The Little Lion: Vol 2 "Order of the Pheonix"

Peppermint Toads

Chapter Nine: Peppermint Toads- 1995

It's Thursday now, and to say the week was passing by slowly was an understatement. It seems the atmosphere at Hogwarts was anxious. The presence of Umbridge in the school and the lack of trust for Dumbledore is taking a toll on the school, and it's only been four days.

Harry has been dealing with people whispering about him everywhere. Him and Camila have been meeting with Umbridge every night this week as well. Hermione has had quite a few stand offs with the Weasley twins regarding their Weasley Wizard Wheezes products. Hermione has also been dealing with another problem...

"Honestly Harry, I don't get it." Hermione huffs, pacing around his empty dorm room. "Nothing bad happened between us, she just doesn't want to hang out! She hasn't asked me to do anything. I mean last year she would ask to study together or go to Honey Dukes or curl up and watch a movie or just walk around the grounds. I've literally only seen her at meals and in the common room."

Harry awkwardly sits at his desk as his eyes move back and forth to follow Hermione's movements. "Erm... well have YOU asked her to do anything?"

Hermione pauses her pacing and looks at Harry for a few seconds before resuming. "Well, no, I've been too scared to ask because I'm afraid she doesn't want to be around me."

"Ah see, there it is. Maybe she's feeling exactly the same way. Maybe she thinks you're avoiding her." Harry says something surprisingly thoughtful. "Why don't you go talk to her?"

"Well I can't right now, she's out on a date with the Hufflepuff getting butterbeers." Hermione scoffs.

"Hermione I think they are literally just friends." Harry laughs.

Hermione groans and sits on the edge of Ron's empty bed. "I don't like this. I don't like this at all."

"What is it?" Harry pushes for the bushy-haired girl to continue.

"I've never felt so... grossly needy for someones presence. I feel too attached."

Harry chuckles a little. "Maybe you're really falling for her. Maybe you two need to really talk about what exactly you want from each other. All you've done is snogged here and there for a few weeks with some extra hand- holding."

"Harry when did you become a lesbian love therapist?" Hermione looks at him wearily with a glint of amusement on her face.

Harry shrugs and smiles. "I've been told I'm full of many surprises."

"I hope Ron is doing okay..." Hermione sighs, looking at his bed with a Chudley Canons blanket on it.

Harry nods. "I think he's trying his best to be supportive. It just hurts and his jealousy gets the best of him sometimes."

"There's someone out there for him, we're still young." Hermione smiles a little. "Anyway... I ought to get back to the library." Hermione gets off the bed slowly and swings her book bag over her shoulder. "Thanks for the talk, Harry."

"Yeah of course, no problem." Harry nods.

Hermione leaves the Gryffindor tower with a mission to go to the library to finish all of this weeks homework assignments. On her way there however, she runs into the girl who's been on her mind.

Down the corridor, she sees Camila and "the Hufflepuff" Sophie Finch walking together. Camila laughs at something they are talking about, making Hermione irrationally jealous.

Hermione rolls her eyes and pretends she doesn't see them, walking the other way, when Camila yells after her. "Hermione! Hey!" She says happily.

Hermione momentarily freezes in her tracks before she continues to walk. Camila quickly says goodbye to Sophie before running down the hall.