You Don't Know Me

Chapter Twenty-Three

Harry’s arm rested lightly around Hermione’s waist as they walked with Ron, Laurie, Ginny, Draco and several other tea members, out of the stadium to their favourite post-game pub. Harry and Hermione walked several paces behind Ron and Laurie in companionable silence, and were glad of their position when they encountered the press waiting outside the player’s entrance.

“Ron! Laurie! When’s the wedding?”

“Laurie, tell us about the proposal!”

The shouts coming from the press we’re nearly all about one of the biggest stories of the week, the announcement of Ron and Laurie’s engagement. Ron rolled his eyes, but knew that they wouldn’t escape the press for the rest of the week unless they answered a few questions now. He held up a hand to quieten the crowd down and answered the question from the Daily Prophet reporter at the front of the group.

“We haven’t set a date yet.”

“We’re not really in the planning stages at all, we’re just being engaged for the moment.” Laurie added with a grin.

The coupled kept their next few answers short but polite, avoiding giving private details to the press. As they all made to move away, the Witch Weekly Reporter called out to Harry and Hermione.

“Harry! Hermione! Has Ron’s engagement made either of you want to settle down?”

Harry and Hermione both looked up in surprise, causing the reporter to elaborate on her question.

“Well, despite constant rumours, it appears you two have been single for quite some time, any plans to settle down?”

Hermione tried not to giggle as Ron smirked at the two of them, yet again thrust into the limelight.

“Well I think we both like to keep everyone guessing, but I’m in a serious relationship at the moment.” Hermione revealed with a slight smile, causing a rise in the level of noise from the crowd.

“I don’t suppose we can convince you to tell us anything else?” The Witch Weekly reporter asked, knowing this question was most likely futile.

Hermione shook her head with a little laugh.

“I’d rather keep things private right now, but I’m sure people will find out before too long.”

“Harry! What about you? Are you the only single member of The Famous Trio left?” The reporter asked Harry.

“No, I’m afraid it’s time to take me off the eligible bachelor list.” Harry grinned.

“You’re dating someone?” The Daily Prophet reporter piped up, as all the reporters paused eagerly with quill resting on parchment.

“Yes, I’m dating someone at the moment, but that’s all I’m revealing for the moment. We’re all happy just celebrating Ron and Laurie’s engagement now, and of course our win today.” With a quick wave, Harry displayed the media savvy he developed over years in the limelight and ushered them all away from the reporters before they managed to ask any more questions.

“You two really think you can keep this quiet?” Laurie asked Hermione as they sat in the pub with their friends several minutes later.

“No, but just for a bit it would be nice for it just to be us, without the whole world watching. We need a chance to get used to things changing I think.” Hermione said, glancing across the room and smiling at the sight of Harry chatting to several team-mates at the bar. Laurie followed her gaze and grinned.

“I hope it works then, you know that now the press has the scent they’ll be hassling everyone to find out who you and Harry are dating…mind you, I have to say I’m grateful. I haven’t been able to go shopping all week for those new robes I need as every time I go into a clothes shop people hound me and ask if I’m buying a wedding dress! For goodness sake, I only just got engaged! Maybe the reporters will leave me and Ron alone a little bit this week.” The laughed. Hermione smiled at her friend.

“We could always make use of those VIP apparating passes from the Canons and go over to New York for a few days to shop…” Hermione suggested with a raised eyebrow.

“Miss. Granger I like the way you think. But you know if we go to New York I will actually have to look at wedding dresses, it would be too good an opportunity to miss.”

“It’s sorted then. I’ll figure out when I can take a few days off mid-week when you don’t have training and we can go. Ooh New York in the Fall, best time of year.” Hermione said excitedly.

“Did I just hear something about New York in the Fall?” Ginny said sliding into the booth next to Hermione, her eyes flashing with curiosity.

“Fancy some shopping sometime soon?” Laurie asked Ginny with a smile.

Ginny nodded vigorously and took a sip of her Butter Beer.

“Excellent plan ladies.”

They sat chatting and planning their trip until Ron and Harry gathered them up to apparate to the Burrow for dinner.