Here's the first half of the DD flashback chapter- it was so long we had to split it up :) Saturday's chapter will have the rest of it- it was a lot of fun writing these flashbacks and thinking back on how the characters have changed throughout the years.
Please review and let us know what you think! And don't forget- Ashley and Katie interview on Saturday. Also at the orkut group, we're giving you guys a chance to interview the two of us as well, those answers will be posted this Thursday, so you have a few days left!
Due to the fact that it finally seemed as if they all had a bit of free time for once, Harry and Hermione decided to have all their friends over for the evening. Ron, Luna, Neville, Cho, Seamus and Lavender would all be there for dinner, drinks, and most likely do a bit of reminiscing on how things had changed over the years.
"You look incredible," Harry leaned against the door frame and looked at his wife. "Nothing you do could possibly change that."
Hermione smiled at him. "Even after all these years?"
"You still take my breath away," Harry said softly.
Hermione walked over to him and gave him a kiss. "Something smells wonderful. What did you make?"
Harry put his arms around her. "Your favourite."
"I love everything you make," Hermione said softly.
"Somehow I get the impression that you like my chicken casserole the best," Harry replied.
"Yummy," Hermione said giving him a kiss. "You did make enough for us and Ron, right?"
"I made two," Harry answered, pressing his lips back to hers.
"RABBITS!" someone yelled from downstairs.
Hermione groaned. "What do you know? Ron's actually early."
"And as usual, is the loudest person in the room," Harry said sarcastically.
Hermione laughed. "Let's go say hello."
"Ronald," Luna swatted his hand away. "Stay out of the oven!"
"Hey!" Ron grimaced. "I was just trying to see what we were having!"
"You were trying to sneak a bite," Harry came into the kitchen.
"I resent that remark," Ron said.
"No," Hermione said from behind her husband. "You resemble that remark, Ronald Weasley."
"Always great to see you Minister," Ron replied sarcastically.
"It's great to see you both," Hermione said giving Luna a hug. "I'm glad you were able to get away."
"Maddie and Ethan volunteered to baby sit and who were we to say no?" Luna asked with a laugh.
Hermione laughed. "Don't they know what they've gotten themselves into?"
"Well since Joey and Zack were adopted, we've had a much quieter house," Luna said. "We have two babies and a little girl named Ruthie now."
"Joey and Zack were adopted?" Harry asked interestedly.
Luna nodded. "The people who were interested in Joey saw how much the two boys liked being together and adopted both of them. It was really quite wonderful."
"Those poor people don't know what they've done to themselves," Ron muttered.
Luna elbowed him. "You miss those two."
"Yeah," Hermione said teasing him. "You're alone with all that estrogen now."
"Hello?" a voice called out from the sitting room.
"Cho we're in the kitchen," Hermione smiled as her friends came into the room.
"I was so glad you suggested this," Cho said coming into the kitchen with Neville. "We never get together like this."
"Tell me about it," Hermione said as she hugged both of them.
"Aside from Harry and Cho, I forget what the rest of you look like," Neville joked.
"I'm Emma, Caroline and Adam's more attractive, youthful and stronger grandfather," Ron said grinning at Neville.
Neville rolled his eyes. "One of these days all that food you eat is going to make you look as big as Hagrid."
"Not a chance," Ron said smugly. "I have a high magnetism."
"A what?" Hermione asked with a laugh. "I think you mean metabolism."
"Whatever it is," Ron waved his hand. "Where's Ms. High Maintenance?"
"If you mean my cousin, she'll be here soon," Hermione said.
Ron again tried to peek into the oven.
"You keep that up and I swear you'll be eating peanut butter and jelly," Hermione said swatting at him.
"That sounds good for a snack," Ron replied. "Have you got any?"
"No sandwiches for you," Harry said. "You'll wait until Lav and Seamus arrive."
"How about a drink in the meantime?" Hermione asked. "What can I get everyone?"
Everyone called out their drink orders to Hermione.
"And don't worry Cho," Harry said to his friend. "I have a vegetable casserole for you so you don't have to be like the rest of us carnivores."
"You know me too well," Cho grinned at him.
Harry walked over to the bar to help his wife with the drinks. "I can get it."
"I've got it," Hermione said pouring glasses of white wine for Luna and Cho.
"I can do it," Harry said reaching for the bottle.
"I'm capable of pouring a drink," Hermione grinned at him.
"I know," he said. "But I'm trying to help."
Hermione gave him a kiss. "Want to bring these over then?"
"Of course," Harry said taking the two glasses.
"It's hard to believe the two of you were ever at each other's throats," Luna remarked.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked. "We haven't been fighting lately."
Ron nodded at his wife. "I had forgotten about all that. Harry, you remember that time your daft uncle wanted us to clean the ballroom after his rump of a son messed the place up with his crazy friends."
"And Hermione came to help, but you were such an arse to her," Luna said shaking her head.
Harry laughed. "Oh yeah..."
"Oh yeah," Hermione rolled her eyes. "You were barely civil to me despite what I was doing for you."
"I wasn't THAT bad," Harry said defensively.
"Yes you were," Cho replied.
***
Vernon had announced that morning in the employee cafeteria that someone had trashed the ballroom the evening before. They all knew who'd been responsible, but Vernon hadn't wanted to hear a discouraging word against his only son. So, he'd selected a group of employees to clean up the ballroom. It wasn't a coincidence that Harry, Cho, Neville, Ron and Luna were among those chosen. Because two or three of the others were Muggles, Vernon had warned Harry and his friends not to use magic.
"This fucking blows," Harry snapped as they grabbed large rubbish bins from the storage room.
"We'll make it go by fast," Luna said optimistically.
"Yeah right," Neville was also a bit grumpy. "Why the hell are we working here?" he asked. "Just to have Dursley order us around while Dudley gets off scot free?"
"Did you notice Malfoy got off scot free?" Ron grumbled grabbing some cans of cleanser. "That smug git should be doing this."
"He's Vernon's pet," Cho said sarcastically.
"Come on guys," Luna encouraged. "The sooner we start, the sooner we'll be finished."
Everyone, save for Harry left the supply closet. He was trying to untangle the cord for the floor buffer when he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"I ran into someone named Seamus who told me I could find you here," Hermione said smiling at him.
Harry grunted. "There isn't any dancing today."
"Oh," Hermione said trying to hide her disappointment. "The ballroom looks horrible. What happened?"
"Your pal Dudley," Harry threw the cord onto the ground in frustration. "Decided to have a little fun in here. We got blamed for it."
"He's not my friend," Hermione said leaning down and grabbing the cord. "That's really not fair that you have to clean his mess up."
"You got that right," Harry said shortly.
"Would you like an extra set of hands?" Hermione asked. "I'd be happy to help."
"Why would you want to do that?" Harry asked as if she'd gone mad.
Hermione finished untangling the cord. "Because I'd like to help you guys. An extra set of hands will help get the job done faster."
Harry looked at her for a long moment. "That's... that's nice of you."
"It's no problem," Hermione said reaching into her pocket for a tie to pull her hair back.
Harry couldn't help himself as his eyes travelled over her slender neck and her body. They'd been working hard on learning the dance and while Hermione wasn't exactly a natural, she was learning quickly and holding her own.
"So where do you want me?" Hermione asked.
He almost smiled at her innocent question and the not so innocent reply that nearly came out of his mouth. But instead, he silently pointed across the room where Luna was picking up crumpled pieces of paper.
"Okay," Hermione said reaching for a bag.
Harry watched her cross the room, wishing they could be spending the afternoon practising their dance rather than cleaning.
Ron joined his best friend. "Your girlfriend's helping us now?"
"She's not my girlfriend," Harry said automatically.
"Yet," Ron said with a grin.
"Sod off you wanker," Harry glared at him.
Harry grabbed a broom and started to sweep when he spotted Cho moving some chairs. "CHO!"
"What?" Cho nearly jumped out of her skin.
"You shouldn't be moving those," Harry said stalking over to her. "Not in your condition."
"I'm not an invalid," Cho said defensively. "I think I can move chairs."
"Yeah but you're pregnant," Harry objected. "Neville!"
"And I don't need a keeper," Cho glared at him. "I'm perfectly capable of cleaning, Harry."
"Neville tell her she shouldn't be lifting chairs around in her condition," Harry ignored his friend's squawk of anger.
Neville looked over at them with wide eyes. "I-I um..."
"Never mind him," Cho said. "Neville, would you mind helping me out?"
"Sure," Neville said trying not to look at Harry.
Cho glared at her raven haired friend. "Why don't you go over by Hermione and help her? Merlin knows why she keeps coming after you..."
Harry stalked away from his friends and purposely avoided Hermione.
"Can you really believe this?" Luna was asking her. "I always knew Vernon Dursley was mean, but this is quite atrocious of him."
"With each passing day, my opinion of him gets progressively worse," Hermione agreed. "This is really unfair since you lot didn't have anything to do with this."
Luna peeked over her shoulder at Ron. "We could really use this time to practise for the ballroom, in case Cho can't dance."
"Maybe once it's cleaned up, we can all practice," Hermione suggested.
"Do you think any of us will be up for that, Miss Fix-it?" Harry asked catching her remarks as he walked by.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Could you please stop ridiculing everything I say?"
"She's only trying to help, Harry," Luna chimed in.
"Help and I don't have to," Hermione retorted. "So could we keep things civil for a change?" she may have thought Harry was handsome, but it didn't mean he had to be a jerk to her at every turn.
"Dursley would fire us all on the spot if he found you in here," Harry said.
"Then I'll go," Hermione stood up.
"No, you stay," Luna said handing Harry her garbage bag. "You help Hermione, Harry. And behave."
"Luna!" Harry exclaimed as the blonde walked off.
"I really do like her," Hermione said quietly.
"I used to," Harry snapped.
"You're a real piece of work," Hermione said throwing her bag down. "Things don't go your way and you automatically slip into arsehole mode. And when you're not in charge, well look out. I am just trying to help. You may resent it and you might not like it, but I'm not going anywhere!"
"Would you keep it down?" Harry hissed. "Everyone's staring at you."
"I don't care," Hermione shot back.
"Well I do!" Harry stood up and glared at her.
"Fine," Hermione said walking away.
He angrily began to gather as much rubbish as he could and stuffed it into the bag. "Bloody bother..." he muttered.
They stayed away from each other for the majority of the afternoon, but tried to sneak looks at each other.
"Why don't you just go apologise," Cho said quietly to him as they were finishing up. "Honestly Harry. It wouldn't kill you to be nice to her. She is helping us out of a jam."
"She probably wouldn't talk to me," Harry said with a shrug.
"You'll never know if you don't try," Cho shoved him in Hermione's direction.
Harry glared at his best friend. "Okay."
Hermione was about to leave the room when she sensed someone behind her. "What is it now?" She asked tiredly.
Harry gave her a slight smile. "I'm sorry."
She blinked. "What?"
Harry shoved his hands in his jeans pockets. "I'm sorry for being such an arse to you. You---you were a big help."
At first Hermione didn't know what to say. "Well um... thanks."
"Hey, why don't you guys show us how the dance is going?" Ron called out.
Both Harry and Hermione turned. "What?" they asked at the same time.
"It would be great practise for Hermione," Cho chimed in. "Dancing in front of a crowd---albeit a small one."
Hermione looked pale. "I don't know..." she said, her stomach turning flips.
"Maybe it would be a good idea," Harry said to her. "Cho's right...you do need to get used to doing this in front of a crowd."
"What if I don't remember all the steps?" Hermione asked.
"I'll hex them if they dare to laugh at you, but I know they won't," Harry said taking her hand and leading her to the centre of the ballroom.
She wasn't sure why, but she felt better as he pulled her close. "Just don't yell at me if I mess up..."
"I promise," Harry said as Ron started the music for them.
Hermione bit her lower lip as they began the dance. Her steps were a bit tense, and she tried to let herself loosen up a bit.
"Don't look at your feet," Harry whispered in her ear.
"Sorry," Hermione said, looking up into his eyes. As she did, she felt herself relax.
Harry couldn't help smiling at her as she performed the steps perfectly.
"How am I doing?" She asked.
"Brilliantly," Harry whispered before dipping her.
They finished up and Cho, Neville, Ron and Luna clapped enthusiastically.
"Not bad at all," Cho said smiling at her. "You look like you've been doing this for years!"
"Really?" Hermione asked. "I'm doing that well?"
"I wouldn't say so otherwise," Cho said giving her a hug. "Thank you again for doing this for me."
"Sure," Hermione said. "For the most part, it's been fun."
"Despite Mister Moody here," Cho said nudging Harry. "Tell her how good she's done!"
Harry nodded. "She's doing great."
"Thanks," Hermione said to him.
"We still have to perfect the whole thing," Harry said. "But for only a week's practise..."
"You can say it," Cho said dryly. "She's doing fantastic."
"She is," Harry said. "She's saving our lives."
Hermione blushed a bit at Harry's praise. She'd never tell him so, but it meant a lot to her.
"We'd better get back to our cabins," Ron said. "I'm knackered."
"You'd better rest up," Luna said. "We have to be back in here to dance tonight."
"That's why I want a kip," Ron said. "See you tonight, Harry."
"Later, mate." Harry replied. He looked back at Hermione. "Want to go practise, or do you have something else to do?"
"I thought you said you wouldn't be up for it after this," Hermione said.
"If you don't want to--" Harry began.
"No, I obviously need all the practise I can get," Hermione interjected. "Despite what Cho said."
"Well then... let's go. Studio should be free."
"Okay," Hermione said following him out the back door.
"Is it just me or does he have the hots for her?" Ron asked.
"Completely," Luna agreed.
"Don't take the Mickey out of him for it," Neville said quietly. "I know he's not always easy to get along with, but he deserves a nice girl."
"Let's just hope he doesn't screw it up," Cho said softly.
***
"He didn't," Hermione leaned back against her husband. "He got his nice girl in the end."
"Even if he does still get moody every now and then," Cho said.
"Not as moody as Ron," Harry said, nearly banging the oven door shut on his friend's hand.
"Come here, Ronald," Luna said motioning for him to join her at the table. "For your own safety..."
"But I'm hungry," Ron whined.
Hermione took pity on him and grabbed a bag of crisps from the pantry. "Will this tide you over?"
Ron nodded eagerly. "Thanks Hermione. I knew I always liked you."
Puddles scampered into the kitchen and jumped into Hermione's lap.
"How you doing, Pud?" Hermione asked scratching behind his ears.
Puddles let out a whine.
"He misses Saffy," Harry said, rubbing the top of the dog's head. "I think he knows she's coming home soon."
"I just wish she and RJ could be friends again," Luna said wistfully. "I hate the animosity between them."
"I love my daughter to death," Harry said. "But she has the uncanny notion of sticking her nose in where it doesn't belong."
"Well, RJ definitely made some mistakes," Luna admitted. "But he's turned his life around."
"He's done remarkably well for Puddlemere," Harry nodded.
"We're very proud," Ron said.
"Is he seeing anyone?" Hermione asked.
Luna shook her head. "Not at the moment."
"That's probably a good thing," Hermione said. "He can clear his head and focus on what he needs."
"We're just happy to have him back in the fold," Ron said. "That Serena...."
"She was something else," Luna added. She told them all about her visit with Drew and how she'd suggested hair extensions for Chloe.
Cho's jaw dropped. "I can't even think of how to respond to that."
Luna shook her head. "I was pretty stunned when I heard it too."
"Well, how is Chloe?" Hermione asked. "I've been meaning to stop by."
"She's wonderful," Luna spoke with pride.
"She already has me wrapped around her little finger," Ron said.
"All the girls have you wrapped around their fingers," Neville cracked. "Take Em, for example."
"I beg your pardon," Ron glared at him. "Little Emma Madeline Weasley has this entire room wrapped around her little finger."
"She reminds me of how Maddie was at that age," Harry said with a chuckle.
"She's exactly like Maddie," Ron agreed.
"And she is the only one who can get us to wear that awful Magic Mud," Neville said shuddering.
Harry laughed. "I seem to be exempt from that. Guess it's because I'm already so good looking."
Ron rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you're bloody gorgeous."
"Don't feed his ego," Cho sipped her wine.
"It can't get any bigger than it already is," Ron grumbled.
"We're in time to hear about Harry's ego," Lavender said from the doorway. "Great..."
"I missed you too Lav," Harry said sarcastically.
"Mister Wonderful," Lavender said nodding at him before giving Hermione a hug. "Look at you! You straightened your hair!"
"Do you like it?" Hermione asked.
"I do," Lavender said smiling at her. "Very chic."
"It's so good to see you," Cho hugged the other woman. "I love your new line."
"Thanks," Lavender said. "I am going to send you a few pieces."
"I've missed you even more," Cho joked.
Lavender laughed. "Pressing your luck."
"How's it going, mate?" Neville asked clapping Seamus on the back.
"Good," Seamus grinned as Harry handed him a beer. "Gabe's doing great in school this term as well."
"We're so proud of him," Lavender gushed. "And his grandfather is finally coming round."
"That's wonderful," Hermione said as kissed Seamus's cheek.
"I can't even imagine what life was like before he came along," Seamus said.
"That's how Will and Frankie feel about Hannah," Cho said proudly. "They've enrolled her in preschool."
"This is so great, isn't it?" Luna asked happily. "How far we've come----and how we're all sitting here years after we all first met talking about our children and our grandchildren."
"We're the core couples," Lavender grinned as Hermione got her a glass of wine. "We did start it all."
"Though it didn't always seem like we'd make it here," Ron remembered thinking back to those early days at Hillsdale with Luna.
***
Much to his surprise, Ron found himself realising he quite fancied Luna Lovegood. In school she'd always seemed a bit daft but here it was different. She was dreamy, sweet and generous, not to mention quite beautiful when she was talking about something she loved.
Not to mention how patient she'd been during their dance lessons. She never made him feel stupid and she was always encouraging.
They were currently waltzing around the studio, Ron doing his best not to step on her feet. "How am I doing?"
"Great," Luna smiled at him. "You're like Fred Astaire, Ronald."
"Who?" he asked.
Luna giggled. "He's a famous dancer who starred in these old musicals. He mostly starred in them with Ginger Rogers. I love watching those films!"
"Oh," Ron had no idea what she was talking about. "So um... they really want us to dance in the ballroom?"
"Since Cho and Harry can't, it's up to you and me," Luna replied. "I'm nervous, but I'm really looking forward to it. Cho's let me borrow one of her dresses."
Ron suddenly felt himself stand up a bit straighter. He'd seen the dresses Cho wore and now he couldn't wait to see how Luna filled them out.
"Tonight, I'm going to wear the blue one," Luna said dreamily. "You know the one that has the slit up the side..."
He gulped. "Yeah..."
"I'm a little worried," Luna said as Ron dipped her. "Because the dress is so skimpy, I can't wear a bra....'
Ron quickly pulled away lest Luna feel something that had suddenly come up.
"Is everything okay?" Luna asked as Ron turned away from her.
"Cramp," Ron lied.
"Do you need me to massage it?" Luna asked helpfully.
"No thanks," Ron said, his voice coming out a bit high pitched.
Luna shrugged and went over to turn off the music. "We can take a break."
"Sure," Ron said, glad his voice sounded a bit more normal. He watched as Luna lifted her long hair and fanned the back of her neck.
"Would you like a bottle of water?" Luna asked reaching into the cooler for one.
"Hey, thanks," Ron said appreciatively.
"No problem," Luna said handing it to him.
Their fingers touched and Ron was positive he felt a spark as he looked at her.
"Ronald," Luna whispered.
"Luna..." he began. "I really like--" he was interrupted when the door to the studio was flung open and his sister hurried inside.
"It's like a sauna out there," Ginny said, rolling her eyes. "That idiot Dursley yelled at me for ten minutes because I actually dared to dip my feet in the lake."
"Ginny," Ron glared at his sister. "We're practising, do you mind?"
Ginny sneered at him. "I thought Harry was supposed to be in here."
"Is that why you're in here?" Ron asked her. "Ginny--"
"I don't want a lecture," Ginny interrupted.
"I always thought you and Dean Thomas made a nice couple," Luna said thoughtfully. "And he still fancies you..."
Ginny gave her a disparaging look. "Me and Dean Thomas? I have better taste than that."
"He's very nice and talented," Luna said. "Do you know he's actually having some of his artwork featured in a gallery this fall?"
"How wonderful for him," Ginny rolled her eyes.
"If not Dean, someone else then," Ron told his sister. "Harry's not into you, Ginny."
"Shut up Ron," Ginny put her hands on her hips. "It's none of your damn business!"
"Perhaps you should put your efforts into finding someone who will reciprocate your feelings," Luna offered.
"Like you've done?" Ginny rounded on her. "How many years have you fancied my brother knowing full well he's never going to fancy you back? Before you start counselling me, perhaps you should look in the mirror..."
"I'm only trying to help," Luna said, trying not to show how much Ginny's words stung. She'd once thought of this girl as her best friend and now they were hardly more than strangers.
"I didn't ask for it, you freak," Ginny spat at her.
"Don't you dare talk to her like that!" Ron exclaimed, grabbing his sister by the arm. "Apologise."
"Let go of me!" Ginny squirmed.
"Apologise," Ron ordered through clenched teeth. "She's been nothing but nice to you and you're acting like a bitch."
"That's a really nice thing to call your sister," Ginny tried to pull away but his grip was iron clad.
"I wouldn't have called you that if you weren't acting like one," Ron said glaring at her. "Apologise."
Ginny muttered something that neither of them could really hear.
"What was that?" Ron asked, his grip tightening.
"Ow," Ginny whimpered. "Sorry, okay! I said sorry!"
"Get out of here," Ron snapped. "And leave Harry alone."
Ginny stomped out of the studio and slammed the door behind her.
"You stood up for me," Luna said quietly.
"Yeah well," Ron scratched the back of his neck. "What she said about you was totally wrong. And what she said about me not ever fancying you..."
Luna blushed. "It's okay."
"She was wrong about that too," Ron finished. "Um... if you don't mind, that is."
Luna didn't think she'd heard him correctly. "You...you...."
Ron suddenly felt his stomach plummet to the floor. She was stunned because she didn't feel the same way. "It's okay," he covered quickly. "It's just me putting my foot in my mouth again."
Luna grabbed his arm. "No, Ronald. I-I just didn't think I'd ever hear you say that to me. "
"You don't mind then?" he asked, stumbling a bit over his words.
Luna beamed at him. "Not at all."
"I'm a little slow on the uptake," Ron muttered.
"That's one of your charms," Luna said giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"You think so?" he asked with a grin. "Thanks."
***
"You guys were so cute," Cho said. "Absolutely adorable and Luna's right Ron. That is one of your charms."
"I knew that," Ron leaned back in his chair.
"I wish I could have been there to see you put Ginny in her place," Lavender commented.
"We all do," Harry snorted.
"Luna you did look really beautiful in that dress," Neville remembered.
"She sure did," Ron slid an arm around his wife. "I couldn't take my eyes off her that night."
"Now I see why you were acting like you were that day in the studio," Luna said resting her head on his shoulder. "I had you all hot and bothered!"
Harry laughed at Ron's discomfort.
"Shut it, Harry," Ron grumbled.
"You're not one to talk," Cho pointed out to her best friend. "The first time you saw Hermione in the dress she wore at the Sheldrake you about--"
"Yes, yes," Harry said cutting her off.
"So while we were all slaving away trying to learn dances, what were you lot doing?" Ron asked Cho, Neville, Lavender and Seamus.
"I was running the projector at movie nights and working on my first projects for film school," Seamus replied.
"Unfortunately, I was spending my evenings pining after Draco Malfoy," Lavender scowled.
"And covering for me," Hermione reminded her.
"For which you should be eternally grateful," Lavender said to Harry.
Harry stood up and walked over to her and dropped to his knees. "You are the reason that I have all that I have today. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"Talk about overdramatic," Lavender rolled her eyes.
"You love it," Harry said standing back up again.
"I do," Lavender grinned at him.
"She loves taking credit for everything," Seamus teased. "She thinks she's the reason why I got out and enjoyed the last couple of days at Hillsdale."
"I AM the reason you enjoyed the last few days at Hillsdale," Lavender replied primly.
***
Seamus Finnigan was boxing up some of his film canisters when he heard a knock on the door. He thought it was going to be Dursley arriving with his wages. "Come in," Seamus called out.
"Um... hey," Lavender peeked around the door. "I just thought I'd stop by..."
"Lavender," Seamus said smiling at her.
"Hi," Lavender pushed her long hair over her shoulder. "Am I bothering you? I could come back..."
"I'm just packing up some of my things," Seamus said moving a box so she could sit down.
"Did you need any help?" Lavender offered, her stomach fluttering when he smiled at her.
"Sure," Seamus said. "If you could tape up those boxes it would be a big help."
"Sure," Lavender said, taking the roll he held out.
"I'm surprised you're not out by the lake soaking up the last minute rays," Seamus commented.
"I think I've had enough of the lake," Lavender said a bit sourly. "Rather, I've had enough of one of the lifeguards and her no good shag buddy."
Seamus held up the disc he'd worked on with Hermione and Ron. "This should take care of that, Lavender. When we play it tomorrow night, they'll not be a problem for you or your cousin anymore."
"I hope not," Lavender said. "She's so happy when she's with Harry."
"He's a great bloke," Seamus said putting some more items in a box. "I've known him since we were kids."
"It just seems so surreal," Lavender remarked. "I mean, we've grown up reading about him, and what he's done, and now he and Hermione are head over heels in love."
"I've never seen him this sprung on a girl before," Seamus said. "Not even when he was with Cho."
Lavender smiled as she finished sealing up the boxes. "There you go," she said, getting up.
"Thank you," Seamus said smiling at her. "I've never had such a beautiful assistant before."
She blushed. "Flatterer."
Seamus laughed. "That's me."
"I've really enjoyed meeting you," she said shyly.
Seamus tilted his head and studied her for a moment. "Sounds like you never plan on seeing me ever again."
"I never said that," Lavender nervously tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
"Good," Seamus grinned at her. "Because I plan on seeing a lot more of you. If that's okay with you, that is."
"It's very okay with me," Lavender said softly.
Seamus touched her cheek. "You know in a small way, Ginny and Malfoy are the reason that you and I finally met."
"That's almost too strange to fathom," Lavender said as they drew closer.
Seamus pressed his lips to hers.
Lavender closed her eyes and slid her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his.
Seamus wished he'd gotten out more this summer and met her sooner. But, if he had his way, he would make up for that. He really fancied this girl and wanted to get to know her better. But, he still had a lot to do before he left Hillsdale and as nice as this was, he should get back to work. He reluctantly pulled away from her.
"Is everything okay?" she asked tentatively. Lavender wasn't quite sure what had come over her. Normally, she was the aggressor in a relationship.
"Yeah," Seamus reassured her. "I just have a lot to do. I really would much rather spend it with you."
"Maybe we can get together later," Lavender suggested. "After dinner?"
"What did you have in mind?" Seamus asked.
"I don't know," she said. "Maybe we can just go for a walk or something? Or into that little town nearby?"
"That'd be nice," Seamus smiled at her. "I haven't been to town much."
"They have a nice coffee shop there," Lavender was bolstered by his expression.
"Just as long as you don't want to go dancing," Seamus said.
"Why's that?" Lavender asked.
"I can't," Seamus replied simply. "Two left feet."
"Nonsense," Lavender replied. "Anyone can dance. We should go up to that employee disco some night- Hermione told me it's a lot of fun."
"I'll watch you dance," Seamus said. "But I'm not going to do it."
Lavender smiled at him. "I'll show you a few moves," she leaned in and gave him another kiss.
"Will you now?" Seamus asked.
"I'm very persuasive," Lavender grinned.
"You'll have a really hard job with me then," Seamus said grinning back at her.
"I might just be able to break through," Lavender said. "But I know you're busy right now..."
"I will pick you up at your cabin tonight at seven," Seamus told her. "And we'll go for a walk and see where the night takes us."
"I already can't wait," Lavender said softly.