Unofficial Portkey Archive

Harry Potter and the Triptych

By Vickles

Disclaimer: Draco is upset about having no girlfriend. I told him that he would get one if he'd just quit being a prick for two seconds, but I don't think he was listening after that, because a very colorful set of words came out of his mouth.

A/N: There's a rating for a reason.

~*~

Ron sighed after a moment, shaking his head, "I'm very sorry, Luna, but whatever you are trying to say you are going to have to spell out for me."

Luna bit her lip in a moment of hesitation before scooting closer and placing a hand on his shirt, kissing his jaw before looking him in the eye, a tentative smile forming at her lips, "Ron, I'm ready."

And just like that, he understood.

~*~

Chapter 26: Threshold

~*~

Harry was aroused.

Having just come back upstairs from the kitchen, Harry had climbed into bed next to Hermione, careful not to wake her as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead. He'd then laid down and closed his eyes, attempting to fall back asleep. Then, unexpectedly, his body, if not his mind, became very alert, suddenly very aware of his surroundings, and the sleeping form next to him.

Hermione was not wearing anything particularly sexy to bed that evening. In fact, she was wearing a pair of red flannel pajamas that looked as if they would fit on Dudley, if he held his breath, and were a few years younger, and... Alright, they would not fit Dudley. But they weren't form-fitting, and that was the point. It was nighttime, so she wore no makeup, not that she wore much during the daytime, and her face was still stained from her tears earlier. Harry was completely confused.

After trying to put all thoughts out of his mind, though his mind did not seem to be the problem, Harry sighed and got out of bed, walking over to the bathroom, where he turned the light on. Starting the water faucet in the sink, he began to splash his face in cold water. When he still felt on fire, he pulled his shirt off from over his head and fanned himself with it, desperate at this point.

"Harry, what are you doing?"

Her soft voice from the doorway broke the dam. Surprising even himself, Harry turned and immediately launched himself at Hermione, crushing her in an embrace as they stumbled back to the bed, him placing kisses on her neck and shoulders and chin. She let out a little yelp as they fell back against the mattress, and he pressed his lips against hers, tangling his tongue with her own as he began to undo the top buttons on her shirt.

Hermione pulled away and looked down at him as he placed kisses down the column of her neck and continuing between the open buttons, speaking through her erratic breathing, "Where did this come from?"

Harry undid the last of the buttons, getting impatient at the end and accidentally ripping the final one from the fabric. Without a second thought he pulled it from her shoulders, flinging it across the room. Hermione stared at it in shock before turning her eyes to wear he hovered above her face, "Harry, what on Earth…"

Her words were stifled as he claimed her lips again, stroking the curve of her breast with one hand as the other reached down to pulled on the drawstring of her bottoms.

Harry fell back against the mattress as Hermione, with a stunning amount of strength, pushed him off her and stood, summoning her discarded top from the floor and pulling it back on. She did not bother to button it as she wrapped it tightly around herself. "Harry Potter, what are you trying to accomplish here?"

From his spot on the edge of the bed, Harry stared up at her, his mouth slightly ajar and his eyes wide and confused. He seemed about to reply when he bit his lip, his body convulsing with an involuntary shudder. Harry shook his head as he stiffened. "Oh my God," he croaked.

"Harry?" Hermione asked, now out of concern, "What's going on?"

Biting his lip once again, Harry stood and ran to the bathroom, shutting the door behind him, but not before Hermione got an eyeful of a bulge beneath his pajama pants. Covering her mouth in surprise, Hermione went and sat on the couch by the fire.

What had just happened? This was rather unusual behavior for Harry. He had always been very gentle, even during their more heated snog sessions. But this, this urgency - she had never seen it in him before. And why had he kept pushing it? Harry knew her position when it came to sex, and he had never seemed to object before. Also, Hermione thought, what was that after she'd pushed him away? It was as if…

It was as if it had come from outside himself.

Hermione winced. Oh, Merlin. She knew she could find out if she was correct in that moment and was not sure that she wanted to. Taking a deep breath, she let it out, opening her mind for a few seconds.

Oh. Bloody hell, Luna. Merlin. Praise the…

Hermione restored her mental wall, shielding herself from any more of Ron's thoughts. She looked back at the bathroom, a theory working itself out in her head. Standing, she decided it would be good to give Harry some space for a while - whether for his sake or her own she was not sure - and headed to her workroom.

She spent quite a bit of time in there, not altogether positive the reason. Hermione suspected that she might be trying to stall before returning to their room. After doing a little bit of research and making a few charts Okay, she admitted to herself, several charts. Hermione decided to call it a night and head back to bed.

When she returned the their room, Harry was still in the bathroom, though the door was open. He was sitting in the empty bathtub, staring up at the ceiling. Sensing her presence, he turned to look at her, sitting up.

"Hermione, I am so sorry. I don't know what came over me…"

"I do," Hermione replied, putting the lid down on the toilet seat and perching on top of it, "Ron."

Harry raised and eyebrow and studied her for a moment as if trying to decide if she was serious, "Right. Not to insult your intelligence, Hermione, but Ronald Weasley has never and will never inspire that reaction in me."

Hermione laughed, "I am talking about the Triptych, you goof. I think that somehow you were feeling or sensing the same things as Ron earlier."

"Okay…" Harry replied slowly, "Well, as comforting - and not at all disturbing might I add - of a concept that is, why has this not happened before?"

To this Hermione could only shrug, "My only guess is that none of us have felt something strong enough before."

"Because being hit by a death orb is an everyday occasion."

"Well, that is puzzling me too," Hermione admitted, "And I do plan to research this further. Maybe it's a guy thing"

"Ew," Harry made a face at her last comment, "I really did not need to bond with Ron on that level."

Hermione chanced a chuckle, "I bet you enjoyed it." She burst into laughter at the appalled expression that came over Harry's features. She held out a hand, "Come on, we should just get back to bed. It seems like we will have a long day tomorrow."

Harry looked at her outstretched hand for a moment before sighing, "I think I'll take a shower first. I feel very … dirty." He scrunched up his face as he said this.

Hermione nodded, "Okay, well, try not to wake me up when you get done, alright? I'm knackered."

"Will do. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

~*~

"Oh my God," Ron sighed for the hundredth time as he laid back against the mattress, "That was bloody amazing."

Luna smiled, her head resting in the curve between his chest and the arm he had wrapped around her. "That's nice."

"Are you okay?"

"I'm perfectly fine."

"Luna?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

Luna smiled again, "I know."

Ron chuckled, "Rather sure of yourself, aren't you?"

Luna yawned, "I was not sorted into Ravenclaw because I don't know things. I love you, too, by the way."

"Well that's good. I was a bit worried for a moment."

"Ron?" Luna yawned again.

"Yes, love?"

"Shut up and go to sleep."

Ron smiled, "As you wish."

~*~

Ginny yawned and stretched as she sat up in bed, the sunlight drifting in from the window and putting a smile on her face. She felt well rested. It was a very odd sensation that she had not been familiar with recently. Flinging the comforter back, Ginny hopped out of bed and gracefully walked to the door. She grabbed a towel and headed to the bathroom.

When she arrived, she found it already occupied. The door was closed and from the inside she could hear the shower running. Glancing down the hall, Ginny noticed that Draco Malfoy's door was slightly ajar, and it looked as if his room was empty. Then, recalling what had happened a few weeks ago, Ginny grinned and opened the door.

And immediately found herself greeted with the sight of her older brother showering. She quickly shut the door, thankful for the fog provided by steam.

"I never took you for the peeping Tom sort, Weasley. And your own brother! Are the pickings really so slim?"

Ginny suppressed the temper that flared within her at only the sound of his voice - his stupid, drawling voice. "It's rude to sneak up on people like that, you know," she told him, turning around.

Malfoy only stared back at her, not blinking. He had his hands loosely in his trouser pockets, and calmly exuded the attitude that made it all too clear that he could not care less about what she considered rude. At the same time, he managed to look amused at her expression, and yet annoyed by the very sight of her. It was baffling, to say the least.

Irritated even more by his silence, Ginny sighed, "Just leave me alone." With that, she stomped back off to bed.

~*~

"Harry? What are you doing over here?"

Harry blinked from where he lay on the couch and looked up at Hermione, "Oh, I just… you didn't want me to wake you so…"

Hermione frowned, "I did not mean for you to sleep on the couch, though."

"It was not a big deal," Harry replied with a shrug as he stood up, "I was really tired after my shower and this was closer than the bed. I pretty much crashed and fell asleep. I'm sure you didn't miss me."

"I suppose not, it's just…" Hermione's voice faded. She could not explain why, but the idea of having spent the entire night in the bed by herself made her uncomfortable.

"It's just what?" Harry asked.

Hermione smiled, "Nothing. Go ahead and get dressed and I'll meet you downstairs for breakfast."

~*~

Harry and Hermione were sitting at the table eating silently when Ron and Luna walked in, hand and hand. Exchanging a glance, both Harry and Hermione stood.

"Ron?" Harry spoke as they headed to the door, "Could we speak to you in private for a moment?"

Ron raised an eyebrow at this, clearly thrown off by their actions, and then nodded, "Sure, I'm right behind you." After giving Luna a quick peck on the lips and squeezing her hand, he followed them up to the study, where Hermione shut the door and cast a Silencio.

"What's all this about?" Ron asked as they turned to look at him.

"Ron," Hermione began, her wringing hands betraying her intense discomfort, "There really is no delicate way to put this."

"We know what happened with you and Luna last night," Harry finished for her.

Ron's eyes widened, "What? How? Did you hear us? I cast a Silencing Spell and …"

Hermione shook her head, "We didn't hear you. Well, not technically. Erm, you see, it involves that Triptych and how we are all attuned to each other, and Harry is attuned physically…" her voice faded as she waited for him to catch on.

Ron's brow furrowed as he looked between the two of him, and then his body suddenly tensed, "Surely you two are not saying what I think you're saying."

Harry looked at his feet, severely embarrassed, "I wish. It was like being thirteen all over again, mate."

A strange sound was stifled in Ron's throat as he covered it with a cough. "Right then. So what's the plan?" he looked up at Hermione as he asked this, and Hermione could hear him in her head. Please tell me you have already thought of a way to make this situation go away as quickly as possible.

Hermione sighed, "Not exactly. My knowledge of the Triptych is based on some very limited research. I figured since Ginny and Luna have to go back today we could pay a visit to Hogwarts, stop by, and see Gretta. Don't look at me like that, you two. I know this all makes you very uncomfortable, but she is an expert in the workings of the Triptych and if we do not get help from her now we don't know what repercussions we might face later."

The two of them sighed in response. "I'll go fetch Ginny," Harry replied, "We best leave as soon as possible."

Ron nodded, "And I'll go get Luna. Are we keeping this between the three of us?"

"If you feel it's necessary to tell Luna, I think that's alright, since is does involve her, but I really see no reason to inform Ginny, unless your plan is to scar her for life," Hermione responded with a sigh, "And obviously Draco needs to know nothing more than necessary. I'm going to set the wards so he can't leave while we're gone - not that he wants to. Alright?"

"Definitely," Harry said.

"Could not agree more," Ron added.

With a nod of understanding, the three of them went their separate ways.

~*~

"Ginny?" Harry asked, leaning through the doorway, "Would you mind getting your things together? Ron, Hermione, and I thought it would be nice to spend the day at Hogwarts."

Ginny looked up from where she sat at the edge of her bed, "I'm pretty much ready. Just have to stick my night clothes in my bag."

Harry nodded, and then noticed that something was off in her expression. Entering the room, he stood in front of her, ducking his head as he spoke, "Is everything alright? You didn't come down for breakfast."

"I'm fine. Just a bit tired, that's all. Dobby brought me some toast and juice."

"Oh, okay." Harry waited a moment as Ginny bit her lip, something that he had seen Hermione do when deciding whether or not to say something.

Ginny sighed, "I just feel a bit like a fifth wheel, that's all."

Harry crouched down in front of her, placing a hand on her arm much as any of her brothers had done on several occasions, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Not really," Ginny answered with a smile, clearly pleased that he bothered to ask, "But it's alright. I really am happy for you all."

"Okay," Harry stood, and then pulled Ginny to her feet as well. "In that case, if anybody in particular catches your eye, tell me, and I'll put in a good word."

He winked in conspiringly, earning a laugh from Ginny as she replied, "I'll hold you to that, Potter."

~*~

It was odd, Hermione thought to herself, to be back in Hogwarts after all of this time. She had been in the library recently, and had made a few stops to the Headmistress' office, but other than that she had mostly kept to herself. Now, as they passed the Great Hall, Hermione felt a warmth pulse through her. As the other four headed inside, Hermione nodded to Harry, saying goodbye, and headed to Gretta's office.

Before their departure, the three of them had agreed that Hermione would talk to Gretta alone first - there were some other things she had questions about - and then later Harry and Ron would come by, after meeting up with some of their friends.

Reaching her destination, Hermione calmly knocked on the doorframe, causing the older woman to look up from her desk. A smile immediately made its way across her features, pleasing Hermione, "Hermione! I had a hunch you'd be stopping by today. How are you doing?"

Hermione smiled in return and entered the office, taking a seat in one of the cushy chairs behind the desk. "I'm doing well, though I'm afraid this is not merely a social visit."

Gretta nodded knowingly, lightly touching her forehead with her left hand, where her quill was poised, "I sensed as much."

Hermione laughed, "Any chance that you also sensed why I'm here?"

"I'm afraid not, though I do know it has something to do with the Triptych, which I might have figured out without my Sight."

"Yes, you're right. Well, I have a couple of things to talk with you about, actually. One is relating to an incident that took place last night, and the other relates specifically to me."

Gretta folded her hands delicately on the desk, "I, see. Well, if it does not matter to you, dear, I'd rather hear about what has been going on with you first, and then we can find Ron and Harry before I hear the scoop on this incident you are talking about."

Taking a deep breath, Hermione nodded and began speaking. It was difficult, since she had not talked to anyone, including Harry, about this until now, "It's about my powers. They're… expanding."

"Expanding? Do you mean you are becoming more attuned to them?"

"Not exactly. I mean, yes, I suppose I have become more attuned to them, but that is not what I'm talking about. They're expanding, as in I don't only hear the thoughts of Harry and Ron anymore."

At this comment, Gretta's brows furrowed in concern, "What do you mean?"

Hermione twisted her fingers in her lap, "It's only in flashes, and it is very inconsistent, but lately - only since yesterday, to be honest - I have been hearing the thoughts of others."

Gretta nodded, "Am I right in assuming that I am the first person you've told?"

"Yes."

"Alright," Gretta paused for a moment, and then stood, walking over to one of her many bookshelves and grabbing a small volume from it. She returned to her seat and began flipping through pages, "Well, I can tell by the concerned look on your face that I don't need to inform you of the possible risks and problems that may arise if this continues."

"So far it is only sporadic, but if it becomes constant I assume that it could drive me mad."

Gretta looked up and smiled reassuringly, reached out across her desk to gently take Hermione's hand, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

Hermione bit her lip, "Has this ever happened with the Triptych before? It was my understanding that our powers would extend as far as our triangle."

"The Triptych is a powerful set of objects that has existed possibly as long as magic itself. It does not surprise me that over time the edges of its powers would become… blurred a little. Nonetheless, that is what I'm looking for in here. Have Harry or Ron mentioned anything similar happening to them?" Gretta asked as she withdrew her hand and returned to her scanning, a small pair of reading glasses now perched on the tip of her nose.

Hermione shook her head, "No."

Gretta turned a few more pages, then scribbled a few notes on a scrap of parchment and closed the book, looking up at Hermione, "Well, I am fairly certain this has not happened before, but that does not mean you should worry. I'll continue to look into this and we will take this as it…Hermione, are you okay?"

Hermione, now hunched over in her chair, shook her head slightly, trying to speak, but finding it difficult. Damn these episodes! she thought to herself as her vision blurred.

"Is it your pain? Should I fetch someone?" Gretta had gotten up from her seat and now crouched in front of Hermione.

Hermione only shook her head again, not wanting to be left along, calming herself to say two words, "Just wait."

Gretta nodded, taking Hermione's hand in her own and rubbing gently in a motherly gesture. Hermione waited it out, the minutes slowly ticking by, until it eventually ended and she could open her eyes. "Thank you," she told the older woman.

"Anytime. The pain is still strong?"

Hermione sighed and nodded, "According to Madam Pomfrey it will continue to be for another couple of months."

Gretta smiled sadly in response to this, "That sounds like a very long time."

"You have no idea. Any ideas on what I can do to make it better?"

"Actually, give me a second," Gretta replied, now perusing her bookshelf again and plucking off a few titles, both of them Muggle if the frozen pictures on the cover were any indication. She handed them to Hermione, "Adding any more magic to the equation could be detrimental, so take a look through these and see if there is anything that catches your interest. They're old muggle techniques."

Hermione nodded, taking the books and feeling happier than she had in weeks, "I definitely will, thank you. How about I go get Harry and Ron so we can talk about the incident I mentioned, and then we will let you get back to your work?"

With Gretta's agreement, Hermione left, heading to the Great Hall, where she discovered neither one of her friends was present. Spotting Neville doing some homework at one of the tables, Hermione walked over and took a seat next to him. "Hi, Neville."

Neville looked up, a surprised smile making an appearance at the sight of her, "Hermione! It's good to see you." With a confidence that caught her off guard, he extended his arms and pulled her into a friendly hug, "We've missed you around here. How was your summer?"

"Interesting," Hermione conceded, feeling lighter just talking to her former classmate, "And yours?"

He laughed, "Boring compared to yours, I'm sure. I saw you in the papers a few times. I told Gran that it was all a bunch of lies."

Hermione thought back to the article about her and Harry mattress shopping, and shook her head, "Yes, it was, actually, but we are together now. Speaking of Harry, did you see where he and Ron went? I dropped them off here earlier and I seem to have lost them."

Neville grinned, "They didn't stay for long, actually. Visited for maybe ten minutes before the two of them and half of Gryffindor set out to play a game of Quidditch. I would have joined them, but I've been busy lately and had to catch up on some homework."

Hermione saw him glance down and for the first time noticed the Head Boy badge on his robes. "Neville! I had no idea! Congratulations!"

Neville smiled proudly, "Thank you. And now I suppose you are going to desert me as well for the great outdoors?" She noticed his smile faltered slightly.

"I'm afraid so. Business calls - I hope Gryffindor will forgive me for stealing them away," She laughed and then smiled brightly, placing her hand on his, "But I promise we'll stay for dinner, alright?"

"Sounds good," Neville replied, genuinely happy, "I'll finish my work so I can play Ron at some chess. I've been practicing."

"Good. Between you and me, I hope you win," she winked and stood, "I'll see you later, Neville!"

"Bye, Hermione!" He called just as she left the hall.

~*~

"We win!" Harry shouted, zooming through the air on one of the school brooms, "Even without my Firebolt!"

Ginny playfully scowled as Harry's team, including Ron, cheered and her team laughed as he whizzed around the field in celebration. "I'll beat you next time, Potter!"

"You wish!" he called back, doing a flip in mid-air.

"Harry Potter, if you break your neck I swear I am not taking you to the Hospital Wing!"

Harry leveled himself and looked down to see Hermione standing at the edge of the field, trying not to smile as she crossed her arms and glared at him. The rest of the Gryffindors turned and found her as well, looking at him knowingly. Since their relationship was now common knowledge, Harry could tell what they were jokingly thinking. Uh-oh, your girlfriend's here. What are you going to do now, Harry?

Harry grinned, and decided exactly what he was going to do. Giving Ron a quick nod, he zoomed to the ground, plucking Hermione off the ground with his extra strength and placing her in front of him on the broom as he flew by. By the time she could get out a proper scream, they were over thirty feet in the air. Pulling her close before she could say anything, Harry placed his lips on hers.

~*~

Hermione smiled against him, not usually a fan of public displays of affection but literally caught up in the moment. She opened her eyes and brushed his hair out of his face, only slightly concerned about his ability to concentrate. There certainly was something to be said about kissing and flying at the same time. Harry opened his eyes and removed his lips for a moment to speak, "Hold on."

She had no idea why, but being now a hundred feet in the air, she immediately wrapped her arms around his back and help tight as he kissed her once more, his tongue doing things to her more enjoyable than screaming as they began cart-wheeling through the sky. It was the most magical moment of her life - definitely saying something - until the thoughts of Lavender and Parvati, conversing down below, leaked into her mind.

That looks like fun. They seem awfully comfortable with each other.

I bet they've had sex.

Obviously. They live together. You heard Harry earlier.

And who wouldn't have sex with that?

Merlin, he's yummy. I'd give anything to be Hermione right now.

Hermione opened her eyes and tore herself away from Harry as they leveled once again, making slow circles high in the air. Harry smiled at her, catching his breath, "That was fun."

Hermione tried to regain her composure as the oxygen returned to her system, "Harry, I want to go back down now."

~*~

Harry looked at Hermione with concern. He could tell by the look in her eye that something was wrong. But what could be wrong? Was she mad at him for kissing her in front of everyone else? He knew she was usually private, but she had looked like she was in a good mood, and had seemed to enjoy it…

"Is everything okay?" he asked, stopping the broom and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Hermione looked down where her fingers toyed with one of the buttons on his pullover, "Everything's fine. We should just be getting back to Gretta, that's all. I told her I would be quick."

Harry nodded, not believing her for a second, "Alright, we can go. Tell Ron."

Without a nod, Hermione looked over at Ron, sending the message his way. As soon as he acknowledged her, she turned around on the broom, facing forward, "Let's go."

Knowing that whatever had just happened would bite him in the arse later, Harry wrapped an arm around her waist and steered the broom to the ground. For now, they had other things to deal with.

~*~

"So is that everything that happened?" Gretta asked as the three of them finished their retelling of the previous night's events. Ron did not have much to say, only nodding and giving one word replies to verify anything that Harry or Hermione said. His mind was elsewhere. He still had not told Luna about any of this, and was deciding if he should.

The previous night should have been perfect, and it was, but it also should have been private, which it clearly was not. It would have been acceptable for them to talk about it to other people later, but this, this invasion of his body and his mind…it was all just so wrong. It was bad enough that the knowledge of what happened spoiled a bit of the evening for him. He did not think it was fair to do the same to Luna.

Luna. He smiled just thinking about her, and quickly tried to cover it up so that his friends would not look at him and think that he was crazy. She was just so perfect, in everything. He could still remember tracing his fingers along the delicate curve of her hips, wanting to memorize every part of her. Luna had smiled when he said this out loud, and told him that it would come in time.

Being the teenage boy he was, Ron had grinned at the implications of her statement. Clearly this meant that there would be other times, other chances for him to look at her and touch her and love her and remember all over again every reason her fell in love with her to begin with.

Merlin. Ron laughed inwardly at himself, completely ready to shout his love from the rooftops and write poetry or something of the like. He wondered what Hermione would say now, him having previously possessed the emotional range of a teaspoon. As Harry spoke, Ron noticed her turn in his own direction and give him a quick, gentle smile, and reminded himself that she could hear him. For her sake, he tried to censor some of his thoughts, but it was so hard. Already, he was wondering when this meeting was over so he could see Luna again. They did not have much time left. He wanted to hold her and kiss her and listen to her voice as she told him about her day and what she had planned for the week. And, he conceded to himself, he wondered if they would have time to do it again.

Hermione let out a small squeak and tried to disguise it with a clearing of her throat. She then looked up at Gretta, "Yes, that's pretty much what happened. I don't think there is really anything to add.

Gretta nodded, "Well, I think that this is pretty much a simple case of control. You three have had problems similar to this in the past, and they went away when you became more used to your powers. I'd give it a week or two. Once Harry is adapted to his added sensitivity, I think you'll see that things will return to normal."

Ron nodded, "So is that all?"

"Yes, I believe so. I'd like you three to come back here again in a week or so to see how everything is going, mostly as a precaution. Other than that you may all return to your normal lives."

"Thank you, Gretta," Hermione said with a smile, and then turned to Ron and Harry, "I promised Neville we'd stay for dinner. I'll see you then." With that she turned and left the room, and Ron swore he felt the air get a bit colder.

He turned to Harry, "Is something up with her?"

Harry shrugged, "Probably. I think I'll give her a little space before I find out what it is though. See you later, mate. Goodbye, Gretta."

Gretta nodded, but as Ron turned to go, she asked him to stay behind for a moment. Ron hovered by the door, "Yes?"

The woman made no attempts at pretense, "Luna is one of my students, and I have a certain soft spot for her. I trust you used protection?"

Ron felt his ears redden as he nodded numbly, "Er, yes, ma'am, of course."

Gretta smiled, "Good. I would hate to think you'd be so irresponsible. I'll see you next week, then."

Ron nodded again, then turned and left as quickly as he could.

~*~

He found Luna reading a book beneath a tree, the soft breeze blowing her hair across her face and causing her to reach up and brush it away, scrunching her features each time, every ten seconds or so. Smiling at the sight, Ron wanted to wait a few moments before he interrupted her. This, of course, would not do. Perhaps sensing his presence - was that possible? Ron wondered to himself - Luna looked up in his direction, a bright and unedited smile crossing her features as her eyes met his. She marked her page in the book and patted the ground beside her, motioning for him to come over.

Ron did, seating himself between her and the tree trunk so she could lean against his chest and he could sniff her hair as he pleased. Even sitting, the top of her head barely reached his chin. "Are either of your parents tall?" he wondered out loud.

Luna turned and smiled at him, "My father is almost as tall as you are, actually. But my mother was very small," she paused as a sad laugh made it's way from her lips, "If she were still alive I imagine I'd actually be a bit taller than her."

"Really?" Ron laughed at this as well, giving her a gentle squeeze, "I can scarcely imagine you being taller than anyone. You are the tiniest thing I've ever seen. Except maybe a nymph or a gnome, I suppose."

She only slapped his leg, turning back to face the leg, "Well pardon me if I'm not a great hulking giant. Another growth spurt and you'll be giving Hagrid a run for his money."

"Then I'll just have to carry you around in my pocket then. With your tiny legs you'd never keep up," he kissed her neck softly.

"With your giant hands you'd probably squeeze me to death."

Ron growled and wrapped both arms around her waste, tightening his grip just slightly, "Take it back."

Luna smiled, "Never."

He squeezed tighter, careful with his actions nonetheless, "Take it back."

"Or what?"

Ron hesitated, but only for a moment, "Or I'll never let go."

Luna shifted so she could look at him, his blue eyes boring into her grey ones, "Is that a promise?"

Ron nodded.

"Then I will never take it back," she paused for a moment, her lips less than an inch from his, "Though…"

"Though what?"

She smirked, "Though that would make using the loo rather awkward, don't you think?"

Ron laughed and gently shoved her away, pretending to scowl as he stood, "You just ruined a perfectly romantic moment, I hope you know. I'm never going to attempt that again."

"Liar," Luna replied as he helped her to her feet, "My mere presence makes you want to recite poetry."

He sighed dramatically at this, "You have been spending far too much time with me. I don't recall you being this witty when I met you."

Luna sobered, "You bring out the best in me, and I don't spend nearly enough time with you."

Ron reached down to take her hands in his, "Now that I cannot disagree with."

~*~

After returning to the house to retrieve the Marauder's Map, Harry was able to locate Hermione in the Room of Requirement - only because he could not find her anywhere on the map at all - and mentally admonished himself. He should have thought to look there earlier.

Harry entered the room, surprised by the sight. The area was completely empty except for a lone oversized beanbag, where Hermione sat, staring at her hands. She spoke without looking up, "How did you find me?"

"You weren't on the map," he replied.

Hermione nodded, but said nothing else.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" Harry kneeled in front of her and reached for her hand, but she pulled it away. He paused, choosing his words carefully, "Have I done something wrong?"

Hermione shook her head, but the movement was half-hearted.

Harry sat down on the wooden floor, "I can't help if you don't tell me what's going on, hon."

Finally, after several long moments, Hermione looked up, her raw expression boring into Harry's eyes, "I'm not ready to have sex yet."

"I know that," Harry nodded, waiting for the other shoe to drop, "What is the problem?"

Hermione blinked, frozen, "That is the problem."

Harry tried to figure out what he was missing, "The problem is that you don't want to have sex?"

"Yes, Harry."

"Why is this a problem?"

"Because you do."

"No I…" Harry started to lie but then stopped as he saw Hermione's expression, "Well, alright, I do want to have sex, but I'm a seventeen-year-old male. I'm pretty sure that's in the brochure. I just don't understand why this is suddenly a problem now."

"Because Ron had sex."

"And…? Help me out, Hermione. I'm not following."

Hermione sighed, "And apparently you gave half of Gryffindor the impression that we already had it!"

Harry leaned back, bracing himself against the floor with his palms, "When did this happen?

"When I was with Gretta, obviously."

"Who told you this?"

"No one." Hermione began biting her lip.

"Then how…"

"Because I heard them earlier when we were out on the pitch and you were kissing me. I can hear what they're thinking, Harry. I heard Lavender and Parvati talking and they thought it was obvious that we were sleeping together and that you had said something to them earlier and then I started thinking about the way you swooped down like that in front of everyone and…"

Harry nodded, now understanding what was going on, or at least he thought. "Hermione, please listen to me. The only thing I said was when they asked me if you and I really felt that way about each other, and I said that I'm madly in love with you, because it's true. And the only reason I swooped down and kissed you like that was because I thought you'd like it and to let them see what an awesome thing we have. I did not tell them that we are sleeping together."

Hermione exhaled, "Really?"

Harry took her hand in his, and this time she didn't fight him, "Really. You know me, Hermione. Even if it were true, I would never publicize it like that. I wish you'd said something."

"It just shocked me, that's all. And that kiss was a bit of you showing off, admit it."

Harry grinned, "Maybe a little. But it was amazing wasn't it? We'll have to try that again sometime."

She slapped his arm, but nodded nonetheless, "Yes, we certainly will."

~*~

Dinner was a pleasant affair. Hermione enjoyed the Hogwarts fare that she had been missing. Dobby was excellent, but he had them on a somewhat strict diet for their training, and the Hogwarts elves were brilliant, even if they refused to be paid. As they finished up, Neville and Ron settled into a game of chess, which Neville nearly won - Hermione could hear Ron's panic several times during the match. As the Gryffindor boys, including Ron, Harry, Dean, Seamus, Neville, and Colin, started up a game of Exploding Snap, Ginny turned to Hermione and asked if she fancied a walk. Feeling a little bit crowded and noticing that Ginny wanted to talk about something, Hermione agreed, and gave Harry a quick kiss goodbye

It was a quiet night and the air was warm as it softly blew against Hermione's cheek. Hardly any students roamed the castle grounds, not needing their wands as the moon was bright. Ginny was tacit as she strode gracefully along the grass, her brown eyes dark Hermione waited patiently. She knew that the younger girl would speak when she was ready.

Abruptly, Ginny came to a stop, taking a seat on one of the large rocks bordering the lake. Hermione sat down besides her, waiting.

"Can I ask you something?" Ginny asked, her voice cracking a bit as if she'd been so distracted that she forgot how to use it.

"Of course."

"When things started… with Harry, how did you first realize it?"

Hermione hesitated for a moment, waiting to see if she could hear Ginny's thoughts and know where this would lead, but it did not come. She spoke slowly, "I'm not sure, exactly. It was not all at once, you see. Harry insists that it started with the nightmares, but I think it had been coming even before that."

"The nightmares?" Ginny asked, curious.

Hermione nodded, having forgotten that she had not told anyone about this, aside from Ron, who was there, "I had this really horrible nightmare one night, and I saw Harry dead. When I woke up I was completely beside myself, convinced that it was true. It was horrible," she said with a brief shudder, "Ron heard my hysterics and came to help, but he could not really do anything, and I could tell it hurt his feelings, but I just had this overwhelming sensation. I needed Harry.

"I was not able to fall back asleep in my bed after that so he took me up to his room, and we eventually fell asleep on his bed," Hermione smiled in recollection, "He slept on top of the covers. It was so sweet. After that neither of us could stand to sleep apart, and it pretty much became a matter of denial."

Ginny smiled, "So that's when it started?"

Hermione shrugged, "I suppose. That's what Harry says at least. Personally, I think he was fairly oblivious right up until our first kiss and says that so I'll think better of him. I think it began that day when Ron made that comment about my appearance."

"I remember that," Ginny replied with a nod, "Harry went after you. What happened?"

"Not much, I suppose. Harry had to convince me that I was beautiful and threatened to go punch Ron for making me think otherwise. He made me say that I'm beautiful, and insisted that as long as both of us thought it no one else mattered. I felt so happy and gave him a hug, knocking both of us over, and I remember not wanting to let him go," Hermione blushed and looked down at her hands clasped in her lap, "That's when it began for me. I had a rather tragic date with Ron not long after, and Harry was there to listen to me whine about it."

"He can be really sweet when he wants to be," Ginny commented.

"I know," Hermione took a deep breath and exhaled, "So what's going on, Ginny? I can't imagine you brought me out here to listen to me talk about my boyfriend."

Ginny sighed, hesitating for a moment, "It's about Malfoy."

Hermione froze, choosing her words carefully, "What about him?"

"Is he always such an infuriating arse?" Ginny asked.

"Mostly, yes."

"But…"

Hermione could not hold her tongue any longer, "Ginny, please let me stop this before it can even begin. Don't think about Malfoy like that, alright?"

Ginny stiffened, bruised, "I don't see you giving him the cold shoulder."

"Please don't make me the enemy, Ginny," Hermione replied gently, "I know how he is. He has a charisma that makes you want to be around him no matter how much of an arse he is, and even I can turn away from Harry long enough to recognize that he is attractive," she waited for Ginny to stop her and when she didn't, plowed on, "But there is one important thing that you much always understand when you are around Draco Malfoy. The only thing that he cares about is himself. On his list of priorities, he is always number one. I don't know exactly why this is and I probably will never find out, but I simply don't think you deserve to be with someone who feels that way."

Taking a moment to herself, Ginny spoke, "I understand, but try not to overreact, Hermione. I was not exactly planning to marry the guy. I just thought…I don't know. It was just a silly infatuation."

"Okay," Hermione nodded, then tried to lighten the air, "Well, if that's all, I happened to notice some Gryffindor boys giving you a second glance. Neville Longbottom is looking rather dashing with that new Head Boy badge of his. Just imagine using that power to stay out after curfew…" she winked conspiringly.

Ginny laughed, reaching over and smacking Hermione on the leg, "I always knew you were attracted to power."

Hermione shrugged innocently, "Perhaps."

~*~

"I'm so tired!" Ron exclaimed when they arrived at the house much later that evening, "I'm going to get myself some tea and head straight to bed!"

"Here, here!" Hermione added with a yawn, leaning heavily against Harry as they entered the kitchen.

Draco sat at the table, holding an orange envelope in his hand, a smirk playing at his lips, "This came for you in the post. It's from Jokin."

Hermione took a seat beside him as Harry reached over and took the envelope. "Do you know what it is?" she asked as Harry opened it, the envelope turning into a pumpkin, or rather, a jack-o-lantern.

Draco nodded, no longer hiding his grin, "You've been invited to the Halloween Ball."

~*~

A/N: Thanks to Lady Starlight for the editing work. Check for information at http://xvicklesx.livejournal.com. Please review!

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