♡ I Can’t Imagine A Moment To Be Without You
Harry x Hermione, only they developed a relationship in year 6 when Ron and Ginny started dating other people.
Chapter Summary: their friends realize just how oblivious the two are, and Harry comes to the conclusion that his friends were indeed right.
Part One: ♡ All Along It Was You ♡, Part Two: ♡ I’m Sorry For All Of The Times That I Ignored You ♡
ps. idk when they learned that Ron’s middle name is ‘Bilius’, but for the sake of this chapter, let’s pretend it wasn’t before movie 6.
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After about an hour of bickering between Seamus and Dean, which Neville tried in vain to stop and in which he watched in amusement, Ron had noticed that Harry had dozed off. He was surprised, considering how loud the other boys were being.
And while they may have been amusing in the beginning, Ron was quickly growing frustrated with Dean and Seamus’ constant arguing. He sighed as he got up from his spot on his bed, heading to the common room in hopes it’s somewhat calmer than his dorm is.
As he sluggishly made his way down the stairs, he heard the familiar sound of his girlfriend and her best friend giggling together. Once he’d completely descended the stairs, he saw the two girls seated on the floor in front of the fireplace.
They hadn’t noticed him yet, so he tried to make it less obvious that he was eavesdropping.
“If Hermione told us to let her tell him herself in her own time, we shouldn’t meddle.” Parvati said, sounding guilty.
“We’re not meddling, we’re just gathering intel.” Lavender justified.
“Asking her crush who he likes is considered meddling, Lav.” Parvati responded.
“We could ask Ron...” Lavender suggested slyly.
Ron decided he needed to know more, especially if Hermione has a crush that he and Harry don’t know about.
“Ask me what?” He asked, approaching where the two girls sat and took a seat on the sofa.
Parvati looked nervous, almost like she didn’t want him there. He assumed it had something to do with Hermione not wanting anyone to know. Lavender, on the other hand, lit up. She always was one to grip every opportunity by the throat, he thought fondly.
“About Harry.” Lavender said, feigning an innocent smile.
Ron was confused now, he could’ve sworn they were talking about Hermione. “What about Harry?” He asked.
Parvati sighed, “She wants to know who Harry’s got a crush on.” She admitted begrudgingly.
“Why?” Ron asked suspiciously.
“No reason.” Lavender hummed.
“You’re not using me to get to Harry, are you?” Ron asked, only slightly teasing.
“No!” Lavender laughed, “I mean, Harry’s impressive. But I’m more into gingers.” She winked suggestively. Ron’s faced flushed cherry red.
“Okay, then why do you want to know about Harry?” He asked, clearing his throat and silently praying that Parvati didn’t see him blush.
She did, though, but aside from smirking she didn’t react.
Lavender went to respond, but cut herself off before saying anything, looking at Parvati with uncertainty. Parvati bit her lip as she thought about her silent question, and Lavender twiddled her fingers.
Ron looked between them with furrowed brows. “What?”
“Um...” Parvati trailed off, obviously having reservations about saying anything at at all, “it’s just that, well, we have a friend who has a crush on him.”
“And we wanted to see if she had a chance with him. So we could encourage her to ask him out or something.” Lavender said, adding on to Parvati’s sentence.
“Well, I’d say that depending on who you’re talking about, she doesn’t.” Ron answered slowly, trying to gauge their reactions to see if they were talking about Hermione without admitting who Harry likes.
Lavender pouted, “Is this girl that Harry likes a redhead, or does she have raven hair?” She asked disappointed.
Ron looked confused. “Neither, she’s a brunette.” He responded.
Lavender and Parvati perked up hopefully. “Are they close?” They asked simultaneously.
“Harry and this brunette he likes.” Parvati elaborated a second later.
Ron glared suspiciously, but nodded nonetheless. He jumped when the two squealed excitedly.
“Who are you guys talking about?” He asked exasperated, although he already had a pretty good idea.
“Hermione!” Lavender whispered conspiratorially, an excited smile on her face.
“I told you he liked her back!” Parvati exclaimed.
“That’s what I told Hermione!” Lavender practically squealed.
Ron looked between the two helplessly.
“Lav wants to set them up on a date.” Parvati told Ron, giggling.
Ron’s eyes widened and he shook his head. “No, no, no, don’t do that.”
The two girls looked at him confused.
Ron sighed. “Look, I’m not really one to talk, but Harry... he’s a bit confused.” He said slowly.
“What do you mean?” Lavender asked.
“Well, before Seamus, Dean, Neville and I said something, he didn’t even realize he liked her like that. He said that he couldn’t lose his best friend if things didn’t work out. He told us that in his mind, she was off limits because they’re best friends. He didn’t think he was allowed to feel that way about her and still be her best friend because it felt like lying to her in a way, it almost felt like he’d be betraying her somehow.” Ron explained, trying the best he could to sum up their conversation.
“Awe! That’s so sweet!” Lavender swooned.
Parvati chuckled and rolled her eyes at the other girl.
“Hermione was kinda the same way. She said she’d never had a guy friend before Harry, or you of course!” Lavender said, quickly amending her last statement.e
“It’s okay, Lav, we didn’t get along in first year.” Ron chuckled. It visibly relieved her to hear him say that, knowing she didn’t hurt his feelings.
“Anyway,” She continued bashfully, “she said that she never really had any friends before Harry, let alone any friends that were boys. She didn’t really realize the difference between romantic and platonic feelings.”
“So, then how did she recognize the difference between the two? She must’ve if you two wanted to know how Harry felt before setting them up.” He asked.
“She asked me.” Lavender shrugged. “She asked how I could tell the difference.” she answered.
“So what’d you tell her?” Ron asked.
“I told her that if he’s the first thing you think about in the morning and the last thing before you go to bed, he’s more than a friend. If he’s the first person you think of when you’re in a crisis, and he’s the one you go to for comfort, he’s more than a friend. When you find yourself doing his favorite things with him, even though you’d rather be doing anything else, but you do it anyway to spend more time with him than he’s almost certainly more than a friend. When you choose them; choose to stand by them through the good times and the bad, even when no one else does. When you believe in him when no one else would.” Lavender said.
Ron immediately thought of fourth year, when everyone thought Harry put his name in the Goblet Of Fire and called him a ‘stinking cheater’, Hermione was the only one who believed him. Ron still regrets that. He knew that Lavender probably didn’t mean to remind him of one of the worst fights he and Harry ever had, but unfortunately she had a point, nevertheless.
Hermione was the first person to see him as just a person. He himself is guilty of feeling a little starstruck upon meeting Harry. But Hermione was the first person who knew him and accepted him as a person. She was the first person who wasn’t jealous or intimidated by his fame. She was the first person who believed him when he said Voldemort was back, without question. She didn’t need convincing, she didn’t need evidence, she took him at his word, as she always did. She stood by him and refused to believe he was a liar or a cheater or that he used his fame to get him what he wanted. She probably knows him better than anyone.
He wanted to feel jealous, like he’s the third wheel, but it’s just always been that way. And regardless, they’ve still always been a trio. Hell, Lavender knows little things about himself that even Harry and Hermione don’t know, like his middle name. His parents obviously know everything about each other, things that he and his siblings definitely do not know, or want to for that matter. Maybe it was always supposed to be like that.
“They’re obviously perfect together, so what’s wrong with setting them up together?” Parvati asked, pulling Ron from his thoughts.
“I don’t doubt that they are, but I know my best friends. This is just something they need to work out on their own.” Ron said.
The two girls conceded, albeit reluctantly.
~
The following Monday, Ron and Lavender were actually earlier to breakfast than the usual early risers, Hermione and Harry.
Lavender told Ron that she wouldn’t do anything too obvious to get the two together, but sitting next to Ron so that Hermione and Harry were forced to sit directly next to each other wasn’t obvious. At least she thought so.
But when Neville came to the table to sit with his usual group of friends, Lavender jumped at the chance to ensure that they sat together.
“Neville!” She whispered harshly.
“What?” He asked, utterly confused.
“Sit on the other side of Ron.” She said with a sense of urgency.
“Okay...” He said suspiciously. He looked at her curiously, but began to round the table anyway.
“Lav...” Ron started to say.
“Shh! I know. But this isn’t obvious.” She said defensively. Ron sighed.
“What’s this about?” Neville asked as he sat down next to Ron.
“She’s trying to get Hermione and Harry together.” Ron whispered.
Neville’s eyes widened. “Wait, does she like him back?” He asked.
Lavender nodded her head furiously, an excited smile adorning her face.
“But we’re not going to do anything. They’re going to figure it out on their own, naturally, without any interference.” Ron said suggestively.
Lavender pouted. “Fine.” She sighed.
Neville raised his eyebrows, but upon seeing the two in question enter the dining hall, he stayed quiet.
Once they noticed that Ron already had company on either side of him, Hermione and Harry sat across from Ron and Lavender, side by side.
Now knowing what they know, the three are surprised at how casual the two could be. While nothing really changed, Neville could sense a form of trepidation on their part. He suspects that if Lavender hadn’t asked him to occupy the seat beside Ron, the two probably wouldn’t have chosen to sit beside each other.
“You guys are up early.” Hermione said, mostly towards Ron.
“Eh, I went to bed early last night.” Ron responded. Which wasn’t entirely untrue, but the honest answer was that Lavender practically dragged him with her to the dining hall.
“I don’t know why, but I woke up particularly exuberant this morning.” Lavender said to Hermione, who sat directly across from her, Harry directly across from Ron.
Neville found it sort of ironic.
“That’s great, Lavender.” Hermione responded sincerely.
“And I must say, you look brilliant today, Hermione.” Lavender complimented her. It was a sincere compliment, but Lavender secretly hoped it would make Harry notice Hermione.
Hermione beamed at the praise. “Thank you, Lavender. You look striking today yourself.” She responded with a radiant smile.
Lavender smiled vividly, lighting up at Hermione.
Harry looked over at Hermione, and smiled to himself at how happy she looked upon hearing the compliment. He personally thought it was a shame that she didn’t hear it as often.
Lavender saw his smile, and inwardly preened at her success.
A few minutes had gone by before Ginny walked into the dining hall with Dean, Seamus trailing close behind. Despite being with Dean, Ginny felt a pang in her chest upon seeing Harry and Hermione sitting next to each other, and particularly close too.
When the three walked up and sat down with the group, Hermione and Lavender deep in conversation about what Ginny gathered was their hair routines, and the boys talking about the upcoming quidditch match, Ginny decided to join the boys’ conversation.
“Hi, Ginny!” Hermione greeted her cheerfully. It only made Ginny feel guiltier about being angry at her for sitting next to Harry. Despite her inner turmoil, Ginny returned Hermione’s enthusiasm.
“Whatcha talkin’ ‘bout?” Seamus asked, his Irish lilt more prominent due to his drowsiness.
“We were asking Harry why he always makes quidditch practices the same time as Slughorn’s dinner parties.” Ron answered.
“You tryin’ to avoid the ol’ git?” Seamus teased.
“Seamus, don’t insult a teacher where they could hear you!” Hermione whispered loudly.
“Wait, you mean to imply that we could insult a teacher where they wouldn’t hear us?” Ron teased mirthfully.
“If it’s Slughorn, I couldn’t care less. I just don’t particularly want anyone in detention because of it.” Hermione huffed.
Harry snickered and shook his head, attempting not to choke on his orange juice.
“I like grumpy morning Hermione.” Seamus joked.
“Anyway, why do you, Harry?” Dean asked.
“So that I don’t have to attend his ‘Slug Club’ parties.” Harry answered truthfully.
“So you take away our Friday evenings?” Ron exclaimed in faux indignance.
Hermione held back a laugh.
“I think it’s a valid reason!” Harry laughed.
“It is. He’s really-” Neville said, cutting himself off with a heavy sigh.
“I’d also avoid any event that had Cormac McLaggen in attendance.” Lavender said with a grimace.
“Ugh, don’t get me started on him.” Hermione groaned.
“He literally uses any chance he gets to ogle Hermione shamelessly.” Harry said, rolling his eyes angrily.
Hermione nods, exaggerating a fake gag. She and Lavender laughed afterwards.
“He uses any excuse to do that to every girl he deems attractive. It would be embarrassing if not for all the girls he’s made uncomfortable.” Dean agreed.
“Yeah, he’s a menace.” Ron said nodding.
“Right. And this has nothing to do with his unabashed flirting with your girlfriends.” Seamus teased.
“I’m not-” , “Hermione’s not-” Hermione and Harry tried to protest, but were drowned out by arguments from Dean, Ron, and Neville. Lavender noticed both of them were blushing furiously.
“Moving on!” Ginny intercepted loudly. “He really does not need any more attention than he already gets.” She said with a roll of her eyes. Lavender and Hermione agreed eagerly.
“Speak of the devil...” Harry said with a groan.
Cormac walked briskly by Hermione, winking at her with a smirk.
Hermione didn’t hide the disdain on her face and she visibly scooted closer to Harry, trying to make it obvious that she’s not interested. Harry glared.
“Eugh, you seriously understated how gross he is towards you Hermione.” Ginny gagged.
“What do you mean?” Seamus asked oblivious. “I mean, yea’, the look he gave her was definitely gross. But how was it-”
“It wasn’t just unabashed flirting, he stared at her like he was trying to literally undress her with his eyes.” Lavender said. Hermione shuddered at this.
“There’s a reason I make sure I’m never alone with him.” She said.
Seamus wanted to say ‘never around him without Harry, you mean.’, but before he could Neville elbowed him under the table. Neville subtly shook his head ‘no’, leaving it at that. Seamus conceded with a petulant huff.
~
Later that evening, Hermione and Lavender sat in the bleachers watching the boys practice. Hermione was reading a book, but Lavender was battling with herself about wanting to tell Hermione vs what Ron said about letting it happen naturally and without interference.
On the one hand, she really wanted to tell Hermione so that she didn’t think her feelings were unreciprocated. On the other, she really wanted to trust Ron and let whatever happens happen naturally. The wheels in her head kept spinning, and she really wished she could lose herself in a good book like Hermione can.
Against her better judgment, she decided to prod the subject. Just a little.
“Hermione, why do you think McLaggen ogles you so shamelessly, when everyone else thinks you and Harry are dating?” She asked reluctantly.
Hermione’s head snapped up, eyes blown wide. “Everyone thinks we’re dating?” She asked shocked.
Lavender raised her brow, genuinely surprised she hadn’t heard the rumors. “Yeah, I overheard a couple first-years talking admiringly about Harry once, and another girl, I think she was probably a third or fourth-year, told them that practically everyone knew he was off limits because you guys were a thing.”
Hermione raised her eyebrows, “Oh. Huh.” She said, furrowing her brows in thought.
“Is that a bad thing?” Lavender asked hesitantly.
“No!” Hermione answered quickly. “No, it’s not a bad thing, per se.” She said with a nervous chuckle. “I mean, it’s not like I’m embarrassed that people think that, because I’m not! I just honestly don’t see how they would think that.” Hermione said.
“What do you mean? You’d be the ultimate power couple!” Lavender chuckled.
“Well...” Hermione started shrinking in on herself, tucking her shoulders in and ducking her head, staring at her hands as she twiddled her fingers. “I guess I’m just surprised that anyone would think someone like him would look at someone like me that way.” She said quietly.
“What are you talking about, ‘someone like you’? Hermione, you’re brilliant! And I’m not just talking about your academics. You’re exuberant and vivacious, and you positively glow when you smile! You have such a wonderful personality, Mione. How could anyone not like you?” Lavender asked softly.
“I’m not as pretty as other girls. Like you, Romilda Vane, Cho Chang, to name a few.” She said.
“Well that’s rubbish, and whoever told you that is full of shite.” Lavender said with conviction. Hermione looked up at her hopefully. “You don’t just glow when you smile, your whole face lights up when you talk about something you’re passionate about. It doesn’t matter what you wear, because you look beautiful in anything. And your hair is gorgeous, so voluminous and curly and full of life. Just like you. And trust me, boys who are genuine and good don’t care about such frivolous things, like what you wear or how you do your hair, or even if you wear makeup. If they do, they’re looking for arm candy, not a connection.” Lavender said sincerely.
Hermione felt all warm and full of affection for the girl sitting next to her. She said those things about her so certainly that Hermione had no choice but to believe that Lavender truly believed what she said. So Hermione chose to try to believe it too.
She flung her arms around the blondes shoulders, hiding her teary eyes and watery smile in her long curls. She sniffled slightly, croaking out a small, “Thank you.”
Lavender hugged her back with as much force and sincerity that Hermione was putting in.
Ron and Harry just so happened to look over before they parted from their hug, and Harry felt so happy that Hermione had another girl to talk to. Another friend that wouldn’t throw backhanded compliments or gossip about her behind her back. Because sometimes there’s just some things she can’t talk to him or Ron about, and now she has another girl to go to.
“I’m glad they get along.” Ron said, hovering in the air beside him.
“Me too.” Harry responded.
~
The rest of the week and during classes, Lavender observed their behavior, and concluded that there was no way Hermione’s feelings aren’t reciprocated. She believed Ron when he said that Harry was confused and needed to sort through some things on his own, but Lavender was sure that aside from whatever reservations he has, some part of him realizes that he loves her.
~
Harry and Hermione sat side by side at another one of Slughorn’s dinners. Despite being called a dinner, they actually had a rather large portion of some kind of desert in front of them. Absently, he could hear Slughorn ask about family members and such, but Harry was just waiting for the hour to be over. His only saving grace is that he has Hermione by his side.
“What about you, Miss Granger? What exactly does your family do in the muggle world?” Slughorn asked.
Harry’s head snapped up, looking around the table to see that all eyes were focused on Hermione. One look at her told him that she was very uncomfortable with the attention.
“My parents are dentists.” She answers. He knew this fact about her parents, but upon looking at everyone else he remembered not all of them were raised in the muggle world. In fact, everyone looked at her quietly for elaboration. He could tell the silence unnerved her. “They tend to people’s teeth.” She said nervously.
“Interesting.” Slughorn responded, and Harry couldn’t tell if he was being genuine or not. “And is that considered a dangerous profession?” He asks.
“No.” She answered. She hesitated, but she appeared to feel the need to fill the silence again until Slughorn directed his attention elsewhere. “Although,” She chuckles breathlessly, nervously, “one boy, Robbie Fenwick, did bite my father once. He needed ten stitches.” She said, shifting uncomfortably.
Huh, he didn’t know that one. Everyone was silent for a few more awkward seconds before the door creaked open.
“Ah! Miss Weasley, come in, come in.” Slughorn greeted.
Hermione leaned close to him, “Look at her eyes. They’ve been fighting again, her and Dean.” She whispered, but he couldn’t think of a response with her so close, he could smell her perfume and it was intoxicating. His chest fluttered, but when he looked over at Ginny, he only felt sad for her.
“Sorry, I’m not usually late.” Ginny said with downcast eyes.
Aside from feeling sad to see her so upset, he didn’t feel the flutter in his stomach like he did when Hermione leaned in close to him. He could smell Ginny’s strong parfum wafting over from the momentum of her long strides, but it didn’t make him all lightheaded like Hermione’s does, unless you count the fact that the smell from Ginny’s is really strong.
He faintly registered the flow of conversation picking back up, fortunately off the focus of Hermione, but he wasn’t listening. He looked over at her to see her laugh lightly at something someone said, and he felt his chest stutter. She looked so pretty when she smiles, and her laugh sounds so sweet. When he noticed Cormac ogling her again, he felt like he was hit with a brick.
And that’s when he couldn’t deny what his friends said anymore. He knew now, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was in love with his best friend... and he was screwed.
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@flowerhowellsworld thank you for the motivation I needed to finish this part up!
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