Only You: Harmione Fanfic *editing*

Chapter Five - Pure

"I heard you were taking Hermione to Slughorn's Christmas Party." Ron said with a hint of disbelief in his voice. Lavender must have been in the lavatory, because to Harry's surprise, she was not seen. "I warn you, she's very sensitive."

"I wonder how she got that way," Harry snapped, but then remembered it was the other half of his friend group he was talking to. "She's just really fragile right now."

"I see," Ron coughed, his mouth full of food. "Well, where is she?"

Harry shrugged, unsure. "I guess she's still trying to find a dress to wear."

     "Mm. I told Lavender to dress as nicely as she could, even though it's not a huge occasion. As long as she looks better than Hermione-"

     "Why don't you just apologise?" Harry sighed with an exhausted expression. "You two are bickering like a bunch of children."

     "No, she's the one-"

     "Oh, he said, she said. I don't really care. Just please, I've had enough being your friend, and her friend at different times. Just, try to talk to her. Please."

Ron huffed in agreement, and Harry smiled, feeling as he just made the first step to a long and painful reconciliation  between Hermione and Ron.

**

Harry had put on his black dress robes, looking rather exceptional for an occasion such as this. He was already standing outside of Slughorn's office fifteen minutes before the party had actually started, his feet walking him around in circles as he began to doubt his decision to come with Hermione. What if he ended up not being able to control his emotions? His confused emotions. For once, he had hoped that Slughorn would of course be there to talk Harry to death, just so that he would be distracted.

As the minutes passed, several people began flooding into the large room, looking very pleasant and excited for the occasion.

He even forced himself to hide behind a stone pillar as he saw Ginny enter with Dean at her side, just to avoid confrontation. When he was sure that they were gone, he slowly stepped out, and resumed his acts in pacing the floor.

     "Harry?" a small voice said from behind him.

     Harry cringed as he heard Hermione's voice, but bravely turned around, which revealed her standing sheepishly in a soft pink dress. Harry gulped as he faced her, looking extremely pure and most beautiful. Her hair was nicely curled and fell over her shoulders gently, bouncing whenever she walked. Harry always did enjoy whenever Hermione dressed up, only because it proved how beautiful she was all of the time, despite what she wore. In this very moment, Harry was pleased with just standing there, looking at her.

     "Is everything alright? The party is about to start." Hermione said, a blush of embarrassment creeping on her cheeks.

     "Yes, everything is perfect. Let us go."

Inside, the ceiling and walls had been draped so that it looked like they were all inside a tent. The room was too small for the party, as it was overcrowded and stuffy, and the lights were too bright. Soft Christmassy tunes were played in the background, but it was barely heard over he loud chatter of the people in the room. Harry took Hermione's hand and had to sidestep several people just to get out of the congestion of the entrance. On all four sides of the room, long tables of food were encased in gold platters, neatly organized by color. There were several students in all white outfits walking around with silver plates and glasses of bubbly, politely intruding on people's conversations to offer them a drink.

Harry was quite impressed with the turnout, and looked back to Hermione who looked just as fascinated. As he opened his mouth to speak, Horace Slughorn had snaked his way around the room and over to Harry.

     "Harry Potter, so nice to see you and you as well Miss Granger!" yelled Slughorn, the smell of liquor slightly on his breath. He pat Harry on the shoulder roughly, and Harry winced at the force of the older man's friendly gesture.

Hermione smiled. "It's an honor, sir."

Not in the mood to be dragged around the room with Horace all night long, Harry cleared his throat. "I'm sorry sir, but Hermione and I have no interest in parading about, talking to people we don't care about. If you'd excuse us,"

     "Oh yes, of course! It's a pity though.. a lot of people here only want to see you!" Horace said sympathetically as Harry had tightened his grip on Hermione's hand and turned and walked away.

     "For someone wanting to earn Slughorn's trust you are acting a bit rude, Harry." Hermione chuckled. "It is his party after all."

     "Well I'm sorry if I came to a party with the intention that I would be having fun." Harry responded with edge. She crossed her arms and her gaze was not focused on anything or anyone, in fact it appeared like she was taking in the scenery once again. Harry felt his eyes begin to trace Hermione's features: her creamy skin looked pigmented under the bright lights, her plump lips were exfoliated with a light shade of pink lip gloss, her hair was just barely contained, but Harry enjoyed it most when it was bushy and out. The dress she was wearing fit her like it was made especially for her. It exemplified every curve and edge Hermione contained, which only brought out her beauty more.

Harry mentally slapped himself for being so provocative, and realized that this was one of those moments in which he needed to remove himself from the situation.

     "Excuse me, Mione, but I'm going to go and get us a drink." Harry said.

     "Oh, but I'm not thirsty," Hermione said. "Thank you though."

     "Oh please, everyone is thirsty." Harry said quickly.  Once again, he left Hermione standing there, with a very confused expression on her face. He felt like he was sick, but the bad kind of sick where there was no cure for the disease.

In that moment, Harry was sure of what he needed to do, and he knew that he wasn't going to like it. He needed to kiss Ginny as a distraction to calm the pulsating feelings for Hermione.