New Beginnings • A Harmione Fanfiction

Chapter Four

Everything passed by like a blur. Harry couldn't seem to focus on any one of his classes, despite being scolded by the professors multiple times. 

But who could blame him? It's not every day your best friend starts acting up out of nowhere. Harry wished it didn't bother him as much as it did, but that was out of his control. He knew he wouldn't be at-ease until he had figured everything out.

"Harry!"

He was on his way back to the dorms when suddenly Ginny popped up behind him and smiled.

"Oh, uh, I was just heading back. What's going on?" Harry asked.

"Nothing! I just wanted to... See you, I guess." Ginny gave him a flirtatious glance.

Harry didn't know whether it was the craziness of the situation or the unsettling feeling in his stomach, but he felt different around Ginny. Out of place, if you will. He couldn't seem to understand what he was feeling within the past few weeks. 

"Everything alright? You seem hazy." She said with concern. 

He faked a smile. 

Harry wasn't the best actor, but he had at least hoped it would make Ginny feel better. Given the current series of events, it wasn't easy to pretend like everything was completely normal. 

Unfortunately, it didn't work. He felt like he had only made her more worried, as she frowned and walked away.

Great. Here he was again, ruining everything.

--

It was later in the day and Harry was on his bed thinking, as he had been for hours. 

Why am I feeling this way?

Is there something wrong with me?

Is the reason for all of this really just Ron?

Thoughts were swirling around his head. Ultimately, he decided he needed someone to talk to. Someone to confide in. Someone who understood him. That someone was Hermione.

Sure, the two were going through an awkward phase, as it had only been a day since her and Ron's breakup. To Harry, it seemed like weeks-- more than weeks, actually. But he needed confirmation, and she was quite literally the only person who could give him that. 

When he finally built the courage to see her, he headed to the library. It was the only place he thought he might have a chance of finding her. However, he didn't have much time as it was nearing dusk.

Harry entered the library, trying to be as discreet as possible. Sure enough, there was only one other person in there with him-- Hermione. His plan worked perfectly. Now, all he had to do was talk to her. This was the real challenge.

"Hey.." He whispered.

"AH!" She screamed.

"Calm down, 'Mione! It's just me!"

"Oh my goodness, Harry! You gave me a fright!" Hermione burst out laughing.

He looked at her in awe and laughed with her. The two were undeniably close, but it was no secret that they only got closer with time.

Harry helped Hermione pick up her books after she had dropped them out of fear. Together, they started stacking the books in a pile, but it wasn't long before there was only one book left. Not knowing if she was going to pick it up, Harry knew he wanted to be chivalrous by stacking the last book. What he didn't know was that Hermione was thinking of the same thing. Both of them reached for the book, where their hands met. 

There it was again!

Harry felt it-- he felt the spark.

"Uhhmm.." Hermione gave him a hesitant look. "This is awkward. I'm sorry. I'll just.. Let go now." 

"No, no, it's okay. That was pretty awkward." He tried to hide his disappointment. "Can I.. Talk to you? I just have one question."

"Sure... Ask me anything." 

"Earlier today, in the dining room, I felt something when our hands met. It was like.. A spark. And just now, I felt the same thing. Do you-- do you feel it too?" He asked.

Harry knew it was a risky question. If she didn't feel it, he would look like a complete fool in front of her. But this was the only way to get rid of the silly thoughts in his head. This is for the better, he told himself.

"I.. I.." She hesitated.

"Never mind! Just.. Forget I said anything." Harry had never felt more embarrassed in his life.

He began walking out of the library, hoping that everything was just a dream and she would forget about this the next day.

"Yes." Hermione spat out. "I felt it."