Harry Potter: An Alternate Universe

2) What Cold?

Year: Sixth
House: Gryffindor
Gender: F
Love Interest: Hermione Granger

"Honestly, (y/n), you can be really stubborn, sometimes," Hermione huffed.

"But I want to go to Slugghorn's dinner with you," you whined.

"You're sick with a cold, and better off here to rest." She retired from pacing around the edge of the bed and sat beside you. "Besides, I know you just want to keep McLaggen away."

"He has a hard time understanding what the word no means, and that worries me." You sat up straighter, reaching for a tissue from the bedside table. You blew hard into it, then dumped it into the growing pile in your wastepaper basket.

"That settles it, then. I'll pass the message to Harry that I'm not going to the dinner."

"Come on, Hermione. There's no need."

"Not with you like this."

"Please, I'll be okay."

"I've already made up my mind."

"And I'm the one who's stubborn." She made a face in fake agitation, and slapped your arm jokingly. "But you shouldn't miss something like this because of me," you say in a serious tone. "I'm not worth it."

"Don't be dense. You're my girlfriend, of course I'll stay with you. That way Mclaggen can't bother me, and I get to keep you company." She rubbed the back of your hand that lay limp on your bed.

"I'm afraid I won't be very interesting. That medicine Madam Pomphrey gave me is extremely drowsy."

"I don't mind," she smiled. "I'm going to find Harry to relay the message. You can stay here to rest."

"Very well," you sighed. Hermione patted your hand reassuringly before departing from the dormitory. You were left looking about the empty room, everyone either at the dinner or downstairs in the common room. You were glad to at least be in your room; the medicine Madam Pomphrey gave you was not only to cure your cold, but to make you not contagious. That way, you wouldn't have to be stuck in the hospital wing.

Your attention turns to a small stack of books under your bedside table, and you pull the the top one towards you. If there was one noticeable difference in your personality since you first became friends with Hermione, it was a newfound love for reading. Spending time with her made you realize the possibilities with reading, and it became one of your favorite hobbies.

The book you picked up was a Muggle classic; The Diary of Anne Frank. You opened up to where you last put a doggie ear, and cozied up back with the book. You hardly noticed Hermione enter the room again.

"Well, I think I know just what to get you for Christmas." You peak at her over the page you were on.

"Oh yeah? What's that?"

"New books." She made her way over to the other side of your bed and climbed on top. You notice like you, she changed into her pajamas. "Seriously, this is about the third time you've read this one."

"I know. Wouldn't mind new books," you admit. Hermione drapes her arm over your shoulder, and you lean into her chest. The rise and fall of her breathing lulls you into a trance-like state, and you get the feeling you won't be moving very soon.

"I'm sleepy."

"I can tell." She presses her lips to the top of your head, making you shudder. You can't think of a time you were this close to her, and this alone with her. The thought didn't scare you, in fact you were probably too tired to care.

That night, the two of you talked about books and writers, ancient times and Potions class. She played with your hair and sneaked in a kiss or two. Okay, three, you counted at least. When she became as tired as you were, she slipped under the covers by your side, and you pulled her close to you. With a 'goodnight' and a tiny kiss to her shoulder, you fell right to sleep, feeling the happiest you've felt with a cold.

Day 2 is over, my friends!! And Day 3 is sure to be on the way! The prompt list has all the chapters I will be posting, everyday for the holiday season.