A/N: I'm really getting slow on my updates. I wrote two pages of this chapter but deleted them as I wasn't satisfied. This chapter is lighter than the previous one. Cho's appearance is limited to one scene. I wanted to post this chapter near Valentines Day but reached this point quickly. As the titles suggests new couples will be introduced here.
The response to the last chapter was amazing. All of you hated Cho - which was what I'd wanted. There doesn't seem to be a single Cho fan on this sight. A word of warning - Cho will get much worse. So keep hating her. Ron's getting together with Luna was also well appreciated. Please keep up the reviews.
Chapter 14: All about Couples
The morning of twenty sixth of January was a special one for Ron and Luna. Today their relationship would be out in the open. Ron was slightly apprehensive as he was worried about everyone's reaction considering his past. As always they sat together. Today they were sitting with Harry and Hermione in the Gryffindor table. Ron hadn't said anything about him and Luna to anyone yet. Harry noticed Ron continuously glancing towards Luna. He decided to play around a bit.
"So when did it happen?" he asked jokingly. Ron turned his head towards Harry in astonishment.
"How do you know? We haven't told anyone yet. I was about to tell the two of you after breakfast. Did Luna tell you?" he asked, speaking very fast.
"I didn't say anything," said Luna, defensively. Now it was Harry's turn to be surprised. He'd expected Ron to tell him as soon as he and Luna had got together. Obviously Ron wanted to surprise them.
"Congrats, both of you. It's high time you got together," said Hermione breaking the brief period of silence. Seamus, who was sitting on the next chair, overheard Hermione.
"Yooooo! Ron and Luna are together," he shouted. Ron glared at him indignantly. This was the last thing he had wanted. But his indignation was short lived as whole room burst with applause. Ron and Luna both blushed. It looked like Ron had been forgiven by the entire school after his heroics. Harry gave him thumbs up to show his appreciation.
"You understand everyone's feelings so well Harry! It's a wonder how you got to know about Ron and Luna without anyone telling you. I could never do that," said Hermione admiringly.
"That I am but to be truthful it was a chance this time. I just saw Ron glancing at Luna every minute so I decided to pull his leg. I had no idea that they were actually together. By the way Ron, you didn't answer my question. When did it happen? And why didn't you tell me immediately?" said Harry.
"I didn't have a chance. It happened late last evening. Neither you nor Hermione were in the common room when you came back. I was about to tell you sometime during breakfast but you guessed before that," replied Ron. Things were really looking up for him now. He had his friends back. He had a girlfriend who he cared for. The school wasn't against him anymore. He needed to thank one person for this. He excused himself from the table and walked towards the teacher's table. However the person he was looking for wasn't there. He went to his office but still couldn't find him. Then it struck him. The day before was a full moon night. So he went to the medical wing.
"Madam Pomfrey, can I talk to Professor Lupin for a minute?" he asked.
"If he's awake you can. His bed is on the extreme right," replied Madam Pomfrey. As Ron went to Remus' bed he noticed Tonks was sitting by him.
"Can I speak to you Professor Lupin? I promise not to take very long," Ron asked Lupin.
"Sure Ron," replied Remus.
"I just wanted to thank you for the help and advice you gave me during my isolated days. I would have gone mad if I didn't speak to you. Luckily things worked out for me after that. Now it is almost back to normal," said Ron.
"You're welcome Ron. I should also congratulate on your newfound association with Miss Lovegood," said Lupin. Again Ron was amazed.
"Thank you Professor. How come everyone knows before me telling them?" he asked.
"It doesn't take a genius when it is announced in front of the whole school. I was at the staff table at that time," replied Tonks before Remus could say anything. Ron nodded. He wondered if he should tell them about what he knew about them but decided against it. He would have to reveal his truth about eavesdropping.
**** **** ****
Cho was waiting at Three Broomsticks for Marietta to arrive. She wasn't usually late. She finally arrived speaking on her mobile phone. She smiled towards Cho but kept on talking for a few minutes. Cho was getting impatient. First she had arrived late and was now keeping her waiting. At last she was finished.
"Sorry for that. I was discussing something with Steve," said Marietta apologetically.
"Probably how much you missed snogging him. He's been away for only a couple of days. Is he that special?" asked Cho.
"Well he's survived the longest among all my boyfriends," laughed Marietta.
"That would be two weeks if my guess is correct," said Cho.
"I'm not that gross. Two months would be more like it. Dunno how long it'll go on though," replied Marietta. "How about you? Any luck with Potter?" she added.
"He's stuck up with that bookworm Granger. I'm trying to get him but haven't had any success as yet," replied Cho.
"You can't be serious Cho! That plane girl can't outdo you. You are not trying hard enough. Who'd want to be with her when they have someone like you at their disposal? I'd expected better of you," said Marietta as if scolding him.
"It's not my fault. She seems to have a spell cast over him. I'm suspecting it could be some Love Potion. I've thought about using that myself but unlike that idiot I don't want to win Harry by some silly trick," replied Cho.
"Cho you were offered to train at Beauxbatons. You gave up seeing a new place and all the excitement along with it just to get Harry. I thought you knew how important he was in your career. Being Harry Potter's girlfriend would get you all the privileges you want. Give it a good try. I know you don't like being defeated," egged Marietta.
"I've tried everything I could have done. I've got Harry to spend time with me. I've tried to cause tension between them. I've even followed them on their walks. There doesn't seem to be any way around it" said Cho.
"Have you tried setting some guy after Granger?" asked Marietta.
"Tell me, which boy in his senses would want to be with her. It'll take me ages to find a guy like this. Even if I did he'd be so bad that she'll reject him. After all she does have Harry," replied Cho.
"Damn! This Granger has spoiled everything for you. All I can say is don't give up. You've got until June to get Potter. I've full confidence in you. You should continue following their walks. It may seem futile a few times but you never know what secret you might come across. Also I know you don't want to trick Potter into getting together with you but what's stopping you from tricking Granger into leaving Potter? Once she is out of the way, you can make your move on Potter," explained Marietta. Cho smiled at her.
"You are the best Marietta. Let's forget this for now and have something to drink," said Cho.
**** **** ****
It was the first week of February. Harry and Hermione were sitting by the lake finishing their homework when Ron came rushing to them.
"Hey you are missing all the fun. Plenty has been happening in the Gryffindor common room this afternoon. Come on fast," panted Ron.
"What happened?" asked Harry getting up.
"Seamus and Lavender have hooked up. So have Dean and Parvati. And Neville is about to ask someone as well," replied Ron.
"Whoa! Seamus and Lavender was expected but Dean and Parvati, I never imagined. I thought Parvati was still hurting over you," said Hermione. Ron made an awkward face. He didn't know what to say. Harry sensed his situation.
"Don't worry Ron. All that is behind us now. The fact that Lavender and Parvati have boyfriends show that they are over with it as well," said Harry. Ron visibly relaxed.
"Who do you think Neville is going to ask?" asked Hermione.
"It had better not be Ginny," said Ron firmly.
"Sorry to disappoint you old pal but my guess is Ginny. They have spent a lot of time together over the past few days. It's a well known fact that he's liked Ginny ever since the Yule ball," commented Harry. Ron looked at him indignantly.
"Don't behave like a Dad Ron. Ginny is old enough to manage her love life herself. She is as old as your girlfriend if you need a reminder. I think Harry is right. I have noticed how Neville looks at Ginny," rebuked Hermione. Ron didn't say anything. Whatever others said to him Ginny would always be a baby sister to him. They entered their common room, only to be greeted by loud chants.
"Neville and Gin-ny sitting on a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" chanted Seamus, Lavender, Parvati and Dean together. Ginny and Neville were sitting together.
"What the hell is going on here?" shouted Ron before he could stop himself. The chanting stopped. Ginny stood up though Neville looked terrified.
"In short Neville asked me to be his girlfriend and I agreed," she replied simply. Ron had realized his mistake. For the first time Ron saw that Ginny had actually grown up. A year ago she would have shouted back at him but today she had handled the situation with admirable maturity.
"I'm sorry! I shouldn't have reacted that way. I'm sure you and Neville will make a great couple," said Ron sincerely. Everyone looked astounded.
"Who are you and what have you done to Ron Weasley?" asked Seamus, pretending to be angry.
"I believe a certain Miss Lovegood is behind the transformed Mister Weasley," said Harry.
"Thanks for the support Ron. I was expecting the worst when you shouted. Actually I asked you to fetch Harry and Hermione so that I could ask in your absence. Seamus and Dean already knew my plans, so they gave me the privacy I wanted," said Neville. Harry and Hermione chortled. Ron joined them.
"This is unfair Ron. Do you remember the torrid time you gave me when I was dating Ginny? Even Harry didn't escape a raised eyebrow or two. But Neville has totally gotten away," protested Dean. Everybody laughed again.
"So no more eligible bachelors left among seventh year Gryffindors," commented Ron.
"We should celebrate all of us having wonderful girlfriends," said Neville tightening his arm around Ginny. Now that Ron was supportive, he didn't mind showing his affection.
"Hey what about a 'boys night out'?" asked Dean enthusiastically.
"That's a great idea mate," replied Seamus.
"Let's have it this weekend," said Neville.
"I can get permission from Professor McGonagall," offered Harry.
"Did anyone think about inviting us?" asked Parvati. Hermione, Ginny and Lavender nodded to back her up.
"Didn't you hear the word 'boys'? I hope you don't consider yourself a boy," countered Seamus.
"Sorry girls but this one is only for boys. If you want, we can all go out together sometime later," said Dean. The girls didn't look satisfied but didn't object. The 'Boys night out' was fixed for the coming weekend.
On the decided day Harry, Ron, Neville, Seamus and Dean met at the common room at six in the evening. Professor McGonagall had granted permission. They were going to spend the evening at Hog's Head. They ordered butterbears on getting there.
"Let's all describe our romantic lives. I mean how we liked the girl, how we asked and so on. Personal matters can be kept secret," suggested Seamus. Everyone agreed. Ron was the first. His story was touching. Especially when Luna came out of nowhere help him during his isolated days. Next it was Neville's turn.
"I liked Ginny since our fourth year. She seemed a sweet and innocent girl. Luckily she agreed to go to the Yule Ball with me. I really enjoyed that. Ever since my feelings have remained. I wanted to ask her out but was too scared. I saw Ginny's failed relationships with Michael, Dean and Harry. Finally this year we got close. I got to know her much better. During the Christmas holidays we wrote to each other. That is when I made up my mind to ask her. When I got the privacy I told her that I liked her as more than a friend. She didn't respond immediately but soon nodded and kissed me," he said. The others hooted and clapped. Seamus started his story.
"My feelings for Lavender started at the end of sixth year after she broke up with Ron. We have always been good friends. Unlike Neville talking to her was never a problem for me. Over the past few weeks I noticed she was flirting with me. She took every opportunity to be with me. She even ditched Parvati to partner me in Transfiguration class. That is when I thought she also felt the same way. I took a chance by telling her the truth about my feelings after the class. She hugged me and said the feeling was mutual. That was it," Seamus finished. The others again applauded.
It was Harry's turn next but he requested the Dean to speak first as his story was by far the longest. Dean agreed.
"Parvati and I haven't always got along. However after her incident with Ron I really felt bad for her. She took it very hard. I tried to comfort her whenever I could. In the process we grew close. We spent a lot of time together discussing various things. I can't pinpoint the exact moment I started liking her. But after the Christmas holidays I knew that my feelings were not just platonic ones. When Seamus told me about him and Lavender I decided to ask her immediately. I was lucky. She returned the feelings," said Dean. The usual round of clapping followed.
Finally Harry started his story. He spoke from his heart and described everything. None of the others knew the details. His voice echoed his love for Hermione. As expected he took the longest time to finish. When he finished nobody clapped. They just sat staring at Harry. They were deep into his story. They hadn't even realized it was over. It was as if the story had hypnotized them.
"Say something, at least!" said Harry. Everyone blinked.
"I have just one word. 'Wow!'" said Ron. Seamus, Neville and Dean agreed.
"If we are finished with our drinks, shall we go shopping? We need to get gifts for Valentines Day," said Harry. The others nodded. They all dispersed.
Harry was wondering what to get for Hermione. He wanted it to be something special. He thought about a book but decided against it as she may have already read it. Chocolates and sweets seemed boring. He had already given her a necklace for Christmas. Not being able to decide on anything he got bought a sweater for her. It was a special one. To an ordinary person it would look like a normal sweater but she could see the special message written on it, 'To Hermione, I love you - now and forever, Harry'.
Ron had already decided what he wanted to get for Luna. He had got the idea from Hermione's Christmas gift to Harry. With some difficulty he had collected about fifteen photos of Luna's mother, Natalie. At Hogsmede he bought an album to put the photos. Though this wasn't an ideal Valentines Day gift, he was sure that she'd like it.
The others too bought gifts. Seamus and Dean as predicted had bought jewellery. Both Lavender and Parvati loved to play with clothes, makeup and jewellery. Neville went the academic way. He got a book of love poems for Ginny. Having had a great evening together the boys returned to Hogwarts together.
Unfortunately this time Valentines Day didn't coincide with a Hogsmede weekend. Professor McGonagall had allowed the seventh years to go out in the night. For the others she had offered special food of one's own choice. Their choice had to be given the day before. It would be prepared by the house elves as usual. On the night of tenth February Hermione spoke to Harry.
"Harry, I was thinking that we should not do anything special for Valentines Day," she said. Harry looked up sharply.
"What do you mean Hermione? It's a special day and I want to make it extra special for you," replied Harry. Hermione had expected such a reaction.
"It's not what you think Harry. I just feel that we shouldn't put so much importance on one single day. Both of us love each other. Our love will remain no matter what day it is. For us everyday should be a Valentines Day. It is not as if you'll love me more on fourteenth of February and less on fifteenth. Every moment we spend together is special, so you needn't worry about making the day special for me. We can go out on any day. That day most places will be very crowded. So the best place for us would be home… I mean our quarters," said Hermione.
"That's so sweet of you Hermione. As usual you are right. My love for you won't change for one day. I wish I could think like you. Such a thought never occurred to me. I was blindly following the crowd. We can get what you want to our quarters and have a romantic dinner. Even though we won't be doing anything extraordinary, I'd like to give you the present I've got for you," replied Harry.
"I too have something for you. And we needn't have food of my choice every time. This time you'll choose what we eat," said Hermione.
"As you wish Madam," dramatized Harry. Hermione stuck out her tongue at him.
On the evening of Valentines Day almost all seventh years were out. Students were very surprised to see Harry and Hermione not going anywhere. Harry had briefly explained to his friends why he wasn't going out. All of them seemed impressed by his explanation. When they were alone in their quarters Harry held out his present to Hermione. He was astonished to see Hermione was holding an identical package.
"It can't be," said Hermione, noticing Harry's gift. Even the wrappings were exactly the same.
"Let's open them and see," said Harry. They opened and found same sweaters in both the packs. The only differences were Harry's was bigger and their names were interchanged in the enchanted message.
"How did this happen? This has got to be the biggest coincidence ever," commented Hermione.
"It just shows how similar our minds are. We think alike," laughed Harry. "So what do you want to do before we eat?" he added.
"Let's ask questions to each other and the answer has to be truthful. It may seem silly but it'll help us find out each other's deepest secrets," replied Hermione.
"Alright but I'll question first. Who was your first crush?" asked Harry.
"Gilderoy Lockhart. I thought you already knew that," replied Hermione.
"Drat! I wasted an opportunity," said Harry, banging his fist on the table. Hermione laughed.
"My turn now. If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?" she asked.
"Well many bad things have happened in my life. I cannot point out which is the worst. I was too young to sense my parent's death. Sirius' death hurt a lot. So did Dumbledore's. But in their own ways they played their parts in the war against Voldemort. So I guess they would be what muggles call martyrs. If I had to change one thing it would be my childhood with the Dursleys. Those were nightmarish years for me," said Harry.
"I'm sorry Harry. Please don't hesitate not to answer if something I say hurts you," said Hermione holding his hand.
"It's okay Hermione. I want to share every part of my life with you. Now I am going to ask. What is the part about me which you hate or hated the most?" asked Harry.
"It was just before our fifth year. I hated the way you shouted at me and Ron. We were helpless and the adults wouldn't tell us anything. I was only trying to make you feel better but you wouldn't relent," replied Hermione.
"I was an ass, wasn't I? I'm glad I'm not like that anymore," said Harry.
"Yes, you've left that nasty temper behind. Last question - Who was your first kiss? It's an easy one because I know it was Cho. I just want to hear it from you" said Hermione. Harry paused before speaking.
"It wasn't Cho, it was you," he said quietly.
"Harry kisses on the cheeks don't count, incase you are thinking about me kissing you after fourth year ended," said Hermione.
"That wasn't it. While you were petrified during second year Ron and I came to see you. Just as Ron left, I don't know what came over me. I'd read in some fairytales that when a guy kisses a girl in deep sleep, she wakes up. I was hoping the same thing would happen. After all this was the magical world. So I kissed you but obviously it didn't work," said Harry. Tears formed in Hermione's eyes.
"Oh Harry, the kiss may not have worked but you are still my Prince Charming. That was so innocent of you," said Hermione.
They got their food from the kitchen. Harry had ordered Italian food. They had garlic bread, Pasta Bolognese and Lamb Lasagna. For desert they had Tiramisu. After finishing they went for their nightly walk. Ever since they had gotten together this had become a habit for them.
"Thanks to your splendid idea this has been a wonderful day," said Harry.
"Yes it has been brilliant but as I always say, what matters the most is us being together," replied Hermione. Harry kissed her tenderly but pulled apart on hearing a snort.
"Did you hear that?" he asked Hermione. She nodded and looked around.
"Damn! Someone is following us again. I can bet it is the same person. But this time I'm going to catch him or her. He or she can't be very far away as we heard the snort," said Harry determined. Both of them started searching the area around them.
"I think I saw something move behind that bush," said Hermione pointing to the bush on her right. Harry rushed to it.
"Cho!" he said with rage.