The Crossways Guest House

A/N: Here’s my attempt at a new story. Be patient with me, without Amy I’m a bit slow ;) hehe

I’m going to try and keep this as close to canon as possible, even though some of you may say there are some things that aren’t very canonical in later chapters. I’ve no idea yet how long this fic will be, but I do hope you all will enjoy it. This chapter is mostly exposition, to explain what has happened recently in the characters’ lives and such.

As always, I greatly appreciate feedback/reviews, and I will try to reply to all of them with the great new feature portkey has, and at my group.

Chapter 1

Hermione Granger slid inside the empty compartment, putting her bag on the shelf above the seat. She wasn’t surprised to find that she was the first of her friends to arrive on the train.

She thought back on the weeks prior to that, and about everything that had happened to them. She, Harry and Ron had graduated from Hogwarts. Harry had defeated Voldemort just a month prior to that. It had been the toughest week of Hermione’s life, that week while Harry was gone.

The Daily Prophet of course had covered nothing, at least nothing of any value to her and Ron. They’d visited Dumbledore daily, sometimes two or three times a day to find out what was happening.

The day Harry had come back… that day without a doubt ranked as one of the best days of her life. Tired and beaten, Harry slogged his way through the Great Hall as they were sitting down to lunch and had presented Voldemort’s wand to Dumbledore.

After that he promptly passed out.

Hermione and Ron had rushed to his side, Ron easily lifted his best friend off the floor and Hermione put one of Harry’s arms around her neck as they carried him off to the infirmary. Colin Creevey had snapped a picture of the three of them from behind and Hermione had it framed for both her boys.

Harry had spent the next few days flittering in and out of consciousness. When her classes were over, Hermione would spend as much time as possible by his side, urging him to wake up. Ron took over Harry’s responsibilities as Quidditch captain so he was around less, but took an hour or so out of his day to sit by his friend.

There had been an enormous celebration when Harry finally recovered, and the parties ended just in time for everyone to complete their final exams. Harry had been exempt from his Defence against the Dark Arts exam, and with many thanks to her, passed the rest with flying colours.

After leaving Hogwarts, Ron and Harry decided to look for a flat, in the meantime he was taking up residence at the Burrow at much urging by Molly Weasley. Hermione had decided to live at home with her parents for the time being while she saved enough money for her own place.

It was only two weeks after they’d parted ways that Hermione had received a letter from her great aunt Charlotte. It turns out she’d inherited a bed and breakfast, a place called the Crossways Guest House from someone she’d known in her youth. The place had been closed for years, and it was quite run down, and she needed help in the repairs and renovations.

Hermione had immediately contacted Harry and Ron, who agreed to help her out, and she also invited Ginny in an effort to pull the younger girl out of the slump she was in due to certain events of her sixth year. Ginny had written back asking if it was okay with her inviting Luna Lovegood along; Hermione was a bit reluctant to say yes but she finally agreed, thinking her aunt could use as much help as possible.

Jerking herself back into the present, Hermione checked her watch and frowned. It was just like Ron to be running late but she would have thought Harry would try and get the rest of them there early enough. The train would be leaving in ten minutes.

“Come on!” Ron grumbled to Ginny and Luna, who were lagging behind. “We should have already been here!”

“Who cares Ron, we’re not going to miss the train,” Ginny snapped back. Ron was still only talking to her when necessary and she was tired of it.

“All right children,” Harry replied, lugging his trunk along. “It’s on platform 6, its right over there. So please stop arguing already.”

Ron glared at him as they presented their tickets to the man standing by the door and bumped their trunks along the narrow hallway. “Didn’t Hermione say she’d save a compartment for us if she got here first?”

“Yeah,” Harry called. He looked into each one as they walked past and finally smiled as he saw her familiar head of hair looking out the window. “Hey Hermione,” he opened the door.

“Hi!” Hermione jumped to her feet. “I was getting worried you all weren’t going to make it. Did Ron hold you up again?”

“Ha, ha Hermione,” Ron said sourly. “It was Ginny; she decided she needed to pack everything she owned.”

“Sod off Ron,” Ginny frowned.

“You two sit down, Ron and I will get your trunks for you,” Harry said to Ginny and Luna.

“Thanks Harry,” Ginny replied quietly. Luna smiled at him and perched next to the window across from Hermione. ‘Ron was right,’ Harry winced as he lifted Ginny’s trunk up on the rack. ‘I think she put rocks in here.’

He finally managed to shove the thing in place and collapsed on the seat next to Hermione. Ron opened his mouth to object- he wanted to sit next to Hermione but Luna spoke up.

“You can sit next to me Ronald,” she said in the dreamy voice that never failed to make the hairs on the back of his neck rise.

“Thanks,” he muttered as the train’s whistle blew and they began to move. “So where are we headed again?” he asked Hermione.

“It’s in York, Yorkshire,” Hermione replied. “It’s called the Crossways Guest House.”

“And your aunt inherited the place?” Harry asked, stretching his arm over the seat top.

“That’s right,” Hermione answered. “Apparently the owner was someone she knew when she was in her teens, or early twenties. Aunt Charlotte was surprised when she got the deed and such in the mail. She hadn’t seen this person in… thirty years or so.” Hermione nodded. “Something like that, anyway.”

“Must have been a good friend,” Harry said.

“She said they were once very close,” Hermione leaned back against the seat. “The best of friends… and then they got involved romantically.”

“What happened after that?” Ginny asked interestedly.

“I’m not quite sure; she wouldn’t go into much detail when I spoke to her on the phone.” Hermione replied. “I suppose she’ll fill us in when we get up there.”

Ginny nodded and the compartment lapsed into silence as they began to move through the English countryside. Luna pulled a copy of her father’s newspaper, The Quibbler, out of her bag and began to read it. Ginny leaned over to look at one of the pages.

“What does my horoscope say?” she asked. “Is it good this month?”

“You shouldn’t believe in that rubbish,” Hermione said. “Merlin knows it’s not true. Divination is a bloody waste of time.”

Luna peered at her over the top of her newspaper and for one moment Hermione thought Luna was going to throw the thing at her but she smiled. “It’s only a waste of time with that Trelawney teaching it.” She said, surprising them all. “I had thoughts about taking it my third year but I’m glad I chose Ancient Runes instead.”

“So am I,” Hermione said, not missing a beat and impressed by the serious look in Luna’s pale blue eyes. “It’s truly fascinating—“

Ron let out a loud but fake yawn. “Bloody hell, we’re out of school. Let’s not talk about it like we have to go back.” Hermione frowned at him and Ron felt his face turn red. ‘That’s just bloody great…’ he chastised himself. ‘How are you going to get Hermione to return your feelings if you ridicule what she loves to do?’

Ron opened his mouth to apologise but Hermione simply glared at him and turned to look out the window. He looked at his best friend for help but Harry simply shrugged and let his head fall back against the seat, clearly looking to have a kip.

An hour later, it had started to rain quite heavily. A jolt made Harry jerk awake, rubbing his eyes before settling his glasses back on his nose. “What was that?” he mumbled.

“Nothing,” Hermione’s voice was quiet. “Just the train- you can go back to sleep if you want to, I’ll wake everyone up when we get to York.”

“I’m all right,” Harry sat up straighter, his voice still hoarse from sleep. A quick look around the cabin told him that no one else had woken up. “I hate sleeping these days anyhow.”

Hermione placed a marker in her book and set it back in her bag. “Nightmares?”

“Something like that,” Harry grunted.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Hermione asked, placing a hand on his arm.

“Not really,” Harry replied. “It’s… it’s just something I need to work out for myself is all.”

“Are you sure?” Hermione asked. “Harry… I don’t think you realise how much better you would feel if you just talked about what’s going on.”

“Maybe soon,” Harry said. “I just don’t want to rehash everything right now.”

Hermione nodded. “All right… just remember I’m here for you all right?”

Harry smiled at her. “I know… thanks.” He rested his hand on hers for a moment. “I think I’m going to get a drink. You want anything?”

“Some juice would be nice,” Hermione replied. “Thanks Harry.”

Several hours later, the train pulled to a noisy, screechy halt in the York station. Hermione shook Ron awake, Harry began grabbing trunks from the rack and Ginny and Luna started dragging their cases out into the corridor.

“What Mum?” Ron grumbled. “I want to sleep in…”

“Ron come on, we’re here,” Hermione laughed. “You can sleep once we get to the inn.”

Ron turned red as Hermione shook her head and followed Harry down the corridor. “Great, now she thinks I’m a fool,” he muttered as he pulled his own trunk down from the rack.

“Aunt Charlotte!” Hermione called as she stepped off the train. “Aunt Charlotte, we’re over here!”

A short, round woman with grey hair tied back in a bun turned at Hermione’s voice. She had a gentle face, with the same brown eyes as Hermione and a smile that curved out softly at the edges. “Hello dear,” she hugged her great niece tightly. “Look at you Hermione… you look just like your mother.”

“You look great too Aunt Charlotte,” Hermione said. “Oh… these are my friends, this is Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, his sister Ginny, and Luna Lovegood.” She pointed to each person in turn. “Everyone, this is my Aunt Charlotte.”

“I’m so happy to have all you here,” the old woman beamed. “Now first of all I insist you all call me Aunt Charlotte. Mrs. Granger is her mother, not me.” She pointed at Hermione and everyone laughed. “I have a car in the front, so if you’ve got everything then we can get going.”

“So tell me more about Crossways Aunt Charlotte,” Hermione said from the front seat. Everyone else crowded into the back, sitting with Luna’s trunk as it wouldn’t fit with the rest of them in the boot.

“It’s a really lovely place. I’ve already got some workers taking care of the building foundation and such. What I really need you all for is painting, cleaning out the attic, putting the boathouse back into working order… things like that.”

It sounded like a lot of work to Ron and he shared a look with Harry that made him realise his friend was thinking the same thing. “What’s there to do around here?” he asked. “I mean, in the evenings and such.”

“Well we’re very close to the town, it’s only a few kilometres away; you can even walk there.” Charlotte replied. “There’s also a movie theatre, some little shops… we’ve also got quite a large garden and a nice sized lake bordering the property.”

“That sounds lovely,” Ginny spoke up softly. “I can’t wait to see it.”

“Yeah, well we know Malfoy won’t be around anywhere,” Ron retorted under his breath. Harry elbowed him sharply in the ribs as Hermione turned around and glared at him.

Ginny rolled her eyes and resumed looking out the window. Luna stared at Ron for a moment then pulled her copy of the Quibbler back out as she shook her head. Ron felt momentarily offended that Luna Lovegood would think him odd but it passed as they began to pull into a long winding driveway.

“Oh it’s gorgeous,” Hermione breathed as she set eyes upon the quaint building. It was larger than she expected, with a large wraparound porch which was sagging a bit.

The white paint was peeling and the glass panes on either side of the large door were dusty and smudged. “I see what you mean by this place needing a lot of cleanup,” Harry said as they all stepped outside. “I mean… not that it’s run down or anything but—“

“I know what you mean dear,” Charlotte chuckled. “You can imagine my surprise when I received the deed. I drove right up here and fell back in love with the place.”

“I can see why,” Luna murmured dreamily. “It looks like the perfect place to find an Augurey or a Bowtruckle.”

“A what dear?” Charlotte looked at her confusedly.

“Um… they’re species of birds,” Hermione said quickly. “Luna loves bird watching.” She cast a look at the blonde girl who realised her error.

“That’s right,” Luna smiled. Charlotte nodded and led the teenagers up to the inn.

“Watch your step dears, the floor is a bit rickety.” She produced a large, old fashioned key and unlocked the door. “Welcome to Crossways.”

Hermione walked inside, followed by Harry. Ron struggled with his trunk for a moment and Ginny and Luna were right behind him.

The hallway was large, with a circular staircase going up three levels. The ceiling was raised in a point, with windows looking out over the grounds on the top level. There were several corridors leading off into different areas of the house; dark wood panelling covering the walls.

“I’m thinking of putting in a lighter colour wood here, maybe a nice oak or cypress,” Charlotte said. “It would certainly brighten up the place.” She smiled at all of them. “Well, let’s leave your trunks here for now and come in the kitchen. I had a notion you’d all be hungry so I made a nice dinner.”

Ron visibly brightened at the mention of food and he was the first to follow Charlotte through one of the low ceiling-ed corridors into the kitchen.

“It certainly looks like you’ve fixed up this room,” Ginny said.

“Yes, it’s the only one I’ve gotten to so far. It’s the one I’m in the most, aside from my bedroom.” Charlotte smiled at the red haired girl. “Sit, sit,” she motioned to the butcher block table.

Everyone took a seat, Ron was quick to dodge in by Harry and sit next to Hermione. Charlotte began bringing large serving plates to the table, and soon enough there was what looked like a miniature Hogwarts feast in front of them.

“I wasn’t sure what everyone would like, so I made a bit of everything,” Charlotte said. “Eat, please, I’ve got plenty more where that came from.”

Ron immediately dug into his roast beef, nodding in approval. “That’s really good,” he said, his mouth full.

Charlotte beamed. “Thank you Ron! Please everyone, enjoy. I’ll be right back.” She bustled from the room.

“I think you made her night Ron,” Hermione said, helping herself to some potatoes. “My aunt lives to cook.”

“And I live to eat,” Ron joked, taking a second helping of beef.

Dinner was followed by Charlotte’s homemade pumpkin pie; Harry had never tasted it before and thought he and Hermione enjoyed the dessert better than anyone else. After that, the woman led them upstairs to the first floor of bedrooms.

“I chose my room to be on the first floor- that’s where the main office is and I thought that might make things easier, and keep my area of the house separate from guests. I thought this room,” she opened a door. “…Could be for you two boys. We’ll have another one joining us tomorrow for renovation work. I hope you won’t mind sharing with him.”

Harry shook his head while Ron shrugged. “Doesn’t sound like a problem to me. We lived in a dorm during school so we’re used to it.” Harry said to her.

“Good, good.” She smiled. “Now, for you three girls, I thought you might enjoy this room here.” She led them down the hall to a slightly bigger room. “This one has an adjoining bathroom, that’s why I figured it would be perfect.”

“It’s lovely,” Hermione said. “I think it’ll be perfect.” The room was big enough to hold three single beds and Hermione dragged her trunk to the one nearest the wall. “Thanks Aunt Charlotte.”

“You’re very welcome,” Charlotte replied. “Well… it’s been a long day for me; I think I’m going to turn in. Good night everyone,” she smiled and ambled off in the direction of the stairwell.

“Well… what do you guys think?” Hermione asked. “I know she’s a bit mothering but—“

“She’s great Hermione,” Harry interrupted her.

“Yes, she’s very sweet,” Ginny replied in her quiet voice.

“She makes a great dinner,” Ron patted his full stomach. Harry laughed.

“I couldn’t tell, you only had six helpings,” he snorted and everyone laughed. Ron glared at his best friend.

“She’s a Muggle, right?” Luna asked.

“Right,” Hermione replied. “Sorry… I meant to tell you all before and I forgot… it just slipped my mind.”

“That’s the first time I’ve ever heard of that happening.” Ron muttered, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

“All right,” Harry said quickly, recognizing the look on Hermione’s face. “Ron and I will just be off to bed now. Night everyone,” he grabbed his friend’s arm and pulled him away.

A/N: Please be kind, and let me know what you think. I’m afraid with this story I have no contest to get all of you to review :)

This story is just getting afoot- expect about one chapter a week as I am a bit slow when on my own ;)

A/N: Wow you guys. Thanks for the overwhelming response to chapter 1!! I’m really hoping I don’t disappoint you as the story goes on. I don’t see this one going on as long as DD, which is 21 chapters altogether. I’m projecting that this will hit between 8 -12 chapters.

Also, you all might be surprised- Ginny’s not evil in this story! Yay for no evil Ginny! ;) hahahaha just kidding. She’s got her own issues but she’s not evil. You will find out everything that happened to her in a later chapter of the story!

Thanks again to all of you who read/reviewed. I responded to as many reviews as I could with the feature portkey has now… I hope I can keep up with that every chapter but forgive me if they lessen- I figure you guys would rather have me writing this than spending all the time on responses. I promise to always address the really important ones!!

Anyways…enough of me blabbing. On with the story!!

*** *** ***

“What’s your problem mate?” Harry asked as he closed the door behind him and Ron.

“What are you talking about?” Ron asked.

“You need to lay off Ginny,” Harry replied. “She knows what she did was wrong all right?”

“Hey, you’re not related to her, all right?” Ron snapped.

“I may as well be,” Harry shot back. “Your parents have all but formally adopted me and you know I think of her as a sister. The way she thinks of me as another brother.” He knit his eyebrows together. “Another thing… perhaps you could lay off Hermione a bit? We’re adults now, hasn’t the bickering gone on long enough?”

Ron glared at him. “I’m going to bed,” he said stiffly. He opened his trunk and grabbed his pyjamas, and headed for the loo to change. When he came back a few minutes later Harry was already in bed, facing the wall.

It wasn’t how Ron wanted to start their stay at Crossways… fighting with both Harry and Hermione. Ginny was another story, and Ron was determined that until she explained her actions of the previous school year, that he would only talk to her when necessary.

“I’m sorry,” he said aloud, knowing Harry wasn’t asleep yet. “I’ll apologise to Hermione tomorrow all right?”

Harry turned over. “Just be nice to her. I think it hurts when you insult her. And if you’re going to stay mad at Ginny, then at least be cordial to her. It’s not your life, it’s hers.” He paused. “Besides… I think Luna Lovegood fancies you.” He grinned at Ron, who looked stricken.

“That’s just bloody wrong,” Ron replied. “Why would I even… look at her?”

“Why not?” Harry replied. “It’s not as if she’s ugly or stupid. She was a Ravenclaw remember?”

“She’s so odd though,” Ron said, sliding under the thick comforter. “Always staring at me or whoever with those weird eyes; always got a copy of the Quibbler under her arm…” he yawned.

“I think if you took a moment to get to know her you’d discover she’s a very nice person- there’s a lot more to her than you or anyone has given her credit for.” Harry replied.

Ron simply snored in reply.

*** The Next Morning***

“How did you boys sleep?” Harry and Ron went into the dining room and were confronted by a beaming Charlotte.

“Just fine,” Harry replied. “Good morning,” he said to Hermione, Ginny and Luna, who were already seated around the large dining room table.

“Morning Harry,” Hermione smiled. Ginny nodded and Luna raised her eyes from the newspaper she was reading to stare past him at Ron.

“Good morning Ronald,” she said in her misty voice.

“Hi,” Ron muttered. He quickly took a seat at the opposite end of the blonde, who continued to watch him. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Eggs, toast, sausage…” Charlotte replied. “I’ve got some kippers here, some bacon…”

“I feel like I’m at a restaurant,” Harry said quietly to Hermione, who chuckled.

“Like I said, she lives to cook.” She whispered as her aunt came back in the room bearing a large platter stacked with toast.

“Come now, eat!” Charlotte said. “I’ll be putting you to work today so make sure you pack it away!” she laughed and everyone else smiled and dug in.

After a very full breakfast, Charlotte began handing out orders. “Harry and Ron… I thought I might put you two to work in the boathouse. It needs a fresh coat of paint on the outside and some reinforcement on the inside. I’d also appreciate it if you could scrub down the boats and perhaps test them in the water, see if they’ll hold.”

“Sure,” Ron said as Harry nodded. They headed outside and down by the lake.

“What do you want us to do?” Hermione asked.

“I’m hoping you girls won’t mind some heavy duty attic work,” Charlotte smiled at them. “There are so many things that need to be sorted out up there… furniture, old boxes of clothes and photos…” she shook her head. “It’ll take the three of you a good couple of weeks to get through it all.”

“Well… we’d better get to it then,” Hermione said with a quick look at Ginny and Luna. “Are you girls with me?” she joked.

Ginny smiled faintly and nodded while Luna actually looked excited at the prospect of slogging through antiques. Charlotte thanked them and headed for her office.

“Just let me know if there’s anything you need. I’ll call you down when it’s time for lunch.” She said.

Hermione, Ginny and Luna headed up the circular staircase; on the top level of the house they found an open door with another stairwell leading up. Hermione climbed it first, Luna following her while Ginny brought up the rear.

“Wow,” the redhead uttered. “This place is amazing!”

Hermione’s eyes gleamed as they roamed over the expansive room. “I wonder how many books are buried around here?” she said aloud and made Ginny laugh.

“That’s the Hermione I know,” she said.

Hermione smiled at her. “It’s not likely I’ll ever change,” she teased, happy to see a smile on her friend’s face again. “Come on… let’s get started.”

The three girls started by uncovering the large pieces of furniture, sending dust into the air as the dingy sheets were yanked off.

“Does your aunt want us to throw these away?” Luna asked, tying her long blonde hair back out of her face.

“I’m not sure,” Hermione picked up the edge. “Maybe if we put them through the laundry they’d be quite nice?”

“I think they were white at one point,” Ginny said. “Why don’t’ we pile them up over there by the stairwell and we can take them down when we go have lunch.”

“Sounds good to me,” Hermione replied. They worked hard for the next several hours and had uncovered all the furniture as well as started sifting through several boxes of clothing. They set those aside in one section and put the photo albums and books in another corner.

“I think I need a shower already,” Hermione pulled at her white t-shirt, coughing as the dust flew from it. She had several grey streaks across her chest, as did Ginny and Luna. “Come on, we’d best change before having lunch.”

“I agree,” Ginny picked a cobweb out of her hair. “It’s a good thing Ron isn’t up here… you know how he hates spiders.” She scowled. “I should find a few and put them in his bed.”

Hermione and Luna laughed as they each took part of the pile of sheets. They brought them downstairs to the laundry and then set back to their bedroom to take quick showers.

The three girls arrived to lunch at the same time as Harry and Ron. Charlotte was busy setting the table as Hermione ran to the kitchen to retrieve the platter of sandwiches her aunt had made.

“I’m sorry that lunch isn’t quite the affair that dinner and breakfast were,” Charlotte said. “I’ve got quite the amount of paperwork to do today and—“

“It’s all right Aunt Charlotte,” Harry said. “We appreciate it… we don’t need the fancy meals if you’ve got other things to do.”

“I promise a good dinner for you all tonight,” Charlotte said. “I’ve got to run, do you kids mind cleaning up after yourselves?”

“Of course not,” Ginny replied. “Thank you Aunt Charlotte.”

Charlotte smiled at the redhead on her way out. She had a meeting with the construction foreman in her office. Her thoughts lingered on Ginny…wondering about the sad, haunted look in the girl’s eyes that she kept noticing.

She was almost to her office when she noticed a young man standing at the door. “Can I help you son?” she asked.

“Hi,” the boy said. “I’m Neville Longbottom? My Gran said you needed help so she sent me up here.”

“Oh I’ve been expecting you dear!” Charlotte said. “You can call me Aunt Charlotte… I’ve known your Gran for a long time. We were friends as young girls.”

Neville nodded politely. “I’m sorry to have arrived so late, but the bus I was on broke down.”

“Quite all right dear,” Charlotte waved a hand. “The other kids are in the dining room having lunch, please feel free to go in and join them. Afterwards come find me and I’ll tell you where I need you to go.”

“All right,” Neville nodded, dropping his bags by the staircase and heading back in the direction she pointed. He wasn’t looking forward to meeting a bunch of strangers, and no one was more surprised than he to see his Hogwarts chums sitting around the table, laughing and talking.

“Neville?” Ron was the first to notice. “What are you doing here?”

“My Gran sent me up because she knows Aunt Charlotte.” Neville replied. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Charlotte is my great aunt,” Hermione explained. “We’re here… for the same reason you are apparently.” She smiled. “Come and have some lunch with us. It’s good to see you Neville.”

Neville smiled. ‘Perhaps this summer wouldn’t be as bad as I thought.’ He thought. He sat down next to Ginny Weasley, and as she smiled a warm feeling washed over him.

A good summer indeed.

*** *** ***

Harry wiped his forehead. It wasn’t especially hot that day but he and Ron were working hard in the boathouse. They’d already done one coat of paint and were waiting for it to dry before doing another. During that time they’d tested out most of the boats and made some shelves.

He hoped they’d hold. Neither he nor Ron were carpenters but they’d asked one of the workers for some help and he’d gladly obliged. Now the boats were stored neatly and they’d scrubbed the floors until they shone.

“Nice job mate,” Ron wiped his face with his discarded t-shirt. “This place looks a sight better than it did this morning.”

Harry nodded, proud of their work. “I wonder how the girls have got on. And Neville… he disappeared after lunch.”

“Probably got him doing something else around here.” Ron took a last look around. “Well… let’s head back and see what else we can do.”

Harry nodded, grabbing his own shirt from where he’d tossed it near the door. “Hey Ron… what say we take a dip in the lake before we go back.”

“I like the way your mind works mate,” Ron grinned. They shed all their clothes but their boxer shorts and dove off the dock into the cool water.

Hermione had opened all the windows in the attic after lunch and she heard the splashing and laughing. “What the…” she stuck her head out and smiled.

It was the first time she’d seen Harry be so carefree since before his showdown with Voldemort. His smiles since his return were so few and far between and laughter was even rarer.

“What are you looking at?” Ginny asked from the floor, where she was sifting through articles of clothing.

“Harry and Ron are in the lake,” Hermione laughed.

“They are?” Luna asked interestedly. “Are they naked?”

“Luna!” Hermione started laughing harder. “Come and see for yourself.”

Luna grinned very un-Luna-like and got up from her spot next to Ginny. “I think Ronald definitely is,” she said in her dreamy tone, which made Hermione clutch her sides in laughter.

“Luna, that’s gross. Ron’s my brother. I don’t want to think of him being naked.” Ginny shuddered.

The blonde only smiled. “We should go down there.”

“Not if they’re naked!” Ginny exclaimed. “Harry is LIKE a brother to me. I’ve no desire to see him in the buff either!” Hermione and Luna turned to look at her. “Well not now. If you’d asked me about five years ago I’d have said yes.”

Harry splashed more water at Ron. “This feels really good,” he said.

“Aye it does.” Ron agreed. “Think we should get the girls down here? We could see them in their knickers!” he grinned.

Harry laughed. “Right, like Hermione would let us see her naked, or almost naked.” The thought of their mutual best friend in nothing but her knickers was actually quite arousing, Harry had to admit. He turned his head to look up at the inn and he saw Hermione and Luna watching them from the attic window.

Hermione yelped as Harry looked straight at them and she pulled Luna back inside. “Harry just saw us!” she began to laugh again. Luna smiled at her before peeking back outside.

“Hey Hermione!” Ron’s voice floated up to them. “Why don’t you come on in? The water’s great!”

“No thank you!” Hermione shouted back.

“Oh come on!” Ron called. “We promise not to look!”

“Bugger you,” Hermione replied. “I know the both of you would look! You’re only seventeen after all! The male mind is a scary place!”

Harry laughed at him. “She’s got you there Ron. I swear I caught you looking at me when I was taking my trousers off.”

Hermione and Luna began laughing again. “Thanks but no thanks!” Hermione called back and they disappeared from the window.

“Thanks a lot mate,” Ron frowned at him. “Now we’ll have them thinking I’m gay.”

Harry snorted. “They don’t think you’re gay any more than they think I’m gay.”

“Whatever,” Ron said. “I’m going in.” he shook his red hair off as Harry got out as well.

*** *** ***

Dinner that night was even more fun than the one before. Charlotte had made chicken and beef kebabs, along with some superior chips and a vegetable stew.

“You’re almost a better cook than my mum,” Ron said after his third kebab. “Don’t tell her I said that though.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” Charlotte smiled. She was pleased to see that Neville already knew the group of teens- she’d found out right before dinner that they all had gone to school with one another. He seemed to be quite enamoured by Ginny, who was staring off into space again, twirling a lock of her almost shoulder length hair around one of her fingers.

Hermione was chatting rather animatedly with Luna Lovegood about some professor at their school whom they both clearly seemed to dislike.

Amidst eating, Harry and Ron were talking about some sports team, Charlotte never really managed to catch the team names… she assumed it was football and David Beckham they were so excited over, as most people their age loved the superstar.

After a dessert of strawberry shortcake and blueberry pie, Hermione helped her aunt clean up the kitchen.

“Aunt Charlotte, you don’t have to cook for us like this every night. We’re going to go home with more than a few stones put on,” Hermione said as she hand washed her aunt’s good dishes.

“Oh dear, I’m happy to do it,” Charlotte replied. “Your friends are such a help and a delight to be around.”

“Try almost living with them for seven years,” Hermione said dryly.

“You’re close though, I can tell.” Charlotte brought another stack of plates to the sink.

“As close as friends can be,” Hermione confirmed. “We’ve all been through a lot together.”

“I see,” Charlotte smiled.

“What?” Hermione asked.

“I can tell the three of you are close,” Charlotte said.

“That’s what I said,” Hermione replied.

“I think Ron fancies you Hermione,” Charlotte said gently. “I’ve caught him looking at you quite often.”

“What?” Hermione said again. “That’s… that’s just silly. Ron doesn’t fancy me. We’re all just friends is all.”

“I may not be in my teens anymore, but I can still remember the look of someone who fancies another.” Charlotte smiled.

“Aunt Charlotte,” Hermione said, turning off the faucet. “Trust me when I say Ron doesn’t fancy me. I certainly don’t think of him that way. We’re honestly just all best friends. That’s all it ever has been.”

Charlotte smiled and simply nodded in reply.

*** *** ***

Hermione climbed the stairs after she said goodnight to her aunt, walking slowly down the corridor. She felt strange about what her aunt had said about Ron fancying her. She shrugged, letting the thought fall to the back of her mind as she reached the bedroom she was sharing with Ginny and Luna.

“And I don’t care if he’s my brother; I should think he’d show me a little respect.” Ginny was saying loudly. “Yes, I made a mistake, a rather BIG mistake, I’ve admitted to it. I apologised for it. What does he want me to do, fall down on my knees and say I’ll never look at Malfoy again?”

“You just need to let him cool off,” Hermione said, knowing exactly what Ginny was referring to. “You know how Ron is.”

“Only too well,” Ginny flopped back on her bed. “It’s just that he seems to think he’s better than the rest of us sometimes, especially when he’s holding a grudge about something.”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “I have two words for you. Yule and Ball. Do you remember how angry he was with me for going with Krum? He still talks about that and it was over three years ago.”

Ginny shook her head. “I don’t know what else to do! It seems like he’ll never forgive me until…” her voice trailed off as she sighed. “I just don’t know anymore you guys.”

Hermione sat down next to her. “It’s all right Ginny. We were all surprised but you know what? You’re only human. We all make mistakes.” She hugged her friend. “I don’t think any less of you for it though. Neither does Harry. And I think deep down, Ron doesn’t either. It just takes him a bit longer to face up to what his feelings are.”

“I think you were very brave,” Luna sat down on Ginny’s other side. “Not many girls could keep their wits about them while facing a firing squad like the Slytherin girls.” She squeezed the redhead’s hand. “You still have lots of friends who care about you.”

Ginny felt unexpected tears well in her eyes. “Thanks you guys,” she hugged both of them to her. “You’re my two closest friends you guys know that?”

“Don’t get all mushy on us now,” Hermione teased. Luna laughed as Ginny grabbed her pillow and hit Hermione square in the face. Moments later, feathers started flying.

*** *** ***

Harry woke a bit earlier than Ron the next morning and used the time to head into the loo. He liked beating Ron inside; otherwise he’d have to wait until at least lunch to have a shower.

He scrubbed shampoo into his inky black hair while letting the hot water beat down on his back. His shoulders were a bit red and he was sore from the manual labour of the day before.

“Guess I’m not as in shape as I thought,” he said ruefully. He stepped out into the now steamy room and dried himself off, pulling on a clean pair of jeans and an old shirt of Dudley’s, most likely from when he was about four years old, for it fit Harry perfectly.

“Good morning,” he said as he entered the kitchen a few minutes later. Aunt Charlotte and Hermione were fixing a breakfast that looked like it would feed a small village.

“Morning Harry,” Hermione beamed at him.

“Good morning dear,” Aunt Charlotte sent him a warm smile. “Grab a plate and help yourself.”

“I’m still full from dinner last night, but this looks great.” Harry did has he was told, and soon his plate was full of sausages and pancakes. “How long have you been up Hermione?”

“About an hour,” Hermione sat down next to him and passed a glass of orange juice his way.

“Thanks,” Harry said. They ate in silence a few moments before he spoke up again. “This is nice.” He said.

“What is?” Hermione asked.

“The quiet,” Harry replied. “Sometimes… I can really sit and appreciate life a bit more when it’s quiet. I feel as if my existence has been noisy from the very beginning sometimes.”

Hermione smiled and laid a hand on his, squeezing gently. “You’re right,” she said. “It is nice.”

“What’s nice?” Ron asked, his plate piled twice as high as theirs. His eyes moved momentarily to their joined hands before Hermione pulled hers away.

“Nothing,” she said, feeling a bit ill at ease with his expression. “We were just talking.”

“Oh,” Ron sat down and dug into his breakfast.

Harry and Hermione shared a look as Aunt Charlotte joined them, followed by Neville, Luna and Ginny.

“You boys did a wonderful job on the boathouse,” Charlotte said happily. “There are some stables near the forest, on the edge of the property. There aren’t any horses left of course, I’d like to get some when we open this place back up. The stalls need cleaning out, the windows in the front need to be scrubbed, and the doors need to be reinforced. Are you three up for that?” she looked at Harry, Ron and Neville.

“Sure,” Neville answered with nods from his two friends.

“Girls, I’d like you to continue on the attic,” Charlotte said. “You’ve done a marvellous job so far… those sheets you brought down will be lovely once they’ve gone through the laundry and I’d like you to start boxing up some of the photo albums and such. I’m thinking I might use some of them to hang around here.”

“That’s a good idea,” Ginny said. Hermione nodded in agreement.

“It’ll increase the historic factor around here, especially once this place opens up for guests.” She added.

Charlotte smiled. “And I’ve got yet another fascinating day of paperwork ahead of me. This is why I needed you six here.” She got up. “You know where to find me if you kids need me,” she nodded and left them.

“We should get out by the stables,” Neville finished his last mouthful of sausage. “I saw them yesterday when I went out walking. They’re a right mess.”

“Great,” Ron replied. “I’m still sore from yesterday.”

“Oh from your dip in the lake?” Hermione asked innocently. “Where you were checking Harry out?”

Neville grinned. “What is this you two? Have you become lovers? Stay out of my bed at night will you?” the room broke up in laughter except for Harry and Ron.

“See what you’ve started Harry?” Ron snapped.

“Oh relax Ron, we’re just teasing.” Hermione was still smirking.

A/N: Thanks again you guys for another fantastic round of reviews! I’m so glad you all seem to be enjoying this chapter so far!

Just to clear up a bit of confusion about the D/G and N/G: All the D/G is in flashback form in a later chapter of this story. It’ll be chapter 9 most likely.

This is another bit of a filler chapter- just to get in the character’s heads and move the plot along. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

*** *** ***

Ron didn’t talk much as the three guys tackled the stables. Neville raked out all the stale, mouldy hay from the stalls while Harry began to scrub the floors. Ron worked at the windows.

“This doesn’t feel like we did anything!” Harry sighed several hours later. His arms and knees ached from being on the floor and it actually didn’t look much better than when he started.

“Tell me about it.” Ron frowned at the three windows he’d managed to clean. They were sparkling but the six left around the room were still caked with grime. “And it bloody smells in here!”

Neville rolled his eyes. “That would be the hay Ron. I don’t see you offering to pull it out of the stalls.” He wore a kerchief over his nose.

“Isn’t it almost lunch now?” Ron ignored Neville’s comment.

“Probably,” Harry stretched his sore back. “When we start cleaning again one of you is doing floor duty. I’m done with this!” he tossed his now black sponge into the now black pail of water.

“Works for me.” Ron replied. They left the stable, all three of them breathing in as much clean air as possible.

“You three smell awful,” Ginny said, crinkling her nose. Harry, Neville and Ron had just appeared in the dining room.

Luna laughed while Hermione hid her smile with her hand.

“Well how about you go clean the sodding stables while Harry, Neville and I work upstairs?” Ron shot back, his eyes narrowing at his sister. “Or do you just sit up in the attic and dream of your nights with Malfoy while Hermione and Luna do all the work?”

Ginny glared at her brother. “You need to get over what happened between Malfoy and me Ron. It was none of your business to begin with and it STILL isn’t your business!” she slapped him hard before turning on her heel and heading upstairs.

“Ron that was really uncalled for,” Harry said quietly. “I thought you said you were going to stop bothering her about that.”

Hermione frowned at him. “She’s right Ron. That situation had to do with her and Malfoy, and only her and Malfoy.”

Luna simply stared at him before heading out of the room as well, Hermione following closely behind her.

Harry only shook his head before taking a place at the table and grabbing a sandwich off the tray. “Come on Neville, let’s just eat and get back outside.”

“Right,” Neville said. He took a sandwich and bit into it, his eyes glaring angrily at the redhead. “You know, I think I’ll just eat this on my way back to the stables.” He left, slamming the door behind him.

Harry remained where he was. “Ron… sit down.”

“Why?” Ron spat. “All you’re going to do is lecture me about Ginny again.”

“That’s right,” Harry said evenly. “So sit down and we can get it over with.”

Ron rolled his eyes but sat quite gracelessly in one of the heavy antique chairs.

“First,” Harry began. “Ginny is your sister. She’s not blood related to me, but I feel closer to her than you do. There’s something wrong with that. Second, we’ve all made mistakes. Do I even need to bring up the long list of them that one Ronald Bilius Weasley has trailing behind him?”

“Sod off Harry,” Ron snapped. “Just because you’re all saintly in everyone’s eyes doesn’t mean I have to be!”

“That’s just IT Ron!” Harry suddenly shouted. “This isn’t about me! This is about you and you pushing Ginny further and further away because of your stupid ego!” He got up from his chair. “Think about that before you start making everyone else think you’re a stupid git as well.” He left in the same manner that Neville did.

Ron sighed as he sat down again, picking a sandwich out of the pile. He nibbled at it for a few minutes before shoving the chair back and heading for the stairwell. He climbed up until he reached the attic stairway.

“I don’t know what his PROBLEM is!” he could hear Ginny sniffle.

“I know,” Hermione was now saying. “He’ll come around sooner or later Gin. In the meantime, just ignore what he says all right?”

“All right,” Ginny replied. “I’m going to use the loo; I’ll be back in a few minutes all right?” she headed down the stairs and saw Ron just standing to the right of the door. “What do you want?” she asked.

“To talk to you,” Ron replied. “Come here,” he pulled her into one of the spare bedrooms.

“What about? To tell me what a whore I am?” Ginny asked bitterly. “No need, you’ve already done it several times.”

“Look…” Ron looked at his shoes for a minute. “I’m sorry all right?” he muttered. “You’re not a whore. I shouldn’t have said that to you.”

Ginny could hardly believe her ears. “Wait… you’re apologising?”

“Yeah.” Ron said. “I was wrong to say those things… and I shouldn’t be shoving what happened in your face. I know… it was a mistake.”

“A big one,” Ginny admitted. “No one cares anymore but you.”

Ron pushed his red hair out of his eyes. “I’m sorry,” he said again. “Gin… it’s just that it was Malfoy… of all people. I don’t understand and I won’t likely ever understand. But you’re my sister and I love you all right?”

Ginny looked at him pensively for a moment. “Do you really mean that? You’re not just saying it because Harry and Hermione are mad at you?”

“I mean it,” Ron said honestly.

Ginny’s lips twitched and then she came forward and hugged him tightly. “Thanks Ron. That means a lot to me.”

Ron pulled her close and rested his chin on her head. He actually felt a lot better about himself now too. Ginny pulled away after a few moments.

“I forgot how bad you smell right now,” she said, laughing.

“Oh go on with you,” Ron grinned and pushed her away. “Before I take you to the stables and throw you in the mouldy hay that Neville’s pushing out of the stalls.”

Ginny gave a squeal and raced out of the room; both Weasleys’ felt much better than they had just a quarter of an hour earlier.

*** Several Days Later ***

Hermione carefully lifted another old, crumbling photo album from the box and gingerly opened it. She had looked through several of these old albums over the past couple of days; her interest in the old pictures quite apparent.

Luna and Ginny enjoyed looking through them as well, but their interest was mostly in the old clothes they found. Luna was currently wearing something lacy and ruffled with a moth eaten fur stole around her neck while Ginny was in an old flapper dress that looked dynamite with her red hair.

“Come on Hermione, put the other dress on,” Ginny pleaded.

“I will in a bit,” Hermione answered. “I want to look at these old albums first.”

“That’s all you’ve been doing!” Ginny replied.

“I know…” Hermione paused to turn the page. “But remember how we were all wondering about the person who left Aunt Charlotte this place? I want to see if I can find pictures of them when they were younger. Maybe we can get her to open up about him if we bring it to her.”

As open as her Aunt Charlotte was, she remained curiously tight lipped about the man who had willed Crossways to her. That of course made Hermione, Luna and Ginny more determined to find out about him through the old photographs.

Luna pulled another album from the box as she unwound the stole from her neck. “It might go faster if we all look,” she said. Ginny smiled at her friends and sat down too.

The next few moments were spent flipping carefully through the old books until Hermione let out a gasp. “I think I found something!”

Luna and Ginny dropped their books and crowded around the brown haired girl. “Richard and Charlotte by Crossways, 1937.” She read aloud.

“Wow, Hermione, you look a lot like she did back then.” Ginny said.

“Yes you do,” Luna twirled her hair around her finger. “Look, there’s another one,” she pointed to the next page where Charlotte and Richard were holding hands and laughing. The one beneath it had the two of them on a large flat swing; Richard’s arms wound tightly around Charlotte’s slender shoulders.

“It… looks as if they were more than friends,” Ginny said, voicing the opinion the three girls shared.

“It certainly does,” Hermione’s eyes were wide. “I wonder…” she set the album down and dove into another one of the boxes. “I saw a journal in here when I was packing these away that had the name Richard engraved on the cover. I wonder if it’s his…” she dug furiously until she held a small brown leather covered book. “Richard Kensington,” Hermione read.

Luna carefully turned the photo album they were looking at to the front cover. “This has the name Kensington written in it,” she said in a hushed voice.

Hermione tucked the journal into the waistband of her jeans. “We shouldn’t read this now.” She said.

“What? Why not?” Ginny asked.

“Let’s finish all the work we have to do and tonight we’ll read.” Hermione replied. Ginny and Luna looked at each other then back at Hermione. “Tonight!” the other girl said firmly.

“Come on Hermione, you know you want to take a peek,” Luna teased.

Hermione bit her lower lip. “Fine…” she relented, knowing they were right.

‘Today was the start of Father’s trial. I know he had nothing to do with that bank robbery. So do most of the townspeople. But the judge insists on going ahead with the trial so we have to be down there every day for the next couple of weeks.

The newspaper reporters were waiting there by the courthouse for us. I saw Charlotte standing off to the side; she gave me a kiss on the cheek as we headed inside. “For luck,” she said to me.

That judge isn’t a very nice person. He was giving me nasty faces as I sat down with Mother in the front row, just behind where my father was sitting. I don’t know why he hates my father so much.’

Hermione reluctantly closed the journal. Ginny and Luna were staring at her with pleading looks but Hermione forced herself to be strong as she tucked the journal back in her waistband. “Later you guys. Come on; let’s bring these downstairs so Aunt Charlotte can go through them.”

Luna and Ginny both groaned as the three of them started bringing boxes downstairs. Luna purposely kept the picture they’d discovered of Aunt Charlotte out of the piles of albums.

“Are you going to tell her about the journal?” Ginny asked quietly as they piled the boxes outside her office.

“Maybe… once we’ve read it,” Hermione grinned rather mischievously.

*** *** ***

Charlotte pulled one of the boxes the girls had brought down next to her on the sofa. They’d all gone to bed already, talking and laughing amongst themselves as they climbed the stairs.

This would be like a blast from the past for her, she realised. There were bound to be endless photographs of Richard in here.

“Richard,” she sighed softly, pushing a loose strand of hair out of her eyes. It had been years upon years since she’d set eyes on him; at least twenty five give or take a few. They had parted on decent terms, but Charlotte had always wondered what she’d given up the day she left him standing right here on the front porch.

“Enough of that,” she said firmly. It wouldn’t do her any good to dredge up old memories of things past. With that in mind, she pulled out the first album.

*** *** ***

Neville tossed and turned in his bed. He wasn’t sure why- he’d gotten plenty of work that day that should have tired him out but he was wide awake.

It was most likely Ron’s snores. Neville figured he should be used to them after spending seven years of his life in the same dormitory as the redhead but it was always hard to get used to them after spending a few weeks at home during the summer holiday.

As he turned on his side and stuffed his pillow over his ears, another redhead drifted to mind. Neville turned on his back and looked over at Harry, whose mouth was slightly open as he slept. He had been lucky to hold her affections for the first three years Ginny Weasley was at Hogwarts.

He had always wondered why she had accepted to be his date to the Yule Ball his fourth year. Neville suspected she had held out for Harry to ask her but he’d gone with Parvati instead. He’d decided to ask her after Hermione had turned him down, as she had already agreed to go with Viktor Krum.

They’d had a nice time, at least when he wasn’t stepping on her feet. She’d seemed to enjoy his company but right after the ball she started dating Michael Corner from Ravenclaw.

Then… there was the situation of this past year with her and Draco Malfoy. Neville had literally been floored when he’d heard about it, especially from someone like Pansy Parkinson. He’d admired how she held her head up through it all, even though Malfoy was his normal snivelling self and basically left her to deal with the mess.

He wished she’d turn his way for once. He’d tried to be there for her in the aftermath, only as a friend, but the only people she’d really talk to were Hermione and Luna. After school had finished, he’d sadly left her at Platform 9 ¾ while his Gran dragged him away, talking about how he was to come here and work during the holiday.

Of all the people here this summer it was her he was glad to see the most. And Neville was bound and determined to make Ginny Weasley notice him before they had to leave.

A/N: Thanks again to those of you who left reviews- several of you were disappointed at Ron’s sudden understanding of Ginny’s situation but it was a long time coming, as we didn’t see the time between THAT and when they left for Crossways. He’s not altogether nice now, he’s just Ron!!

Also… you diehard H/Hr fans please don’t kill me this chapter. I’m warning you now- there’s something I had to get out of the way before our hero can get the girl ;)

*** *** ***

While breakfast and dinner were Aunt Charlotte’s grand meals, lunch at Crossways usually consisted of turkey sandwiches. The group of them never minded, simply because Charlotte was as sweet as could be and she was truly appreciative of what they were doing for her.

“I promise you one of these days when it’s less busy that I will make you a lunch that rivals my dinners.” Charlotte beamed as everyone wolfed down their meal.

“Honestly Aunt Charlotte, don’t worry about it.” Hermione replied. “These are just fine. We don’t even expect big dinners! You shouldn’t be spending all that extra time on us like that when you have other things to do.”

“Nonsense,” Charlotte waved off her niece. “Making a nice dinner for you six is my favourite part of the day.” She smiled. “I’ve got to get back to my bills and paperwork now.”

“Thank you Aunt Charlotte!” everyone spoke up, the boys with their mouths full. The older woman smiled again as she left the room.

“I’ll clean up today,” Hermione said. “Just stack your plates by the sink.”

“I’ll help you,” Ron said, immediately seizing his chance to get her alone. He hoped no one would think odd of this but Hermione smiled at him.

“Thanks Ron,” she said. He helped her gather everyone’s dishes as Harry and Neville took off for the stables and Luna and Ginny headed upstairs.

Hermione ran some water in the sink and added soap. “Just stack them over here; I can wash them if you’ll dry.”

“Sure,” Ron did as she said then grabbed a dry towel and took the first dish she handed him.

“I really appreciate the help. It’ll make things go much faster and then we can get back to the real work.” Hermione said. “How are the stables coming?”

“Good,” Ron nodded. “We’ve got most of the stalls cleaned out and the floor… well we can finally see it.”

Hermione laughed. “That’s like the attic. The more we uncover and box up the more things there seem to be. It’s good fun though. Luna and Ginny love playing around with the old clothes.”

“How many books have you found?” Ron asked, grinning.

“Too many to count,” Hermione replied. “Aunt Charlotte even told me to set aside the ones I wanted so I can take them home. I’m not sure how I’ll fit them into my trunk. I’ll probably have to use magic to shrink them down.”

“Good idea,” Ron replied. She handed him the last plate as she turned off the water.

Hermione took the dried dishes and put them in their proper place in the cupboard. “Thanks for your help again Ron,” she said, smiling as she closed the cabinet doors.

“Sure,” Ron replied. “Hey Hermione?” he said as she was about to leave the room.

“Yes?” she asked.

“Can… can I talk to you a minute?” his face began to burn and he willed the blood in his cheeks away.

“Sure,” Hermione said. “What about?”

“Well…” Ron pushed his hands through his hair. He had her here now and he couldn’t think of a single way to phrase what was running through his head right now. “Can I tell you something?”

“Sure,” Hermione looked slightly amused and slightly harried.

“How… how about we sit down?” Ron plopped himself in a chair and motioned for her to do the same. “Okay… well… Ilikeyou…” he said very fast.

“What?” Hermione asked.

“I… like you.” Ron said, quieter but slower. “I like you, Hermione.”

“Well… I like you too Ron,” Hermione was slightly confused. “We’re friends.”

“No…” Ron shook his head. “I mean… I like you… as more than a friend. I have for awhile now.”

“Oh,” Hermione looked strangely downcast. There was an unbearable few moments where Ron and Hermione looked anywhere in the room but at each other.

“You don’t return those feelings… do you?” He asked uncomfortably.

Hermione looked up. “No,” she said in a quiet voice. “I’m sorry Ron.”

Ron sighed as he scuffed his shoe along the tiled floor. “Is there anything I can do to change your mind?” he asked, knowing full well he was fighting a losing battle. Hermione rubbed her forehead but didn’t answer.

He moved into the chair next to hers. “Will you let me kiss you?” he asked quickly.

“What?” Hermione was startled.

“Just to see if you like this.” Ron almost pleaded. “Please Hermione?”

“I… suppose so.” Hermione said a minute later. “Just… please don’t expect much from me Ron all right?”

Ron nodded eagerly and leaned forward. She closed her eyes and the next thing she realised Ron’s lips were on hers.

Harry realised he’d forgotten his kerchief in the dining room so he doubled back to grab it, and also to find out what was taking Ron so long to finish the dishes. He grabbed the door handle to the kitchen and opened it.

He wasn’t sure what he was expecting to see but it certainly wasn’t the sight of his two best friends locking lips in the middle of the kitchen. Harry stared for a moment before ducking back out unnoticed by Ron and Hermione.

Hermione pulled away from Ron a few seconds later. “I’m sorry,” she shook her head. “I’m so sorry Ron.”

“No different?” he said rather than asked.

“No,” Hermione shook her head. “Ron…” she leaned forward and put her hand on his. “I love you… I love you very much. But only as a friend. That’s all it’s ever been and that’s all it ever will be for me.”

Ron stared at her a moment before breaking into a rueful smile. “That rather felt like kissing a sister,” he admitted.

“I really hope you don’t exactly know what that’s like,” Hermione said. Ron looked up at her and they both started laughing.

“No but I imagine that’s what it’s like!” Ron clutched his stomach. Hermione wiped tears from her eyes. “Listen… thanks for at least hearing me out.”

“Sure,” Hermione said. “I really am sorry Ron. But I don’t to string you along.”

“I understand.” Ron nodded, getting up from the table. “I guess this means I’ll have to stop arguing with you all the time.”

“Don’t you dare,” Hermione also stood up. “I love fighting with you Ron. What would we do if we couldn’t bicker?”

“Enjoy each other’s company?” Ron joked. Hermione laughed again and he hugged her.

“You’ve really grown up you know. If this had happened during 4^th year you’d have ignored me until now probably,” Hermione rested her chin on his shoulder.

“Right, right… that’s me, Mr. Mature,” Ron quipped.

“Oh go on with you,” Hermione. She kissed his cheek and he left for the stables.

He felt oddly light hearted as he headed over the grounds. Ron was oddly amused at the situation. Perhaps what he’d thought were strong feelings for Hermione really weren’t romantic ones. Ron slowed down his walk as his thoughts wandered some more. Deep down… he had to have known Hermione wouldn’t like him back or he’d be far more disappointed at the moment.

“Hey guys,” Ron said cheerfully as he opened the door to the stables. “Sorry that took me so long.”

“No worries,” Neville replied from his spot in the first stall. “But we’re glad you’re here now so get scrubbing.”

Ron grinned at Harry, who was working on the final window. Harry was looking at him a bit oddly and when Ron didn’t say anything he turned back to the glass and began rubbing at the coated dirt.

*** *** ***

“Did you bring the journal?” Ginny pounced on Hermione as soon as she got upstairs. “You fell asleep on us and we didn’t get to read any!”

“I know,” Hermione felt bad. She’d gotten tired early the previous evening and was fast asleep with the journal under her pillow for safekeeping before Ginny and Luna had come to bed. “And of course I brought it. But we can’t spend the whole time reading it you know.”

“I know that,” Ginny replied. “But we can read just a little right now… please? I’m dying to know more about Aunt Charlotte and Richard!”

“Me too,” Hermione said. She pulled the journal from her waistband and Luna came over as they sat down.

‘They actually called me up to testify today. Against my own father! I told them the truth- that he was home with Mother and me all evening long. Charlotte has started coming into the courtroom, sitting near the back.

It helps me to know she’s near. I have known her for so many years that it almost feels as if I can draw strength just from her presence. We have been there for each other in the best and the worst of times. This is most definitely one of my worst times.

I felt horrible the other evening- she came by Crossways to visit with me and we wound up arguing. I could not help myself- I needed to yell at someone and there she was. Yet she seemed to understand how frustrated I am with everything and simply stood there and let me scream then came forward and hugged me as tight as she possibly could.

I felt the tension leave my body as she kissed my cheek and we held each other for a long while. After that we took a walk by the lake and had toast and hot chocolate that the cook brought out for us. I told her everything that had been happening even though we are not supposed to tell anyone what has been happening with the trial but I’m only seventeen- I can not keep this all to myself anymore.

It scares me- I feel as if I’m falling in love with Charlotte yet her father would never accept me as her husband- he seems intent on marrying her off to a banker or shopkeeper. I know I could make her happy.’

“Wow…” Hermione was stunned as she set the journal down.

Luna stared at the floor deep in thought as Ginny shook her head. “This guy was obviously crazy about your aunt,” she said. “I wonder why they never married.”

“I’m not sure,” Hermione replied pensively. “I do know she was married for a time, but his name was Charles… that’s my great uncle. I only met him once or twice and he was always very stodgy and serious. He died years ago when I was still very young.”

“It’s all very romantic,” Luna said dreamily. “I wonder if your aunt was in love with him as well.”

Hermione chewed on her lower lip. “I know from my mother that Aunt Charlotte always refused to talk much about her past. She once told my mum that it was very painful for her.”

“I don’t want to make her relive something painful,” Ginny said softly, thinking about her own troubles of the past year. “I know all too well what that’s like.”

Luna and Hermione looked at her sympathetically. “At least when we go back this September all those Slytherins will be gone. Most likely no one else will remember or care,” Luna said.

“I hope you’re right.” Ginny smiled at her friend. “Each day… I feel better and better about myself. Each day it’s less painful to think about being ditched the way I was.”

“Plus you have us to pull you out of your slump,” Hermione slung her arm over Ginny’s slender shoulders. “And at least Ron finally apologised as well.”

“I was beginning to think I’d have to Bat Bogey Hex him,” Ginny kidded. “I was ready to, believe me.”

*** *** ***

Dinner that night was a quieter affair than the others. Hermione, Ginny and Luna were deep in thought over the journal entries they’d read and Harry was confused about why he felt so odd about seeing Ron and Hermione kissing earlier in the kitchen. Neville tried not to be obvious as he stole glances at Ginny.

Ron was the only truly happy person at the table. He still felt as if a large weight had lifted from his chest even though things between Hermione and him hadn’t worked out the way he’d hoped. As the day had gone on he realised how much they weren’t truly weren’t compatible and was glad he’d told her and they were still friends over it.

He helped himself to more pasta, noticing for the first time that Harry was only picking at his dinner. He’d barely eaten a few spoonfuls. Ron wasn’t exactly sure what was wrong with him but when they were all in their bedroom an hour or so later he decided to find out.

“What’s wrong with you mate?” he asked, sliding his pyjama shirt over his head. “You’ve been quiet all afternoon.”

“It’s nothing,” Harry muttered, setting his glasses on the nightstand.

“Well it’s obviously something,” Ron objected. “Why don’t you tell me what’s the matter? Neville’s in the loo so he can’t overhear.”

“I’m fine,” Harry turned under his blankets and faced the wall.

Ron sighed as he picked at a loose thread on the quilt that covered his bed. “Harry? How long have we been best mates?”

“Going on eight years,” Harry answered.

“And I think after eight years, I can tell when something’s the matter with you.” Ron replied.

Harry turned back around. “Look… I guess I’m just a little pissed because… well you never told me about you and Hermione before all right? I walk into the kitchen today to see you two snogging.” Ron opened his mouth to say something but Harry cut him off. “If you want to date I don’t have a problem with that. It just feels weird to be left out is all.”

Ron stared at him a moment as his jaw fell open and then he started to laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Harry asked, his eyebrows knitting together.

“No…” Ron began to snort. “You… you bloody walked in on a bad moment is all…” he fell back on his bed and was positively howling a few seconds later.

Harry shook his head. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.” He said.

Ron finally stopped laughing. “You didn’t see what you think,” he began. “I mean… I did kiss her but it was just sort of to see if we liked one another.” he sat on the edge of Harry’s bed. “I told her today that I fancied her… she told me she didn’t feel the same way. So I asked if I could kiss her to see if it would change her mind and it didn’t.”

“You’re happy about that?” Harry looked slightly incredulous.

“Well…” Ron thought for a moment. “Yes and no… it’s nice to have finally got that out in the open but at the same time I do sort of wish she fancied me too. I’ve thought about it all day long and I realise it wouldn’t have worked out anyways.”

Harry narrowed his eyes. “All right, who are you and what have you done with Ron?”

“Sod off,” Ron replied.

“No…” Harry shook his head. “I seem to remember when Lavender Brown broke up with you in the common room and you had a fit. You wouldn’t talk to us if we were still friends with her.”

“That was ages ago,” Ron said.

“That was last month!” Harry replied.

Ron shrugged. “Well… Hermione means more to me than Lavender Brown does. She’s one of my best friends. And I’d rather have her as that than break up with her down the line.”

Harry’s face softened. “All right,” he said.

Ron grinned. “You sound jealous Potter.”

Harry scoffed. “Hardly, I don’t think of Hermione in that way.”

“Then why were you so quiet tonight?” Ron asked airily. “You wouldn’t have gotten so buggered if it wasn’t bothering you at least a little bit.”

Harry opened his mouth as Neville came back into the room. “What are you two doing?” he asked, tossing his towel on the nightstand.

“Nothing,” Harry replied quickly.

“You’re jealous,” Ron said smugly.

“I am NOT!” Harry snapped.

Neville shook his head. “I don’t really want to get between a lover’s quarrel with you two all right?”

Ron glared at him. “We are NOT GAY!” he shouted. “You sick bastard!”

Neville chuckled. “Right,” he smirked.

Harry rolled his eyes. “You’d better find a girl to snog so Neville doesn’t go blabbing in the Daily Prophet about you Ron. I’m sure they’ve had enough of me by now.”

He fell asleep that night to Ron’s protests, knowing once again all was right with the world.

A/N: Thanks again to those of you who took a few moments to leave a review. Even my anonymous fan who REALLY seems to enjoy my work so much that he/she leaves the ‘nicest’ reviews. Everyone should go back and look for the four in a row. They’re wonderful. Really! He/she even got me to quote Dr. Seuss! Life is good ;)

Anyways… all the R/Hr is past and I’ve got a nice H/Hr scene in this chapter. Hope this makes up for the non action of our fave couple before this!

And as always, reviews are very, very much appreciated!

Meanwhile, Hermione, Ginny and Luna were crowded on Hermione’s single bed. The brown haired girl was careful in opening the journal, as she was still afraid of any loose or crumbling pages that would fall out.

“Come on, come on,” Ginny said impatiently while Luna pulled a blanket closer around her.

“I wish Ronald were here.” She said, staring at the wall. “I wouldn’t be so cold.”

Ginny shivered and Hermione let out a weak half smile at the blonde’s remark. “That’s really gross Luna,” she complained. “That’s my brother.”

Luna only smiled as Hermione turned to the right page in the journal.

‘I went back to school today, the first day since the trial began. Most of my friends would not even turn my way, much less talk to me during our recess. Evan, who is supposedly my best chum, spent all day talking with Peter and Michael. He did not look my way once.

Thank goodness for Charlotte. Even though the other girls were taking the Mickey out of her for being with me she has not left my side once. After school let out she took me to town and we sat at the soda fountain and had a Coke.

I know now for certain that I am in love with her. She is my best friend. I looked at her today, the way her hair was tied up in a ponytail with a flip at the end, her grey school jumper that showed off her curves… my hands almost ached to touch her.

I must figure out a way to tell her this. I cannot bear to see her married off to Charles Rochester, whom her father has already picked for her as soon as we graduate. I must find a way to talk to her father about this… to tell him I would make a good husband for her.’

“Wow,” Hermione brushed a lock of her bushy hair behind her ear.

“Tell me about it,” Ginny said softly.

“Keep reading!” Luna leaned forward.

‘I’m not sure what happened tonight. Charlotte was over as always, trying to talk me out of the sadness that has seemed to envelope our home.

Crossways doesn’t seem to be the happy place it once was. In fact… we’ve had our recent fall of guests due to the fact that the judge is in town nearly every day speaking nonsense about my father.

Charlotte tried to tell me that it was only not busy because of the season, not due to the trial. I suppose in a sense she’s right- every guest still gets the same treatment they always did and everyone almost always leaves here satisfied.

We sat by the swing, I pushed her as high as I could. I delight in hearing her laugh. It helps me think that things won’t turn out so badly.

My parents invited her to stay for supper and after that, she asked if I wanted to take a walk along the lakeside.

It was quiet at first but she took my hand in hers and it seemed as if a door opened inside me. I told her more about what was going on than I ever said before. The whole time I talked, Charlotte just listened and by the time I finished, we were sitting underneath the big oak tree and she was hugging me.

I held on to her like she was a lifeboat and I was sinking into the ocean. Charlotte doesn’t judge me. She knows circumstances are beyond my control. I wish everyone else could see things the way she does.’

Hermione stopped for a moment. “I can’t believe this…” she murmured.

“What?” Ginny and Luna both exclaimed as they both leaned forwards expectantly.

‘I can’t say what came over me in that moment but she looked so beautiful when bathed in the moonlight that I had to kiss her.

So I leaned forward and I did just that. Charlotte was surprised, I could tell by the way her body stiffened and I fully expected her to pull away but instead…

She only kissed me back.’

Hermione looked up at her two friends. “I almost hate to read this… especially because I know they never married.”

Ginny opened her mouth but closed it again. “I see what you mean,” she said quietly.

“I’d really like to ask her about it,” Luna was sitting with her back against Hermione’s headboard.

“So do I,” Hermione sighed. “But… she’s pretty fragile. I know she’s had some heart trouble in the past several years and she’s in her mid to late 70’s now. I don’t want to cause her any unnecessary stress, especially while this place is still in shambles.”

“Right,” Luna replied as Ginny nodded. “Maybe after we’re done reading this we can give it to her.”

“She’d probably like that,” Hermione replied. The girls read several more entries before deciding to turn in for the night.

Yet after the light was turned out Hermione found she couldn’t sleep. Her thoughts lingered on the journal entries they had read that evening.

It was scary how Richard and Charlotte’s relationship seemed to mirror her and Harry’s. Aside from the snogging that had pretty much dominated the last two entries they had read that night, the events reminded her of her friendship with Harry- like during their 4^th year with the Triwizard Tournament and how everyone, even Ron, thought Harry had entered himself.

Hermione also thought of the many times she’d let Harry vent his frustrations while she listened. She knew he appreciated the fact that she refrained from being judgemental about him and his decisions.

She tossed and turned for what felt like a couple hours before deciding she needed to put something in her stomach. She hadn’t eaten much at dinner.

Slipping into her lightweight robe, Hermione stole downstairs to the kitchen. Opening the icebox, she set about making herself a sandwich and was about to sit down when Harry appeared in the doorway. His hair was even more rumpled than usual and his glasses were crooked over his dark rimmed eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Hermione asked, immediately sensing that he was upset about something.

“Nothing,” Harry muttered, going to the sink for some cold water. “Bad nightmare is all.”

“Come sit down,” Hermione patted the chair next to her. Harry sat, pressing the cool glass against his throbbing head. “Do you want to tell me about it?”

Harry was silent a few minutes. “I know Voldemort’s gone but sometimes it feels like he’ll never really be gone.” He said finally. “Not as long as I have these bloody nightmares.”

“What was it about?” Hermione asked softly.

Harry shrugged. “What isn’t it about, really.” He stated. “There’s always so much going on. Sometimes I win, sometimes he wins.”

“Harry, you DID win,” Hermione reached over for one of his hands, lacing their fingers together.

“I know that,” Harry replied. “But… with everyone that died in the meantime, sometimes it doesn’t feel like I won. I feel as if I’ve put you and Ron in danger so many times.”

“That’s bullocks,” Hermione said firmly. “Harry… we’ve told you this many times. If we thought being your friend wasn’t worth everything the three of us have gone through then Ron and I would be long gone by now.” She moved her chair closer. “We both love you Harry. You’re a brave person, braver than anyone I’ve ever known. And I’m proud to be considered your best friend.”

Harry felt considerably cheered at her words. “Thanks,” he said, squeezing her hand. “That really does mean a lot to me.”

Hermione smiled at him. “Well you mean a lot to me… and Ron.” She added hastily. The thoughts of the journal came flooding back.

Ron’s words came back to haunt Harry in that moment.

“You’re jealous,” Ron said smugly.

“I am NOT!” Harry snapped.

He shook his head. “Well you mean a lot to me as well… you and Ron.” He added. Hermione turned a slight shade of pink.

Her insides squirmed as they avoided looking at one another for a few moments. Her hand was growing sweaty inside his so she pulled away. “Are you hungry?” Hermione tried to keep her voice as normal as possible.

“A bit,” Harry answered.

“You can have half my sandwich,” Hermione offered, holding it out to him.

“All right,” Harry took it from her outstretched hand. “Thanks,” he said, biting into it.

They ate together quickly and Harry washed the few dishes they used. Hermione dried them and put them back in the cupboard.

“Think you’ll sleep better now?” she asked as the climbed the stairs.

“I should now,” Harry replied. “Thanks… thanks for listening to me. I don’t like having to dump everything on you.”

“I don’t see it that way,” Hermione objected. “I’m your friend. I’m here to listen to your troubles and help you.”

“Thanks,” Harry smiled at her. They looked awkwardly at one another before he moved forward and hugged her. “I’m glad to have you in my life Hermione.”

Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat and was unable to answer as Harry kissed her cheek (and was it just her or did he kiss near the corner of her mouth?) then disappeared into his bedroom.

“Oh Merlin… what am I getting myself into?” she asked herself as she slid back under her covers.

*** *** ***

The next night, dinner was a much livelier atmosphere. Harry and Hermione would look at each other every so often and share a secret smile while Neville, Ron and Ginny were talking over which Quidditch team (only when Aunt Charlotte left the room) was sure to win the Cup this year.

Luna was reading a new copy of the Quibbler that her father had just sent that day. She seemed quite engrossed in it but was sure to cover up any moving pictures with her elbow whenever Aunt Charlotte was nearby.

The teenagers finished their dinner and Ginny and Neville decided to help Aunt Charlotte with the dishes. Ron was going to ask Harry if he wanted to go have a game of chess when Luna spoke up.

“Ronald would you like to take a walk with me?” he turned to see her staring at him, her finger twisting around a lock of her blonde hair. “It’s a very nice evening.”

“I uh…” Ron looked at Harry to help him with an excuse. “That is… I think… well me and Harry we were going to—“

“Go ahead Ron,” Harry said, grinning a bit wickedly. “We can play chess later on.”

Ron glared at him. “All right,” he muttered, not wanting to be rude. Luna took his arm happily as they stepped outside.

Harry and Hermione waited until the door closed behind them before breaking out into laughter. “Should we go spy on him you think?” Harry asked mischievously.

“No!” Hermione laughed. She was glad to see that during the day the dark circles under Harry’s eyes had disappeared. “Honestly, would you like it if he spied on you?”

“He has,” Harry replied mildly. “Caught him in sixth year when I was out with Hannah Abbott one time.”

“Well then by all means,” Hermione replied. “Let’s go follow them.” They ran out after their friends.

“Great, we get stuck with all the work,” Ginny complained.

“It’s not so bad,” Neville replied. “I daresay Hermione’s been doing the dishes almost every day.” He started running water in the sink.

“You’re right,” Ginny sighed. She grabbed a towel from the drawer and started drying the plates Neville handed her. “So are you guys finished with the stables yet?”

“Just about,” Neville said. “It just hasn’t been used for so long that all the dirt and such are caked on. Plus there was all that mouldy hay that I had to scrape out of the stalls. One more day of work and we should have it finished.”

“We’ve still got so much left to do with the attic,” Ginny set aside the now dry plate. “I think our problem is, we always find some clothes or in Hermione’s case, she finds books and we get sidetracked.”

“Girls,” Neville shook his head and laughed as Ginny elbowed him in the side.

“Where would you boys be without us?” she shot back but was smiling.

“I don’t want to think about that,” Neville joked.

*** *** ***

“So what are we looking for?” Ron asked wincing as Luna clung to his arm.

“A Jarvey,” Luna replied, holding onto her Quibbler in the other hand. “Daddy says he’d love to write up what a Jarvey says in the next edition.”

“Right,” Ron muttered. They were in the forest that was near the stables end of the property. It was growing cold and all he had on was a thin shirt. “How long do you think it will take to find one?”

“I’m not sure,” Luna said. “Maybe an hour, maybe six hours.” She turned to look up at him. “You don’t mind do you?”

“Well…er…” Ron fumbled. “I guess not.”

Luna smiled. “Thank you Ronald.” She stopped and suddenly flung her arms around him. “You’re very much a gentleman.”

“Uh… thanks…” Ron said, uncomfortable. “A Jarvey…” he tried to change the subject. “Looks like a ferret right?”

“Right,” Luna said. “And it talks! I’ve always wanted to talk to a Jarvey.”

“Okay,” Ron said, resisting the urge to pull away as she gripped his hand.

“This should be a nice spot to wait for one,” she declared a few minutes later. Luna sat down, pulling Ron down with her.

Ron nodded silently and picked at a few blades of grass. The half moon came out from behind the clouds and shone down on them. He looked up as the pale light caught the silvery strands of her hair and for a moment he almost felt compelled to reach forward and see if her locks were as soft as they looked.

Luna moved her head at that moment and Ron pulled his hand away. “So you’re a Chudley Cannons fan?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Ron nodded. “Best bloody team around. No one seems to realise it though.”

Luna tipped her head to the side. “I agree,” her eyes focused on him. “They’ve been my favourite team for years. I like Puddlemere too, but the Cannons, one of these years, will turn around and surprise everyone.”

“I… I didn’t take you for a Quidditch fan.” Ron said, wide eyed.

“Not many people do,” Luna said dreamily. “I do prefer reading about the Jarvey and other beasts more. I also like making my butterbeer cork necklace. Would you like one?”

“Uh… no, no thanks.” Ron replied. “I’m not much into… jewellery.”

“Okay,” Luna said. “I wonder if your sister would like one.”

“She might,” Ron shrugged.

Luna stared at him again. “She’s happy that you’re not angry with her anymore.” She said suddenly.

“What?” Ron was startled.

“Your sister,” Luna said. “She’s glad that you apologised to her the other day.”

“Oh…” Ron replied. “Well… I can’t stay mad at her. She’s my sister and we’re the closest out of all of us Weasley kids, except for Fred and George.”

“I always wanted a brother or sister,” Luna said vaguely.

“How come your parents never had any more kids?” Ron asked curiously.

“My mum died when I was very young,” Luna said. “She never had enough time to.”

“Oh,” Ron felt his face turn red. “I’m sorry… I didn’t know.”

“It’s all right,” Luna said, looking at him again. “It happened a long time ago. I miss her very much but I can think of her without feeling sad.” She leaned forward. “I have a picture of her in this locket,” she opened it to show him.

“Wow…” Ron took it in his hand. “She was really beautiful. She looked a lot like you.” He didn’t realise what his comment implied until a moment later.

She actually blushed. “Thank you Ronald,” she said quietly, tucking the locket back in her shirt.

Ron raised his eyes and realised how close he and Luna were sitting. Her blue eyes were even larger when he was only a few inches away from her and she actually smelled quite lovely. His hand came out again and he touched her long hair this time, rubbing the silky strands between his fingers.

Their faces drew closer and closer together; eyes closing and then Ron felt his mouth touch a pair of soft lips. His fingers moved from her hair to cup her cheek as Luna pushed forward and Ron was suddenly on his back.

This was… it was… Ron couldn’t put words in his head to describe the way he felt, the way she felt. Her lips were warm and wet and her hands ran through his hair, sending goose bumps down his arms.

“Silly… ugly!” a tinny voice suddenly rang out and Ron and Luna pulled apart breathlessly. A Jarvey was in front of them, it’s small furry face cocked to the side. “Silly ugly stupid human!” it nearly shrieked.

“There’s… there’s your Jarvey,” Ron said, his chest still rising and falling quite rapidly.

“Yes,” Luna nodded. “It’s lovely to meet you,” she leaned closer to the Jarvey.

The Jarvey skittered back several feet. “Mindless ugly bearing faces!” it backed away even more and then disappeared into a hole in the ground.

Ron shook his head. “That was bloody stupid,” he said.

Luna shrugged and smiled. “I thought he was rather cute.”

“If you like that furry look,” Ron replied. He got up and extended his hand to the blonde. “Want to get back?”

“Sure,” Luna reverted to her dreamy look. “Thank you,” she said as he helped her up.

Ron nodded and this time he didn’t mind when her hand stayed inside his.

*** *** ***

Charlotte got herself ready for bed as she noticed another box of things the girls had brought down from the attic. It had been difficult for her to go through some of the albums and see pictures of herself and Richard.

Hermione had most likely advised her friends not to say anything to her, but Charlotte knew they were curious, especially her great niece. Sooner or later she would have to tell them about what happened between her and Richard.

She had set aside several photos she wanted to have framed and put on display in the hallways of the house. Charlotte had found one of herself and Richard when they were playing around on the swing one day that used to hang on the large tree in the front of the house.

There had also been another one of when they were much younger, around eleven. She was hoping to have it restored as it was quite badly creased along the top but it was a nice, innocent shot of them playing together on the expansive lawn in back.

“Aunt Charlotte?” Hermione knocked softly on the door. “I saw your light was still on and I wanted to see if you were all right?”

“I’m just fine dear,” Charlotte smiled. “I do have a favour to ask you.”

“Sure,” Hermione stepped inside.

“I do believe there is a place in town that restores old photographs,” Charlotte held it out. “I was hoping you wouldn’t mind taking it in the next couple of days and having them look at it for me.”

“Oh, of course,” Hermione smiled. She took the photo carefully. “Who is that?”

“That’s me when we were much younger, and Richard.” Charlotte answered her tone slightly wistful.

“Richard… I think we’ve seen quite a few photos of him up there in the attic,” Hermione kept her tone neutral. “He was the person who left you Crossways right?”

“Yes,” Charlotte nodded. “We were… very good friends a long time ago.”

“You weren’t friends later on?” Hermione asked her tone still steady.

“Well… yes and no dear,” Charlotte replied. “We were as close as two people could be as friends. I was by his side when no one else wanted to talk to him. And then…” her voice trailed off as her eyes grew distant.

“And then…?” Hermione hardly dared to breathe.

Charlotte seemed to snap back into focus. “Oh nothing dear- it’s all quite sad really, I’m sure you don’t want to know about it.”

Hermione wanted to object but didn’t want to push her aunt. “All right Aunt Charlotte,” she kissed the older woman’s cheek. “Good night then. I’ll take this picture to town tomorrow.”

“Good night dear,” Charlotte smiled as the younger woman left.

A/N: Thank you all so much for another round of reviews!!! There’s some more H/Hr interaction in this chapter which I think you all will like!!

And I’m glad that you all seem to like the Richard/Charlotte storyline as well. I was worried that people might find it boring but I guess I worried for nothing ;)

“I wonder what smells worse, that old hay or this?” Neville pushed a pile of mulch over by where Harry and Ron were and the other two started to spread it.

“I think it’s a pretty close draw,” Harry answered. “Bloody smells like Snape’s dungeon.” The three of them laughed.

It was a gorgeous day, and Harry, Ron and Neville were by the stables, spreading mulch for the gardener to plant some flowers in later that afternoon.

“So Ron…” Harry said with a look at Neville. “What happened between you and Luna last night?”

“Can’t a bloke get any privacy?” Ron replied.

“No,” Harry and Neville said together.

“Come on,” Harry replied. “You looked like you were being led to your death when you and Luna left and when you came back both of you were grinning ear to ear.”

Ron turned away from them but couldn’t stop from smiling. “She’s a nice girl,” he said, carefully keeping his voice as neutral as possible.

Harry shared another look with Neville and suddenly Ron was smacked in the back of the head with a shovel full of mulch. “Hey!” he said angrily.

Neville was already armed with another shovel full. “Come on Ron… tell us!”

Ron ruffled his hair, trying to get the smelly mulch out. “Bloody wankers you lot,” he grumbled. “Fine… Luna and I went for a walk last night…”

“And?” Harry prompted.

“We… sort of kissed.” Ron replied. “It was nice… you guys were right she’s not really that loony after all.”

Harry grinned and nodded, both relieved that Ron had given Luna a chance and also because it meant he wasn’t pining after Hermione. He still wasn’t sure exactly why he was so glad that Hermione wasn’t fancying Ron back.

Neville was also glad. He knew how protective Ron was of Ginny (when he wasn’t being a git that was) and was hoping that if Ron got himself a girlfriend he’d relax on the issue of Ginny dating again.

He had tried to broach the subject one night when the three of them were getting ready for bed. Ron had immediately said he’d put any guy trying to date her through the third degree, especially after what happened with Malfoy. He wanted to make sure Ginny got a guy would treat her right.

Neville supposed he appreciated Ron’s concern but it was due to his remark that he had yet to voice his crush on the redhead girl.

*** *** ***

Ginny lay that night in bed, massaging her aching arms. They’d brought box after box downstairs from the attic that day, only stopping a brief quarter of an hour for lunch.

His fingers ran through her long red hair, twisting the waist length strands out before letting them drop back onto her naked chest. “I love your hair so much,” Draco leaned in for a kiss.

Ginny smiled and slid her fingers into the silky white blond strands that currently hung loose in his eyes. “Do you love me?” she asked, her hand cupping his cheek.

“Yes,” Draco answered softly. “I love you.” Ginny pulled him down for another drugging kiss.

She rolled over and saw that Luna and Hermione were sound asleep, and a half hour after that Ginny finally felt herself nodding off.

“Hermione!” a frantic pounding sounded at the door. The three girls awoke, Hermione groggily rubbing her eyes.

“That’s Ron,” Ginny got up from the bed. She opened the door and he dashed into the room.

“Hermione, Harry’s having a bad nightmare- I can’t wake him up!” Ron pulled on her arm. “Come on… he’s having a fit or something!”

Hermione felt her insides grow cold as she ran down the hallway to the guys’ room. Ron was right- Harry was on the bed and he was writhing, his forehead slick with sweat.

“Harry!” Hermione sat down and began to shake his shoulders. “Harry, come on, wake up!”

“NO!” he screamed and Neville shut the door and grabbed his wand.

“I’ll set a silencing charm on the room,” he said, doing so and then ducking out.

“Harry,” Hermione shook him harder. “Come on Harry… she pressed her hand to his forehead. “Ron get me a towel or something…”

Ron grabbed Harry’s towel off the edge of his bed and Hermione mopped off his forehead. “Harry!” she patted his face lightly. “Come on Harry…”

His green eyes finally opened up as he gasped for air. He shot up, breathing heavily as his hands reached out for nothing.

“Harry,” Hermione cupped his face with her hands. “What’s wrong…” she asked softly.

“You…” Harry rasped. “You and Ron…” he shook his head and stared down at his blankets.

“What about us?” Ron asked, sitting down. “We’re right here Harry.”

Harry pulled away from Hermione and looked around wildly for a minute. “Voldemort… he was… here and….”

“Voldemort’s not here,” Hermione ignored Ron’s shudder. “You know that Harry. He’s gone. You defeated him remember?”

Harry finally stopped breathing hard and he visibly calmed down. “Ron… Hermione…” he reached out and found her soft hands. “Are you guys really here?”

“Yes Harry, we’re here,” Hermione said gently.

Harry looked at her for a moment and his face crumpled as he broke out into harsh sobs. “You… you were both there and… and Voldemort killed you both in front of me… I couldn’t save you guys.”

Hermione nearly felt her heart break in two. “Harry… that didn’t happen all right?” she moved closer and pulled him into her arms.

“Yeah Harry… we’re here and we’re both all right,” Ron said patting him awkwardly on the back.

Hermione felt Harry’s arms go around her waist as he buried his face in her shoulder. Her eyes met Ron’s and she motioned for him to move closer.

“Harry…” she began softly. “Come on… look up. Ron and I are here and we’re not leaving you, not ever.” Harry’s shoulders stopped shaking as he raised his eyes.

“You… both here?” he asked, his head still unconsciously resting on Hermione’s shoulder.

“Yeah mate,” Ron said softly. “Like Hermione said- we’re not going anywhere. Vol… You Know Who didn’t get us.”

“I hate these dreams!” Harry suddenly burst out. “They’re so fucking real you know?”

“We know,” Hermione began to stroke his damp hair. She rocked them a bit as if he were a very small child. “It’s okay… talk about it Harry. It’ll help you feel better.”

Harry shook his head. “I’m okay now,” he said. “I’m okay.” He tightened his hold on her waist, needing the warm comfort Hermione was providing.

“Of course you are,” she said soothingly. Ron moved closer and Harry put one arm around his shoulders.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to scare you guys,” he finally regained most of his senses.

“It’s all right Harry,” Ron replied.

“It’s just… you were always under the biggest threat while he was alive. He told me; when we were facing off… that when he killed me I would die knowing the two of you were next. It was my worst fear that something would happen to either one or both of you…” Harry said. “I just… I need you both.”

Hermione leaned her head into his chest as Ron squeezed Harry’s shoulders. “We need you too mate,” he said. “You’re Harry Potter remember? We’re famous because you’re famous.”

Hermione frowned at Ron but Harry laughed. “I needed that,” he wiped at his eyes.

Ron grinned. “That’s my job- cheering you up when you’re down.”

The three of them sat together until Ron yawned. “I don’t want to keep you guys up,” Harry said, realising how late it was. “I’ll be all right now. Obligatory nightmare of tonight is over.”

Ron nodded sleepily. “It’s not like I’ll stay out if you have another,” he got up and stumbled in the direction of his bed. Within seconds he was out and snoring quite loudly.

Hermione shook her head. “Are you sure you’ll be all right?” she was still toying with his hair.

“I should be fine,” Harry caught her hand in his. “I really am sorry Hermione. You’ll get a horrible night’s sleep now because of me.”

“I’ll be fine,” Hermione leaned forward and hugged him. His arms were wound tightly around her as she felt him rest his forehead on her shoulder. “I’m more worried about you than me.”

“Hasn’t that always been the case?” Harry tried to joke. “You’ve been worried about me since first year.”

“Likely I always will worry about you,” Hermione replied. “You and Ron and that bloody Wonky Feint.”

“Wronski Feint,” Harry corrected but he was smiling. “You’re hopeless aren’t you?”

“Quidditch isn’t my strong point, you know that,” Hermione pulled back and shook her head.

Harry moved his hands up and cupped her face much like she had with him, his thumbs rubbing over her cheeks. “I owe you a lot,” he said softly. “You’ve always been there for me when I need you.”

“That’s what friends are for,” Hermione whispered.

“You’re more than just a friend to me,” Harry said, not moving his eyes from hers.

“I am?” she asked.

Harry nodded and they found themselves leaning in towards one another. Just as their lips brushed against each other, the door opened.

“Are you all right now?” Neville whispered.

Harry and Hermione pulled apart. “We’re fine Neville,” Harry finally said. “Thanks.”

Hermione got up. “I’ll just get back to bed now. Night Harry, night Neville.” She left the room.

“I didn’t… mean to interrupt you or anything,” Neville had turned red. “I know I have that horrible habit of bad timing.”

“It’s okay,” Harry replied. He lay back down and stared at the ceiling. ‘What was I just doing?’ he wondered.

A few rooms away, Hermione got back into bed, her fingers unconsciously running over her lips. ‘What just happened back there?’

*** *** ***

The next morning Harry was slightly nervous about facing everyone at breakfast. As far as he knew, Aunt Charlotte had no idea about his nightmares, but his friends certainly did. He didn’t want them thinking he was some sort of sissy for having a fit over some dreams.

Harry left the bathroom, running his hands through his damp black hair. Ron was still asleep he knew but Hermione would most likely already be down helping Aunt Charlotte with breakfast.

“Morning,” a voice made him jump. He turned around to see the object of his current thoughts standing in her doorway.

“Morning,” Harry cleared his throat. “How… how did you sleep? I’m really sorry for keeping you awake.”

“It’s all right,” Hermione said. “What about you?”

“I’m fine,” Harry nodded. They stood there awkwardly for a moment, both thinking about Harry’s post nightmare activities after Ron had gone back to sleep. “I uh… want to go get some breakfast? I’m pretty hungry.”

“Sure,” Hermione looked relieved and slightly disappointed as Harry followed her downstairs. “Morning Aunt Charlotte,” she said as they entered the kitchen.

“Oh!” Aunt Charlotte smiled. “Good morning love, good morning Harry.” She took out a tray of muffins. “Help yourself you two. You’ll get the best ones, while they’re still warm.”

“Thanks,” Harry replied, piling three on his plate. Hermione got them some juice from the icebox and they headed for the dining room.

They ate in silence, making a few small talk comments here and there. Harry, for the first time in his life, found that talking to Hermione was difficult to do and he wasn’t sure why.

Hermione was positively itching to ask Harry about what he’d meant the previous night, when he said she was more than a friend. She herself wondered why that comment had excited her so much.

Just one day ago she was positive that neither Harry nor Ron meant anything more than just a friend to her. Now… she couldn’t stop thinking about Harry, and the way he looked last night, the way he had clung to her like a baby to his mother, and how soft his lips were when they had so briefly touched her own.

“What’s the matter?” Harry asked when she sighed aloud.

“What?” Hermione sat up straighter.

“You just… you just looked really lost there for a minute,” Harry replied.

“Oh…” Hermione looked down. “I was just… daydreaming…” she said lamely.

“Oh,” Harry looked at his now empty plate.

“Well actually…” Hermione said in a louder voice. “I was thinking about last night when we ki—“ she was interrupted by the voices of the rest of their friends.

“Hey Harry,” Ron said, coming in with Luna trailing right behind him. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine,” Harry replied. “It’s… it’s all over with all right? I don’t really want to rehash it all.”

Ron nodded and sat down next to him. “Its okay mate, I understand.”

“Thanks,” Harry said gratefully.

*** *** ***

After breakfast, the six of them split up to their different sections of the house and grounds. The girls were still working in the attic, and the boys had finished the stables, which were very nearly sparkling by now.

Charlotte had assigned them jobs in the house, starting with the rooms on the second floor excluding where they were all sleeping. Those rooms were draped with white ghostlike sheets much like the attic was, only there was less dust.

“These rooms will be really nice once we get them fixed up,” Neville was attacking the wood furniture with a dust cloth and spray while Harry was washing down the walls on one side of the room, Ron on the other.

“Sure will,” Ron grunted, scrubbing at one spot. He didn’t mind the work so much, especially now that Luna was in his thoughts a lot. They hadn’t had an actual date yet but they’d snogged quite a few times already, especially the previous night after dinner.

They had gone for another walk and were only a few steps towards the forest when she’d turned to him and practically knocked him down. He’d gladly returned her kiss, wondering how he’d been such a git to not notice her this way while they had been at school.

Ron was very much hoping that things could keep going on this way. “Hey guys, I’ll be right back okay? Need to use the loo.” He ducked out of the room and headed for the attic stairwell.

He ascended and looked around. He saw Hermione in the corner going through a wardrobe with Ginny. Quickly sliding behind a stack of boxes waiting to go downstairs, he spied the blonde in the other corner of the attic.

Ron crept up behind her and placed a hand over the lips he had kissed frequently the night before. She let out a muffled squeak and turned around. “Shhhh…” he whispered.

“What are you doing up here Ronald?” Luna’s eyes went glassy as she saw him.

Ron grabbed her hand and led her towards the stairwell. They were quiet as mice as they crept down the steps and ran into one of the bedrooms. Ron wasted no time in locking the door behind them, and then turning around and crashing his lips down on hers.

She tasted like cherries and mint, Ron realised as her lips parted and her tongue flicked out against his. He groaned and pulled her even closer to him, his hands splaying across her waist.

Luna kissed him back as hard as she could; loving the fact that Ron Weasley had sought her out for this. She’d fancied him for as long as she could remember- from the time she’d played with Ginny at the Burrow on rare occasions as a child to this… this very moment here with him now.

Ron regretfully pulled his mouth from hers a while later, both breathing in heavily. “Sorry…” he finally said. “I just… I needed that so bad. I kept thinking about snogging you…”

“You did?” Luna’s eyes were bright.

“Yeah,” Ron said. He leaned in and kissed her again, his hands moving up over her shoulders, brushing the sides of her body. His lips left hers and began to move down her neck while Luna’s fingers buried themselves in his ginger red hair.

“You know… I really don’t like being left with the dirty work here,” Harry complained. “I don’t mind doing my share but you know he’s not in the loo.”

Neville agreed. “He’s been gone since half past three.” It was now nearing a quarter past four.

Harry dropped his rag into the bucket of water. “Let’s go find him.”

“Have you seen Luna?” Hermione realised the blonde had been gone for quite some time.

“No… she was working over there just a little while ago.” Ginny answered. “Do you think she’s all right? She’d have told us if she was going somewhere.”

Hermione set the book she’d been looking through down on the bureau. “Come on… let’s go look for her.”

The two girls went down the attic stairwell as Harry and Neville appeared by them. “Did you happen to see Luna?” Ginny asked.

Harry raised his eyes to Hermione’s; they met and held for a moment before both looked away, blushing. “No…” he finally replied. “Ron’s missing as well.”

Hermione narrowed her eyes. “Both Luna and Ron are missing?” her jaw set. “Well then, I’m willing to wager they’re together somewhere.”

At that moment, the door to their right opened and a very mussed up Ron came out with a very mussed up Luna. “Erm… hi everyone,” he at least had the grace to turn red. “What are you all doing here?”

“Looking for you,” Neville countered. “We’ve got loads of work to do. It’s great the two of you have gotten together but there’s too much to do for you guys to take forty five minute snog breaks.”

“We were gone that long?” Ron asked. He looked at Luna.

“I only thought it was a few minutes,” she said dreamily.

Ginny bit her lower lip to keep from smiling. She looked at Neville and saw he was doing the same thing. She had noticed him peeking at her during dinner several times over the past few nights, almost as if he was working up the courage to say something to her.

“Well let’s get back to work,” Harry finally mumbled after a few minutes. He caught Hermione’s eyes again and chanced a smile at her. She reached out and touched his hand before following Ginny and Luna back upstairs.

Ron walked back to the room behind his two friends; he licked his lips and tasted Luna’s lip gloss. It was really funny, he mused. At the beginning of holiday Luna Lovegood had been one of the last people he’d have thought he’d get together with. Now that it had happened, he was extremely glad for it. He couldn’t stop the large and rather goofy grin from spreading over his face.

Harry elbowed Neville in the side who stifled a snigger. “Hey Ron… is that lip gloss you have on?”

As the girls walked upstairs, Ginny shot several knowing looks at Luna. She was happy for her brother and friend. She knew Luna had fancied him for a long time and had always tried to broach the subject. Ron had brushed it off and she knew he was regretting that now. At least he’d come to his senses.

“Hey…” Hermione said. “I figured if we took these boxes down, we could spend a little while reading the journal. All we really have left is this one corner of the attic since we can’t bring any of the furniture down ourselves.”

“We can finish that up tomorrow by lunch,” Ginny replied. The girls made quick work of bringing the remaining boxes downstairs and stacking them neatly outside Charlotte’s office.

“Okay,” Hermione closed their bedroom door behind them. They settled on her bed as she pulled the journal out from under her pillow and opened it.

‘I had hopes that Charlotte and I would not feel ill at ease around each other after we kissed.

My friends always told me that I’m a worrywart. She greeted me this morning at our graduation with a hug, asking me how I was doing since we had not seen much of one another the week before that due to exams.

My parents said they wanted to throw me a party here at Crossways but it was impossible right now with the continuing trial. I feel bad that I haven’t thought about it so much lately but I haven’t had to go back since they called me to the stand, and father’s lawyer is doing quite a good job on his behalf.

Charlotte did come over after dinner, however, just by herself. I suppose it was slightly awkward there for a few minutes as we walked down by the lake but it was quickly gone when she asked me what I was planning to do now that we had finished school.

I told her I would probably wind up managing Crossways once my father passed it on to me, but I didn’t quite know yet what I wanted to do. She sort of nodded and said it probably didn’t matter what she chose anyway.

“Why’s that?” I asked.

“My father…” she sighed. “He told me this morning he’s intending to have me married to Charles Rochester by the end of the year.”

“Isn’t that your great grandfather Hermione?” Ginny asked, wide eyed.

Hermione nodded. “I feel bad… it’s so obvious how Richard loves her and they didn’t end up together…” she felt a pang of sadness in her chest.

Luna took the journal. “I’ll read if you want Hermione,” she said dreamily. “You’ve always read it to us before this.”

‘I think I stared at her for a few minutes- trying not to believe what she just said. “Marry Charles?” I finally asked.

‘Yes,” she stared down at her feet. “I don’t want to marry him. I dislike him tremendously. So very pompous and overbearing… but apparently he approves of me because he and my father are making arrangements as we speak. That’s why I came here.”

I moved closer to her and put my arm around her shoulders. “I’m glad you came. I thought I might have scared you off last time.”

She laughed then and said I could never scare her away. And then it happened again! One moment we were looking at one another and the next we were kissing so hard that our lips were bruised when we finally broke apart.

“Charlotte…” I finally said; our foreheads touching as she played with my hair. “I’m falling in love with you.”

“I love you too,” she breathed minutes later and we kissed again.’

“Wow…” Hermione shook her head as she jerked herself from her thoughts.

Ginny nodded. “I feel so sad knowing they aren’t together. What happened?”

“I’ve no idea,” Hermione replied. “Hopefully we’ll be able to find out in here,” she took the journal back from Luna and marked the page. “For now we should get down for dinner… later we’ll read some more.”

A/N: Thanks again everyone for your kind reviews!! This is the H/Hr chapter you’ve all been waiting for hehehe

I purposely waited till today to upload this- as a Happy Birthday to my boy, Daniel Radcliffe. May he live long and prosperous and always be as hot as he is now ;) Guh!

Harry looked at Hermione as Ginny and Neville cleared the table. “I need to talk to you,” he said.

Hermione was pleased and excited at the same time. “Okay,” she replied, keeping her voice as calm as possible.

He grabbed her hand. “Let’s go somewhere… a little private.” Harry headed for the door.

She followed him along as he pulled her outside. “Harry where are you taking me?”

“Just anywhere,” Harry responded. “I want to talk to you. I’ve been wanting to talk to you all day long.”

Hermione smiled as he dragged her over by the large oak tree by the lake; she remembered it from Richard’s descriptions in his journal. She sat down next to her messy haired best friend.

“Okay…” Harry said as he sat down as well.

They sat in silence for a good few minutes before Harry lay on his back, staring up at the night sky. It struck him often how luck he was just to be able to lay down and look up at the stars.

“What are you thinking about?” Hermione asked, lying down next to him, so her head was touching his.

“Nothing, really…” Harry replied.

“Nothing at all?” Hermione asked.

Harry continued to stare up at the sky. “I just… sometimes I think I’m the luckiest bloke in the world. And other times I think I’m just… not.”

“Why would you think that Harry?” Hermione turned her head a bit. “You are so lucky… one of the luckiest people I’ve ever known.”

Harry snorted. “Right… I’ve grown up with no parents, no family, I’ve been the target of the world’s worst enemy for my entire life… I can see why I’m so enviable.”

Hermione sat up. “You sound like you’re expecting a pity party for two Harry, and sorry, but I’m not coming. You’ve defeated Voldemort. I don’t know why you’re holding on to him like you are. I know it’s only been a short time since it all happened but we’re all trying to help you get your mind off that.”

Harry looked up at her. “You’re right,” he sighed. “I’m sorry.”

“No,” Hermione was contrite. “I shouldn’t say things like that. You’ve just gone through something awful.”

“I have but you’re right… there’s no reason to dwell on something like that,” Harry replied.

Hermione lay back down, her head on Harry’s chest this time. His fingers came up to idly stroke her long hair. She put her hand up and he grasped it tightly. “Why don’t you tell me about it Harry,” she said softly.

Harry stared up at the sky in silence. “You know the night I left… I didn’t want to leave you and Ron behind. I needed the both of you as Voldemort and I faced each other.

“Every spell you ever helped me with or taught me was in my head at that moment.” Harry continued to stroke her hair. “He taunted me. He said that I’d die knowing he was on his way to kill you and Ron.” He sat up abruptly. “I never felt so much hatred in me before Hermione.” Harry shook his head.

Hermione put her hand on his arm. “Of course you were angry Harry,” she tried to say.

“No… I was in some sort of rage!” Harry burst out. “The thought of you two being hurt… especially you… I really don’t remember much after that. I remember coming back to Hogwarts and giving Dumbledore that wand.”

“Ron and I brought you to the hospital wing,” Hermione replied. “You were out for a few days.”

Harry grasped her hand again. “You were the first person I saw when I woke up. Ron told me you didn’t leave the hospital wing much… only for classes.”

“Well…” Hermione shrugged but felt her cheeks go pink. “I just brought all my study guides to your bed and I just worked…” she tried to pretend it wasn’t a big deal but she could tell it was to him.

Harry looked at his best friend, noticing the highlights cast in her hair by the setting sun, her long eyelashes over her large brown eyes and the few tiny freckles that were scattered across her skin. “I’m a prat for not noticing you sooner,” he said.

“What?” Hermione asked.

“I just… I feel like I’m some sort of idiot,” Harry replied.

“Why’s that?” Hermione asked.

Harry shrugged, pulling her a bit closer. “I told you last night you were more than a best friend to me,” he said, his voice soft.

“I’ve… been meaning to ask you about that,” Hermione replied in a whisper.

“It’s hard for me to really say what I meant,” Harry replied, his eyes firmly trained on hers. “You mean more to me than anyone else has… with your support and everything you’ve done for me since we’ve known one another. I don’t feel as if I’ve paid you back for any of that.”

“You don’t have to pay me back,” Hermione dropped her eyes nervously to the ground, picking at a few blades of grass. “I’m not your friend so that you can pay me back.”

“I know,” Harry caught her under the chin and pulled her face back up. “But I mean it when I said you mean more to me than anyone else.”

“How much more?” Hermione asked, hardly able to breathe as his face drew closer to hers. Merlin, had his eyes always been that bright?

Harry brought his hands up, his fingers sliding into her hair as he closed his eyes and bent his head down to kiss her properly.

The moment his lips touched hers, any thought, any reason against them not being together flew completely out of Hermione’s mind. Her arms drew up around his neck as she pressed her mouth harder against his, hardly believing this was Harry she was kissing.

He broke apart from her several minute later, but he didn’t pull away. Their foreheads leaned together as Hermione opened her eyes to meet his glassy green orbs.

“What was that?” she asked dazedly.

“I think I kissed you,” Harry replied.

“I think I kissed you back,” Hermione said as she leaned in again.

Harry grinned as her lips claimed his; he pulled her up closer to him as he pushed her back on the ground. This time he opened his mouth to her surprised gasp, and he tasted Hermione fully for the first time in his life.

She wanted to devour Harry- he tasted unbelievably good, much like Ice Mice and peppermints. He smelled wonderful too, something woodsy and Irish and warm all in one. Hermione wanted to melt into Harry and never leave this spot.

He pulled away some time later, noticing it had grown dark outside. “Wow…” he said.

“Yeah,” she replied absently, pushing some strands of hair out of her eyes. They sat up, brushing themselves off and then Hermione moved over closer to Harry as they stared out at the moonlit lake. “So…” she said, surprising them both. “What do you want to do now… now that Voldemort is gone and you can start living more of a normal life?”

Harry let out a bit of a nervous chuckle. “I don’t know… get a job… try and stay out of the spotlight… find someone and maybe settle down in the next few years.”

Hermione felt her heart leap into her throat. “What sort of someone are you looking for?”

Harry shrugged. “Someone that sees me for me, and not this stupid scar on my forehead or what my last name is… someone who will bear with me when I’m angry and sit by me when I have those nightmares, because they’ll probably never go away. I need someone who knows me inside and out.”

Hermione turned to look at him. “Why Harry Potter,” she began in a teasing voice to hide the shakiness of her tone. “It certainly sounds like you’ve been fancying me to be that someone.”

Harry looked down at her. “Maybe… maybe I am…” he said in a quiet voice.

“Really?” Hermione asked, her voice high pitched. She cleared her throat as Harry smiled.

“Yeah… really.” Harry replied. “You’ve been more than a friend to me for a long time; I’ve been too blind to see it is all…”

Hermione stared at him, her heart beating so hard against her rib cage she was sure he could see it. This wasn’t at all like with Ron. Harry… she could feel how much he needed her and it amazed her how much she realised in that moment that she needed him as well.

Instead of saying anything, she leaned forward and surprised him with a kiss. Her arms wound around his neck as several tears fell unknowingly from her eyes. Harry pushed her down so he was lying half over the top of her, his fingers running through her long hair. He was dying to touch her, to run his hands down her body and feel her curvy body under his palm… but it was too soon, too soon.

Hermione arched her back, pressing her breasts against him unintentionally. Harry sucked in a sharp breath and let out a low moan. Unable to keep his hands away after that, he ran them over the sides of her body as he kissed her as hard as he possibly could.

Hermione let out a soft cry into his mouth as she pushed her tongue against his insistently, her body burning for his touch. “Harry…” she whimpered a little as his mouth began to move away from hers and over her neck. Her feelings were starting to scare her. “Harry… we’re going too fast…” she said weakly.

Harry pulled away immediately. “Hermione… I’m so sorry…” she put a finger over his lips as they sat up.

“No… don’t say you’re sorry. I just…” she turned a bit pink. “I’m scared of how I feel around you so suddenly. I don’t want to go that far quite yet. It’s quite new.”

Harry nodded as Hermione leaned on his shoulder. He felt for her hand and wove their fingers together. “It’s new for me too. I haven’t had a lot of time for romance in my life… except for Cho and look at what a disaster that was.”

“Well you weren’t fully to blame Harry,” Hermione replied. “She shouldn’t have sought you out to bother you about Cedric all the time.”

“I guess,” Harry shrugged. He didn’t want to talk about Cho or Cedric. “I’ve got a lot more to look forward to now,” he smiled at her and chanced a quick kiss.

“You sure do,” Hermione laughed, winding her arms around him.

*** *** ***

Charlotte sat down in her office after Neville had lugged a few of the boxes in for her to go through that evening. He was quite a thoughtful boy, and obviously quite interested in Ginny- he almost never took his eyes off her during dinnertime and always offered to help her with the dishes.

The older woman smiled as she dug into one of the boxes and pulled out another picture album. This was truly a trip down memory lane for her- seeing pictures of the place back in its prime.

There were also several pictures in the albums of her and Richard. Pictures Charlotte hadn’t laid eyes on in years. Her fingers moved delicately over the old photos, tracing the lines of Richard’s face, a face she’d known so well in her youth.

During the process of sorting through the albums, Charlotte had refused to let herself truly feel the pain of not seeing Richard for so long. But now… she shook her head as she turned the pages, stopping on one that made her heart beat faster.

He had taken it one night a few weeks after they had confessed their true feelings to one another. Engaged only days after she finished school, Charlotte spent most nights sneaking out to see Richard.

She played the dutiful daughter, albeit unhappily. Her days were confined to wedding preparations and fittings and choosing her bridesmaids while Charles tried to court her in the early evenings. He was so stiff and formal and it seemed he was years older than she was when he was really only two years her senior.

Richard on the other hand… Richard loved her for who she was. Not for her looks or her marks in school, but when they talked about things she always felt truly alive. The first night they had kissed was amazing, but when he told her he loved her… it was without a doubt the happiest moment of her life.

This particular night, they had raced around the lake, laughing quietly as not to wake everyone in Crossways up. His father had been proven innocent, much to the chagrin of the judge and there had been a rather large celebration at the bed and breakfast. It was as if the weight of the whole situation had been lifted and Richard was joyous.

They had sneaked outside, over by the forest which was far enough away they could do what they wanted. He’d brought the camera and they’d taken many shots of themselves just laughing and having a good time together.

He’d taken this shot of her, with the breeze blowing long escaped strands of hair over her face, her lips open and laughing.

After that, he’d set the camera down and they’d started kissing again. Her heart had nearly exploded out of her chest when his hands pulled down her hair and threaded his fingers through it.

“I do love you,” he’d said then. “I love you so much. You’ve been my best friend for so many years and you’re always there for me.”

“I try,” she whispered. “I don’t want to marry Charles… not at all.” She’d clung to him as tears sprang to her eyes.

“I don’t want you to either,” Richard had said. “Charlotte…” he pulled away and got down on his knees. “Marry me instead,” he said. “I know I can’t offer you a fancy life like he can, but I love you.”

Charlotte stared at him, her lips trembling before she nodded vigorously. “Yes Richard!” she flung her arms around him and kissed him as hard as she possibly could.

She sighed now and closed the album, fighting the tears that threatened to fall. “I’m so sorry Richard,” she whispered, setting the album aside and going to the window. From there she could see the spot where they had sat, so happy all those years ago. “I’m so sorry…”

*** *** ***

“So what are we looking for tonight?” Ron asked, looking over the side of the small rowboat and into the water.

“A kelpie, or a grindylow,” Luna replied, looking over the other side. “I’ve never seen one.”

“Yes you have,” Ron replied. “Back in Defence against the Dark Arts or in Care of Magical Creatures you would have seen them.”

Luna looked at him for a moment; her pale blue eyes seemed to focus on something over his shoulder. “Oh… third year… I’d forgotten about that.”

“Lupin,” Ron nodded. “He was a fantastic professor.”

“He was,” Luna agreed. “He was a werewolf, but that didn’t bother me.”

Ron shuddered as he remembered that night under the Whomping Willow in third year. “He’s a bit scary in his werewolf form,” he said, telling Luna a brief adaptation of that night.

“You were very brave,” Luna looked at him dreamily.

Ron puffed out his chest. “I was,” he agreed. “I had to get Harry and Hermione out of there quick.”

Luna sat up, making the boat rock slightly. “Did you?” she sounded slightly amused.

“Yup,” Ron nodded.

“I thought your leg was broken that night?” she asked, her eyes twinkling.

“Oh…yeah…” Ron deflated like a balloon.

Luna leaned over. “You’re so sweet to want to impress me Ronald,”

“You don’t have to call me Ronald,” he replied.

“Why not?” Luna cocked her head to the side. “It’s your name isn’t it?”

“Well yeah…” Ron ran his hand through his red hair. “But no one calls me that but my mum.”

“So you’d like for me to call you Ron, is that it?” Luna asked, toying with her long blonde strands.

“That’d be good,” Ron replied. “Cause next time you call me Ronald, I get to call you Loony.”

She laughed. “Okay… Ron.” Luna leaned over and they kissed, his hands coming up around her shoulders. “I really like you,” she said when they broke apart. “I have for a while now.”

“I like you too,” Ron said honestly. “I’m… I’m really glad you came along to Yorkshire.”

“So am I,” Luna said as Ron kissed her again. He pulled her closer in his arms as she moaned his name softly.

A splash to the right made the both of them break apart and stare over the edge of the boat once more. “What was that?” Ron asked.

“I’m not sure,” Luna leaned over, the ends of her long hair falling into the water. “I hope it was a grindylow.”

“I don’t,” Ron grimaced. “They’re nasty things.”

“Come here,” Luna said softly. “Perhaps if we’re still and quiet it will come back up.” She pulled Ron next to her and they both sat looking over the edge.

“This is boring,” he complained a few minutes later. “I’d rather snog.”

Luna smiled and rolled her eyes. “Come on Ron, just a few more minutes,” she pulled on his arm. “I think I see something!”

“Where?” Ron leaned back over. “I don’t see anything.”

“There,” Luna put her body over further, the boat tipping dangerously.

“Luna!” Ron shouted but it was too late and she fell headfirst into the water, the boat tipping and just a split second later Ron was in the lake as well.

“Shit!” he sputtered as they both surfaced. Ron grabbed onto the turned over boat and pushing hard, managed to set it back upright. He helped Luna in before pulling himself up as well.

“Are you all right?” he asked, pushing his wet hair out of his eyes.

“I’m fine,” she said. Her hair was plastered to her head and Ron thought it only made her eyes look even larger. “That was probably a grindylow,” she laughed.

“Probably,” Ron replied. “Come on… we should get back before we catch cold.”

Luna nodded and together they paddled the boat back to the shore and pulled it into the boathouse. “It is chilly,” she rubbed her arms. The moon had disappeared behind some clouds and there was a rather brisk wind blowing.

“If I wasn’t all wet I’d give you my shirt, but something tells me that won’t help either of us,” Ron said wryly. He did put his arm around her as they went back to the house, hoping to shield her at least a little from the wind.

He opened the back door that led to the kitchen and stopped short at the sight in front of him. There at the kitchen table were Harry and Hermione, locked in a rather heated snog.

“I guess it’s my turn to walk in on you kissing Hermione now aye Harry?” Ron said loudly.

Harry and Hermione broke apart, both turning red. “Hi Ron, Luna.” He muttered. “What happened to you guys?”

“We fell in the lake,” Luna replied. “Ronald helped me back out.”

“That’s right, Loony,” Ron grinned at her. “Hey is there any more of that hot chocolate?”

“I can make some more if you two want to get changed.” Hermione said.

“Thanks,” Ron gave Harry a look as he and Luna left the kitchen.

“I didn’t know Harry and Hermione were together,” Luna said.

“They weren’t… at least not earlier today they weren’t,” Ron was happy for his friends. Even if Hermione hadn’t admitted to it the other day, he’d known her reasons for turning him down were due to her faithful concerns for Harry and his well being.

“Do you fancy her?” Luna asked him. Ron was surprised; she’d never been so direct in anything she ever said to him.

“No,” he answered. “I mean… a few days ago I thought I did but I told her how I felt and when she said she didn’t feel the same way, it didn’t’ bother me. So I figure they weren’t very strong feelings.” He smiled at her. “Besides, I just told you outside that I like you, Loony.”

“Well thank you Ronald,” she grinned and they stopped quickly on the landing to kiss. “I’ll see you in a minute,” Luna pulled away but leaned in for one more quick kiss.

As Ron pulled a dry, warm jumper out of his drawer, he smiled. Maybe Luna wasn’t Hermione, but she was certainly pretty fascinating in her own way.

And he definitely liked that.

Thank you all again for your great comments on the chapters so far! You’re all certainly happy that H/Hr are finally together hehehehe

I will tell you all this- one of our three couples here is gonna ‘get it on’ during their time on Crossways, it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out though ;)

Thanks again everyone, and enjoy!!!

Harry awoke with a start, his chest heaving up and down as he gulped in fresh air. Another nightmare plagued his thoughts but this time he at least hadn’t woken the house.

A quick glance at the clock on his bedside table told him it was six am. “May as well get up,” Harry grumbled. He grabbed his towel and a fresh change of clothes and showered, enjoying the way the hot water woke him up.

He dried off his messy hair as best he could and pulled on a clean pair of jeans and black shirt; he tossed his towel back on the edge of his unmade bed. Something that smelled heavenly was drifting up the stairwell and Harry followed his nose down to the kitchen.

Harry stopped in the doorway, a smile growing on his face as he watched his newfound girlfriend take a pan of what looked like blueberry scones out of the oven. “Morning,” he said quietly.

“Oh!” Hermione jumped as she dropped the pan on the stove. “You scared me Harry!”

“Sorry,” he smiled. “What are you doing up so early?”

“I couldn’t really sleep,” Hermione said, blushing a bit as he came into the room. “So I decided to give Aunt Charlotte a morning off of making breakfast.”

“What are you making?” Harry asked.

“Blueberry scones,” Hermione replied.

“I didn’t know you could cook,” Harry said.

“I can’t,” Hermione replied, her face turning a bit redder. “I can bake. There’s a big difference,”

“I see,” Harry stopped next to her. “So how come you couldn’t sleep?”

“I just couldn’t,” Hermione said. “What about you- why are you up so early?”

“Nightmare,” Harry replied.

Hermione immediately went into her concern mode. “Are you all right? I didn’t hear you or anything or I’d have come in and woken you up. Was it about Voldemort again?” she put her hands on his cheeks.

“I’m fine,” Harry replied. “It wasn’t as bad as the others have been.” He covered her hands with his.

“All right,” Hermione said, a bit nervous at the way he was staring at her. The next thing she knew, her mouth had been covered by his and they were kissing frantically.

He lifted her up and sat her on the countertop, never once breaking his lips away. Her hands were running through his still damp hair, her nails feeling amazing on his skin.

“Harry…” she breathed as his mouth moved its way down her throat. She pulled his head down and kissed him full on the lips again, harder than before.

“Mmmph…” Harry finally let go of her lips. “I think you should snog me after every nightmare I have.”

Hermione laughed softly. “If it makes you feel that much better…” she pushed his hair out of his eyes and kissed him again quickly. “I’ll be happy to be your nightmare reliever.”

Harry grinned as they kissed again. Hermione wound her arms around his shoulders and held him close to her. “At the risk of sounding really ridiculously stupid right now…” he sighed into her hair. “I really don’t know what I’d do without you Hermione.”

Hermione felt her lips twitch. “I don’t know either. I’ve been saving your arse since we were eleven. My life would be completely different if you no longer needed my help with anything.”

Harry grinned. “Do you need a taste tester now for your scones? They smell fantastic.”

Hermione reached for one- they’d cooled off in the time she and Harry had spent snogging. “Here,” she held it up to his mouth and he took a bite, crumbs spilling over his chin and onto his shirt.

Harry gulped the half he’d bitten off down. “That’s really good,” he said, taking the scone out of her hand and taking another bite. “Have you had one yet?”

“Not yet,” Hermione was pleased he was enjoying it.

“Here, you should have a taste then,” Harry stuffed the rest in his mouth then swallowed and pulled her close again.

“Harry!” her cry was muffled as he covered her lips again. She tasted blueberries as they kissed once more. “Harry… if we keep doing this someone’s going to walk in on us again.”

“So?” Harry mumbled around her mouth.

“Sod it all,” Hermione pulled him back to her, her arms completely wrapped around him, her legs going around his middle. She suddenly didn’t care anymore that they had only been together for about 12 hours.

“Ahem…” a voice at the door made them pull apart and blush an extremely dark red colour.

“Morning Aunt Charlotte,” Hermione pushed Harry away and got down from the countertop. Harry echoed the sentiments in a mumbling fashion.

“Good morning,” Charlotte smiled at the two teenagers.

“I uh…”Hermione looked around the room. “I made some scones so you wouldn’t have to make breakfast this morning.” She started taking them from the tray and putting them in a basket.

Harry grabbed some plates from one of the cabinets and went into the dining room to set the table.

“I thought there was nothing going on between you and your friends?” Charlotte asked.

“Well…” Hermione was still red. “There wasn’t… at least not until last night. Harry and I are very, very close and it just… sort of turned into a romantic relationship.”

Charlotte smiled. “Don’t be embarrassed about it love. If you’re happy with Harry then I think it’s wonderful.”

“Thanks Aunt Charlotte.” Hermione replied. “I’m sorry you had to just walk in on us like that.”

“Quite all right,” Charlotte said, patting her niece on the arm. “Go on in and enjoy breakfast with Harry.”

“Thanks,” Hermione kissed her aunt on the cheek.

*** *** ***

Since the girls had finished as much as they could with the attic, Charlotte set them to work on the rooms with the guys. They split up the second floor, two people working in a room.

Harry and Hermione had started a room together but a quarter of an hour after working they found themselves on the floor snogging quite furiously. She had traded with Ron after they had been found in a similar situation (only Ron’s shirt was off and Luna’s was unbuttoned, her bra also unsnapped) and now she and Luna found themselves ragging on Trelawney some more among other things while they scrubbed down walls and polished the wooden furniture.

“So what… what’s going on with you and Ron?” Hermione asked, coming back into the room with a fresh pail of water.

Luna smiled. “He’s really quite dreamy and sweet.” She turned and looked at Hermione. “And when did you and Harry get together?”

Hermione hid a smile with her sleeve. “Last night,” she replied. She began to scrub down the wall she’d been previously working on. “I guess… it just really came down to both of us realising that we need one another.” she felt slightly odd telling this to Luna Lovegood, but in the past couple of weeks since they’d arrived the girl had proved to be a rather good friend.

“I think that’s nice. Perhaps we can double date,” Luna said dreamily.

“That does sound like fun,” Hermione grinned as she scrubbed harder. “You know I realised something this morning.”

“Hmm?” Luna asked, her mind already back on the redhead a few rooms down.

“We don’t really have much of the journal left to read,” Hermione said a bit sadly. “After that I’m sure Aunt Charlotte would like it.”

Luna nodded. “I think so too. She mentioned something a few days ago when I was bringing in one of the boxes of pictures.”

“She did?” Hermione asked.

“Well she was talking to herself,” Luna dipped her sponge into the water. “She was saying something about Richard. I didn’t get close enough to hear and as soon as she saw me she stopped.”

“Oh,” Hermione said softly. “Maybe she’ll talk when we bring her the journal.”

“Maybe,” Luna agreed.

*** *** ***

The girls gathered that evening around Hermione’s bed once more. “We only have a little bit left,” Hermione told Ginny.

“That’s a shame,” Ginny said. “I was really getting into this.” She hugged a pillow, resting her chin on top of it.

Luna sat back against the headboard, braiding several strands of hair together as Hermione opened the journal and began to read.

‘Tonight will be the night! I apologise that I have not written in a week but so many things have happened!

That same night Charlotte agreed to marry me we made love for the first time. It was in that same spot over by the forest. It was amazing, truly one of the best experiences of my life. I shall not be able to include such details as they are only meant for the two of us to know. She is as dear to me as anyone could ever be. I love her so much and I cannot wait until she’s my wife!

There was one minor setback to our plans- Charlotte tried to tell her father about us, tried to tell him she wanted to break up with Charles and he blew up at her. He said he spent far too much time arranging things and whatnot and that if she tried to leave Charles he would send her to live in France with her relatives.

So we have arranged something else – we are going to sneak away into the neighbouring county and we will be married there. I have promised Charlotte that I will make a good home for her, and she already loves Crossways and wants to be a part of the life here.

She is on her way here now- at midnight we will sneak out of here and be married! My next entry will detail the wedding and what it’s like to be a married man!’

“Go on!” Ginny said impatiently as Hermione turned the page slowly.

“That’s… it….” Hermione flipped through the rest of the journal. “The rest of it’s blank.”

“What?” Ginny snatched it away. “That can’t be it!”

“Maybe he didn’t feel like writing in it anymore after they didn’t get married,” Luna said, her hair now half braided.

“That’s probably why,” Hermione pulled the journal back while shooting Ginny a dirty look. “You didn’t tear it did you?”

“No,” Ginny rolled her eyes. “You’d hex me into next year if I did,” Hermione shook her head and placed the journal back under her pillow. “I thought we were going to go ask Aunt Charlotte about the journal.”

“We will,” Hermione replied. “I just… I worry about her. If she’s never talked about this before, what makes us think she’ll just sit down and spill it all out over a cup of tea? We need to think of a good way to bring it up to her.” The three girls sat in silence for a few minutes as they thought about what they had just read.

Luna smiled suddenly. “I wonder what Ron is doing right now,” she said.

Hermione and Ginny exchanged a look. “Wanking off, most likely,” Ginny snorted. Hermione covered her laughter with her hand as Luna gazed at them absently.

“Should I go help him you think?” she asked dreamily.

That did it- Hermione and Ginny fell over, their laughter echoing off the ceiling.

“What?” Luna seemed to snap out of her daydream. “What did I say that was so funny?”

*** *** ***

“Aunt Charlotte are you all right?” Hermione cried. Her aunt looked positively pasty, her eyes red rimmed.

“I’ll be fine dear. Just caught a nasty bout of the flu is all it seems,” Charlotte said. “No, no… don’t come near me I don’t want any of you catching it.” She said as her niece came forwards.

“Is there anything I can do?” Hermione asked. “Can I bring you some tea and toast? You should go back and lie down!”

“I just came in to see if you all had enough to do today,” Charlotte replied. “Still working on the rooms?”

Harry nodded. “We’ve managed to get loads of them on the second floor done in the past couple of days.”

“Lovely,” Charlotte nodded.

“Aunt Charlotte- did you want me to run those sheets we found in the attic through the laundry?” Ginny asked. “That way if they’re still nice you don’t have to spend all sorts of money on new ones.”

“Thank you dear,” Charlotte smiled at her. “I’ll be back off to bed now. Just let me know if you need me for anything.” The older woman headed back out for her bedroom.

Hermione immediately rushed into the kitchen to set a kettle on for tea. Harry followed her in to help and Ron and Luna began clearing up the breakfast dishes.

“Hey Neville?” the brown haired boy turned to her. “Do you… would you mind helping me? There are so many sheets…”

“Sure I’d love to,” Neville agreed instantly.

“Great,” Ginny smiled at him in relief as she grabbed her own dishes and carried them into the kitchen.

Neville grinned to himself, thinking he’d have a perfect opportunity to talk with her now.

*** *** ***

Ginny pulled her shirt up over her nose as she lifted the dusty sheets from the pile in front of her. Neville was doing much of the same as she tossed them into the large washing machine.

“You sure you know how to work this thing?” she asked. “I wish we could just charm the sheets clean.”

“That would be easy, but the Ministry would come in on us faster than a moth to a flame,” Neville said ruefully. “Besides, this is easy compared to cleaning out those rooms.”

“That’s very true,” Ginny pulled her face out of the shirt as Neville pushed a few of the buttons. “Very impressive,” she clapped a few times as the machine began to whir smoothly.

“Well, don’t give me too much credit,” Neville grinned. “I asked Hermione how to work it after you asked me for help.”

“I knew there was something fishy about you Neville,” Ginny joked as they sat down. “What’ll we do now?”

“Wait, I suppose.” He pulled a pack of cards from his pocket. “We can play Exploding Snap if you want.”

“Sure,” Ginny replied and they played a few rounds, each winning one of them until the first load was finished and in the dryer.

“Merlin you just beat the hell out of these,” Neville said ruefully.

“I guess I forgot to mention I’m rather good at Exploding Snap?” Ginny replied smugly.

“I guess,” Neville shoved the pack back in his pocket.

“I wish these sheets weren’t so dirty,” Ginny said. “They’d be a lot nicer to sit on than the hard floor.”

“They’re not that bad,” Neville picked one up and shook it out, sending dust particles everywhere. They spent the next few minutes coughing until the air finally settled.

“What was that?” Ginny sneezed. “Not that bad?”

“They’re worse than they look,” Neville kicked the pile aside. “Guess we’ll have to make do with sitting here on the floor.”

Ginny opened the high window. “Let some fresh air in here,” she sneezed again.

“I’m really sorry,” Neville apologised. “I’m not as accident prone as I used to be but I have my moments.”

“It’s all right,” Ginny smiled at him. “You didn’t know.”

Neville smiled back at her as his heartbeat sped up. She was always pretty, but especially so when she was happy. “So what do you want to do? We could always go find a room to scrub down.”

“No thanks,” Ginny laughed. “You’re fun to be around Neville. I wish we could have spent more time together when we were both in school. Now we’ll all probably break apart that you, Ron, Harry and Hermione are out of school.” She shook her head. “Especially now that it seems they’ve all coupled up.”

Neville looked at her a moment. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked, knowing she’d know what he was talking about.

Ginny stared at her knees for a minute before drawing them up, hugging them to her chest. “I don’t know,” she finally answered. “I mean… it’s a pretty long story. Do you really want to know?”

“Sure,” Neville replied. “But only if you want to tell me.”

Ginny thought for a few seconds. She did want to talk… she already felt as if she’d talked Hermione and Luna’s ears off about it. “I suppose I could use a fresh perspective on things,” she tried to smile. “I suppose it started when…”

A/N: Well here’s the chapter a lot of you have been waiting for- you’ll get the full story of what happened between Draco and Ginny. Please, PLEASE remember that this is a FLASHBACK chapter, I have little breaks inserted in the bits where it goes back to present time. Also, BIG thanks to VanillaPuf for reading over this and assuring me that it was good enough to post ;)

I hope you all enjoy!!

“I’m sorry Ginny,” Dean Thomas was saying. “It’s just… it’s been fun but I don’t feel like I used to around you anymore.”

Ginny nodded. “I understand. I think we’ve been growing apart for awhile. And now that you’re graduating next year…”

“That’s part of it,” Dean took her hand. “I don’t quite know where I’m going that and even though it’s a year away I don’t want us to be held back. We’ll stay friends though, right?”

“Right,” Ginny hugged him.

She was leaving his house when Dean’s half sister Sasha came out of the kitchen with a biscuit in her hand. “Hi Ginny,” she said.

“Hey Sasha,” she replied, briefly admiring the girl’s outfit. She wore tight leather pants that practically moulded to her waist and legs and her shirt was made up of the same material, and laced up the front. “Where are you off to?”

Sasha shrugged, her long braided hair swishing over her shoulders. “Just out and about- probably’ I’ll hit up a club or two later.” She bit into her biscuit. “Want to come?”

“Oh…” Ginny said, looking down at her jeans and jumper. “I… don’t think so.”

“Oh come on,” Sasha replied. “I’ll be fun and if you hate it you don’t have to go again.” she smiled at the redhead.

“I don’t really have anything to wear.” Ginny tried to make excuses.

“I’m sure I’ve got something.” Sasha grabbed her arm and pulled her up the stairs to her bedroom.

Ten minutes later, Ginny found herself in a pair of leather pants much like the ones Sasha had on, and a shirt so tight she was almost afraid to breathe. “Take out your hair,” the black girl said.

Ginny loosened her red strands from the ponytail she had them tied back in and they swung freely over her shoulders and down her back. Sasha put some makeup on her eyes and lips and then told her to look in the mirror.

“Is that really me?” Ginny was astounded at her reflection. The eye shadow and lip gloss along with the clothes made her look years older than she actually was.

“That’s you,” Sasha seemed pleased with her handiwork.

They left not long after that, around nine thirty. Ginny had used Dean’s owl to let her parents know she wouldn’t be back until late that night and off they went.

She worried when they arrived at a club in Muggle London set back in an alleyway that they would have trouble getting in. She was only fifteen after all and Sasha was only seventeen.

There was a large man standing outside, his body so wide Ginny could have put two of herself next to him and still had room on either side.

“ID,” he growled as she and Sasha stepped forwards.

“Oh Max,” Sasha purred, letting her hand travel down his arm. “She’s with me and you know I’m good.”

Max looked unyielding for a moment but stepped aside to let them in. Sasha grinned at her and seconds later Ginny was staring around a very dark yet large room. “What’s this place called?” she had to shout to be overhead due to the music.

“Ummm…” Sasha shrugged. “I can’t remember. The something club… ” She pulled on Ginny’s hand. “Come on, let’s get a drink.”

Ginny allowed herself to be led over to the bar where Sasha said something to a guy behind the counter and then he was pouring something clear into two glasses and Sasha thrust one in her hand.

“Drink that,” she said. “It’ll help loosen you up.”

Ginny did as she was told, grimacing at the bitter taste. “What is it?” she asked.

“Vodka,” Sasha replied.

Ginny nodded as if she knew what that was and Sasha was laughing and asked the same guy behind the bar to put some cranberry juice in it. “This will help cut the taste a bit,” she said.

It did taste a lot better and soon she was drinking it with ease. Sasha seemed to know almost everyone they passed and Ginny was surprised to see a lot of the men were looking at her with approval.

“Want to dance?” one of them asked, his hand sliding over her waist. Ginny felt her head spinning as she nodded; he led her out on the dance floor by where Sasha was currently dancing (if one could call having sex with their clothes on that) with another guy.

“Just move your body like mine, like his,” Sasha said in her ear.

Ginny was hesitant at first but when the guy pushed his body into hers a thrill so great shot through her that her knees almost buckled.

So nearly every night for the next few weeks Ginny would go with Sasha to the club. She grew accustomed to the clothing, the alcohol and the men she would dance with.

It was one particular night, there weren’t many of the people she normally knew there; she and Sasha had taken the dance floor together, grinding up against one another. There was a new song that suddenly came over the music system and Ginny was freely moving herself around, her hair swinging behind her when a male body pressed up against her from behind.

Ginny leaned her head against the person as their hands came around her flat stomach. They were long fingers, perfectly manicured nails. His front pushed against her behind, and she felt his lips move through her hair.

Come my lady, come come my lady

You’re my butterfly, sugar baby

Ginny felt him grind harder into her; she tried to turn around but his body felt so good against hers that she couldn’t move aside from their dancing. His fingers crept over her bare stomach as her shirt lifted.

She let her head lean back against him and she felt his fingers travel through her hair, twisting the strands between his fingers. Ginny could feel him grow hard against her backside and the now familiar thrills shot through her. She liked this sort of power, the power that would make men beg for her attention.

The song started to fade away and Ginny pulled out of his grasp and turned around. She managed to catch a glint of silver blonde hair before the lights in the club darkened so she couldn’t see anymore.

“Who are you?” she whispered as the next song started.

“Who are you?” he asked, feeling ahead to draw her close. She fitted into him neatly as they began to grind, this time the fronts of their bodies pressed together.

Ginny placed her hands on his shoulders, her fingers stroking the hair on his nape. It was fine and silky; his skin soft against hers as their foreheads touched while their lower bodies gyrated to the beats of the music.

They danced like that through several songs. Ginny thought she could catch glimpses of him in the flashing lights but they were in a dark corner so she never fully saw his features.

“Can I buy you a drink?” his lips slid along her ear.

“Sure,” she replied breathily. He took her hand and led her out of the darkened area and it was at that moment she saw who she had been dancing with.

“Malfoy?” Ginny exclaimed.

“Weasel?” his disgust mirrored hers as she yanked her hand out of his.

“Ugh!!!” she stormed away, angered at her reaction to him out on the floor. If she’d known that was him she would have left right then and there.

To her chagrin, Malfoy had followed her out near the lobby. “Look at you Weaselette… you’ve sure grown up and know how to move,”

“Sod off Malfoy,” Ginny shot back. “I don’t know what you’re bloody playing at but I don’t want any part.” She pushed past him and stormed off where Sasha was sitting with some of their friends.

The next night as she and Sasha came back, Ginny glancing apprehensively around to see if Malfoy was there again. He was- she could see the back of his head as he chatted up some blonde near the corner of the room. He turned around as if he felt her staring at him and their eyes made contact.

She turned away as if she hadn’t seen him and joined her friends in the opposite of the room. Ginny had just sipped her drink when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Dance with me?” Malfoy was looking straight at her with a slight smirk playing at his lips.

“No thanks,” Ginny returned coldly, brushing his fingers from her skin.

“Oh come on,” Malfoy said, his hand returning to her shoulder. “You certainly enjoyed it last night.”

Sasha grinned at her friend. “Go ahead Ginny; we’ll save your spot.”

Ginny glared at her as she pulled back on her drink, emptying the glass. She slammed it down as she got up and stalked onto the dance floor.

“What are you doing?” she demanded sharply as they began to move.

“What do you mean?” Malfoy looked amused.

“Why are you in a club full of Muggles? You hate them!” she had to lean close so no one could hear her and it meant her body was pushed up against his which sent thrills down her spine.

“I got bored sitting around the Manor. So I found this place.” He shrugged.

Ginny raised an eyebrow as she flicked her hair over her shoulder. “You, YOU got bored so you came to a Muggle dance club?” she laughed dryly.

“You know, you have me pegged completely wrong; Muggles mean nothing to me, plus here no one knows me. I haven’t got some silly bint like Parkinson hanging off me just because of my name.” Draco looked at her slyly. “I’m not really that big of a bastard as you think I am.”

“Oh so that means you’re just a really good actor then?” Ginny shot back. The song ended at that moment and she turned on her heel and walked away from him, Malfoy staring at her the whole time.

The next morning as Ginny showered she felt oddly confused about her encounters with Malfoy at the dance club. She hated the fact that her body wanted to fit into his like a glove. She hated the fact that he was so bloody attractive. She hated the fact that her heart wanted more while her head remained logical and told her it would never work out.

“That’s as far as it’s going to go,” she said firmly as she rinsed the shampoo from her hair. She headed downstairs for some juice or water to drink, as her mouth was dry as cotton.

“About time you got up,” Ron was saying as he gobbled his lunch down so fast Ginny couldn’t see what was on his plate. Ginny glared at him as she poured herself a glass of juice.

“Are you feeling all right love?” Molly Weasley put her hand to her daughter’s forehead.

“I’m fine,” Ginny snapped as she brushed her mother’s arm away in an exasperated fashion. “Just because I slept in doesn’t mean that I’m sick!”

Ron rolled his eyes. “Mum, I’ve got to go owl Harry and Hermione.” He left his dishes on the table.

“Make sure you finally tell Hermione that you fancy her!” Ginny called snidely after him. This house, her family all of a sudden felt oppressive to her. She wanted to get out and she wanted to be on her own.

“Ginevra,” Molly said disapprovingly.

“What?” Ginny asked, gulping down her juice. “Merlin, all he does is stare after her, and all she does is worry about Harry. You’d think at least one of the two of them would get it together and shag her already!”

“That’s enough Ginevra!” Molly said firmly. “I don’t like the way you’re talking and I will not have you bothering your brother about that sort of thing.”

“Fine,” Ginny muttered. “I’m going back to bed.”

“Don’t you want any lunch?” Molly called after her.

“No I’m on a diet!” Ginny rolled her eyes as she slammed her door behind her. She flopped down on her bed and closed her eyes, Malfoy’s face appearing behind them.

That evening as she and Sasha came into the club, he was there, and his pale eyes sought her out immediately. Ginny turned away from him just as fast, disliking the way her heart jumped in her throat at the mere sight of him. She spent the first half of the evening trying to avoid him by dancing with the guys she and Sasha were sitting with.

Malfoy was watching her; she could see that and his eyes grew darker with each passing song. She flirted shamelessly with the guys to make him angry and finally when she looked to where he had been standing he wasn’t there anymore.

Ginny let out a sigh that was a mixture of relief and disappointment. That feeling didn’t last long as she was pulled from behind directly into the person she’d been trying to avoid.

“What do you want?” she snapped. “That really hurt!”

“Too bad,” Malfoy answered. “You’re pissing me off tonight Weaselette.”

“So what?” Ginny answered. “Why should you of all people care about who I dance with?”

“Bet you wish it was Potter out there with you,” Malfoy sneered.

“As a matter of fact Malfoy, no I don’t wish that.” She shook her head. “I’ve been bloody over him for ages now. Or did Pansy Parkinson forget to inform you of that particular little piece of gossip?”

Malfoy’s eyes narrowed as the same song they had danced to the first night he came started over the music system.

Come my lady, come come my lady

You’re my butterfly, sugar baby

Before Ginny knew what was happening, she and Malfoy were pressing against one another as they were thrust together by the burgeoning crowd on the floor.

She stumbled a bit and his hands came around her slim waist. “Come on,” he said, his eyes intensely boring into hers. Ginny almost felt powerless to him at that point- much like she had during her second year with that blasted diary.

“You know, that first night I saw you dancing out here… I couldn’t keep my eyes off you.” Malfoy’s hands were working their way up her back and into her loose hair.

Ginny took a deep breath as his mouth skimmed her ear again. “Is that true?” she found herself asking.

Malfoy pulled away and nodded. “Yes, I saw your hair… it looked like firelight in a dark room.” he replied so quietly she almost didn’t hear him.

Ginny was knocked straight into him at that point by another dancer. She looked up to apologise and their faces were only an inch apart. The next moment was one Ginny would remember the rest of her life, for Malfoy had leaned down and a second later they were kissing.

His hands were fisted in her long hair as hers came up on his shoulders, clinging to him like he was a life raft in a raging sea. Malfoy was steering her somewhere but Ginny didn’t dare open her eyes to see; she was afraid if she did she’d find this was all just a dream.

He had propelled them in a corner of the room where there were sofas set up, along with some very dim lighting. She had seen this corner and what people did back here, but hadn’t thought she would wind up doing that.

Her fingers were running continuously through his hair as their tongues duelled for control. His hands were buried up her shirt, brushing against her bare breasts. Ginny felt like her insides were on fire as she kissed him back as hard as she possibly could.

Suddenly she pushed him away, breathing in heavily as she did so. “What the bloody hell was that?” she cried, brushing her hair out of her eyes.

“What are you talking about?” Malfoy was breathing equally as hard.

“We can’t do this!” Ginny crossed her arms over her chest.

“Why not?” Malfoy asked.

“Because!” Ginny exclaimed. “Look at this- look at the way you’ve talked about me, talked about my family! Look at the way you treat my friends Malfoy! You act as if you’re some sort of royalty and the rest of us; especially my family are scum of the bloody earth!”

“I’m sorry,” he said but she brushed him off.

“No… I’ve got to go,” she practically ran away from the sofa and searched the room for Sasha.

“What’s wrong?” Sasha asked when Ginny finally found her.

“I need to get out of here,” Ginny replied, hoping Malfoy wasn’t trying to find her.

“Why?” Sasha looked concerned.

“I just…” Ginny felt her eyes fill up with tears. “Please can we just get out of here?”

“Sure…” Sasha grabbed her hand and they left, walking a good distance away. “What is going on Ginny?”

Ginny sniffled and wiped at her eyes. “I just think… I’m falling for someone I’ve hated for so long.”

“Who, that blond guy?” Sasha asked.

Ginny nodded. “I don’t know what to do!” she said as they began walking back towards the Thomas house.

“Well… if you really want him then go for it… it’s really up to you,” Sasha said gently. “You want to stay here tonight?”

“Sure,” Ginny said. “I’ll owl my mum.”

She spent most of that night awake, thinking about Malfoy. And as the sun finally started to rise on the horizon, Ginny fell asleep knowing what she was going to do.

“One chance Malfoy,” she said that night, staring at him evenly. “If you mess around with me I’ll be gone before you even have time to blink.”

“I knew you couldn’t resist me,” he boasted.

“Sod off while you’re still ahead,” Ginny glared.

Malfoy grinned, which startled her. “Come on then,” he grabbed her hands and pulled her out onto the floor. Ginny couldn’t help but get lost in the song while with him; she realised now why people enjoyed dancing this way so much.

She didn’t put up a fight when he leaned down and kissed her again either- in fact her hands moved of their own volition into his hair once he moved them back into the dark spot they had occupied the night before.

*** End Flashback***

“So that’s really how things got started,” Ginny said, looking up at Neville, who was listening attentively. “After that, we met almost nightly. It actually wasn’t until we got back to school that we started sleeping together…”

***Begin Flashback***

Ginny arched her back as Draco pushed inside her, their bodies sweaty and taut. His mouth covered hers so when she cried out it wouldn’t echo in the cold Slytherin dormitory, where she’d sneaked into earlier that evening, even though he’d cast a silencing charm on the hangings around his bed.

“Merlin Draco!” she breathed as he finally spent inside her.

“I know,” he said, his lips lingering on her neck. “I love the way you cry out like that.”

Ginny turned red. “Stuff it you,” she laughed and pushed him down so she could give him a proper kiss.

“I just did,” he smirked, running his hands through her abundance of hair. She knew he loved her hair. They kissed again and Ginny snuggled into his side. It was times like this she loved being with him best, when they were both sweaty and glowing warm after making love.

The first time they’d done it had been only a few weeks into term. They both made careful sure never to meet in the same place twice, and never in the Room of Requirement, as Ginny knew Harry used that room for practising with Ron and Hermione for his upcoming battle with Voldemort. And if he wasn’t in there, someone else usually was.

It hadn’t taken her long to fall in love with him. He was different with her than he was normally. In the Great Hall he’d still talk snidely to Harry, Hermione and Ron but it was without the malice he’d once had in loads.

“Shouldn’t you get back before you fall asleep?” Draco asked, yawning widely.

“Erm…” Ginny had almost been out. “You’re right.” She blearily reached out of the hangings for her clothes. Draco watched her dress before he pulled back in his arms.

“Love you,” he said roughly in her ear before kissing her goodbye. The first time he’d said that Ginny had nearly jumped out of her skin.

“I love you,” she whispered back, before kissing him once more and leaving the comfort of his warm bed.

***End Flashback***

“Things carried on a lot like that for most of the year,” Ginny said as she and Neville dumped a new load of sheets in the washer and pulled out the now dry ones. “We met in secret all the time- we both even stayed at Christmas.”

“I remember that,” Neville said.

Ginny nodded. “It wasn’t until right around the Easter holidays that we started hitting trouble…”

***Begin Flashback***

“I hate all this lying,” Ginny was sitting cross legged on a desk in an abandoned classroom. “I don’t like sneaking around all the time.”

“I don’t like it either!” Draco replied.

“Well then let’s come out with it!” Ginny retorted. “Draco we’ve got no reason to keep this private! You love me and I love you!”

“Your brother would kill me,” Draco snapped. “If we tell everyone we’ll just be separated.”

“We’re adults, not five year olds,” Ginny said. “I’ll deal with Ron.”

“You say that now,” Draco crossed his arms over his chest and looked out the window.

Ginny came up behind him and put her chin on his shoulder while her arms went around him. “I don’t ask for much Draco. Just this.”

Draco sighed. “Look… just give me some time to think about this all right?”

Ginny nodded, realising this was all she was getting out of him at the moment.

He walked her back to the corridor leading to the Gryffindor Tower. There was a small shadowy alcove there that they often would kiss goodbye in and this time was no exception. Ginny pulled him close and kissed him as hard as she could; her way of telling him she understood his hesitance. His response was the same- his way of telling her that he would figure things out.

Seeing as it was midday on a Saturday, there usually weren’t many students if any in the corridors of the castle- most were tucked away in their houses or outside on a gorgeous day like such. Ginny pulled Draco out of the alcove, their mouths still fused together when a loud piercing shriek made them pull apart.

Pansy Parkinson stood there, her mouth hanging open. “Shit,” Draco pushed Ginny behind him. “What the fuck do you want Parkinson?”

“What are you doing?” she said in disgust. “Draco… that’s a Weasley!”

“I’m perfectly aware of who she is,” Draco said coldly. “What do you want?”

“Nothing,” she smiled snidely. “I just… never thought you’d stoop so low is all. Going for the likes of her.”

“Get the fuck out of here,” Draco snapped. She shook her head and with one last taunting smile, she disappeared in the direction of the Great Hall.

Both Draco and Ginny went to bed that night worrying about what the fallout would be with Pansy knowing about them, but to their surprise, not a word had been said seemingly. Life went on for the next few days just as it had for the whole year so far.

But on the third day after their confrontation with the nasty Slytherin all hell broke loose. Ginny went to breakfast that morning, a bit tired after staying so late with Draco. At first she didn’t notice the stares and jeers in her direction.

“Good morning,” she said to Harry, Hermione and Ron while helping herself to some eggs.

“I don’t know what’s so good about it,” Ron snapped. “When the hell were you going to tell me?”

“What?” Ginny looked up and everyone except her brother and his friends turned their heads in another direction. “What are you talking about?”

“You and bloody sodding Malfoy, that’s what I’m talking about!” Ron shouted. He pushed his dishes away and stalked out of the Great Hall. Ginny sat open mouthed for a moment then turned to look at Draco.

He sat at the Slytherin table, stone faced. Pansy was sitting a few spaces away, laughing and shooting her death glares. Ginny felt her face turn red and was about to get up and go over to the girl when Hermione grabbed her arm.

She pulled Ginny out of the Great Hall as a loud chatter rose behind them. “Is it true Ginny? You and Malfoy?”

Ginny looked down at her feet. “How… how did you all find out?” she asked, knowing what the answer would be.

“Well…” Hermione looked hesitant as she adjusted her Head Girl badge. “I heard it this morning from Parvati and Lavender. I’ve no idea who they got it from.”

“Pansy,” Ginny’s throat constricted. “She… saw us a few days ago in the corridor together. I… she hadn’t said anything so we assumed she wasn’t going to…” She pressed her palm into her forehead.

Hermione looked contrite. “I… I don’t know if you knew this, but Malfoy… he’s not said a word to anyone about it. I don’t know if that means he’s denying it or what…”

“What am I going to do?” Ginny’s eyes filled with tears.

“Come on,” Hermione pulled on her hand again as students started to file out of the Great Hall. “Let’s go around the lake so no one bothers us.”

As the two girls walked, Ginny told Hermione almost everything about what had gone on. She left out some of the more intimate details but by the time they were finished she had disclosed most of the story. “I don’t know what my parents are going to say… I was rather horrible when I left for school.”

“Maybe they won’t find out?” Hermione tried to comfort her.

Ginny sighed. “Hermione… they’ll find out. This is going to be everywhere. A Weasley and a Malfoy together… our families hate one another so much that this is bound to be spread.”

Hermione hugged the younger girl comfortingly. “I hope you can work it all out Ginny. I’m here to talk if you need me.”

“So you’re not angry?” Ginny asked.

“Well… I guess I really don’t understand why but no, I’m not angry. You’re a big girl,” Hermione rolled her eyes. “Ron forgets that sometimes. Harry’s probably upstairs now trying to calm him down.”

“I suppose he’s just as mad as Ron.” Ginny thrust her hands in the pockets of her robes.

Hermione shrugged. “He’s got a lot more patience than Ron but I don’t think he understands it either. Malfoy’s been at our backs since the first day we were on the train coming here.”

“He’s a lot different than people think,” Ginny replied. “Really Hermione… he’s not a huge git when it’s just the two of us. He loves me.”

“I hope so Ginny,” Hermione answered. “I really hope so.” She looked at her watch. “We’ve got to get back; classes are going to start in a few minutes.”

“All right,” Ginny answered. “I’ll come back in a minute. I just need a little time to myself.”

“Will you be okay?” Hermione asked.

Ginny nodded and the older girl hurried away. She looked out at the lake and wondered if that was true; if she would really be all right.

*** *** ***

Ginny managed to sit tall that day in class, despite the whispers around her. She would not show emotion until she saw Draco that night. She was actually astounded that several of her Gryffindor housemates were more curious about what Draco was like in bed rather than scandalised.

She waited for him that night in his bed, the hangings pulled tightly around it. Ginny buried her face in his sheets and pillow, drinking in his scent as hours ticked slowly by. She had fallen asleep around midnight and was awoken some time later as Draco finally came back to his room.

“Hey,” she rubbed her eyes. “I’ve been waiting for you to get back here,” she smiled and reached for him.

“You shouldn’t have waited,” Draco pushed her hands down.

“Why not?” Ginny asked, finally taking a good look at him. “Draco what’s wrong?”

He sighed and pulled the hangings more tightly together before casting a freezing charm to keep them from coming apart as well as a silencing charm. “I’ve just gotten a letter from my father.”

“Oh,” Ginny replied. “Well… what did he say?”

Draco shook his head. “Ginny… we can’t be together.” He finally said.

Ginny shook her head, hoping she’d heard him wrong. “What?”

“We can’t be together,” he grabbed her shoulders. “My father is very angry with me about this.”

“So?” Ginny shrugged out of his grasp. “You’re seventeen years old and I’ll be finished with school next year. We don’t need to worry about what our parents think of us.”

“Don’t you see?” Draco asked angrily. “I’m NOTHING without my father’s support!”

Ginny stared at him a moment. “You… you really are a coward aren’t you?” tears filled her eyes and slid down her cheeks.

Draco sighed again and tried to pull her into his arms but she shoved him away. “I should have known better. I should have known you’d figure yourself a way out of this!” Ginny slapped his pale cheek and clawed at the hangings. “Let me out of here you bastard!”

Draco took the charm off and she fled the room.

*** *** ***

Ginny cried herself to sleep that night, hoping by some miracle that when she woke up she’d find that everything was one bad dream. Yet when she woke up, all the memories of the day before flooded over her again. She automatically dressed herself, throwing her hair back in a sloppy ponytail as she gathered her schoolbooks.

Breakfast that morning was even worse than it had been the day before. Ron acted as if she didn’t exist. Harry mumbled a few words to her and Hermione was glaring at them both.

The worst part about it was that Draco was lording it over the Slytherin table as if nothing had ever happened. Loud bursts of laughter carried over the Great Hall and Ginny felt small as she heard him talk scornfully about the ‘silly Gryffindors’ and whatnot.

Not able to take any more, she grabbed her books and ran out of the Great Hall, the Slytherins’ laughter trailing behind her the whole way. Tearing up to Gryffindor Tower, she threw herself on the bed and sobbed some more until her well of tears ran dry.

Ginny thought at one point she heard Hermione call for her but she couldn’t be sure. She closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep, not wanting to see anyone. After a long while she actually did fall asleep and woke up in the early afternoon.

She stumbled her way into the girl’s bathroom and took a very long, hot shower. She scrubbed her body down until it was red and sore as if she were washing away Malfoy, washing away her memories of him.

Ginny got out, wrapping a towel gingerly around her raw body. “Ouch,” she said; soft as the fabric was her body was chafed. She bit her lower lip and grabbed her comb, yanking it viciously through her tangled and wet waist length tresses.

“Blast this bloody hair!” Ginny cried in frustration as the comb fell to the floor. She kicked it across the room and then blindly reached into the drawer in front of her, pulling out a pair of sharp, shiny scissors.

She chopped at her hair until it fell unevenly around her chin, the cut strands lying like blood on the floor around her. She could hardly see her reflection through her tears as the coursed down her cheeks again.

Ginny had no idea how long she sat there and cried. It felt like hours, it could have been days for all she knew or cared. She wiped at her eyes as a rather nasty idea occurred to her; she gathered her shorn hair as she dressed back in her school uniform. Back in her bedroom, she shoved the locks in a large envelope and headed for the Owlery.

She knew Harry wouldn’t mind if she used Hedwig. As the snowy white bird nipped at her finger she tied the heavy parcel to its leg and watched it fly away.

“Fuck you Malfoy,” Ginny whispered.

She went to lunch even though she had skipped all her morning classes. Ginny wanted to see and relish the look on his face when he opened the envelope and she sat facing him just so she could.

Hermione stared in shock at her, touching the rough ends of her bob. “What did you do?” she asked softly.

“Just going for a change,” Ginny replied calmly. “I rather like it.”

Ron again didn’t even bother to look at her but Harry nodded at her. “How are you feeling Ginny?” he asked quietly.

“I’m fine Harry. Thank you for asking,” she replied. The food arrived on the table at that point and she was spared from talking to them any more.

The owls started arriving about ten minutes after that. Ginny watched with lidded eyes as Hedwig dropped the parcel in Malfoy’s lap and flew back out.

She watched as he tore it open, the smirk on his face fading away as he saw what was inside. He closed it back up and snapped his head in her direction. Ginny glared at him as she got up, grabbing her books and left the Great Hall.

She was almost to the stairwell that would lead her up to her first afternoon class when she heard him call her name. “What do you want?” Ginny asked coldly.

“What the hell is this?” he held the envelope out as he came up to her.

“Don’t be stupid Malfoy,” she sneered. “It’s what you loved best about me, remember? You always loved my hair, it was the first thing you noticed about me on the dance floor.” She pushed the envelope back at him. “Now it’s yours. You can stroke whatever you want with it.” She turned away but he grabbed her arm.

“I am sorry,” Malfoy said.

“Sod off,” Ginny pulled out of his grasp. “I should have listened to my head instead of my heart. You’re nothing but a spineless ferret. Do me a favour and don’t bother me again.” she left him standing there as she stalked up the stairs.

***End Flashback***

“That’s the last time I spoke to him,” Ginny said as she and Neville finished the last load of sheets. “I saw him here and there around school, and then I walked past him on the platform after we all got off the train.”

“Wow,” Neville shook his head.

Ginny shrugged. “I’m over it… you know… I was depressed the rest of the year but once we got here I thought about it and there’s no reason for me to be upset. Malfoy’s probably out living the grand life and I’m sure he doesn’t care so why should I?”

“That’s a good way of thinking about it,” Neville said.

Ginny was quiet for a moment. “You’re the first person I’ve told all that to, you know.”

“I thought you talked to Hermione about it,” Neville replied.

“Well I did, about some of it.” Ginny said. “But you’re the first person I’ve told everything to.”

“I feel flattered,” Neville grinned. “But I am sorry he hurt you so badly.”

“He did,” Ginny nodded. “But like I said, I’m over it. We all make mistakes… it’s a part of life.” She looked up at him as he grabbed another sheet from the dryer. “What about you Nev, what regrets do you have?”

Neville was quiet a moment. “What I regret… is that I never asked you to go to Hogsmeade with me.”

Ginny was surprised. “You wanted to go to Hogsmeade with me?”

“Well… now that I’ve graduated I really can’t, can I?” he said a bit sheepishly. “I probably ruined any chance I had of that when I kept stepping on your feet at the Yule Ball.”

Ginny started laughing. “You weren’t that bad. I had a good time with you that night,” she sat down on a stack of sheets.

“You did?” Neville was the one to look surprised now as he sat down next to her. “Really?”

“Yes,” Ginny replied. “Really,” she nudged his shoulder with hers.

He turned his head and looked down at her, realising how close they were sitting next to one another. Her shoulder was touching his as she looked up at him and they unconsciously moved closer until Neville was able to lean down and kiss her gently.

He pulled away almost immediately. “Oh Ginny… I’m sorry- I shouldn’t have kissed you when you just told me that whole story and what would Ron think he’s so protective of you now because of that!” Ginny silenced him by grabbing his face and kissing him again.

“Just because I snogged Malfoy doesn’t mean everyone else pales in comparison,” she said gently when she finally pulled away. “I always remembered how you blushed when you asked me to the ball in my third year. I always remembered how you protected me in the Department of Mysteries in my fourth year.” She smiled at him. “You’ve always been around when I needed you to be.”

Neville leaned in and kissed her again, this time circling his arms around her waist. Ginny returned it, her arms going about his neck. “Will you go to Hogsmeade with me?” he asked when they broke apart.

Ginny giggled. “What brought that on?” she asked.

“I was feeling momentarily brave,” Neville answered his forehead on hers.

“Well, when I get back to Hogwarts I’ll have to owl you a Hogsmeade schedule won’t I?” Ginny said.

“Sounds good to me,” Neville said as he kissed her again. “But for now how would you settle for a date in the town near here?”

“You’re getting braver and braver Longbottom,” Ginny said. “Now kiss me again.”

A/N: I’m posting this today in honour of JK Rowling and Harry- Happy birthday to the both of them! Especially to her for giving us such a fantastic universe to fantasize and use our own creativity in! And Harry… *pinches* just remember, the guy IS 24 and perfectly legal ;) all right, I know… he’s not real… but I can pretend can’t I? ;) *schnoogles PoA Quidditch Harry doll*

Also, the plot with Charlotte and Richard will be resolved in the next chapter, which is also the final one to the story. R/R please! :)

“Harry….” Hermione moaned as she pulled her lips from his. “We can’t keep doing this!”

“Why not?” Harry asked as his breathing hitched.

“Well… we’re just supposed to be getting work done,” Hermione didn’t want to stop kissing him at all.

“I know,” Harry replied. He had known when Ron and Luna said they wanted to clean together that none of them would get much work done that day. And if the looks Neville had been shooting Ginny at breakfast meant anything, he doubted they would get much done either.

Their relationship had progressed faster than either one of them had expected, but hadn’t gone past the point of snogging and some touching with their clothes on. They had thought of one another for so long as only friends; these new feelings were a bit much to comprehend at times.

“You know,” Harry let his hand trail down her arm. “Since you and I have gotten together my nightmares haven’t been so bad.”

“Really?” Hermione smiled. “That’s wonderful Harry.”

“I guess in a way it is,” Harry grinned suddenly. “I don’t get my post nightmare snog from you anymore if they go away,”

They both laughed as Hermione brushed his midnight hair aside to trace her fingers along his scar. “It’s good to see you happy again Harry.” She said. “I was worried for a long time that you’d never be able to let it all go.”

Harry caught her hand and kissed it. “I have you and Ron to thank for that. Well… everyone really. This has been really great coming here and helping out. It’s helped take my mind off everything.”

Hermione smiled as his forehead leaned on hers. “Do you… do you think we’d have gotten together if we weren’t here?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Harry said thoughtfully. “I certainly hope so. Maybe we wouldn’t have gotten together so soon but… it just always seemed like it was supposed to be us. Whenever I thought about my future you were always there and now I know why.” His voice was almost a bit shy as he said those last words.

Hermione hugged him around the middle as she kissed him fully on the mouth. “You were always in my idea of the future too,” she said softly. Harry grinned in obvious relief and brought his lips back to hers, easing her back down on the bed gently. Their lips fused together; his tongue tasting her mouth and his fingers making the journey down the side of her body. His palm itched to touch her skin and so Harry gently went under her shirt, letting his hand trail over her stomach.

She let him do this, as aching for his touch as he was hers. “Harry…” Hermione said softly as his lips moved over her neck. Harry moved the collar of her shirt aside so he could kiss her shoulders while his fingers got brave and moved up to touch her covered breasts. She wanted to stop him, yet she didn’t and her own hands moved up to bury themselves in his messy head of hair.

His finger slipped into her bra and Hermione gasped aloud. Harry hoped that meant what he was doing was okay- he was ashamed of his inexperience but this time in his life was truly the first chance he had to spend on members of the opposite sex. “Are you all right?” he asked.

“Merlin, yes…” she gasped again, winding her fingers around the back of his neck and pulling him back down for a kiss.

*** *** ***

Whereas Harry and Hermione’s relationship was developing maturely, Ron and Luna’s seemed to go straight up like a Firebolt broom at a Quidditch match. They were currently lying on one of the unmade beds in the guest room they were supposed to be cleaning.

Ron was currently trailing his mouth down Luna’s neck, his fingers tangled in her loose jumbled waves of hair. Her hands clutched his shoulders as their lower bodies rubbed together through their jeans.

“Merlin,” he gasped as her fingers pulled at his shirt, yanking it over his head. Luna was mischievous when they snogged, and this time proved to be no exception.

Ron grasped at her flimsy tank top, needing to feel her skin against his. He pulled his hands around her, trying to unsnap her bra while not allowing his mouth to break away from hers.

“Ronald,” she moaned, sending delicious shivers up his spine as her fingers trailed over his bare back.

“Loony,” he muttered back, never forgetting their deal. Ron’s mouth moved down to the valley between her breasts, his tongue flicking out to taste her skin as his hand grasped her butterbeer cork necklace.

Luna’s back arched as he kissed over her breasts, his hand going automatically between her legs. She bucked up as his fingers brushed her spot through her jeans. Luna still couldn’t believe that this was really Ron Weasley doing such things to her. “Do it again,” she smiled, her eyes focused on the redhead above her but far away at the same time.

“Do what?” Ron grinned devilishly. “This?” he pressed the heel of his hand into her and she let out a small cry that went between a breath and a sigh.

“Yes,” she sucked in a breath through her teeth as his mouth returned to hers, his fingers leaving her sex and coming to tangle in her hair again.

As they snogged furiously, her hand dipped into his jeans and he gave a ragged gasp into her mouth as her fingers touched his manhood. “I didn’t know… you knew… how to do… that…” Ron’s eyes nearly rolled into the back of his head as little warning bells started to go off. If they kept this up he knew exactly what was going to happen and he honestly wasn’t sure he was ready for that yet.

“Luna…” he pulled away, moving his body off hers. “I can’t… we can’t…”

“Can’t what?” She sat up, her tousled hair hanging over her chest.

“I can’t…” Ron couldn’t get the words out of his mouth. “If we kept at it… I don’t trust me that’s all.” He felt horribly embarrassed but Luna only smiled at him.

“That’s very sweet of you Ron,” she said, twisting her cork necklace between her fingers.

“So you don’t mind then?” Ron asked in obvious relief. “For now? It all just makes me a little nervous but maybe—”

“For now,” she leaned forward and kissed him.

*** *** ***

It was the week after the girls had finished the journal. Aunt Charlotte’s flu seemed to have gone away, but the older woman was still tired and keeping herself busy with renovation work. The girls couldn’t seem to figure out the right time to bring her attention to the journal and talk to her about it.

On the other hand, it seemed as if the guys had gotten together and arranged a triple date in town. Ron was less than amused that Neville would be Ginny’s partner for the evening and spent the few hours before it grilling him.

“What do you plan on doing with her later?” Ron asked, brushing his hair off his forehead.

“Ron,” Harry looked up from where he was pulling on his shoes. “Knock it off ok?”

Neville frowned at his redheaded friend. “Look Ron, I know you’re worried about Ginny. I’ve got no plans in taking advantage of her all right?”

“So you’ve thought about it then?” Ron asked.

“What are you talking about?” Neville was flabbergasted.

“Ron!” Harry got up. “That’s enough. We’ve known Neville for almost eight years now. He’s not Malfoy!”

Ron visibly relaxed at the look Harry was giving him. “You’re right,” he muttered. “Sorry Neville.”

“Its fine,” Neville replied. They were all wearing blue jeans, as the restaurant was quite casual. Harry had tossed on a green jumper, Ron was wearing a blue button down shirt and Neville had a grey jumper that almost reminded them of their former school uniforms.

“Hermione please tell me you’re not planning to wear that,” Ginny stared in horror at Hermione’s cream coloured monstrosity.

“Why not?” Hermione asked defensively.

“Well it’s… it’s…” Ginny shuddered. “It’s ugly!”

“My jumper is not ugly,” Hermione informed her.

Ginny looked to Luna for help but the blonde only shrugged. “I’ve never paid much attention to fashion,” she said, her mind already on Ron.

Hermione only shook her head and pulled a brush through her hair. “I don’t need to get all dressed up. It’s a very casual place. Besides, I don’t have to impress Harry.”

Ginny sighed. “You don’t have to impress him but you should want to look nice for him.”

Hermione finally turned around. “Are you implying that I don’t look nice?”

“No!” Ginny replied. “Let me give you another shirt to wear.”

Hermione figured she must have looked like she was going to say no because Ginny went to her trunk and began digging through it. “Here,” she said triumphantly, holding up a black piece of material.

Hermione took it, admitting the fabric was soft and nice. “Sasha gave it to me last year to wear at the clubs,” Ginny said, touching the sleeve.

“I’ll try it on,” Hermione disappeared into the loo and came back out minutes later. “It’s kind of tight,” she tugged at the sleeve.

“It fits you perfectly,” Ginny said honestly. The shirt fit Hermione nicely, the arms were slim cut until the wrist and they fell down a few inches into a small bell sleeve.

Hermione looked at herself in the mirror, admiring how the shirt looked. “You don’t… mind if I wear it then?”

“Sure,” Ginny smiled at her friend. “Now I can’t wait to see Harry’s face when he sees you,” she sat Hermione down and began to fuss with her hair.

Hermione sat patiently as Ginny pulled and tugged on her long bushy locks. “What are you doing?”

“I wish we had some Sleekeazy’s,” Ginny muttered. “You should just permanently straighten your hair Hermione.”

“Not everyone has the great hair genes of the Weasley family,” Hermione shot back and Luna laughed.

“All right,” Ginny said a few minutes later. She’d managed to pull Hermione’s hair off her face, clasping it at her nape and leaving it down in back. “You’ll knock Harry’s socks off.”

“Thanks Gin,” Hermione surprised her with a hug. “Now…” she said sitting on her bed. “You can tell us while you get ready about what’s going on with you and Neville.”

Ginny hid her smile. “Well… I told him all about what happened with Draco and he just sat there and listened. And afterwards I asked him if there was anything he regretted…” she told him of the resulting conversation.

“That’s really sweet,” Hermione said. “I’m happy for you.” Luna nodded in agreement.

“Thanks,” Ginny smiled at her two friends. “Here’s to hoping Ron hasn’t scared him off already!”

*** *** ***

Hermione was secretly pleased to see that Ginny was spot on in her prediction of Harry’s reaction to her. His jaw had fallen for a moment and then he was giving her a quick kiss and muttering about how great she looked.

“Thanks,” she’d whispered back. They checked in with Aunt Charlotte to let her know they were gone and now they were in town, finishing up their dinner.

It had started off a bit shaky, with Ron giving Neville suspicious looks whenever he would turn to Ginny or even try to hold her hand. Harry muttered a few words to Luna and a few moments after that Ron had other things occupying his mind.

After dinner was over, each couple separated and agreed to meet back at the bed and breakfast later that evening. Harry and Hermione walked hand in hand down the street.

“This is such a nice evening,” she sighed.

“That it is,” Harry agreed. “And you look really nice too,” he said for about the fifth time.

“You told me that already,” Hermione said with a blush.

“Sorry,” Harry replied.

“I’m just not used to being complimented like that. Usually people do that when I’ve done well on an exam or whatnot,” she replied, almost feeling shy.

Harry pulled his hand from hers and put his arm around her. “If it means anything, I’ve always thought you were pretty.”

“Thank you,” Hermione said, smiling at him. He grinned back and kissed her quickly.

“So… what do you want to do?” Harry asked. “I’m not an expert with dates.”

“And you think I am?” Hermione asked.

“Well… no maybe not,” Harry said. “But my one and only date, until now, was spent in Madam Puddifoot’s and that was also little more than three years ago.”

“Goodness,” Hermione teased. “I don’t think I’m that bad.”

Harry smiled at her. “You are,” he grinned and laughed as she slapped his shoulder. “But I like you anyway.”

“I like you too, Potter,” Hermione replied. He leaned in and kissed her again, this time letting his lips linger on hers.

*** *** ***

“I’m really sorry that Ron’s been on your back about me,” Ginny said as she and Neville walked idly down the streets of the village.

“It’s all right,” Neville replied, wrapping his hand around hers. “He’s just being a brother is all.”

“I know, but it’s so embarrassing,” Ginny said. “Having him yell at you for trying to hold my chair for me or picking up my napkin when I dropped it…” she shook her head.

“It’s worth it,” Neville interrupted, sending her a bashful smile. “I mean… I really can’t believe you agreed to go out with clumsy old me.”

“Neville,” Ginny chided. “You need to give yourself more credit. You’re not as clumsy as you were, you’re a good and loyal friend, and you’re very brave.”

“Good of you to think so,” Neville’s face had turned red.

Ginny smiled and leaned against him as they walked on. “You know what helped me most after that whole situation?” she said out of the blue.

“What’s that?” Neville asked, knowing what she was talking about.

“My family… aside from Ron… didn’t seem to care.” Ginny said with a faraway look in her eyes. “Of course they’d heard all about it, but when we got to the station at the end of the year, my mum hugged me and my dad kissed me on the cheek. They told me that if I wanted to talk about it they would be there. Fred and George teased me, but I could tell it was all good natured and not mean. It felt good, especially after the way I was when I left for school. I was downright rotten to them because I thought I was in love with Malfoy and wanted to be with him.”

“I’m surprised Ron didn’t come around sooner if the rest of your family wasn’t angry,” Neville said.

“Well… sometimes it felt like he was going to. At first he wouldn’t speak to me, he would hardly even speak at me… and then it was little things, like at dinner he’d ask me to pass the salt or the potatoes, he’d tell me he’d heard from Harry or Hermione…” Ginny shrugged. “Other times it was like he’d just heard about me and Malfoy all over again.”

“At least he’s put it behind you now,” Neville said, putting his arm over her shoulders boldly.

“That he has,” Ginny smiled as she slid her arm around his waist. They walked down the pavement and her eyes lit up. “Casablanca!”

“Casa what?” Neville asked.

“It’s a movie… a Muggle thing,” she added in a low voice. “It’s brilliant; I saw it with Sasha last holiday one evening before we went to the club.” Ginny pulled on his hand. “Let’s go see it!”

“All right,” Neville chuckled, fishing in his pockets for some pounds. Ginny let out a happy squeal as he bought the tickets and she practically dragged him inside.

Neville sat happy and relaxed in the slightly reclining chair as Ginny snuggled herself in next to him, her head on his shoulder. He had a feeling he was going to like this movie regardless if he watched it or not.

*** *** ***

Ron felt the ground lifting up and down beneath him. “Wow…” he looked around and the world began to spin again. Being the only eighteen year old at the table, he had decided to show off and have a pint of bitter with dinner.

One pint had turned into four, eventually and Ron was now feeling quite giddy and quite randy. He was constantly turning to Luna who was skipping alongside him and grabbing her for a random snog.

They arrived back on the Crossways property and fell down in a heap by the lake, both of them laughing their heads off. Ron leaned over and kissed his girlfriend again, his arms winding around her, practically pulling her onto his lap.

She gave a little sigh into his mouth that made Ron stiffen instantly. He kissed her harder, his fingers automatically now going to her shirt. They broke apart momentarily to take off their shirts and throw them aside before clashing their mouths, teeth and tongues together in a flurry of passion.

Ron unsnapped her bra, dropping it on top of their growing pile of clothes as he laid her down on the grass. Luna was running her hands all over his bare back, her fingers brushing through his red hair as he moved his mouth from hers down over her neck and breasts.

It was really quite warm, Ron realised awhile later. “Are you hot?” he asked, catching his breath.

“Yes,” Luna replied dazedly. Her lips were quite swollen and red and it made Ron grin.

“Want to go for a dip in the lake?” he asked, grinning wider.

“Okay,” she agreed readily, reaching for her bra.

Ron stopped her from putting it on. “Why don’t we go skinny dipping?” his smile grew wicked.

Luna smiled back. “Okay,” she said again. “You know, Daddy ran an article once in the back pages of the Quibbler that said that a man’s foot represents the size of other things,” she gazed at his abnormally large feet and grinned.

Ron turned red but he grinned back. “Well come on and find out for yourself Lovegood,” he was still buzzing quite hard. He unsnapped his jeans and watched as Luna swiftly stripped down to her knickers, her long loose hair falling to her waist in jumbled waves. Feeling slightly nervous, he kicked off his jeans and hooked his thumbs in the waistband of his boxers.

They stared at one another as both lowered the final pieces of their clothing. Ron dropped his boxers as Luna dangled her knickers for a moment and then they fell on top of the pile.

He was nervous now, his bravado from the alcohol fading away like the sunset earlier that night. Ron reached out for her hand and they slid into the cool water.

Luna wound her arms around his neck as Ron pulled them into deeper water. “I was right about your foot size,” she said, her lips skimming his ear.

He grinned in relief at her. “I guess I shouldn’t be so nervous around you should I?” he asked.

“No,” Luna kissed him. “You already know how I feel about you,”

“I do,” Ron nodded. “I feel the same way.”

Luna smiled and leaned in again. Ron’s arms slipped down her waist, his fingers grazing low on her skin. Their kisses grew hot fast as they dipped lower in the water so that only their heads were above surface.

She broke away from him several minutes later and dove under the water. Ron treaded, looking around for her to surface. Luna came up several yards away, her hair plastered to her head and floating around her in the water. She looked like a mythical mermaid to him, and he felt like he’d never seen anything more gorgeous in his life.

“You’re staring at me,” Luna said, giggling a bit.

“Sorry,” Ron said, reaching for her. “Are you all cooled down now?” he teased.

“Are you going to heat me back up?” Luna asked a bit coyly.

Ron grinned. “Is that what you want Luna?” he asked, tracing a finger down her face.

“Yes,” she said, gazing back at him evenly. “I looked in a book of Hermione’s earlier and found something to protect myself.”

“All right,” Ron said, swallowing nervously. He didn’t assume when he’d suggested the skinny dipping that it would lead to this… but he felt ready. He was an adult now. He’d be getting a job soon. Yes… he felt that he was definitely ready.

They kissed again, her arms coming back around his neck. Ron could feel her heart beating against his chest as his hands came around to her front, teasing her with his fingers until Luna was gasping into his ear.

Ron returned his lips to hers, his tongue thrusting in and out much like his lower half would be doing. After teasing her a bit more under the water, Ron pushed himself inside her, his eyes open and staring into hers.

It started slow and rather steady, but as the burning inside them grew, he went faster. Luna’s head dropped back as her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Ron kissed her neck and bit at her pale shoulder as he released, letting his shout be muffled in her skin. Luna lost it at about the same time and her cry echoed over the lake.

Ron and Luna held onto each other in the water, almost motionless for a few moments. “Wow…” he finally said weakly.

Luna rested her forehead on his, her fingers playing in his hair at the nape of his neck. She had never felt speechless before this moment and what made her happiest of all was that she was with Ron Weasley, which had been a dream of hers for so long. “It was perfect,” she finally murmured.

Ron opened his mouth to say that wasn’t true, it had been slightly awkward and too fast but one look at her face made him stay quiet. “It was perfect,” he repeated softly.

A/N: So a lot of you were asking for a better snog scene between H/Hr. Actually most of you wanted a shag scene between H/Hr- I re-edited a scene and added more steamy of a kissing scene for them but they don’t shag in this fic! Sorry- I’m saving my energies on that for the Dirty Dancing sequel ;) You can expect an update on that probably tomorrow evening sometime!!

Anyways, I wanted to thank all of you that took the time to leave me comments on this story. It’s been in my head for quite awhile and I’m REALLY very happy that you guys liked Richard and Charlotte’s story as well.

Thanks again everyone! See you on the flipside :D

“What did you two do last night?” Ginny asked when the three girls woke up the next morning and were getting ready.

“Harry and I walked around for a bit and then I managed to drag him into one of the used bookshops there in town,” Hermione cast a glance at the two bulging bags resting next to her trunk. After he’d bought them for her (as she had forgotten her Muggle money back at the house) and they had arrived back, she promptly repaid him, both in quid and with a rather lengthy and nice snogging session in one of the bedrooms they’d worked on. “What about you?” she asked Ginny.

“Neville and I saw Casablanca,” Ginny replied as she blushed. “Well… I had already seen it… we actually didn’t do much watching.” She grinned. “May I just say that Neville Longbottom kisses extremely well?”

Hermione laughed. “You may,” she joked.

“Ron and I had sex,” Luna said, brushing her hair in a dreamy fashion, her eyes firmly trained on the lake. “He’s very good at that.”

Ginny and Hermione stood positively still for a moment. “Okay Luna… its fine that you’re dating my brother and all… but please, please don’t elaborate on anything you do together.”

Hermione agreed, nodding vigorously as she straightened out her work shirt. “I’ll see you lot downstairs,” she said. She headed down the hall to the guys’ bedroom and knocked.

Harry opened the door to see Hermione standing outside. She grinned at him as he tugged on the bottom of his shirt. “See you at breakfast,” he called behind him as he shut the door. He grabbed her hand and they raced down the hallway to one of the unused rooms.

Harry no sooner had the door shut than Hermione grabbed his shirt and propelled the both of them to the bed, her mouth on his before they even hit the mattress. Harry grinned under her lips, his fingers delving immediately into her hair and his free hand pulling up her shirt and tracing along her back.

He tasted so good; the more Hermione kissed him the more of him she wanted. She’d never experienced these sorts of feelings before and Harry seemed to draw them out of her in spades.

“Good morning,” she finally murmured when their lips broke apart.

“Morning,” Harry grinned, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear.

“How did you sleep?” Hermione asked, sitting up and straightening out her clothes.

“Good,” Harry replied. “No nightmares!”

Hermione beamed. “That’s wonderful!” she leaned forward and kissed him again.

Harry pulled her close. “I’ll have to remember to not have them if I get rewarded like this.”

She laughed. “I’ll snog you anyways.”

After another ten minutes or so of some rather heavy kissing, Harry and Hermione went downstairs. “Good morning,” she smiled.

“Good morning dear,” Aunt Charlotte smiled.

“How are you feeling?” Harry asked.

“Much better love, thank you,” Charlotte smiled at the young man.

Harry smiled and grabbed some plates from the cupboard to go set the table. Hermione lagged behind a moment.

“Aunt Charlotte, when you have a moment I’d like to talk to you about something later,” she said.

“Of course dear,” Charlotte looked concernedly at her niece. “Is everything all right?”

“Oh everything is fine,” Hermione assured her. “Luna, Ginny and I just found something in the attic and we want you to see it.”

“All right dear,” Charlotte said. “Why don’t you pop in my office this afternoon then?”

“Sounds good,” Hermione kissed her aunt’s cheek. She grabbed some fruit and a muffin and went in the dining room, where they were quickly joined by Ron, Luna, Ginny and Neville.

“So Ron,” Hermione said, shooting Ginny a sly look. “Heard you and Luna had an interesting time last night...”

Ron’s head shot up and he looked first at Luna, who was watching him in her dreamy way, and then to the rest of his friends, who were snickering in their food. “Um…” he said. “What do you want to know?”

That did it for Harry and Neville, who both started to laugh so hard tears came out of their eyes. Ginny simply shook her head while Hermione tried to stifle her giggles.

“Come on Ron, we’re all friends here,” Hermione said brightly. “Luna here already told us all about your escapades in the lake.”

Ron turned an interesting shade of magenta and muttered something under his breath.

“What was that?” Neville asked.

“What happened between Luna and me stays there,” Ron answered coolly. Everyone but Luna burst out laughing again; the blonde only sighed.

“Ron’s very much a gentleman,” she informed everyone. That did it for him- as everyone started cracking up he grabbed Luna’s hand and pulled her out of the house.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, hurrying alongside him.

“They were all laughing at us in there,” Ron replied shortly. “They seem to think it’s all a big joke.”

“Is it a big joke to you?” Luna had stopped.

“No,” Ron replied.

“Then don’t let the others bother you about it,” she smiled as she wrapped her arms around him. “That’s what I always told myself when people teased me about being odd in school. After awhile it stops hurting because their opinions don’t matter.”

Ron relaxed a bit. “You’re right… but these are my best friends and my sister. I don’t want them thinking our relationship is stupid.”

“They don’t,” Luna replied, her eyes oddly bright. “And it wouldn’t really matter if they did. They’re your friends and they’ll do anything for you.”

Ron put his arms around her. “You’re right,” he conceded.

“I know,” Luna sighed. “And I had a very lovely time last night.”

“I did too,” Ron said, feeling even better. “I’m glad it was… I’m glad it was with you.” He stammered.

Luna smiled broadly as she raised herself up to kiss him. “I’m glad too,” she said, her fingers already running through his red hair. They snogged for a few minutes before Ron pulled away.

“Come on,” he grinned. “Maybe we can go for another swim tonight.”

*** *** ***

At five to two, Hermione grabbed the journal from under her pillow and ran downstairs. Ginny and Luna had wanted to come with her but Hermione had begged off, saying she promised to tell them every detail but she had a feeling it would be hard to get her aunt to open up.

“Come in,” Charlotte called at the knock on the door. Her great niece came in, a book clutched in her hand. “Oh hello dear… I’d forgotten you were coming by to show me something.”

“Is this a bad time?” Hermione asked. “I can come back later,”

“Not at all,” Charlotte got up and sat on the sofa near the fireplace. “Come sit down next to me.”

Hermione did as her aunt said. “Well… back when we first started cleaning out the attic a month ago, we found this journal. It…it belonged to Richard.”

“Oh,” Charlotte said, her voice surprised and quiet.

“I really hope you don’t mind,” Hermione said quickly. “But we read through it- we were curious and it was like a story…”

Charlotte took the journal and opened it, her eyes filling with instant tears as she recognised Richard’s familiar scrawl across the pages. “I miss him,” she said.

Hermione hugged her aunt. “Will you tell me about him? If it’s not too hard for you that is?”

Charlotte sighed deeply as her fingers traced the words on the pages. She was silent for several minutes as she turned to the last entry and read through it. “That night was the best and worst of my entire life.” Charlotte finally said.

“You were going to marry him,” Hermione said. “But you didn’t…”

“No,” Charlotte replied. “I was on my way here to meet him. What I didn’t know was that my father had followed me with Charles. I met with Richard; we were actually sneaking away when the police showed up.”

“What?” Hermione asked in shock. “The police?”

Charlotte nodded. “My father threatened to have Richard arrested for kidnapping if I didn’t come back with them. I tried to call his bluff and say no, that I was an adult and I could make my own decisions about my life.”

“But it wasn’t a bluff?” Hermione asked, squeezing her aunt’s hand.

“No,” Charlotte answered sadly. “They actually had him in the handcuffs before I shouted for them to stop. I couldn’t bear to look at him any more, so I left, Charles holding on so tightly to me it felt like he would break my arm.”

Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat. “And then you married Charles?”

“The wedding was a week later.” Charlotte said. “It was miserable, at least for me, but I tried to put on a happy face for my mother at least. I never did speak much to my father again after that. I was kept busy – Charles had a house built for us in a town two hours away… I suppose it was his way of insuring that I wouldn’t be able to sneak away to see Richard.”

“Did you ever see him again?” Hermione asked.

“I did,” Charlotte answered. “It was six years after Charles and moved away. I had our first baby at that point and we came back here for a visit. Charles and my father were out together; I left the baby with my mother and came here.”

“You saw him again,” Hermione nodded.

“He had aged, but his eyes were the same as I remembered. We were so happy to see one another but at the same time, it was as if a wall fell between us…”

“You look exactly as I’ve always pictured you,” Richard traced a line down her cheek.

“I miss you so much,” Charlotte replied. “You have no idea how much I wish I was your wife, even now.”

“You have a child,” he nodded. “I saw the write up in the newspaper.”

“A boy,” Charlotte nodded.

Richard smiled, but it was tinged with sadness. “I still picture you here with me,” he said. “I still love you as much as I ever did.”

Charlotte felt tears spring to her eyes as she stepped forward and kissed him, the taste of his lips something she had craved for six years.

Richard pushed her back a few moments later. “We can’t do this,” he said, his forehead touching hers. “You’re a married woman and a mother now.”

“I know,” Charlotte replied tearfully. “But it still feels so right Richard.”

“Was that the last time you saw him?” Hermione asked, still gripping Charlotte’s hand.

“No. There was one more time… Charles and I had come back when my father died for his funeral. The whole town turned up- he stood near the back. I went to him after the service was over… we both realised at that point we needed to let go of one another.”

“But you never did, did you?” Hermione asked.

“Not altogether,” Charlotte replied. “He never married, and I know we never stopped loving one another. And I hope one day when I pass on, he and I will be reunited.”

Hermione felt a tear slip down her cheek. “I hope you are too,” she whispered.

“I feel so silly, I’ve made you cry,” Charlotte touched her niece’s cheek. “You’re a very good, sweet girl Hermione.”

“Thank you Aunt Charlotte.” Hermione smiled. “I’m glad to know arranged marriages aren’t the fashion anymore.”

“That they aren’t,” Charlotte smiled. “Besides, I daresay your parents will find Harry to be quite worthy of their little girl.”

“I hope so,” Hermione said. “They know how much I care about him as a friend.”

“As long as you’re happy, they’ll be happy,” Charlotte patted her hand.

Hermione smiled and got up from the sofa. “I’ll let you be so you can read the journal.” She kissed her aunt’s cheek and went to the door. “He really did love you a lot Aunt Charlotte.”

Charlotte smiled at her niece as she left, and with a trembling hand, turned back to the first page of the journal.

Hermione ran back up the stairs but instead of finding Ginny and Luna she went to the room where she knew Harry was cleaning. He was scrubbing a wall, his back to her. She shut the door and he spun around.

“Hey where did you go?” his last words were muffled because Hermione had thrown her arms around him and pressed her mouth hard against his.

Hermione kissed him as hard and as passionately as she could. “I’m sorry,” she said when they pulled apart.

“Why?” Harry drew her closer. “I don’t mind when you do that.” His eyebrows knit together as he saw her eyes go shiny. “What is it Hermione?”

She told him about the journal and what her aunt had just told her. “I guess… I’m just glad that no one objects to us being together Harry. I care about you so much…”

“I love you,” Harry said suddenly.

“You what?” Hermione’s eyes were wide.

“I love you,” Harry repeated. “I don’t care if we’ve only been together as a couple for only a little while…” It was his turn to be interrupted as Hermione flung herself at him, kissing him even harder than before.

She tasted sweet to him as he flicked his tongue against hers and teased her nape with his fingers. “I love you too Harry,” Hermione’s eyes were wet when they pulled away.

He hugged her tightly, her arms going around his middle and holding him equally as strongly. “I’m glad we got that cleared up,” Harry tried to lighten the mood and she laughed a bit.

“Me too,” she rested her chin on his shoulder as he rubbed her back soothingly. There was something almost different now about his actions, as if their declaration of the word love changed even more between them than becoming a couple already had. She pulled away and looked at him, her fingers tracing the lines of his face.

Harry looked back at her, his eyes soft as he leaned in again, touching his lips to hers. Hermione closed her eyes as she opened her mouth underneath his, letting his tongue slip inside. He pulled her gently over to the bed, pushing her upon it before lying to her side, rolling her body up over his.

Hermione lost her fingers in his hair as his hands began to wander up her shirt. Hermione arched her back, allowing Harry to slip the fabric up. “Take it off,” she hissed softly.

Harry opened his mouth to say something but she shushed him and helped him pull the t shirt over her head. Hermione was slightly nervous but at the same time, this was Harry and he loved her for Merlin’s sake. She pulled him back down on top of her, running her hands up over his back, his skin smooth under her fingertips.

Harry let out a moan as she lightly ran her fingernails over his spine. “Merlin…” he gasped, wanting to please her like she was doing for him. He began to run his hands up over her chest, letting his fingers trail over her covered breasts. His mouth pulled away from hers to trail down her neck, over the hollow of her throat and they valley between the two parts of her that Harry was currently caressing.

“Can I…” he choked out.

“Yes,” Hermione answered immediately.

Harry reached around behind her and feverishly unsnapped her bra, yanking it over her arms and taking in for the first time what Hermione looked like without anything covering her upper body. “You… you’re…” he couldn’t seem to form words.

“Is it that bad?” she asked.

“No!” Harry shook his head vehemently. “You’re… gorgeous… I just couldn’t think of what to say… my mind went sort of blank.”

“Is that good?” Hermione had a small smile on her face.

“Yes,” Harry grinned as he stroked her cheek. “You don’t have to be embarrassed with me Hermione.”

“I know that,” Hermione answered. “I can’t help it though…” she shivered in pleasure as Harry leaned in and kissed her again, his palm brushing over her breast.

Harry was nowhere near being experienced in these matters- he was relying on Hermione’s sighs and what she was doing back to make sure he was going along all right. His heart beat faster as she open her mouth to let out a tiny cry as Harry kissed over her breast, his tongue swirling over her tip.

He returned his mouth to hers several minutes later and Hermione grasped his shoulders. “Where did you learn to do that?” she asked, once they’d broken apart for air. She moved over into his arms and Harry held her as close as he could.

“I don’t know,” Harry replied. “I was just… going along with what I thought felt good for you…” He noticed the sudden tears that sprang to her eyes. “What is it?”

“Nothing,” Hermione sniffed. “I feel so silly.”

“Why?” Harry tucked a strand of her bushy hair behind her ear.

“I don’t know… I’m just happy… happy I have you… and you love me…” Hermione couldn’t help the two tears that fell from her eyes.”

“That I do,” Harry replied. “And you love me as well.”

“That I do,” Hermione repeated and he kissed her again.

“I’ll tell you as many times as you need to hear it,” Harry said softly, bringing his lips back to hers once more.

“We should get back to work,” Hermione wiped at her eyes several minutes later. “We’ve got plenty of time for this tonight.”

“What’s this?” Harry asked teasingly.

Hermione blushed. “This,” she kissed him and Harry pulled her back against him.

After she and Harry had snogged thoroughly some more, Hermione took off to find Ginny and Luna and tell them what Charlotte had told her.

“And she only saw him twice again after that,” Hermione said. Ginny’s eyes were filled with tears and Luna looked pensive.

“That’s so sad,” Ginny said. “Poor Richard and Aunt Charlotte…”

“I left her the journal to read,” Hermione replied. “But I was thinking… maybe… we could get some of the pictures she’s not going to have framed and put them all together in a nice photo album for her?”

“That’s a lovely idea,” Luna agreed.

“Good,” Hermione smiled at them. “Well… let’s get back to work and we can start planning for the album tonight.”

*** Two Weeks Later ***

Neville held the door to the restaurant open for Ginny. “Thank you,” she smiled at him.

“I’m glad you wanted to go out again,” he brushed his hand through his hair before winding their fingers together.

“It was much nicer without Ron breathing down your neck this time,” Ginny laughed.

“Yeah,” Neville admitted. “Plus I wanted to be alone with you away from the house.”

“Oh?” Ginny asked playfully.

Neville stopped and gave her a quick kiss. “Hey Ginny?” he asked after they’d walked down the road a bit.

“Hmm?” Ginny asked.

“What… what would you do…if you saw Malfoy again and… he decided he wanted you back?” Neville couldn’t help asking this. It was something he’d wondered about ever since Ginny had told him her tale.

“What?” Ginny asked. “Go back to Malfoy?”

“Yeah,” Neville said, a bit nervously.

Ginny was silent a moment. “Why on this bloody earth would I go back to Malfoy?”

“I don’t know. You loved him,” Neville said, wishing he hadn’t asked.

Ginny rolled her eyes. “So that means I’m still in love with him?”

“No,” Neville replied. “I’m just curious.”

“No,” Ginny said flatly. “What Malfoy and I had… it’s over now, completely. I’ve no desire to even lay eyes on him ever again much less talk to him or go back to him.”

Neville turned red. “I’m sorry,” he said.

“It’s all right,” Ginny calmed down. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily Longbottom,” she attempted a smile.

“All right,” Neville returned her grin. “Long as you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

“I think I’ll risk it,” Ginny said. She glanced at her watch. “We should get back though…we have to finish the photo album since we leave day after tomorrow.”

The photo album Hermione had had the idea for had turned into more of a scrapbook. Harry had found three boxes full of old newspapers in one of the closets, and using some magic, Hermione had carefully repaired them and some of the articles about Crossways and Richard were pasted into the book along with many photos they’d found.

“I can’t wait to give this to her,” Ginny and Neville heard Hermione saying as they climbed the stairs. “She’ll be so surprised.”

“I’m sure she’ll love it,” Harry assured her, his eyes travelling to the doorway where Ginny and Neville had just appeared. “Hey,” he said. “Did you have a good time?”

“We did,” Ginny answered, squeezing Neville’s hand. “Save it Ron,” she said to her brother who had just opened his mouth.

Everyone laughed as the redhead girl came over to inspect the scrapbook. “Wow, you guys got a lot done tonight.”

“Yeah,” Hermione brushed back a stray curl of hair. “We can give it to her then tomorrow after we make dinner for her.”

“We?” Harry asked pointedly. “As I remember, I’m the only one of you lot that can handle myself in the kitchen. All those years of cooking for the Dursleys and this is what I get…”

Hermione bombarded him with a pillow. “Harry James I told you I would help!”

“Ow!” Harry laughed. “All right Hermione Jane, you win.” He grabbed the pillow from her and tossed it at Ron.

“Hey!” Ron said, crumbs dropping down the front of his shirt from the biscuit he was eating. “I told you that I’d help too!”

“If Ron is helping you, you may want to order out,” Ginny replied. “One time he and I tried to make dinner when my mum was sick and…” she shivered. “Let’s just say the large black mass that was a result was completely uneatable.”

Everyone laughed at that, even Ron.

*** *** ***

“I wish you kids didn’t have to leave tomorrow,” Charlotte said as they all finished the dinner Harry, Hermione and Ron had worked on.

They had wound up making pasta and salad, after a failed attempt at a casserole and roast chicken went in the garbage. Harry had hardly been amused at Ron and Hermione’s disabilities in the kitchen and had finally shooed them away so he could make something edible.

“We don’t want to leave either Aunt Charlotte,” Ginny said. “It’s been lovely being here.”

“That’s sweet of you to say dear,” Charlotte replied. “I’ll certainly miss your help. I can’t believe how much the six of you were able to finish up in the time you were here.”

“We had plenty of time to do it,” Ron said.

“Well thank you all very much,” Charlotte said firmly. “You’re all welcome to come back and stay whenever you like.”

A chorus of thank you’s rose from the group as Ron and Luna began to gather the dirty dinner plates. Harry and Hermione rose to get dessert, which was the only thing Hermione had been able to fix as it involved no cooking- strawberry shortcake.

“Good job Hermione,” Ron said with his mouth full.

“Thank you Ron,” Hermione replied. They all finished dessert, and Hermione picked up the gift wrapped scrapbook that had been sitting under her chair all of dinner.

“Aunt Charlotte…” she began. “We all wanted to give you something… to remind you of Crossways back when you were younger and… and Richard,” Hermione finished tentatively. She handed her aunt the gift and Charlotte tore it open.

“Oh…” Charlotte’s jaw dropped as she took in the carefully planned pages, the pasted in newspapers, and photos. “This… this is…” tears filled her eyes.

“We all really hope you like it,” Ginny said, sitting down next to her. “We put as many pictures of Richard and the house as we could find.”

“Thank you all so much,” Charlotte said. “What a lovely gift! I will put it on the front table for display next to the guest book. I absolutely love it!”

She hugged each teenager in turn. “Thank you all,” she sniffed. “I’ve grown to love you six like my own children since you’ve been here. I can’t believe how much I’ll miss all of you.”

Ron, Luna, Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Neville crowded around her in one large group hug. “We love you too,” Hermione said her eyes clouded with tears.

They left Charlotte several minutes after that so she could look through the book herself. The elderly woman was deeply touched at the thoughtfulness of her great niece and friends.

The photos and articles they had selected brought back many, many memories. Her fingers traced over Richard’s face- the kids had even found photos that had been taken of them together on the old swing outside.

It was those days Charlotte missed most of all. Those carefree days before they had been caught, when they could be open with their love for one another, before they had been dragged apart, before she had been married off to another man she’d never truly grown to love.

Charlotte leaned her head back against her headboard- she had gone to bed while still reading some of the articles- and began to dream about what it would have been like should her father not have caught them that night.

A different life indeed…

*** *** ***

The six teenagers crowded around the window of their compartment and waved furiously at Aunt Charlotte as the train began to pull from the station. She had been quite spunky that morning due in large part, they suspected, from the scrapbook they’d given her the night before.

An hour or so into their journey back to London, Neville and Ginny had fallen asleep, their fingers woven together; Ron and Luna had been gone for the past half hour ‘using the loo’. Harry was dozing as well, his head in Hermione’s lap, her fingers brushing lightly through his messy black hair.

“Hi,” he whispered when he was jolted awake much like he had been on the ride to Crossways.

“Hi,” she whispered back. “Did you have a nice kip?”

“It was all right,” Harry sat up and stretched, letting his arm fall over her shoulders.

“Very smooth Potter,” Hermione leaned against his shoulder.

“What?” Harry asked innocently.

“Nothing,” Hermione leaned up for what was supposed to be a quick kiss. Harry curved his fingers over her nape, keeping her lips pressed against his. Hermione put her book aside and moved on top of Harry’s lap, his arms going around her waist as she boldly pushed her tongue into his mouth.

His responding groan told her he was quite happy with that move as Harry pulled her closer, as close as she could possibly get. Hermione was having a hard time breathing as her rib cage was crushed against his chest, her breasts flattened as his mouth practically devoured hers.

“Ahem,” a voice at the door made them pull apart, Hermione biting down hard on her swollen lower lip. Ron started laughing at the looks on the faces of his two best friends. “Getting a little friendly there aye Harry?”

“Sod off Ron,” Harry grumbled. “You ruined a perfectly good snogging session.”

“Potter,” Ron said languidly. “You’ve really got a lot to learn don’t you?”

“Shut up Ron,” Harry said warningly. “I do not have a lot to learn about snogging.”

“Not about snogging, but about where to do it,” Ron grinned. “That’s what the loo or an empty compartment is for.”

Harry glared at him and then grabbed Hermione’s hand and pulled her out into the corridor, Ron’s laughter echoing behind him.

*** *** ***

Charlotte stood at the gate of the village cemetery, her dress blowing around her legs. She’d let her hair down and the grey strands swung gently around her shoulders. She walked carefully along the rows of headstones until she came to a particular one.

She set a bouquet of flowers down, cleaning away a few of the weeds cluttering the ground. Tracing her fingers along the engraved name and dates, Charlotte took a deep breath.

“Hello Richard.” She began in a slightly shaking voice. “It’s been a long time…”