winter in hogsmeade - hermione granger fanfic

ch. 10 - the slug club

The words Ginny said were ringing in my ears ever since I left breakfast this morning.

I was currently getting dressed for potions, pondering how I could possibly go about this situation without hurting someone. I wasn't paying any kind to what I was actually doing, just mindlessly putting my robes on.

"Hey, you alright?" Addi asked, interrupted my racing thoughts. "Yeah, sorry just thinking too much." My only goal was just to get through potions, should be easy enough. Or so I thought.

In the way there, I was ignoring everything Pansy and Draco were talking about. I was too focused on not running into Hermione or Harry on the way there. We walk through the large brown doorway leading to potions, greeted by Professor Slughorn with his cheeky smile.

I was trying hard to seem happy to be there in front of him, but there was nothing to be happy about at the time. Hermione, Harry, and Ron were now looking our way, I avoid all their eyes until I'm forced to sit next to Hermione, who is awkwardly squirming in place.

She's probably just as uncomfortable as me right now, and I hate to think she feels that way. "Hey guys." I say simply. Ron waves and smiles at me cheerfully, but Hermione and Harry do nothing.

"Alright class, today we learn how to brew different healing potions." Slughorn began class.

"Are you okay?" Hermione leaned over to whisper. I was taken back by her question.

At least she's talking to me now. I thought for a moment before replying, "I'm alright." I give her a half smile. ainstead of saying anything, she reached under the table and squeezed my hand softly. I was so confused and nothing she was saying or doing was helping that confusion.

Maybe it was more than just a kiss.

I expected her to let go of my hand and give her attention back to Slughorn, but she never let go.

She let her hand resting on top of mine, as she looked back to the front of the class. After that, class felt like a blur and before I knew it, Professor Slughorn was dismissing us. I was hardly even hearing the words, just taking them in without a second thought.

"I will see you all tomorrow," He paused. Everyone started grabbing their bags and heading towards the exit, when he spoke again.

"Harry, Hermione and Natalie, will you stay back for a minute." Slughorn called after us.

Ron looked slightly relieved and offended at the same time, but he left after a short goodbye.

We all exchanged a look of confusion and worry, and we approached his desk at the front. I wanted to talk to you all abo.."

"We're in trouble aren't we?" Hermione blurts out, visibly nervous about being held back. She sounded like she's already guessed all the worst possible outcomes of this conversation.

"Uh.. no Miss Granger, I wanted to invite you three to my dinner party this Friday," He smiles, "It's a thing I always do, invite students that I like with to have dinner with me."

He seemed very excited about this dinner party he mentioned, but when I saw Hermione's face, I knew she was thinking the same thing as me.
I should accept, he's clearly excited about it.

"We would love to." I say so they cannot fit a word of protest in, Harry giving me a look.

"Outstanding, cant wait to see you there!" He beams down at all of us. As we exit together Harry and Hermione both groan as soon as we are out of ear reach of his classroom. "Be nice guys, I happen to like Slughorn." I said.