A/N: A bonus chapter since the last was so depressing!
I hope you all forgive me for the previous chapter. It wasn't something that I had planned into the story, but events unfolded itself that way. Life also has many unpleasant and unplanned events. Just because Voldemort is dead, doesn't mean Harry lives a stress free life you know!
------------
Time Marches On
The next two weeks passed by very quickly or slowly depending on who you were.
For Harry and Hermione it was a slow, emotional two weeks. Hermione was able to leave the hospital the next day and she attended a half day of classes on Monday, making her cousin take copious notes in the ones she missed.
When Harry wasn't in class he was sitting next to Hermione in the Common Room studying or listening to Hermione talk her way into healing.
They had realized as a couple that this wasn't the best time to have children, planned or otherwise. Hermione had literally become speechless when Harry flippantly told her that after school it would be easier to try and have a baby. It was the first time Harry had even mentioned anything close to marriage. Even when she was pregnant, he had talked about not leaving her, being there for her and they would worry about what needed to be done day by day. Even though Hermione never really thought about getting married, she could definitely see herself married to him, but was so focused on trying to deal with the events at hand, she never broached the subject with him. Besides, they had been by each other's sides for seven years, so it felt like they were almost married!
Now, by the middle of November, Hermione was back to her studious, schedule oriented life.
Ron and Samantha had grown closer, if possible. Hermione had never seen her cousin so enraptured by any male. She and Ron were always touching, whether it was a brush along the other person's arm, or just snuggling in front of the fire. At one point he had even given her a piggy back ride to dinner one night, much to the amusement of the rest of the school. Ron had confessed to Harry that he wasn't going to be a happy person once holiday's were over, because it meant that Samantha would be back at her school and Lavender (who was apparently a big hit in the Muggle world) would be back here. However, at this moment, he was as happy a person newly in love could be, and he didn't care who knew it, often getting caught by a Prefect or even Professor McGonagall on one occasion snogging in places that they shouldn't be.
Neville and Luna had become a couple and quite a hilarious one at that. They seemed to balance each other out, with Luna helping Neville with his homework and spells with which he had trouble. In exchange, Neville would sometimes translate the strange comments that would fly out of Luna's mouth. Neville's grandmother had actually approved of something her grandson had done and was so happy that he had a girlfriend, she sent him a new Remembrall so he wouldn't forget things like Luna's birthday, to buy her a Christmas gift and things of that nature.
In a matter of two weeks, Ginny Weasley had been asked out on a date by no less than four male students, two from Gryffindor and one from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Ginny would decline, citing her studies, Prefect duties and practices getting in the way. Ron was secretly relieved because he was having a hard time seeing his sister dating anyone, knowing what could happen. He never did like her seeing Michael and if he had his way, he would have sent her home to be home schooled again.
It didn't escape Ron's attention that Draco was acting strangely. Ever since his father had died, he seemed a bit more relaxed and wasn't making the usual amount of rude comments. Once in awhile he would see him talking to Ginny, but there were always other people around so he didn't protest too much, knowing if he did, it would probably just increase the likelihood that Ginny would talk to him even more.
A letter had come to Ron and Ginny from "The Burrow" which sited the date for Bill and Fleur's wedding as July 3rd, after everyone was out of school. Also, Charlie had gone, eloped with a girl named Katharine and they were already expecting their first child. Ron's parents met her and said she was very shy and down to earth and seemed to fit in quite nicely with the family; she was from England, had graduated a year ahead of Charlie from Hogwarts and they had met on one of Charlie's trips to Greece.
Fred had brought, over to The Burrow, his girlfriend which was Katie Bell and George was seeing Angelina Johnson, which didn't surprise anyone as the girls were roommates and it would make sense for the four of them to go out together. Ron and Harry howled with laughter at the thought of Fred and George dating, much less snogging someone, which led to them wiping tears from their eyes and evil looks from their respective girlfriends.
Now that it was the middle of a very cold and dreary November, Harry had been waiting for a few days to get some time away from Hermione. He really needed to go up and talk to the headmaster, but didn't want Hermione to question him about the impromptu visit.
Luckily, one Friday evening Harry managed to use the excuse that he had to go get some things ready in the Quidditch supply shed, which Hermione had no interest in being. Harry quickly made his way upstairs and was relieved to see that the password up to Dumbledore's office hadn't changed.
Harry knocked on the door and heard the familiar voice telling him to come on in. He stepped inside and went up to the desk, where there were many books strewn about.
"Hello, Harry. What may I do for you?" he looked up at Harry who stood there, hands behind his back.
"Hello, sir. I was wondering if I could go to Hogsmeade tomorrow for a bit? I know there isn't a planned trip, but there are a few things I need to get." Harry had closed off his thoughts to Dumbledore, not wanting him to know what he was going to do.
"I see. Well, I don't have any problem with that. Will you be going by yourself?" Dumbledore smiled and noticed how nervous Harry looked.
"Yes," Harry answered then muttered under his breath, "Hopefully."
"Very well, I grant you permission. Do you foresee any other times you will need to go to Hogsmeade?"
Harry shrugged. "I won't know until after tomorrow, if that is ok, sir."
Dumbledore nodded and pushed his glasses up his nose a bit.
"And how are you and Hermione doing?"
"Feeling much better, thank you," Harry said quickly, not really feeling like talking about what had happened.
"Wonderful, I am happy to hear that. Well, have fun tomorrow…and is this something that should be kept quiet?" Dumbledore asked and Harry nodded.
"I see. Well, then, if you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to ask." Dumbledore stood up and walked around the desk, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. They were the same height now and their eyes met. "I am here if you need anything." He squeezed Harry's shoulder then let his hand drop.
"Thank you sir. I know." Harry smiled at him and turned to leave after bidding goodbye. He needed to go to the Quidditch Pitch, just in case Hermione did come looking for him. He also needed to figure out how he was going to get away from her for most of the day tomorrow without anyone's help, and without her becoming suspicious. He wasn't ready to ask for help just yet.
In the end, it didn't prove as hard as Harry thought to get away without anyone knowing.
He had played Quidditch the next morning against Ravenclaw and had won, but realized that he needed a few items from the Quidditch Supply Store. Again, as Hermione didn't have any interest, Harry said he had been given permission to go to Hogsmeade for a few hours to get what he needed.
Hermione had made plans to help Samantha write her article on "Living in the Magical World" and decided to stay back. He said he would bring her and Ron candy from Honeydukes, which made everyone happy. (He also realized that only he was given permission to leave so he had another excuse at the tip of his tongue- if he needed to use it.)
And so, for the better part of the afternoon, Harry made his way through Hogsmeade, hitting the Quidditch store and candy store last. He was extremely happy that he had found what he was looking for and since he wore his wizards hat which covered up his scar, not to many people noticed him, which Harry was relieved about also.
He made a mental note as he walked back up the hill to Hogwarts to see Dumbledore before he entered the Common Room; he would need to go back next month and figured he would set up the date now while he had the chance to still be secretive. He sensed that Dumbledore knew what he was up to, but gave no hint to Harry about it and readily agreed for him to go out in the middle of December for one last "secret" trip.
Humming happily, Harry made his way to the Common Room, finding most of his friends playing games or just reading by the fire. Hermione jumped up and kissed him, before returning to Samantha's side. Ron followed him upstairs to see the new Quidditch books Harry had picked up and take a sneak peek at the candy.
----------------
"Your shirt is on inside out, m'dear."
"Well, your pants are unzipped, LUV."
Ron and Samantha looked at each other and burst out laughing. Having just woken up on a beautiful, cold Saturday morning, Hermione and Harry were already downstairs eating breakfast, Ron and Samantha had decided to make the most of her cousin's absence and have a little fun. Ron, never lasting longer than six hours without food, was in the process of getting dressed, now remembering to zip up his jeans and gave Samantha another piggy back ride down to the Great Hall.
"'Bout time!" Harry announced, receiving a hard jab in the ribs from Hermione.
"Well, gotta take advantage of time you know, since we only have four weeks left until holiday's," Ron said easily as Samantha slipped off his back and sat down next to Ginny.
"Are you girls going to Hogsmeade today to get your dresses?" Harry asked Ginny, Luna, Samantha and Hermione as he tucked into some eggs. He was famished, after having quite a fun night with Hermione until about 4am. (Still feeling like it was too early to go all the way, they found other ways to occupy themselves!)
"Sure are! This being our last year we are going to look gorgeous for you guys!" Hermione said with a sidelong glance at Harry, who was too busy eating to notice the look she gave him.
"Ginny, are you going with anyone?" Luna asked as she took a drink of pumpkin juice. Ginny shrugged and set down her fork.
"Well, four different guys have asked me and I know that three of them just want an ummmm…good time afterwards." Ginny rolled her eyes at Ron who gave her a pointed look. "So, I think when the right person asks, I will know. If not, I'll go by myself. I have no problem with that." Ginny said confidently.
"What about Malfoy?" Harry asked casually.
"What about him?" Ginny looked up and met Harry's gaze.
"Has he asked you?" Harry pressed, feeling Ron tense up beside him.
"Why would he?" Ginny asked huffily.
"I figured he might; you danced with him at Halloween and he seems to be staying civil with you. Might be a good way to bridge the Slytherin/Gryffindor gap!" Harry winked at her, then ducked as she tossed a cherry from the fruit bowl at him.
"Well, I figured he would be going with someone from his own house. I know Pansy has hooked up with someone, so he has her off his back. Other than that, I don't know much about…well, anything that has to do with him." Ginny answered, trying to sound bored about it, but the thought of going to the dance with him made her insides squirm for a bit, a good type of squirm and she really didn't want to let anyone know that.
After breakfast those students, third years and up who were going to Hogsmeade met outside the castle. Ginny didn't have enough money to buy a new dress, the one she had from last year would be good enough. She was looking forward to helping Hermione, Luna and Samantha pick out a dress.
Harry and his friends stayed back having already made plans for a friendly game of Quidditch with some of the other house players.
The wind was bitter and the air crystal clear and very cold. Ginny huddled together with the girls as they waited for everyone to join them for the day trip. Ginny turned around, putting the wind to her back when she saw Draco walking down towards them, animatedly talking to someone from Slytherin that she knew by sight not by name. He glanced up at her as he walked by and for a moment they held each other's gaze. He looked like he was going to ask her something when they heard Professor McGonagall telling everyone to get moving down the hill. Ginny turned away and followed Luna and her friends down and out of the gates.
An hour later, the girls were in the dress shop, ohhing and ahhing over a dress Hermione was trying on. It was a beautiful champagne color that shimmered it's way down her body and exposed her neck and shoulders. She had grabbed a few hair clips and clipped up her hair, spinning around in front of the mirror.
"Hermione, take it. It is made for you," Samantha pleaded looking up at her on the stool.
"But the neckline is so low…," Hermione self-consciously pulled at it, trying to cover a bit more of her chest.
"That's the idea. Harry will trip over his feet when he sees you!" Luna laughed as Ginny said Harry never tripped, but this might set him on his way.
"Ok, ok…I'll take it." Hermione gave a smile and held up her arms for the witch to mark the areas it needed to be taken in.
"Ok, Ginny…you next." Samantha said and Ginny looked startled.
"No, I have a perfectly good one."
"Go try a dress on," Samantha said firmly.
"I don't have the money…," she started trying to remove Samantha's grip from her arm. "I just wanted to watch you."
"We are all chipping in for one for you because we want too. Our Christmas present for you." Persistent Samantha shoved a multitude of colored dresses into Ginny's arms and pushed her into the changing rooms.
"Samantha Granger!" Ginny yelled, but with laughter in her voice.
"Sod it, Weasley, just try them on!" Samantha turned away saying something in French that Ginny didn't understand, but figured she was probably cursing the Weasley stubbornness.
Samantha came back out of the changing area, joining a lounging Luna on the floor and Hermione paying for her purchase.
"There, easier than I thought," she said then stopped as she heard the door open. In walked Draco. All three of them turned around and looked at him.
"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked him outright, unclipping her hair. He sauntered over to her.
"I need new dress robes. People grow you know." He glanced around the place, eyes resting on robes of every color, hanging from the ceiling, hanging on the wall and some that seemed to be moving around by themselves.
"Well, you are going to have to wait. Ginny is getting fitted." Hermione watched his expression carefully, noting that his eyes flicked towards the door to the changing area.
"I can wait. No hurry. It's bloody cold out there." Draco's gaze shifted to Hermione's and they stared at each other. Narrowing her eyes at him, she wondered why he was intently looking at her.
"Well, it took some work to get her to try these on, so you better just sit back in the shadows because if she sees a bloke in here, she will not try them on." Samantha grabbed his arm and dragged him to the corner.
"People are bound to walk in you know," Draco said lightly shaking her hand off his arm, but listening to her just the same and settling down in his chair, his cloak draped across his lap. Samantha looked at him and had the feeling that he was hiding something. Sitting there in jeans and a dark blue heavy sweater and an unusual relaxed look on his face just made her more interested in what he was doing here.
"You girls ready?" Ginny's voice was faint from behind the curtains, and the witch hurried over to pull it back for her. Samantha shushed Draco and hurried over to where Luna was sitting, cross legged on the floor with Hermione standing next to her.
Out walked Ginny in a dark blue, long sleeve dress. She rolled her eyes at the girls and carefully stood up on the
stool.
"I don't think I like this one." She turned and looked over her shoulder. The other three girls started talking at once and all three concluded it was too much for her, with the full skirt and buttons down the back. The witch escorted her back to the fitting rooms, Ginny grumbling the whole way.
A few minutes later she walked out in a lavender colored dress and she stood up on the stool for the second time.
"I don't know…," Ginny tugged at the sleeves that fell off her shoulders. Hermione clucked her tongue and said pointedly it made her look twelve so they sent her back to try on the last one.
Draco opened his mouth to say something but Samantha shushed him again. A few moments of silence passed, then a loud
laugh erupted from the back of the store.
"Hey girls, Ron will kill me if I wear this one," Ginny called from the changing rooms.
"Then we'll take it!" the girls said in unison, laughing.
"Come on out!" Samantha walked over and peeked through the curtains.
"I don't think so." Ginny said a bit nervously. Samantha walked over to Ginny and smiled looking her up and down, her brown eyes taking in every detail of the dress on Ginny.
"Ginny, it's beautiful. Come on…," Samantha held out her hand and brought Ginny to the stool, where there was a light that shown down upon her. The girls just stared at her.
"Like you were poured into it." Luna stood up and walked a bit closer. "What color is that?" she asked and the witch explained that was a unique shade of emerald green, made by fairies and very hard to come by.
"Ginny, it's perfect for you," Hermione breathed, taking in the low back, the scalloped line that skimmed across the top of her breasts. There were no sleeves, just a simple top which worked its way down her hips and legs and ended as a skirt that reached her ankles. Depending on which way she moved, the green changed hues, looking like someone had poured water colors over the dress. Samantha came over with a simple pair of white heeled shoes.
"Try these."
"We can make them whatever color you want," the witch added, admiring Ginny.
No one noticed the look on Draco's face in the corner. If they did, they would have seen his lips parted and his eyes moving over every part of her. He realized he could stare at her all day in that dress; he never knew that Ginny Weasley had the body of a woman. He never knew that one day he would be thinking about any Weasley in a positive way, but for some reason, she had pushed a button in him that he never thought he had. She was beautiful and he felt he needed to say something, but as he was trying to assemble his thoughts, she stepped down and walked back into the changing room.
It was only then he felt Samantha come up next to him, accompanied by Hermione. They looked down at him and he stood up.
"No word to Ron about this dress," Hermione said, noticing an unusual bewildered look on his face. She cocked her head to the side as he nodded. He turned and walked out, putting his cloak on as he went.
"Guess he didn't need robes after all," Luna said dreamily from her spot on the floor, where she was again.
"I don't think he came here for robes," Samantha said wisely and they all went up to the front to pay for Ginny and Luna's new dresses.
-----------------
Harry and Hermione were sitting by the fire right before they would part for their separate dormitories. For the past week, after Hermione had bought the dress for the Yule Ball, she had been wondering about the future. She really wanted to ask Harry about marriage, what he thought about it, was he as sure as she was that they would be together "forever"?
It all stemmed from a comment that Samantha had made one night in bed saying she could see herself marrying Ron. She would never tell him, not now because she knew it would frighten him and who knows what he would do at that point. Also contributing to her thoughts was a conversation between her, Ron and Samantha about Harry breaking down over her/their miscarriage. She was truly stunned to hear how he had sobbed into Ron's shoulder, not caring what anyone thought; stunned to hear Ron repeat the words that came out of her Harry's mouth when they had gone outside the castle that early morning.
Hermione twirled her hair around her finger, thoughts bouncing from Harry to her miscarriage (which made her feel a pang of sadness), the debate whether to tell her parents, her future in the workplace then back to Harry and marriage. Harry was laying down, her head in her lap and was watching her watch the fire. He could tell she was thinking deeply from the way she twirled her hair and was looking past the fire, like waiting for someone's head to pop up and start talking to her.
"What are you thinking? You have been quiet for seventeen minutes straight," Harry kidded, feeling her let out a sigh.
"Everything; mainly the future," Hermione said quietly, looking down at him.
"And what are seeing in your future?" Harry asked quietly feeling her fingers begin their usual touch stroking his hair.
"Exams, trying to get a job, what will it be like living at Grimmauld Place? You….," she let her voice trail off and Harry glanced up at her.
"What about me? I hope to be a part of that," Harry twisted himself out of her lap. "Do you think I won't be?"
"No, no Harry. I just wonder what will become of us," Hermione said nervously, turning to face him. "Will you go to Grimmauld and I'll be your roommate? Or will we be something more?"
Harry put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him. "I hope something more. I don't see me with anyone else. As for marriage," he paused, knowing she was waiting to hear his thoughts on this. He needed to word them carefully. "I haven't thought to deeply about it with school and all, but when it does cross my mind, it's you I see." He saw her turn and look up at him, so he bent over and kissed her lips, feeling her move her body so he was lying on top of her.
"Ok. Fair enough, but I would like to talk about it more after NEWT's are done." Hermione rubbed the back of his neck.
Harry nodded and smiled, receiving a nice long snog that kept them up a few minutes longer.