Chapter 17 - A Night of Pure Magic - Part One
Despite thinking beforehand that having the spell she needed in her possession would ease her nerves Hermione quickly discovered that they only seemed to increase over the next few days.
For starters, there was a potions lesson with Snape the day after the Infirmary incident and although the Potions Master didn't mention it he took every chance he could find to put down Hermione, Harry and Neville even docking the boys points for not cutting their ingredients neatly.
The main cause of her anxiety however was her need to finding a location for `The Rendezvous' as Ginny and Luna had taken to calling her plan. Hermione had considered the Astronomy Tower, the Room of Requirement and even a few of the classrooms until Ginny had come up with the perfect solution.
The Guest Quarters.
Hogwarts' Guest Quarters were located in the South Wing of the Castle and were usually used by visiting Ministry Officials or parents who'd come to visit a student in the Infirmary but for the majority of the time they were empty. Plus, as none of the Houses had their Common Rooms or Dormitories located nearby it wasn't patrolled either by the Prefects or the Teachers on a regular basis and even Filch and Mrs Norris only ventured there when the rooms were in use.
"It's perfect," said Luna with a broad smile as the three girls sat in the Marauder Common Room doing their Arithmancy homework whilst Harry, Ron and Neville sat across the room working on essays for McGonagall.
"Do you think it'd be possible to have a look at one?" said Hermione softly.
"Shouldn't be too hard," said Luna. "It's not like their out of bounds. It's just finding a way to keep Harry busy."
"I think I can help there too," replied Ginny with a grin. "We might only be able to have one practice a week but Hooch didn't say anything about us not being able go for a fly around the grounds, I know the Hufflepuffs have so we shouldn't have a problem."
Unsurprisingly Harry needed very little persuasion to agree to Ginny's plan and so the following morning after breakfast the Gryffindor team along with the three reserves all trooped out the main doors with their brooms over their shoulders and eager grins on their faces.
With Harry now out the way Hermione and Luna left the Great Hall together and crossed the entrance hall before making their way up the main staircase to the first floor before taking the left hand corridor that lead to Professor McGonagall's Office and the Transfiguration Classroom. As they walked with Luna happily chatting about how her Father was currently following up on a claimed sighting of a Bigfoot-type creature in the foothills of the Pyrenees Hermione felt the butterflies in her stomach beginning to flutter again. They weren't as bad as on Thursday night but they were there.
"Hermione?" said Luna causing Hermione to turn and see the younger girl standing by a statue of Frelan the Fearful (The Most Cowardly Werewolf in History, he was apparently scared stiff of his own shadow) with an amused look on her face. "This way."
"Oh, sorry," said Hermione inwardly berating herself for her lack of concentration as she made her way over to Luna before the pair headed down the corridor that lead to the South Wing which, to Hermione's relief, they found totally deserted.
Hermione now stopped to try the first doorknob only for Luna to grab her wrist.
"Too obvious," said the Ravenclaw releasing Hermione's wrist and started down the row of doors until she came to the fifth door. "Here, this one will do."
Hermione had to agree that Luna probably had a point about not using the first door and now joined her blonde haired friend by the fifth door and pulled out her wand.
"Alohomora," she murmured softly at which the door clicked softly and she now pushed it open and stepped in with Luna right behind her.
"Oh," said Hermione softly. "Oh my!"
"Nice isn't it," remarked Luna casually.
Nice wasn't the word as far as Hermione was concerned as she slowly looked around the room with a sense of awe.
She'd been to quite a few stately homes and castles with her parents whilst on holiday when she'd been younger and this room left even some of them in the shade.
For starters the ceiling was cover in a wonderful pattern of alternating panels with each of the Hogwarts house mascots on whilst above the fireplace that took up one side of the room there was hung a large tapestry bearing the Hogwarts crest embroidered in gold thread and gleaming in the sunlight coming through the large bay window that practically filled the far side of the room from the door and which overlooked the South Woods and the mountains beyond them whilst in front of the window was a large well upholstered sofa.
She then turned to the large and very comfortable looking four poster bed which seemed to dominate the far end of the room and which was covered with large heavy drapes in rich plum and which looked like it could sleep at least eight people easily!
"It's beautiful," she murmured softly as she absentmindedly ran her hand over one of the drapes.
"Yes," said Luna slowly. "But…"
"But what?"
"The colour," said Luna. "Plum doesn't seem right somehow!" Then a rather broad grin crossed the Ravenclaw's face and she turned to Hermione.
"Close your eyes."
"Pardon?"
"Hermione, trust me!"
Hermione closed her eyes without a second more of hesitation and then felt a slight breeze as she heard Luna murmur a spell under her breath.
"There," said Luna after a few seconds. "Take a look."
Hermione opened her eyes and immediately felt her lips turn upwards in a smile. The plum had now been replaced by Gryffindor red and there was even gold trim on the curtains around the bed.
"What do you think?" asked Luna with a confident smile.
"Perfect," said Hermione.
"Good," said Luna. "And you know what will really finish it off? Candles! They'll really give it a romantic feel!"
Hermione nodded in agreement. Now all she had to worry about was how to get Harry here.
***
The ironic thing was that if Hermione hadn't been worrying about how she was going to get Harry to the South Wing she might have noticed that come Monday morning Harry was looking pretty nervous himself.
Ever since Ron had asked him what he'd brought Hermione for her birthday Harry had been growing more and more anxious. Was one present enough for her? Should he get her something else? And if so what?
And now on Monday morning, with two days to Hermione's birthday Harry had decided to that it was better to be safe than sorry, after all the last thing he wanted to do was upset Hermione on her birthday.
But the problem was what to get her and here Harry needed help. Unfortunately both Ginny and Luna were in classes all morning and he didn't really think Ron or Neville would be much help.
And so Harry decided to go to the one other Gryffindor girl who he trusted.
***
"Hey Harry," said Katie Bell looking up from the book she was reading with a broad smile. "What's up?"
"I kinda need your help," said Harry with a weak grin. "But first you've got to promise me what I'm about to tell you doesn't go beyond us two."
Katie's eyes widened with interest and she put the book down. "Wow, this sounds serious. Okay, I promise!"
Harry nodded at the simple pledge and then took a quick glance around.
"The thing is I need help getting a birthday present for Hermione. I've already got her a….well something anyway but I think I need to get her something else."
"Might not be a bad idea" agreed Katie leaning back in her chair with a broad grin on her face. "Especially what with her being your girlfriend now."
Here Harry's eyes almost popped out his head and his jaw almost unhinged itself.
"How…how….who told you?" he spluttered trying to keep his voice as low as possible.
"MY boyfriend," replied Katie and almost at once Harry let out a soft groan and let his head drop to the table.
"George."
"George," confirmed Katie with a chuckle. "Relax Harry, your secret's safe with me."
"Why didn't you say anything on the train," said Harry as he lifted his head slightly.
"Because it wasn't any of my business to ask," replied Katie with a shrug. For a moment Harry just looked at her then smiled.
"Thanks."
"No problem," said Katie. "Now, as what to get Hermione. What'd you have in mind?"
"Well, I did think about a book," admitted Harry. "But that seemed…"
"Wrong?" supplied Katie and at Harry's nod she nodded too. "What about jewellery?"
"Hermione's not really into that….I think," said Harry with a frown causing Katie to chuckle.
"Harry, take it from me, ANY girl would love a piece of jewellery if it comes from their boyfriend!"
"You reckon?" said Harry then leaned back with another groan and pulled his hands through his hair. "So now what? There's no way I could get anything sent from Diagon Alley in two days!"
"Who said anything about Diagon Alley?" said Katie with a chuckle. "There's a perfectly good jewellers in Hogsmeade."
"There is?" Harry replied with a look of surprise. "I've never seen it!"
"It's a little place just past the Three Broomsticks," said Katie. "It's called Spangle and Shine."
"Great," said Harry. "Just one problem, their down in Hogsmeade and we haven't got a weekend for a couple of weeks yet. And I can't exactly sneak out."
"So send Hedwig for their catalogue you nit!" said Katie with a laugh.
"Yeah, that'd make sense," murmured Harry sheepishly. "I'd better get up to the Owlery then, I've got to be at Herbology in twenty minutes."
"Bring the catalogue down to the Captain's Office after lunch," said Katie as Harry jumped to his feet. "It's as private a place as we'll find, unless you want the likes of Lavender or Charlotte finding out!"
"No fear!" replied Harry quickly. "Okay, see you after lunch!" And with that he turned and hurried out the library and up the staircase leading to the Owlery
***
Harry made it up to the Owlery without running into either Hermione or any of the others and almost as soon as he was through the door Hedwig fluttered down and landed on his shoulder.
"Hey girl," said Harry slipping her a treat before pulling out a scrap of parchment and a pre-loaded quill and quickly jotting a catalogue request.
"Listen, I need you to run this down to Hogsmeade and bring back their catalogue," he said as he now attached the note to Hedwig's leg. "But don't bring it back to me! I can't have Hermione know I've sent for this. Bring it up to the Dorm and leave it on my bed, I've got to go and get my Herbology overalls so I'll open the window when I go up Okay?"
Hedwig chirped to say she understood then, giving Harry a quick nip of affection she took off towards Hogsmeade.
***
It wasn't until after lunch when Hermione and Ron headed off to their weekly Prefects meeting with McGonagall, Ginny made her way to Potions and Neville had gone off to find Becky that Harry was able to return to his dorm to find Hedwig sitting on the windowsill and a catalogue from Spangle and Shine lying on his bed.
"Good job girl," said Harry slipping her another treat. "Can you wait here? I might have another job for you in a while."
Hedwig merely hooted cheerily and gave her wings a flap.
"Thanks," replied Harry before he slipped the catalogue into his copy of Bletchley Hoggleton's Quidditch Tactics and Strategies and heading out the door down towards the Common Room and was soon walking across the grounds towards the Quidditch Stadium where he caught sight of Madam Hooch giving a group of First Years their first lesson ("Not so tightly Fuller, you're not trying to strangle it! Carefully Daniels! You almost had Mackintosh's eye out!") before heading into the dressing room area where he made his way to the Gryffindor Locker Room where he found Katie already waiting for him in the Captain's Office, her feet on the desk, reading a copy of Quidditch International Monthly.
"Made yourself at home I see," chuckled Harry as he leaned against the doorframe.
"Yes thanks," replied Katie lowering the magazine to grin back at him. "Got the catalogue?"
"Right here," said Harry slipping it out of Bletchley Hoggleton's Quidditch Tactics and Strategies which he now tossed onto the desk. "Thought it was probably better if the likes of Lavender and Parvati didn't see me carrying a jewellery catalogue through the Common Room. Might have caused some awkward questions!"
"Good thinking," replied Katie with a nod as she took the catalogue from Harry as he pulled up a seat. "So, any ideas what your looking for?"
"Yeah, I was thinking some simple," said Harry. "You know, not anything like what Trelawney wears!"
"Don't worry, you won't find anything gaudy in here," replied Katie as she flickered through the pages. "Here, how about a ring?"
"No," said Harry quickly. "Too public, I need something that won't be visible, or at least something that won't raise many questions."
"Good point, Okay, that leaves us with necklaces, pendants or bracelets, any preference?"
"Not really."
"Okay," and with this Katie flipped to the correct pages and then laid it down on the desk. "Any of these catch you're fancy?"
There were some beautiful necklaces on the first page but none of them seemed to scream `Hermione' to Harry, nor did any of the pendants.
"Hell, this is harder than I thought!" muttered Harry gloomily as he leaned back and pushed his glasses up so he could pinch the bridge of his nose.
"Don't worry," said Katie reassuringly. "You can't rush something like this!"
"Guess not," agreed Harry glancing at his watch, luckily he still had half an hour before he had to be back at the Castle for his Charms lesson.
"Relax, we've still got the bracelets to look at," chuckled Katie and no sooner had she turned the page something caught Harry's eye and his hand shot out and captured Katie's wrist.
"That's it!" he said, excitement in his voice. "That's perfect!"
It wasn't a necklace or pendant that had caught his eye however but a golden cloak clasp in the shape of a Griffin with a small red ruby for its eye.
"Nice choice," said Katie with a broad smile which then turned to a look of shock as she saw the price. "Bloody hell Harry! Have you seen how much it costs?"
"Doesn't matter, she's worth it," said Harry with a small shrug.
"But Twenty thousand galleons!" exclaimed Katie leaning back in her chair. "Are you sure you can afford it?"
Here Harry turned to her with a smirk. The fact of the matter was that twenty thousand galleons wouldn't even make a scratch in his account.
"Don't worry about that, I can afford it."
Katie looked at him for a moment then grinned.
"Well then, in that case you'd better send Hedwig back down to Hogsmeade."
***
And so on Wednesday morning it was a nervous Harry that, after checking he had the small jewellery box secure in his pocket, made his way down to meet Hermione in the Common Room where he found her waiting for him sitting in her favourite chair whilst stroking Crookshanks who was curled in his Mistress's lap purring contentedly.
"Hey you," said Harry as he perched himself on the arm of the couch opposite from Hermione's chair and causing her to look up whilst Crookshanks glared at Harry with annoyance at the interruption to his ear scratching.
"Good Morning," replied Hermione smiling brightly up at Harry. Unfortunately the presence of a dozen other students who'd risen early (mostly to complete their homework at the last moment) meant there wasn't any chance of them risking a kiss here but thankfully Hermione obviously saw the frustration that was causing Harry as she now gently lifted Crookshanks off her lap and placed him on the ground before getting to her feet.
"Come on, let's go down," she said with a smile. "Ron can catch up with us."
"Okay," said Harry and with that he let Hermione lead him out of the portrait hole before she grabbed his hand and pulled him quickly up the staircase that lead to the small storage room above Gryffindor Tower which was used to store the cages and baskets belonging to the Gryffindors pets. Pushing the door open she stuck her head inside and after making sure it was clear pulled Harry in after her before turning around and throwing her arms around his neck and pulling herself up on tiptoes and pressing her lips to his whilst Harry automatically slipped his arms around her waist.
"Hmm," sighed Hermione when she finally pulled away and looked up into Harry's green eyes. "Happy Birthday to me!"
"Liked you're present huh?" replied Harry with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.
"Very much thank you," replied Hermione.
`Although I'd have like to do some `unwrapping,' added a voice in her head causing Hermione's cheeks to warm considerably. Thankfully in the gloom Harry didn't see this as he now released his hold on Hermione and reached into his pocket.
"Well, I hope you like this one too," he said and placed the box into Hermione's hands.
"Oh Harry," said Hermione smiling at him and then looked down at the box which she now flipped open. "OH HARRY!"
"I hope you…uffff!!!" Harry could only grunt as he suddenly had all the air knocked out of his lungs as Hermione grab him in one of her infamous bonecrushing hugs.
"Oh Harry! It's beautiful! Thank you." exclaimed Hermione as she released him and then turned her gaze back to the clasp.
"Glad you like it," wheezed Harry with a grin as he rubbed his ribs.
"So I take it this is what Katie was helping you with?" asked Hermione without looking at him at which Harry winced.
"Who told you?"
"No one did," replied Hermione. "I saw you pair walking back from the Quidditch Stadium on Monday afternoon after the Prefect Meeting. I guess George told her right?"
"Right," allowed Harry slowly. "You're not mad are you?"
"Of course not!" said Hermione quickly turning to him. "Oh Harry, don't be a twit. I trust Katie too! I know she won't tell anyone! Anyway come on, we'd better get down to breakfast now."
"Lead the way," said Harry grinning as he began thinking about how Hermione might react when the second part of her present arrived.
***
Even with their diversion to the top of Gryffindor Tower Harry and Hermione will still amongst the first to reach the Great Hall and take their seats at the Gryffindor table and it was another ten minutes before Ron, Ginny and Neville joined them for breakfast.
"Morning," said Ron as he slipped into the vacant seat on Hermione's left as Neville and Ginny took the seats opposite them. "Happy Birthday `Mione."
"Yeah, Happy Birthday Hermione," added Neville as he reached into his bag and brought out a small box and handed it across the table to Hermione. "It's not much," he added with a shrug. "But I think you'll like it."
"Thank you Neville," replied Hermione and opened the box to reveal a silver trowel with `HJG' engraved in the handle.
"Harry was saying during the holidays that you needed a new one," said Neville.
"Yes, someone sitting not very far from me wrecked mine," replied Hermione casting a wry smile at Ron whose face took on a hurt expression.
"You're not still mad about that are you?!" he muttered. "How was I supposed to know that bubopus could eat through metal if it wasn't wiped off?!"
"Because it say so it the footnotes of One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi if you even cared to read it," said Hermione causing Ron to wince and turn quickly to his sister.
"Gin, give her our present quick before she nags my ear off!"
"I think I'd enjoy watching that actually," replied Ginny with a grin causing Neville to snort into his Pumpkin juice whilst Harry chuckled. Ron however looked far from amused.
"Gin!" he hissed at which Ginny sighed and shook her head before reaching into her bag and pulling out a larger box than Neville's which she handed over to Hermione whilst Harry eyed it curiously.
"Well that's not a book is it?"
"Nope!" said Ron with a grin of triumph. "Ginny had a better idea!"
Hermione looked curiously at the box then opened it before giving a small gasp and looking up at Ron and then Ginny.
"Is this…is this a pensive?"
"Yup," said Ron, the grin on his face widening. "Now we won't have to worry about your head exploding during exams anymore!"
"It's only a small one," added Ginny almost apologetically. "But it should be big enough for you, even with the amount of stuff in your head!"
"Thanks, I think," replied Hermione with a grin. "No, really guys thank you!"
"Your welcome," said Ron giving her a quick one armed hug. "Hey Seamus, pass over the black pudding would you?"
"So any idea what your parents are getting you?" asked Ginny as her brother began filling his plate.
"Actually I've already had my present from Mum and Dad," replied Hermione as she helped herself to some scramble eggs. "They brought me a car before I came to Grimmauld Place."
"Why would you need a car?" asked Neville. "You'll be able to take your apparition test now."
"I know, but I don't really want to suddenly appear in my Grandparents living room out of thin air," replied Hermione. "Only Mum and Dad know I'm a Witch, as far as my Grandparents are concerned they think I'm at a normal Muggle boarding school."
"I know I'm going to get a car when I've done with school," said Harry thinking out loud. "Going for a ride in Vernon's car was the one of the few things I looked forward to with the Dursleys."
"Well as soon as I pass my test I'll take you for a nice long ride," said Hermione with a soft laugh.
"Can't wait," replied Harry as hoots and chirps filled the air as dozens of Owls swept into the Great Hall causing everyone to look up.
"Hey Ron, there's Pig," called Ginny over the noise. "And isn't that Peck with him?"
"Whose Peck?" asked Hermione looking up to see Pig and a slightly larger barn owl heading towards them.
"One of the twins' delivery owls," said Ron with a grimace. "Watch your fingers with him, he's vicious!"
A moment later Pig crashed into the table sending Bacon, Scrambled Egg, Mushrooms, fried bread and toast flying whilst Peck landed neatly in front of Hermione.
"Looks like Mum sent you some stuff Hermione," said Ginny as she relieved Pig of his load whilst Hermione gingerly untied the bundle that Peck was carrying. Peck however was either very selective at whom he nipped or was on his best behaviour and no sooner had Hermione finished untying the package he took to the air and fluttered away.
"The gits!" muttered Ron with a dark expression. "I bet they tell him to peck me when they send me something."
Across the table Ginny shot Harry and Hermione a knowing grin and winked causing them both to smirk before Ron turned back to them.
"So what did the twins send?"
"What do you think? A Miniaturised Mischief pack," said Hermione with a wry smile. "Along with a note informing me to `lighten up' before I become a female Percy! Cheeky sods!"
If the twins present had been predictable then at least part of Mrs Weasley's parcel was even more so.
"So what colour do you reckon?" asked Hermione with a laugh as she tugged at the string holding the parcel together.
"Red," said Ron quickly.
"Green," countered Ginny.
"I'll say blue," said Harry whilst Neville looked on with amusement. As it was Ron and Ginny were both right as the jumper turned out to be red with thin green stripes.
"Good grief," exclaimed Hermione as she unwrapped a small square parcel that had accompanied the jumper. "What's this?"
"Treacle toffee," replied Ron with a broad grin. "That's Mum's best stuff that is!"
"It's better than anything Honeydukes do!" added Ginny. "The recipe's been in Mum's family for years. Honeydukes and Suckletons both tried to buy it of Gran but she wouldn't sell it and neither would Mum!"
Hermione meanwhile was eyeing the block of dark toffee with some akin to mild horror.
"But all that sugar!"
"Spoken like a true Dentist's daughter," chuckled Harry at which his girlfriend turned to him.
"If Mum or Dad saw this they'd have a fit!"
"Who says they have to see it," replied Harry. "From the look Ron's got on his face and the small puddle of drool on the floor already your going to have a few offers of help I'd say."
"Oi!" growled Ron but before he could say anything else a large reddish tawny owl landed on the table in front of Hermione.
"Oh, hello," said Hermione smiling warmly as the owl offered its leg to her on which was tied a message which Hermione began to untie not noticing the nervous look that had appeared on Harry's face as he watched Hermione now unrolled the message before a small look of confusion crossed her face before looking at the Owl and then at Harry.
"He seems to have lost whatever you sent me Harry," she said sounding disappointed and causing Harry's nerves to recover slightly as he gave a chuckle.
"He hasn't lost anything," he said leaning towards Hermione so his voice didn't carry to any of the other students sitting nearby. "HE is your present!"
For a moment Hermione just stared at him before shooting a look at the owl and then, for the second time that morning giving a squeal of delight.
"OH HARRY!" she cried fling her arms around him again.
"I take it you like him," chuckled Harry.
"He's beautiful," said Hermione turning to the owl which batted his eyes at his new owner. "What's his name?"
Harry opened his mouth to reply when he happened to glance at Ron to find his best friend staring at him with his fork halfway to his mouth and a wide-eyed gaze fixed on his face and out the corner of his eye he could see that Ginny and Neville were also staring at him.
In fact he now realised that an odd hush had descended not only over the Gryffindor table but the whole hall and he now glanced over his shoulder to see people at all the tables staring towards him. Some where leaning towards their neighbours whispering quietly whilst others were stood to see what was going on.
And then suddenly Harry felt himself being pulled out of his seat and turned to see a thin lipped Ron who was still holding on to his upper arm as he practically dragged Harry towards the door.
"Ron, what the…."
"Shut up!" hissed Ron as he tightened his grip on Harry who now glanced over his shoulder to see Hermione, Neville and Ginny hurrying after them whilst Luna had risen from her seat at the Ravenclaw table and was heading for the door herself whilst above them Pig and Hermione's new owl flew above them.
"Ron," Harry tried again but Ron continued to drag him out the Great Hall and across the entrance hall towards the door of an empty classroom into which he now pulled Harry in and finally released his grip on Harry's arm as Hermione, Ginny, Neville, Luna and the two Owls hurried into the room before Neville closed the door.
"Ron, what on earth is going on?" demanded Hermione before Harry could speak but Ron merely turned to Harry and pointed to the tawny that had perched itself on the window ledge whilst Pig fluttered up to the rafters where he settled giving the occasional hoot.
"For the love of Merlin mate, please tell me you didn't buy `Mione that Owl!"
He was so surprised by the question all Harry could do was to give a small nod at which Ron groaned loudly and leaned against the wall putting his hands to his face.
"What's wrong with Harry buying me an owl?" asked Hermione who was looking as confused as Harry was. Luna, Neville and Ginny exchanged a look before Ginny turned to them with a nervous smile.
"Well it's …. it's like when Muggles buy each other a dozen red roses," she explained with a small shrug.
"You mean….," Harry groaned as he realised his error and pushed his specs up so he could pinch the bridge of his nose. "You mean I've just gone and practically announced to the whole school that me and Hermione are a couple?!"
"As good as mate," replied Ron gloomily as he let his hands drop to his side.
"Great, just great, I've gone and cocked up again!" sighed Harry before feeling a hand on his arm and turning to looking at Hermione who gave him a small smile.
"It wasn't your fault Harry, you didn't know," she assured him. "Besides, the fact is someone would have realised sooner or later that we were a couple! Now I wish it could have been later too but at the same time I'm also sort of glad this happened. Mainly because it means I'll be able to do this whenever I want!" And with that she grabbed the front of Harry's jumper and pulled him down before kissing him firmly on the lips for a brief moment before releasing her hold slightly and leaning back with a small smile on her face. "Have I made my point?"
"Uh-huh," was all Harry could manage by way of reply, a lopsided grin plastered on his face.
"Good," replied Hermione with a satisfied smile.
"Erm, I hate to be the one to bring this up guys but what about the Prophet?" asked Ron slowly. Here Hermione snorted and turned to the others.
"To be perfectly frank the Prophet can print what they bloody well please," she said firmly. "They usually do! Besides, if we do need to set the record straight at some point…"
"Which you probably will," interjected Ron.
"Well if that happens Ron, I'm sure Luna's father would happily print another interview with Harry!"
"Oh yes," said Luna with an immediate nod. "Daddy would be more than happy to do that!"
"What about Rita then?" asked Ginny biting her lip. "After all, she did keep her promise about not writing any stories for a year. She could write what she likes about you and Harry and you can't do anything about it!"
"I can't, that's true," agreed Hermione, a mischievous smile slowly crossing her face. "But you guys never promised!"
"Oh, that's evil!" said Harry with a grin as he slipped his arms around his girlfriend's waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. "When did you get so devious?"
"I guess it comes from hanging around the twins," giggled Hermione with a twinkle in her eye.
"I'll tell them you said that!" said Ginny with a laugh. "They'll be dead chuffed!"
Before Hermione could reply however the sound of the bell indicating the start of the day's lessons echoed through the room causing Hermione to give a small sigh before giving her robes a tug as she turned to Harry.
"Well, might as well get this over and done with," she said softly.
"I guess so," agreed Harry with a nod.
With that he took one of Hermione's hands in his before they made their way to the door where Neville was stood peering through a narrow crack and through which Harry could hear a steady hum of noise coming from the Entrance Hall.
"How bad Nev?" asked Harry as Neville stepped back from the door with a rueful expression on his face.
"Looks like the usual lot," replied Neville referring to the likes of Charlotte, Lavender and Parvati, all of whom thrived on gossip. "And Colin and Dennis are out there as well."
"Well that's hardly a surprise is it?" grunted Ron as he grabbed his back.
"Not really," agreed Harry before taking a deep breath. "Come on then, let's go."
As the six friends stepped into the entrance hall the murmurs fell to a soft hush whilst every gaze fell on Harry and Hermione as they stepped into the entrance hall.
Then suddenly Colin Creevey appeared through the crowd hurrying towards Harry and Hermione pulling his camera out of his bag.
"Can…can I take a…."
"Mr Creevey!" barked a sharp voice and everyone turned to see Professor McGonagall walking out the doorway of the Great Hall followed by the other Professors and with a smiling Dumbledore at the back of the group. "I believe you are meant to be at Herbology?"
"Well yes Professor," said Colin. "But I was just going to….."
"I'm quite aware of what you where about to do Mr Creevey," said the Professor cutting Colin off again as she continued towards the Fifth year. "But did Mr Potter or Miss Granger ask you to take a picture?"
"N..no Professor," squeaked Colin, the colour draining from his face.
"Well then, I'd put that camera away if I was you," said McGonagall firmly. "And if I see any photos in the Prophet that Mr Potter or Miss Granger tell me they didn't consent to have taken you shall be in serious trouble, am I clear?"
"Ye…yes Professor," stammered the fifth year weakly.
"Well get along then!"
With that Colin turned and fled whilst McGonagall turned to the other students who were themselves now hurrying off quickly although a small handful moved off more slowly in groups murmuring to each other under their breath whilst McGonagall turned to Harry and Hermione and gave them a wry smile.
"Shouldn't you be at Arithmancy Miss Granger?" she asked as she strode past them and towards the stairs.
"Yes Professor," replied Hermione. "And Professor, thank you."
"Not at all," said McGonagall and with that headed up the stairs before turning towards her classroom.
"Come on Luna," said Ginny from just behind her brother. "We'd better getting moving to or Snape will have us in detention. We'll see you guys later then."
"Have fun," chuckled Ron as Luna and Ginny scurried off towards the Dungeons before he turned back to Harry.
"See you in the library then?"
"What are you going to do in the library?" asked Hermione curiously.
"Well duh!" replied Ron. "Homework of course!"
"You're doing homework….voluntarily?" asked Hermione in mock surprise as she placed a hand on her chest. "Good grief!"
"Oh shut up you," snorted Ron. "Harry, get her out of here would you mate?"
"Okay," replied Harry with a laugh before giving Hermione's hand a squeeze. "Come on then, let's get you to Arithmancy."
***
"You don't have to do this Harry," said Hermione with a laugh as the pair made their way up to the third floor where Professor Vector's Arithmancy class was located. "I can find it quite well on my own!"
"I know," agreed Harry with a shrug. "But seeing as we don't have to keep us being together a secret anymore I figured I'd walk my girlfriend to class."
"Ah, how cute!" sneered a voice from behind them causing them both to stop in their tracks and for Harry to give a soft groan whilst Hermione turned around, a weak smile on her face.
"Eh, hi Cho."
"Hello Granger," replied Cho icily and out the corner of his eye Harry saw Hermione wince whilst the older girl gave her an appraising look for a moment before turning to Harry.
"And here I was thinking you were pretty smart," she snorted with derision. "You could have you're pick of any girl in the castle and you pick her?! This pasty faced fuzzy haired muggle-born know-it-all! What makes her so special?"
Harry felt his blood boil at Cho's words whilst at the same time feeling Hermione's hold on his hand tighten in an unspoken plea for him to try and keep calm and thankfully it worked as Harry took a calming breath before he replied.
"Two things really first there's the fact she treats me like a normal bloke, not some prize to be gloated over," he said meeting Cho's gaze with a cool stare. "Secondly, I know for a fact she wouldn't betray me or my other friends!"
"What Mariette did wasn't my fault!" snapped Cho bristling with rage.
"Oh don't give me that!" snapped back Harry. "You must have some idea that she'd gone to Umbridge! You could have warned us!"
Here Cho just opened and closed her mouth for a moment before turning and glaring at Hermione.
"Just keep away from me, the pair of you!" she hissed furiously and with that she turned and stormed off towards the staircase.
"What did I ever see in her?" muttered Harry running a hand through his hair before turning to Hermione. "You Okay?"
"Don't worry, I've got thick skin," replied Hermione with a reassuring smile. "It's not the first time I've been called a fuzzy haired know-it-all."
"Yeah, I can think of a couple of times when Ron's called you," agreed Harry with a crooked grin earning him a punch on the arm from Hermione. "Hey, what was that for?"
"Well Ron's not here at the moment," retorted Hermione with a smirk before glancing at her watch. "Anyway, come on otherwise I will be late."
The two now started back down the corridor and after a couple of minutes Hermione now turned her gaze up to Harry.
"By the way, you never did tell me what my Owl's name is."
"He hasn't got one yet," replied Harry. "The bloke at the shop told me it's customary for the owner to name their bird."
"Oh, I see," said Hermione, a thoughtful look crossing her face.
"Tell you what," said Harry giving her a soft nudge with his shoulder. "Why don't you think about in Arithmancy and then meet me up in the Owlery afterwards."
"Oh, so you think I'll have time during Arithmancy to come up with a name do you?" asked Hermione turning to Harry with a raised eyebrow.
"Yup," said Harry with a broad grin. "Come on `Mione, we all know you spend half the time in Vector's lessons twiddling your thumbs `cause you've finished the work the Prof's set!"
"Well maybe I spend the other half checking it," replied Hermione.
"Yeah right," snorted Harry. "As if you'd get anything wrong!"
"I might," said Hermione but she couldn't stop a faint blush crossing her face as they walked around a corner and stopped at the Arithmancy classroom door.
"So, see you in the Owlery then?" asked Harry turning to face Hermione who gave a nod in reply.
"Alright," she agreed with a smile before pushing herself up on tiptoe and kissing Harry on the cheek. "See you in an hour." And with that she turned and hurried into the classroom pausing briefly in the doorway to give Harry a wave before disappearing into the room whilst Harry headed off back towards the library whistling cheerfully to himself.
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