Harry Potter and all related Characters belong to JK Rowling
Chapter 8 - Kissing In The Kitchen
The next few weeks were some of the most exciting albeit tiring Harry had ever had. In the mornings the Professors would run the teenagers through basic sword drills including in the last week some duels whilst in the afternoons they worked at improving their magical duelling skills. Whatsmore by the end of the final full week of training everyone was making progress and Harry, who before the training had started had easily been the best DADA student in the group, was having to really work harder than he had at the beginning of the holiday.
"Well now," said Professor Gringle at the end of their last afternoon session before the Professors were due to leave for Hogwarts. "It seems Professor Dumbledore was correct when he told me you were amongst six of his best students. You've learnt in four weeks what would usually take twelve weeks, something I think you should be very proud of." Here he paused and met the gaze of each of the six friends in turn before giving a small nod. "Whatsmore, you three ladies should be especially proud of yourselves. Witches aren't usually renowned for being skilled with the swords but you three have blown that myth to shreds." At the praise Hermione and Ginny both blushed slightly whilst Luna merely smiled softly.
"Thank you Professor," she replied. "It's thanks to your excellent teaching we've learned so quickly." Gringle seemed slightly flustered at this and quickly shot looks at his two colleagues. Stoutbridge was shaking silently with laughter whilst Hedges was wearing the biggest grin Harry had ever seen the man wearing which considering the Professor always seemed to be smiling was saying something.
"Well…well thank you Miss Lovegood," replied Gringle with a small nod. "Now, on our return to Hogwarts your DADA lessons will cover the magical side of your training whilst we'll move on to the advanced part of your weapons training. Unfortunately, so we don't arouse suspicion we'll be limiting it to one or two nights a week so I'm afraid it's going to be a tough old slog."
"That alright sir," said Harry. "We ready for that."
"Well, so long as you know," said Gringle. "Because once we get there we'll be moving solely off swords. You'll also be learning how to handle the long staff and the longbow as well as the unarmed combat portion of your training." The Professor paused here to let the news sink in and saw the friends exchange looks and whilst there was some nervousness in the glances the six shared with each other there was still the determination he'd seen on the first day.
"Now," he continued as he sat down on one of the packing cases. "Professor Dumbledore informs me that your booklists will be arriving tomorrow. However, there is one book I'd like you to all get hold of that's not on the list. It's entitled the Auror's A-Z of Eastern European Hazards and Dangers and is written by someone who you're all familiar with, my dear friend Alastor Moody."
"Why doesn't that surprise me," hissed Ron quietly to Harry who chuckled in agreement.
"Anyway," continued Professor Gringle who'd either had not heard Ron's comments or chosen to ignore them. "Hopefully we won't have too many problems when we get out there but I want you to be prepared." Here he paused again and a sly smile crossed his face. "Now I know your still on holiday so I'm not going to ask for an essay or anything like that but we'll have a little quiz between the girls and the boys when we get back and just so ALL of you read the book and not just Miss Granger there will be a prize of a box of chocolate frogs for each member of the winning team alright?"
"A whole box of frogs?" murmured Ron in awe. "Each?"
"That's correct Mr Weasley," confirmed Gringle. Harry now watched as a look of glee spread across Ron's face as the red head rubbed his hands together before turning to his girlfriend who smiled and shook her head slowly.
"Right then," said Professor Gringle as he jumped to his feet. "Any questions? No? Well in that case enjoy the rest of your holidays and we'll see you back at Hogwarts."
***
"A whole box of frogs!" sighed Ron happily as he sank into one of the armchairs that sat around the drawing room fire after dinner that evening. "I can almost taste them already!"
"Well make the most of it," cooed Ginny from the opposite side of the room. "With Hermione on our team you boys aren't going to get close to those frogs!"
"Hey!" said Hermione quickly from the sofa where she was sitting almost curled up in Harry's lap. "Don't bring me in to your family squabbles! Besides, the boys have just as good a chance as we have Gin!"
"Besides, I'm not really worried who wins," added Harry with a smirk. "'Cause even if I'm not on the winning team my girlfriend will share her box with me."
"Oh, I will, will I?" said Hermione turning to him with an arched eyebrow. "What makes you so sure of this Mr Potter?" Harry now grinned and looked straight at her as he replied.
"Well Miss Granger, for a start my girlfriend and I are very much in love, and secondly if she didn't I'd have to do this!" And with that Harry pulled Hermione into a tight embrace with one arm whilst his free hand shot up under her top and started to tickle her.
"Arrhhh!!!!" cried Hermione before dissolving into giggle. "Ha…Harr…Harry!!! Stop that, please….oh….oh…please!"
"All you have to do is promise to share," said Harry who was thoroughly enjoying the sight of his girlfriend in fits of giggles while wriggling in his arms.
"I promise! I promise!" cried Hermione through her giggles. "Ok…Okay, you can stop now!"
"Oh, if I must," sighed Harry theatrically as he removed his head which now settled on her hip. "I was just beginning to enjoy myself as well!"
"Git!" hissed Hermione albeit with a smile before backhanding Harry on the chest.
"Oh, but you love me really," chuckled Harry before pulling her towards him for a kiss.
"Yes, I suppose I do," sighed Hermione dramatically just before their lips met.
"Ugh!" groaned Ron pulling a face. "You guys do know there are fifthteen or sixteen other rooms in this place, could you go and snog there instead of right in front of me!"
"Are you watching us again Ron?" said Hermione breaking the kiss and turning towards him. "I thought we'd been through this already."
"Yeah, yeah," growled Ron. "But may I point out I was actually talking to you before you started your snog-fest!"
"I hate to admit it but he has got a point," chuckled Harry. "I suppose we could go somewhere else and continue this."
"But I'm comfy!" pouted Hermione.
"Well then, I guess we're just going have to hold off on the snogging then," sighed Harry.
"Ron, you interfered with my snogging! You'd better watch your back!" growled Hermione as she glared across the room at Ron who swallowed nervously. Luckily at this point Neville grabbed everyone's attention as he suddenly gave a loud yawn.
"Oh, sorry guys," he sighed. "I just feel knackered, actually thinking about it I think I'll head off to bed."
"Night mate," called Harry as Neville disappeared at the room.
"You know," said Ginny as she tried in vain to stifle a yawn of her own. "I think he's got the right idea, I'll see you guys in the morning."
"See you later Gin," said Hermione before the youngest Weasley closed the door behind her leave Harry, Hermione, Ron and Luna on their own. Luna was staring straight into the fire whilst Ron now shot a look towards Harry and Hermione, his face suddenly pale with nerves, but not at the prospect of Hermione carrying out her unsubtle threat.
`Tell her!' mouthed Harry at which Ron nodded before taking a deep breath and getting to his feet.
"I'm going to get a drink, do you guys want anything?"
"Yeah, I'll have a pumpkin juice thanks Ron," replied Harry. "'Mione?"
"What?" said Hermione surprised at the use of the shortened version of her name. "Oh, oh yeah, I'll have one too please Ron."
"Okay," said Ron before turning to Luna who was still looking into the fire and was giving no indication of hearing any of the conversation. "Luna?"
"Yes please Ronald," she replied pulling her gaze from the fire. "Would you like a hand?" Hermione and Harry shared a look whilst a relieved grin crossed Ron's face.
"Yeah, that'd be great thanks," he replied managing to keep his voice steady and with that Luna got up and headed for the door where Ron stood waiting.
"Don't be too long!" called Hermione gleefully as Luna led the way out into the hall. "I'm parched!"
Ron turned and scowled briefly at her before disappearing out the door at which Hermione burst into another fit of giggles whilst Harry chuckled softly.
"Think he'll go through with it?" asked Hermione smiling up at Harry who gave a nod.
"Yeah, I think he'll tell her," he said before casting a look around the room. "Hey, I've just realised something! We're all alone!"
"Really," said Hermione, her smile turning impish. "So what are you going to do about it?"
"Well," said Harry with a thoughtful look. "How about this?" And with that he once more pressed his lips against Hermione's in a soft but passionate kiss.
***
"I'll get the glasses," said Luna as she stepped into the kitchen.
"Right," replied Ron as he headed over to the fridge and opened it and grabbed the jug.
`Alright Weasley!' growled the inner voice. `This is it, your big chance! Tell her!' Suddenly Ron felt a warm wave wash over him and he turned to see Luna standing on tiptoe to reach the glasses. As she did this her t-shirt rode up a little exposing a sliver of flesh and making Ron suddenly feel even warmer.
`Now!' screamed the voice and before he knew it Ron was stood behind Luna who just happen to turn at that moment and immediately gave a yelp almost dropping one of the glasses.
"Ronald! Don't sneak up on people like that!" she scolded lightly. "You scared me out of my wits!"
"Sorry," said Ron huskily. His tone of voice wasn't lost on Luna who suddenly looked slightly flustered, a look that Ron found as sexy as hell!
"Ronald…Ron, we…we should get the drinks," she stammered. "Harry and Hermione are waiting for us!"
`Like hell they are!' growled the voice. `Their playing tonsil Quidditch and you both know it!' Ron now took a deep breath and was about to speak when he suddenly made a decision. To hell with words! Actions were required here! With that he slammed the jug on the counter behind Luna then snatched the glasses off her and put them too on the counter with a slight clatter before turning to Luna with a heated gaze. Luna herself looked like a deer in headlights (although, as both were purebloods neither would have heard that particular description before).
"Ron," she whispered nervously but before she could say anything else Ron took a light hold of her arms and pressed his lips hungrily to hers! For a moment Luna was stunned but then her brain kicked itself back into gear with the orders to respond and respond hard! After all, this is what she'd wanted wasn't it?
Too damn right it was!
Ron, unlike Harry, had never actually kissed a girl before (he didn't count Ginny, his mother and numerous female cousins) but right now he was pretty sure he could die a happy man. Slowly, and without breaking the kiss, he released Luna's arms and slipped his arms around her waist whilst he felt her arms reach up and around his neck. Finally he broke the kiss but only after his brain had literally had to start begging for air and as he pulled back he was met by the sight of a red-face, breathless and very happy looking Luna.
"Hey," croaked Ron grinning sheepishly.
"Hey," replied Luna, her own voice cracking a little as she smile at him. "That was…sudden."
"Sorry," said Ron smiling sheepishly. "To be truthful I've been trying to get up the courage all holidays!" Luna looked at him in surprise for a moment before grinning broadly.
"Well then, I'd say the wait was most certainly worth it!"
"Good, `cause…well, that was my first kiss!" chuckled Ron.
"Really?" said Luna genuinely surprised by that comment. "I'd never have guessed."
"What about you?" blurted Ron quickly. "You ever kissed anyone before?"
"Not a boy if that's what you mean," said Luna just as quickly. She now looked down briefly before looking back up again. "I love you Ronald Weasley!"
"You do?" said Ron with a coy smile. "Well that's good, `cause I love you too Luna Lovegood!" And with that he leaned in and claimed his second kiss.
***
Molly Weasley yawned slightly as she padded down the hallway towards the kitchen. It was a warm night and whereas Arthur had been so tired he'd fallen asleep almost as soon as his head had touch the pillow. Molly however hadn't been so lucky and finally she'd decided she wanted a glass of water. However as she pushed open the kitchen door she was met by a sight that almost made her squeal. Luna was now seated on the counter with her hands in Ron's hair while his rested on her hips whilst their lips were locked in a heated kiss. For one moment Molly just stood in the doorway before she came to her senses and she quickly pulled the door to whilst at the same time a smile crossed her face. She hadn't know Luna for all that long but Molly's motherly intuition had told her that the two had feelings for each other and from what she'd learned about Luna, Molly was sure she'd be a good influence on Ron. Humming happily she now made her way towards the stairs, now that she thought about it there was a glass in the bathroom.
***
Luna briefly broke the kiss and turned towards the door with a worried frown.
"Did you hear something?"
"Nuh-huh," growled Ron as, deprived of Luna's lip, he trailed kisses down her neck causing her to sigh softly.
"Must be me hearing things!" she muttered before recapturing Ron's lips.
***
"So," said Harry an hour later as Ron flopped onto his bed. "How did it go?"
"Bloody brilliant," was the simple reply before Ron slowly raised his head and glanced over at his friend. "Oh mate, if a Dementor came up to me right now it wouldn't have a fucking chance!"
"Ah," said Harry with a knowing smile. "Like that was it?"
"Oh yeah," said Ron. "Better than any Hogwarts feast too!"
"Okay, now I know you've got it bad," chuckled Harry. Ron gave a loud snort then quickly shot a look towards Neville who gave a small grumble and rolled over. Satisfied he hadn't woken their friend Ron now turned back to Harry.
"Anyway, at least now I know I'm better at something than you are," he chuckled slyly. Harry immediately pushed himself up on his elbows and looked over at his friend.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well," said Ron with a grin spreading across his face. "My first kiss didn't end in the girl bursting into tears!"
"Git!" hissed Harry grabbing one of his pillows and hurling it at Ron who chuckled as he caught it easily.
"Sorry mate, couldn't resist!" he said tossing the pillow back. "I just feel….well, like I've won the Quidditch World Cup!"
Harry couldn't help but laugh as he nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I know what you mean," he admitted before giving a yawn. "Well I don't know about you mate but I'm going to sleep, must look the best for our girls."
"Yeah," sighed Ron as he reached over and turned off the bedside lamp. "Night Harry."
"Night mate," replied Harry's voice and soon four of the occupants of Grimmauld Place were dreaming about each other.
***
Ron stepped out the bathroom next morning whistling happily to himself as he made his way back towards the boys' room.
"I'd like to think I've got something to do with your obvious good mood this morning," said a voice from behind him causing to turn see Luna leaning against the doorframe of the girls' room with a beaming smile on her face.
"Well, I did have this real good dream about Malfoy being changed into a ferret then being chased by one of Charlie's dragons," said Ron with a broad grin. "But it kept getting interrupted by this really hot girl with long blonde hair who would come up and snog me!"
"Oh yes?" said Luna as she crossed over to Ron with a smile playing across her lips before slipping her arms up around his neck whilst Ron's arms went around her waist.
"Yup," said Ron before his face cracked into a grin. "I'm pretty certain she flashed me too!"
"Hey!" huffed Luna as her face broke into a scowl. "Don't push it Weasley!"
"Sorry, couldn't resist," chuckled Ron before resting his forehead against her.
"I suppose I can forgive you," sighed Luna. "Of course, a kiss would help!"
"What? Like this?" said Ron and with that pulled Luna into a passionate snog.
"Jeez, and you complain about me and Hermione!" chirped Harry's voice causing the couple to break apart.
"Can't a guy snog his girlfriend in peace around here?!" grumbled Ron while Luna blushed lightly. At this Harry gave a chuckle and shook his head as he made his way across to the bathroom.
"Nope," he replied before closing the door.
"Git!" hissed Ron whilst Luna giggled softly before the pair met each other's gaze. A small smirk now crossed Luna's face causing Ron to frown.
"You know, I was right!"
"What about?"
"You just look so cute when you're all red in the face!" For a moment Ron just stood staring opened mouthed at Luna before his shoulders sagged.
"Jeez Luna, you really know how to deflate a guy's ego!"
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Luna with a cheeky smile. "Here, maybe this will make it better!" And with that she pulled Ron down for what Ron would only be able to describe as a mindblower of a kiss!
***
"Wonder where Ron is," said Harry casting a look towards the kitchen door. "He said he was only going to be a few minutes."
"Well, at least we know he's not off snogging his girlfriend," said Hermione with a broad smile as she glanced over the table at Luna who blushed lightly whilst Ginny and Neville both sniggered in amusement. "So where is he anyway?"
"Oh that's easy," said Ginny grinning impishly before leaning over and whispering something in Hermione's ear causing her cheeks to redden.
"Ginny!" she hissed.
"What'd she say?" asked Luna from across the table whilst Ginny leaned back in her seat with a smug expression on her face. Hermione meanwhile was still blushing and concentrating hard on the surface of the table.
"'Mione?" said Harry softly. "What…what did Ginny say?" Hermione looked up at him nervously then glanced over towards Mrs Weasley who was over the other side of the kitchen before turning back to her boyfriend.
"She…she said…oh Merlin, I can't believe I'm saying this," here Hermione took a deep breath before meeting Harry's gaze. "She said he was probably upstairs have a wank!"
As soon as the words had crossed Hermione's lips Harry's eyes almost popped out his head whilst Neville nearly choked on his pumpkin juice. Ginny meanwhile giggled whilst Luna turned to her with a curious expression.
"How do you know that's what Ron's doing?" she asked with a curious expression.
"Well after that kiss you gave him he probably need to relieve all his pent-up sexual tension!" said Ginny with a knowing wink causing Luna to lean back in her chair looking quite proud of herself. Hermione meanwhile turned to the youngest Weasley with an odd look on her face.
"How do you know all this?" Ginny now shook her head and smiled.
"Hermione, when you grow up with six brothers…well, let's just say there are certain signs you can spot if you know what to look for!" Here she glanced at Harry, then Neville, both of whom felt slightly uncomfortable from the knowing twinkle in her eyes.
"Oh," said Hermione with a curious frown. Luckily before she could say anything Ron walked into the kitchen with a broad smile across his face.
"Morning all," he chirped as he sat down beside Luna then turned to his girlfriend and kissed her on the cheek softly. "Morning you," he murmured quietly causing Luna to giggle and blush slightly.
"Where have you been?" muttered Harry. "I thought you said you'd be right down?"
"Oh, well…" stuttered Ron suddenly looking slightly uncomfortable. "I…I just had to do something!" This only caused Luna to giggle even more whilst Ginny guffawed softly and Hermione looked slightly put out.
"What's going on?" said Ron whose face was now one of confusion.
"Nothing," said Harry quickly. Luckily before Ron could say anything else there were several hoots as half a dozen owls swooped in, each with a piece of parchment attached to it's leg. Harry now gave a sigh of relief and by the look on Hermione's face she too was happy by the birds timely arrival.
Luna meanwhile was opening her envelope when a small shiny badge fell out on to the kitchen table.
"Hey," said Ron grabbing the badge with glee. "Luna, they made you a prefect!"
"Oh my," said Luna with genuine surprise on her face.
"She's not the only one," added Neville with a chuckle. "Looks like Ginny's got one too!" Ron's head immediately turned to his sister who was sitting looking at the badge in shock.
"Congratulations Ginny!" said Hermione brightly.
"Yeah, well done Gin," added Harry putting an arm around Ginny and give her a quick hug before almost being pushed to the floor as Mrs Weasley enveloped her daughter in a tight hug!
"Oh Ginny! Your father's going to be so pleased!" she bawled as tears of joy ran down her face. "I'm so proud of you!"
"Mum!" mumbled Ginny going red in the face whilst Ron sniggered with amusement. "You're embarrassing me!"
"Oh, oh I'm sorry dear," said Mrs Weasley quickly releasing her daughter from the hug before a thoughtful look crossed her face. "Now, I think this deserves a reward. Yes, we must get you a reward." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes. "Seeing as you'll be on the Quidditch team this year I suppose you'll be wanting a broom won't you?" To everyone's surprise however Ginny shook her head.
"I've got enough saved up from working for the twins to be able to buy a broom myself." Here she bit her bottom lip and then looked down at her hands before up at her mother.
"I was wonder….if I could have a cat?"
"A cat?" said Mrs Weasley with a surprised expression. "Oh, well. If that's what you want."
"Yes please," said Ginny with an eager nod.
"Alright then," said Mrs Weasley with a smile. "Now, you six get stuck in. Bill, Charlie and Tonks will be here at ten and then we'll head off."
***
It was actually a little after ten when Bill, Charlie and Tonks arrived and Harry and the others couldn't help but laugh at Tonks's rainbow coloured hair which earned the young woman a slightly disdainful look from Mrs Weasley.
"Cool look Tonks," said Ginny with a grin. "Couldn't decide what colour you wanted or something?"
"Something like that," said Tonks with a beaming smile.
"But…but what about not attracting attention to yourselves?" protested Mrs Weasley.
"Mum, we're going to be in the middle of Diagon Alley," said Bill with a reassuring smile. "Plus Moody, Kingsley, Hestia, Dung, Emmeline, and Sturgis will all be there too!"
"But still!" protested Mrs Weasley, albeit weakly. "You…you stick out a mile!"
"Yeah, that's what Moody said!" said Tonks with a chuckle, which quickly died as she saw the scowl on Molly's face. Luckily at this point Charlie stepped in.
"Mum, I seriously doubt Voldermort's going to pop up in the middle of Diagon Alley. I mean, not only will half the Order be there but Kingsley told me that half the Aurors will be there too!" At this all the remaining gusto went out of Molly and she gave a sigh.
"Alright, alright," she sighed. "Off you go, but please for the love of Merlin please be careful! And for goodness sakes Ron, don't eat anything the twins offer you!"
***
Ten minutes later Harry and the others arrived in the back office of Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes to find Fred and George waiting for them with broad smiles.
"Morning all," chirped George. "And for those of you who've not been before here before welcome to Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes!"
"Especially you Harry mate," said Fred clapping Harry on the shoulder. "Without your financially assistance we might have had to get…" Here he paused and both twins gave a shudder before together announcing. "REAL JOBS!"
"Mum still hasn't given up hope of that by the way!" chirped Charlie causing the twins to glare at him.
"Wash your mouth out Charles Algernon Weasley!" snapped Fred.
"Yeah, we don't like people with foul mouths coming in here!" added George.
"Alright you two!" said Bill with a chuckle. "Enough of that! And Charlie, you stop winding `em up."
"Who? Me?" said Charlie with an innocent expression on his face. "Never dream of it!"
"Yeah right!!" grunted Ron whilst Ginny grinned. Bill now just rolled his eyes before grabbing Charlie by the neck and started towards the side door.
"We're just going to check in with Moody," he called as a grinning Tonks fell in behind. "Ron, why don't you and Gin show `em around until we get back?"
"Okay Bill," called Ron with a nod as Bill, Charlie and Tonks headed out to the door. Fred and George meanwhile turned to the others with broad smiles.
"So Gin, made you a prefect did they?" said George with a smile nodding at his sister's badge.
"Yeah good one Sis!" added Fred as he slipped an arm around Ginny's shoulder and gave her a squeeze causing her to flush red.
"You guys!" she mumbled backhanding Fred on the chest.
"Oh, now that's just bloody typically isn't it?" growled Ron. "You couldn't stop taking the piss out of me last year when I made Prefect!"
"Ah, have we hurt little Ronniekins feelings?" sniggered George punching his younger brother lightly in the shoulder.
"Git!" huffed Ron whilst Harry and the others looked with amusement.
"Come on Ron," said Ginny quickly. "Let show the others the store!"
"Yeah, we'd better be getting back," added Fred. "We told Alicia and Katie we wouldn't be long!"
"Alicia and Katie are here?" asked Harry with obvious delight. "How did you get them working for you?" To everyone's surprise both twins actually flushed with embarrassment.
"Ah, well," said Fred with a small cough. "Me and Alicia and George and Katie…well we're kinda dating!"
"Not a word to Mum!" added George. "She's already buggin' Bill and Fleur to `set a date'!"
"Yeah, and Bill ain't even proposed yet!" muttered Fred.
"Oh don't worry," piped up Luna with a dreamy. "Ron won't say anything seeing as he's dating me now!" For a moment there was absolute silences as Ron's face went bright red. However, it was the twins' reaction that caused the biggest shock.
"Way to go Ron!" said George clapping his younger sibling on the shoulder.
"Yeah, you've got yourself a looker there mate!" added Fred.
"Eh?" said an obviously shocked Ron who'd been bracing himself for the worst ribbing.
"Ooookay," said Ginny curiously quickly grabbing Ron's arm. "Come on Ron, let's show the others around."
"What? Oh, right, right," said Ron slowly as he let his sister lead him and the others onto the shop floor.
***
After the revelations and surprises at WWW the group made their way to Gringotts where Moody presented Ron, Hermione and Ginny with their keys and handed Neville his family vaults key before Harry and one of the Goblins' lead down to vaults.
Unfortunately Harry hadn't really thought how his friends would react to the rather violent ride that awaited them. Ron and Ginny took to it without hesitation laughing and cheering at all the twist and turns whilst Luna just leaned up against Ron as if total unaware of her surroundings. Hermione and Neville meanwhile weren't nearly so excited, in fact their reactions were probably the exact opposites! Whilst Ginny and Ron were waving their arms above their heads as if riding a Muggle roller coast and roaring with delight Hermione was clinging on to Harry for dear life whilst between cries of terror cursing her boyfriend for not mentioning the ride before he'd brought them all gone down to the vaults. Neville meanwhile, well poor Neville went a horrid shade of green and when they finally stopped the inevitable happened.
He threw up all over the Gringotts Goblin, an act that only made the Goblin's foul mood ten times worse and Harry was sure the ride out was even faster than usual!
***
"Harry James Potter! You are the biggest git!" mumbled Hermione leaning heavily against him as they walked (or more accurately staggered) through the Gringotts' lobby.
"Sorry `Mione," said Harry softly. "I really am." Here Hermione sighed softly and shook her head.
"It's not you fault, you weren't to know I'm not keen on roller coasters."
"Well, at least you handled it better then Nev," said Harry with a smirk and nodding towards Neville who was being supported by a grinning Ron and a worried looking Ginny.
"Poor Neville," said Hermione with genuine sympathy just as Moody and the rest of their escort came into view.
"Hey guys," called Bill. "Everything go alright?"!
"Well, about from Neville here losing his breakfast all over one of the goblins everything went fine," said Ron clapping Neville on the shoulder causing Neville to groan slightly. Bill chuckled and shook his head whilst Tonks and Charlie gave Neville sympathetic smiles. Moody meanwhile reached into his robes and pulled out a vial containing a dark blue liquid.
"Here Longbottom, get this down yer, it'll make you feel better!" he growled.
"Professor, didn't you tell us not to drink potions offered to us by other wizards?" said Ron with a frown.
"Well remembered Weasley, but this one's a simple stomach settling potion. And besides…" And here he downed half the vial himself.
"See, still breathing, no extra limbs and still my usually good looking self!" said the Auror with a lopsided grin whilst Ginny and Tonks both sniggered softly. Moody shot them a dark look but then turned and handed the vial to Neville.
"There you go lad, drink it all down!" growled the former Auror. Neville hesitated for a second but then threw back the rest of the potion. For a second he gagged but then slowly the colour returned to his face and within five minutes he was looking normal again.
"Oh that's better," he murmured with relief. "Thanks Professor."
"Your welcome Son," said Moody. "Alright, lets get a move on, and remember…"
"CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" echoed the six teenagers, Bill, Charlie and Tonks all at once before bursting out into laughter while Moody looked a little put out.
"Yes, well," he growled. "Come on then, let get going!" And with that he turned and hobbled out into Diagon Alley. The others briefly exchanged looks and shrugs before all hurrying out after him.
***
The rest of the morning went by quickly as the group stopped off at the Apothecary, Flourish and Blotts and the stationary supply shop before Moody lead them all to the Leaky Cauldron for lunch.
"Well, I don't know about you lot but I'm knackered already!" said Tonks stifling a yawn.
"How come?" asked Bill. "You weren't on duty last night!"
"Oh…well…I…I just didn't sleep all that well!" stammered Tonks flushing red.
"You could have taken a dreamless potion," suggested Hermione.
"I would have if I'd had any," said Tonks with a sheepish grin. "Unfortunately I was all out!"
"You alright Charlie?" asked Ginny from beside Tonks causing Harry and some of the others to turn towards the second eldest Weasley. "You look a bit warm!"
"Nah, I'm fine," said Charlie with a lopsided smile. "Just a bit warm!"
"Should be used to it in your job mate," said Ron with a grin causing a few laughs to fill the air.
***
After a pleasant dinner the group headed back out into the alley and immediately made their way towards Quality Quidditch Supplies where in the window hung the newest broom on the market.
The Comet X7.
"Oh wow," said Charlie with a whistle. "Would you look at that!"
"Thing of beauty!" agreed Bill.
"But total impractically for anything other than Quidditch," muttered Moody although he did actually seem to like the broom itself.
"Come on then," said Ginny before leading the group inside. Once there Neville and Hermione just stood near the door with Tonks and Moody whilst Harry and Ron quickly went and brought some broom polish each as well some other broom care products. Ginny meanwhile dragged her two elder brothers down an aisle and emerged a short time later carrying a broom that Harry recognised as a Windspeeder 5000. The Windspeeder certainly wasn't the fastest broom ever but it certainly wasn't a slouch either and Harry knew from reading `What Broom' that it was a particularly popular model amongst the amateur Quidditch Leagues where it was mostly used by chasers. Ron now gave a low whistle of admiration as he looked at the broom.
"Nice choice Sis," he said with a nod as Ginny went up to pay for it.
"Yeah well, I had some good advisers," said Ginny glancing over her shoulder at Bill and Charlie who just smiled.
"Oh, we wouldn't let our sister ride any old broom now would we Charlie?"
"Damn straight!" agreed Charlie as Ginny finished paying for her broom and rejoined the others.
"All done?" asked Moody. "Alright, where next?"
"Well I've got to go the Owl Emporium," said Ron. "I need to get some treats."
"Me too," added Harry.
"Me, Luna and Hermione have got to go to Madam Malkin's," replied Ginny firmly causing Hermione's eyes to widen.
"We have?"
"Oh yes," added Luna quickly.
"Alright," said Moody. "Tonks, you and Charlie take the girls to Madam Malkin's. Bill, you and me will go with Mr Potter and Mr Weasley to the owl emporium!"
"Right oh," said Bill. "Neville, you coming with us or the girls?"
"Daft question!" muttered Neville with a grin.
"Okay then," said Tonks. "We'll meet you outside the Menagerie in half an hour."
"Actually, you'd better make that an hour," said Ginny exchanging glances with Luna. "We've got a bit of shopping to do!" And with that and before Hermione, Tonks or Charlie could say anything the two younger girls bundled them out the store and towards the Robe Shop.
"What was all that about?" said Harry with a frown.
"No idea," said Ron.
"Their girls, we're not supposed to understand them," said Bill with a chuckle causing the other three boys to laugh while Moody snorted with amusement. "Come on, let's get over to the emporium. Then we'll stop at Florean's on the way to the Menagerie. Knowing girls they'll take more than an hour doing whatever it is their doing!"
***
As it was Bill was right as when the girls and Charlie finally turned up they were almost half an hour late and Moody was beginning to live up to his name.
"Well it's about bloody time!" he snarled.
"Sorry Mad-Eye," said Tonks sheepishly. "We…erm…lost track of the time right girls?" At this Ginny and Luna giggled whilst Hermione blushed. Charlie meanwhile shoved his hands into his pockets and looked straight up and whistled softly. Harry looked at his girlfriend with a confused frown then turned to Ron who merely shrugged. Moody now gave a grunt and shook his head.
"Well, you got `ere eventually."
"And so did they," said Bill nodding over Moody's shoulder and everyone turned to see Molly and Arthur walking down the alley with Percy scurrying sheepishly behind them.
"Afternoon everyone," said Arthur cheerfully.
"Afternoon Minister!" chanted Harry, the other teenagers, Charlie, Bill and Tonks.
"Bloody Hell Arthur!" growled Moody. "Got a death wish or something?!"
"Oh calm down Alastor," said Arthur with a sigh. "Kingsley knew I was coming. As well as the Aurors he assigned to you he's got another half dozen following me!" Here Moody gave a reluctant grunt of approval whilst Arthur turned to his daughter and pulled her into a hug while congratulating her and once more causing the youngest Weasley to flush red with embarrassment.
"Dad!" she hissed. "Please, not in public!"
"Oh, sorry," said Arthur quickly releasing her. "So, shall we go and get this cat then?"
***
"You know," said Ron as the group stepped out half an hour later. "I thought that flea bag of Hermione's was the ugliest cat I'd ever seen but it looks like I was wrong!"
"Ron!" snapped Molly glaring at the back of his head.
"Don't listen to him Smudge!" cooed Ginny stroking the black and white kitten.
"Smudge?!" hooted Ron. "How can you can a cat…."
"RON!" snapped Molly, Hermione and Luna altogether. Ron's head immediately snapped round and he stared in shock at his girlfriend as did Harry and the others to see a look of genuine annoyance on the usual calm Luna's face.
"Either stop teasing your sister or I won't feel like snogging tonight!" said Luna firmly.
Harry couldn't help but snigger as Ron's face went bright red and his jaw unhinged. Hermione, Ginny, Bill, Tonks and Charlie were also grinning whilst Mr Weasley and Moody were wearing amused looks whilst Mrs Weasley looked slightly uncomfortable but kept silent.
"Now," said Luna. "Do you promise not to tease Ginny about her cat?" For a moment Ron just stared at his girlfriend before his shoulders slumped and nodded.
"Alright then," said Luna and with that grabbed the front of Ron's jumper and pulled him down for a quick kiss that only left the youngest male Weasley with a lopsided grin on his face.
"Yes, well," coughed Moody with a slightly bewildered look. "Is that everything?"
"Well I'm all done," said Hermione.
"Me too," added Neville whilst Ginny, Luna and Ron all nodded agreement
"Yeah," said Harry. "I think we're finally ready for the new school year!"
And what a year it was going to be!
Phew!!! Finished!!!
Okay, maybe this isn't the best ending to a chapter I've ever done but if I hadn't ended it here I don't know when I would have!
Hope you Ron and Luna fans who are along for the ride enjoyed their bits. Harry and Hermione will get a chapter soon promise.
And as for those of you who are wondering when things are going to get steamy patience! I'm not going have Harry and Hermione break the law so their going have to wait a bit longer!
But next up…well let's just say it's time we catch up with our least favourite Dark Wizard!
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