The Power of Nomrah

Chapter 9
Thoughts and Decisions

Along with the sound of broken tree branches, the sound of rain trickled outside a pane glass window. Beyond the window, the rain poured down on trees and birds nests; while chipmunks sat quietly inside, free from Mother Nature’s furry. Clouds gathered darkly above, releasing angry strikes of lightning and thunderous shacking sounds. The storm released its anger on the world down below. Destroying strong healthy trees and patio furniture, the lightening tore its murderous electricity, erupting flames of blazing fire. The fire skirted along trees and grass, killing everything in its way. Blazing light surrounded the house, inching its way closer and closer towards its goal of destruction. A blast of white light erupted from the quiet home. Light shone through thorm,orm, forcing the storm to back down away from its target. Soon enough, the lightening had stopped along with the sounds of trickling rain and the swinging of branches. The air was smelled of honeydew; the sweet sounds of birds chirping, and chipmunks echoed in the breeze. The air was peaceful and filled with serenity. Dropping his wand to his side, Harry Potter watched as the clouds drifted apart to reveal a gloriousm tom touch to his face.

Feeling pleased with himself, he stepped back into the house. Hermione needed her sleep, and the storm was causing her body to shift back and forth beneath the cotton sheets that laid atop of her illustrious bodily form. He felt the need to protect and free her from worry; she had been through so much. He wondered why she didn’t tell him of the torments she was going through with Snape. Was she embarrassed of what he might say, or embarrassed of what was being done to her? Harry didn’t know. He didn’t know how long this was going on, and he hoped that once things settled down, she would open up to him – and feel free to tell him anything. He was worried that she would distance herself from him since he now knew what had happened to her. Harry worried about this, because whenever Hermione felt vulnerable, she always distanced herself because she felt vulnerable. The situation with Ron was no different; she left him because she felt betrayed and vulnerable. His actions forced her to change her relationship with him. Harry often thought that it never really recovered; the animosity she once had for Ron had drifted away slightly but the feeling of loss had haunted her. Harry could see these things; he understood what it was doing to her. Harry wanted to help, but didn’t know how.

He treated her in a way that only he knew how; friendship and understanding. He had stayed by her side throughout their adult lives, and he never regretted a moment. But, now things were different…. they were lovers (if that’s what it was called). The one time they had celebrated their love for one another; he wasn’t able to carry on that relationship. Since the realization of his relationship with Patricia, Harry had grown weak and desperate for what is right then what he wanted to do. He felt a need to be with Patricia, an obligation to stand by her. But the fact was that he loved Hermione Granger, and he couldn’t just watch his only love drift further and further out of his life. He felt a binding decision that would change his whole life, a pull that was tightening his relationships. He needed to stay with Patricia and help her through the tough trials she was going through, but then Hermione would be left to defend for herself. Harry just couldn’t bring himself to do that to the one woman, who knew all his secrets, who knew what kind of person he was, and who knew the real Harry Potter and not just a face in the Daily Prophet. This decision was haunting and terrorizing his mind.

Things were changing in him, and even her. He needed to figure out what he was going to do, and work it out. He either needed to tell Patricia that he would be there for her, thus letting Hermione down (saying that the relationship couldn’t go beyond friendship). Or, he would have to break the news to Patricia about his relationship with
Hermione and leave her to deal with her problems alone. This was way too much for one person Harry thought; the burden was unbearable. Harry sighed; he placed his head in his hand, and let a single tear scrape his cheek.
~~

The sheets felt like kisses of heaven… the feeling of soft cotton against her chest and legs made Hermione felt complete relaxation. This was the same feeling she would feel when Harry would graze his fingertips upon her back, sliding them around in big circles and long strides; tickling her skin. The relaxation and feeling of peace made Hermione feel more calm and rested. Sleeping and settling down caused her to feel free of worry and tribulations. These feelings slowly dissipated for she was waking up, and she knew she would have to deal with Harry and how things were with Snape. She felt nervous, and realized how worried she felt about the situation. He was going to be angry with her for staying silent through the whole ordeal. She knew Harry Potter, and she knew how he would act when he found out about what had happened to her – and how long it had been going on.

Hermione didn’t know how Harry felt towards her – did he really feel for her, or was the other night one of his flings? She knew it was a horrible to think about – it was Harry…. she had been through so much with him; she just had her doubts. Harry was a caring person, but Hermione felt that Patricia was a problem. He cared deeply for people, and Hermione felt threatened by who he might choose. Harry was the type of person who did what was right instead of what he wanted to do. It’s what Hermione loved the most about him. He was a caring individual, who looked out for others more then he did for himself. If he did choose to continue the relationship with Patricia, it would break her heart. The thought of him going back to her, after what they had done, tore Hermione’s heart into pieces. She wanted Harry for herself – she hated the idea of him being with that bitch. She didn’t care if Patricia had gone through hell – Hermione still hated the slut. Patricia didn’t deserve Harry, she deserved a Draco Malfoy; a man that cared for no one but himself.

But that wasn’t Hermione’s decision – it was Harry’s. If he didn’t choose eveneven if he was thinking about her, Hermione would be devastated. She loved Harry more now then ever, and being separated from the one best friend who she had loved since she was a child would ruin her. It would destroy and kill her. Tossing and turning, she finally rolled on her back to face the wall in front of her. There was a chair – Harry was seated, reading a book- unknown of her awakened presence. Sliding the covers off her naked legs, she slipped up into a sitting position, trying to get Harry’s attention.

Watching his eyelids lift from the book, she watched as his eyes gazed at her. “He has beautiful green eyes,” Hermione thought to herself. They were intoxicating and full of energy and love. He smiled as he saw her look back at him. Harry was wearing a different shirt then he was last night, along with a pair of slacks. He looked different Hermione thought; he wore a facial expression of relief.

Tying her hair back, she slid to the side of the bed and straightened her legs to a standing position. Grabbing her robe off the nearest wall, she smiled at Harry awkwardly – for some reason, she felt strange around him now. The feeling of embarrassment was definitely affecting her. She wanted so badly to discuss what happened, but felt something holding her back; a feeling of pressure and resistance towards him. Hermione wanted so badly for their relationship to succeed, but everything in the world was causing it to fall and collapse. There just was only one thing she could do – talk to Harry and hope for the best.

~~

Ron sat at the closest table to the entrance, in hopes she would see him immediately (if she came). Ron didn’t doubt that she would show – she may not want to be with him. But, she was still a respectful person and wouldn’t stand him up – or would she? Palms sweaty, butterflies fluttering in his abdomen, Ron waited. He hoped that they could work things out; he really felt that she was a woman who would be a wonderful partner. The feeling he was getting whenever she walked into a room was increasing with stamina. The way her hair flowed back and forth when she walked made Ron feel a thunderous power, a power that was more then he could ever be.

Watching people come in and out of the restaurant, Ron started to worry. What if she really was standing him up? He didn’t know what he would do when he went into work the next day; probably a feeling of humility and cowardice – feeling he usually experienced on a daily basis. Laughing to himself, he looked around the tables; other witches and wizards were eating with their families and loved ones. This made Ron think of Hermione… there was no reason he acted the way he did the other day. Ron had lost his chance with Hermione, and he really needed to apologize to Hermione and Harry. It was probably nothing, anyhow. Suddenly there was a voice coming from the back of thom, om, yelling Ron’s name. Jerking his head around, Ron smiled; it wasn’t the person he was expecting. The girl waved and Ron ushered her over to his table. It was the lovely Cho Chang, and old girlfriend of Harry’s. She was looking lovelier then he last imaged her. Her long shiny black hair ran along the lavender cloak she advertised – till this day, she still had class.

When she reached the window table, Ron instantly smiled and gave her a hug. Stepping back he looked at her once more; she was outstanding. “Well it’s a nice surprise to see you,” Cho said finally smiling dly.dly.

“It is! What have you been up to?” Ron agreed, and asked urgently. The last time he could of remembered seeing her was at graduation, when she had gave her goodbye’s and set off to Scotland to study abroad.

Cho smiled, and placed her hands through her black hair. This make Ron a little too excited, “I just got back from Scotland, and I am going to start working for the Department of Dark Sorcery”, she said sounding excited.

Amazed Ron yelled back, “the Department of Dark Sorcery? Well I work there, along with Harry!”

Laughing, Cho smiled back, “really? I heard about Harry, but I didn’t know that you were working there also. Well, that’s just great! It will be like old times.”

They laughed for a few more minutes. Cho said she had to meet up with some friends and told Ron that she would see him in a few days. Saying their goodbyes, Ron was interrupted by a tap on his shoulder – it was Melissa.

“Oh hey,” Ron said, sounding flustered. Red cheeked, he introduced Cho to Melissa. Knowing Melissa’s facial expressions, she wasn’t impressed with Cho – she simply waved her off. Understanding the situation, Cho gave one last smile and patted Ron on the shoulder, leaving the two of them to their business.

~~

Harry’s eyes traveled around the room watching Hermione wash her face with water. She definitely looked better, and more relaxed. He hoped that she was feeling a little more calm and forthcoming for their discussion. He wanted to get the discussion over with and wanted to speak with her about what he wanted to do with their relationship. After days of liberation, he had finally made up his decision. He didn’t want to think any further about what his plans were, he made up his mind.

Watching her clean herself was an important task, it was now eight in the morning and it seemed that she was getting ready for work, but Harry would insist she stay in. They wouldn’t be needing her back at work for awhile anyway, especially for what had occurred the days beforehand. Getting out of his chair, he walked over to the scrubbing queen. Putting his hand on her shoulder and grabbing the cloth away from her face, she watched him look through her mirror; he shook his head. Placing the cloth down he turned her around, and looked into her eyes. They were filled with sadness, and worry. Harry ed, ed, “Hermione we need to talk about some things”. Realizing that she couldn’t put it off any longer she agreed and followed him out onto her bedroom terrace. On the terrace were two comforter lawn chairs along with a table that accompanied a plate full of food. Astonished Hermione smiled at Harry, he returned the sentimentalism. Feeling a little uneasy Hermione quickly took a seat next to Harry.

Looking into each others eyes, Harry began to feel pain and sorrow at the same time. He wanted to know everything about what had happened with Snape, but at the same time felt he needed to be prepared for what he was about to hear.

“Hermione, I want you to listen to what I have to say. Please understand that before I start, that I love you dearly as a best friend and as a lover.” Harry said clearing his throat. Feeling conscientious, Harry turned his head for a slight second, but then returned eye contact and continued. “Ever since that afternoon, I have been really thinking about us, and where are trust level stands. I flikelike there is distance between what our friendship really consists on. I feel that I tell you everything, I may have secluded my sexual experiences and relationships, but through out I have been contained that level of honesty. Now I know the situation with Severus…..”

Harry paused and watched as Hermione shifted in her chair uncomfortably, Harry coughed and continued. “I feel that, that situation was different, and emotionally and physically damaging, and can be hard for a person to deal with. I also understand that it may have been extremely difficult to share it with me; and thus not figuring out until later on.” Harry solemnly announced, himself now shifting in his seat uncomfortably.

“Tell me how long this experience was taking place, without you notifying anyone.”? Harry asked now placing his hand on Hermione’s knee.

Hermione glanced at his hand and placed hers atop of his, “It has been since my first month working there” Hermione said now shacking.

Rubbing her knee Harry tried to calm her down, “A month, hun you have been working there for years.” Harry said looking shocked.

“I know”, Hermione said stuttering her words; crying to herself. Feeling uneasy Harry moved his way over to Hermione’s chair and placed himself beside her.

“It’s okay, we don’t have to discus that right now, Harry said unaware what was to come next, and he then remembered and frowned.

“Hermione….there is something else I need to tell you.” Harry asked, now pulling Hermione away from him to face his eyes.

“I have seriously been going through some ordeals at work and with Patricia. As you may know, she has been going through some situations at the Department, and needs extra and careful care. I feel that she will need more support then ever. I also feel that I need to be with her for this period of time. I need to get some information out of her, while I protect and comfort her. She needs someone to help her with the struggles and complications.” Harry paused to see the expression on Hermione’s face. It was filled with sadness and anger. That is why I have come to the conclusion, and I am extremely saddened by this…..that I must end our relationship and where it stands as of now.” Harry said silently, tears now flowing down his cheek. Hermione I am soo….” But Harry was cut short; Hermione waved her hand at him ushering him out of her sight, tears now flowing freely from her grieved expression. Harry did as he was told and walked back into her room and outside her door, only to look back once to see Hermione’s head in her hands shaking.


~~

Ron watched Cho slowly walk back to her table, turning around he saw Michelle staring at him with a menacing glare; a glare that would trouble his nights. Smiling with a tremor to his feet, he slowly walked back to his own table. Sitting across from him sat Melissa in a maroon cloak, with her long gorgeous auburn hair tantalizing her shoulders. Her beauty was intoxicating.
.
Watching him sit there staring at her made her feel uncomfortable and conscientious, she may be physically attracted to the guy, but she also was not mentally attracted to him. So, whenever he starred at her in that way, it made her feel used and mistreated. She didn’t know why she was starting to feel that way, maybe it was her feelings she was having for a certain other individual. The individual that made her heart skip beats, that made her feet run with thunder when this certain individual walked near her. But Ron wasn’t this person, he was a man that made her loins quiver, but that was the end of her sexual escapades with Ron.

Looking back at him she smiled softly and remained quiet. She needed to focus on Ron and Ron alone, the mysterious man couldn’t make his way into her visions, if it continued it would ruin her. Pretending to be interested in Ron, she smiled widely…thinking of ways she would destroy him, and gradually improve her reputation among the people she worked for. This was her first real assignment, and she wasn’t going to have the bloody swanker ruin her chances of power and control. Just because he was a great fuck and knew his way around the bedroom, didn’t mean that she was going to let the bastard dominate and ruin her chances at triumph! Thinking about how Ron could move his way into her life made her sick to her stomach. If there was any other way to control the issue, she would do it….but there weren’t any. She didn’t see any other ways of dealing with the situation; she would just have to sleep with the boggart.

She imagined how it would be to sleep with Ron again; it might just be worth the hassle after all. The one night escapade they had sure was enthralling and just the release she needed. Working for two sides of the law was surely enriching, but it did get overwhelming at times. The only time she felt really at ease was when she was in the presence of a certain individual, the man of the hour. But he wasn’t here right now and he would never be with her; for he was a man who walked alone. Melissa didn’t know how he felt for her, but she goddamn knew it wasn’t what she felt. There wasn’t the feeling of lust and desire. No, he was a complicated puzzle that she would never unscramble ….an evil villain that attributed his loins to other women then her. She was heartbroken by his choosing and the way he treated her from day to day. He cared for her not, and it killed her. He hardly ever noticed her presence when she would present herself befoim aim and his minions. He was a selfish bastard, but she cared for him. She couldn’t help how she felt, she was only a witch! How evil could she become to have him notice her….it really traumatized her soul.

Watching her shack her eyes back and forth from him to her plate was antagonizing, how could he feel this way to a woman he hardly new. He felt like this with Hermione, but he had known Hermione for quite sometime…and they were best friends. There was a difference here. Maybe it was the fact that she was his boss, and the dangerous aspect of getting caught was in the air. Ron didn’t know what was going on with his hormones, but he certainly liked the feelings he was experiencing. Ron looked up at her and thought how he was going to bring up the subject about the two of them….he really didn’t know what he was going to say, and how to approach it. Sure when he wrote her that letter of invitation to dinner, he had contemplated what he might say, but now having her only a few inches from him, the line was corny and ridicules.

Why was it always him that had the problems with the women? Harry never had been in this type of situation; he had always been smooth with the ladies…and of course always won them over. It was his fame that mostly made them wet, but he knew how to speak to a woman. Harry had a sense of ease, and style that made them flock his way. Ron just ended up stuttering and making insensitive comments. He was a boy living in a man’s body what could he say. How was he to accomplish this endeavor when he was a man who had never been in any serious relationship before? The last relationship that he had encountered lasted about a month. His relationships never passed the two month mile, except his relationship with Hermione, and he knew he wasn’t going to have a chance with her again…so why dwell on the past. He needed to focus on what was in front of him, and how he was going to succeed in the challenge, and what a challenge it would be.