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Harry Potter and the Staff of Merlin by Holland Sauce
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Harry Potter and the Staff of Merlin

Holland Sauce

Harry Potter and all related Characters belong to JK Rowling

Chapter 12 - Malfoy, A Motorbike and Marauders - Part 1

As the 1st had fallen on a Saturday this year Harry and the others still had one more day of freedom to look forward to before lessons but whilst most students chose to have a Sunday Morning lie-in Harry awoke early and quickly hurried to the washroom where he showered and cleaned his teeth in preparing to spend a whole day with Hermione. He was quite surprised while cleaning his teeth to see a yawning Ron walking in to the washroom with a towel over his shoulder.

"Morning," said Ron blinking sleepily.

"Morning," replied Harry after spitting out the used toothpaste in the sink. "What are you doing up at this time?"

"Probably the same thing you are," snorted Ron. "Meeting my girlfriend!"

"Luna persuaded you to get up before eight…on a Sunday?" asked Harry looking impressed. Even Mrs Weasley struggled to get Ron up at that time in the Mornings.

"Yeah, well," said Ron looking sheepishly. "Luna said if I was late I could forget about kissing her for a week!" Here Harry gave a snigger.

"Sounds like she's got you wrapped around her little finger already Ron!" he chortled merrily clapping Ron on the shoulder. Ron now glanced at him with a scowl.

"She has…." He started to growl in reply but then stopped and bit his lip thoughtfully for a moment before giving a small grin. "Well, maybe just a little."

"Yeah, whatever you say Ron," said Harry gathering his washing things together. "We'll wait for you in the Common Room."

"Cheers," said Ron and headed for the shower stalls whilst Harry made his way back to the Dorms where he found Dean and Seamus still fast asleep but Neville's bed he now noticed was empty.

`Guess me and Ron aren't the only early risers,' thought Harry as he quickly dressed before glancing out the window over the grounds. The sun was shining brightly and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

With a grin Harry now grabbed one of his Weasley jumpers and headed for the door and made his way down to the Common Room where there were already a few early risers sitting around chatting happily or in some cases reading.

"Morning Harry," called a familiar voice and he turned to see Neville sitting in one of the window bay seats.

"Hey," said Harry crossing over. "What time did you get up?"

"Five," yawned Neville. "Professor Sprout came to me last night and asked if I would help her re-pot some Abyssinian Shrivelfig and that can only be done at dawn."

"Sooner you than me," said Harry with a chuckle. "So are you going back to bed?"

"Nah," said Neville running a hand through his hair, a smile on his face. "I said I'd meet Becky later on. I'll just try and catch an early night tonight."

"Morning you two," said a voice that made Harry's heart skip a beat and he turned to see Hermione walking towards them dressed in jeans and a light blue hooded sweater.

"Morning Hermione," said Neville cheerfully.

"Hey you," added Harry, a goofy grin spreading across his face. Merlin he wanted to kiss her but that was not a good idea here in the Common Room and by the look Hermione was giving him she knew it too.

"Hey," she replied, a beaming smile on her face. Neville merely rolled his eyes and grinned just as the door leading to the boys' dorms opened and Ron stepped into the Common Room still looking slightly dishevelled.

"Morning," he yawned.

"Morning," said Hermione brightly. "Sleep well?"

"I'll let you know when I wake up," muttered Ron before shooting a puzzled gaze at Neville.

"What are you doing up already Nev?"

"Helping Sprout," said Nev stifling a yawn of his own.

"Blimey, your almost as eager as Hermione," snorted Ron. Here Harry smirked whilst Hermione shot a dirty look at Ron who seemed oblivious of it as he rubbed at his eyes again.

"So is my sister up yet," he asked leaning against the wall.

"No," said Hermione. "She was still asleep when I stuck my head in the door." Here Ron snorted.

"Should have guessed, Dean didn't come up until one."

"Ron!" said Hermione warningly. "We told you…."

"Keep me nose out, yes I remember," grunted Ron. "But you do know Mum would have my head on a platter if I didn't keep my eye on her right?"

"There's keeping an eye on her and interfering," said Hermione firmly. "And noticing what time her boyfriend comes to bed is closer to inter…."

"Alright, alright," said Ron quickly holding up his hands. "It's too early in the morning for me!" He now gave a sigh and ran his fingers through his hair. "Well I guess if I'm going to get up this early I might as well have breakfast. You guys coming?"

***

The four friends quickly made their way down the corridor leading them to the moving staircases, which they negotiated quickly before finally coming to the Great Staircase. However as they reached the bottom of the stairs and were making they way across the hallway towards the main doors they heard the last voice that any of them wanted to hear.

"Well, well, well!" sneered Draco Malfoy. "If it isn't the saviour of the Wizarding world, his Weasel, the Mudblood and the Fool!"

"Oh look!" snorted Hermione. "It Ferret and his two gorillas!"

Here Malfoy bristled visibly and shot a dark glare at Hermione.

"Watch your mouth Mudblood!" he snarled.

"Don't you speak to Hermione like that!" hissed Harry stepping in between her and Malfoy whose cold grey eyes now turned to him. "It'd be worth a detention to send your arse to the Hospital Wing!"

"Harry," said Hermione quickly as she place a hand on Harry's arm. "Don't, he's not worth it!"

"She's right mate," grunted Ron. "Leave it!"

Harry glared at Malfoy for a few more moments then turned and started walking towards the Great Hall.

"That's right Potter!" snarled Malfoy. "Run away and hide. Just like my Aunt said, no guts for a fight. Couldn't even cast an Unforgivable prop…."

THWACK

Harry turned to see a furious looking Hermione standing over a stunned look Malfoy who had blood streaming from his nose. Ron and Neville meanwhile had pulled out their wands and were aiming them at Crabbe and Goyle who were glaring at Hermione. Malfoy meanwhile was looking up at Hermione with a mixed expression of shock and anger as he slowly wiped at his nose with the back of his hand which he glanced down at before looking back up, his face blackened with rage!

"You bitch!" he hissed. "You'll pay for that!" Here Hermione snorted and shook her head.

"Get it through your thick head Malfoy! I'm not scared of you or your family!"

"Well perhaps you should be!" growled Malfoy stumbling to his feet. "Because when the Dark Lord crushes your precious Scarhead here believe me, I'll take great pleasure in dealing with you!"

"What's on Earth is going on here?" said a voice from behind Harry that made him and the others turn to see Professor McGonagall at the top of stairs. With a broad smile knowing that Malfoy, even if he still had a wand, wouldn't dare attempt anything with a teacher present Harry now turned back to Malfoy who was still glaring at Hermione with fury.

"I asked what was going on here?" said McGonagall firmly as she made her way down the stairs. "Mr Malfoy?"

"Nothing!" sneered Malfoy with revulsion. At this McGonagall stopped descending the stairs and folded her arms across her chest whilst her face took on an icy expression.

"That's `Nothing Professor' to you Mr Malfoy!" she said warningly. "Now, be off with you!"

Malfoy now slowly pulled himself to his feet, shot a final dirty look at Harry then turned and stormed off towards the Infirmary with Crabbe and Goyle stumbling after him.

"Phew," muttered Neville under his breath as he slipped his wand back into his robes. "Talk about tense moments!"

McGonagall meanwhile had turned to Hermione with a slight frown.

"Miss Granger," she said sternly. "Although I have no doubt that Mr Malfoy provoked the situation I would rather you didn't hit him. Especially considering that you're a Prefect!"

"Sorry Professor," said Hermione biting her lip whilst Harry and the others all suddenly found their shoes very interesting.

"Yes, well," said McGonagall. "Seeing as term doesn't actually start until tomorrow I won't be docking any points but please make sure it doesn't happen again." And with that she head past the four relieved looking Gryffindors and towards the Great Hall when she suddenly stopped and looked over her shoulder.

"Oh yes, before I forget I have a message for you four, your sister Mr Weasley and Miss Lovegood if you would be so kind as to pass it on. After dinner tonight your to report to the DADA classroom for a meeting with Professors Dumbledore, Gringle, Stoutbridge and Hedges." And with that she turned and swept into the hall.

"Meeting tonight?" said Ron with a puzzled frown as the four began to head towards the hall themselves. "What do you think that's about?"

"Dunno," said Harry with a shrug. "Guess we'll find out tonight."

"You don't think they're going to be starting our training do you?" asked Neville curiously.

"I don't think so," said Hermione thoughtfully. "I'd imaging its probably the test that Professor Gringle set us."

"Oh yeah," said Ron, a broad grin crossing his face. "I knew there was a reason I was reading that book. So I can actually kick your butt in a test!"

"You wish Ron," said Hermione with a snort as they made their way to the Gryffindor table.

"Well, we see won't we?" said Ron as he turned and shot a grin at Harry who rolled his eyes whilst he and Hermione slipped into seats on one side of the table while Ron and Neville sat down opposite them and the four friends quickly loaded their plates and started to eat chatting happily amongst themselves.

As he chewed on a piece of bacon whilst listening to Hermione talking about how she couldn't wait to start NEWT level Arithmancy Harry turned his gaze up to the teachers table where he could see several vacant seats. Snape was missing as were Professors Hedges and Stoutbridge but Gringle was there talking with McGonagall and Dumbledore who were both smiling in amusement whilst Professor Flitwick and Madam Pince were discussing something a few seats down just as the door behind them opened and the enormous form of Hagrid stepped through. Harry quickly noticed that his giant friend had a bandaged hand although it didn't seemed to be bothering Hagrid who now spotted Harry and winked at him before sitting down beside Flitwick who had turned and was now talking to Hagrid.

"Morning everyone," said Luna's voice and Harry pulled his gaze from the staff table and turned to see Luna slipping in between Neville and Ron and a plate now popped into existence in front of her.

"Hey," said Ron with a goofy grin.

"Good Morning Ron," said Luna smiling brightly before placing a quick kiss on Ron's cheek causing him to go bright red.

Across the table Harry felt a pang of envy at the fact that Ron and Luna could kiss in the Great Hall and only a few people gave them odd looks or smirked that `Loony' Lovegood had snared a boyfriend whilst if he tried to kiss Hermione they'd have the whole hall looking at them.

Then however he felt a hand take hold of his under the table and squeeze it and he turned to see Hermione smiling softly at him.

"I know," she said simply and at this Harry felt a pang of guilt. He'd completely forgotten that Hermione was in the same situation as he was and was probably feeling just as annoyed about it. But they'd agreed before coming back to Hogwarts to keep their relationship a secret for now at least and so for now they just had to grin and bare it.

"So how are you Luna?" asked Hermione turning to look over at the table where Ron had resumed attacking his bacon and eggs whilst Luna dreamily stirred a bowl of porridge.

"Fine thank you," said the Blonde Ravenclaw. "Of course, I'm even better now I'm with my Beloved."

Ron went bright pink at this whilst on the other side of Luna; Neville was trying hard not to choke on his toast. Harry meanwhile cast a sideway glance at Hermione and saw that, although she'd fixed a neutral expression on her face, her shoulders were trembling with silent laughter.

"Luna, mumbled Ron glancing around quickly before turning back to his girlfriend with a pleading expression. "Tone it down a bit, please!"

"I'm sorry," cooed Luna. "Am I embarrassing my Ronniekins?"

Ron now went even pinker and sank a few inches in his seat whilst poor Neville, who'd been trying to take a sip of Pumpkin juice after nearly choking on his toast nearly drowned as he started choking again! Even Hermione couldn't stop herself this time and emitted a strange and rather high-pitched squeaking noise which caused most of the students present and even a few of the teachers to turn and look towards the small group whilst Harry shook with mirth. The whole time this was going on Luna continued to eat her porridge seemingly unaware of the hilarity she was causing.

"So anyway," said Luna turning her gaze from Ron to Hermione and Harry. "What have you two got planned for today?"

"Oh," said Hermione quickly composing herself. "Hadn't really given it much thought, why? Have you?"

"Oh yes," said Luna smiling brightly. "We're going to the East Woods. Professor Dumbledore told Daddy that there could be some Wood Nymphs there and their very rare in this country. One hasn't been seen here for nearly a hundred years." She then turned to Ron with a broad smile. "Did Colin lend you a camera?"

"Yeah," said Ron with a nod. "It's up on my bed."

"Well then," said Luna rising from her seat. "Let's go looking for Nymphs!" Ron nodded, wolfed down a last piece of fried bread and then jumped up.

"See you guys later," he grinned.

"Remember to tell her about tonight!" called Hermione as Luna and Ron made their way towards the doors and received a wave of acknowledgement from Ron before they disappeared at the door.

"You Okay there Nev?" said Harry glancing across at Neville who was still red faced.

"Yeah, I think so," muttered Neville hoarsely before getting to his own feet. "Anyway, I'll see you guys later!"

"Have fun!" chirped Harry at which Neville gave him a sheepish grin before making his way towards the Hufflepuff table where Becky was sitting with some of her friends.

"You know," said Hermione thoughtfully as she gazed up at the ceiling where the sun was shining brightly with no trace of cloud. "It's such a lovely day, how about we go on a picnic?"

Here Harry turned to Hermione with a broad smile.

"That sounds nice," he said with a nod. "And I know just the elf to ask!"

***

It only took a few minutes to reach the entrance of the kitchens from the Great Hall but as they reached the painting of the fruit bowl. Harry quickly reached out and tickled the pear, which started giggling almost at once and turned into a door handle.

Harry started to reach for the handle then hesitated before turning with a small smile to Hermione who gave him a curious look.

"What?" Harry quickly took a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair.

"Well, don't take this the wrong way `Mione but I think it might be a good idea if you stay out here. We don't know how many of the Elves are still holding a grudge of you for…well, for trying to set them free against their will!" He now ran his hand through his hair again and gave Hermione a nervous grin.

Hermione looked at him for a moment then gave a small sigh, a slight pout on her face.

"I suppose," she agreed. "But I still don't understand how can such intelligent creatures want to stay slaves! It just seems so…so demeaning for them!"

"Hey, I'm not arguing with you," said Harry quickly. "But they obviously like their job so who are we to free them?"

"I guess," admitted Hermione although she looked far from happy. Harry now quickly reached down and squeezed her hand.

"I won't be long," he promised then turned towards the door,

"Say hi to Dobby and Winky for me," called Hermione as he stepped through the door and into the busy kitchen where almost at once, despite the fact they were still serving breakfast Harry was mobbed by several elves.

"Good Mornings Sir," said one elf bouncing from one foot to another. "Hows can we be helping you?"

"I'm looking for Dobby," said Harry. "Is he around?"

"Oh yes Sir," said the bouncing elf nodding quickly, an action repeated by his fellow elves. "I wills get him for you!" And with that he turned and hurried away.

"Can we's be getting anything for you whiles you wait Sir?" squeaked another Elf.

"No thanks," said Harry with a smile. "I've had a great break…OOOFFFF!"

"HARRY POTTER SIR, HARRY POTTER CAME TO SEE DOBBY!" squealed a loud voice from around Harry's mid-drift and Harry now looked down to see Dobby's tennis ball eyes looking out from beneath of all things a tweed cap.

"Hey Dobby," said Harry with a broad grin. "How are you?"

Almost as soon as he'd asked the question Harry regretted it, as the Elf started to tremble with emotion but then to Harry's relief Dobby seemed to get hold of himself.

"Dobby is very good, thank you Harry Potter!"

"And Winky?" asked Harry and this time Dobby gave him a toothy grin.

"Winky is much betters Harry Potter. She still drinking a little too much but she is getting betters and she change her clothings at least once a week!"

"Good," said Harry with a smile. "Listen Dobby, can I ask you for a favour?"

"Of course Harry Potter Sir, you need only asks," said Dobby. "Whats is it you wants?"

"Could you do me a picnic basket for two?" asked Harry suddenly feeling slightly nervous. "I'll pay," he added quickly as an afterthought.

"No!" cried Dobby in reply. "Dobby requires no payments from Harry…."

"Well I insist on give you something," said Harry stopping Dobby in his tracks. "What about some more socks?"

Here Dobby's ears drooped and he looked a little crestfallen.

"Dobby has rather too many socks," he mumbled. "But…no, Dobby cannot ask Harry Potter for those."

"Dobby, you can ask me for anything you want," said Harry. Here Dobby hesitated for a moment then met Harry's gaze.

"Does Harry Potter have any chocolate frog cards Dobby could have?" he asked timidly.

For a moment Harry just stared at Dobby before laughing. As it happened he had a few swaps in his pocket from the train the day before and he now handed these to Dobby.

"Here you go," he said handing them to Dobby who looked at them in awe then at Harry. "I've got some more you can have up in my trunk. I'll leave them out for you tonight."

"Thank you Harry Potter Sir," said Dobby, another toothy grin spreading across his face. "Dobby will nows get you a basket." And with that he turned and hurried into the depths of the kitchen leaving Harry by the door.

"Harry?" called Hermione's voice through the door. "What's going on?"

"Dobby's just gone to get our baskets," replied Harry.

"You did pay him didn't you?" asked Hermione quickly.

"No," said Harry honestly. "He refused when I offered!"

"Oh," said Hermione sounding a little disappointed.

"But I gave him some Chocolate Frog cards," added Harry quickly. "He seems to have started collecting them."

"Oh, that's wonderful!" exclaimed Hermione. "He's started a hobby! Maybe the others will start copying him! That would be a start."

"Yeah, Okay," said Harry a little uncertainly just as he hurried a scurrying noise and turned to see Dobby hurrying towards him holding a basket on his head.

"Heres you goes Harry Potter Sir," chirped the House Elf handing the basket to Harry beaming with pride. "I has put also no spilling and keeping cold charms on it!"

"Thanks Dobby," said Harry with a grin. "I'll put the other cards by the mantle-piece tonight."

"Thanks you Harry Potter," said Dobby with a bow. "Yous is too kind."

"No problem," replied Harry. "By the way, Hermione says good on you for starting a hobby."

"Miss Hermione is very kind," said Dobby with a smile. "Although the others don'ts like her keeps trying to frees them. Theys happy here!"

"I keep telling her that Dobby," said Harry with a chuckle. "Anyway, I'd better not keep her waiting. Bye Dobby, say Hi to Winky for me!"

"Goodbyes Harry Potter," replied Dobby with another bow. "Has a verys nice day!"

***

After leaving the kitchen Harry and Hermione quickly left the kitchen and made their way back up to the Entrance Hall which was now beginning to come to life as more of the student body made their way to breakfast.

They quickly picked their way through the melee and were soon standing outside in the courtyard and could see some students already making their way towards the Quidditch Stadium.

"There go this years hopefuls," said Harry with a chuckle as they almost got knocked over by two Hufflepuffs both waving Nimbus 2001's over their heads.

"Slow down!" called Hermione snapping into prefect mode. At the command the pair stopped running, glanced over their shoulders at Hermione with nervous looks then resumed their journey at a quick jog.

"Honestly," sighed Hermione. "They could hurt someone….what?"

"Nothing," chuckled Harry. "It's just…well you just look so hot when you're `Hermione the Prefect'. And at the same time your almost scary too! It's like your channelling a young McGonagall!"

"Why you….!" squeaked Hermione and attempted to swat Harry with her hand but Harry ducked easily and jogged a few feet in front of her.

"Now, now," said Harry waggling his finger at his girlfriend. "Violence never solved anything!"

Hermione gave a snort and glared at him.

"You're a real prat at times!" she grumbled as they walked out of the gates and started down towards the lake.

"Must be the Marauder blood in me," said Harry with a chuckle. "Gods, from what I know of him my Dad could be a HUGE prat at times. Took the cool head of my bookworm mother to keep him out of trouble!"

By now Hermione's lips were trembling with amusement and she now cast Harry a sideway glance."

"Like Father, like Son, eh?"

"Something like that," allowed Harry. "Although I don't plan on being nearly as much of a prat as my Dad was, especially when in comes to the girl I love!"

"Well, I'm glad to hear that," said Hermione with a smile while at the same time her cheeks went slightly pink. "So where are we going anyway? I mean, it's nice down by the lake but it's not exactly private!"

"Yeah," said Harry thoughtfully biting his bottom lip. Then suddenly a small grin crossed his face. "Actually, I know just the place," he said as he cast a quick look over his shoulder before quickly reaching down and taking Hermione's hand in his. "Come on!"

They now started to make their way around the lake until they were about a third of the way around when Harry lead Hermione up an almost hidden path then lead up to a small hillside clearing which overlooked the lake, the school grounds and even Hogsmeade but was hidden from view from down below.

"Oh Harry," said Hermione softly. "It's beautiful!"

"I know," allowed Harry. "Hagrid showed it to me during Second Year. Apparently he discovered it in his first year and came here when he just wanted to be alone and then when my parents wanted some quite time together away from Sirius and Remus he showed them this place." He now placed the picnic basket on the ground before he removed his jacket and transfigured it into a blanket and sat down on it with his back against a tree. "So, you like it?"

"I love it," replied Hermione turning with a smile before crossing over and sitting next to Harry before turning to him with a wry expression.

"So, now you've got me up here Mr Potter what was the next part of your plan or shouldn't I ask?"

"Well," said Harry with a lopsided grin that made Hermione's spine tingle. "I was thing something like this!" With that he leaned in and gently pressed his lips against Hermione's whilst cupping her face with his hands. When they finally broke the kiss both were panting for breath and Harry was pretty certain that if he could see his own face it would be a mirror image of the goofy expression Hermione was wearing.

"Wow!" he offered simply.

"Uh-huh," replied Hermione who looked to Harry like she was having trouble forming anything close to a coherent thought.

They now settled into a comfortable position with Hermione resting her head against his shoulder while Harry held one of her hands and stroked the back of it with his thumb as they looked out over the lake. From where they were seated they could see little figures on the other side of the lake while the Squid floated lazily on the surface. Above the Quidditch Stadium they could see more dots occasionally ducking and diving as they whizzed through the air.

"Your looking forward to that aren't you?" said Hermione as she glanced up at Harry who immediately pulled his gaze away from the small dots in the sky to his girlfriend's eyes.

"Am I that obvious?" he grinned.

"You could have gone flying you know," replied Hermione. "I wouldn't have minded!"

"Yeah right," chuckled Harry. "Not even a tiny bit?"

"Well, maybe just a bit," allowed Hermione.

"Well you don't have to," said Harry. "If it comes to choosing whether to go flying or spending time with my girlfriend, my girlfriend wins every time!"

"Even if I asked you to miss a match?" asked Hermione smirking mischievously.

"Ah, now that might be pushing it," allowed Harry. "After all, we can't let Slytherin get their greasy hands on the cup now can we?"

"Gracious no!" exclaimed Hermione in mock horror as she met Harry's gaze.

"Glad we agree on that," said Harry with a grin before claiming a small kiss.

They sat in silence for a few moments looking out over the lake before Hermione suddenly turned to her boyfriend.

"Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I ask you a question?" she said softly. "You don't have to answer it if you don't want to," she added quickly. Harry merely turned his gaze to her and smiled.

"What do you want to know?"

"Well, I know about Cho, but have you ever had a crush on anyone besides her?"

"You what?!" exclaimed Harry.

"You heard," said Hermione with a cheeky grin. "Well?" Harry could feel his cheeks going warm and he tugged at the collar of his shirt nervously.

"Bloody hell `Mione," he muttered. "Could you ask me an easier one?"

"I could," allowed Hermione, a large grin plastered across her face. "But it wouldn't be nearly as much fun!"

"Thanks," muttered Harry glumly.

"Oh come on," said Hermione. "I won't be jealous. After all, you are with me now!"

Harry gave a sigh and pulled a hand through his hair.

"I kinda thought Hannah was cute," he admitted weakly.

"Hannah?" exclaimed Hermione with a snort of laughter. "Hannah Abbott!"

"Alright, alright," muttered Harry. "No need to rub it in!"

"Sorry," said Hermione genuinely. "Any real reason or was it just her looks?" Here Harry gave a shrug.

"She was the first girl I ever met who was nice to me," he replied. "If you recall we didn't exactly hit it off when we first met!"

"Fair point," allowed Hermione. "Although I think you should blame Ron for that. He wasn't exactly very welcoming was he?"

"True," agreed Harry. "But what would you have thought if he'd burst into your carriage and started bossing you about?"

"Alright, I suppose I'd have told him to get lost," admitted Hermione. "Although I'd have been a lot more politer about it that he was!"

"Yeah, well you know Ron," chuckled Harry.

"Yes, I do," replied Hermione settling her head against Harry's shoulder. "So, do I need to have a word with Hannah or what?"

"I'd rather you didn't," said Harry. "For one thing you know how the grapevine would warp it. And besides, I don't want Ernie mad at me!"

"Alright, I won't tell."

"Good, anyway what about you? Who was you first crush? Malfoy? Vicky? Or do I have to be jealous about some other guy!"

"Harry!" exclaimed Hermione. "Firstly Malfoy….eeewwwww!!!!!"

"I'll take that as a no."

"Defiantly. Secondly, don't call Viktor that, it's bad enough that Ron does it and no I don't like him like that. Beside, truth be told he's a little…..well…." Here she hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Whingy!"

"Whingy?" Exclaimed Harry. "Is that even a word?"

"Probably not," admitted Hermione. "But it's the best word I can think of to describe him. He always seemed to be complaining about something. To be truth it was kind of annoying!"

"Okay, so no to Malfoy or VIKTOR," said Harry putting careful emphasis on Krum's name. "So is there anyone you've ever had a crush on, and remember Miss Granger, I know when you're lying!"

"You know, I think it's a little unfair how you turned my question back on me! I was only trying to get you back for the whole `McGonagall' remark!"

"I know, but this is fun! Now answer the question or else!"

"Or else what?"

"Or else I might have to tickle you!"

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Wouldn't I?" And as to prove his point Harry slipped his hand under Hermione's top and began running his fingers up and down her side causing her to flinch and emit a strangled noise.

"Okay, okay!" she giggled. "You win, I'll talk!"

"Come on then," said Harry as he shifted so he could see Hermione's face. "Who do I have to watch out for?"

Hermione now blushed and ducked her head mumbling something under her breath.

"What was that?" said Harry as he leaned in closer. "Come on, speak up!" And with this he ran his fingers over Hermione's sides causing her to wriggle.

"Brad Pitt! Brad Pitt!" cried Hermione squealing with laughter.

"What, that Muggle actor?" said Harry with a growl. "What's he got that I haven't?"

"Not jealous are we?" sniggered Hermione.

"No!" replied Harry hotly. "But after I've kicked Tom's arse I may just pay Mr Pitt a visit!"

"You'd better not!" exclaimed Hermione.

"Oh, and whose gonna stop me?" asked Harry with a mischievous grin. "You?"

"Yes, me!" replied Hermione grinning back.

"Oh, and how do you intend to do that?"

"Like this!" And without anymore warning Hermione sprang up and onto Harry and promptly started to tickle him. With a roar of laughter Harry immediately countered and the pair were soon rolling on the floor of the clearing tickling each other mercilessly and laughing hard for several minutes until they finally came to rest with Hermione astride Harry almost nose to nose and both panting for breath. Harry couldn't help chuckling at Hermione who now had twigs, moss and a few leaves in her hair while his own glasses were crooked.

"Why, Miss Granger, I do believe you have me at a disadvantage!" he said smirking lopsidedly up at her. Hermione smiled back, a wicked twinkle in her eye.

"Some it would seem Mister Potter," she smirked before leaning down and claiming another kiss. They stayed like that for several minutes until Harry suddenly gave a yelp as Hermione's knee brushed a certain part of his anatomy. Hermione immediately jerked her face away from Harry, a look of shock on her face, which was going very red.

"Ha…Harry," she stammered. "That…that is your wand isn't it?"

"Umm," replied Harry going quite red himself. "That's…that's one word for it I suppose!"

"Oh!" squeaked Hermione but making no attempt to move. "Did…did I…did I do that?"

"Well it sure wasn't Snape," joked Harry weakly causing Hermione to giggle nervously. She now shifted slightly and Harry gave a groan.

"Don't do that `Mione…please!" he choked.

"Do what? This?" asked Hermione as she wriggled again causing Harry to groan again before opening one eye and glaring at her.

"You little minx!" he growled. "You're doing that deliberately!"

"Doing what?" repeated Hermione with replied with an impish grin, her cheeks still red.

"You know damn well what!" muttered Harry and suddenly he flipped Hermione over onto her back and raised himself over her.

"Merlin, how'd I get so luck as to end up with someone as beautiful as you?" he murmured causing Hermione to blush.

"I'm not that beau….," she started but was silenced by Harry's lips on hers before he pulled back with a grin.

"'Mione, you're beautiful, trust me on that!"

"How come you always know the right things to say?" muttered Hermione, her eyes feeling slightly damp.

"Because its true," replied Harry with a smirk. He was now lowering his lips to hers again when suddenly his head jerked up and he looked towards the woods at the back of the clearing.

"What?" asked Hermione suddenly feeling slightly alarmed.

"We're not alone," said Harry quietly as he scrambled to his feet and pulled out his wand before pulling Hermione up before she too pulled out her wand just as the sound of a twig snapping reached their ears.

"Harry!" hissed Hermione in fear grabbing Harry's free hand.

"It's Okay," said Harry softly before raising his wand up slightly.

"We know your there!" he yelled towards the trees. "Come on out or we'll stun you!"

At this there was the sound of more twigs snapping and the rustling of undergrowth and Harry and Hermione could both tell it was getting closer.

"Ready?" asked Harry under his breath.

"Yes," replied Hermione although her wand hand was trembling violently.

"Steady," said Harry giving her other hand a reassuring squeeze just as the bushes gave another rustled and something stepped out into the clearing.

"Buckbeak!" exclaimed Harry in relief lowering his wand. "It's you!"

"Oh thank Merlin," sighed Hermione in relief dropping her own wand arm to her side as the Hippogriff looked at them curiously for a moment before he trotted across the clearing towards them.

"Hello you," said Harry patted the Hippogriff's beak whist Buckbeak nipped gently at his fingers whilst Hermione patted his neck before turning to Harry.

"See if there's anything in Dobby's basket we can give him."

"Good idea," said Harry and hurried to the picnic basket whilst Hermione continued to stroke Buckbeak who now gave a crow of satisfaction as she hit a particularly sensitive area.

Harry meanwhile opened the basket and immediately grinned as he saw all the shrunken food in the basket. Dobby had obviously used a packing charm to cram the basket full of goodies but despite the fact he'd been told it was just for Harry and Hermione the House Elf had packed enough for a small army.

`Or Ron on a day he's not too hungry,' though Harry with a small chuckle as he pulled out a foil wrapped package and unwrapped in to reveal some cherry pie. Putting this aside Harry reached in and pulled out another package and this time got egg sandwiches.

"You found anything yet?" asked Hermione look over at him.

"Hold on," said Harry as he grabbed another bundle and unwrapped in to reveal some cold sausages. "Here we go." He now got up and walked towards Buckbeak whose head immediately shot up, his eyes narrowing with anticipation.

"Catch fella," said Harry and tossed one of the sausages in the air. Almost the moment the sausage left Harry's hand Buckbeak reared up and caught it neatly before tossing it up it the air and swallowing it before given an odd belching noise.

"Eew!" snorted Hermione as she patted Buckbeak. "Your table manners are about as good as Ron's!"

"At least he doesn't chew with his mouth open," chuckled Harry at which Hermione giggled.

"That's true," she agreed as Harry tossed another sausage into the air and watched as Buckbeak snatch it out of the air and gobbled it down before give a screech of satisfaction.

***

Is it me or is this getting harder? Still I've finished that what count's right? I actually started the original draft in November but when I finished it in January it didn't work for me and so it was back to square one. In the original it was Ginny who clocked Malfoy but after considering it (and watching POA a couple of times) I decided to have Hermione do it.

Part Two is done (I wrote these two in all one go, another reason why it took so damn long) but I won't post that any earlier than late April/early May.


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