Harry Potter and The Fight of Logic vs. Love

Chapter 6

A/N wow It's been a long time since I've updated this story! And so sorry guys to make up for it I'm going to post lots of chapters today! Happy Reading!

Wake up Call- Chapter Six 

Waking up the next morning, Harry felt better than he had for the past two weeks. No, that was a lie. He felt better than he had in a very long time. It finally came flooding back to him as to why he felt so good. He looked at the bushy pile of hair right in front of him, and couldn't help but smile. His thoughts went back to the conversation he had with his Aunt. He had finally realized that even if he ran, there would be no way to escape his friends, that was the strength of their friendship. Thinking about it, Harry would want it no other way. He knew, without a doubt in his mind, that without his friends, his mission would fail. He couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to be sleeping next to someone like Hermione for the rest of his life; well sleeping until the kids came bursting in to wake them up. He smiled even wider at the prospect of having children, of seeing them growing up, and watching them open the special letter on their eleventh birthdays. The stirring of the hair snapped him back to reality.

Hermione had turned over to face him. She was still half asleep, but awakening at a decent pace. He looked down at her, the grin still plastered on his face. "Did you sleep well?" he asked.

"Mhm." She replied sleepily, snuggling closer for the warmth and comfort she loved. "I only have one question Harry. Think we can get away with this when we get back to school?"

The question caught Harry off guard. The smile didn't falter, but he stared dumbly at her for a moment. Had she really just asked if they could continue to sleep together at school? His heart flipped at the idea, and then coming back to reality, he figured it was only a joke. "Well we could, but I think that people would start to talk. I think that might start a few rumours." He forced a small laugh.

"I don't care. Who cares what other people say. If it feels this good, I can even deal with Ron walking away." Immediately Hermione's eyes had shot open. She was wide awake as the last word had sunk in. Luckily Harry couldn't see the look of shock on her face, and she couldn't see the smile on his. Did I really just say that to Harry? How could I say something like that? It must have been the sleep talking. Just play it off as being asleep. 'No, it wasn't sleep talking. You were finally listening to me for once. You finally listened to your heart.' Hermione was starting to hate that voice in the back of her mind.

Harry couldn't believe that she had just said that. He thought about it, and he made sure he understood it. She didn't care what people would say as long as she could be with him. It felt good enough to see Ron walk away? He couldn't believe it. Had she really meant it? Did she really want Harry to be this close for a longer amount of time? He was so confused about this situation that he hardly noticed her stiffen up. He couldn't remove the smile from his face.

After another hour, they couldn't pretend they were sleeping anymore. Harry was the first to move, getting up and walking to his closet. He grabbed a change of clothes for the day, and walked into the washroom. After the thoughts that had come into his mind over the past hour, he decided it would be beneficial for him to take a cold shower. He made it as fast as he could, just to get away from the chill. He grabbed the towel, and started drying himself off. His thoughts started to drift back to the half asleep Hermione he couldn't believe. He had heard her, but he couldn't understand it. He resolved to figure it out later, after he could come up with a more subtle way of finding out the truth. After he finished drying off, he grabbed the change of clothes he had thought of bringing with him today and changed. He didn't want another repeat of yesterday. 'Don't lie to yourself. You wanted to go even further yesterday.' No, No, No! I did not want to go any further. She likes Ron, and he likes her. I would never do anything to split my friends up like that. 'Ah, but you are looking at this all wrong. She told you this morning that she didn't care if Ron walked away, as long as she got to sleep with you during the night. And furthermore, she came to spend a few days in hell with you. She knew you were going to run, and she couldn't live without you. She had to come and stop you, to save herself.' Just shut up. This isn't the way it looks. She came to spend time with me because she couldn't go to the Burrow alone. She didn't want to have to face Ron and Ginny alone. She needs me there to explain what happened. That is all. And what she said this morning, that was all just sleep talking. She didn't mean it. She was half asleep and cannot be held responsible for her actions. 'Believe what you want.'

Harry went back to the room to let Hermione know that she was free to use the shower before he let her know he was going downstairs. He saw that his Uncle had left for work already, and Dudley was nowhere to be seen. Harry guessed he was out beating up another ten year old. He knew that his Aunt must be making breakfast, as the smell of toast and bacon and eggs wafted through his senses. He walked into the kitchen, and he noticed his bag still lying in the corner. He had been so close, he was out the door. He couldn't believe what he was going to walk out on, and he wanted to kick himself for it. Petunia turned as he stood there.

"Morning. I hope you don't mind eggs and bacon. There is some toast if you want it as well." She seemed to be completely normal, well the kind of normal that she had been for the past few days. He felt unsure of the change in her. After all these years, how could he just forgive her for the pain? Yet, as he looked at her, he could see that she realized he was not going to be there for much longer, and that she was genuinely making an effort to make amends. He decided that he would finally be able to forgive her. He stared, unsure of how to say what he felt.

"Uhm, Aunt Petunia. I just well, about last night, I wanted to say, well thanks. Thank you for stopping me. Thank you for making me realize what I couldn't on my own. Thank you for making sure that I didn't lose myself in the process of saving others. If it wasn't for last night, for our talk, I never would have been here this morning to wake up to Hermione. I may never have seen her, or any of my friends for that matter, again. And thank you for finally making an effort. You don't know what it means to me to have a family member who still cares. I know that you are trying to make up for all the times, and I cannot express how grateful I am. I am sure my mom would want us to make up if she were still here." He couldn't help himself. When he started to say what was on his mind, the rest of his pent up emotions started coming out. He continued, until he could get everything out. Petunia had gazed at him throughout his entire speech. Finally, when he stopped, she moved to him, and embraced him not as her nephew, but as her son. It was only a brief embrace, but they both knew that there was a change for the better between the two. He backed away, looking ashamed. He decided he should probably get back upstairs and put away his sack of items. As he jumped up the stairs two at a time, he didn't think to listen for the shower as he threw open the door to his room. He stopped in his tracks, and stared into the room, before quickly turning away. What he had seen had made his jaw drop. As he turned, he muttered some incoherent apology, repeating it very fast.

As Hermione walked into the room, she had taken off her robe. She was just starting to get changed, thinking of how relaxed she had become since last night. She was sure that there was no way Harry would run now. His first promise had been a false one, she had known from the start. That was why she got his Aunt to alert her if he disappeared, or showed signs of running. Now, after the conversation she had overheard in the kitchen, she believed his promise. This one seemed to be more sincere, more from the heart. She realized she had stopped getting dressed, stopped while she was clothed in her underwear and bra. They weren't her most flattering pair, but she felt most comfortable in them. She tried to think of what else to wear, when she heard the door handle move. She spun around, looking for her robe, and was halfway across the room to grab it when the door opened. There stood a bewildered looking Harry. She saw his jaw drop, and tried to cover herself up. "HARRY! LEARN TO KNOCK!!!" she screamed at him, before throwing the pillow once more. She saw him come around, and spin quickly to face the opposite way. She could hear his apology coming very fast, over and over again. Look how cute he looks when he gets flustered she thought to herself. She couldn't help but smile at his back. She quickly grabbed her robe, and put it on. "Alright, you can look back now. I'm covered. But don't think this gets you off the hook for ogling." She jokingly scolded him.

"Ogling? I mean uh, I wasn't, I mean I didn't..." Harry stuttered. He felt his face getting hot, and his palms getting sweaty. Had he really ogled her? True, he had never seen her, or anyone for that matter, dressed like that. She did look amazing, but he had to focus on keeping calm now. He hadn't realized how he had stared at her, taking in every detail. His jaw had dropped, he was stunned by her. She didn't seem that upset about letting him see her, she even seemed to laugh about it. "Well, sorry again, I will let you finished getting changed. I can unpack later. Come down for breakfast when you are ready." He turned to leave, closing the door behind him.

Some part of Hermione wanted her to call out to him, to tell him that he didn't have to leave, that she didn't want him to leave the room. She held herself back, maintaining the fact that they were just friends, friends that shouldn't be seeing each other in the smallest amount of clothing possible. Still, she was surprised that she didn't feel any anger towards him for barging in. She felt that there was something that made her feel more comfortable around Harry, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She gave up on trying to figure out the problem, and grabbed a white skirt and a pink tank top, throwing them on quickly and following Harry's path.

When she got downstairs, she was greeted by a cheerful Petunia, who immediately made Hermione a plate of food. Harry could be seen staring out the window, or intently at his food. Every time she tried to make a conversation, he would quickly stuff his mouth with food and mumble something incoherent. She giggled a bit at how he was trying to cover up his nervousness, however futile it seemed. He gave her a funny stare when she did this, but as soon as she looked him in the eye he blushed and ducked his head back down to the plate. She decided that now was as good a time as any to spring the full force of her plan on him, seeing as he was having a hard time saying anything to her. He would have to let her go with what she wanted, or would have to talk to her to refuse the situation. Either way, she had something to gain. "So, Harry. I guess that since I am staying a few days with you, you are going to have to come and stay a few days with me at my house. It's only fair." She smiled, knowing she had won.

It was at the moment when he grabbed a glass of orange juice, that Hermione had sprung the question on him. He sputtered and nearly sprayed his Aunt with the juice in his mouth. He couldn't believe that she had said that. That was a hit below the belt. If he said no, she would get upset with him. If he accepted, it meant sealing his fate, probably ruining the possible reuniting of the trio. He would have no choice but to go to the Burrow, and his plans for running would be gone for good. Well, it seemed that the running plan had failed anyway. He knew now that he couldn't run while she cared for him. "Uh, well you see. The thing is." He looked into her eyes, and felt his chest tighten. She was looking at him with a smile on her face, staring directly into his eyes. He felt his face get hot again, and he looked back into his plate. "Oh alright Hermione. You win."

She felt the excitement flood her mind. She had expected him to either nod in agreement, or argue against the idea. Never did she think he would talk to confirm her plan. She jumped up from her chair, and asked "Mrs Dursley, could I use your phone. I want my parents to get the spare room ready, and we can see when the best time to get going would be. Hopefully we can leave by tomorrow; I really want to show you around my neighbourhood."

Petunia was feeling just as excited as Hermione was. For once, Harry would be leaving on good terms. He would be going to be happy, with a person that she hoped would make him happy for years to come. "Of course dear. Please, with what is going on here, you don't have to call me that. I insist you call me Petunia. It doesn't seem right to call me anything else." Hermione looked confused for a moment, but turned and moved into the living room to call her parents. Harry turned to his Aunt.

"What do you mean 'with what is going on here'?" he asked.

"Well, I can't have someone who you may have a future with calling me Mrs anything. If you two are going to get together, she might as well get used to calling me Petunia. That is, if she ever gets to see me when you are done doing what you need to do. If you want to see me."

"Wait, there is nothing going on. Seriously. Me and Hermione, we are just friends. Nothing else. There is no getting together for the two of us. Her and Ron, maybe, but not us. As for seeing you after this is all over, I don't know. If I survive, I think that if nothing else, I would want to see you again. Maybe alone, but still." Petunia nodded, understanding what he meant by alone. He meant that she was not to bring her family. She could understand this, and she could live with it.

Hermione came back into the kitchen, almost glowing with excitement. "Well, they said they will have the guestroom cleaned and ready for you by tonight. So when we go there won't be anything to worry about. But I have even better news Harry. If it's ok with you and your Aunt, my mother said that you could come tonight. My dad is going to be in the area later today, and he can swing by and grab us while on his way home." She couldn't have planned it better. She knew that Harry wouldn't say no, now that he had agreed.

"Oh, well I guess that would be great Mione. I guess I should probably start packing." He turned from his Aunt, then realizing he needed to say one more thing. "Aunt Petunia, there is something very important that you need to take very seriously. I want you to go into hiding after we leave. You know that the people are after me, and you know that they will come here when they are done. I suggest that you get out while you can. If you stay, you will probably all be killed. I can't say I like the idea of that happening to you. Again, I just want to say thank you for everything." He got up, and walked towards his room, with Hermione in tow. She looked at his back with a sense of pride. She knew that there was something in there, something pure, something that would save his life in the final battle. When he got into the room, he avoided looking at Hermione. She took the hint, and decided to screw the hint. She walked up behind him, grabbed his arm and whipped him around. She latched her arms around him in yet another embrace, and told him exactly how she felt.

"That was very impressive Harry. You did the right thing, warning your Aunt, even though it meant that two of your least favourite people would benefit. It is stuff like this that makes me sure you will win this. That is what makes you different, and it is something that Voldemort doesn't have. You have pure goodness in you, and no matter what he does he cannot take that away from you. I am so proud of you Harry."

This caught Harry off guard, but he felt his heart swell. She was proud of him. He cheered up, knowing that if Hermione was around, he could face anything. He felt that after she had said that, he could have even faced an angry Mrs Weasley with Hermione at his side. Well maybe he could disagree with her, but he couldn't outright face off with her in an argument. Nothing could give him that much courage. "Thanks Mione. That means a lot to me, I really appreciate it."

With that, the two started packing up their items, getting ready for the trip back to the Granger's house. It took them nearly an hour to round up all that Harry wanted to keep and take with him. He was sure that he wouldn't need his books for school, so he left them piled into his closet. He didn't see Hermione grab them back and stuff them into his trunk while he had his back turned. He may have thought that he didn't need them for next year, but she knew that she would soon have him convinced of going back as well. They spent the last day at Number 4 helping with some cleaning and work that Petunia needed. She had refused to let them help, but had given in when Hermione had stated it was something she needed to do or else she would feel horrible for the longest time. Petunia had tried to let Hermione know that she had repaid her for staying at the house by keeping Harry safe. She knew that Hermione would not let Harry out of her sight, that she would make sure he made it through.

After the small amount of work was finished, Harry and Hermione had gone to the local clothes store, and Harry got some new clothes. It was Petunia's early birthday gift, and she had given him a large amount of cash to make sure he wore something good that year.

As 5pm came closer, the phone rang. Petunia went to answer it. "Hello.... why yes Mr Granger, they are both ready. Would you like to stay for a cup of tea or do you need to get back home? .... Alright, that is perfectly fine; I will make sure that they are both ready for 530..... Alright. See you soon.

"Harry, Hermione. Mr Granger will be here in half an hour, so make sure you are ready to go by then. I hope everything is packed away?"

"Yes Aunt Petunia. We finished that earlier. I left some school books in the closet. I won't need them anymore. You can burn them at your convenience, I won't be back to pick them up" Harry said, not being able to withhold the depressing tone. Hermione looked at him, taking in his appearance.

He seems to want to go back, yet at the same time he doesn't. Well, that won't be for long, because whether he likes it or not, he will be going back to school.

Harry turned, and walked out of the room. He sat down on the couch in the living room, contemplating what he had said. That is that. It's official. I am not going back to school. I am not going home. Well, one step at a time, first thing I have to get through is surviving at Mione's house. Then the Burrow, because I know that she will want to go. There was a soft knock on the doorframe to the room. Harry looked up and saw a nervous looking Hermione looking back.

"Harry? Are you ok? Did you want to talk about something?"

"No Mione. I am fine, don't worry. I'm just looking forward to getting out of here, to seeing your place. I can't wait." He gave her that Harry smile that she loved so much.

"So why aren't you going back to school Harry, are you sure that is the right thing to do? I mean, with the amount of resources that Hogwarts has to offer, it could make your search and tasks a lot easier. I'm sure that McGonagall could help you, that she would give anything to help. You don't have to tell her what we are doing, but you can get her to give you permission to get into the restricted section, or to use any potion ingredients you need. I'm sure if Professor Slughorn is staying, then he would be only too happy to oblige her and give you anything you need."

"I don't know Hermione. I don't think that I can go back there. I know that they would want to help in any way they can, but I can't put them in any more danger by telling them what I need to do." With a look that could kill from Hermione, he rephrased it. "Ok, what we need to do. Sorry. I am sure that they would only be too happy to help, but I don't know." Harry retorted.

"Stop being stubborn Harry. You were going to run, and you realized your mistake. Look at your mistake again, and realize how to fix it. Don't try and do this on your own." She was pleading with him, trying to make him see reason.

"I can't do it Hermione. I just can't. You don't know how I feel. It's hard enough putting you and Ron in front of danger. The only reason I am agreeing to let you and Ron help is because well, I know that you wouldn't take no for an answer. You guys would follow me either way. My worst fears have to be seeing you dead. I mean, you and Ron, or anyone close to me for that matter. I couldn't do it. I wouldn't be able to live with myself. By going back to school, I am putting everyone else in danger. Knowing that people like Ginny and Luna and Neville are going to be there. I can't drag them all into this." He was staring at the floor again, trying to keep his emotions in control. He didn't look at her, but he knew that she had started to cry by her sniffle.

As Hermione had listened to Harry go on, her heart grew in admiration for him. He knew what he needed to do, but was too proud to drag others into his misery. True, he was being stubborn, but it was honourable. He did it to save others, the kind of thing that she had read to her as a child. The kind of stories her dad told her as she was lying in her bed; stories of knights and princesses. When he talked about not needing to put his friends in danger, she couldn't help but smile at how great he was. Then it all came plummeting back down, as she heard which friend he mentioned first. She gave an involuntary sniffle.

"Harry. That is all true, but you need to see the other side. People should be allowed to choose where they stand. You weren't given the chance to choose whether or not to become involved. Other people have that choice, but if you refuse to let them help, you eliminate that choice. The problem with that is, if they feel remote about you like I do, that they will be torn about it. They can't let you go about this alone, they need to help. If they can't help, and everything fails, they will be in a worse position than if they had stood and fought. Without fighting, people will give up hope. People need to hope Harry, and you give them hope to stay alive. I'm begging you; don't take that away from them." She let a few tears escape, not voluntarily, but it helped her fight. Harry looked up at her and saw her emotions running freely on her face. He couldn't help but feel proud to have a friend like Hermione. The look in her eyes made him feel even worse about what he had said.

When she looked at him, she knew she had won yet again. When he spoke, he confirmed her thoughts. "Alright, Mione. Why do you have to know how to counter everything I say? How do you know how to say just the right thing to make me feel like what I thought I should do is the worst thing I could do? I don't mean that in a bad way, but quite the opposite. You make me realize what is truly needed, what is the right thing to do. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you, Mione. I guess I better hurry and grab my books back out of my closet and try and fit them in my suitcase." He started to get up when he felt Hermione's hand, hold his to stop him.

"Don't worry Harry; I already packed them for you." She had a smirk on her face. He let a small laugh escape and smiled at her.

"I can't believe it. Hermione Jean Granger. You played me. You knew I wouldn't refuse you. You are trickier than I thought."

She smiled even brighter at him. "What can I say? I am not called the brightest witch of our age for nothing. And I didn't play you, I just knew that I could make you see reason, and planned for that." She wiped away her tears and they heard a car door open in the driveway. Moments later, the doorbell rang. "That must be my dad" Hermione almost squealed in her excitement.

Aunt Petunia opened the door, and let the man in. As he walked into the room, the man surveyed the image in front of him. He looked from the bushy-haired daughter to the young man sitting next to her. He looked at the joy the two were sharing, the smiles, and took particular interest in the hands being held. He smiled at the pair and had to hold in the feeling of wanting to walk over and remove his daughter's hand from the boy's. He didn't have to wait long, since the boy realized what the father had seen, and removed his hand, looking nervous. He had to suppress the feeling of happiness, knowing that he was able to intimidate the boy who took an interest in his daughter. It was every father's dream to be able to do that.

"Well hello. You must be Mr. Potter. I'm Hermione's father, Jonathan. I've heard a lot of stories about you, but don't worry, she hasn't said anything bad. How do you do?" he said as he stretched out his hand for Harry to shake.

Harry got up quickly and moved to shake Mr Granger's hand. He felt like his hand was going to be broken by the rather large man's gesture. "It's nice to meet you, sir. This is my Aunt Petunia. I'm glad to say that you had the chance to meet her and not the rest of her family; though they may think you were alright because you aren't magical. I am really thankful that you would allow me to stay in your home; I just don't want to put you and your wife out. I want to be sure that you are alright with me staying for a few days." Harry stood awkwardly and was unsure if he should sit down again or if they would be leaving.

He looked at Mr. Granger, taking in every aspect of his features. He was a rather large man, a few inches taller than Harry, and not as lean. Looking at his hair, he noticed rather flat dark brown hair. She must get her hair from her mother Harry thought. He seemed to be in good physical condition and wore rather nice clothing. Harry knew that both he and his wife were dentists, so they must have made a good living for Hermione. He saw the look in the man's eyes when he surveyed Harry and Hermione holding hands. He saw the fierce look in the father's eyes, and it made him uncomfortable. This must be what it feels like when a guy meets his girlfriend's parents for the first time he thought, then as an afterthought why would I say it in that way. He felt an awkward silence pass as the two men in the room-sized each other up.

Jonathan was looking over the boy in front of him, with a mix of annoyance and happiness. So this is the famous Harry Potter. The way my princess talks about him, you'd think he was famous. I definitely think she has over-exaggerated what she said. There is no way this kid can be good at any sport, magical or normal. I mean, look at him, he's skinny as a post. Sure, it looks like he's got some muscle on him, but he would break in two if he got hit. Then there are his glasses. Definitely not the style every kid is into, but I guess they suit him. Couldn't he do anything with his hair, it looks like he doesn't care for the way he looks. At least his clothes look decent; actually, they look almost brand new. I guess if he's good enough for Hermione, I will have to scare him away. "No worries Harry," he said with a forced joyful tone. "Don't worry about a thing. Any friend of Hermione's is always welcome in our home." As long as he stays at least a meter from her at all times, and never in the same room alone with her. "Elizabeth and I are only too happy to have you. You will of course be allowed back anytime you wish. Now, if you don't mind, Elizabeth will be waiting for us with dinner. I hope you don't mind a nice roast beef with potatoes and vegetables?"

"Of course not, that would be perfect. Thank you again" replied Harry.

"Well then, if you don't mind Mrs. Dursley, I will take the two of them home. I can wait outside if you want to say goodbye. Come on Hermione." And with that, the two Grangers walked into the hall and grabbed the trunk and bag awaiting the movement to the car.

"Well Harry, this is goodbye I guess. Hopefully, we can work things out in the future, if you ever want to that is. I wouldn't mind seeing you again, and I know that it is the least I can do for Lily's memories. I have so much to make up for, I only hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." She walked to Harry and embraced him in a hug. Harry returned the hug and backed away.

"We will just have to see if I make it back from the final fight and if my feet can find their way back here. But for what it's worth, I hope I can come back as well." Harry turned and walked out the door, and without looking back got into the rear seat of Mr. Granger's car. 

A/N XD Told you guys you wouldn't be dissapointed! More chapters coming out today!