Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the End of Illusions	By : Christina_Potter_09 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Harry/Hermione Views: 11159 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 5
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- CHAPTER SIX –

The Head Couple

Hermione grabbed Harry’s arm and, when he nodded, she apparated. The next thing Harry saw was the Burrow’s backyard. They looked around, but no one was there. They looked at each other and then the door of the house. Harry took a deep breath and took Hermione’s hand as she released his arm. They approached the door together.

Harry knocked on the door. Like before, they waited for awhile before someone approached and the door opened. Ron was in the doorway and he looked surprised at the sight of Harry and Hermione. He was even more surprised by their joined hands. Hermione pulled her hand away from Harry’s and, even though he felt a pinch of hurt, Harry smiled at Ron.

‘We’re back,’ he said and Ron looked back at him and then Hermione.

‘I can see that,’ Ron replied and made space for them to move inside, so they did. Harry looked around the kitchen to see that everyone was around the table looking at them. Food, plates and glasses with drinks were on the table. Everyone stood up one by one and hugged both Harry and Hermione. The two accepted and returned the hugs. Lastly, Ginny hugged Harry tightly. Harry, despite his discomfort, returned the hug, though a little less firmly, and then let go of Ginny. Ron was silent and didn’t hug them. Mrs. Weasley took Harry and Hermione close to the table and served them dinner. Everyone except for Ginny and Ron started asking how things were in Australia.

Harry and Hermione tried to answer all of their questions. When they finish their meal Ron gestured for them to move upstairs with him. Harry felt nervous but silently obliged and, with Hermione, walked into Ron’s bedroom. Ron shut and locked the door and looked at them.

‘I was mad at both of you,’ Ron began, and Harry felt that things wouldn’t be as bad as he had expected them to be. ‘But then things changed and I saw that you both had to go to Australia without me,’ Ron went on and Harry was positive Hermione was feeling the same relief as him. ‘I know Ginny told you that there had been some changes here, but—I’m just not that sure yet. I think I’m interested in Luna,’ Ron finished with red ears and cheeks. Harry looked at him dumbfounded, he couldn’t believe what he had just heard. Luna? Weeks before Ron was calling Luna “Loony” and things like that. What had changed in those weeks he and Hermione were away? Harry looked at Hermione and, to his surprise, he found her smiling.

Ron looked at Hermione for a very long time and then spoke. ‘Are you ok with that?’ he asked her and Harry watched her reaction carefully. Hermione nodded and smiled wider.

‘If she can stand your temper and attitude, then I’m more than ok. I want you to be happy. We’re best friends after all,’ Hermione replied and this time Ron sighed in relief. Harry couldn’t imagine Ron and Luna having anything in common, but Hermione was right; If Ron was happy, he was happy as well. Ron looked at Harry and then at Hermione again. Ron was wearing an expression that face Harry couldn’t understand but he give it much thought as Mrs. Weasley knocked on the door and announced that it was bed time.

Hermione left the bedroom quietly. Harry didn’t want to face Ginny just yet. so he decided to stay inside with Ron. They changed their clothes and got ready for sleep. They laid in their beds in silence, as sleep was beginning to overtake Harry, Ron spoke.

‘Thanks, mate,’ he said and Harry looked at him.

‘For what?’ Harry asked, confused.

‘For taking care of Hermione during the last six weeks. She needed someone very close to her heart and she had you,’ Ron said. Before Harry have the chance to say something Ron turned over on his bed and turn the lights off.

Harry, despite being exhausted from the trip, the visit to Privet Drive and the dinner with the Weasleys, couldn’t sleep. His mind was full of thoughts and worries. The way Ron looked at his and Hermione’s joined hands, and the way Hermione pulled her hand away. Ron and Luna being together. Aunt Petunia and her interest for him. Her advise and the feeling of pity for her and Dudley, doomed to live in the life she made. The way he would talk to Ginny about their end as “couple” and how Ron and the rest of the Weasleys would behave towards him after that. And the announcement of him living with Hermione’s parents for the last six weeks of the summer... Harry just couldn't escape all of those thoughts plaguing his mind.

Lost in his thoughts, Harry didn’t realize when the sun rose and Ron’s snoring had stopped. He looked around and saw his best friend looking at him. ‘You didn’t sleep at all, did you?’ Ron asked and Harry shook his head. Ron shook his head as well. ‘I was always right saying both you and Hermione are mental,’ Ron said and Harry chuckled. The young men stood up and got dressed for breakfast. Harry didn’t want Ron to know about his and Hermione’s plans with everyone else so before Ron could leave the room, Harry stopped him.

‘What is it, Harry? I’m hungry.’ Ron said and Harry tried to smile at his best mate.

‘Ron,’ Harry began and his smile faded. ‘Hermione and I have decided to go and live at her parents’ house for the rest of the summer, they need her and I want to leave you and your family so you can… move on,’ Harry said, choosing his words carefully. Ron looked at him for awhile.

‘What about you and Ginny?’ he asked, and Harry felt even more nervous.

‘Ron, I... Ginny and I can’t keep up. I can’t actually. I need time and space and Ginny doesn’t deserve to be used by me because I can’t figure out what’s going on with me,’ Harry said and Ron’s ears began to turn red. A bad sign, Harry knew.

‘So you have been using her for the last two years?’ Ron asked angrily and Harry tried to explain.

‘No, no, Ron, you know I could never do that. I had feeling for her. But things changed, like with you and Hermione,’ Harry said, trying to make a point.

‘Hermione and I are a totally different matter,’ Ron snapped back, but he took a deep breath and went on. ‘But you and my sister are old enough to figure things out,’ Ron said, trying to calm himself. Harry felt a wave of relief crash over him. He wasn’t sure if Ron was just keeping things quiet so they wouldn’t have trouble or if he was really ok, but he was happy that Ron attempted to understand him.

‘Thank you, mate,’ Harry said.

‘But, Harry, next time, make the right choice and don’t hurt anyone else. Ginny has been waiting for you for the last few weeks,’ Ron said and Harry nodded nervously.

They moved downstairs to the kitchen. Everyone was there already, preparing breakfast. Harry and Ron sat down with everyone else and all together started eating. Harry looked at Hermione, she smiled at him and at Ron who was looking at her as well. Harry then looked at Ginny who didn’t smile but nodded at him. He knew she was tired or even angry at him but he had to clear things up with her as soon as he could. As everyone finish their meal, someone knocked on the door. Ron stood up quickly and opened it to find Luna was standing there, smiling. She moved inside the kitchen and kissed Ron on the cheek. Ron blushed brightly, and both Harry and Hermione chuckled as Luna moved inside and greeted them, welcoming them back. She was holding a letter in her hand but before she could explain what it was, a bird flew into the kitchen and started making circles above their heads.

George took the owl and pulled the letters from its leg. ‘It must be yours as well, the letters from Hogwarts. I’m a prefect!’ Luna exclaimed and Ron smiled proudly at her. He, Harry, Hermione and Ginny looked at the letters George had in his hands. Indeed the letters were from Hogwarts. The four took their letters and opened them. Harry couldn’t remember his letter being so heavy the past six times he had opened it. He found the usual piece of parchment with the books and supplies he would need. And two more letters. He opened the first.

Dear Mr. Potter

I hope the small talk we had back in the infirmary made your mind up about your return to Hogwarts. I have decided to make you the captain of Gryffindor Quidditch team. You have proven yourself to be capable of good leadership, so the position is yours again.

Headmistress McGonagall

Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry

Harry smiled, happy that he would be able to be the captain again. He felt a slight pang of regret, realizing that he no longer had his own broomstick. He then looked at the second piece of parchment. He opened it and started reading silently.

Dear Mr. Potter

Professor Dumbledore had apologized to you for not making you a prefect back in your fifth and sixth year because you were already too busy. Albus’ portrait and I have decided that you deserve to be the Head Boy for this year. You have been through allot, I’m sure, and you deserve some privacy inside the Hogwarts castle.

Ms. Granger will be the Head Girl. She deserves it since she was a great prefect during her fifth and sixth year. Believe me when I’m saying that I’m not giving you these positions just because of who you are, but because you deserve it and you can be a great Head Boy and Captain of the team. Inside the folder, you’ll find your budget. Please don’t lose it. You and Ms. Granger will come and find me on September 1^st after the selection and the feast, in my office.

Headmistress McGonagall

Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry

p.s. I have to give you something.

Harry couldn’t believe he was the Head Boy or that Hermione would be the Head Girl, or that McGonagall had the faith in him to give him all of these privileges when she wasn’t sure if he would be back. Suddenly, he remembered the way he had felt when he knew Hermione and Ron were the prefects and he was left out. He didn’t want to, but he felt proud of himself. He knew he deserved it, but now there was one more problem….

‘I’m the Head Girl!’ Hermione exclaimed as she finished reading her letters from McGonagall. She looked around and spotted Ron and Harry. Ron smiled as he lowered his single piece of parchment, but his eyes narrowed slightly at Harry and the three different letters in his hands.

‘I’m the captain of the team again—and the Head Boy,’ Harry said quietly and everyone started congratulating both of them. Everyone was silenced by a loud thud of the kitchen door. Ron had just left. Harry and Hermione started for the door but Luna was faster and left to find him.

‘Harry, Hermione, leave Luna to do it!’ Ginny exclaimed. ‘You’ll only make things worse. Let her help him.’ Ginny said, and both Harry and Hermione stopped and looked at the Weasleys. Harry didn’t want to leave Ron alone. He knew how he was feeling. He knew Ron was thinking that he is second best again. He also knew Ginny was right; He and Hermione may make things worse right now.

‘Harry, can we talk?’ Ginny went on and Harry jerked his head in her direction. He nodded slowly and everyone remained silent as the two moved up the stairs. They entered Ginny’s room and she shut the door behind her. Harry sat down in an old chair and sighed. Ginny sat on the edge of her bed and looked at him.

‘Ginny, I thought about us allot for the last six weeks I was away,’ Harry began, feeling as nervous as he had been the last time he was in the same room with the same person. ‘And I decided that I can’t move on like this,’ Harry said. Ginny stared at him.

‘Can I know the reason this time?’ Ginny asked. Harry knew she was getting angry but this was his only chance to explain.

‘Because I've changed and you can’t... It’s not your fault...But you didn’t see all of those changes I went through. I’m not the same person I was back in my sixth year. I’ve grown up faster than I should. I've experienced things most people wouldn’t understand and in the last year I realized that I need different things from this type of relationship,’ Harry said.

‘I thought I was giving you what you needed,’’ Ginny said and Harry sighed.

‘You did. You tried, Gin. But I need different things now,’ Harry said and Ginny stood up and moved closer to the window. ‘If we were strong enough, we wouldn’t have broken up in the first place. I would be more sure of Voldemort not finding you. I wouldn’t be afraid for your safety close to me, if I knew we could make it,’ Harry said.

‘So you’re sure for Hermione and her safety?’ Ginny asked and Harry stared at her this time, not knowing what to say at that... ‘You were sure she could make it being close to you during your absence, wherever you were? You trusted her enough to let her follow you?’ Ginny went on.

‘Hermione is not the matter here, Gin. We are, and we’re done. I’m sorry,’ Harry said, trying to stop Ginny’s questions from repeating themselves inside his head. Ginny turned around and looked at him.

‘You’re right!’ she said angrily, her face red all over, tears ready to escape her eyes. ‘I never understood what you needed... what you wanted! And you know why? Because you never let me in! Harry, look at us! Us! You liked just like what was on the outside and I was never allowed to see what you were truly like on the inside. You never allowed me to! Hermione and Ron knew about what was wrong with you. Hermione and Ron were allowed to follow you when I wasn’t! Hermione and Ron know what you three did the last several months and I have no bloody idea. Hermione and Ron always knew you when I, your girlfriend, was only allowed to see the outside! The fake smiles and grins even when you were bleeding inside! How did you think I could ever help and give you what you needed and wanted when you always kept me away?’ Ginny shouted, tears running down her cheeks now. Harry, whether he wanted to admit it or not, knew she was absolutely right.

He tried to protect her and kept her away. Maybe that was always the problem. He was never real with her. And he never could be. He was always too afraid to show her who he truly was. ‘Ginny, I – I’ Harry started but Ginny turned her back on him and tried to take calming breaths. He didn’t know what to say at her.

‘Do you have anything else to tell me? Something I shouldn’t learn later, in front of everyone?’ Ginny asked, as if she knew there was more. Harry took a deep breath and looked at the floor in front of him, not being able to even look at her back.

‘I will spend the rest of the summers at the Grangers’ house. I think it’s better for me to be away from here right now and –‘ he was cut off by Ginny's sad, false chuckle.

‘Why am I not surprised? You feel more comfortable in a strange house with Hermione than here, at the house you have been living at for all these years. You two do well. It’s good for all of us if you and Hermione stay away right now. We’ll see you at Hogwarts. That’s enough,’ Ginny said and Harry thought that her temper and pain were now talking, but even then he wasn’t sure. He realized he didn’t know her well enough to know if she meant the things she just said, or if she was blurting things out to hurt him.

This uncertainty made him leave her room as she let her self collapse on her bed. He hated himself for hurting her so much. He hated himself for making her cry. But he hated himself more because he knew she was absolutely right about the things she had said. They never saw each other’s souls. They never fought... They never tried more than they thought they should…

Harry moved downstairs and saw the Weasleys sitting around the table. Ron wasn’t there yet, and neither was Luna. Mrs. Weasleys seemed upset and when Harry looked at Hermione he was sure that she had talked to them about leaving the Burrow for the rest of the summer. With Ron mad at him because, once again, Harry had a position above him at the school, and Ginny mad at him because he was…who he was, Harry wanted more than ever before to leave the Burrow right that moment. He nodded at Hermione and she stood up. Mrs. Weasley did the same and hugged Hermione and Harry.

‘Please, stay a bit more,’ she said sadly, ready to cry. Harry sighed and spoke.

‘We have to go Mrs. Weasley. We’ve already caused quite a stir with our decisions,’ Harry said and Hermione sighed as well, probably understanding that he and Ginny were over. Mrs. Weasley let go of Harry and looked at both of them.

‘Promise you’ll owl us, I want to know how you are spending your summer. And if you need anything-‘

‘We will, Mrs. Weasley. We promise, we will,’ Hermione stopped her. She nodded and hugged them again. ‘We’ll try to owl to Ron as well,’ Hermione added and Harry nodded his agreement to Mrs. Weasley even if he didn’t know what he could say to Ron or how he would “owl” the Weasleys without an owl. With a shot of pain, he remembered the loss of Hedwig and her empty cage in Ron’s bedroom some floors above them.

Mrs. Weasley nodded again and both Harry and Hermione took their Hogwarts letters. They said their goodbyes to everyone in the kitchen and Hermione apparated them away. When the aparation was done and Harry was in front of a beautiful, double-decker house with a small garden full of destroyed-after a year of lack of care- flowers he knew he was in front of Hermione’s house. Hermione took his hand and he knew that the emotions were too much for her.

‘I’m back home,’ she whispered, as if she couldn’t believe it. Harry smiled at her. He would be with his best friend for the rest of the summer. He would be able to relax a bit and plan new things without people grieving around him. He would have the time to grieve himself without having many others to comfort. He had Hermione to comfort and be comforted by.

‘And I’m right here for you,’ Harry said and Hermione looked up into his eyes. They looked at each other for a long moment, like in the past, communicating and showing their trust in each other without words. She smiled and squeezed his hand.

‘I know,’ she said more firmly and together they moved closer to the house... Close to the first carefree summer of Harry’s life before their return to Hogwarts.
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Harry Potter and the End of Illusions