1001 Hogwarts Nights: Proof in the Pumpkin Juice

AN: This story is apart of the aptly named “1001 Hogwarts Nights” cookie collection. Suggested by many others I have gathered all my cookies from the FA cookie jar and will post them here. My nasty little habit of always ending on cliffhangers earned me the nickname “Sharazad” from thephotoman, because I left everyone frustrated, thus spawning the title which was suggested by romulus_lupin. These stories are dedicated to all who sail H/Hr and to gal_texter especially- who never gave up.

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Harry, Ron and Hermione sat in the Gryffindor common room pouring over some homework. Ron rubbed the back of his neck and craned his head over to see Hermione's homework. She instinctively leaned forward more and moved her arm closer to her parchment to block his view.

"Oh come off it Hermione, I just need five more lines."

"Nope," she replied.

"Harry, what do you say?"

Harry was about to push his essay towards him when Hermione slammed her hand down on his homework so fast that they jumped.

"Ron why don't you finish this homework on your own?" she said with her eyes fixed on her own parchment.

There was no contest. Harry raised and lowered his eye brows at Ron and continued with his own. After a few seconds of sulking Ron picked up his quill and began to write.

" Finished," said Hermione standing up from the table and stretching, if you two don't mind I'm off to- don't even think about it Ron!" She had caught Ron lifting up a sheet of her parchment to catch a glimpse of a few of her sentences.

Harry looked at Ron and Hermione and smiled.

"You know you'd think after being best friends with you for five years you'd give us a hand," said Ron slumping back in his chair.

"Well fine if you're so desperate- here," she said shoving a piece of her homework in his face.

"No, I don't want your stinking homework I'll do it on my own," he said pushing her homework away.

"Fine," she said calmly and picked up her books, " Good night Harry," she said smiling.

"Night," he said returning the smile. He leaned his elbow on the table and rested his head in his hand as he watched her go up the stairs.

"Damn!"

Harry snapped his face toward Ron's clueless expression.

"She did it again," said Ron slapping his quill on the table

"Did what?" Harry asked

"Reverse psychology, every single time, I hate it when she does that."

After a few minutes of quill scratching and the odd joke Harry looked up at Ron.

"Ron, er-, can I ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"Is it alright to have feelings for your best-friend?"

Ron stopped writing and looked up at him. "Er- Harry, I'm not-"

Harry stared at him. "I wasn't talking about you Ron."

"Oh," there was a brief pause and suddenly Ron's eyes went a little wider, "oh," wider still, "OH" and then the sudden dawn of realization, "OH MY GOD- you- Hermione?" he said through an excited whisper.

"Shhh!" said Harry.

"How long?" asked Ron, leaning forward.

"I don't know, but it didn't really hit me until last year."

"What, the kiss?"

Harry shook his head but then nodded with a smile. Ron then proceeded to shift in his chair twice. There was an uncomfortable silence that followed until Harry started tapping his quill nervously against the table.

"You going to tell her?"

"You think that's a good idea?"

"I think it's suicidal, but that's just me."

Harry glanced up towards the girl's dormitory, tapping his quill even harder.

TAP-TAP-TAP-TAP-TAP-TAP

SLAM!

"That's driving me nuts," said Ron pinning Harry's hand and quill to the table.

"Sorry," said Harry withdrawing his quill from Ron's grasp.

"So are you going to tell her?"

"I don't know," said Harry before sinking his head into his arms,

"What if she doesn't feel the same way back?"

"Harry, this is Hermione we're talking about, don't you ever see the way she looks at you?"

Harry tilted his head up.

"Just give it a chance you never now what's going to happen, being friends with you for five years certainly proves that."

Harry groaned in his arm and pounded the table once with his fist.

"If you don't ask her now Krum might."

Harry sat up in his chair," That's not funny."

"You're right...I don't know what came over me....if you ask me I think she only has one Quidditch player in mind."

After a pause Harry began to gather up his books.

"Okay, I'll tell her tomorrow."

"You'll tell her now," said Ron mimicking his actions.

"I tell her now I'll get sick and it'll be twice as embarrassing if I throw up everywhere," Harry suddenly had this glazed over look in his eye, "....I may never recover."

As the two laughed their way up the stairs to their room a girl with red hair poked her head up from behind the chair and was grinning broadly.

***

"You are going to tell her right?" said Ron pulling on his robe.

"Yes, will you stop?" said Harry who was getting just a little annoyed with Ron's pushing.

When they made their way to the common room that morning to wait for Hermione like they always did, they saw Ginny sitting in a chair in front of the fire place wearing the same grin she wore the night before.

"Why are you so happy?" asked Ron sitting on the arm rest.

"Hermione wants me to tell you that she's running a little late this morning and wants you to go to breakfast with out her. She said she'll meet you in the hall."

Ginny got up and smiled very broadly at Harry and left.

Harry felt his stomach drop about four feet. He had a haunting suspicion that she knew something....

Ron and Harry sat across from each other at the Gryffindor table eating breakfast when Hermione suddenly appeared through the doors....and she was wearing a grin quite similar to Ginny's.

"You going to tell her?" whispered Ron.

Harry gave him the answer by kicking him in the shins, Ron jumped in his seat and shot him a nasty look.

Hermione sat down (evidently) by Harry who looked straight at his plate.

"Good Morning," she said pouring herself some juice. Ron said hello through a mouthful of porridge and Harry muttered some thing that sounded like ' G'Morring'.
The conversations that were held between the three of them where brief and whatever answer Harry gave was two words or less. Ron didn't help either; he kept mouthing the words 'Tell her' behind his goblet before taking a sip. Harry responded to this by glaring at him.

It was like this for most of the morning until Ron had some how 'forgotten' his potions notebook in his room and left the two of them alone in the common room.
Every time Harry looked at her she was wearing the same stupid grin. Harry cracked five of his fingers before finally speaking up.

"So...how was Arithmancy?" Yup…he was nervous.

"Good...and Divination?"

"Stimulating," Harry whipped his head towards the window, to hide his face which was turning a little pink. He hoped she didn't take that the wrong way, but Hermione raised one of her brows and looked down, her smile a little bit wider that before. Where was Ron with that book?

"I'm running a little low on ink so I'm going to just run up stairs and grab another bottle," said Harry pointing up to his room.

With a nod from Hermione he dashed up stairs to his room and closed the door behind him. He stood there leaning against it, covering his face with his hand. When he looked up he saw Ron staring at him clutching his potions notebook in his hands looking very hopeful.

"What?" Harry asked.

"Well?"

"Well what?"

"Did you tell her?" Ron watched Harry's face wince, " You didn't tell her," said Ron dropping the book to his side, " You promised you would."

"Yeah, well the day's not over yet is it?" said Harry walking over to his night table and grabbing a bottle of ink.

At the end of the day Harry was a wreck. He seemed stressed a bit more than usual, owing to the fact that trying to tell a girl that he likes her is HARD. Especially when this girl was his best friend. Ginny was no help, every time she saw Harry and Hermione walking together she had a huge smile on her face. This just increased his suspicion about her knowing that he likes Hermione. But how could she have known? Unless...

"Ginny where you in the common room last night?" Harry asked, casting a shadow over her.

"Harry, everyone was in the common room last night," she replied looking at him over the rim of her book wearing that same silly grin, the wind occasionally lifting her hair off her shoulders.

"I meant when Ron and I were finishing our homework."

"Er- maybe."

"Maybe?"

"Maybe."

Harry knew he wasn't going to get anywhere with this, but he had to know, "Alright Ginny," said Harry taking a seat next to her on a bench, "how much do you know?"

Ginny leaned in close, "I know that you fancy Hermione a little more than you did last year.....no, sorry, a lot more."

Harry swallowed hard, "Did you tell Hermione?"

Ginny leaned back in the bench and looked at him, "Harry," she began "I've known you and Hermione for quite sometime, what do you think?"

A small smile tugged at the corner of Harry's mouth.

"Thanks Ginny," he said suddenly feeling a little more comfortable. As Harry walked away Ginny hid her face behind her book hiding the laughter that was trying to break through. A few minutes later Harry and Ron were walking towards the library, sniffing occasionally from the outside chill

"Now, are you sure you're going to do it?" asked Ron

"Yeah, I feel a little more confident," said Harry straightening out his scarf.

"By the way what were you and Ginny talking about?"

"Oh I just wanted to know how much she heard when we were talking in the common room last night."

"She was in the common room?"

"Yeah," said Harry sniffing.

Ron stopped and stared at him.

"How much does she know?"

"Everything, but she said she never told Hermione so-"

"Wait, wait a minute, did she actually say that or-"

"Er-no, she said something about knowing us for a few years, and-What?"

Ron was staring at Harry, "You're right," said Ron with a straight face "she didn't tell her."

Harry furrowed his eyebrows at Ron and kept walking. Ron shook his head and rolled his eyes, "She told her," he said and walked a little faster to catch up with Harry. When they had finally reached the entrance to the library they saw Hermione sitting at one of the tables writing furiously, pausing every now and then to flip a page or two in the book next to her.

"It's amazing she never gets writers cramp," Ron said quietly, "Well don't just stand there, go on," and he began to shove Harry along.

Harry stood there receiving odd looks from Madame Pince, he cracked his fingers again, exhaled deeply and began to walk towards Hermione. But just as he was doing so she brushed her hair back with her hand revealing her neck, and he did an about turn and began to walk in the other direction. If you were in the library that day you would have seen a pair of hands push Harry back into the library. Harry's breathing was starting to become irregular as he straightened out his scarf and tried to make the same journey. Harry had finally reached the table and sat down across from her.

Hermione's face lit up. "Hi Harry," she said cheerfully

"Hi," he said, his voice one octave up, he cleared his throat. "Hey Hermione."

AN: Thank you so much for your reviews everyone! And I do apologize for some small clichés in this story- ie, Ron being very helpful with Harry and not feeling slightly jealous. But this was one of my first stories, and everyone has to start somewhere.

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Harry shoved his seat closer to the table and rested his elbows against it. Hermione was getting the impression that he was about to say something. Ron however was fearing the worst so he thought it was best to stick close by. Trying to be as incognito as he could he grabbed " Quidditch throughout the Ages" from Madame Pince's desk and walked right by them covering the side of his face with the open book, heading for the nearest book shelf so he could listen.

Harry was having troubles with his voice. He opened and closed his mouth five times before finally saying something.

"Hermione, er-"

"Yes?" she said looking a little bit hopeful

"I was wondering if...if er-" This was hard.

Ron was watching behind a book shelf muttering, " Come on Harry, you can do it..."

"If er-"

Hermione raised an eyebrow at him giving him that look of 'keep going'.

"If you could...help me with my potions essay?"

Ron smacked his forehead with the book. "Idiot!"

"Oh," said Hermione, slightly surprised but at the same time a little discouraged, "of course, we'll work on it tonight in the common room, is that alright?"

"Yeah, sounds good," Harry didn't notice Ron, rush out behind him with the open book covering his face. He tossed it back on Madam Pince's desk and walked out. As soon as he turned around Harry was just walking through the doors with a look of defeat on his face.

"YOU-STUPID-BRAINLESS-GIT," Ron shouted, thrusting a pointed finger at him with every word.

"I'm SORRY!" Harry pleaded, "I froze, I didn't know what to say."

"Potions essay... really," Ron folded his arms " that's not due till next week!" he leaned his back against the stone wall, while Harry tugged his scarf off and wrapped it around his fists.

"Well, you know what we have to do know," said Ron, pushing himself away from the wall with his foot, " we have to make sure that you two are alone in the common room tonight."

"Oh yes, because that's not obvious at all."

"Well you have to get a move on Harry, you said you were going to tell her today, and you're going to."

Later that evening Hermione sat on the couch in front of the fireplace in the common room, finishing up her essay. She stopped and looked around. The common room was insanely quiet. She heard footsteps coming from the stairway and Harry appeared carrying his potion notebook and things. He was wearing a rather nervous smile.

"Hello," he said taking a seat in one of the chairs next to her.

"Hello Harry," she said and the same silly grin began to from upon her face. Hermione returned her eyes to her parchment and began scratching away. Harry however, was watching her hand move swiftly across the page, her neat and tiny writing following it. He exhaled deeply. It had to be now.

"Hermione?"

She looked up at him. "Yes?"

"Er-" he leaned in closer, his mouth feeling suddenly dry, " I er...well the thing is....I er-"

"Oh for goodness sake Harry!" Hermione shouted and made a reach for his tie and brought his lips crashing onto hers.

Even though Harry's eyes were closed his eyebrows were raised so high that they disappeared behind his bangs. His arms flailed out causing his books to fall to the ground, until he finally stumbled on to the couch and practically in Hermione's lap. When Hermione finally released him he had one hand on top of the couch's back and the other on the arm rest, pinning Hermione underneath him. They looked at each other. Hermione had a sort of dreamy look on her face, while Harry's wore a very familiar grin. Hermione straightened out his glasses, which were knocked askew, letting out a small giggle.

Ron and Ginny stood in the shadows of the stairway looking on. They looked at each other smiling and shook hands. When they turned their attentions back towards Harry and Hermione, Harry had collapsed on top of her, giving her a big hug and breathing a huge sigh of relief. Hermione had wrapped her arms around Harry's neck.

"I know the feeling," she said.

***

When Harry awoke the next morning he couldn't stop smiling. Last night was pretty fun.

Hermione kissed him.

On the lips.

As he pulled on his school robes he looked towards Ron who was running his fingers through his hair in the mirror.

"Feel free to stop giggling like a school girl anytime," he said looking at Harry's expression.

"Sorry," said Harry trying to straighten his face, but he couldn't help it, he just burst out in giggles again.

“I'd hate to see you when she comes to meet us for breakfast," said Ron straightening out his tie.

Harry and Ron walked down to the common room, Harry jumping the last three stairs, hit the ground with a flourish.

"Good Lord, Harry.” Harry spun around to meet Ginny sitting on the couch, " I wonder why you're in a good mood- some potion essay huh?"

"How did you know I was doing a potions essay?"

Ron was shaking his head furiously at Ginny mouthing 'He doesn't know! Shut up!'
Harry saw Ginny looking at Ron and he turned his head in Ron's direction. Ron had snapped his hands at his side, looking somewhere in the direction of the window.

"Um...because...Ron…told me?"

Ron gave Ginny a sarcastic thumbs-up. They heard someone coming down the stairs and all three of them turned to see Hermione enter the room, her cheeks rather flushed.

Ron and Ginny were looking at them with smiling anticipation. But all Harry and Hermione could do was stare back at them.

"Er-we'll meet you in the Great Hall," said Ron pushing his little sister out with him. When they saw the portrait door close Hermione threw herself at Harry, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving his a soft kiss on the cheek.

"Good Morning!" said Harry, rather surprised by the hug.

"Come on, let's go to breakfast," said Hermione, "if we take too long they'll start talking," she laughed. She steered Harry's in front of her and then jumped on his back. Harry gave her a piggy-back almost all the way to the stairs, when a voice caught them off guard. It was Professor McGonagall.

"I understand the need for exercise Potter, but safety…now would you kindly put Miss Granger down!"

"Sorry Professor," they said in unison as he released Hermione's legs and slowly lowered her to the floor. When Professor McGonagall had carried on her way they smiled at each other and proceeded to the great Hall.

"Hungry Ron?" asked Hermione taking her seat next to Harry like she always did.

"Try the French toast Harry," said Ron trying to swallow the large amounts of food in his mouth.

Breakfast carried on like it usually did. The only difference was the increased amount of giggling Harry was doing every time his thoughts wandered to the previous night. But suddenly, halfway through his breakfast, he stopped. There was a small upset feeling in his stomach, that he couldn't quite explain. His hand became cold and sweaty as he wrenched his tie loose.

"You all right?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, just a little warm," he said fanning his face.

"You do look a little pale Harry," said Ginny," maybe you should go see Madam Pomfrey."

Hermione was studying his face with keen interest .

"No it's all right," said Harry, fanning his chest with his jumper," It's probably because of the change in weather that's all," he looked at Hermione, " I'm all right!"

When breakfast was finished they made their way down to the grounds for Care of Magical Creatures. Harry didn't feel like moving to fast, it seemed with every step his stomach felt more and more uncomfortable. Still, he didn't want this to ruin the good day he was having so far.

"I wonder what beast from hell Hagrid brought for us?" said Ron. Harry laughed but stopped immediately when he felt his stomach give a small heave.

"Got a real treat for ya today!" called Hagrid out from his cabin. Everyone gave a small groan, except for Harry who swallowed hard and exhaled heavily.

While most of the class was watching Hagrid demonstrate with his beast of the week, Hermione was warming Harry's hands with her own. He knew all she had to do was place a simple charm on them but Harry preferred this method better. And judging by the look on Hermione's face so did she. Harry turned his head to look at the creature when suddenly his vision went blurry and a cold sweat broke over his forehead.

"Harry, are you sure you're all right?" asked Hermione.

Ron turned his head to see Harry go very pale, all of the sudden Harry's cheeks inflated and he clapped his hand over his mouth making a dash for the nearest bush. The noise that followed however answered Hermione's question. The two of them looked at each other with worry and ran after Harry, who was bent over with his hands on his knees.

"Harry what's wro- ugh!" Ron made an about turn and covered his mouth.

"Oh no," said Hermione and began to rub Harry's back, encouraging him but at the same time scolding him for not going to see Madam Pomfrey.

"What's the problem here?" bellowed Hagrid as he made his way over, "Oh!" he said when he surveyed Harry and the mess he was making. Hagrid, however seemed unfazed by this as he made his way to his hut and returned seconds later with a large wooden bucket, shoving it underneath Harry's face.

"Better out than in," he continued, "what are you all lookin' at- we got a class ter finish!" yelled Hagrid at the gawking Slytherin's who turned around to face the other way. The Gryffindors occasionally peered over their shoulders to see Harry's progress.

"Hagrid, I think I might need one of those," said Ron who was standing off to the side, apparently looking a little queasy himself.

"Better stay with him you two," said Hagrid, "hate ter pass out an' have no one lookin' after ya."

"I'm not going to-" Harry didn't have a chance to finish what he wanted to say. His stomach wasn't finished emptying the morning's contents yet.

"Well just ter be safe anyway," said Hagrid and walked back towards his class.

Just as quick as it came it ended, and Harry slumped back against the trunk of a tree, panting.

"Now will you go see Madam Pomfrey?" Hermione said, but it seemed more a like a demand than a request.

Maybe you should go too Hermione," said Ron, "you might have it too after last night," Ron watched Hermione's cheeks go pink.

"Fine," she said, "but we should all go just in case."

Ron, while avoiding to look at the buckets contents, helped Harry up, and the three of them made their way to the hospital wing.

"You'll understand of course," whispered Hermione, "that I don't really want to kiss you right now...on the lips anyway."

Harry looked up and smiled at her as she went very pink again. "I'll get over it," he said shrugging his shoulders, and laughing.

Harry was laying on a bed on Madam Pomfrey's orders while Ron and Hermione sat on either side of the bed and waited for Madam Pomfrey to come back.

"Stomach flu!" she pronounced as she walked in.

"But I feel better!" Harry protested.

"You do now, but wait a few hours and you'll be running for the lavatories. You should have came to me sooner, I could have prevented this whole thing," she fussed.

"Well I don't think Ginny and I saw this coming," said Ron, " we would've waited until you were sick first," but no sooner had he said it when he wished he hadn't. He was met with two very curious stares.

"What do you mean 'wait till I was sick?' "

Ron suddenly became interested in a bird outside the window.

"Well?" asked Harry with his arms crossed.

"What?" said Ron trying to appear innocent.

"What did you mean 'wait till I was sick'?"

"When?"

"RON!" said Harry exasperated," You mean to tell me you and Ginny were playing matchmaker?"

"Well, you see the thing is er-" Ron looked at Hermione who was standing there with her arms crossed too," ...well not a first, you see when Ginny told Hermione what you said-'' Ron watched Hermione shake her head and violently wave her hands mouthing the word 'No!'

Harry whipped his head around at Hermione. "You knew?"

Hermione was able to do nothing except stand there with her mouth open looking between Ron and Harry. After opening and closing her mouth a few times and turning a distinct shade of red she finally blurted out, " Transfiguration! We got to go! Bye Harry we'll come back later!" she leaned forward and kissed Harry on the forehead then grabbed Ron's sleeve and dragged him out.

"Bye Harry!" said Ron, "don't forget about our Quidditch game tonight!"

"But-" it was no use they had already left.

Harry slumped against the head board and crossed his arms, blowing his bangs off of his forehead. Suddenly he sat up straight. A familiar feeling was creeping back up his stomach and to his throat. He flew off the bed and made a mad dash to the toilets. Madam Pomfrey watched from her office door laughing silently to herself, as she mixed the last ingredient to her potion.

Moments later, Harry trudged out of the bathroom and made his way to his bed. He slowly took off his robe and pulled off his jumper, took off his tie and un-tucked his shirt, and collapsed on the bed, utterly exhausted. Madam Pomfrey wasn't too far behind him picking up his trail of clothes carrying a large vile of a creamy coloured liquid. She placed his clothes on the chair next to his bed, and placed the potion on top of the table.

"You'll need to drink that."

"What is it?" said Harry all groggy.

"It won't make you feel better right away, as a matter of fact it will speed it up."

"What?"

“It will speed up the illness to make it go away faster. Now in the mean time I suggest you pick a bed that's closest to the bathroom- you're in for one heck of a ride."

Harry was staring at the potion with fear.

"Harry if you plan on playing Quidditch, I suggest you drink up, I for one will never speak to Professor Snape again if Slytherin takes it this year."

Harry slowly sat up and took the potion, he chugged the bottle back with the utmost disgust on his face.

"UGH! It tastes awful!"

"But it works!"

As Madam Pomfrey walked away Harry grabbed his robes and such and headed for the bed closest to the bathroom, but no sooner had he put his clothes down, he clapped his hand over his mouth and sprinted to the bathroom once more.

***

Ron and Hermione wandered in to the classroom and took their usual seats for transfiguration, when Malfoy walked up to them.

"It's a shame what happened to Potter isn't it, what with a stomach flu and all- mind you" he looked straight at Hermione, " even I could've told him touching mudbloods is hazardous to your health."

Ron shot straight up, pushing his chair away while Crabbe and Goyle flanked Draco's side. And if it wasn't for Professor McGonagall walking in, there would have been a rumble.

"Weasley, Malfoy sit down!"

Ron slowly sat down glaring at Malfoy. Hermione however was concentrating on something different.

"Ron," she whispered, " how did Malfoy know that Harry has the stomach flu?"

AN: Thank you again everyone for your reviews. This chapter may a be bit a short…but it just wouldn’t be a story from me if it wasn’t a cliff hanger. If Neville seems a bit bashful compared to OoTP, well, it’s because this was written before it’s release. Not a bad prediction though on Ron becoming keeper eh?

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When transfiguration had ended Ron and Hermione were eyeing Draco as he walked out of the classroom ahead of them.

"It doesn't make sense," said Ron, grabbing his books," Malfoy was no where near Harry since Care of Magical Creatures."

"And even then we didn't find out it was the stomach flu until we went to see Madam Pomfrey," Hermione added, "I mean you can't watch someone throw up and automatically assume it's the stomach flu."

"I bet you he's squirming with relief, Harry won't be in good shape for the game tonight...might as well hand the cup to Slytherin right now."

Hermione stopped dead in her tracks, and turned to face Ron, "You don't think...Malfoy...."

"What? Poison Harry? How could he? Harry was with us the entire morning."

"Yes but how else would he know?"

Ron simply shrugged his shoulders. "Come on let's go eat lunch, I'm starving."

Ron and Hermione arrived in the great hall and took their seats by Ginny and Neville, who, was looking rather depressed.

"What's wrong Neville?" asked Ron.

"Malfoy," said Ginny pouring her juice.

"It's bad enough he makes fun of me when I'm in the halls," Neville continued,

"but he had enough guts to come over to the table this morning, he embarrassed me in front of the entire house."

Hermione shot her head up and looked straight at Neville. "Malfoy was over here? What did he do?"

"Well he just stood there and made fun, Crabbe and Goyle seemed interested in one of the goblets-"

CLANK

Ron dropped his fork on the plate. "What did they do to it?"

"I couldn't see, Malfoy was blocking them, but then they saw you and Ginny come in and they left."

"Which goblet did they take?" asked Ginny.

"That one," said Neville pointing to the empty place setting next to Hermione... where Harry always sat.

"That cheating Son of a-"

"Ron!" cried Ginny.

"We have to go," said Hermione sitting up from her chair, she was about to take one last swig of her goblet but thought better of it. Ron got up to join her and they made a mad dash out of the Hall to the Hospital.

When they finally reached the hospital wing, Harry was no where to be seen except for a tie and a jumper on a bed at the far end. As they approached the empty bed the saw Dobby mopping up a spot close to the washrooms looking very sad.

"Dobby," said Ron as they approached, " where's Harry?"

"Oh Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger have come to visit Harry Potter! So kind of you!" he said with his face lighting up.

"Yes, but where's Harry?" asked Hermione again.

"Oh, Harry Potter in a bad state Sir and Miss," they heard a toilet flush in the distance, "Harry Potter has not left the bathroom in two hours," he continued, "thought it best not to leave." Dobby beckoned them forwards while Ron and Hermione crouched down to listen, "Harry Potter didn't quite make it to the bathroom last time," he gave a small laugh.

Ron and Hermione looked over Dobby's head to see a wet patch on the floor where the mop was brushed over.

"Oh," said Ron with his nose wrinkled.

"Can we see him?" asked Hermione.

"Oh yes!" Dobby reached up to grab Hermione's hand and led her into the bathroom, with Ron following behind her.

Harry looked like a wreck, he was huddled against the wall with his robe drawn tightly around him, shivering slightly. He slowly raised his head towards them and a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"I think Madam Pomfrey hates me," he said weakly.

"Harry you look terrible!" said Hermione sweeping over to him. Brushing his bangs with her fingers she pressed the back of her palm against his forehead, " good Lord you're burning up!"

"I know, that's what's supposed to happen," said Harry closing his eyes at the touch of Hermione's hand, and opened them again, "thanks for cleaning up after me, Dobby."

At this Dobby smiled, bowed and skipped merrily out of the bathroom.

"What the hell did she give you?" asked Ron crouching down next to him.

"I don't know, but it's supposed to speed up the illness, so instead of running to the bathroom every hour, it's every five minutes."

Ron's eyes went wide as he tried to remember how long ago he heard the toilet flush.

With that Harry covered his mouth and ran to the closest cubicle, almost knocking Ron over.

"Harry you were poisoned!" yelled Ron over the heaves. After a few minutes the toilet flushed and Harry emerged.

"Poisoned? How?" he said leaning on the cubicle door for support.

"Malfoy tampered with your goblet this morning before breakfast," said Hermione.

"Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"Well for starters, it was Neville who saw it, he forgets everything- he'd forget to put on his pants if he didn't see us do it every morning, " said Ron.

Hermione shook the image of a pantless Neville from her mind and continued to speak. " Plus, Draco knew that you had the stomach flu, how could he when Ron and I were the only other people around in the hospital wing this morning."

Harry wiped the last remaining bead of sweat from the side of his face and dragged his feet to where he was sitting before. As he wrapped his robes around him he felt Hermione's arms circle his chest. He leaned back into her, closing his eyes- he was very exhausted.

"Do you think you'll feel better in time for tonight?" asked Ron, his eyes filled with hope.

"Even if I don't I'll still play. Malfoy is not getting the best of me just because I'm sick," Harry knew Hermione was about to say something but he wanted to beat her to it, "I've beaten him twice before and I'll do it again."

"That's the spirit!" said Ron slapping him on the side of his arm, but the look on Harry's face showed Ron that it might have not been the best idea. The look he was getting from Hermione didn't help much either.

"What are you all doing in here?" they all jumped and saw Madam Pomfrey standing in the doorway, her eyes lingered at Hermione's arms wrapped around Harry's shoulders. Harry thought she was going to pull away but all Hermione did was wrap her arms around him tighter, " well as much of a convience is it to stay in the bathroom Potter, these cold floors will do nothing for you, " she looked again at Hermione, " though I highly doubt you've had troubles keeping warm."

Harry was suprised to see a small smile on her face as she ushered them to his bed nearby and hurried to her office. He let himself fall face forward onto his pillow as Ron pulled his legs onto the bed. Hermione reached for his blankets and covered him up placing a small kiss on his cheek. Madam Pomfrey returned with a small bottle filled with a blue coloured liquid.

"No, I'm not drinking that," said Harry turning his face towards her.

"Oh relax, it's not the same thing as before, just think of this as the final push to get the flu out of your system."

"I don't want to push! I just-"

"You won't throw up anymore," said Madam Pomfrey with a final note. Harry stared at the bottle, grabbed it and then drank it all down in two gulps, it tasted much better this time.

"I suggest you two return to your classes, " she said to Ron and Hermione, " I doubt you want to stick around to see what's going to happen next."

Harry stared at her in horror, and let his face fall back onto his pillow with a groan.

***

It was potions next and during the entire class Hermione was multi-tasking. While doing her own assignment with Ron she had been looking up methods Malfoy might have used to get Harry sick.

"I've got it!" she said in an excited whisper. Ron looked over at her notes in front of her while stirring his potion, " look," she continued, " crushed Regoram roots added to powdered caterpillars can stop you from getting diarrea-"

"-lovely-"

"- but if you substitute the caterpillars and add the root of Asphodel you get nauseous...I guess he just added more of the Asphodel to make him throw up...you have to admit he really did his homework on this."

"Harry would have noticed if their was another liquid in his goblet don't you think?" said Ron, accidentally spilling his potion over the side of his cauldron.

"It comes out in a powdered form, so he wouldn't have noticed it at all."

Ron shook his head, " Typical Malfoy, just when you think he can't go any lower."

When class had ended they followed Malfoy to the Great Hall where he was accompanied by Pansy Parkinson, with Crabbe and Goyle following behind. Malfoy and his trio sat at the Slytherin table when they approached him. Hermione slammed her research in front of him.

"Thought you could get away with it didn't you Malfoy?"

Pansy looked at Hermione with utmost disgust on her face. "Does anyone else hear a dog barking?"

"That 's not surprising," said Hermione leaning on the table with her hands, "considering you speak their language."

"OH!" said Ron looking at Pansy with a triumphant smile.

Pansy got up from her chair, glaring daggers at her and walked away. Draco however, remained seated, with a look of determination on his eyes.

"Oh please, Granger," he said leaning back in his chair, "what proof do you have?"

"Harry's in the hospital, peuking his guts out, I think that qualifies as something," said Ron crossing his arms.

Draco lazily got up from his chair and leaned forward until he was inches away from Hermione's face. Hermione was determined and didn't budge but simply narrowed her eyes. It was almost like a staring contest. He shifted his eyes towards Ron.

"Maybe Potter is sick because you carried some sort of disease from that hole in the ground you call a home."

Hermione moved just in time to block Ron's furious attempts to rip Malfoy's head off. Malfoy calmly drew himself back and smiled, beckoning Crabbe and Goyle to follow, he left. Ron didn't stop struggling against Hermione's hold.

"Ron, I will hex you myself if you don't settle down!"

Ron looked at Hermione and saw how very serious she was, he pulled himself away and forcefully straightened out his jumper. "He's right you know, the only proof we have is exiting Harry's body at the moment."

"Don't be silly," she said folding up her research, " he told us we didn't have any proof before he knew what we were accusing him of, honestly, he didn't even look at the research in front of him, he pretty much told us without realising he did."

"Should we tell McGonagall?" said Ron looking excited.

"There's no point is there? You're right, whatever proof there is it’s leaving Harry at the moment and Malfoy will deny it," she watched Ron's shoulders sink, " but, that doesn't mean we can't get even."

***

The Gryffindor Quidditch team sat in the locker room with nervous anticipation. Fred and George were uncommonly quiet, Ron (the new Keeper) was biting his nails and Katie was pacing the room when Alicia showed up.

"Anything yet?" Katie asked.

"I think he's still in the hospital wing, I would've checked there but the game starts in three minutes," said Alicia sitting down on the bench.

"We're done for," said George lowering his head, " we don't have a reserve seeker...I don't think I could stand to loose against Slytherin."

"Thanks for the confidence George," said Angelina standing with her back against the wall, " I mean there is still a chance, we can still win the game and not get the snitch right?"

Katie fell to her seat. "I don't know, I think George is right, the beaters can't be everywhere at once making sure Malfoy doesn't get the snitch...might as well hand the cup to Slytherin right now."

"Did I dress up for nothing then?"

Everyone whipped their heads around to see Harry standing in the doorway, with a broad smile on his face. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as they came forward and hugged him with gratefulness.

"What took you so long?" said Katie with a smile.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "Something came up," realizing the pun he made he shut his eyes and shook his head. " I wouldn't miss this game for the world, besides I have a score to settle."

Ron and Harry smiled at each other, as they all excited the locker room. The team made their way towards the field they could hear the distant cheering and chanting from the crowd that was beginning to fill their seats.

AN: This is the final chapter. But not the end if you know what I mean. There will be more stories to follow released under the “1001 Hogwarts Nights” title, but they will be separate stories in themselves. Thank you all for taking the time to read and review!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione edged her way along the seats towards Hagrid. "Hey Hagrid!" she called out.

"Hello Hermione! How's Harry? Is he playing today?"

"He's fine and yes he is playing, I think today's going to be a very good game," she said scanning the Quidditch field watching each member fly by, her eyes rested on Harry who was hovering not too far away. Catching his eye she winked at him, and laughed as Harry smiled and shied away.

"Fancies you a lot, he does," said Hagrid raising his eyebrows and smiling.

"Ladies and gentleman," Lee Jordan had started his commentary, " welcome to the Hogwarts Quidditch finals- Gryffindor versus Slytherin!"

The crowd erupted with cheers as the players took their places and Madam Hooch stepped on to the field to begin their game. As soon as the snitch erupted from the trunk Harry watched it zoom up to him and take off towards Malfoy as if it were sizing them up, then disappeared in the distance. The quaffle was finally tossed and the game began. Harry wasted no time in zooming off to search for the snitch with Malfoy trailing behind him.

"Hey Potter!" Malfoy yelled, " shouldn't you have a bucket attached to that broomstick?"

Harry ignored him, his eyes still scanning when he heard the crowd cheer madly, Gryffindor scored. He glanced behind him to see Malfoy taking off in the opposite direction. Had he seen the snitch? Not wanting to risk it Harry gave chase. He leaned forward on his broomstick, his hair being whipped away from his forehead as his speed increased. He was catching up, first at Malfoy's tail end and then they were head to head. The crowd was on their feet in anticipation watching a blur of red and green, hitting each other, during the chase. Then without warning Malfoy pulled up, and before Harry knew it a beater's club had connected with Harry's face.

CRACK!

Harry's upper body flew back, as blood came gushing out of his nose. He desperatley leaned forward to seize hold of his broomstick unable to see through the blood and the cracks of his glasses. Hermione stood up straight and watched with horror as Harry clumsly landed and fell to his knees. There were angry yells from the crowd and the entire Gryffindor team rushed to Harry's side and Madam Hooch looked as if she was about to explode with anger. Harry could hear Lee Jordan scream obscenities through the megaphone while Professor McGonagall was shouting at Snape on the other side of the field, Slytherin was given a penalty, though Malfoy just hovered there and laughed giving the accused beater a slap on the back. Ron was being held back by Katie, while Angelina and Alicia had their hands full with the twins. Hermione and Hagrid were pushing their way through.

Harry was slowly rising to his feet, blood pouring down his face. If there was ever a time to see Harry angry- this would be it. His eyes glared dangerously through his broken glasses at Malfoy. He forcefully wiped the blood off his face when Hermione approached him. She didn't have to speak, she could see it in his eyes.

Determination.

She whipped out her wand and pointed it at Harry's glasses. " Occulus Repairo."

She picked up his broom and handed it too him, he was breathing heavily with anger but accepted it gently, but she held on to it to meet his gaze. He looked at her, his eyes were angry.

"Wronski Feint," she said sternly.

Harry smiled dangerously at her and mounted his broom stick and pushed up hard from the ground. Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the game resumed with Gryffindor taking the penalty shot and scoring. Hermione and Hagrid joined in the cheers as they found their way back to their seats.

"What did ya say ter him?" asked Hagrid.

"Just a little encouragement," she said watching Harry through her binoculars.

Harry circled the field to make sure that Malfoy would follow, and also to make sure that the snitch stayed out of site. He pulled to a stop with Malfoy hovering slightly below him. Harry's eye's suddenly widened and took off in a second. Malfoy wasted no time in chasing after him, he was oblivious to the fact that Slytherin was down 80 to 20, he wanted to beat Harry, that's all that mattered. Soon Malfoy was level with the tail of Harry's Firebolt. Suddenly Harry pulled into a dive with Malfoy hot on his tail.

Hermione stood up and moved her binoculars away. " This is it!"

Down, down they went Malfoy was almost level with Harry now, but was also a little worried because the ground was inching closer and closer, but he didn't care- he wanted that snitch. His eyes scanning frantically in the same direction as Harry's, was unable to see nothing but grass, then it dawned on him- there was no snitch. Malfoy looked next to Harry, to see him smiling and pulling out of the dive, Malfoy tried desperately to pull out but it was to late. CRASH! He was slammed against the ground bouncing at least once or twice before rolling on to his back. Hermione punched the air with her fist screaming 'He did it!'. The whistle blew to stop the game. Unaware of his dislocated shoulder (more like he didn't care, Harry had to pay) he mounted his broom and the game resumed. Faster and faster Malfoy went to catch up to him only this time he saw a sparkle of gold out of the corner of his eye. The snitch was hovering against one of the walls. Harry saw it too as they raced each other again. The snitch darted out of the way and zoomed this way and that, trying to avoid the clutches of two very desperate seekers. Gryffindor was up 150 to 60, so Malfoy still had that chance. But Harry wouldn't let him. Not today, not ever.

A few specs of blood had landed on Harry's glasses but he didn't care, nor did he care that Malfoy was repeatedly elbowing him in the ribs (a favour which he retuned even harder). Leaning against his broom Harry gained speed- even a mighty Nimbus 2001 wasn't fast enough for a Firebolt. With one frantic swipe Malfoy made a reach for the snitch and missed, nearly hitting Harry in the face. The snitch shot up in the air, and with one final burst of speed Harry swiped the snitch out of Malfoy's reach. The crowd below errupted when Lee Jordan shouted "POTTER’S GOT THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WINS!"

Harry and the rest of the team landed on the Quidditch pitch to receive the cup. He was most pleased to see the Slytherin team looking very disgruntled and nearly cried with laughter to see Malfoy beating the goal post with his Nimbus, shouting obscenities. The crowd gathered as the team pushed him up to the podium where Dumbledore was standing. He took one step up but stopped and turned around to grab Ron by the sleeves.

"I think it's time to have one of those Erised visions come true," he said pushing a stunned Ron on to the podium.

Dumbledore looked approvingly at them both and handed Ron the Quidditch Cup. Fred and George whooped and clapped shouting 'That's our brother!' Harry smiled and laughed as Ron hugged the cup, and he was almost positive that Ron was crying. Harry and Ron were hoisted up on the team's shoulders punching their fists in the air and clapping. In the distance he could see Hermione making her way through, he tapped his carriers on the shoulders to let him down and made his way to her. They hugged, and when they pulled apart Hermione wiped away the last few traces of blood with her sleeve. Harry however, grabbed her arm and gently pulled it down.

"You always have good ideas," he shouted over the crowd.

"Well, I'm glad you noticed," she said smiling.

Harry cocked his head to the side and leaned in for a kiss, Hermione tightened her hold around his neck and did the same. They could hear Colin Creevy's camera go mad, and there was a collective 'Awww' from the Gryffindor team. They pulled apart and blushed, but they laughed and continued to hug as Harry swung her around. This by far, was the best game Harry ever had.

*****

"How did you get the common room empty that night?" Harry asked Ron on their way to breakfast the next morning.

"Huh? Oh you mean the night of your 'potion's essay'? Simple, a dung bomb."

"But the common room didn't smell," said Hermione linking arms with the both of them.

"Ginny cast a few spells on the room to get rid of the scent," said Ron, "and then we stood guard on the stairwell to make sure none of the students came back down, plus we can keep an eye on you two- especially Harry, in case he did anything stupid or didn't pluck up the courage."

Harry stopped and stared at him. "Thanks for the confidence."

"What are best friends for?" said Ron holding open the Great Hall doors for them. As they made their way to the table Ron and Harry were greeted with pats on the back and a 'well done' on the Quidditch game. Even Cho Chang came up to Harry to congratulate him personally.

"You're flying was amazing!" she said touching his arm.

Ron looked over at Hermione, stiffling a laugh. Indeed, Hermione did not look impressed.

"And that Wronski Feint! I can't believe how well you pulled that off-"

"Well," he interrupted, " it was Hermione's idea really- you should be congratulating her."

Hermione raised her eyebrows with surprise as Cho offered her a pat on the shoulders.

"Great idea" said Cho and with a ' good job on being Keeper' to Ron she departed to her own table. Ron chuckled as he watched the corner of Hermione's mouth lift with a smile.

"Hey guys!" called Neville walking briskly over to them but slipped and nearly fell on a wet spot on the floor, " I'm okay!" he said raising his arms in confirmation,

"My Grandma didn't want to know but she sent it just the same," and he handed Hermione a small white package.

"What's that?" asked Harry.

"Follow my lead," she said making her way to the Slytherin‘s. Hermione casually leaned against the table after handing Ron the package. As if on cue, Draco, Crabbe and Goyle entered. Harry couldn't help but smile at the look of discontent on Malfoy's face.

"What are you doing here Potter? Slytherin's don't need Mudblood and Weasel germs at the moment- we happen to like keeping our breakfast down," said Draco crossing his arms while his cronies laughed stupidly.

Harry stood up straight but Hermione put up a resisting hand against Harry's chest,

"It's alright," she said, " Malfoy's not quite used to loosing yet, what does this make it- the third time you've lost to Harry in Quidditch?"

Harry could hear Ron rummaging in the back ground but kept his focus on Draco.

"So now Potter is too famous to speak for himself is he?" spat Draco.

"Jealous," said Ron emerging from behind Harry, with that they carried on to their own table. The three of them sat down, joined by the rest of the Gryffindors arriving for breakfast.

"Ron, what were you doing?" said Harry double checking his goblet for any signs of mysterious powder.

"Revenge is fun!" he said through a mouth full of toast. Harry looked over at Hermione who was wearing a broad smile.

"What's going on?" he asked, but unfortunately the two of them shrugged their shoulders and acted innocent....until potions.

Snape was carrying on in his usual way, he even deducted five house points from Gryffindor because he missed Harry that much. Harry was right in the middle of adding ground spider legs to his potion when Ron nudged him and Hermione.

"Look," he said pointing in Malfoy's direction. Malfoy was holding his stomach and looking a little worried. He shook his head abruptly and carried on with his task. Harry, Ron and Hermione continued to watch Malfoy who placed his hand on his stomach again and exhaled deeply.

"Alright, what's going on, what did you do to him?" Harry whispered, wishing desperatly to be let in on the joke.

Then without warning Malfoy shot his hand in the air, with a look of extreme worry and hesitation on his face.

"Yes Mr. Malfoy?" said Snape, sweeping over.

"Sir, I-I really need to be excused," he said holding his stomach with his entire arm.

"Class is almost over you can wait until the end."

"Sir, I don't think you understand, I REALLY need to-"

"Mr. Malfoy I'm sure it won't kill you to wait two minutes, put your hand down."

"Patience is a virtue Harry," said Hermione adding the last few ingredients with a smile. Then with out warning Malfoy let out a yell of desperation and bolted out of the room, leaving Snape with a puzzled look on his face and the class in hysterics.

"So is Turbo Lax," said Ron, pulling out a bottle out of his pocket that read:
Mrs. Wiggaworms Magic Lax :For relief due to constipation- two tablespoons for fast effective relief.

Harry had to cover his mouth to stifle the outburst of laughter that was threatening to take control of him. Hermione's shoulders were shaking with laughter as she hid her face away from Snape and Ron's face turned beat red as he pursed his lips together to stop him from making any noise.

"We gave him more than two tablespoons though," squeaked Ron, as he shook the nearly half empty bottle, " mixed it in with his pumpkin juice!"

"Not exactly bright is he?" said Hermione gasping for breath.

******
Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting on the couch discussing the day's hysterics.

"Did you see the look on his face? Made me wish Colin Creevy was around to take a picture of it," then Ron did a bang on impression of Malfoy's constipated face, which even made Hermione laugh out loud.

They had settled down though after awhile, when the rest of the house went to bed. The three of them felt too comfortable to move as it seems. So Ron stretched out and leaned against Hermione, who in turn kissed Ron on top of his head (which made him say a small ew). Hermione looked up at Harry and kissed him goodnight as she leaned into his chest. Harry lazily grabbed a blanket from a chair nearby and placed it over the three of them. Wrapping his arms around Hermione's stomach he rested the side of his face on Hermione's head and smiled as he closed his eyes. There was no other place he would rather be, no other person he would rather share this moment with. Other than the girl that he loves, and his best friend, his brother, for life. Colin Creevy was walking down the stairs when he stopped dead in his tracks. He tip toed over, careful not to wake the sleeping trio (Ron had begun to quietly snore) and turned off the last remaining light, as he headed back up stairs he turned to look at them. There was a small *click* noise. Smiling, he lowered his camera. It is possible to photograph love after all, he thought turning on his heel and walking off to bed.