Nothing In This World (BEING EDITED)

XVI.

Chapter XVI: Misunderstandings
Warning: Mild Language

He had been disappointed when McGonagall told him that he'd have to stay in the Castle for Christmas this year, but it turned out not to be a problem.

Dumbledore had the house elves create an extra chamber by the boys dormitory so that Arthur and Lucius could spend the holidays with their children. Bill and Charlie would be coming home any day now.

Snow was falling thickly upon the castle and it grounds now the place blue Beauxbarton's carriage looked like a large, chilly, frosted pumpkin head to the iced gingerbread house that was Hagrid's cabin, while the Durmstrang ships portholes were glazed with ice, the rigging white with frost. The house- elves down in the kitchen were outdoing themselves with a series of rich, warming stews of savory puddings, and only Fleur Delacour seemed to be able to find anything to complain about.

"It is too 'eavy, all zis 'Ogwarts food," they heard her saying grumpily as they left the Great Hall behind her one evening. "Will not fit into my dress robes."

"Oooh there's a tragedy," Hermione snapped as Fleur went out into the entrance hall. "She really thinks a lot of herself, that one, doesn't she?"

"Hermione, be nice."

"Yeah, you know what they say about the French," Seamus said.

".... no, actually, I don't know what do they say about them," said Hermione bitterly, "Why don't you enlighten me."

"They're one of the world's most beautiful people," said Seamus.

"You're joking right?" Said Hermione not amused at all.
Both Harry and Seamus looked at Hermione, for a moment they were quiet until Harry couldn't hold it in anymore. He gave a great big laugh. "Don't think anything by it Hermione, you're very beautiful too."

"You seem to be the only one. All the people that say that, are gay. Not that I mind, but it'd be nice for a straight guy to notice me."

Harry and Seamus stopped laughing. Suddenly things didn't seem as funny as they had been.

" 'mione you don't need someone to tell you you are beautiful, because you are. I didn't mean to laugh, especially when you've been nothing but supportive of me and Seamus." Said Harry. "You don't ever have to feel like you aren't worth looking at, because you are. If I was straight I'd look at you all damn day. I'd hang mirrors everywhere and bewitch them with images of you." He gave a small chuckle. She laughed too.

"Thanks, Harry," she said wiping the tears that had fallen from her eyes. "I just want someone to look at me the way Professor Snape looks at you."

"Come here," said Harry holding out his arms. The bushy haired girl walked in his open arms burying her face in the crook of his neck. She let out an aggravated sigh and pulled back. Harry quickly wiped away the fallen tears and gave her another quick hug.

"Beauty is what's on the inside, and you my friend are the most beautiful person. And one day a guy will see that."

"Thanks Harry. And you too Seamus: don't know what I would do without you two."

"Probably drop down and die,"

"You're joking, Granger!" Said a Slytherin boy, behind them. "You're not telling me someone's asked that to the ball? Not the long-molared Mudblood."

Harry, Ron and Seamus whipped around. "Take that back Sam,"

"Make me, half breed,"

Before Harry could think, his fist came in contact with Sam's jaw. The kid toppled over and fell. A few of the students who were watching gathered around and started to laugh. "Not so tough now are you, you little fuck." Sam went pale and jumped backward, looking wildly at Harry as if he couldn't believe that Harry had actually hit him.