New Beginnings • A Harmione Fanfiction

Chapter Six

Both Hermione and Harry slept like a baby that night. Just the thought of that kiss-- that magical, magical kiss that they replayed over and over again in their heads.

It almost seemed too good to be true. I mean, Harry and Hermione. Surely no one would've expected that, in a good way, of course. They were always just friends, and he had never thought about seeing her in that sense until now. But he was grateful that he did. Just the image of her smile gave him butterflies. However, Harry remembered everything he would have to deal with today, which he absolutely dreaded.

How was he going to tell Ginny?

The thing is, despite his newfound feelings for Hermione, he wasn't completely sure if he was over Ginny just yet. He constantly thought about what would have been if Ron hadn't broken up with Hermione that day. Would he still see Ginny just the same as before? A part of him truly didn't want to let go of her. They were an unexpected pairing, but that didn't stop them from loving each other the way they did.

Harry dismissed these doubts, and reminded himself that this was for the better. That it would hurt both of them even more if he continued to pretend nothing ever happened.

--

Harry changed into his robe and put on his loafers. Today is going to be great, he reassured himself.

He walked down the hall alone, avoiding any human contact. Students began to notice his odd behavior, whispering when he entered the room.

"Did you hear that Weasley and Granger broke up? Poor Potter, that guy is right smack in the middle of the both of 'em." One student said to his friend, eyeing Harry as he walked to his table.

Harry shot him an obvious glare.

"Come on now, don't just stand there and let those idiots bother you. Sit here." Ginny said with a smile, patting on the empty spot beside her.

"Right. Sure. Sorry." He mumbled.

As he sat down, he felt Hermione's eyes practically glued to him. He noticed that she stared at him throughout the whole time they were eating. Every once in a while, she would smirk in remembrance of the kiss.

Oddly enough, Ron never showed up that morning. It had just occurred to Harry that he didn't even see the slightest glimpse of Ron in the morning. Where could he have gone now?

"So..." Ginny said, putting down her fork. "What's got everyone in a sour mood today?"

"Oh, I didn't realize. I'm sorry, Ginny. I'm just so preoccupied." Harry told her.

"Ever since yesterday, there's been a weird atmosphere." Ginny admitted. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"Er--" Harry began, but was abruptly stopped.

"Yes." Hermione spat out bluntly.

"Hermione!"

"Well... I just think she needs to know the truth. It's not fair that we've been keeping her in the shadows. She deserves to know too." She explained.

"What? What's going on?" Ginny turned to Harry.

"Umm.. Well, for starters, Ron... Ron and Hermione... Ended things." He confessed.

"Oh my gosh! Are you joking? I mean, I've heard a lot of gossip going around but I didn't believe it! Oh, this is terrible! Hermione, I'm so sorry." Ginny cried.

"Oh, no, no. It's not your fault... Really. Healing is just a long process. I'm sure I'll.. get over it eventually." Hermione sighed.

It should be noted that Harry and Hermione were thinking the exact same thing right at this moment-- Ginny hadn't even heard the worst part.

"Riggght. Well, ehrm-- Ginny, if you don't mind, there's something I need to talk to you about later." Harry said.

"Oh? Well, you can just tell me now. No harm done, anyway. Plus, I've got to finish some assignments after classes are finished." She reached out to hold his hand.

Harry looked at Hermione nervously.

"I-I-..." He took her hand and put it down. "I don't know how to say this.. But-- Well.."

"Just say it, Harry! I'm sure it can't be bad..." Ginny said worryingly.

"I kissed Hermione!" He spat out.

"W... What?"

Hermione hurried her face in her arms, and then apologized several times.

"I know it sounds bad, but trust me, there's a--" Hermione said in an attempt to apologize.

"S-stop. I don't want to hear it." A single tear rolled down from Ginny's cheeks.

"You." She pointed to Harry, whose guilt had consumed him. "I... I expected more from you..... I-I loved you, Harry. And apparently the feeling wasn't mutual."

"No.. No! No, that's.. That's not true. I'm just confused." Harry whispered, getting teary-eyed at her words.

"It was my fault, Ginny! I kissed him first. It wasn't.. Under his control." Hermione said.

"But he kissed you back!" Ginny yelled, her voice echoing throughout the room. "He kissed you back. He did, right?"

"Well... Uhm.. Yes." She admitted.

"That's all I needed to know." Ginny stormed off and left.

"Oh great... Oh great!" Harry smacked himself on the head. "Now everyone's going to know and Ginny hates me."

Hermione rushed over to his side, as many students watched in horror.

"I'm so sorry." She cried. "This is all my fault. I have to stay away from you."

"N-no.. Don't do that. That'll only hurt me more. Stay with me, please. You're all I have left now."

"I can't! By doing that, look where that's got us!"

"I don't care. I don't care!" He yelled as tears streamed down his face. More students began to join in on watching the scene. People across the room were gossiping among their friends about what they thought might be happening.

"Okay.. Okay. Shhh..." Hermione whispered, leaning in so that their foreheads touched. She intertwined her fingers in his. "Calm down, alright? We'll get through this. Together."