Embracing the Real Us

Toy Trains

Platform 9 and ¾ was buzzing with anticipation of the new school year. Harry, Draco, Hermione and Layla stood observing the scene with Narcissa at their backs. Layla stood with her auburn hair curled around her face, her heavy green eyeliner surrounding her ice blue eyes. The words, Ice Princess, written in sparkled letters on her bright green tube top. Hermione stood next to her in her white leather jacket and white silk skirt. Their hands entwined, Hermione watched for the redhead she knew would pitch a fit. Harry stood next to Hermione with his favorite choker around his neck in a tight black t-shirt showing off his muscles. His shoulders were a little slumped, not used to putting himself on display like he was, but Draco had told him he looked good, so he wore it anyway. Draco stood with his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes lined with black eye liner scanned the crowds for the other Slytherins.

“We should get on Harry and get a compartment, these two need to get to their Prefect meeting.” Layla said after the group had said their goodbyes to Narcissa.

“Yeah, alright, see you guys in a bit.” Harry said before leading Layla off to find an empty compartment. Hermione and Draco went to the front of the train to meet with the rest of the prefects.

“Here’s one.” Harry said and they moved inside, Harry sprawled himself out on one side and Layla sat near the window on the other.

“I hope the little Weasel doesn’t come looking for me.” Harry moaned. “I don’t want to tell him off without ‘Mione around.”

“Don’t think you could handle it Harry?”

“Oh no, I just think that she’d want a piece of him too.” The two laughed and then the compartment door opened. In walked Ron and Ginny Weasley.

“You two haven’t seen Harry Potter and Hermione Granger have you?” Ron asked Harry’s arm was across his face effectively hiding his identity from the two redheads.

“She’s at the prefect meeting. As for YOUR Harry, he is gone, forever, I’m afraid. But, if you’d like to wait however, I’m sure Hermione will be back soon.” Harry sneered.

“Yes, do come in, Hermione would love to see you I'm sure.” Layla smiled sweetly at them. The two Weasley teens just stared for a moment before sitting next to Layla.

“How long do you think they’re going to be?” Layla asked ignoring Ron and Ginny.

“Hopefully not too long.” Harry replied as his mind drifted to the blonde in question. His thoughts traveled back to that morning when he’d accidentally walked in on the blonde exiting the shower. Water dripping down his newly cleaned body, his hair matted to his head. Steam rising off his body and- Harry was wrenched from his musings when there was a loud gasp coming from the boy Weasley.

“Hermione?” Ginny gasped. The brunette looked away from her conversation with Draco to see the two redheads.

“Sorry ‘Mione, but I had to let them see you.”

“You look amazing ‘Mione.” Ron said and got up to hug her. She crossed her arms.

“Right then. What happened to Harry, this guy here said he was gone.” Behind Ron Harry sat up and Hermione laughed when Harry shrugged.

“A lot of things happened this summer.’ She started, ‘For instance, Harry and I decided that, with the acceptance of our real selves, and the decision to stop being Dumbledore's puppets, that you and the rest of the Gryffindors really don't fit. Take Harry for instance, you obviously aren’t as good a friend as you claimed to be if you can’t even recognize him.”

Ron whipped around and stared open mouthed at his emerald eyed friend. Ginny jumped up from her seat and stepped towards Hermione.

“What is going on Hermione?”

“She and I are done doing what everyone wants us to do. We’re done being who people expect us to be. From now on, we are embracing the real us.”

“And the real us, I’m afraid to say, want nothing to do with you.” Hermione stepped aside, making room in the doorway. “Now, if you don’t mind, we would all appreciate it if you left.” Ron and Ginny stood frozen staring at their now former friends.

“Now!” Harry barked.

“You heard the man, LEAVE!” Draco yelled and the two redheads were shoved out the door to the sounds of laughter in the compartment.

“That felt good.” Hermione said as she sat down and leaned into Layla’s waiting arms.

“No, that felt wonderful.” Draco reclined next to Harry. Harry looked over at his best friend and noticed the slight sweat forming on her brow and the look of pain behind her eyes.

“Hermione and I will be right back, if the trolley comes by make sure to get us something good.” Harry said before leading her down the hall into another empty compartment. Once inside he locked the door and put up silencing charms.

“How are you feeling? Are you okay? Do you need one of your potions?” He asked quickly.

“I’ll be fine Harry, just the usual. Do I look that bad?” She asked him.

“No, but I know you ‘Mione.” Hermione sat down and looked up at her friend.

“It’s getting worse Harry. I can feel it. Madam Pomfrey can give me a stronger potion for the pain and I’m going to fight it until I can see that bastard dead Harry, but I don’t think I can fight it forever.” Harry fell to his knees in front of her and took her in his arms.

“Why did this have to happen to you of all people, why not me, hell, I’m bound to die anyway killing that maniac, you shouldn’t have to come with me because of this mess.”

“Yes well, not even the wizarding world can come up with a cure for cancer Harry.”

“Are you going to tell her?”

“I’m not sure. Besides my parents and Madam Pomfrey, you’re the only one who knows. I might, if things get any more serious then they already are, but for now, we’re just having fun, and there is no use ruining it by telling her I’m dying. Now, Harry, you need to just jump him do you hear me, the whole sitting next to each other, but not near each other and the tension, Harry, the damn tension, it’s got to stop. If you don’t do something soon, Layla and I are going to throw the two of you into a closet and ward the doors so you can’t come out until you’ve shagged, a lot. Do I make myself clear?” Harry started laughing against her chest.

“Yes Ma’am!” He saluted to her and they started their walk back to Draco and Layla.

“Everything okay?” Layla asked when they returned and resumed their positions.

“Of course.” Hermione sighed as she settled back into Layla. Both girls watched Harry and Draco glance at each other off and on for close to an hour. One would look, and then look away quickly when the other would look back. Every once in awhile one of them would move just a tiny bit closer to the other. The girls couldn’t take it anymore. They had to spill the beans or nothing would ever get done. They exchanged looks before sitting up and crossing their arms.

“Alright. That’s it.” Layla started.

“We’ve had quite enough.”

“Harry, Draco is in love with you.” Layla said. Draco started to protest, but Hermione cut him off.

“Draco, Harry is in love with you.” Harry’s face turned deep red.

“I swear Draco Corbett Malfoy, if you do not take him and kiss him right this minute I will hex all your underpants into a brilliant shade of pink and make sure everyone sees you wearing them.” Layla threatened. The two boys looked at each other. Silver eyes met green and each realized that what the girls said was true, they loved each other. However, they didn’t want their first kiss to be forced and demanded of them.

“I will kiss him when I am good and ready to.” Draco declared and pulled Harry onto his lap. “Does this make you happy?” At the nods of the two girls Draco looked up at Harry.

“Don’t give me that look.’ Harry cried, ‘You could have said something too. I do recall a specific conversation we had not too long ago.”

“Fine, fine. You win. We should probably get changed into our robes, we’re nearly there.” Harry made no move to get up off of Draco.

“Potter.”

“Malfoy.” The girls started laughing as they put on their school robes. Hermione sneered at her Gryffindor emblem.

“You need to move Harry.”

“Nope. I don’t want to.” With that Harry wrapped his arms around Draco’s neck.

“Not that I don’t love the thought of having you on my lap, we do need to get changed so we can go get you resorted.” Then he shoved Harry off of him, landing him on the floor open mouthed.

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The four made their way to the Thestral drawn carriages. Crabbe, Goyle, Blaise and Pansy saw them and rushed over. When they recognized Harry and Hermione they lost it.

“What the hell is going on Draco?” Blaise screamed.

“What is the Mudblood doing here?” Pansy screeched. Layla slapped Pansy hard across the face.

“You will refrain from insulting my girlfriend.” Layla growled before leading Hermione into the carriage.

“You’ll see what’s going on soon enough Blaise.” Draco said before entering the carriage himself. Harry followed after him and then they were moving towards the castle.

“Girlfriend?” Hermione whispered.

“Well, I think after a month we’re more than just friends don’t you think?” Hermione smiled and nodded before resting her tired head on Layla’s shoulder.

“Aren’t they just precious?” Draco teased.

“Oh yes, so very, adorable, I’d say.” The brunette goaded.