A Love Story At Hogwarts (Year 2)

M A R C U S

"Alright, I gotta talk to him!" Hermione declared, finally breaking the silence, stamping her palms on the table. She flipped her hair over and scampered out through the door.

It didn't take her long to find Harry. He was standing right outside Leaky Cauldrons, with his arms crossed over his chest. Hermione realized that he was talking to someone, already.

"I don't know! I never thought in my wildest dreams that she would-Here she come! Act normal!" Harry whispered in Carol's ear quickly as he noticed Hermione walking towards him.

"Normal as you?" Carol said sarcastically.

"Harry what is your pro-"

"Hermione, glad you're here!" Harry interrupted, "Meet my sister. Carol-Hermione, Hermione-Carol."

"Hi!" Carol stretched her arm forward for a handshake and Hermione took it.

"Hey, nice to meet you!" Hermione said. "I have heard so much about you!"

"Yeah, I have heard about you too." Carol said, "Bro keeps talking about you all the time. He's so obsessed with y-"

"Okay, um, alright! That's enough, Carol!" Harry muttered.

"Now, if you don't mind, my friend is waiting for me. I'd like to go." Carol said, pointing towards her back. It was just then, Hermione realized that Malfoy was standing right behind Carol, some distance away.

As soon as Carol walked away with Malfoy, Harry started scurrying away from Hermione.

"Harry!" Hermione chided.

"If you wanna shout, I don't wanna talk!" Harry said, turning over. Hermione took a deep breath.

"Fine, let's just talk! OK?" she said. "What's your problem?"

"What?" Harry said, "My problem? I don't have any problem! Just a few minor stresses, you know? My best friend is dating the playboy of Hogwarts, who is likely to break her heart, and maybe cheat on her, hurt her too! Nothing else!"

"Harry," Hermione started. She started playing with her nails. "I thought you'd be glad for me. I-I didn't expect this kind of reaction from you. I was so excited to tell you and you just-you just ruined it."

She looked sad. Her eyebrows furrowed, and her eyes were on the ground. Then slowly, her eyes moved to see Harry. They were full of disappointment.

God!, Harry thought, How could I do this?!

"Hermione, I am-I am glad for you." Harry lied. "I just don't want to see you heartbroken. We both know what Marcus is like."

"I know, but," Hermione sighed, "he has changed! He-he loves me! He treats me like I'm the most precious thing in the world! I see everything in him that I ever wanted to see in a guy! He's caring, funny, handsome and-"

"Alright, I get it!" Harry interrupted. He could not tolerate hearing another word for Marcus from Hermione's mouth. "You love him! I get it!"

"I'm-I'm OK with this as long as he doesn't hurt you!" Harry said and plastered a smile. He knew he was lying. Doesn't matter if Marcus hurts her or not! He was not OK with this. Over the summer, he developed even stronger feelings. Staying away from her made him realize that this wasn't just an itty-bitty thing. His feelings were quite serious.

"But," Harry warned. "You're not doing any dirty stuff with him!"

"Of course not! Ew, Harry! That's gross!" Hermione cringed.

"And what if he forces you?" Harry joked.

"Then, you'll save me, won't you?" Hermione laughed. It was good to see her laugh.