Quaffles, Anyone?

Chapter Twelve

The Hogsmeade Weekend

Harry shook his head out of realization. This time, this was different, he is and very jealous at the sight of both of them practically kissing.

“What are you doing here?” said the voice behind Harry's head that sounded eerily like Rapticon Sr. “Flee!”

Harry then realized he was out in the open, looking at his best friend making out, he had very expensive piece of jewelry within the grasp of his right hand.

So without further ado, Harry turned on his heel and ran as fast as he could praying that they didn't realize he was there watching.

Harry dashed up the stone steps a little later on. He felt like an hour has passed but he kept on running ignoring all the curses from other students every time he would run through them rudely. Harry didn't know where to turn, Ron would take the news too much, Ginny probably knew what was going on and would make the topic even more complicated, Parvati and Lavender? The world will explode. Rapticon Sr. would understand, he's been keen to let Harry realize his jealousy but he was probably busy and wouldn't be interested at the moment… Harry wanted to shout as he climbed up the Grand Staircase but before he could do it he heard a voice.

“Harry?”

Harry stopped dead on his tracks and turned to find Fiyuna carrying a pile of books. She seemed to be smiling at him.

“What's the rush?” she asked through her hooded head

Harry panted, Fiyuna would understand. Dumbledore did say she liked him.

“Do you mind?” Fiyuna asked gesturing the pile of books she's carrying

Harry shook his head and helped Fiyuna with the pile of books so now both of them were carrying books.

“Back to my question” Fiyuna said as they entered the corridor of the Defense Against the Dark Arts room “why were you in such a rush?”

“I-I was er -” Harry said when he found his voice though it sounded dry

“Sorry?”

“I-I was exercising” Harry said finally “I've got to keep my Quidditch skills stable, you know”

“I see” Fiyuna said “No wonder you look so” she did a growl “so manly” she giggled

Harry followed her into the Defense Against the Dark Arts room which was occupied by Rapticon Sr., Figment and Elvis. They've seem to discuss something funny since they were recovering from laughing.

“Ah Fiyuna!” said Rapticon Sr. who was sitting behind his desk “Come in! I see you brought Harry with you. You can do whatever you like just don't bug me and my companions” he added

Fiyuna gestured her head to a door which Harry only noticed. She pushed the door open with her shoulder and Harry was met by a very interesting and circular looking room.

“It's not that much” she said putting the books on the desk

Harry thought she was wrong, her room was very decorative. Sure, the room was small but it was decorated rather beautifully. The walls were laden with lots of curtains and the floor was carpet-tiled. Bookshelves occupied the left side of the room and a fireplace would occupy the right with an armchair similar to the Gryffindor's squashy armchairs back in the Gryffindor Tower. Pictures of wizards and witches were hung right on top of the fireplace and a four poster bed took the biggest space in the room.

“I should've cleaned” Fiyuna said putting her fists on her hips “Sorry about the mess”

“It's okay” Harry said as he walked up to the fireplace's mantelpiece. The mantelpiece was filled with pictures of people Harry didn't know, not even Fiyuna was in it or maybe she was one of them because Harry couldn't tell what Fiyuna looked like without a hood. Rapticon Sr.'s picture could be seen by a group photo, he was beside a very pretty woman who Harry didn't recognize. The girl Rapticon Sr. was with was Japanese, she had bi-colored eyes and she looked like a daughter being beside Rapticon Sr. who was wearing a brown coat and was holding a sword that Harry recognized as the sword being displayed in the classroom. The rest of the group was unknown to Harry but they were all waving at him as if they knew him.

“This was taken two years ago” Fiyuna said appearing beside Harry also looking at the picture. She frowned and placed a finger on her chin “I just realized I put it here”

Harry nodded as he looked at the place the picture was taken. It was a tropical beach, a very beautiful beach.

“Who are these guys?” Harry asked pointing to the rest of the group

“Friends” Fiyuna replied still frowning at the picture

“I see Professor Raptor's here” Harry said pointing to Rapticon Sr.

“He's always been their, no matter what” Fiyuna said smiling to herself

“Who's this?” Harry said pointing to three teens. Among the three was a person who looked like Rapticon Sr.

“That's Rapticon Sr.'s son, Rapticon Jr.” she said pointing to Rapticon Jr. who moved aside “This is like my whiz kid” she giggled as she pointed to the humanoid whale who wore glasses “His name is Shamu Jr. and this -” she continued as she pointed to the last person “Is Ickis James, he was my buddy back then always following my every path since Rapticon Sr. ordered him to. Quite the ladies' man” she added “That's my cousin” she said pointing to a blonde girl who looks like she was around her mid-teens “She gets on people's nerve's but she's fun”

Harry smiled

“They all seem very happy in this picture”

“Not quite” she said frowning again

Harry wondered why but was answered when he looked at the pretty Japanese girl again and saw her smiling gingerly around the crowd of waving people, as if she was lonely.

“Who's this?” Harry asked pointing to the girl

Fiyuna gave a sudden yet brief movement when Harry asked this question

“H-Her?” she asked shakily

“Yeah, who's she? She seems lonely” Harry said

“Sh-She's a friend” Fiyuna replied

“By the way, where are you here?” Harry asked looking at Fiyuna

She bit her lower lip and said

“Look closer… that's all I can say”

There was a long pause then Fiyuna held Harry's shoulder

“You're so like him, not exactly but you have this likeness”

“Who am I like?” Harry said

“Never mind” she said smiling “You are very amazing person Harry”

“Er - thanks” Harry said blushing

Harry felt Fiyuna turning his direction to her, she looked at him deeply

“Harry? Can you keep a - um - a secret?”

Harry looked at Fiyuna puzzlingly but nodded

“Don't tell anyone even Rapticon Sr. that I showed you my face”

“Are you gonna show me who you are then?” Harry asked casually

Fiyuna nodded to him

“Only if you promise not to tell anyone, promise?” she said holding Harry's hands

Harry nodded. It seemed as if she was going to kiss him

“Well” Fiyuna said “this is me”

Fiyuna held the sides of her hood; she began pulling it back when Rapticon Sr. came in.

“Fiyuna, owl post” Rapticon Sr. said holding an owl who was hooting idly at Rapticon Sr.'s grasp

Fiyuna stopped pulling down her hood as she whispered to Harry “Maybe next time” and walked to Rapticon Sr. and reached out for the owl which she stroked when she held it.

“M-May I go now?” Harry asked

Fiyuna nodded and Harry left without hesitation.

- - -

The spirit of Christmas was in the air as the school decorated itself with Christmas decorations: from tinsels, turtle doves, mistletoes, angels that would carol around the corridors, and the like. But what got the students to sign the list of people who'll be staying in Hogwarts for Christmas were the invitations that they all received during the week before the holidays.

“Harry! Stop grabbing my apple tart!” Ron said as Harry played with him by grabbing Ron's apple tart

“Sorry” Harry chuckled “I'm just bored”

“It's okay” Ron said as he took a large bite “By the way, I gave Hermione's present. How `bout you?”

Harry nearly choked on his chicken scrap. It has been a week since Harry caught Hermione and Alex kissing.

“I-I gave her one” Harry said except rather shakily “She liked it”

“Good, because for a second there I thought she would hex us” Ron said as he took another bite of apple tarts “You know, she's been away from us for almost a week, you think something's happened to her?”

“I don't think anything bad has happened to her” Harry said through gritted teeth since he could see Hermione and Alex parting ways at the entrance hall. Probably they are both hiding it.

“What makes you think that?” Ron said

Harry pointed to Hermione and Alex direction

“I see” Ron said smirking “Good for Hermione, Lockhart and Viktor were not her type”

“Merry Christmas!” said the voice of Rapticon Sr. who was wearing a Santa hat. He put an arm around Ron and Harry “Isn't it great? My favorite time of the year! Here's a little something special before Christ is born!”

Rapticon Sr. got out a red bag and gave Harry and Ron chocolates

“Fresh from my home” he said joyfully as he walked up to the High Table

“He's got my vote” the voice of Seamus came as he sat across Harry and Ron “Gave me five boxes of chocolate”

“Vote?” Ron asked

“He's been nominated for a Hogwarts Legend Award” Dean said joining Seamus, Ron and Harry “He's competing against seven other teachers”

“How about for the students?” Ron asked taking a bite out of his chocolate

“No nominees haven't been announced” Dean said shaking his forehead

It was already near the end of lunch when Harry asked

“Are you gonna spend the holidays here?”

“Nope” Ron said “Fred and George are taking mum and dad to Egypt, their joke shop must've been a success thanks to you”

“How about Hermione?” Harry asked

“I'm going back to my folks” Hermione said sitting beside Ron “I wanted to not because they are forcing me”

Harry wanted to fly out of his seat

“Looks like it will be another family Christmas for me” she said happily as she took one piece of Christmas biscuit

Hermione ate only three pieces of Christmas biscuit since lunch was nearing to an end. But before they left, hundreds of owls came flying down the Great Hall holding golden letters.

“It's a bit late for the mail” Ron said as a brown one landed in front of him. Harry looked around for people's reactions, they had the same reaction: puzzlingly looks. Harry looked up the High Table and saw Rapticon Sr. swinging his pumpkin juice singing carols. The other teachers however were beaming at the students. I wonder why? Harry thought.

“Wow!” Ron said eyes widened tearing out his golden letter “Just read yours” he added to Harry and Hermione who were trying to get a look on Ron's letter

Harry shrugged and grabbed his golden letter, he tore it open and out came a letter that Harry had to read two times:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF

WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Dear Mr. Potter,

To honor the new nominees for the new Hogwarts Legend title, the school will be hosting a ball at their honor. You are invited to the gala party which will take place in the twenty fifth of December. This event will be similar to the Yule Ball that took place two years ago except that it will be a Hogwarts event, you may invite other students from other schools but bringing them to Hogwarts will be your concern not ours.

Dress robes will be the dress code for the Christmas Ball and we would highly discourage the wearing of very expensive jewelry.

A second form will be attached to this letter containing the list of nominees for the Hogwarts Legend Award.

We hope that this event will be a benefit to the student body. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress

“This is great!” Hermione squealed “Now I have to change plans with my mum and dad!”

“The ball is in two weeks” Ron said looking at the list of nominees “I wonder who the nominees are”

Harry looked at the second parchment which had a list of nominees for the Hogwarts Legend Award:

NOMINEES FOR THE HOGWARTS LEGEND AWARD:

Faculty:

Hogwarts Legend for Discipline:

Professor Snape

Professor McGonagall

Madam Hooch

Madam Pince

Hogwarts Legend for Good-Natured:

Professor Flitwick

Professor Vector

Professor Hagrid

Professor Trelawney

Hogwarts Legend for Great Teaching:

Professor Snape

Professor McGonagall

Professor Flitwick

Professor Raptor Sr.

Hogwarts Legend for Most Respected:

Professor Raptor Sr.

Professor Snape

Professor McGonagall

Professor Flitwick

Professor Sprout

Professor Hagrid

Madam Hooch

Madam Pomfrey

Hogwarts Legend for Popularity:

Professor Snape

Professor Raptor Sr.

Professor Hagrid

Professor Flitwick

Professor McGonagall

Hogwarts Legend Award:

Professor Raptor Sr.

Professor Snape

Professor McGonagall

Professor Hagrid

Professor Sprout

Professor Trelawney

Student Body:

Hogwarts Legend Award:

Ronald Weasley

James Rosenberg

Katie Bell

Ginny Weasley

Gordon Vance

Terry Boot

Padma Patil

Michael Corner

Ernie Macmillan

Hannah Abbot

Justin Finch-Fletchley

Will Harold

Draco Malfoy

Theodore Nott

Samuel Warrington

Pansy Parkinson

“Ron! Look, you're in the list!” Hermione said “You've got my vote” she said smiling at him

“That's one vote” Ron said satisfactorily as he looked at the list “Professor Raptor is in four categories. Blimey, he's gonna win in this thing. Not bad for a teacher who just had one year in Hogwarts”

“Ditto” Harry said

“I see Mark isn't here” Hermione said frowning “He's such a great beater”

Harry had to agree, Mark is a great beater. He looked at the other side and saw Mark reading his letter. He still had his hood up though.

Figment and Elvis passed by to congratulate Ron in taking a spot in the nominees for Hogwarts Legend but Elvis was more interested to shake Harry's hand but receive a whack from Figment with a piece of parchment.

“Blimey, Figment can read minds” Ron said as they left the Great Hall for afternoon classes.

The afternoon classes were devoted to decorating the rooms and since Defense Against the Dark Arts was the next subject, the class was asked to decorate the classroom with Rapticon Sr.'s help, of course.

“Good placing, Parkinson! Five points to Slytherin” he said happily as he tended to a group of Ravenclaws who were trying to hang tinsels on the windows. Harry, Ron and Hermione were asked to decorate the fireplace of the classroom.

“Harry and company” Rapticon Sr. said as he gave them a box of Christmas decoration “please don't put any damage on my sword, it is very valuable. Thank you”

Harry placed Christmas socks on the mantelpiece whilst Ron put a Christmas wreath above the sword which was now happily glowing red.

“Here's a Christmas tradition that never dies” Rapticon Sr. said as he levitated mistletoe on top of Harry and Hermione “Good!” he said fixing his Santa hat

Hermione and Harry blushed on the spot

“C'mon! You know the tradition!” Rapticon Sr. called joyfully

“Er -” Harry said nervously, he didn't know if Hermione was blushing since she was going to kiss him or blushing that she has someone already. This thought made Harry feel jealous again.

“Sheesh, if you won't lip lock then at least a peck on the cheek will do” Rapticon Sr. said sadly “It's for the sake for the lovely H/HR shippers out there!”

“What?” Hermione asked puzzlingly

“Never mind” Rapticon Sr. said playfully as he gave out a smile

“Just kiss!” Ron said putting Christmas baubles on the tinsels

Hermione gave a peck on the cheek to Harry which made him blush furiously which forced Harry to use his scarf to wipe his face hiding his blushing.

“Aw, Harry's blushing” Rapticon Sr. said chuckling

Harry looked at Rapticon Sr. alarmingly

“I'm just playing with ya kids” Rapticon Sr. said as the kettle whistled “Oh, hot choco!”

He went to the fireplace and took out a steaming kettle. He started pouring the contents to a tray of cups. Miraculously, the kettle was able to accommodate all cups filling each and every cup with steaming hot chocolate.

“Grab one and enjoy!” Rapticon Sr. said to the class as they grabbed a cup of hot chocolate.

“This chocolate's not bad” Hermione said as the trio sat in the corner in the now Christmas-ready classroom

“This is to a lousy Christmas!” Rapticon Sr. said jokingly raising his cup to the class

“And a crappy new year” Malfoy said as the class shouted “Hear! Hear” with laughing following-up the cheers

- - -

“Hogsmeade weekend before the holidays” Ron said as he approached to Harry in the common room “Wanna come? I hear Hermione's taking Alex”

Harry nearly snapped his quill when Ron said this

“I see” said Harry his face getting hot “Did she er - told you this?”

“Yeah” Ron said sitting beside Harry “Why? Did she tell you?”

“Nope” Harry said trying to keep his voice even “She didn't tell me at all”

“Alex and Hermione has been very close recently” Ron said “It will be a matter of time till they become an item” he added with a smirk

“I think they are” Harry said before he could stop himself

“What do you mean?” Ron asked looking at Harry suspiciously

Harry didn't know what to say to Ron. Tell him that he caught Hermione and Alex kissing or tell him nothing

“I-I saw Alex and Hermione kissing at the pitch last weekend” Harry said instantly

“WHAT?!” Ron yelled making half the common room silent

“Er - they were kissing?” Harry reassured Ron

“H-How?” Ron asked amusingly “Does Hermione know about this? You seeing them, I mean”

Harry shook his head making Ron gasp

“If Hermione finds out you've been spying on her -”

“I wasn't spying on them” Harry snapped at Ron “I was trying to give my present to her b-but…” Harry took a deep breath and exhaled “Alex beat me to her” he looked out the window looking lost in thought

“Are you” Ron asked suspiciously “jealous?” he smirked at Harry

Harry shrugged

“I dunno. Professor Raptor kept on hinting to me that I am”

“I think you are” Ron said patting him on the back

“How can you tell?” Harry said irritably

“Hey, I used to be jealous of Hermione when she went out with Viktor Krum at the Yule Ball during our fourth year so believe me when I say this: You are jealous and I can tell since I've been through this”

It sounded something Rapticon Sr. would say. It is true that Harry is jealous that Alex is with Hermione but its just jealousy, right?

“Well?” Ron said finally breaking the silence “Are you jealous?”

Harry looked at Ron who was grinning at him and without hesitation Harry nodded

“Don't worry, mate. I won't tell anyone” Ron said patting Harry's shoulder

“I am jealous, I really am but does that make me like her? More than a friend, I mean” Harry said casually as Ron shrugged

“Just don't talk about it” Ron said “I did that and my jealousy over Hermione and Viktor disappeared like water on fire”

Harry nodded at this advice and tried to be more interested with his homework than Hermione or Alex

- - -

Saturday before the holidays came by very quickly and that meant to the students a Hogsmeade weekend and everyone started planning their Christmas shopping except for Harry, who accepted Ron and Hermione's invite even though Alex will be with them.

“What a great day for Christmas at Hogsmeade!” Ron said stretching his arms as Harry, Ron, Hermione and Alex entered Hogsmeade which looked like a snow globe due to the Christmas atmosphere and weather

“You said it” Hermione said as Alex put an arm around her which made Harry nearly tripped “I know, lets have a butterbeer and after that lets go Christmas shopping!” she looked excited when she said this

“I'm fine with that” Alex said as they entered the Three Broomsticks which was as Christmas-ish as Rapticon Sr.'s room

“You two get a table. We will get drinks” Ron said to Alex and Hermione

“What are you doing?” Harry asked as they walked to the bar

“I thought you were trying to get over with this Hermione and Alex thing so maybe the first step is to get used to the fact that they are together” Ron explained as Madam Rosmerta came to them

“Four butterbeers please” Harry said to Madam Rosmerta who signaled a barman to get four bottles of butterbeer “But I'm not jealous anymore” Harry continued as they grabbed their bottles and started walking to the table where Hermione and Alex sat

“Really?” Ron said “That's good, looks like I won't be with a grumpy Harry for Christmas after all”

“Yeah” Harry muttered disappointingly “Good for you”

They both sat at the table where Alex and Hermione were talking happily which made Harry want to jump out of the window just seeing both of them talking.

“Here are the butterbeers” Ron said as he passed a bottle to Alex and Hermione

“Thanks Ron” Hermione said and turned to Alex “Anyway, I think I should get that new dress robe down that street somewhere over there” she gestured outside the window

“Now they are talking about the ball” Harry mind said irritably trying to stop his hand from shaking

“Harry, are you alright?” Hermione asked with concern “You seem to be shaking”

“M-Me?” Harry said irritably “I'm fine! Don't mind me or unless you want to do something behind my back then I'm not interested”

“I beg your pardon?” Hermione asked “Whatever do you mean, Harry?”

“Never mind” Harry muttered loudly ignoring Ron's reproachful look

“I hope you are fine” Hermione said “But if you say you are then I'm fine with that” she became happy after this

They left the Three Broomsticks a little later on for Christmas shopping which Harry wasn't looking forward to since Hermione was laughing at Alex choices of sweaters in a clothes shop which seemed goofy to Harry.

Everything seemed fine for everyone except for Harry who seemed pushed to the background because Alex was taking the spotlight, he would make Ron and Hermione laugh at every moment and would say something smart at one point.

“This was a great day!” Ron said as they left Honeyduke's with lighter moneybags “And Christmas is just one corner away. Blimey, I hope we can get back to the castle soon or another saying of Alex will make me laugh”

Harry was about to strangle Ron for saying that but stopped himself when someone from behind said “Merry Christmas, Harry!” It was Rapticon Sr., Elvis, Figment and Fiyuna holding shopping bags that belonged to the clothes shop Harry and company went to ages ago.

“Merry Christmas, Professor” Hermione said joyfully “I see you are done with your Christmas shopping”
“Almost actually” Rapticon Sr. said “I just need to complete this list of sweets for my folks back home”

“Where do you live, Professor?” Ron asked

“I live somewhere but here” Rapticon Sr. said as they started walking down the street to Three Broomsticks “But who cares where I live, I'm happy wherever I am”

Ron nodded as Rapticon Sr. beamed at them but flinched when he saw Hermione

“Oh, Hermione. I forgot your chocolates. Accio Chocolates!”

Harry had to suffer a bump in the head because Hermione's chocolates rammed straight for the back of his head

“Whoops, Sorry Harry” Rapticon Sr. said apologetically grabbing the triangular box and giving it to Hermione but when she reached for it Rapticon Sr. pulled the box back because he was looking at Alex with a look that said `I don't see you with these guys often'.

“Alex, I don't see you with the dream team” Rapticon Sr. said tilting his head slightly

“Er - Hermione invited me to go with her” he said smiling as he put an arm around Hermione but Rapticon Sr. held his hand out to stop Alex from putting his arm around Hermione. Rapticon Sr. looked from Alex, to Hermione and to Harry then nodded thoughtfully

“Figment?” he said finally

“Yes, sir?”

“I need a personality check” Rapticon Sr. said looking at Alex with suspicion

“You got it” Figment held his temples and started shaking slightly. After a few moments, Figment looked up at Rapticon Sr. and whispered something in his ear which made Rapticon Sr. look at Alex with suspicion.

“I see” he said “Is that all?”

“Yup” Figment said

“What was that all about?” Alex asked as he tried another attempt to put his arm around Hermione but was stopped by Rapticon Sr.

“Hermione, aren't your parents dentist?”

“Er - yeah… why'd you ask?” Hermione said tilting her head rather adorably

“Muggles, right?” Rapticon Sr. asked

Hermione nodded happily

“Y-You're Muggle-born?” Alex asked Hermione rather surprisingly

“Do you have a problem with that?” Rapticon Sr. asked rather heatedly

“Er - no professor. It's just that she never told me” Alex was sounding as if he wanted to change the subject

“Funny you should ask if she's Muggle-born” Figment said now looking at Alex with Rapticon Sr. “How long did you and Ms. Granger know each other?”

“Since first month of term” Alex said difficultly

“I see” Rapticon Sr. said but was giving Alex a near glare “May I ask you one question?”

“Y-Yes, sir” said Alex nervously

“Are you pure-blood?”

“Yes” Alex said

Rapticon Sr. nodded thoughtfully

“Er - Hermione, I just remembered something” Alex said to Hermione “I think I should attend to it but can we talk like tomorrow?”

“Yeah, sure. Anytime” Hermione said looking puzzled

“Okay” and with that, Alex nodded at all of them and left without further ado

“What was that all about?” Hermione demanded “Why were you asking him all those questions?”

Harry looked at Rapticon Sr. who was giving Hermione a look of pity… Pity?

“Well?” Hermione asked

“Hermione” Rapticon Sr. knelt before her in one knee and held her shoulder “I just want you to be happy”

“What do you mean?” Hermione asked cautiously

“Tomorrow, when Alex talk with you here's one tip… think happy thoughts… always” Rapticon Sr. said this in a very fatherly tone. Harry felt his respect toward Rapticon Sr. grow.

“What do really mean?” Hermione said helplessly

Rapticon Sr. shook his head slightly and said “Just wait and you'll find out. Well, gotta go. Lots to buy” and with that Rapticon Sr. nodded to Harry and company and left with Figment, Elvis and Fiyuna following at his wake.

“What in Merlin's beard was that all about?” Ron asked as a worried looking Hermione stared into space

“Whatever it was” Harry said to Ron under his breath as they entered Three Broomsticks “I think Figment read Alex mind but I have no idea what he read… Professor Raptor doesn't seem happy about it though”

“I think you're right, but whatever happens we will be by Hermione's side, right?” Ron said to Harry who replied with a nod as they took a seat in the busy pub filled with Christmas talk and caroling.

- - -

Harry woke up at the first day of the holidays and since most of the school stayed, the common room was busy with lots of Christmas talk.

“I think I'll buy Lavender these pair of shoes, what do you think?” Harry heard Parvati talk to Dean who looked as if he hadn't had the slightest interest on what Parvati said

Harry decided to take a stroll around the castle alone since Ron was out helping with the school's decoration since he was a prefect after all.

Harry was around the corridor of the Astronomy Tower when he heard crying.

“Hello?” Harry doubled back and followed the crying sounds

Harry ran up the corridor and the crying grew louder when he stopped dead at the foot of staircase of the Astronomy Tower.

“Hello?” Harry called out but the crying continued

He shrugged and climbed the stairs, the door to the outside stood ajar at the top of the staircase. The crying continued but it sounded familiar.

“Hello?”

“Get away!” cried the voice which belonged to Hermione

“Hermione?”

Harry opened the door as a gust of December wind came in and saw Hermione looking at him with bloodshot eyes and tear stained cheeks

“I said get away” Hermione said panting

“What's wrong? Why are you crying?” Harry asked walking forward to her

Hermione's lower lip trembled. She looked so innocent when she did this.

“It's just that - well… Oh, Harry!”

Hermione flung her arms around Harry which made him red in the face

“Alex broke up with me!” she squealed as she rested her head on Harry's shoulder

“Shhh” Harry said as he half-heartedly stroked her hair “Don't cry… I'm here”

Harry felt angry with Alex. How dare he?

“Why did he break up with you?”

Hermione sniffed a big one and said

“Wanna know why?” Harry heard her

“You can tell me anything” Harry said still stroking her hair

“Okay but don't -” she sniffed

“Relax, Hermione” Harry said calmly rubbing her back “Now tell me, why did Alex and you broke up”

“Because I'm a -” Hermione couldn't find her voice

“You're a what?” Harry asked stroking her hair

“Because I'm Muggle-born” Hermione started crying making Harry's shoulder wet

“What?” Harry said still hugging Hermione “He broke up with you because you were Muggle-born? That's stupid”

Hermione sniffed still hugging Harry

“I-I know. No wonder Professor Raptor was asking those questions back at Hogsmeade… He was very concern about it too… Why me!?” she started crying again

“Shhh… don't cry… I'm here, no one can er - hurt you when I'm here”

Harry felt Hermione hug him very tight as if she wanted comfort. The breeze of December just flew pass them… this was a perfect moment, Harry thought.

Then out of the blue, music played. Music that sounded like it came from Rapticon Sr.'s music collection.

`I see trees of green........ red roses too'

“What's that?” Harry asked looking around

“That's Professor Raptor playing his music. The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom is neearby… I come here to listen to it sometimes” Hermione said as they started swaying to the music slowly

“I like it too” Harry said as he swayed

`I watch 'em bloom..... for me and for you

And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.'

“You know, I don't know why Alex would give up such a great person like you” Harry said as they both swayed to the music

“Not all people think so” Hermione said “They think I'm a geeky, nerdy, boring, ugly, insensitive Mudblood”

“But there's one problem” Harry said before stopping himself

“What?”

“You're not”

“How do you know?” Hermione said as she gave out a sniff

“Alex is the most pathetic person, he will feel terrible in his entire life. He just gave up a person who is smart, cool, fun to be with and not to mention pretty”

“You think so?” Hermione said “You really mean it?”

“I mean it… everything”

`I see skies of blue..... clouds of white
Bright blessed days....warm sacred nights
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world.'

“Thanks Harry” Hermione said as they swayed slightly around the Astronomy Tower

“Anytime” Harry said as the song “What A Wonderful World” played throughout the whole time which Harry thought was perfect.

“What did Professor Raptor do when he heard you and Alex broke up?” Harry asked

“He told me that Alex will have hell to pay” she said