Chapter Two
Over the next few days Harry began to get used to communicating silently with Hermione, and it seemed like they'd mastered the art of only hearing the thoughts they projected at one another, unless they were particularly stressed or worried, and then their thoughts spread to the other. Ron was still oblivious to the situation and was busy designing a new training schedule for the Quidditch team, determined to win every game and the house cup this year.
Hermione walked quietly back from her meeting with Professor Dumbledore and Head-Boy Ernie McMillan on Friday evening after dinner, thinking to herself that she hoped the first Hogsmeade weekend of the year went smoothly as she and Ernie were in charge of checking that all the students returned safely to the school at the end of the day.
^Hey Harry. I'm on my way back to the tower now. Let yourselves into my rooms if you're not already there.^
^Ok `Mione. I'll gather everyone up and we'll meet you there.^ Harry replied in her mind, and Hermione smiled to herself as she walked. This thought transmitting thing could be pretty useful at times. They spent the evening in what had become an unofficial tradition over the last two years, playing poker against one another, betting with Bertie Bott's Beans and having fun. However, Hermione and Harry had to keep from giggling hysterically when they caught each others eye as they were cheating uncontrollably tonight. Neville, Dean, Seamus, Lavender, Ginny and Ron simply stared at them in bemusement whenever this happened.
"Have you two been on the fire whisky or something?" Dean asked with a raised eyebrow as Harry and Hermione both dissolved into laughter to everyone's confusion.
"Nope. Just enjoying being back here." Hermione said with exaggerated innocence causing Harry to snigger behind his hand of cards. Ron gave him a sidelong glance and Harry leant closer.
"We'll tell you later." Harry said with a wink, and Ron grinned, glad to be let in on the joke, whatever it was.
As usual the game was dissolving into a battle of wits between Neville and Ron, while Seamus bet outrageously, Ginny acting as dealer and handling the bets as the others gradually dropped out an became observers.
Hermione and Lavender had moved away from the game and were sitting across the study on a sofa.
"I can't believe you have these rooms all to yourself! And it's great not having to have an audience of awed first years for our games." Lavender said with a laugh.
"I know. I love these rooms, and the best thing is I'm still in the tower so I'm near all you guys…speaking of the guys…" Hermione lowered her voice and leaned toward her friend.
"What's up with you and Ron? Flirting much?" Hermione asked with a raised eyebrow. Lavender grinned.
"Excellent." Hermione said reading the message behind Lavender's smile, and they sat chatting and were soon joined by Dean who sighed loudly and flopped onto the sofa lying across the girls laps.
"Dean!" They shrieked laughing.
"Ah, didn't see you here girls." Dean said with a wink as they pulled him into the seat between them.
It was late by the time everyone began filtering out of the Head Girl's study back to their own dormitories. Harry began clearing up the cards scattered across the table as Hermione explained to Ron about their newfound discovery.
"You're kidding me right?" Ron asked incredulously.
"Nope." Harry said, sitting down next to his friend.
"So that's why you did so well tonight!" Ron exclaimed looking at Harry with wide eyes, causing Hermione and Harry to break down into giggles again.
"That's what you two have been giggling like school girls about! You were cheating all night. I suppose I should have guessed you were cheating as no offence Harry but you suck at poker usually!" Ron said with a grin as he lifted an arm to fend off the cushion Harry lightly threw at him.
^You thinking what I'm thinking Potter?^ Hermione asked.
^Tickle attack on three?^ Harry replied with a sly grin.
Five minutes later, they were all laughing hysterically and Ron was gasping for breath, as they all lay collapsed on the floor in a heap.
"I'm not sure if I like this! You two can gang up on me so easily now!" Ron said with a laugh, having conceded defeat in the tickle war.
"Aw, don't worry mate, we'll always have time to prank Hermione still…we can even spy on her mind to plan the best pranks…" Harry said laughing, and rolled out of the way just in time to miss Hermione's arm trying to hit him in the side.
"Kidding `Mione…just kidding!" Harry said pulling himself to his feet.