After the First Task

By: Sheltie

I don't own Harry Potter at all

A/N: I got this idea from reading Harry Potter and Future's Past by DriftWood1965 and thought that would be a good idea for a fic.

A/N 2: my reposted edition. In here there a few corrections and other things.

Chapter 1

Hermione Jane Granger could only look on in horror as her best friend out flew the Hungarian Horntail, which was going well until the dragon snapped its chain. That's when Hermione gripped her face with her hands leaving fingernail marks. She cheered when Harry grabbed his egg and was the first out of her seat as soon as he landed. She had to be there for him, she had to touch him to know that he was alive and well. When she got to the tent where he was being checked up on she found Madam Pomfrey checking him over and chiding him for being reckless once again.

"Mr. Potter, just once I'd like it if I didn't have to see during your time at Hogwarts" Madam Pomfrey said.

"But madam Pomfrey, how would we be able to have our nice chats like this?" Harry asked cheekily.

Madam Pomfrey huffed, but couldn't help smile slightly.

"Oh Harry, I'm so glad that you're alright" Hermione said as she ran to her best friend.

Madam Pomfrey was able to move out of the way before Hermione could knock her down to engulf her best friend in a huge hug.

"I'm fine Hermione, just a few scratches, that's all" Harry said trying to calm his best friend.

"You have no idea how scared I was" Hermione mumbled into his shoulder.

"I was scared too" Harry said rubbing her back.

Hermione pulled back to get a good look at Harry and that's when she got the overwhelming urge to kiss her best friend. She liked Harry a lot, but if she was honest with herself she would admit that she had been in love with Harry since their flight on Buckbeak. That was the most thrilling thing she'd ever done, and the fact it was with Harry made it all the more exciting. She daydreamed of that moment many times over the summer and let her imagination get the best of her during those times. She gathered all of her courage and leaned in and hoped that he didn't pull away, but what shocked her was that he leaned in too.

Harry was still feeling the effects of his adrenaline rush, but with his best friend in his arms he felt the lingering effects ebb. He always cared for Hermione there was no doubt about that even when they had that fight last year, his thoughts were on Hermione and worried about her ragged appearance and lack of sleep. When he felt Hermione holding onto him during their flight on Buckbeak it reaffirmed his confirmation that Hermione was a girl. The feeling of Hermione pressed against him filled his not so innocent dreams of late. Sure he had a crush on Cho Chang, but that paled in comparison on what his feelings were for Hermione. The only thing that stopped him was his fear of rejection, he couldn't lose Hermione. But when he saw Hermione leaned in towards him that gave him hope and decided to go for it.

When their lips touched it felt magical and they both knew that this would change everything. But right now they didn't care about the repercussions of their actions, right now the only care they had was to savor this moment.

"What the bloody hell are you doing?" someone shouted.

Harry and Hermione both pulled apart, but still held onto one another as they turned towards the voice. It was Ron Weasley.

"I believe I was kissing the most beautiful girl in Hogwarts" Harry said smiling.

Hermione blushed.

"But you're not supposed to be doing that, you're supposed to be doing that with Ginny, and Hermione is mine" Ron said.

"Really Ronald, I don't think you've ever asked me out or anything so you have no say on who I kiss" Hermione said.

Ron sputtered and left.

"Come on Hermione, let's head back up to the castle" Harry said keeping an arm around her waist as he tugged her to the exit.

Hermione just followed and enjoyed the feeling Harry's arm on her waist.

Back in Hogwarts the pair walked around until they both felt they should talk so they headed to an unused classroom and Hermione sealed it for privacy.

"Hermione, why did you kiss me?" Harry asked as soon it was secure.

"Why did you kiss me back?" Hermione countered.

Harry knew that Hermione was going to make him reveal his feeling first before she revealed her so he sighed.

"I like you Hermione, I always have. I just never knew and still don't know if what I feel is love. I've never had anyone tell me they love me or have ever felt love so I'm at a total lost" Harry said honestly.

Hermione felt her heart go out to her best friend and she pulled him into a hug.

"This is love Harry" Hermione said softly.

Harry pulled back and looked at Hermione with confusion.

"Harry, love is when you feel complete with someone, you like spending time with them and feel sad when they aren't around. You think of them when you're alone. You do anything to make sure they are safe and will risk your life to save theirs. That's love Harry" Hermione said.

Harry looked into Hermione's brown eyes and knew that he loved Hermione. He couldn't tell how he knew, he just knew.

Hermione smiled as she read Harry's eyes, she knew that Harry figured it out. She was always knew what Harry was thinking and feeling by just looking into those emerald orbs.

Neither spoke the words as they both knew that everything that needed to be said was said. They left the classroom and headed back to the Gryffindor common room where a party was set up and already in going.

A banner was set and it read 'Congratulation Harry!'

Harry blushed and ducked as the attention was on him, he also tightened his grip on Hermione's hand that he was holding. Hermione felt Harry's hand grip hers tightly and she knew that he was feeling embarrassed and flustered with all this attention.

"Way to go Harry, that was some wicked flying" George said.

"Brilliant Harry, not even Krum could pull off those moves" Fred said.

More Gryffindors added their congratulations until one caused everyone to go quiet.

"Hurray to Harry and Hermione, about bloody time!" Katie Bell shouted.

Silence rang throughout the entire common room as they heard Katie Bell's shout.

"What, was I the only one that noticed?" Katie asked looking around.

"Katie I love you, but you need to keep quiet some times" Harry said shaking his head.

Katie just smiled.

"But Harry, you and Hermione are so cute together and everyone here should've known that you two would end up together" she said.

From the looks on the faces of everyone in the common room it appeared that Katie was the only one who thought that. Except one other.

"I raise my butterbeer to Harry and Hermione, congratulations" Neville Longbottom said.

This made the Gryffindors turn to Neville.

"What, even a blind person would know they are right for one another" he said when everyone was staring at him.

Ginny looked ready to cry and Ron looked ready to blow any moment.

"Alright, so looks like we have two things to celebrate" Fred said shaking from his stupor.

"I agree dear brother" George said and he waved his wand at the banner.

It now read 'Congratulations Harry and Hermione!' with pink hearts floating around it with a cupid shooting arrows at the hearts.

The new couple blushed bright red.

This seemed to be the snapping point for Ron as he stormed towards the couple.

"You just had to do it Potter, you had to take the one thing I wanted. You could've let me have it, but no, you're the great Harry Potter and you get to have everything!" he shouted.

"Ron, please don't do this" Harry said quietly.

Ron spun on his heel and stormed off to the boy's dorm.

"Well that went better than I thought" Fred said.

"Yeah, I thought Ronniekins would've made more of a spectacle" George agreed.

After that the party resumed and all the Gryffindor gave their congratulations to the new couple though Hermione tugged Harry away from Ginny whenever she was coming towards them. Harry didn't notice it, but followed Hermione's lead.

/Scene Break/

Harry walked down to the Great Hall with Hermione by his side talking happily.

"What, do we have here Potty and the Mudblood" Malfoy sneered.

"Out of the way Malfoy" Harry said sharply.

"Oh, you want to have time with you whore" Malfoy said sarcastically.

Harry's hand itched for his wand, but Hermione firm grip stayed his hand.

"What's the matter Potty? The Mudblood already got you whipped" Malfoy said smirking.

"Shut up Malfoy" Harry said glaring at the blond.

"Yeah right Potty like that's going to happen" Malfoy said confidently.

"Mr. Malfoy, I would advise you not to insult one who has tangled with a dragon and beat it" Dumbledore said.

Malfoy jumped hearing Dumbledore's voice.

"Sorry sir, I didn't see you there" Malfoy said with mock politeness.

"Yes well now you do, oh by the way that will be thirty points for using that dreadful word" Dumbledore said.

"Yes sir, I won't do it again" Malfoy said though Harry and Hermione knew Malfoy was lying.

"Good, off you go" Dumbledore said.

Malfoy left with one last glare at the couple.

Once the couple was in the Great Hall every eye was on them and Hermione wanted to run, but Harry tighten his grip on her hand and led her in. When they sat down the noise began.

"I hate the staring" Hermione muttered.

Harry shrugged.

"Congratulations Harry, Hermione" a blond dreamy blond said.

The couple turned to the girl and smiled.

"Thank you, uh" Harry said.

"Oh forgive me, I'm Luna, Luna Lovegood" the blond introduced.

"Thank you Luna" Harry said smiling.

The blond smiled and left.

"Hermione, what do you know about her?" Harry whispered.

"I don't know much, except that she a Ravenclaw and is usually seen alone" Hermione said frowning.

Harry thought for a second then called Ginny over. The redhead walked over and sat down across from them.

"What can I do for you Harry?" Ginny asked politely.

"Do you know anything about Luna Lovegood?" Harry asked.

Ginny thought for a second.

"She's in my year, and we used to play together when we were younger. She is odd, but very nice" Ginny said.

Harry nodded.

"Why do you ask Harry?" Ginny said curiously.

"Don't know" Harry said frowning then looking over at the Ravenclaw table where the blond was sitting alone.

"Harry, what are you thinking?" Hermione asked.

"I think we should get to know Luna better, she would make a good friend" Harry said.

"What makes you think that?" Hermione asked.

"Don't know, just a feeling I have" Harry said.

Hermione smiled and shook her head. Her Harry and his feeling about something. Most have gotten them into trouble, but this one looks to be a good one.

"She's a good friend and is very loyal" Ginny said after a bit of thought.

"That's good, and Ginny I hope that you're alright with me and Hermione being together" Harry said.

Ginny smiled.

"I was upset like every girl in this school, but I got over it when I had time to think about it. I stayed up most of the night thinking and realized that you belong together" the little redhead said.

"Thanks Ginny, I was hoping not to lose you as a friend" Hermione said smiling at the redhead.

"Thanks, but better be careful of my brother, he still angry about it all" Ginny warned.

"Thanks Ginny" the couple said.

Breakfast went on normally with Neville joining in and having a good talk with Harry, Hermione, and Ginny.

/Scene Break/

Later in the library Harry and Hermione were working on their homework when Ron came in.

"Hey guys" Ron said.

Both Harry and Hermione looked up and smiled, but then turned back to their work. Ron frowned at this, but sat down and got to work. It was five minutes and he started to complain.

"Ronald, will you be quiet, I'm trying to read" Hermione hissed.

"But I don't understand this" Ron whined.

"I've explain it three times for you, what do you want from me?" Hermione asked glaring at the redhead.

Ron just pouted hoping it would work. It didn't and what stopped Ron from having a bed in the hospital wing was Harry taking Hermione's hand.

"Ron, we have a lot of work to do, and can't keep stopping to help you" Harry said.

Ron's ears slowly turned red.

"Anyway we have to go, come on Hermione" Harry said getting up.

Hermione nodded and followed suit leaving an angry redhead.

Once they left the library Hermione turned to her boyfriend.

"Okay Harry, what is going on?" she asked.

"I just didn't want you to get into trouble for hurting Ron, though he'd deserve it" Harry said.

Hermione smiled and quickly looked around to make sure they were alone and once she confirmed it she kissed Harry.

"You're so sweet" Hermione said when they parted.

Harry grinned.

"Come on, let's see if we can find Luna" Harry said.

Hermione nodded and they went off in search for the Ravenclaw. Harry had to pull out the Marauder's Map to be able to locate the girl and found she was outside.

"What is she doing outside?" Harry asked.

Hermione shrugged.

They headed outside and found Luna staring out at the lake, but it didn't seem like she was actually staring at the lake, more like passed it.

"Um, Luna" Harry said.

"Oh hello Harry and Hermione, how are you?" Luna asked.

"We're fine, what are you staring at?" Hermione asked.

"Oh, I was trying to find Whample Whim" Luna said.

Harry and Hermione looked at one another with confused expressions.

"Uh, okay" Harry said.

"So Luna, would you like to sit with us at dinner?" Hermione asked boldly.

Harry and Luna looked at Hermione with shocked expressions. Harry, because he never knew of Hermione doing something without giving it a lot of thought. As for Luna, she never invited to anything in her life.

"Y-you w-want me to sit with you?" Luna asked.

"Of course Luna, we'd like to get to know you better, what do you say?" Harry asked getting over his shock.

Luna smiled, "that's sounds lovely."

/Scene Break/

The three of them entered the Great Hall laughing, which turned some heads and what really got them talking is that the threesome went to the Gryffindor table and sat down together acting like nothing was any different.

"What's Loony doing here?" Ron sneered.

Both Harry and Hermione shot Ron a glare and Harry grabbed Luna before she could leave.

"Don't listen to him Luna, he's just being a prat" Hermione said.

Luna nodded and sat back down.

They ignored Ron the rest of the meal no matter how much he tried to needle them. Ginny though shut him up by telling him that she'd write their mother a letter.

After dinner they took their new friend to the library to do homework.

"This has been the best day of my life" Luna said with tears in her eyes.

"It's only the beginning Luna, we're your friends now" Harry said softly.

This caused Luna to cry, which freaked out Harry and looked at his girlfriend for help. Hermione sighed and moved over to comfort the blond.

"It's alright Luna, everything is alright" Hermione murmured to the blond.

"I'm sorry, but I've never had friends before since I started here" Luna said wiping away her tears.

"We're your friends Luna and nothing is going to change that" Harry said.

Luna looked into his eyes and found no deception in them, she found safety in them that she hasn't felt since her mom died. She knew that he'd never betray her and when she turned to Hermione she found that same warmth in them and knew that she found the two people that will never leave her.

/Scene Break/

Dumbledore sighed as he leaned back in his chair in his office. He contemplated what has happened so far this year and smiled as he thought of how his favorite student Harry Potter was handling everything. He knew that Harry could raise to this challenge like the ones he's done in the past. He also did notice how close Harry was to Miss Granger, which made him smile wider as he knew that Harry would need all the support he could get. He sensed that Voldemort was close to making a return. He also noticed how Harry took a lonely Ravenclaw in and he sighed. Harry was so much like his mother that it was amazing. There was no sign of James' arrogance in the young boy, though he may look like James Potter the boy's heart and soul was all Lily.

He needed to make plans for Harry for the summer and hopes that Harry will like the surprise.

/Scene Break/

Harry and Hermione were returning from the library trying to find and clues that would solve the egg. When they entered the Gryffindor common room they found Ron pacing back and forth.

"What's up mate?" Harry asked.

"Shut up Potter" Ron snapped.

This caused everyone in the common room freeze and watch the drama unfold.

Harry was about to say something when Ron cut him off.

"No, you get everything handed to you. You get to be on the Quidditch team when I've wanted longer than you, and you get a new broom too. You get all the girls drooling all over you. You bloody well sneeze and you're on the front page. You're famous and rich. What do I have? I have clothes that were handed down by my brothers and bought at a second hand shop. Got a used wand to use, before it broke. But you got a new wand. You get everything and I get nothing, why couldn't you let me have Hermione, I've wanted her longer than you have" Ron shouted.

Harry sighed.

"Why am I famous Ron?" Harry said quietly.

"Because you defeated You-Know-Who" Ron said.

"Yes, but it cost my parents Ron" Harry said in a calm tone.

Hermione moved her hand from Harry's and wrapped her arm round Harry's shoulder and comforted her new boyfriend. Harry felt his strength renewed by Hermione's actions.

"I grew up not knowing anything about my parents except that they were no good lay-a-about who died in a car crash. My bedroom for first ten years of my life was a cupboard underneath the stairs while my whale of a cousin had two rooms to himself. I never got a birthday card, heck I didn't know when my birthday was until I was seven. I never got a Christmas present either. I had no friends because anyone who tried were bullied by my cousin and his friends. And as for clothes I had to wear my cousin's old ones and they are ten times bigger than I am. So Ron, don't go with your little pity story about how bad your life is because my life is a lot worse than yours. You have your parents, you have brothers and a sister who love you. I grew up being called a freak and never once known what a hug was until Hermione gave me my first one in my first year" Harry said his keeping tears back.

Everyone heard this and the felt bad, they never knew how bad their savior's life was and it made them respect him even more.

Hermione was now holding Harry tightly as she tried to fight the tears that threaten to fall. She wanted to curse those Dursleys for what they did to her Harry.

"I'm going to bed, night Hermione" Harry said kissing his girlfriend on the top of the head.

When he left Ron started going on how Harry was a wimp and that if it wasn't for him Harry'd be dead. The other Gryffindors glared at Ron and wanted to hex him, even his siblings. But they never made it as Hermione's wand found its way under Ron's chin.

"Shut your mouth Weasley" Hermione hissed.

Ron was about to open his mouth to retort, but found Hermione's wand poking him harder under his chin.

"Listen Weasley, you did barely anything to help Harry except hold him back. You stayed by the bloody door of the girl's bathroom while Harry risked his life to save mine. Yes, you helped solve the chess game, then it took me at least ten minutes just for me to wake you up and I know I heard you snoring during that time, while Harry risked his life against Voldemort for the Sorcerer's Stone," everyone shuddered when they heard the name. "While Harry almost died getting killed by a basilisk, all you did was move rock and keep that fraud of a defense teacher company. Harry and I did all the work last year while you were comfortable in the hospital wing, we nearly had our souls sucked out be Dementors," everyone shivered at this. "So Ronald, don't go bragging about all you've done, because you did nothing to help. I helped Harry in everything, I stuck by him never believing what anyone else said because I know the truth, I know Harry" Hermione said.

"You're just one of the those Boy-Who-Lived groupies" Ron sneered.

"I'm nothing of the sort Ronald, I know Harry Potter, not the Boy-Who-Lived. I love Harry Potter, not the Boy-Who-Lived!" Hermione shouted.

This shocked everyone and made them think that maybe they didn't know Harry as well as they thought.

"Whatever, you're just a Mudblood, it's not like you matter" Ron sneered.

A huge gasp was heard, but that didn't last long as they saw the redhead fly of his feet and crash into the wall.

"Never, ever call my Hermione that" Harry said panting.

"Harry, what are you doing up?" Hermione asked shocked.

"I couldn't sleep, and I could sense something was wrong" Harry pulling Hermione into a hug.

Everyone decided that that was enough action and drama for one night and went to bed, leaving Ron where he lay.

End of chapter

A/N: This is the first chap, I hope you like it. Please review and thanks for reading.

A/N 2: As you can tell I've erased author notes I had within the chap since that only impedes progress.