Hello! Back again with yet another update! Triple date, huh? Did anyone guess who'd be on that date? Well now you get to find out! Please please please review!! Humor (i hope) is in this chapter. Maybe more than the last, maybe less. I tried my best. Enjoy!!
*kisses*
lil_irish_girl
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Harry was sitting in one of the armchairs in the common room, his head in his hands. Hermione was sitting on the couch across from him. They were the only two in the room.
"I just don't understand it." Harry grumbled to no one in particular. "Why would Crystal break up with me?"
"Hmm..." Hermione seemed to be in deep thought as she absent mindedly played with a lock of her hair. "Harry, I think I might know why Crystal broke up with you."
Harry glanced up at Hermione. "Yeah? Why is that?"
The young witch leaned over and ever so delicately lay her hand on his knee, massaging it with her thumb. "Because she wasn't the one for you." she whispered. "Do you want to know who I think is the one for you?"
Harry was entranced with the way her thumb was running over the fabric of his jeans. "Yeah, OK, Hermione. Who do you think is the one for me?"
Rather quickly, Hermione stood up, walked over to where Harry was sitting, sat down, straddling his hips, and gently pushed him back so he was leaning against the back of the armchair.
"I'm the one for you, Harry." she whispered huskily, her lips grazing his ear. "I've always been the one for you."
That being said, Hermione moved closer and roughly kissed him, sliding her tongue into his mouth. Harry groaned in response, wrapping his arms around her waist. Hermione's arms went around his neck, reaching up to tangle in his hair. After a couple minutes they parted for air. Harry and Hermione both looked into each other's eyes, breathing heavily.
"I've wanted this for a long time." he confessed. She smiled softly.
"Of course you have." Hermione answered with a peck on the lips. "It's your dream."
"Huh?" Harry's eyes opened to look at not Hermione, but his bed, the light streaming in from the window next to him.
"Effing sun." he mumbled groggily as he flipped over, away from the sunlight. "Has the worst timing."
For the next ten minutes his attempts to sleep were futile: Harry's mind was filled with thoughts of Hermione. He glanced at his watch- 7:00 am. Too early for a Saturday. Harry thought as he tumbled out of bed. After taking a rather cold shower he got dressed and crept downstairs to the common room. Once he reached the second to last step, Harry noticed that Hermione was sitting at one of the tables, her nose buried in one of her textbooks. He smiled softly and walked up behind her.
"Hermione Granger," he said suddenly, making her jump at the noise, then relaxed as she recognized the voice. "You have to be the only person I know who would get up early, on a Saturday morning, to do homework."
Hermione laughed good-naturedly as Harry took the seat opposite her. "I suppose I am. And why, may I ask, are you up so early on a Saturday morning? You normally sleep in as late as possible."
"Very observant, Miss Granger." he said, smiling. "And I am up because the sun decided to be my silent alarm clock this morning."
"I see." she said. "And what time did the evil sun wake you up?"
"Hey.." he looked mock-suspicious. "I think you're mocking me."
"Who? Me?" Hermione attempted to look innocent. "Nooo, never!"
"Oh, that is it Granger." Harry looked about ready to pounce. "You're gonna pay for that."
He leapt over to where she was sitting and started tickling her sides. She would have screamed had it not been for Harry's hand covering her mouth.
"Don't scream." he whispered playfully, his hand slowly uncovering her mouth and returning to her sides, tickling her mercilessly. "Or you'll wake up the entire castle."
"Harry-" she giggled. "Don't-stop-tickling-me!"
Harry suddenly turned flirtatious. "Not until you say 'Harry Potter is a sexy beast.'"
"What?!" she yelped, then whispered furiously, "Why on earth would I say that??"
"Cause you know it's true." his emerald eyes bore into her chocolate brown ones, mocking her.
"I do not." she said stubbornly. "And I refuse to say that."
"Have it your way then." Harry replied with a shrug. Then he began tickling her again. She giggled and squirmed around, but that didn't stop him. After about five minutes of torture for Hermione and pure amusement for Harry, the brown haired witch gave up.
"Fine!" she panted, out of breath. "I'll say it. Harry Potter-" she paused, a blush slowly creeping up her cheeks.
"Is-" Harry prompted, gently squeezing her sides. "C'mon, say it. You know you want to say it."
"Harry Potter is-"
"Oh, come on 'Mione, spit it out!"
"Harry Potter is a sexy beast!" she squinted as she hurriedly said it, blushing crimson.
Harry sighed. "Ah, see? That wasn't so hard, was it? And I know you liked saying it."
"Put the ego away, Harry." Hermione said. "Before you hurt someone. You know I'm really ticklish!"
"Yeah, I know." Harry grinned. "Which is why I did it. I mean, I wouldn't have tickled you if you weren't ticklish. That's no fun."
Hermione lightly smacked him on the arm. "Prat." she muttered.
"And you love it." He replied with a sexy smile as he leaned over, supporting himself with one elbow.
Why is he suddenly being all flirty? Hermione thought. Does this mean he loves me too? Oh I hope so.
"Sure I do Harry." Hermione leaned in towards him. "But what makes you so sure?"
He leaned in closer. "I'm just sure, trust me. I know these kinds of things, even if I don't know other stuff- like school."
Hermione noticed that their faces were really close to each other. "Harry, you are smart when it comes to school, you just need to apply yourself."
Harry laughed softly. "Yeah, Hermione, that's my problem. I don't apply myself."
"Hey." Hermione whispered. "I do believe you're mocking me."
"Who, me?" Harry couldn't take his eyes off her lips- so full and so pink. He wondered what they would feel like pressed against his own. "Nooo, never."
"You better watch yourself, Harry James Potter," murmured Hermione. "Or-or-"
"Or what, Hermione Jane Granger?" Harry asked quietly, his eyes half closed.
"Or I might be forced to do something drastic." Hermione replied.
"Does 'drastic' define what I'm thinking of doing right now?"
"That depends Harry, what were you thinking of doing right nnnn-" her sentence was turned into a slight moan as Harry closed the distance between them and gently kissed her. He pulled back just as quickly, looking at her now-shut eyes.
"What just happened?" Harry murmured, more to himself than to her.
"You kissed me." Hermione whispered incredulously, as if trying to convince herself it had happened.
"No I didn't." Harry said as he stood up. "I told you a secret- with my lips." he smiled at her. "A secret that you must promise to keep secret, OK?"
"OK," was the quiet response.
Harry held his hand down to Hermione, who was still sitting on the floor. She took it and hoisted herself up. She was then enveloped in a hug from Harry, who was slowly wrapping his arms around her waist. Hermione smiled and looped her arms around his neck. Harry placed a small kiss on the top of her head.
"Best friends forever, right 'Mione?" asked Harry, staring off into the distance.
"Of course, Harry. Best friends forever." Hermione whispered. "And nothing can ever change that. Now if you don't mind, can you let go so I can get back to my homework?"
"Oh." Harry spread his arms wide and Hermione stepped back, smiling.
"Thank you." said Hermione as she walked back to her chair, sat down, and continued working.
"I'll just.... lay down.... couch.... now." Harry muttered, then walked over to the couch and sank down. After fifteen minutes of silence, Harry put his plan into action.
"Hey Hermione?" he asked quietly.
"Yes Harry?" she didn't look up from her work. There was a pause, then she looked over in the direction of the couch, smiling when she saw a pair of brilliant emerald eyes looking at her.
"Would you... that is, if you want to..." he sighed. "Do you want to...."
"Spit it out, Harry." Hermione said gently.
"Wanna catch a Muggle movie tonight?" he asked hurriedly.
"You're asking me out... on a date... with you?" she looked puzzled.
"Well, not just me." Harry explained. "It's a triple date. So there'd be..." he counted on his fingers. "One... two... three... four other people with us."
"Who are the four?" Hermione was somewhat skeptical. I thought this was too good to be true.
"Well, Ron, and-"
"I'm not going."
"Oh, come on Hermione. You can sit on the end, and I'll sit next to you. No Ron in sight. Don't worry, I'll keep things in check. He won't disturb you. Just a night of fun."
"Well.... OK, I'll go."
"Great."
"Harry?" Hermione asked. "Out of sheer curiosity, who are the other three coming?"
"Ginny, Luna, and Draco." Harry said, counting them off on his fingers.
"Draco's coming?"
"It's not like he'll bother you- he wants to see a movie too. Plus, he's in love with Ginny."
"Oh, Harry I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what, Hermione?"
"Well, you fancy her, don't you?"
"Wha? Oh, yeah. Yeah. I fancy her. Sure. Yes, why wouldn't I fancy her? It's not like there's anyone else to fancy. Pshh, heck no. Who else would I fancy? Huh? Why are you hassling me Hermione? I don't fancy anyone else. God!" he spoke hurriedly.
"Harry?" Hermione looked as if she feared for his sanity. "I'm not hassling you. I asked a question and you kind of spazzed on me. Are you feeling alright?"
"I'm fine Hermione." Harry wouldn't meet her eyes.
"OK..." she slowly returned to her work.
Around 9:00 Ron came trudging down the stairs, obviously still half asleep. He sank into one of the armchairs and blinked his eyes a few times.
"'Morning, Harry." he mumbled. "'Morning, Hermione."
"Good morning, Ron." Hermione said without looking up.
"Morning, mate." Harry said from his lying position on the couch.
"How long've you two been up?" Ron asked groggily.
"Since seven." Harry replied.
"Since five." Hermione said.
"Five in the morning??" Ron looked shocked. "That's too early for a Saturday. Hey Harry, wanna come down to breakfast with me? I'm starving."
"Yeah, sure Ron." Harry turned to Hermione. "Hey 'Mione, care to come with us? You've done plenty of homework and you need breakfast."
Hermione smiled. "You guys go on ahead." she said quietly, stretching. "I'll catch up in a little bit."
The boys went through the portrait hole and down to the Great Hall, walking in just as breakfast appeared on the tables. They sat down and started eating immediately. Five minutes later Hermione came in, smiling widely. She sat down next to Harry and across the table from Ron.
"Hello boys." she greeted them. "How's breakfast?"
"I didn't mean to get drunk last night!" Ron suddenly shouted, loud enough for some people sitting next to them to hear.
"I know, Ronald." Hermione replied quietly. "So when were you two planning on starting your Transfiguration homework? I just finished and maybe I could help you, seeing as you weren't paying attention. Unless hangman is the way you take notes."
"It's not my fault!" Ron obviously hadn't heard a word Hermione said. "Bloody Malfoy had to offer them free and I couldn't resist."
"I understand, Ronald." Hermione looked a bit irritated, but began talking to Harry. "So I was thinking we should go visit Hagrid this afternoon-"
"Yes, I know I was being irresponsible!" Ron yelled, this time loud enough for half the Great Hall to hear him. "But you don't have to yell!"
"Ronald, I'm not yelling." Hermione looked like she was trying very hard not to, however. "Back to what I was saying, Harry, I think we should visit Hagrid because I-"
"You know what?" Ron looked very angry. "Fine. I'll just leave then. I can tell when I'm not wanted." and with that, he stalked off.
"- had to ask him a question about his lesson plan for next Wednesday." Hermione finished, watching Ron walk away. "Harry, what did I do?"
"Don't worry, 'Mione, he'll come around." Harry said reassuringly. "If you ask me, I think he's still a little tipsy, what with the 23 whiskeys he had."
"Yeah." Hermione agreed. "Um, Harry? How'd you know that? You weren't there and Ron was probably too drunk to tell you."
Oh shit. Ron didn't tell me how many whiskeys he had had, he only told Draco, "Draco," and Hermione. "Well, I, uh, used the SHMWTH machine thing." Harry said quickly.
"The SHMWTH machine?" Hermione asked. "What does that stand for? And how does it work?"
"It stands for 'See How Many Whiskeys They Had.' It's this new device, magical, of course, and what you do is you make them breathe on a piece of parchment. Then you put the parchment in the machine for three minutes. Then the machine's screen shows you how many whiskeys that person had. Quite fascinating, really." said Harry.
"Interesting." Hermione was deep in thought. "You said it was magical, right Harry? How long has it been out?"
I need to get out of here before I'm forced to invent something else. "Yeah, I'm not entirely sure. Listen, 'Mione, I should probably go check on Ron. You stay here and finish breakfast, OK?" He gently kissed her cheek. "Bye."
Hermione was frozen where she was sitting. She couldn't believe that for the second time in a day Harry had kissed her in one way or another. She didn't even notice that Ginny had sat down across from her.
"Hey Hermione." she said brightly. "What's up with your face?" Ginny waved a hand in front of the witches face, interrupting her thoughts.
"What? Oh, nothing Ginny." she said. "So you're going to the movie tonight, right? That should be fun."
Ginny smirked. "Oh yeah, lots of fun."
"You alright, Gin?" Hermione asked. "What was with the smirk?"
"Oh, nothing." Ginny brushed Hermione's concern away. "I'm just really looking forward to tonight, that's all. I gotta to. See you later, Hermione." and she walked away, leaving Hermione confused about what the red headed young woman had said.
Ginny strode out of the Great Hall, a smile on her face. She turned left and walked right into a circle of people.
"Kay, so we've got everything planned and-" Harry said, then noticed Ginny.
"-Hey Ginny, did it work?"
"Uh huh." Ginny said, still smiling. "Hermione's totally confused."
"Terrific." Harry said. "And Luna?"
"I followed Ron out of the Great Hall and flirted with him all the way down to the Gryffindor common room." Luna said dreamily.
"Good job." Harry grinned. "And what about you, Draco?"
"I kept my mouth shut this entire week. But I'm not happy about it." Draco folded his arms over his chest and pouting, making him look like a five year old.
"I didn't ask if you were happy about it." Harry sounded like a little child pointing out the obvious. "I only wanted you to follow orders."
Draco sighed. "Yeah, whatever Potter. So is this plan gonna work or not? Cause I want Gi-" he stopped mid-sentence when he realized that Ginny was standing right next to him. "Pudding. I want pudding Potter!"
"Oh, don't get your knickers in a twist." Harry said, looking irritated. "Everything will work out if we just stick to the plan."
"But the plan doesn't involve me getting alone time with pudding." Draco pointed out.
"So?" Harry asked. "If you stick to the plan, you'll have plenty of alone time with pudding, I'll have plenty of alone time with strawberries, and Luna will have plenty of alone time with... carrots."
"And what kind of food will I get alone time with, Harry?" Ginny was feigning excitement at the thought of alone time with food.
"You? Uh, Draco, what kind of food will she get alone time with?" Harry redirected the question to his friend.
"You, Weasley, will get primo alone time with cake." Draco replied smoothly.
"And why do I get cake?" Ginny asked, intrigued.
"Cause cake is sweet and sexy." Draco smiled.
"What the hell, Malfoy?" Ginny hit Draco lightly on the arm. "Why would cake be sexy?"
"OK, OK, that's enough!" Harry had had enough of talking in code, even if Luna and Ginny didn't understand it. "Focus people. All we have to do is stay with the plan. Everything will be fine."
~*~*~*~*~ 7:00 p.m. - Muggle London ~*~*~*~*~
"Come on, guys, the movie starts in fifteen minutes!"
Harry was walking incredibly fast as he led the group down the street, towards the cinema.
"Harry!" Hermione said, right behind him. "Are you sure we're allowed to be in Muggle London?"
"Of course, 'Mione," Harry reassured. "I already talked to Dumbledore about it, so long as we're back before midnight we're not technically breaking any rules!"
"They better have food there." Ron muttered as he ran to catch up to everyone else. "I'm starving."
Harry laughed. "You're always starving, Ron. I'm not sure it'll ever change." he received a nasty look for this.
It was 7:10 by the time they reached the theater, all of them out of breath. Harry confidently walked up to the ticket booth.
"Can I help you, sir?" a bored woman said from behind the glass.
"Yes, ma'am." Harry replied. "I need six tickets to 'A Walk To Remember.'"
"What's that?" Ron whispered, confused.
Luna sighed. "It's a movie, Ronald. About a rebel boy and a Christian girl who are in a play together and they fall in love. But there's a twist. You see, the girl actually has-"
Draco clapped his hands over his ears. "Ugh, shut it, Lovegood! I don't want you to ruin my night by telling me how the movie ends."
"C'mon, you lot." Harry waved the tickets in front of their faces. "Let's go see it."
They stopped by the concession stand.
"Let's see here." Hermione peered up at the board. "What does everyone want?"
"Licorice!" Ginny and Draco yelled at the same time.
"Malfoy, what on earth do you know about licorice?" Ginny asked incredulously.
"I know it's delicious." Draco replied simply with a shrug. "End. Of. Story."
"Hermione?" Ron looked confused again. "What's 'D- Di- Diet-'"
"Diet Coke?" Hermione suggested helpfully.
"Yeah, that." Ron said. "What is it?"
"It's a Muggle drink." Hermione explained. "But I wouldn't try it if I were you, Ron- it's got loads of caffeine."
"I don't bloody care!" Ron sounded childish. "I want a Diet Coke!"
Hermione sighed in defeat. "Fine." she turned to face the man behind the counter so she could place the order. "One small-"
"Large!"
"-Fine, large Diet Coke, two boxes of licorice, and, Harry? Popcorn?"
"Of course."
"Do you mind sharing with me?"
"'Course not, 'Mione."
"Kay, one large popcorn, and Luna? Do you want something?"
"Umm," Luna peered at the board. "I'll try... Milk Duds? Yeah, I'll try those."
"And one box of Milk Duds." Hermione concluded. After paying for the food, the six of them walked into the theater and found seats in the very back row. Hermione went first, Harry next, then Ron, followed by Luna, Ginny, and Draco.
"Harry." Ron whispered. "I wanted to sit by 'Mione. I'm stuck with Loony Lovegood. Why can't I sit by Hermione?"
"Because... uh..." Harry thought for a little about his answer. "Because then it makes her miss you, plus you can sit by her in the pizza place we're going to after the movie."
"Oh." Ron seemed pleased with the response. "OK."
The movie started. Harry could practically hear Ginny and Draco whisper-arguing from where they were sitting about pointless things, Luna was trying to flirt with Ron, and Harry and Hermione's hands touched several times seeing as they were sharing popcorn. At one point during the movie, Hermione eyes got teary. Something that Harry noticed.
"'Mione?" he asked quietly. "Are you OK?"
She sniffed. "Yeah," she lay her head on his shoulder. "I'll be fine. It's just so sad, you know? This movie gets to me every time."
He stroked her hair. "It's OK. It's only a movie, remember?"
"I know, I know." she said. "I'm glad I came, Harry."
His heart leapt. "I'm glad you came too, 'Mione."
Her head stayed on his shoulder for the rest of the movie.
~*~*~*~*~ 9:45 p.m. - Ma Ma Mia Pizzeria- Pizza Parlor ~*~*~*~*~
"Table for six, please."
The kids were led to a large table near the back of the restaurant. Three chairs on either side of the table, so (from left to right) Harry, Luna, and Ginny went on one side, while (again, left to right) Hermione, Ron, and Draco were on the other.
"What should we get?" Harry asked, looking at the menu. "How about two large cheese? Everyone OK with that?"
There was a murmur of agreement, and Harry told the waiter. While they were waiting, Ginny came up with a "brilliant" idea. She conjured a small box from thin air and explained what it was for.
"Each one of us will place it against our chests." she started. "And the device will wait a minute, then play the song that's in our hearts. Muggle music, of course."
At first everyone was rather hesitant to play, but in the end they all agreed. Ginny went first. She held it to her chest, there was a pause, and then music began to play softly.
When I was young
I never needed anyone
And making love was just for fun
Those days are gone
Livin' alone
I think of all the friends I've known
When I dial the telephone
Nobody's home
All by myself
Don't wanna be
All by myself
Anymore
The machine jerked and slowly came to a stop. There was silence, then Draco broke it.
"My turn!!" He snatched it and quickly held it to his chest. Music started up again.
Come stop your crying, it'll be alright.
Just take my hand, hold it tight.
I will protect you from all around you.
I will be here don't you cry.
For one so small,
you seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry
"You'll be in my heart?" Harry asked. "Isn't that a little girly for you, Malfoy?"
"Oh, shut it, Potter. Weaslebee's turn." He tossed the box at Ron, who caught it clumsily and held it to his chest, his eyes closed. Music played yet again.
I'm bringin' sexy back
Them other fuckers don't know how to act
Girl let me make up for all the things you lack
Because you're burning up I got to get it fast
There was laughter at this. Hermione looked stricken, Harry looked amused, Luna looked confused, Draco looked envious, and Ginny looked disgusted.
"Luna's turn." was all Ron said, blushing, as he gave the box to her. She held it to her chest, and the music played.
Shoes. Shoes. Shoes. Oh my God, shoes.
Shoes. Shoes. Shoes. Oh my God, shoes.
These shoes are three hundred dollars.
These shoes are three hundred dollars.
These shoes are three hundred fucking dollars.
Let's get 'em!
There was even more laughter at this.
"Luna?" Hermione asked. "What is that song?"
"I'm not sure, really." Luna answered in a dreamy voice. "When I visited my Muggle friend a year ago she and I watched the video and I guess it stuck in my head. Harry, your turn."
Harry held the now-dreaded box to his chest. The music played.
Let me know that I've done wrong
When I've known this all along
I go around a time or two
Just to waste my time with you
Tell me all that you've thrown away
Find out games you don't wanna play
You are the only one that needs to know
I'll keep you my dirty little secret
(Dirty little secret)
Don't tell anyone or you'll be just another regret
(Just another regret, hope that you can keep it)
My dirty little secret
Who has to know
Draco whistled. "Who's your dirty little secret, Harry?"
Harry glanced at Hermione to see her reaction- apparently deep in thought. "I don't have a dirty little secret- stupid thing must be broken. Hermione, it's your turn."
Hermione held the device to her chest and held her breath. Will all my secrets be revealed with a song? The music started.
These words are my own
From my heart flow
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you
There's no other way
To better say
I love you, I love you...
A silence followed.
"Who do you love, Hermione?" Ginny asked quietly.
"A guy." Hermione muttered quietly.
"Well thank God." Draco said.
"Does he have a name?" Luna asked.
"Yeah, Hermione, give us a name." Ron added.
"Guys, don't hassle 'Mione." Harry stepped to her defense. "She'll tell us if she wants to. Otherwise, leave her alone."
Just then the pizza came. While they were eating there was talk of Quidditch, make up (from the girls, obviously), and any other thing they could come up with. When the pizza was gone, the six of them relaxed and talked some more. Ginny, however, looked nervous about something. Harry took notice and asked her about it.
"Gin?" he looked truly concerned. "Is something the matter?"
"Uh... yes." Ginny said quietly.
"Well what is it?" Harry asked.
"I have to tell you something, but I"m not sure how you'll take it."
"It's OK, Ginny." Harry looked confused, but spoke calmly. "You can tell me. What is it?"
Ginny took a deep breath and spoke slowly. "Harry... I love you."
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Muahahahahahahah!!! This is what sugar and caffeine does to me. Keeps me alive so I can update!! What did you think?? Review please!!! I love you all!!