by: Kelsey O' Hagan
Rated: PG
Harry James Potter sat peacefully on the floor next to an immense bookshelf where book after book had been littered unconsciously on the tile floor. An overly large book was propped up in his lap, and he flipped through the pages lazily. Several notes were scattered across the floor, most of them belonging to his best friend Hermione, who was resting against his back as she did her research. He flipped through the pages, and suddenly saw the picture of a hippogriff standing boldly against the page. He scanned the page intently, and found several pieces of useful information..
"Hermione, look at what I found!" the thirteen-year-old boy exclaimed excitedly causing Madam Pince to shush him and give him a reproachful look.. He ignored her and pushed his too large glasses up the bridge of his nose.
Hermione turned her head and was instantly at Harry's side, in the process snatching the book from him. She propped the book up in front of her face so that it was hidden from view. She muttered a few things while she read, and Harry waited patiently.
"This is really good stuff Harry, but you see in this case, the hippogriff vandalized property instead of attacking someone," she explained simply, but when seeing Harry's face was red with embarrassment she added, "and I'm sure we can find some useful hints in this as well."
A smile graced Harry's face before both of them returned to their original position.
Harry sighed and picked another book off the shelf. He scanned the pages with bored and tired emerald eyes before throwing it without care on the ground.
"Where's Ron anyways?" Harry asked suddenly and Hermione turned her head toward him.
"He said something about going to see Dean Thomas about Divination, but I highly doubt that seeing as Dean doesn't take it. I somehow think a girl is involved in all of this," she said causing Harry to chuckle lightly.
Harry then unconsciously took a peek behind him and saw that Hermione had gone straight back to work. He found himself staring at her, transfixed at all her movements. He didn't realize what he was doing until she looked back at him. Their eyes locked for a split second before they turned away with blushing faces. Harry set down the book and began scribbling useless notes on a piece of parchment.
"Hermione I think I have Quidditch practice in a few minutes. I better get going," he lied.
Without looking at him she responded, "I know you don't have Quidditch practice Harry because I saw the Slytherins playing outside on the pitch, but if you don't want to help me then leave. I'll probably be in here until dinner if you need anything."
Harry's heart sank before he picked up another book. She looked back at him and grinned. Harry looked back as well. The grin wiped clear off her face when she realized how close they were. They were inching closer and closer. Before they knew it their lips had pressed against each other's unconsciously. Their eyes closed harmoniously, but Hermione immediately pulled back.
Her face was flushed and her cheeks were red with embarrassment. Harry could only assume he looked the same way. Hermione suddenly stood up, leaving Harry without a backrest. Harry then found it awkward to be sitting on the ground at that time and stood up as well.
"Maybe we should take a break Harry. I mean we have been working for a couple of hours," she said quietly and he nodded in agreement.
"Y-Yeah, I suppose we should."
There was an awkward silence between the two before Harry spoke, "I guess we should try and find Ron."
"Actually Harry, I've got to see Professor McGonagall. I'll see you at dinner!" She then rushed out of the library at top speed, leaving Harry to his thoughts. Had he just kissed his best friend? He put his head in his hands. What if their friendship was never the same? It would be his entire fault.
He rushed out of the library as well, stumbling as he went back to the Gryffindor Common Room.
***
Harry sat quietly at dinner, picking at his food. He wasn't all that hungry after the incident with Hermione in the library. Ron was sitting beside him, hungrily devouring his food. Harry laughed at his other best friend, but the opening of the Great Hall door silenced him. He looked over, and his breath caught in his throat. It was Hermione. She walked slowly over to the Gryffindor table, and took a seat across from Harry and Ron.
" 'Ello 'ermione!" Ron said through a mouthful of food. Hermione gave him a disgusted look.
Harry reached for the pumpkin juice pitcher and his hand brushed against Hermione's. He blushed and he looked up at her. She was blushing too. However, a smile graced her face, and as soon as Harry saw that smile he knew that everything would be okay, so he smiled back.
THE END