out on the last year of school. She wasn’t looking forward to being pregnant at 16, but if this was something she was going to have to do to save the Wizarding world, so be it. She looked up at Harry and said, “We are in this together. But just us two, I don’t want anyone else knowing about this that doesn’t have to; especially my family.” Harry nodded and she kissed him again. There still wasn’t any passion behind it, but it was deeper and spoke of want.

The manly wants of Harry came out quickly, “We have a few hours before people start showing up from lessons.” He smiled devilishly. Ginny couldn’t resist his smile and when he dipped his lips down to her neck, she was sold on the idea.

Scooping her up into his arms, he carried her up to his room. He knew this wasn’t an act of love, but rather desperation to get there quicker, he was a man after all – he had needs. When they got to the room he dropped her onto his bed. She giggled and quickly took off her shirt and pants, and lay seductively on his bed in her bra and panties. He smirked at her familiar, sexy form and pulled his shirt over his head. Harry silently hoped she’d come up to him and take of the rest of his close for him, but no such luck. “Hurry up and get undressed.” Ginny told him.

This isn’t a race, he huffed to himself. When he slipped off his pants, his erection was noticeable in his boxers. He climbed on the bed and started to kiss down Ginny’s body. He suavely took off her bra and started to tease her nipples with his tongue. Underneath him she slipped out of her panties. He frowned, “Are you in a rush, Ginny?”

“Not to end it, just to start it. I want you.” Harry held in his sigh and took off his boxers. He positioned himself outside her opening and ran his hands down her curvy body. There was no denying she was hot. Her red hair sprawled out over his pillow and her creamy skin contrasted his dark maroon bedspread. He was taking in the view when she slid down the bed, forcing his member inside her.

She giggled when she saw his shocked response. She took it as positive, but it was more closely to aggravation. He started to show his emotions, thrusting into her hard. She moaned with enjoyment underneath him and he spat out, “Sometimes you have the sex drive of a man.” She, once again, took this as a compliment, and giggled. She flexed her muscles, clamping around him and he groaned at the feeling.

He certainly wasn’t going to say she didn’t know how to please a man. He tried to push everything out of his mind and enjoy the feeling. He got to a state of such euphoria, that when he finally opened his eyes to tell her he was close, he was surprised to see Ginny there. He had, not necessarily imagined, but brought himself to the belief he was making love to someone else. Closing his eyes again he told her he was going to come soon. She coaxed him on with soft, dirty words and soon he was collapsing on top of her in ecstasy.

Knowing that she hated to stay in one spot after sex, he quickly rolled off of her and lay catching his breath on his back. “Well,” Ginny started. “I’m going to take a shower. Then we can go to lunch?” She patted his stomach lightly and walked to his bathroom. When he heard the shower turn on and the quiet humming, he grabbed his pillow, put it over his head and screamed in frustration.

He could honestly say that sex with Ginny was becoming less and less satisfying. Soon he heard the shower turn off, and he got up to take one before they went down to lunch.

After lunch:

He was running a little late for his study date with Hermione, but he couldn’t help but stop as he entered the library. She was beautiful. Even in her casual jeans and muggle t-shirt, the sight of her made Harry’s stomach flipped. All thoughts Ginny and what had just transpired between them left Harry. He leaned against the doorframe to the entrance of the library and watched her.

She worked so diligently and expertly. There was nothing that could distract her, and that made her even more beautiful. Merlin, Harry thought, What are you thinking? You’re with Ginny, you have to fulfill this prophecy. You are just friends with her. Anyway, she’s with Seamus right? He shook his head clear just as Hermione glanced up at him. Her smile was darling.

Hermione had felt someone’s eyes watching her. She tried to ignore it for a while, but finally curiosity got the better of her. She picked up here head, and there was Harry, leaning casually on the doorframe staring at her. Her heart skipped a beat as he returned her smile with a charming grin. He made his way over to her and said, “I’m sorry I’m late, Mione. I got caught up on something.”

She shrugged her shoulders, “I figured something came up. I knew you wouldn’t blow me off, especially after all that talk this morning.” She said with a wink.

Harry chuckled, “Well you know, I’m not all talk, Mione.” They smiled at each other. Harmless flirting, just harmless flirting, both thought to themselves at the same time. Without another word they buckled down and worked on potions.

Once and a while Harry would ask Hermione a question about an ingredient or characteristic. It wasn’t until Seamus came by the table that Harry became thoroughly distracted. The fury he had felt earlier that morning had surfaced again, and his face become extremely contorted.

“Hey Hermione, I just wanted to give you back the book I borrowed from you. Thanks a lot.” Seamus smiled down at her causing Harry’s hands to clench.

“Sure of course Shay! Anytime!” Hermione smiled up at him as he left. She saw that look in Harry’s eyes again and shot him a confused look. “What’s your problem Harry?”

“Uh..I..I..well. Is it true that you and him are secretly dating?” Harry stammered out.

Hermione laughed heartily causing Harry to huff, “No Harry. Why would you believe such a silly rumor? Seamus is a friend, he thinks of me as one of the guys. He’s your friend too. One of us would have told you before Ginny gossiped it to you.” Hermione shook her head and looked at Harry for a response.

“Oh well. Yea I guess it was silly of me to assume it was true.”

“Is that why you glared at me this morning? And where were you running off too?”

“Uh yea, I guess I was just upset you hadn’t told me. And I had a meeting with Dumbledore.” Harry answered quickly.

Hermione looked worried, “With Dumbledore? About the war? What’s going on?”

Harry desperately wanted to tell her about the prophecy, but he knew he couldn’t. That was between him and Ginny and that was it. So he replied in a calming voice, “Mione, calm down.” He took her hand and shiver ran up his spine. When he started to stroke her hand with his thumb, the connection between them was immense. He lost his train of thought. Gradually, still holding her hand, he finished, “Everything is fine. I think everything will be fine.” For the first time in over a year he was calm. Just holding her hand released the tension from his back and everything escaped his mind. It wasn’t until someone started to yell at the librarian that they were snapped out of their trance.

Hermione gave Harry a small smile, nodded her head and went back to work. After a few minutes she looked up to find Harry re reading his potions essay. “And Harry,” Harry looked up and smiled, “I don’t tell you everything.” Whether it was meant to be flirty or true or both, Harry had no idea. All he knew was there was hidden meaning behind it and he needed to find it out. Find out the truth.

The rest of their study session was held in silence. There were a few mindless stares, at separate times and at the same time. Neither one of them could figure out the meaning, but both didn’t want to question it. They finished the essay at the same time, and decided to exchange them to go over, and revisit them together tomorrow.

On the walk back to the tower they started talking again. “So how are you and Ginny?” Harry looked sheepishly at Hermione after her question.

He sighed and answered, “Fine, really just fine.”

Hermione linked her arm into his. Being close to Hermione made him want to forget about Ginny. “Now I know Ginny and I don’t get along that well, Harry, but you’re my best friend. We can talk about this. What’s going on?” Please tell me you want to break up with her, please.

Harry put his hand over hers that was on his arm and squeezed it slightly. “Well, Mione, it’s just not going anywhere. And I think we are just in this really big rut, and to tell you the truth it’s just not fun anymore. I’m settled in it is all. There is no excitement there anymore.” He thought about his sex life and his face reddened. He led them out into the grounds.

“Oh. Harry.”

“Well that’s the way it’s supposed to be though, isn’t it? I save the world and come home to my childhood sweetheart and the world watches in awe. That’s been the plan for a while now.”

“That’s not how it has to be, Harry.” Hermione whispered. You can save the world and come home to me, instead. They sat together under a tree by the lake, taking in the beginning of spring.

Harry looked at Hermione, his Hermione and brushed some loose curls out of her eyes, “You are always watching out for me. Do I do the same for you?” He didn’t move his hand, but left it on her cheek as she answered.

“I know you’d move the world for me, Harry. You just don’t have anytime for me anymore. With saving the world and keeping your relationship with Ginny.”

Harry suddenly had the urge to wrap her up in his arms and never let go. Instead he tilted her head to his lips and kissed it. He kept his lips there for a few seconds, breathing in her honey scent, and sighed as he let go of her cheek. “I’ll correct that. Lets hangout this weekend? Just you and me? Secret trip to Hogsmead?”

Hermione giggled and moved closer to him as a cool breeze blew. He put his arm around her and told himself it was too keep a friend warm, but he couldn’t help but notice how perfectly she fit there. “I wish I could, but Lav and I are going shopping in London this weekend.”

He chuckled, “You begged Dumbledore to let you, his golden student, out for the weekend? Nice.” They laughed together. And then with all the seriousness and care he could muster, which didn’t take a lot, he whispered, “Well I’ll miss you.” She looked up at him in surprise. Her honey hazel eyes met his emerald green ones and she wished for everything in the world that he would kiss her. His face was getting closer and closer to hers, and then as if the Gods were working against them, a huge clap of thunder let loose and rain poured from the sky.

Shrieking in surprise from the sudden sheet of cold water, the two got up from where they were sitting and ran, holding hands, to the castle. The water was coming down to fast to be soaked into the ground, so they had to run through many puddles along the way. At a particularly large one, close to the castle, Harry stopped and splashed some water at Hermione with his feet. She shrieked and splashed him back. They fought like this for a while, laughing hysterically. Harry couldn’t remember the last time he had hung out with Hermione like this, let alone have this much fun with anyone.

As she went to splash him again, she tripped over a hidden rock and went flying. Luckily Harry was there and grabbed her before she fell in the puddle. They stood there, as close as they could be while still wearing clothes. They didn’t move, but instead searched each other’s souls and let the rain pour down around them. Just when he thought he might kiss her, she pulled him into a tight hug. He whispered, “Something’s going on here, Mione. I don’t know what, but I like it.” Oh Merlin! They thought together. He felt her nod into his chest and she hugged on tighter. He’d never noticed how tiny she really was; next to his muscular tall frame, she seemed so fragile. He picked her up, and with her head still in his neck, he walked back into the castle.

Unfortunately, Ginny, and the rest of the school, was walking out of the Great Hall at the very moment Harry was carrying Hermione up to the common room. “What’s going on, Harry?” She gave him a jealous and confused look.

“Uh.” He searched for an explanation. “I. Uh. We were walking out side when it started to rain and on the run back she tripped and hurt her ankle.”

“It’s ok, Harry. I think I can walk, you can put me down now.” Hermione chimed in. As he put her down, his hand brushed the skin on her stomach; a scorching heat numbed her skin. Harry felt it too, and looked down at Hermione. She, however, could not look back up at him, because Ginny had locked eyes with her. Harry saw Hermione smirk, causing Ginny to huff loudly, grab Harry’s hand and pull him away from Hermione.

Not wanting to start an argument in front of the entire school, Harry waited until they were out of earshot to lay it on her. “What the hell do you think you were doing back there?”

“What was I doing?” Ginny barked. “You’re the one that was carrying another girl around the grounds like you’re in love with her or something.” The words hit him like a ton of bricks. Am I in love with Mione?

“You’re being ridiculous. She was hurt and she’s my friend! Stop overreacting!” He was fuming, although he didn’t know why. Was it because Ginny was, yet again, being childish, or because he couldn’t believe he didn’t realize his feelings for Hermione sooner? Whatever the reason, it fueled the argument between him and Ginny. For hours they argued over the simple thing, going in circles repeating each other and contradicting themselves. Finally Harry gave up.

“You’re ridiculous. I’m not fighting with you about this any longer. I have to go over some homework, and it’s getting late. We aren’t resolving it, we are just making it worse.” With that he left her alone and walked up to his dorm.

It wasn’t until after he had fallen asleep, and was dreaming pleasantly, that Ginny came and abruptly woke him up again.

“I’m sorry, Harry. I know she’s your friend. And we shouldn’t be arguing about this anyway, because it’s me you’re with. And I’m sorry I overreacted.” She pouted a little waiting for him to respond.

He sleepily moved over in his bed and motioned for her to lie down next to him. After he did so, he kissed her forehead quickly and said, “Lets go to bed.” He couldn’t muster up anything else to say. She had made him realize his feelings for Hermione, and now she was apologizing. He should be the one apologizing, but he couldn’t be sorry for how he felt toward Hermione, he couldn’t.

Soon after he dozed back off asleep, but Ginny couldn’t fall asleep. She kept remembering the happy, blissful face he had before she woke him up. What, or who, was he dreaming of?