Cats & Owls {Harmione Story}

Friend Zone

Harry couldn't have had a better day yesterday. He knew more than anything he wanted to get closer to Hermione, and so far, he was. As he raced down to breakfast with Ron behind, all he could think about was spending more time with her. "Harry! Slow down, could ya?" Ron said, finally catching up to him. "Sorry." Harry said. He truly was, but he had other things on his mind.

Hermione, of course, was sitting at the Gryffindor table. She didn't have a book this time, but something else was in front of her. Harry and Ron walked over and sat across from her. "What's that?" Ron asked, trying to catch a glimpse of it from over the mounds of toast. Hermione looked puzzled. "Some letter telling me to stay away from Harry. Didn't those letters stop?" She said, referring to that Witch Weekly article. "Ignore it, Hermione." Harry said. "Probably Pansy, again."

Hermione seemed a little shaken after that letter. The rest of the day she seemed quiet. Harry didn't like this at all. What was it too that person that he wanted to hang out with Hermione? Harry was getting a little heated on the way down to his classes, and it didn't get better.

When they reached Hagrid's hut for Care of Magical Creatures, Harry seemed to feel a little better. The creatures they had to care for were simple; though none of them really knew what it was, it seemed easy enough. When Hagrid was in the middle of discussing the creatures, Harry pulled Hermione to the side.

"Listen. Can I... Talk to you for a moment?" Harry asked, shyly.
"Sure, Harry." Hermione was slightly confused. Harry tried to word what he was going to say, but it wouldn't come out. He knew Ron fancied her a little, but he also seemed ok with him and Hermione. Finally with a deep breath, Harry muttered;
"Hermione, I like you... A lot." Turning red, Harry bit his tongue.

Hermione smiled. She stared into his eyes for a few moments. "Harry, I like you a lot too. But, I'm confused..."
Harry gulped. She doesn't get it... He thought. "N-not as a..." Harry couldn't get it out. Hermione was now looking at him as if she was concerned. He knew he was probably making a fool of himself. Finally, it came out. "I like you a lot. Not as a friend." There was a silence. I blew it... Harry thought.

After what felt like ages, Hermione reached for his hand. "I understand, Harry. I feel the same way." Harry thought he was going to melt into a puddle. After all that trouble, this was the answer. "Hermione, would you--" Harry couldn't finish his sentence, because Hagrid appeared, looking worried. "There you kids are. Been lookin' e'rywhere. Come on, now." Hagrid directed them back into front of their creatures. Hermione smiled at Harry, and mouthed the word "yes."
That was the answer to his question.

The rest of the day was great for Harry. He and Hermione finally hit it off, which is what he's always wanted. Though something was bugging him in the back of the mind; Ron. Harry was worried how Ron would take this. Though he was still worried about the situation, he blew it off. The last thing he needed was a good day like this to be blown away by worry.

Dinner finally came, and Harry, Hermione, and Ron sat down to enjoy a well deserved meal. Hermione seemed much happier than she was this morning. Harry didn't think he could've smiled any wider. Ron seemed a lot more cheerful too. Though thoughts came through Harry's mind about how Ron would take him and Hermione being together, he tried his best to enjoy this moment. Besides, seeing both his new girlfriend and best friend happy was all he needed.