These are not your words. [Hermione]

[harryjamespotter]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 500px; height: 400px; background-image: url(http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/King_Giana/Harry%20Potter/harry_potter_bgbw.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 250px; border-radius: 30px 30px 30px 30px; border: 0px solid #414141] These Are Not Your Words Harry Potter was not known among his Professors to have a studious mindset. It went without saying that more often than not, Harry slacked off in his classes in favor of adventures and mysteries that inevitably lead to him facing some horrible near death experience that left him scraping by his final exams by the mere skin of his teeth. As such, his essays over the past four years had been lackluster at best, and clearly rushed at worst. This year, however, there had been a surprising and very notable change in the state of Harry's assignments. The amount of effort placed into them now was clear - his writing was legible, having obviously written his essays out in drafts before creating a final copy to hand in, which in and of itself was an improvement made in leaps and bounds. More interesting than this, however, was the fact Harry appeared to be grasping theoretical concepts and the idea of outside research. Harry was taking his classes this year very seriously and to his Professors, this was very obvious. However, Harry's friends were entirely unaware of just how much work and time he was actually putting in to things these days. When working on homework together, Harry always did his roughest drafts, before going back later and creating his expanded and complete versions privately. He had several reasons for being secretive about it, but his biggest one was that he just didn't want Ron to get upset. He really needed Ron's support these days and didn't want to do anything that could make the sometimes volatile Weasley turn on him. His other reasons lied in the fact he didn't want anyone but his Professors to realize he actually did have the ability to be a hard worker. In Muggle school Harry had always had good grades, until he had deliberately worked at failing when he was told he could never have better grades then Dudley. Harry had learned at a young age how to pass by without excelling, but that didn't mean he didn't know how to excel. He just didn't want his fellow students aware of that, as when it came to certain Slytherins, having them think less of his intelligence was more often then not an advantage. His final reason lay in why Harry had chosen to change his approach to academics this year. He didn't want Hermione or Ron to think he was full of himself, but he knew the Ministry had a habit of changing its mind when convenient for them. When it became impossible to deny Voldemort was back, Harry knew the Ministry would probably give him special treatment again like in third year. It was because of this that Harry wanted to have incredibly good grades when he applied for the Auror program - he refused to ever let it be said that he got in simply because he was 'Harry Potter'. He wanted to earn it, just like everyone else, and that meant studying. What Harry had not anticipated during his O.W.L. and Umbridge year was enjoying doing so, but he was. He'd loved reading when he was younger, and with all the adventures at Hogwarts he had gotten lost in the immediate excitement instead of the hidden ones found in the Hogwarts library. Magic was amazing, and every day he worked to raise his grades Harry found himself growing fascinated all over again. He learned more about the magic placed on Mr. Weasley's tent in fourth year as he looked through books on expansion charms to assist in background research for a particularly heinous Transfiguration essay, and it had been very enlightening. His added researching was having other benefits outside of class as well, especially when it came to the D.A. He found more and more things to learn and teach that could be combined with earlier knowledge to help make the group stronger and more widely versed in Defense, but there were some things he found that he chose to keep to himself. One of them was the book he had discovered when he first set foot in the library to find a distraction during Umbridge's classes. By this point, he'd renewed it enough times that Madam Pince had actually told him to just return it when he was ready, seeing as the last person to check it out had done so in 1872. Another thing Harry kept to himself was the fact he was practicing spells ahead of time just to show the others, and was taking teaching them very seriously. He found one or two spells he decided not to share, as he felt they could bring him an element of surprise if he were the only one to use them. Today, however, Harry was not in search of extra Defense studies, Transfiguration modules or texts on Charms. Today he was hunting down a few books on Potions, and he already had a handful of Potions Quarterly tucked under one arm. Professor Snape had thus far been the only Professor to comment on his change in work ethic, pulling him aside after class to accuse him of copying someone else's work. However, when Harry pointed out that Hermione had taken a completely different angle in her essay and that he had listed the proper references for the quotes he did use, Snape had been forced to relent. It was the first time Harry could remember where he got the upper hand on Snape, and the feeling in that moment had been amazing. It had also filled Harry with a desire to do it again, as much as possible. Forcing Snape to back down and leave him alone would be an even better pay-off than an 'O' on his Potions O.W.L., and if insane amounts of studying was what it took to do that, then so be it. Of course, this particular mission would have to be hid from Ron no matter what, because he would kill Harry if he found out he was doing extra work for Snape when he should be planning the procedures for the next Quidditch match. As such, he had to make sure what he took out could fit in his bag. It didn't take long to realize, however, that the amount of books he was wanting would not be able to fit. With a sigh, Harry laid his stack down beside him and began performing an extendable charm on his bag, weaving a featherlight charm in as he went, according to the theories described in his earlier readings. Once again, studying outside the assigned textbooks was paying off. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only Gryffindor determined to show Snape that they could excel in Potions Class, but it wasn't until he thought he heard someone rummaging through the shelf beside his that this thought occurred to him, and he looked up in alarm from his work, already trying to come up with an excuse just in case whoever it was turned out to be said Gryffindor.. Tag: Hermione

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[HERMIONE GRANGER]

In the Gryffindor Common Room sat Hermione, a pile of books, scrolls of parchment, and a few bottles of ink surrounding her. Ink blots were absorbing their way into the wooden table she was working at, because when Hermione got an idea about what to write on her assignments, she furiously wrote so that she would not forget the idea. She would eventually make a good copy so her writing wasn't horrid, but for the time being, it was all about the brainstorming process. Brainstorming ideas alone by looking through books was one of her many ways of researching information for an assignment, project or essay. Hermione currently was enrolled in over nine classes, and there was a lot of work to do for her Fifth Year. O.W.L.'s were only so far away, and the necessary time to be spent on homework and studying was being well used. Hermione always began her studying early; she found it relaxing at times and a distraction from her otherwise crazy, chaotic life. Hermione had always been dedicated and ambitious about her school life went and how her grades happened to be. After all, the work one put into their life was the amount of reward that would come in return. So, with ink dabbing away onto her quill, she turned the page as she wrote and continued to write while averting her eyes to the page once in a while. The essay for Herbology was nearly done; Hermione was just simply adding the final conclusions and edits to the essay, and then she could quickly yet neatly write out the good, final copy and roll it up into a scroll to be handed in. She'd spent so much time on the essay that she felt proud of herself. It was a familiar feeling, because Hermione always put one hundred percent of her efforts into her work. That's how she got to be thought of as one of the brightest witches of her age.

But names and labels were not everything. One had to live up to them. Hermione worked endlessly on her own projects, as well as helping out Ron Weasley and Harry Potter on their own. She also connected with Neville Longbottom to help him if he struggled. She gave everything she had into her school work and her exams and she ended up with exemplary grades because of it. The work is worth the reward, as she always told herself when she found herself in a tough spot. Hermione had the Time-Turner, which allowed for her to be in more than one class at one time, and to be able to take all of the classes she desired. It was a blessing for Professor McGonagall to have given it to her in secret. McGonagall wanted Hermione to succeed and show her ultimate potential - and that was what Hermione always tried to do. Hermione had that label among her friends; being the brains of her friends meant that everyone came to her with their problems, and Hermione enjoyed sharing her vast knowledge. For a fifteen year-old girl, she was quite an intelligent and intellectual girl. But the names could also cut deep, emotional wounds that would be difficult to heal. Being called an "insufferable know-it-all" and "Mudblood" were just about as bad as it got for Hermione. She was not ashamed, however. Hermione was a Muggleborn girl, and was proud of it. Showing her intelligence above those of pureblooded families who mocked her only gave her more pride in herself. She strived to be above those who mocked her and pointed fingers at her with laughter; because in truth, they were all the same, just from different blood lines. A blood line did not make a person better than someone else, nor worse than someone else. They all became who they were because of what they did in life. Hermione was going to be better. She always felt she would be. Hermione would also do her best to make sure her friends were doing well, or at least had passable grades each year. She would hate to see a friend fail because she did not help them out enough. Ron always depended on her for her work, and by just one pout and those puppy dog eyes of his, well, it didn't matter what he did, he got her compassion for helping others into his manipulation and got her to help. She didn't mind, really unless they were going to go and do reckless things with their life just because they were now done.

Hermione finally finished her Herbology essay, wrote it out on good copy, and then paused to take a break. She pushed her light brown hair from her eyes and tucked a few tresses behind one ear, sitting back in her chair and sighing. She was nearly done, just a Potions assignment, and then a Defence Against the Dark Arts assignment. The Defence Against the Dark Arts assignment was about something they had learned in their Third Year to begin with, so Hermione was sure she would pass with a high mark on the assignment with the knowledge she already had stored in her head. Delores Umbridge was making a pathetic attempt at ruling their school, and had begun to force the student populations to learn only the basics of defence and the textbook portion, instead of really learning to defend themselves. It was absolutely unnecessary and ridiculous, in Hermione's opinion. Nobody liked the class anymore, because just by being in Umbridge's presence brought Hermione a dreary feeling of drowning in water. She had never been close to drowning, but near Umbridge, she was just trying to stay above the water and not be pulled under by the horrible monster dressed in pink. Hermione wanted to be rid of the lady as soon as possible, and for once was in on any plans to rid of her. Hermione could not stand with someone who was depriving students of the utmost education that they deserved rightfully. For once, and potentially only once in her education, Hermione was willing to compile ideas and commit herself to overthrowing Umbridge from Hogwarts. Surely Professor Dumbledore would eventually give her the boot. He was the Headmaster and she didn't have the great power over him to keep herself from being kicked out of Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore always had a way of overruling anyone, he always had a way to figure things out. Or so Harry told her, and she believed him. Professor Dumbledore had not done anything bad from Hermione's recollection, and he was most trustworthy. She would trust him always.

Hermione was so deep in her thoughts that when she stopped and came out of her trance, she snapped quickly to attention and sat up straight in her chair. Hermione had been so lost in thought, her chocolate brown eyes staring at the crackling fire in the fireplace, that she had lost track of time. Almost half an hour had passed, from the time on the clock on the wall. Hermione straightened her uniform skirt, and gathered her belongings. She'd already preplanned to go to the Library for her Potions assignment, because Hermione had only her text and she'd already read it, and required some extra books and resources. After putting all of her completed homework in her drawer in her room and her books away on her shelf, Hermione came back to the Gryffindor Common Room. Hermione could not spot a mane of red, out of place short hair or tussled jet black hair, so that meant that Harry and Ron were either carefully and meticulously hiding from her, or that they were not in the Common Room. It felt oddly weird to be away from the two of them for a long time, because they were always together and up to some sort of trouble. She felt strangely .. alone. Lonely. She sighed, and headed out, messenger bag over shoulder, carrying all the supplies she needed for the Library. Hermione walked down to the Library from Gryffindor Tower, and made it within minutes. She decided she would try and track down her two best friends later, because they were probably up to something that could get them expelled. Hermione could use a distraction, except her Potions assignment was calling her. She scanned through an aisle, and then the next one, humming quietly to herself, passing by other students. She found the Potions section, and began to rummage through the shelves. She was literally looking through book after book, trying to find what she desired. Finally, content with the information she found, Hermione turned. And that's where, naturally, she found something, or rather someone, that was out of the ordinary. Someone that was not usually to be found in the Library, working on his actual work, without coaching. The rounded glasses, the jet black hair that stuck up in places, and the lightning bolt scar formed Harry Potter, and she beamed in delight, and with slight shock. "Harry?" Hermione questioned incredulously, walking the short distance from where she was to her best friend's desk, almost dropping her book in disbelief. usually Harry was putting off his work with Ron, out on his broom playing Quidditch. "What are you doing?" She inquired further, wanting to know his motives. Was he researching more about Voldemort? It fascinated her that he was actually doing work in the Library without Hermione's persuading, and Hermione wanted excitedly to know more.

[harryjamespotter]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 500px; height: 400px; background-image: url(http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/King_Giana/Harry%20Potter/harry_potter_bgbw.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 250px; border-radius: 30px 30px 30px 30px; border: 0px solid #414141] These Are Not Your Words Harry quickly hid a wince when Hermione's dulcet tones instantly called his name, the delight and shock in her voice evident even as Hermione approached him. The question was of course understandable - Harry in all four of his years at Hogwarts had not once made a trip to the library without Hermione's urging. That he was here now, rather than skiving off his homework and creating Quidditch game plans or playing chess with Ron, was rather curious. He just wished he hadn't been caught at it. Straightening up, Harry picked up his bag and the surprisingly large pile of potions books and magazines, and took a glance around quickly. "Ron's not with you?" he asked, even though he could tell that the Weasley boy wasn't lurking about anywhere. "Come on," Harry urged regardless, brushing past Hermione and leading her through the shelves to a far corner of the library that, from the level of dust on the books and chairs, was probably never visited. It was here that Harry had discovered the book that had officially formed his decision to start making a true effort in his classes, and it was here Harry knew he and Hermione would not be found or overheard. Setting the Potions books on a table beside one of the chairs, Harry crossed his arms a moment and contemplated how much to say. Finally, he started with, "I don't want Ron to know, Hermione, because he'll think I'm being a prat or something. You know how he gets about things sometimes," he added pleadingly, as he looked over at her. "I don't want him mad at me right now - not with Umbridge and the Prophet doing all this damage. I don't know for sure if he'd get manky about it, but I'd rather not take the chance if its all the same to you." Harry explained with a one armed shrug, waiting until he had her word. He trusted Hermione would give it, and it was as he was waiting that he began formulating how much more he would tell her. Tag: Hermione

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[HERMIONE GRANGER]

Hermione thought Harry would be happy to see her, and would try to flaunt off whatever he had been doing, to show her that he was actually doing something productive other than flying and pranking people, so that she would not have to keep constantly nagging him. But as she stepped closer it seemed she would not receive that sort of reaction. He seemed rather .. guilty. Harry seemed like he did not want to be seen by Hermione, and she paused in front of him, wondering if she had interrupted him crudely. She was only trying to find the books she required to complete her Potions work, and had accidentally bumped in to him. She was now hoping that he wasn't in one of those moods that would cause her to belittle herself for having rudely interrupted him. Hermione worried what would happen next, and her smile was painted right off her face, replaced with her biting on her lower lip nervously. Harry, at times, got agitated with Hermione, and she knew that well. She halted where she was, trying not to get into his personal space, giving him room to be in whatever mood he happened to be in at that moment, and just when Hermione thought she'd been surprised enough, Harry shocked her again. But Hermione didn't show it in her facial features, albeit her eyes. Her chocolate brown eyes were swimming with worry.

When Harry stood, he seemed to be panicked. He looked as though he was afraid that someone might be overhearing their less than pleasant conversation. He looked as though he was hiding something, and Hermione did not favor that. She wanted to aid her best friend, but she too was fearful, fearful that Harry would completely tell her off for saying one more word. Harry questioned if Ron was with Hermione, and Hermione shook her head, her light brown curls trailing her every movement. "Haven't seen him all day. What is going on with you, Harry?" Truth oozed out of every word in her first sentence, and in the second sentence, she was genuinely concerned. But by the time she got her words out, Harry was brushing past her, barely touching her, and instructing her to follow him. It was extremely odd behaviour for Harry, and Hermione could only come up with one logical explanation for it - Harry had found out something about Voldemort, had been working tirelessly for hours to find the clue, and wanted to share the secret with Hermione in private. But then why would Ron not be invited? Were the two on the outs again? The two bickered a lot the previous year but Hermione thought they had settled their rivalry. She wove through what seemed like endless amounts of shelves before finding a place that Hermione had been to once or twice before, in her Second Year. After being called a Mudblood, Hermione had hid out in the back section of the Library and isolated herself to the confinement and privacy of the back sections, where hardly anyone visited. Now she returned, three years later, with Harry, who was acting as strange as an Azkaban prisoner. Saying that he looked panicked was a deep understatement.

Hermione watched as he set his books aside, and she did as well, dust floating up from the pressure of the books being set down. She waved the dust away from her, stifling a cough. She was prepared for Harry to mention something about Voldemort, some sort of clue that he wanted to find himself and be proud of, to say his contribution to their search into Voldemort was not lacking. The silence between them could have been cut with a knife, and Hermione gave him an inquisitive look with a raise of one elegant eyebrow. She did not know what he could possibly say, and the anticipation and wonder of it started scratching at her. Harry's secretive nature was not new, and Hermione was only concerned because Ron was not allowed in on it, or so Hermione thought. He finally began to speak, and she prepared herself to expect the worst but hope the best. When he flat out told Hermione that he did not want Ron in on what he was going to tell her next, she began to bite her lip again. In her head, she could see Ron be bewildered while Hermione and Harry discussed something in secret. She could see him getting angry at both Hermione and Harry for not sharing any information with him. Hermione wished she could say that it would be better if Ron was involved on what they'd be discussing, but she could not just betray Harry like that.

It was tearing her apart. Ron would never forgive her for going behind his back like she was about to, but Harry would keep secrets from Hermione if she didn't give her word, and Hermione had swore after the whole 'not giving information about Dumbledore's promise they made about not telling Harry anything in letters' fiasco that she would always keep her truth to him and loyalty to him, and never to stray him aside again. She breathed in and out once slowly, contemplating her decision. All the time that she spoke, she could see Ron's face in her head the sheer hurt and pain of being left out on his face. "Harry, i'm not going to tell Ron if you don't want me to. I just want you to tell me what's been going on. I have not seen you a lot in the past while, and it just seems like you've been ignoring my help." She gave Harry her final word, a deep feeling of guilt settling in her stomach about Ron. She would not be able to look at Ron anymore without feeling the guilt of holding a secret from him. But Hermione remained her composure with Harry. "Now will you tell me what in the name of Merlin you're keeping a secret?" Hermione asked, crossing her arms, awaiting an answer she so desperately seeked.

[harryjamespotter]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 500px; height: 400px; background-image: url(http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/King_Giana/Harry%20Potter/harry_potter_bgbw.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 250px; border-radius: 30px 30px 30px 30px; border: 0px solid #414141] These Are Not Your Words As he watched Hermione think it through, Harry started to second guess himself. His friend looked deeply worried, and the way she bit at her lip told him loud and clear that she was uncomfortable. He realized what she must be thinking - that he was doing something for the war effort - and while in a sense he was, Harry realized this could all come across as a bit misleading. He was about to let her off the hook and just explain, when she surprised him. Despite having been asked to hide something potentially Voldemort related from Ron, Hermione had actually agreed. For a moment, Harry was floored, before he felt a wave of warmth course through him as gratitude overcame him. Hermione had just shown Harry a very large amount of loyalty, and he would have hugged her in thanks if it weren't for the fact Harry never initiated contact with people. Almost every hug he had received, the other person had come for him first. He would meet halfway, but he didn't start it, and it was something Harry himself was only dimly aware of. Smiling instead, Harry bowed his head a bit and rubbed the back of it. "Thanks, Hermione," he stated softly, meaning it. "Its just..." Harry looked up and met her eyes with his own. "Maybe I don't even need to worry about it, but its just not something I want known. See, the thing is Hermione, after the Tri-Wizard tournament, I sort of realized that I don't....I don't know a lot about magic." The admission stung him, but he held his ground and continued. "I don't pay enough attention in class and I'm always skiving off my homework. But I realized...Hermione, if I don't start learning...If I don't start really picking myself up...then how can I possibly hope to defeat him?" He asked, waving a hand broadly to indicate Voldemort and those who followed him. "So this year, I've been working well over twice as hard as I used too. And I know Ron would probably prefer I work on game plans for Quidditch instead of read an alternative book to help assist in some odd Transfiguration concept or something." Running a hand through his hair, Harry thought of what was hiding up in his trunk and smiled a bit. |Its paying off though. For the first time ever, I'm getting O's in something other than Defense and Charms." This, Harry felt, would probably be enough to ease Hermione's annoyance with him for worrying her. "And I had an essay Snape handed back to me. He thought that it wasn't mine, but I proved it. And it shut him up Hermione!" Harry stated, suddenly excited about Potions again. "That's why I've got all these," he stated, waving at his pile. "I'm going to keep him quiet this year," Harry stated with an almost evil grin. At least it was for a ...good cause? TAG: Hermione

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[HERMIONE GRANGER]

Hermione looked to the ground after giving her word. Ron would look at her with such distaste after finding out her going against him. Hermione was now officially choosing a side to place indefinite loyalty, and that was when the deep pit in her stomach, the one filled with absolute guilt, began to twist and turn. It gave her a sense of hatred toward herself momentarily, as Hermione hardly ever chose between Harry or Ron in an argument, unless she knew one was right and the other was not. It was not often that she chose sides because she also believed that Harry and Ron needed to work out their problems without adding insult to one by Hermione joining a side. She wanted them to resolve their issues, but wished they did not have any issues to begin with. The two could be the best of best friends some times, and Hermione appreciated and fed off that positivity to add to her own optimism in life. When they bickered, however, it set a weight on Hermione's already fragile shoulders. She was not ready for their fights whenever they came about, and often they were about something ridiculous. Hermione had schoolwork and studies to do, and that was enough of a weight to bear before dealing with the burden of Ron and/or Harry complaining to her about each other and how wrong they were. Life was a bit simpler when the three all got along, and after last year, it seemed their friendships had been restored rightfully. Well, Ron and Hermione were never always on good terms, with their odd little bickers at each other and odd fights starting from nothing. Hermione just could not get Ron on her bad side any longer.

Finally Harry began to speak again, and Hermione looked up at him. The guilt that had invaded the emotions in her eyes remained there, reminding Harry of the personal sacrifice Hermione had just made to find out what was going on in Harry's life. When Harry admitted to not knowing the proper amount of magic for his year, for what he should to defeat Voldemort, Hermione simply nodded. That was knowledge that Hermione knew from the beginning. She'd endlessly helped Ron and Harry finish their essays, assignments and studies because she felt if she didn't she would fail them as a best friend, and would cause their failure in their end of the year exams. Hermione would never forgive herself if they failed. But she did not speak a word as he continued, knowing she would feel better if she let him tell the whole story before she jumped to conclusions. Hermione finally heard the full story, and brightened up a bit, especially at the Snape comment. Professor Snape was not someone who was easily impressed, and Harry was finally shutting him up from the taunts and teasing, due to the fact that he was doing work above his usual level. She felt a surge of pride for Harry. Hermione was not competitive when it came to schoolwork because not a lot of people came up to her level of dedication and ambition. Even then, she was just pleased that others were putting as much effort into their work as she did. She went up and excitedly hugged Harry, holding him for a moment in the hug. Hermione always initiated hugs, she loved to hug people when she was either very sad or very excited for a person. At that moment, Hermione was very pleased with Harry, as he was putting effort into his studies. She pulled back and smiled at him. "I'm glad you've realized how important magic is and the different concepts of it can be. If you still need any sort of help, i'm always around. Perhaps you can convince Ron to do the same with his studies." Hermione said, laughing a bit. It was true that Ron got Hermione's help, but he would be great without it. Hermione was positive. Perhaps with a little convincing from Harry, Ron would do his work.

Thinking of Ron caused Hermione to back away again in sheer guilt. The secret wasn't all that bad, and Hermione was positive that if Harry explained his secret to Ron, that Ron would understand. Or, at least, that was what Hermione reassured herself with. She knew Ron was not going to pleased with the fact that he was the only one of the three best friends not to get top level marks. Ron would have an absolute fit. but at least if he knew, he would not get angry with Hermione for scorning him so badly, and for being so daft as to choose sides when there was not even a fight arising. Ron would be furious with her and she was truly all to blame. "Could we tell Ron? Not exactly now, but in time? I mean, i'm sure he would get curious when we get top marks and he's at average. I am just sure the repercussions for this will be great. He will be furious if you are studying and he asks me where you are, and I have to lie. You know how much I hate lying. I mean, i'm sure he could have a turn around and maybe try studying once he sees how Snape has taken to your new studying, and how you shut him up. I'm just suggesting this. I really don't want Ron mad at me right now." Hermione offered softly, hoping Harry would at least consider it, seeing the pain and guilt swirling in her eyes.

[harryjamespotter]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 500px; height: 400px; background-image: url(http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/King_Giana/Harry%20Potter/harry_potter_bgbw.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 250px; border-radius: 30px 30px 30px 30px; border: 0px solid #414141] These Are Not Your Words When Hermione launched forward and hugged him, Harry was a bit surprised, before he grinned and hugged her back. Though he'd probably never tell her, Harry was extremely grateful for the fact his friend had no trouble whatsoever with initiating contact. He'd learned at a young age to not touch, and though he knew things were far different at Hogwarts, the habits of formative years are by far the hardest ones to break. He greatly enjoyed all the hugs he received since coming to Hogwarts - from Hermione, Mrs. Weasley, and even Sirius now - but he still had a hard time being the one to start them. Stepping back when Hermione did, Harry grinned, knowing of his two friends, Hermione would be the one to find this the most exciting. He felt a twinge of guilt when she brought up Ron, but he highly doubted he could convince his mate to study. It just wasn't...Ron's thing, really. "I've really come to appreciate how complex magic can be, definitely," Harry agreed whole-heartedly, thinking on the fact for his most recent Transfiguration essay, he'd gone and looked at texts from the past two years in order to full comprehend how the latest concepts worked, and weaved with the ones they had learned previously. It was like layering, if you thought about it. Harry hesitated a bit when Hermione asked about Ron, thinking he'd been doing very well at hiding from both his friends the drastic change in his grades thus far, but when she brought up lying, he was forced to sigh. While he was a bit more comfortable with subterfuge, he knew better than to ask it of Hermione - it wasn't fair to her, after all. "I suppose we could," He agreed reluctantly, "I just don't want to fight with him Hermione. And I can see him taking this in an odd way, you know?" Realizing his friends were both in denial of their feelings for one another had been a fun moment for Harry, but he was partially concerned Ron would think Harry was trying to get closer to Hermione with his studying, which was one of the many reasons he'd hid it from both his friends. That was a blow out he just did not need. Still, Hermione probably wouldn't understand that, considering her own refusal to see what was blatant to pretty much all other Gryffindors. "I mean, I'm Quidditch captain. He sort of expects me to put my all into that, you know?" Harry added mildly instead. "I could tell him about Snape though," Harry conceded, that warm smug feeling returning to him as he thought about it. TAG: Hermione

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