Chapter Five
The four of them sat talking and laughing for the rest of the evening, and as Ron headed for bed, having to go into the Ministry early the next morning, Lavender poked her head into the kitchen where Hermione and Harry were cleaning up.
"Hey Joey."
Hermione turned around with a grin.
"Hey Jen."
They both looked at Harry imploringly and he laughed and nodded, they giggled, both hugged him and went running off to Hermione's room.
Harry smiled, he never would understand their addiction to that old muggle television show, but then he'd never watched an episode. Ever since Hermione's parents had bought her a laptop during their 7th year at Hogwarts, she'd bought the complete box set of the DVD's and the girls every now and then would disappear up to the dormitory for hours on end. He and Ron had simply watched them go and been bemused by the muffled laughter and shrieks that echoed down the staircase.
Hermione and Lavender jumped onto Hermione's bed, well technically the guest bed, as Hermione didn't officially live anywhere, but Harry had always set aside this room for her and stored all her belongings in it when she was travelling. They set the computer up and were soon sprawled across the large bed, only half watching the episode. The boys seemed to think that watching Dawson's Creek was all about watching, but really it was just a chance to talk, and to tease each other and catch up on news.
"It's so good to be home." Hermione sighed happily.
"So did you think about the offer yet?" Lavender asked, knowing her friend would have thought of little else in the last week.
"Yes, but I change my mind every other minute. Do I really want to commit myself? I love my life…it's so flattering that he asked, but…"
Lavender nodded her understanding of Hermione's dilemma, and they sat in contemplative silence for a few minutes, the computer still playing episodes in the background.
"Well…I don't have to make the decision yet. He's given me plenty of time to think about it. So right now I'm just going to have a few days off, and then focus on getting the book written up, then I'll think about it." Hermione mused.
Lavender had been thrilled when Hermione had sent her an owl several days ago after receiving an owl in the mountains. She couldn't decide whether she wanted Hermione to take up the offer or not, but if anyone could think about it logically and make the right decision it would be Hermione. Lavender yawned and seeing that it was past one in the morning she hugged Hermione good night. As she reached the doorway however she turned back.
"Mione?" She said softly.
Hermione looked up at her curiously.
"Maybe the reason you're putting off making the decision is that deep down you still want to be Joey…or at least have her last name?" Lavender said, aware that she was speaking of a topic that they hadn't talked about in years.
Hermione opened her mouth to reply but Lavender interrupted.
"Just think about it Joey." Lavender said with a smile as she closed the door quietly.