Harry Potter and all related Characters belong to JK Rowling
Chapter 3 - Reunions and Revelations
Neither Harry nor Hermione were surprised to find Ron and Ginny waiting for them outside the study. Ron was pacing the floor looking supremely annoyed whilst Ginny was sat on the bottom of the stairs with a book in her lap although Harry and Hermione got the impression that Ron was causing to much of a distraction for her to actually be reading and it was Ginny who saw them first as they stepped out of the study hand in hand.
"Hey guys," said the youngest Weasley grinning broadly causing Ron to snap around quickly.
"What have you two been doing in there?" he demanded hotly before any of the others could speak. "Dumbledore came out half an hour ago and said we weren't to disturbed you! So what was it? Some new secret that we're not allowed to know?!"
"Ron."
"You know I'm getting sick and tired of being mollycoddled! I'm sixteen years old dammit!"
"Ron!"
"And it's really been bloody awful this summer! Mum's stuck to me like glue; she reckons I've got some Muggle thing called…Post Pneumatic Dress Disorder, or something like that and I'm just fed up been treated like a…."
"RON!" bellowed Ginny at the same time as stamping on her brother's left foot causing him to yelp and fall onto the floor holding his injured appendage while Harry and Hermione both unconsciously took a step back at the sheer volume of the youngest Weasley. Ginny meanwhile took a deep calming breath and gave her jumper a tug whilst Ron shot his sister a dark look from his position on the floor. Harry and Hermione meanwhile shot a look towards the kitchen door expecting Molly Weasley to come storming out but it seemed someone had placed a silencing charm over the hall as if expecting someone would start yelling at some point.
"What the hell was that for?" Ron muttered through clenched teeth as he pulled himself to his feet as Harry and Hermione turned back to the two youngest Weasleys
"Because you were being a bloody prat as per usual," snapped Ginny before turning to Harry and Hermione. "Just let…just let…Bloody hell!"
"What?" said Ron following his sister's gaze towards his two best friends and slowly his eyes widened as he saw Harry and Hermione entwined fingers and their nervous grins.
"Bloody hell," he murmured before a grin of his own slowly crossed his face. "You know, I might not be the brightest guy in the world but I knew you two would get together eventually, I'm just bloody surprised it took you this long to work it out. `Specially you Hermione! And you call me dense, Jeez!"
Harry and Hermione stared at him in shock. Neither of them had been expecting this reaction. Another tantrum about being kept in the dark maybe with possible sulking but not this.
"You…you knew!" stammered Harry in shock.
"Course we did," said Ginny who was wearing a grin similar in size to her sibling. "And not just us two before you ask, the whole school probably knew it!"
"The whole school?" whimpered Hermione going pale. Harry quickly gave her hand a reassuring squeeze even though he was feeling more than a little stunned himself before turning to the two Weasleys.
"How long?" he asked and felt his stomach lurch when he saw Ron's grin widened considerably.
"Since second year," said the red-haired male folding his arms across his chest. "I mean, you can't go around hugging a girl in the middle of the Great Hall without people thinking something's going on!"
"Second year!" squeaked Hermione who was now sitting on the stair that Ginny had been occupying only a few moments later.
"Uh-huh," said Ron with a chuckle. "Oh come you two, this is the best thing that's happened to you pair and your acting like it's some kinda disaster!"
"No, no, it's not that," said Hermione quickly as she looked up. "It's…its just….well…" However as she faltered Harry quickly stepped in.
"I guess we both thought as we'd only just realised it nobody else would know!" he admitted with a sigh. "Guess we were wrong huh?"
"Oh yeah," said Ron with a chuckle while Hermione's face creased in thought.
"So when you were annoyed that I went to the Yule Ball with Viktor that was because I wasn't going with Harry right?" At this Ron turned to Ginny with a soft chuckle.
"Always knew she was smart!" he said causing Ginny to roll her eyes while Hermione and Harry exchanged sheepish glances. Luckily they were saved from further embarrassment by Mrs. Weasley choosing that moment to step into the hall wiping her hands on her apron.
"Oh good, are you two finished? I've just got some cakes out the oven if you're hungry?"
"Cakes?" said Ron forgetting the previous conversation as he turned to his mother. "Brilliant!"
"Come on then," said Molly and headed back into the kitchen. Ron started to follow when suddenly Harry caught his arm.
"Ron, what about your Mum? Remember last time she thought Hermione and me were dating? She wasn't really happy with Hermione."
"Oh don't worry Harry," said Ginny with a smile. "Mum was only mad because she had to read the Prophet to find out about you two. If you tell her yourselves or she realises it by herself you'll be fine."
"Oh, Okay," said Harry with a slightly bewildered look which caused Ron to chuckle.
"Welcome to our family!" he chuckled causing Harry and Hermione to smile while Ginny grinned. "Now come on, I want some cake!"
"How the hell you're not the same size as Dudley I'll never know!" snorted Harry causing Hermione and Ginny to laugh while Ron just gave a grunt.
"That's `cause your Aunt doesn't make him de-gnome the ruddy lawn once a week!"
"If Duddikins saw a gnome he'd probably try to eat it," said Ginny grinning broadly causing Harry and the others to burst into laughter as they entered the kitchen where they found Mrs Weasley just pouring Dumbledore a cup of tea before carrying the pot back over to the stove. As the four teenagers now grabbed seats around the table with Harry and Hermione seated beside each other Dumbledore turned to face them.
"When we return to Hogwarts we will need to see if Tom has regained access to Harry's mind and if necessary we will arrange some Occlumency training for you both," he said with a smile. "And I think I can work my schedule so I can teach you personally," he added seeing the worried expressions the pair both suddenly wore at the thought of working with Professor Snape.
"Thank you Sir," replied Harry while Hermione smiled shyly just as Mrs Weasley returned with a stack of plates and a large plate loaded with jam tarts, fairy cakes and cherry bakewells.
"Cor Mum," said Ron licking his lips. "These look great!" He now began to reach across only to have his hand slapped away by his mother.
"Ronald Weasley! Where are your manners?!" she snapped as Ron whipped his stinging hand away with a shocked expression on his face. Molly glared at her son then turned and smiled softly. "Harry, seeing as it's your birthday you get first choice dear."
Harry reached out and took a jam tart before Mrs Weasley offered the girls and then Professor Dumbledore the plate before finally turning back to her son.
"Now you can have something," she said firmly as she put the plate down and headed back to the counter whilst Ron looked at the plate as if it would bite him before snatching a small fairy cake causing Harry to snigger softly whilst Hermione and Ginny both grinned. Ron now just glared at them as Mrs Weasley returned with a large jug of Pumpkin juice and a cup of tea for herself. Dumbledore now leaned back in his chair and watched the four young friends talking happily. He now cast a small glance over at Harry and felt a great deal of pride in his young charge. Despite the events of the last few years Harry was coping better than even Dumbledore could have expected although he suspected that Harry's friends had helped him a lot, especially Hermione. That was the reason that Dumbledore had personally (and secretly) visited the homes of each of Harry's friends (including his magical ones) and placed the most powerful protections spells and wards possible around their homes as well as assigning only the most trusted and skilled members (including some who where `Officially' retired) of the Order to guard them.
Dumbledore was now startled out of his thoughts by the sound of the kitchen clock striking four and he now turned and looked around the room before meeting Molly's gaze.
"Well, I'm afraid I must go now, there are still things that need doing in preparation for the new term," he said rising to his feet. "Speaking of which Molly, I've invited the new Professors here on Thursday if that's alright?"
"That's fine Professor," said Molly without hesitation. Dumbledore nodded and then turned to Harry.
"Well Harry, I must take my leave of you," he said softly resting his hand on the young man's shoulder. "But I'm sure you'll enjoy the rest of today yes?" At this Harry grinned sheepishly and felt his cheeks warm while out the corner of his eye he saw Hermione duck her head to hide her own blush.
"Yes Sir," he said quickly. At this Dumbledore chuckled, his eyes twinkling even more that usually when suddenly he raised a finger.
"Oh, I almost forgot," he said and reached into his robes before pulling out a carefully wrapped package. "I don't think anyone would object if you got at least one present on your actual birthday yes?" At the `yes' he glanced around at the others as if issuing a challenge but no-one was about to take him on.
"Thank you Professor," said Harry giving Dumbledore with a grateful smile before carefully un-wrapping the package. As he did so Hermione leaned in beside him while Ron and Ginny both leaned across the table to watch. Finally Harry pulled away the wrapping paper to reveal a small and well-worn book entitled `Advanced Defence Against Dark Arts'. However it wasn't the title that made Harry's eyes widened but the name beneath it.
Professor E.L.G. Potter.
Harry and the others all now turned to Dumbledore who smiled broadly.
"Before you ask, the author was your Grandfather, one of the finest Defence teachers we ever had at Hogwarts and a close personal friend," said the old Professor. "That was my own copy but I felt it was appropriate that you should have it. It should come in handy with DA this year."
"You want us to keep running that?" said Ron turning to the Professor with a curious expression.
"Any reason I shouldn't Mr Weasley?" asked Dumbledore. "The only condition I will attach is that it is opened to all students from third year."
"Even the Slytherins?" said Ginny with a grimace.
"Even the Slytherins," confirmed Dumbledore before turning back to Harry. "I take it you are up for it Harry?"
"Yes Sir," said Harry looking up from the book. "Thank you."
"No thanks necessary, but thank you," said Dumbledore with a slight bow of his head. "Well then, I'll be off," he said. "See you tomorrow morning Harry." And with that he was gone as he disapparated, presumably back to Hogwarts leaving Harry, Hermione and the Weasleys on their own. Hermione now leaned over and looked at the book again with a curious frown.
"I don't ever remember seeing that in the library," she said sounding somewhat annoyed as Mrs Weasley and Ginny got up from the table and started to clear away the plates and glasses.
"Probably in the restricted area," said Ron. "Even you couldn't have read all of those just yet!"
"I guess," said Hermione with a reluctant sigh of agreement.
"Anyway," added Ron with a chuckle. "I'm sure Harry will loan it to his girlfriend happily enough!"
At this there was a crash as a glass hit the floor before Mrs Weasley slowly turned to face Harry and Hermione. Hermione quickly ducked her head blushing furiously whilst Harry just stared at a grinning Ron in shock. Mrs Weasley meanwhile seemed to be trying to get her jaw working but for once it didn't seem to be co-operating whilst Ginny was glaring at the back of her brother's head.
"Girl…girlfriend?" stammered Mrs Weasley finally managing to regain her voice. "How? When?"
"Today Mum," said Ginny quickly stepping into to try and save her friends from to many embarrassing questions. "That's what Professor Dumbledore wanted to talk to them about!"
"Oh," said Molly quietly. For a moment Harry and Hermione watched her nervously before her face suddenly broke into a broad smile.
"Well, you deserve some happiness Harry," she said simply then turned and started to clear up the broken glass. Ginny's shoulders sagged with relief before shooting another glare at her brother who still grinning broadly.
"You know Ronald Weasley, sometimes you're a damn jerk!"
"Ah come on," said Ron smiling broadly. "I'm just having some fun!"
`Fun is it?' thought Harry shaking himself out of his stunned stupor. `Right, I'll show you Ron Weasley!' With that he now leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest, a smile creeping across his face.
"Hey Gin," he said trying hard to not to break into a grin. "Did you tell Ron that Luna and Neville are coming tomorrow?" At the mention of Luna's name Ron's face first went red then drained completely of colour.
"Lu..Luna's coming here?" he stammered causing Hermione and Ginny both to look at him curiously.
"Uh-huh," said Harry. "Guess you won't have to wait until we get back to Hogwarts to say Hi." As he said this Harry turned with a beaming grin to Hermione who stared at him with a puzzled expression for a moment before her eyes suddenly went wide and her hand shot to her mouth to cover the grin whilst Ginny still looked a little confused.
"What are you talking about Harry?" said the youngest Weasley with a puzzled frown.
"I think he's talking about the fact that Ron's got a crush on Luna!" said Hermione gleefully. At this Ron's face went red again and he glared at Harry.
"You told her?!" he spluttered angrily.
"No," said Hermione with a smug smile. "I worked it out." At this Ron's shoulder's sagged dramatically and his face changed from angry red to embarrassed red.
"Oh," he murmured feebly.
"I don't see what the fuss is about," said Ginny with a sigh. "I knew Ron had a crush on Luna at the end of term!" At this Harry and Hermione stared at her in surprise whilst Ron turned slowly towards her.
"You…you knew at the end of term?" he stammered with an expression that by now was that of a defeated man. "How?"
"By the way you two kept shooting glances at each other when you thought the other wasn't looking," said Ginny. "Oh come on Ron, you know the look well enough, it's the same one Harry and Hermione use!"
"We do?" said Harry and Hermione in unison. Ginny now just nodded in confirmation whilst Ron lowered his head to the table and started to bang it against the surface.
"This is not happening, this is all some terrible nightmare," he chanted softly.
"Of course," said Ginny grinning broadly. "It might also be the fact that Luna wrote to me and asked about Ron's favourite things." Almost at once Ron stopped banging his head, raised several inches then turned to face his sister.
"What?" he croaked feebly whilst Harry and Hermione both shook with laughter and it wasn't long before Ginny was laughing along with them.
"Oh fine," muttered Ron glumly. "Its pick on Ron time is it?"
At this Hermione smiled at him warmly.
"You really do like her don't you?" For a moment Ron hesitated but then a crooked smile crossed his face and he gave a small nod.
"Yeah I do," he admitted with a shrug. "I mean, she's a little eccentric but I find that kinda cute." At this Ginny's face lit up and a small smirk crossed her face.
"Now isn't that funny? She said she thought YOU were cute too!" This remark caused Hermione to burst into giggles while Harry snorted with laughter while Ron glared at his sister with narrowed eyes.
"I am not cute!" he growled softly. "I'm too damn manly to be cute!"
"Hey, those were Luna's words not mine," replied Ginny. "Personally I reckon you're a slob but then again they do say love is blind!"
Ron glared at his sister and was just beginning to open his mouth to say something when a `pop' caused the four to turn in the direction of the noise and found a weary but smiling Mr Weasley standing in front of the dresser.
"Dad!" cried Ginny in delight as she jumped up and hurried over to her father.
"Hello young lady," replied Mr Weasley kissing his sole daughter on the top of her head.
"Hello dear," called Mrs Weasley from across the kitchen. "Good day?"
"Not bad," replied Mr Weasley as he dropped his briefcase beside the dresser then turned towards the trio at the table and then blinked twice.
"Harry?" he said with a look on confusion. "But…weren't we meant to come and get you tonight?"
"Oh, it's alright Arthur," called Molly as she crossed over to her husband and kissed him on the cheek (an action that made both Ginny and Ron cringe slightly). "Dumbledore brought him, apparently something happened last night that meant he could come here earlier."
"Oh, fair enough then," said Mr. Weasley with a shrug. "So how are you then Harry?"
"Fine thank you Sir," said Harry. At this Mr Weasley gave a nod before glancing over at his wife.
"How long until dinner Molly?" he asked as he loosened his tie and removed his robes and hung them up behind the kitchen door.
"About ten minutes," replied his wife.
"Good," said Mr Weasley. "I'll just go and get changed. Ron, would you do the table for your Mother?"
"Okay Dad," said Ron getting up with a sigh as his father headed out the room.
"Hang on Ron, I'll give you a hand," said Harry as he started to get up.
"You stay where you are!" barked Mrs Weasley spinning around pointing a wooden spoon straight at Harry causing him to sit back in his chair so quickly that he would have gone backwards if Hermione hadn't grabbed him. Mrs Weasley didn't seemed to notice this however as she now turned the two girls with a warm smile.
"Would you girls get me the plates please?"
"Sure Mum," said Ginny jumping up quickly followed by Hermione who glanced back with a smile at Harry who now settled back in his chair and watched Hermione as she helped carry the plates over. He still wasn't sure how he'd fallen in love with his best friend but to be frank he didn't care. All that mattered to him was that he loved her and she loved him.
"Harry?" called Ron's voice. "You alright mate?" At this Harry pulled his gaze away from Hermione and turned to his red haired friend.
"Sorry Ron, what did you say?" At this Ron merely smirked and shook his head.
"Nothing important," he chuckled as he resumed his seat at the table and leaned forward so their words couldn't be overheard.
"You really have got it bad haven't you?" At this Harry grinned sheepishly and gave a shrug.
"I guess so," he admitted. "It just never felt like this with Cho."
"Yeah, but you weren't in love with Cho," said Ron from across the table. "Were you?" he added cautiously.
"Nah," said Harry with a shake of his head. "It was just a crush."
Ron now gave a nod of understanding just as Mr Weasley walked back into the kitchen dressed in one of Mrs Weasley's jumpers while Mrs Weasley and the girls now crossed over carrying a variety of plates and pots which were Mrs Weasley quickly sorted out and sooner everyone was tucking into a large meat pie and piles of vegetables and new potatoes.
***
"Checkmate!"
Harry stared in disbelief as for the fourth time that evening his king was smashed to pieces whilst Ron leaned back in his chair with a smug grin.
"And I was expecting a challenge," drawled the redhead with a chuckle. "Face it Harry, when it comes to chess, I rule!"
"Big Head!" snorted Ginny from where she was sitting watching the boys. "If Bill or Charlie where here they'd wipe that smile off your face!"
"Maybe, but their not here are they?" sniggered Ron. "Still, if you think you could beat me sis, your welcome to try!" For a moment the two youngest Weasleys just stared at each other before Ginny rose from the chair she was sitting in and crossed over to the table where the boys were sitting.
"Move over Harry," she said not pulling her gaze from Ron's whose face was still wearing a confident smirk. Without a word Harry jumped out of the chair opposite Ron's and made his way over to the sofa where Hermione was sat with a book although she wasn't really reading it and a warm smile crossed her face as Harry now walked over to the sofa.
"This seat taken?" he asked with a grin. At this Hermione rolled her eyes and gave a shake of her head.
"Actually, I'm waiting for my boyfriend," she purred causing Harry to raise an eyebrow.
"Really? Well I don't see him so would you mind if I take it for now?"
"Help yourself," replied Hermione softly. With that Harry flopped into the seat and wrapped an arm around Hermione's shoulders.
"Hello," he murmured softly in her ear causing shivers to run down her spine.
"Hello yourself," she replied before turning to meet the gaze of his green eyes. "Do you know some guy just came over and tried to chat me up a moment ago?"
"Was he now?" growled Harry softly. "Where is he? Make a move on my girl would he? I'll show him!"
"Oh just shut up and kiss me!" murmured Hermione quietly. At this Harry grinned broadly then slowly leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.
"Hey, do you two mind? I'm trying to concentrate!" called Ron from across the room. At this Harry and Hermione pulled apart before Hermione turned to face Ron and raised an eyebrow.
"You concentrate? Well I suppose there's a first time for everything!" This comment caused Ron to stick his tongue out at Hermione who retaliated by doing the same. Harry meanwhile glanced at the board and noticed that while not in serious trouble yet Ginny was already beginning to struggle.
"How do you fancy helping Ginny to get one over on Ron?" Hermione turned to him with a curious look.
"How do you plan to do that?" she asked. Harry didn't reply immediately, instead he leaned back slightly while lifting his hand and brushing away Hermione's hair to reveal her neck. He then licked his lips nervously before slowly leaning forward and started nibbling the creamy flesh.
Hermione's first reaction was to give a sharp yelp of surprise but this quickly to soft murmurs of pleasure.
`Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod!' chanted a small delighted voice in Hermione's head. `Harry's giving me a hickey!'
"Is it working?" murmured Harry quietly against her skin bringing Hermione out of her thoughts.
"Eh?" she replied with confusion. At this she felt Harry snigger against her neck before he repeated the question.
"I said, is it working?" It was then Hermione remembered why Harry had started on her neck and with that she now slowly opened one eye slowly and was met by a picture that almost brought on a case of passion killing giggles. Ron was desperately trying to concentrate on the board but whenever he'd made a move his eyes seemed to be dragged towards her and Harry for a few seconds before he managed to pull them back to the board albeit with a flustered expression on his face.
"I think it's working," she murmured quietly. Indeed, her words turned out to be truly prophetic as barely a minute late Ginny jumped to her feet and raised her arms in triumph.
"Checkmate!" she announced to the room at which Harry, his job done, pulled away and turned, along with Hermione to see Ron staring at the board with his mouth hanging open in shock and dismay.
"What?! No!!!" he spluttered before jumping to his feet and pointing straight at Harry and Hermione. "You gits!" he barked. "You ruddy gits! You did that deliberately!"
"Did what?" asked Harry innocently. "We were just making out, that's what couples do Ron."
"You were deliberately trying to distract me!" growled Ron.
"We didn't ask you to watch," retorted Harry struggling not to laugh.
"Voyeur!" added Hermione with a grin. Unfortunately at this point she lost her self-control and dissolved into giggles and it wasn't long before Harry and Ginny were laughing along with her. For a moment Ron just stood glaring at the trio before slowly the corners of his mouth started to twitch upwards.
"I knew it!" he snarled as he started to slowly advance on Harry and Hermione. "You were trying to distract me!"
"Should have seen your face mate!" chortled Harry. "Bloody priceless!"
"Your gonna pay for this Potter!" growled Ron. At this Harry quickly whipped off his glasses and tossed them to Hermione before leaping to his feet just as Ron pounced and the two tumbled to the floor in a friendly rumble with Ginny and Hermione watching on in fits of laughter.
"What on earth?" exclaimed Molly as she entered the room to find the two boys wrestling on the floor while the girls cheered them on. However, been the mother of six boys had taught Molly to recognise the difference between real fighting and play fighting and she now just rolled her eyes and smiled. "Whenever you lot are done there's cocoa here for you!" she announced loudly causing the girls to jump and turn around while the boys looked up from their position on the floor.
"Oh, thanks Mum," said Ron grinning weakly as he and Harry quickly scrambled to their feet while the girls both looked down at the floor shuffling their feet. Mrs Weasley just shook her head and chuckled softly.
"Drink up and then it's time for bed," she said turning for the door.
"Aw Mum!" said Ginny looking up sharply. "It's the holidays!"
Molly looked at the four youngsters and gave a sigh and shook her head. "Alright, you can stay up until midnight but don't you forget Harry you've got an appointment tomorrow morning."
"Yes Mrs Weasley," replied Harry with a nod. Molly then gave the quartet one final look before turning and heading for the door. Once she was gone Ron hurried over to the tray and licked his lips.
"Ah, cocoa!" he chanted grabbing a mug. "Lovely!" At this the others exchanged looks but didn't say a word as they each took a mug and headed for seats around the fireplace where they spent the rest of the evening chatting away happily discussing the upcoming year at school like what Hagrid might have for them in Care of Magical Creatures or who would be their DADA teacher this term until the clock finally struck midnight.
"Well I guess we'd better make a move," said Ginny. The others nodded reluctant agreement before they rose headed out to the hall. Here Ron, Hermione and Ginny headed upstairs whilst Harry took the empty mugs into the empty kitchen before making his way upstairs where he found Hermione waiting for him.
"Hey you," said Harry smiling broadly as he slipped his arms around his girlfriend's waist.
"Hey," replied Hermione as her arms went around his neck while Harry lowered his forehead to rest against hers. "What a day huh?"
"Oh yeah," said Harry with a chuckle before gazing into Hermione's eyes. "Not that I'd change a thing."
"Me neither," said Hermione with an impish grin that caused Harry's heart to skip a beat. For a moment they just stood there in a comfortable silence before the bathroom door opened and Ginny stepped out and immediately let a grin cross her face.
"Night love birds!" she cooed before disappearing into the girls' room. For a moment Harry and Hermione just looked at each before they dissolved into laughter.
"Guess we'd better get use to that," said Harry.
"Uh-huh," agreed Hermione with a nod before glancing towards her bedroom door and giving a small sigh. "Well I guess I better go."
"Right," said Harry before leaning in and kissing Hermione gently on the lips.
"Ugh! Get a room you pair!" growled Ron from the doorway of the boys' room. At this Hermione and Harry pulled apart and turned to face their friend.
"You looking again Ron?" chirped Harry. "Maybe Hermione was right about you being a voyeur!"
"Oh shut up you goit!" growled Ron before turning to Hermione with a smile.
"Night `Mione, see you in the morning."
"Night Ron," called Hermione as Ron disappeared back into his and Harry's room.
"Well, I'd better go," she said softly removing her arms from around Harry's neck. "Night Harry."
"Night `Mione," said Harry as he watched his girlfriend cross the hall to her room where she stopped in the doorway, turned and blew him a kiss and then disappeared through the door.
With a broad smile on his face Harry headed to the bathroom where he quickly cleaned his teeth before heading back to the room he was sharing with Ron and wasn't at all surprised to find his redheaded friend already snoring gently. He quickly changed into his t-shirt and boxers and then slipped into bed before removing his glasses and placed them on his bedside table before laying back and closing his eyes and it wasn't long before sleep came to him once more filled with dreams of his new girlfriend.
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