Teacher's Pet

Amynoelle and Heaven

Rating: R
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 27/06/2007
Last Updated: 13/02/2008
Status: completed

After what both Harry Potter and Hermione Granger assume is only a one night stand, they are shocked to see each other at Auror Training- him as the instructor and her as the student. They decide to put what happened behind them and move forward, but will they be able to do that? Lavender Brown also struggles to show that she's not just a pretty face- but when Charlie Weasley shows up, will that put a stop to her plans? Ron Weasley deals with his long distance relationship with Luna Lovegood and pursuing a career path he's not sure will make him happy. Can everyone find a way to be happy, both in their personal and professional lives?

Chapters

1. Chapter 1

2. Chapter 2

3. Chapter 3

4. Chapter 4

5. Chapter 5

6. Ch 6

7. Chapter 7

8. Chapter 8

9. Chapter 9

10. Chatper 10

11. Chapter 11

12. Chapter 12

13. Ch 13

14. 14

15. 15

16. 16

17. Chapter 17

18. 18

19. Ch 19

20. 20

21. 21

22. 22

23. 23

24. 24

25. 25

26. 26

27. 27

28. 28

29. 29

30. 30- only 2 or 3 more to go, guys!

31. 31- Sorry for the late update, guys!

32. 32

1. Chapter 1

We decided to go ahead and post the new chapter of our fic tonight- this will be updated on Tuesdays, so the second chapter will be posted then. Please enjoy and let us know what you think so far! This promises to be a SMUTTY one! :D

Hermione Granger slammed the front door of her parents’ house hard behind her. She’s stupidly believed that her parents had actually invited her over for a celebratory dinner. If she’d have known that she’d be ambushed the moment she walked in the door, she’d never have come over here. She didn’t need this now. The biggest day of her life was tomorrow and instead of getting a good night’s sleep and preparing for the day, she was stalking down the sidewalk, unsure of where she was going or what she was going to do.

She cursed to herself as she thought of her father handing her those University pamphlets. She’d had no idea that he’s applied her for admission to his alma mater. She didn’t want to be a bloody dentist, she’d told him time and time again. But, as usual, he heard what he wanted to hear, and that was that.

Why couldn’t they be happy for her? Why couldn’t they understand how much this meant to her? She was going to make a difference in the world and not just be a participant. Wasn’t that what they’d raised her to do?

And as if that wasn't enough, they'd invited James McDonahue over. Her parents seemed to have this idiotic notion that because she'd fancied him for a short period of time when she was fourteen that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.

They'd had the nerve to call her distraught! What person wouldn't be distraught if they'd faced that! Hermione turned the corner and smiled when she saw the lights for The Red Lion.

She decided a nice glass of wine to help her unwind would be just the thing. Hermione pushed open the door and made her way over to the bar.

"What can I get you, love?" the bartender asked.

"One glass of merlot please," Hermione slid onto a stool.

She reached for her bag to get some money and accidentally nudged the man sitting beside her. "Sorry," she apologised.

"It's okay," the man muttered. He was nursing a glass, half full of what looked like brandy.

Hermione looked at him properly. He looked to be as happy to be there as she was. The bartender came back over with her glass of wine.

"Here's to you," she said. "Hoping your problems aren't as bad as mine."

He turned to look at her and Hermione nearly dropped her drink. It couldn't be----

"What?" he asked, a bit irritated.

"Nothing," Hermione said deciding not to tell him she knew who he was. With the glasses, scar and dark hair, it was hard not to know who he was. But, what was he doing here? Hermione didn't care. Right now, she just wanted to forget about her parents, their university pamphlets and James McDonahue.

Harry Potter turned back to his drink. "Another," he motioned to the bartender as he finished what was left in the glass.

The mobile phone in Hermione's phone began to trill and she rolled her eyes.

She pushed the silent button and shoved it back in her bag without even bothering to look to see who was calling.

Hermione took a sip of her wine and looked around the pub. It wasn't that crowded. She wouldn't have cared if it was. There was no way she was going back to her parents'.

"So what's your story?" Harry asked as the bartender slid a new glass in front of him.

"People trying to run my life for me," Hermione replied, shaking her head. "Treating me like I'm 11 instead of a grown woman."

Harry smirked. "And you're the independent type, eh?"

Hermione nodded. "I'd like to think so." She took another sip of her drink and looked sideways at him. "And what about you? What's your story?"

"Try the weight of the world on your shoulders," Harry said drolly.

Hermione had read about Harry Potter over the years and she couldn't have imagined what his life must have been like. "That's what brings you here then?" she asked.

"Among other things," Harry muttered.

"We're kindred spirits," Hermione said with a slight laugh. "Both sitting here trying to forget our problems."

Harry sent her a half smile. "It'd take more than a few drinks to forget my problems."

Hermione knew exactly what those problems were, but didn't feel quite right asking about them. "Girl troubles?" she said instead.

"Not as simple as that," he replied looking down at the bar.

"Probably better than parents who want you to remain a child forever," Hermione rolled her eyes before taking a large swig of her wine.

Harry nodded as if he understood. "I know a little about people deciding your future for you."

Hermione looked at him for a long moment. "I make my life sound horrible, don't I?" she asked.

"Everyone has problems," Harry said quietly. "We all think ours is bigger and more important than someone else's. And then we find ourselves in places like this, wanting to be alone; wanting to forget them."

She looked back down at her glass. "Is that your way of telling me to stop talking and leave you alone?"

He shook his head. "No. If you weren't here, the bartender would be over here trying to make small talk with me about football. So, I thank you for coming in when you did."

Hermione smiled. "Good to know I'm good for something." she shrugged out of her robes as she called for another glass of wine.

"Add it to mine," Harry told the bartender. "And I'll have another as well."

"Thank you," Hermione said. "But really, you must let me pay for the next round."

"Deal," Harry agreed as the bartender set new drinks in front of each of them. Someone had started the jukebox and music filled the pub. For awhile, Harry and Hermione sat there, listening to the music and nursing their drinks.

"Do you come here often?" Hermione asked.

He shook his head and offered her a lazy grin. "This is my first time."

She felt her face flush, but she wasn't sure if it was from the wine or his smile. "It's um... it's right down the street from my parents. So I come in here once in awhile."

"Well, I am glad that I caught you tonight," Harry said. "Must be fate."

"Fate," Hermione nodded. "She works in mysterious ways, doesn't she?"

"You have no idea," Harry said turning away from her.

Hermione wondered if she had said something wrong. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," he lied. "Just fine."

"You are not," Hermione said boldly.

He turned around and studied her for a few moments. "You don't even know me."

"Your point being what exactly?" she asked. "One person can tell when another is feeling down."

Harry smiled. "You don't miss much, do you?"

"I'm pretty known for my observational skills," Hermione answered.

"And what do they tell you about me?" he asked, intrigued.

Hermione studied him a long moment, looking right into his eyes. "You've got a certain sadness about you," she replied. "Yet things in your life are on the right track, but you're still not happy."

"That's pretty good," Harry admitted.

"Yes well... I think you deserve some happiness." Hermione said truthfully.

"If only it were that easy," Harry said quietly.

"It can be," Hermione told him. "You just need to allow yourself to be happy."

He leaned in and smiled at her. "Again, I say, that's it not that easy. You know, you could tell your parents how you feel. Tell them to leave you alone and let you make your own decisions. That would make you happy, wouldn't it?"

"Somewhat," she said. "I love my parents but I just want them to realise I'm not their little girl anymore."

"You look all grown up to me," he said huskily. He wondered where these words were coming from. He sounded like someone out of a Muggle film, spouting off lines.

Hermione smiled back at him. He really was quite handsome. She motioned for the bartender. "Can I have another, please?"

"On me," Harry said to the bartender. "Add it to mine."

Hermione groaned. “All right, NEXT round on me!”

A couple sat down on the other side of Hermione and they were talking rather loud. "Would you want to move to a table?" Hermione asked him.

Harry looked over. "Sure," he said after a moment. "Why not?"

Hermione led the way toward the back of the pub. She could feel his eyes on her and it made her smile.

They sat down in the booth and she made a further quick study of him. He was much more handsome in person than he looked in magazines or in books.

"You're dressed up," Harry said. "Coming back from a date?"

"Not exactly," Hermione said wryly. "I just finished school, and I thought my parents wanted to take me out for a celebratory dinner. Instead, I get ambushed and yelled at for not wanting to become a dentist. My parents just don't understand me."

"Which brought you here?" he guessed.

"I needed to unwind a bit," Hermione sipped her wine.

"I can certainly understand that," Harry said leaning back in the booth.

He didn't elaborate and Hermione didn't want to ask. If she'd had to deal with half of what he'd had to deal with, she'd probably be drinking in a pub, too.

They sat for a few moments in silence. "So..." she wasn't sure what to say next.

"I'm probably not the best company," Harry told her. "I'm not much of a talker."

"Sometimes I talk too much," Hermione said ruefully.

"So much for being kindred spirits," Harry said dryly raising his glass.

Hermione shrugged. "Well sometimes they say opposites attract."

Harry looked across the table at her. "Are you saying that you're attracted to me?"

Hermione took a sip of her wine to avoid saying something else that would get her into trouble.

"No," she finally answered, half lying.

"That's a shame," Harry said looking directly at her.

Her eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"

"Why do you think?" Harry countered finishing his drink.

"Don't turn this around on me," Hermione answered. "I asked you first."

Harry grinned lazily at her. The alcohol was giving him the liquid courage to say things he normally wouldn't. "Because I'm very attracted to you and I don't even know your name."

Hermione coughed. "I beg your pardon?"

"Sorry," he said holding up his hand. "I guess I misread the situation. I'm going to the bar."

"No," Hermione said. "Um... it's my treat this time, remember?"

"You can get the next one," Harry said getting to his feet. "I'll be right back."

"But--" Hermione's words were cut off as he left the booth. "Great..." she muttered.

He probably couldn't wait to get away from her. Chances were, he was heading out the front door right now. Maybe it was for the best, she tried to tell herself. This wasn't really who she was. She didn't flirt with blokes in pubs.

Hermione rubbed her eyes and finished her drink before shoving the glass away and grabbing her bag.

She stood up and walked over to the bar, ready to settle her tab. There was no sign of Harry anywhere. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find the one person she didn't want to see. "James? What are you doing here?"

“I’ve been calling you for the past half hour,” James said. “Your parents and I have been worried sick.”

"I don't care," Hermione said coolly.

"Come on back to the house," James said reaching for her arm.

"Let go of me," Hermione twisted away.

"Have you been drinking?" James asked, shaking his head. "Hermione-"

"James, go away," Hermione said firmly. "I am not interested."

"You're still upset about tonight," James said holding on to her arm. "Are you----are you drunk?"

"I am FINE," Hermione snapped at him.

"You are drunk!" James exclaimed, shaking his head. "Come on. I'll take you back to your parents' house and we can have some coffee. Sober you right up."

"If you don't leave me alone, I'm going to do something you'll regret for the rest of your life," Hermione said darkly.

"Is there a problem here?" a male voice said from behind Hermione. She turned to see Harry glaring at James. She'd thought that he'd gone!

"My girlfriend and I are just leaving," James said grabbing Hermione's arm tighter.

"I don't think she's your girlfriend, mate." Harry spoke the last word with a sarcastic tone.

"And what would you know of it?" James asked glaring at him.

"Plenty," Hermione said wrenching out of James' grasp. "Actually, HE and I were just leaving."

"What?" James looked taken aback.

"That's right," Harry said putting his arm around Hermione. ""I was just settling with the bartender. You ready to go?"

Hermione nodded quickly. "More than ready."

James called after her, but Hermione was already following Harry out of the pub. She knew that he'd tell her parents about what had happened, but she could care less right now.

Once they were outside, Hermione decided to give him an out. "Thank you for saving me in there."

Harry nodded. "He seems like a real winner."

"My parents certainly think so," Hermione said looking down at the sidewalk. Never in her life had she been at such a loss for what to say.

Harry smiled at her. "At least they gave you an interesting name... Hermione."

"It's from Shakespeare," Hermione told him. "A Winter's Tale."

"Suits you," Harry replied, looking at her intently.

Hermione couldn't look away from him. "I guess this is good night then."

"Doesn't have to be," Harry said stepping closer. "Not if we don't want it to be."

Her heart beat faster. "I don't want it to be."

He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers.

Hermione responded immediately to the kiss. At first she wasn't sure if it was her or the wine, but she dismissed that thought.

Harry put his arms around her and pulled her closer.

A purring noise came from deep within her throat as their bodies pressed against each other.

"If you want," Harry said, his mouth brushing her ear. "My place is only a few blocks from here."

"I definitely want," Hermione murmured.

Harry kissed her again. "Follow me..."

With kisses like that, Hermione would have followed him anywhere. She was a tipsy from the wine and it had definitely lowered her inhibitions.

Harry led her to his small one bedroom flat. "It's not much, but its home," he said opening the door.

"It's perfect," Hermione said stepping inside.

He no sooner had the door closed behind them than she was kissing him again. Harry was pleasantly surprised by her forwardness.

He walked her backwards toward the bedroom, never breaking their kiss.

"This way," Harry finally said softly. His bedroom wasn't too big a mess, the bed was unmade and a few garments were scattered around the room.

Hermione didn't even look at the bed. She was only concerned about what she was doing. For once in her life, she was being spontaneous and a little bit reckless. She began to unbutton his shirt.

Harry helped her pull his shirt off then set to work on her clothing.

It wasn't long before she was standing before him in just her knickers and bra. A little voice in her head asked what she was doing, but she ignored it.

Harry eyed her appreciatively as he shed his trousers. Hermione had a beautiful body, even if she seemed a little shy about showing it off.

Hermione looked up at him with trusting eyes. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him that she'd never done this before, but she was afraid if she did, he would stop.

Harry pulled her close and kissed her again, walking them both over towards the bed.

Hermione brought him down with her. "Do you have anything?" she asked him in a voice barely above a whisper.

"All taken care of," Harry pulled them down onto the bed.

Hermione smiled up at him. "Don't stop."

"Not a chance," Harry kissed under her chin.

She felt his hand on her stomach and heard him mutter something. The protection charm. He'd obviously done this before, which was a good thing.

Without another word, Harry leaned in and kissed her again, running his hand around her back to unsnap her bra.

He pulled it off of her and Hermione's first instinct was to use her hands to cover herself, but the look in his eyes stopped her. The way he looked at her, she felt like the most desirable woman in the world.

"Gorgeous," Harry said softly, kissing the valley between her breasts.

Hermione closed her eyes and felt as if she was on fire.

Harry ran his hands freely over her body, which arched underneath him.

Hermione whimpered and parted her legs for him. She needed him now.

Pressing his lips back to hers, Harry pushed his way inside of her.

Hermione let out a muffled cry. She'd not expected the pain.

"Just move with me," Harry said breathlessly.

Hermione did as he asked and the pain gave way to a feeling that Hermione had never known. She wrapped her legs around him.

Harry couldn't speak anymore; he had not felt this kind of passion for quite some time. He pushed into her again and her body tightened around him.

"Mmmhmm," Hermione murmured. "Yes..."

"Yes..." Harry echoed, his lips trailing over her skin.

His body tensed, and he pulled back, only to re-enter her harder and faster. Again, Hermione cried out in pleasure.

Harry was unable to hold himself together much longer, and buried his face in her shoulder as he let out his release.

Hermione lay underneath him, feeling exhausted and sated.

Harry pushed himself off her, lying down just to her side.

"Wow," Hermione managed.

"Yeah," Harry nodded. "You're incredible." he blinked hazily at her, his vision blurry without his glasses on.

Hermione turned her head to look at him and caught sight of a framed photograph on the bedside table. A beautiful dark-haired woman stared back at her.

Harry didn't notice as the smile dropped off her face.

"Who is that?" Hermione asked quietly. She hoped she hadn't just helped him cheat on a wife or girlfriend.

"What are you talking about?" Harry asked.

"The girl in the photograph," Hermione replied.

Harry followed her gaze and felt his heart nearly drop right out of his chest. "That's Parvati," he said, almost inaudibly. "She was my girlfriend."

Hermione propped herself up on an elbow. "Was?"

"She died," Harry turned so his back was to her.

Hermione put her hand on his back. "I'm sorry."

"You didn't know," Harry answered.

Hermione considered her words carefully. "It's never easy to lose someone you love. I shouldn't have said anything. I just saw the picture and I thought---"

"You didn't know," Harry said again, turning the picture so it faced down on the nightstand.

Hermione was a curious person by nature, and she wanted to know what had happened, but didn't want to pry. It was obviously still an open wound for him.

"I should get to sleep," Harry said, feeling awkward now that the effects of the alcohol were wearing off.

"Is that my hint to go?" Hermione asked softly.

Harry turned to look at her. "I'd like you to stay," he replied, surprising himself.

Hermione blinked. "Really?"

"Yeah," he reached for her.

Hermione smiled at him. "I thought you wanted to go to sleep."

"I do," he answered, smiling back.

Hermione laughed as he pulled her on top of him. "Afterwards?"

"As long as you don't mind," Harry said, pushing the thought of Parvati out of his head. He needed to move on, and while he didn't want to forget her, he wanted to distance himself from the memory of their relationship.

"You're not going to hear any complaints from me," Hermione said softly.

The next morning, Hermione awoke not really sure of where she was or why she didn't have any clothes on. A smile played at her lips as the events of last night came slowly back to her.

She yawned and blinked, raising her head to look for Harry.

He came out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. "Good morning."

"Morning?" Hermione asked sleepily. "What time is it?"

"Half past seven," he answered. "I uh... I have to get to work."

Hermione's eyes grew large. "Oh no! I'm going to be late!"

Harry watched her scramble out of bed and get dressed. He wasn't quite sure what to say to her.

"Damn it," Hermione said looking around for her skirt. "Where is it?"

Harry found it behind the chair; he picked it up and handed it to her.

"Thank you," Hermione said quickly slipping it on. "Could you---could you help me with the zipper, please?"

Harry nodded and stood behind her, pulling it up. "I have to get going," he replied. "You can let yourself out, or if you like, I have some coffee in the kitchen."

Hermione shook her head and picked up her bag. "It's okay. I'm going to leave now. I have a big day ahead of me and if I don't leave now, I'll be late."

"Okay," Harry didn't argue. He put his robes on and grabbed his bag that contained the papers he needed for his first day at his new job.

Hermione wanted to ask him if she'd see him again, but she didn't think that was likely given how he was acting. "Thank you for last night."

Harry gave her a brief nod. He had enjoyed himself, but it had been the liquor acting, not him.

Hermione let herself out and then hurried outside. She Apparated the second she found an empty alley. There wasn't time to think about what had happened.

She arrived at the Ministry, excited about what the day might hold. This was a whole new start for her.

She went through the security checkpoints and then made her way to Auror Headquarters. When the lift pinged open, she saw a crowd of people about her age mulling about.

"Mum, I really am fine," a red-haired man was saying to an older woman who seemed to be fussing over him. "I really wish you hadn't come with me today."

"But Ronald," the woman was trying to smooth down his hair. "This is a big day for my little boy---"

"MUM!" the red-haired man exclaimed. "I am not a little boy anymore!"

"Nonsense," the woman said. "Let me take another photo--"

He looked positively mortified at that prospect and Hermione stifled a laugh at the look on his face. Still, it must be nice to have parents who supported your new career.

She headed down the corridor to the room she was told to wait in. There were already a few people inside.

"Hello," a sandy-haired man said as she sat down beside him. "Justin Finch-Fletchley. And you are?"

"Hermione Granger," she shook his head. "Are you from Hogwarts?"

Justin grinned. "Yes and you're from Beauxbatons, right?"

"That's right," Hermione nodded. "Any word on who the instructor is yet?"

"Not sure," Justin replied. "We were all talking about that before you came in here."

"Whomever it is will probably be a complete ogre," a pretty blonde girl said. "I heard this training can be quite brutal. Three years of our lives."

"You gonna make it, Lav?" Justin grinned at her.

The blonde girl laughed. "I have as good a shot as you." She looked at Hermione. "Lavender Brown."

"Hermione Granger," she introduced herself. She wasn't one to make snap judgements but she wondered exactly what this girl was doing in here. She seemed more the type to work at Witch Weekly than Auror training.

The group looked up expectantly as the door opened again, but it was only the red-haired bloke Hermione had seen in the corridor.

"Finish with your photo call, Weasley?" Justin teased. "Mummy give you lunch, too?"

"Sod off wanker," the redhead boy glared at him.

"Ronald Weasley," Lavender whispered to Hermione. "Class Clown."

"How'd he get in here?" Hermione asked.

"He has a very smart girlfriend who helped him apply himself our last year," Lavender told her. "And his brother Bill Weasley is an Auror, too. He works mostly out of the country though."

Hermione nodded. She had heard of Bill Weasley.

The door opened again and Hermione smiled when she saw Remus Lupin enter the room. She'd met with him numerous times during the registration process.

"Good morning," the older man said to their group. "I'd like to be the first to welcome you to the first day of the rest of your lives..."

"And prison for the next three years," a voice called out from the back, making the rest of them break out into nervous laughter.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Lupin said with a grin. "And you will be delighted to know that we will feed you a diet of bread and water for the next three years---breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

"What?" Ron grew pale.

"That is a standard prison diet," Lupin said trying to keep a straight face.

"You mean no sweets?" Ron asked. "Or butterbeer?"

Lupin laughed. "Relax, Mr. Weasley. I'm only kidding. You and your colleagues will have full access to the Ministry cafeteria."

Ron visibly relaxed.

"You just saved his life, sir." Justin said.

Lupin leaned forward on the podium. "Happy to do that, Mr. Finch-Fletchley." He surveyed the group before him. "Get a good look at the people around you. They will be your friends, your partners, your sounding boards for the next three years. As you know, we have thirty new recruits this year. We've broken you down into groups of ten. Each of you will have two main instructors. I will be teaching one half of your curriculum."

"Who will be teaching the other half?" Hermione asked.

At that moment the door opened and Lupin smiled. "Just on time. Class... this will be your other instructor. Harry Potter."

Everything seemed to move in slow motion as Hermione looked up to see the man she'd spent all of last night with shake hands with Remus Lupin.

Her face flamed a bright red and she sank down in her seat.

Lupin slapped Harry on the back. "Lots of friendly faces here, eh Harry? Nine of your students were at Hogwarts with you. We have another that comes to us from Beauxbatons---"

Harry nodded and looked over the crowd, his eyes meeting a pair of familiar brown ones.

2. Chapter 2

We’re glad you guys like this story so far- it’s shaping up to be quite smutty and Lord knows after this weekend, we figure you guys might really need H/Hr smut, and well written at that ;)

If you’re still reading Last Dance, please check that out- we want to know if you guys are still interested because only 14 people reviewed and we want to know if we should stick with it after HP is over. Please? :D

Hermione wished a hole would open up in the floor and take her away from this awkward, embarrassing moment. He was her instructor? Hermione felt as if she was going to be sick.

"Looks like a good group," Harry finally spoke. He refused to let his surprise at seeing Hermione sitting there show.

Lavender turned around and looked at Ron. "Did you know about this?" she whispered.

Ron shook his head in response.

"I will leave them in your capable hands," Lupin told Harry.

"Thanks," Harry told him before looking out over the group again.

"I---I know that this might seem a little strange," Harry said to the group.

"How the hell did this happen?" Ron blurted out. "You're an instructor---how? And why didn't you tell me?"

Harry blinked. "It just happened, Ron. Could you sit back down while I explain things?"

Lavender stood up and gave him a hug. "I haven't seen you since Parvati's funeral. How are you holding up?"

"Fine..." Harry sighed, realising this might just be harder than he thought.

Lavender sat back down.

"Pardon me for asking," another boy said. "But how did you get to be an instructor when you haven't even been through the training."

"Ernie, do you think he needs the training?" Justin asked him. "He defeated You Know Who."

"Yeah but--" Ernie objected.

"How about you lot let me teach you some of what I know," Harry cut in.

"Go right ahead, Mr. Potter," Justin said.

"Brown-noser," Ernie muttered.

"At least I'm willing to learn," Justin glared at him.

Hermione barely heard any of this exchange. She was still completely mortified and unable to look up at Harry, who was trying to capture everyone's attention.

"Okay," Harry said clearing his throat. "Can everyone please be quiet?"

"Come on Harry," Ron said with a grin. "You can let us in on the joke now."

Harry looked at his best friend. "I assure you this isn't a joke, Ron. And to put your mind at ease, Ernie, I took the tests required to be an Auror this past summer and passed with flying colours. Now, if you'll all keep it down, we can begin."

"Can you believe this?" Lavender whispered to Hermione. "Harry... teaching us?"

Hermione couldn't answer her. This whole thing was unbelievable. The one time she decided to do something spontaneous and it ends up blowing up in her face.

Harry pulled out some booklets and handed them out. "These are your orientation materials. You will find your roommate assignments in there as well. You will be living in Ministry housing. After this class, I will take you upstairs to show you around."

Hermione couldn't even look at him as he handed her a booklet.

"I hope I don't have to room with Eloise Midgen," Lavender whispered to Hermione.

Who she was rooming with was the least of Hermione's concerns.

"Miss---" Harry asked still standing in front of her.

"Granger," Hermione said looking up at him. "Hermione Granger."

"Miss Granger, perhaps we could have a quick word outside?" Harry asked.

"Okay," Hermione managed.

"Read over your booklets," Harry told the rest of the class before stepping into the corridor with Hermione. He looked around to make sure that no one was within earshot. "You mind telling me what's going on?" he demanded.

"I... I'm just here for training," Hermione stammered.

"I thought you were a Muggle," Harry said shaking his head. "You know who I was though, right? What are you playing at?"

"I'm not playing at anything," Hermione crossed her arms. "And I knew who you were, but how was I supposed to know you were going to be teaching here?"

She had him there. No one had known other than his superiors and his fellow Aurors.

Hermione sighed. "So what do we do?"

Harry ran his hand through his hair. He had no idea what they could do. The groups were already set in stone and to try and get out of them would be nearly impossible. "We're stuck, Miss Granger. We have to find some way to make this work. I just hope you don't think that last night gives you any sort of leverage here---"

"I beg your pardon?" Hermione asked, not liking what he was implying.

"Us... sleeping together." Harry stared at her. "That's not going to make you a teacher's pet. I'm not going to treat you any differently."

Hermione folded her arms again and levelled her gaze at him. "I told you last night that I'd never done anything like that before. And for another thing, I prefer getting ahead based on merit not by special treatment."

"Fine," Harry said coolly. "Keep that in mind and things will work out."

Hermione glared at him before walking back into the classroom.

Harry had regretted his actions from the previous night when he woke up but even more so now. He only hoped he could trust her to keep things professional.

Hermione sat back down and tried to keep her emotions in check. The nerve of him thinking she would use what happened last night to her advantage.

"What did he want?" Lavender asked.

Hermione shrugged. "He---he knows a professor at Beauxbatons and he wanted to know how she was doing."

"Oh," Lavender said. "Hmmm...I wasn't aware he knew anyone from there."

"All right," Harry said briskly. "I hope you all brought your things, because as of now, your new home is upstairs in the dormitories. I'll take you up there now- in the booklets I gave you, you should have the names of your roommates."

"Looks like you and I are roommates," Lavender said to Hermione. "I hope you don't snore."

"No," Hermione said absently.

Ron sidled up to his best friend. "So what's going on? I didn't see you all summer and now you're here?"

"Yeah," Harry muttered. "They wanted to see if I could handle teaching."

"You did a good job with the D.A.," Ron said. "But you know, you're getting over what happened to Parvati, to Sirius, to Dumbledore..."

"I don't want to talk about any of that," Harry said. "Especially about Parvati."

"You know that it wasn't your fault," Ron continued.

"I said drop it," Harry said sharply.

"Okay," Ron said holding up his hands.

"We have to go tour the dorms," Harry said, brushing past him.

Lavender and Hermione had heard this exchange. Lavender grabbed Hermione's arm. "He's usually not like this. He----he dated my best friend, Parvati. She was killed during the war and it changed him quite a bit."

Hermione nodded. "I know-- I mean I understand," she almost slipped up.

"If you need to know anything about anyone, you can ask me," Lavender said.

"Thanks," Hermione said, avoiding Harry's gaze as they left the room.

"How's Luna?" Harry asked Ron.

"She's fine," Ron replied. "Back at school already."

"You'll see her during Christmas hols," Harry said pushing the button for the lift.

"Yeah I know," Ron replied. "She doesn't think I should be doing this, you know."

"She doesn't?" Harry asked.

Ron shook his head. "Doesn't seem to think it's my calling."

The lift pinged open and Harry stood back so the trainees could get inside. "Come along now."

"Oh Merlin," Lavender gasped when she saw the room she was going to be sharing with Hermione. "This is entirely too small!"

Hermione looked into the room and saw that it had two twin beds; two desks, and two closets. "It doesn't seem so bad," she commented.

"But that's not a big enough closet," Lavender said lamely.

"It's fine," Hermione commented.

"Your things will be brought up later," Harry said in a terse tone from the doorway.

"Thank you," Hermione said coolly, not turning to look at him.

"Harry," Lavender said. "Um, Mr. Potter. Whatever. I have over two trunks and three suitcases. There's no way I can make do with one closet."

"It's regulation," Harry told her. "Nothing I can do about it."

Lavender sighed. "This is unfair."

Hermione sat down on one of the beds. "Do you have any preference?" she asked her new roommate.

"I'll take this one," Lavender said motioning to the bed nearest the window. "If that's okay."

"Sure," Hermione shrugged. She finally looked over at Harry who was still lingering in the doorway. "What?"

"We're going to continue the tour," Harry said quietly. "Would you two like to join us?"

"Fine," Hermione said, wishing he'd stop staring at her like she was going to break down and tell everyone what had happened the night before.

Lavender cast one last disdainful look at the room before following Hermione out into the hall.

"Okay," Harry continued. "This entire floor will be your residence. Curfew is 10 p.m. Classes begin each morning at 7."

"Hang on," Ron said. "Curfew?"

"Yes," Harry said tightly. "There is a curfew of 10pm. It's in your booklet."

"What did you think you signed up for?" Hermione asked glaring at Ron. "A cruise?"

"No," Ron said defensively, glaring right back at her.

Hermione rolled her eyes and turned back around.

"The lift right here at the end of the hall leads you right down to the lobby," Harry said. "It can also take you right to the floor where your classroom is, or directly to the cafeteria. It's been secured with wards that detect your presence."

"The cafeteria is open 24 hours a day right?" Ron asked.

Harry finally grinned. "Yes, but your curfew is still ten."

Ron seemed to accept this and he walked ahead with Harry down the corridor.

"What's up with that mental one from Beauxbatons?" Ron said in a hushed tones.

"I don't know," Harry lied.

"She's pretty, but wound a little too tight," Ron commented. "I pity her boyfriend."

"She doesn't have one," Harry said before realising his slip.

Ron thought didn't notice anything unusual about his friend's remark. He laughed. "You're probably right. No bloke's that desperate."

"Right," Harry felt his chest tighten.

Harry looked over his shoulder and saw that Hermione was walking with Justin. She was smiling at something he was saying.

"Harry," Lavender came up on his other side. "We really should catch up sometime. I saw Parvati's parents--"

Harry paled. Her parents had kicked him out of the memorial service because they still blamed him for their daughter's death. Padma, Parvati's twin sister, had even slapped him.

"Nice move," Ron hissed at her when she realised her mistake.

"I didn't mean anything," Lavender said quickly. "I just thought---well, that enough time has passed that perhaps you could try talking with them again..."

"No," Harry replied shortly.

"Something to think about," Lavender said looking down at her feet.

"Not going to happen," Harry walked faster.

Hermione felt as if she was coming in at the middle of some story and she'd missed the gist of the plot.

"I can't believe they're giving us a curfew," the boy named Ernie was complaining quietly to Justin behind her. "Like we're twelve again or something."

"It's part of the rules," Justin said shrugging. "We knew what we were getting into."

"But still..." Ernie pouted. "At least we got to room together again, eh?"

Justin nodded. "Don't think about getting me to sneak out with you. I'm going to do all that I can to prove myself here."

"I am too," Ernie said quickly. "It's just weird that Potter's our instructor."

"You saw how well he did with the D.A.," Justin said.

Hermione turned around. "I'm sorry, Justin. But what is the DA?"

"Dumbledore's Army," Justin told her. "Harry came up with it our fifth year. He helped us train ourselves better in case You Know Who tried to infiltrate Hogwarts."

"I didn't think much of it to begin with," Ernie said. "But if we hadn't have had it, I'm not sure how bad it would have been..."

"Right," Justin replied.

"If you don't mind me asking," Ernie said. "Why didn't you go to Hogwarts?"

"We lived in France," Hermione answered.

"My dad practised dentistry there, and we moved here right before I finished my seventh year at Beauxbatons."

"Were you among the students who came to the Triwizard Tournament our fourth year?" Justin asked.

"No," Hermione replied. "I wanted to stay behind and concentrate on my schoolwork."

"That's too bad," Justin said smiling at her. "We would have loved to shown you around."

Hermione smiled. "I wish now that I had come."

They continued the tour with Harry pointing out the classrooms they'd be using; the gym they could use at any time during the day and the cafeteria.

"Can we stop for a bite?" Ron asked, his money pouch already out.

Harry looked at his watch. "We have a few minutes before the first class. Go ahead."

Ron was practically salivating. "I'll have one of those... no wait two... and three of these, just one of those--"

Harry stood back, feeling more than a little awkward. A few months ago, he'd been in class with these people. Now, he was their superior. It was more than a little surreal.

"Are you getting anything?" Lavender asked Hermione.

"Come on, Granger," Justin put his arm around her. "I'll even buy you a muffin."

"Well I suppose I can't refuse an offer like that," Hermione smiled at him, not noticing Harry glower at the two of them.

"You going to join us, Harry?" Lavender asked.

Harry shook his head. "I'm going to wait outside."

"Wouldn't want you fraternizing with the peons," Justin mused before leading the group into the cafeteria.

Ron was already sitting at one of the tables, two trays in front of him. "It's really good you guys!" he said with his mouth full.

Ernie laughed. "Have you ever met food that you didn't love?"

Harry didn't mean to watch them, but he couldn't help it. A part of him longed to be a part of that group, but given his position now there was no way he could.

"How's the first day?" Lupin asked.

"Fine," Harry broke out of his reverie. "I think it's going to go well."

"They're not giving you too hard a time, are they?" Lupin asked.

Harry shook his head, his eyes on Hermione. "No."

"Come on," Lupin said. "I'll buy you a coffee."

Harry nodded. "Thanks."

Harry joined the queue with Lupin and stole another glance at Hermione who was talking animatedly with Justin. What the hell was up with that? She'd just met him for Merlin's sake! Justin Finch-Fletchley was about as interesting as a root canal.

He had to stop himself from thinking further than that. He told himself to stop thinking of her altogether. What had happened last night had been a huge mistake.

"I'm proud of you," Lupin said. "Sirius would be, too."

"I hope so," Harry replied as Lupin handed him a cup of coffee. "I really miss him."

"Me too," Lupin said quietly.

"I wish I could go back and stop it from happening," Harry said guiltily. "And save Dumbledore... and... and Parvati..."

"There's nothing you could have done," Lupin told him. "You know that, Harry. No one blames you."

"Her parents and sister do," Harry mumbled.

"They're grieving," Lupin said sitting down at a corner table.

Harry sighed. "I miss her. Sometimes I don't know if I'll ever get over her."

"It will get easier," Lupin said. "I know it sounds like a cliché, but it's the truth. And in time, the Patils will come to see that Parvati's death was not your fault."

Harry didn't feel as convinced as Lupin. "I hope teaching will help keep my mind off everything."

"Well, you'll certainly be busy," Lupin said thoughtfully. "And you have quite the motley crew over there...."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Motley crew?"

"Your trainees," Lupin said motioning toward them. "Roughly assembled group of conflicting personalities and different backgrounds. You, my friend, are going to have your hands full."

"I'll be fine," Harry answered.

"That Hermione Granger is something else, isn't she?" Lupin asked out of the blue.

"What?" Harry looked over at him. "Why do you say that?"

"Well, I had a hand in recruiting her," Lupin told him. "She's very intelligent. Her test marks were off the charts."

"Oh," Harry replied. "I guess she's all right."

"Quite clever," Lupin said. "We have high hopes for her."

Harry gazed over at the brunette again and remembered vividly how her body had felt under his last night.

"Good luck with the rest of your first day," Lupin said getting to his feet. "And if you need any help, you know where I am."

"Thanks," Harry managed a smile at his former mentor. "I'll see you later."

He took a deep breath and walked over to where the trainees were finishing up their coffees.

"You lot ready?" he asked. "We need to get started."

"Absolutely," Justin said grinning at Hermione.

She smiled back and Harry saw red for a moment before turning on his heel and stalking away.

Hermione and the rest of the trainees hurried after him. He glared at them all over his shoulder as if they were responsible for his suddenly sour mood.

"We're back up to the room we started in," he barked.

"Yes, sir," Ron muttered with a mock salute.

Hermione rolled her eyes. Didn't this bloke take anything seriously?

"Do you think he'll make us run laps if we don't keep up?" Ron asked Ernie, who snickered.

"He's obviously in a mood," Hermione hissed at him. "Would you shut up before you set him off?"

Ron glared at her. "Pardon me your highness," he mocked.

Hermione rounded on him. "You know you'd get a lot further if you took this seriously. We're all here to learn and if you're just going to joke around, you're not going to be of any help to anyone."

"No one asked your opinion on me in the first place," Ron snapped. "I don't need your help here, you know it all!"

"I'd rather be a know-it-all then a goof-off!" Hermione retorted.

than

"Oh and I suppose that one was supposed to get me where it hurts?" Ron asked sarcastically.

"I'd love to get you where it hurts," Hermione said glaring at him.

"Hey," Harry pushed between them. "Enough!"

"I have an idea for the first lesson," Ron said sarcastically. "Let's see if we can remove the stick from her----"

Hermione whipped out her wand. "I dare you to bloody finish that," she seethed.

"ENOUGH!" Harry yelled.

"She started it!" Ron exclaimed.

"Oh grow up," Hermione said disdainfully.

"He was baiting her," Justin told Harry. "If anyone was to blame---"

"Gee thanks a lot," Ron said to Justin. "Good to see where your loyalties lie."

"Upstairs, now," Harry said firmly. "No one says anything the rest of the way."

Hermione and Ron glared at each other but followed the rest of their classmates upstairs.

Harry sighed. It was only his first day of teaching and he wasn't even half way through.

Once upstairs, they all sat back down, this time Hermione and Ron sitting on opposite sides of the room. This really wasn't how she had pictured her first day, Hermione thought sourly- realising her one night stand was actually her instructor and getting into spats with her classmates.

"We have three years of this," Lavender whispered to Hermione. "You think we're ready for it?"

"Have to be," Hermione replied.

For his part, Harry tried to remain all business with his students. He gave them a quick overview of what they would go over the next few weeks.

"The workload is heavy here," he told them. "You're expected to do all this and still be able to go on a moment's notice."

Ernie looked bored throughout most of the talk and he seemed to scoff at most of what Harry had to say. Harry hoped that wouldn't be a problem.

He was quite surprised, on the other hand, to see Justin paying close attention to what he was saying.

"The first part of your training will deal with concealment and disguise," Harry told them. "And we will also teach you advanced defence techniques."

"You mean something like makeovers?" Lavender couldn't stop herself from asking.

The rest of the class, save for Hermione, laughed at this.

"Kind of like that," Harry said with a laugh.

Hermione had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. This Lavender girl definitely didn't belong here.

"Lupin will be responsible for the academic portion of your training," Harry told them. "I will be handling the practical part of your training. Those of you, who excel in one area, might have trouble in the other."

"Are there any questions so far?" Harry finished his speech.

"How much do we get paid?" Ernie asked.

Harry sighed. "Each trainee gets a starting salary of 700 galleons a month; a Ministry issued broomstick and your room and board here at the Ministry." Hermione raised her hand.

"Yes Miss Granger?" Harry nodded in her direction.

"Why would we need a broomstick?" Hermione asked.

Harry stared at her. "For flying, of course."

"F-flying?" Hermione stammered. "Um, I wasn't aware that was part of the curriculum."

"What?" Ron asked. "Are you scared, Granger?"

Hermione shot him a nasty look and sank down in her seat. She loathed flying- it was probably the one subject she wasn't good at.

"Flying is one the most crucial parts of your training," Harry said. "Tomorrow morning, you will each receive your brooms."

Hermione sighed. There didn't seem to be any way around getting on a broomstick short of quitting the program.

She looked down at her desk.

"Extra help is available to each of you," Harry said. "All you have to do is ask."

"What are we doing the rest of today?" Justin asked.

"This," Harry said. "Will probably be the lightest day you'll have throughout your three years here. We'll need to split you up into groups of two."

Justin tapped Hermione on the shoulder. "Care to be my partner?"

"No," Lavender tugged at her arm. "We girls should stick together."

"I asked her first," Justin said grinning at Hermione.

"Justin," Harry said angrily. "I'd appreciate it if you'd not use my time to get dates."

Justin turned back to look at Harry. "But--"

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm in charge here, right?" Harry interjected. "Miss Granger, you will work with....Ron Weasley."

"WHAT?" Ron and Hermione shouted in unison.

"You two will be partners," Harry stated. "Miss Brown, you will partner up with Mr. Finch Fletchley. Ernie Macmillan, you're with Eloise Midgen..."

Ernie glared at Harry. Harry glared right back, daring him to say something.

Ron was also pissed at his so called best friend, making him partner up with such a shrew. He was already wondering if Luna had been right in her prediction of this not being his true calling.

"Anyone have a problem with that?" Harry asked.

A collective muttering of "No sir," was heard among the group.

"Fan-bloody-tastic," Harry said wondering why he'd suddenly turned into Severus Snape. This wasn't him and this wasn't his teaching style.

He turned away from the group. "I recommend taking the rest of this session to get to know your partner. You'll be working with them as long as you're in this section."

Hermione sighed and reluctantly moved her desk closer to Ron's.

Ron looked as if he'd been dealt the worst hand in life. "Great," he muttered. "This is just bloody great."

"I couldn't agree more," Hermione said putting her head in her hands.

"You can't fly," Ron said thoughtfully. "And your idea of a good time is probably spending the night in a library."

"What of it?" Hermione asked irritably. "Better than someone whose only requirement for a job is making sure they have full access to a cafeteria 24 hours a day."

"I bet you have to beat the boys off with a stick," Ron said leaning back in his chair.

"Jealous?" Hermione retorted.

"Hardly," Ron scoffed.

Hermione sat back sullenly, refusing to look over at her partner.

She looked over to where Harry was talking with Eloise Midgen.

She wondered exactly what was up with him. He had been so different last night- at first a bit rough, but then gentle and sweet.

She remembered last night just before they'd drifted off to sleep.

He had slid his arm around her, pulling her back against his chest.

"I've never done anything like this before," she whispered.

"I know," he said closing his eyes. "You told me about a thousand times."

"Sorry," she said softly.

"If it makes you feel any better," he said in her ear. "Neither have I."

That surprised her. From the pained look on his face when she'd asked him about the girl in the photo, she had assumed they had been quite the couple. "I guess it does..." Hermione answered.

He kissed her shoulder. "I'm glad you came into that pub tonight."

She smiled. "Me too."

He was silent then and Hermione wondered if he'd fallen asleep. She had a million questions she wanted to ask.

Part of Harry was regretting what he had just done, but the other part was elated to have a girl in his arms again. He wanted to move on, and not forget Parvati, but break away from the memory of their relationship. But he still felt slightly unfaithful.

"Are you asleep?" Hermione whispered in the darkness.

"Almost," Harry answered.

"Told you I talk too much," Hermione said glad she was turned away from him and he couldn't see her blushing.

He actually smiled at that. "It's sort of endearing."

"Thanks," Hermione said. "I think."

"I have to be up pretty early tomorrow," Harry said, tightening his hold around her slender body. "So I do need to get some sleep."

"I should probably go," Hermione said. "I have an early start tomorrow too---"

"You should stay," Harry said. "It's... it's nice having someone here."

Hermione turned around to look at him. "You want me to stay?"

He blinked at her, his eyes unfocused without his glasses. "Yeah... if you want to."

"I want to," Hermione said leaning in for a kiss. "I'd like that very much."

Harry cupped his hand around the back of her head and kissed her. "Good..."

Hermione rested her head on his shoulder and drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face.

"Hello?" someone prodding her shoulder brought her back to the present. "Anyone in there?"

"Hmmm?" she asked frowning when she saw it was her insufferable partner.

"I've been trying to talk to you for the past few minutes," Ron stared at her as if she were covered in warts. "We have to work out a stupid study schedule."

"Right," Hermione said looking at her booklet. "Well, we're in classes until three each day. What times are best for you?"

"Half past never?" Ron tried to joke.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Do you take anything seriously?"

"Forgive me for trying to just lighten your mood," Ron snapped. "I don't care when we study, as long as we get it over with."

Hermione glared at him. "I don't need you to lighten my mood. This is important to me. This is my career. "

"Well it's mine too," Ron said defensively. "And I still want to have fun, unlike some people."

Thankfully, Harry chose that moment to dismiss them. He announced that they'd meet in this same room after lunch and that Lupin would be teaching the afternoon class.

"We'll figure it out later," Hermione said to Ron, but he'd already streaked to the door, presumably to rush to the cafeteria and stuff his face again.

Hermione rolled her eyes again and gathered up her belongings.

She walked by Harry without saying a word. Part of her wanted to ask why he was making this so difficult for her but didn't want to give him the satisfaction.

3. Chapter 3

We’re glad a lot of you are sticking around for fanfic- we definitely aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! And like we said before, this story is quite the smutty one ;) We’ve spiced it up even more than it was just because we figured everyone would enjoy it that much more. Please review!

That evening, the trainees were moving their belongings into their dorms. Lavender spent the last hour complaining about the lack of closet space. Hermione ignored her and sat on her bed, her belongings still in her suitcases and boxes.

"I did leave you a little room in the closet," Lavender said looking over her shoulder at her roommate.

"Its fine," Hermione replied. "I didn't bring much."

Lavender nodded. "Are you okay? You seem awfully quiet."

"Just a lot on my mind," Hermione tossed some undergarments into one of the drawers.

"Ron's not that bad," Lavender said thinking her mood was because of the partner assignment. "He's kind of funny, actually."

"I don't care about Ron," Hermione replied.

Lavender sat down on the edge of her bed. "Boy troubles?"

"I don't really want to talk about it," Hermione said. She wasn't really the type to gab and giggle about boys.

"I was kind of hoping we'd have some new guys to choose from," Lavender said. "You don't have this problem, of course, but I went to school with everyone in our group."

"I'm really not interested in pursuing a relationship," Hermione answered tightly. "I'm here to study and to make it through the training program."

"You can't fool me," Lavender said grinning at her. "I happen to know that you have an admirer."

"I beg your pardon?" Hermione asked.

"Everyone can tell," Lavender told her.

Hermione felt her body go cold. How had Lavender managed to figure out about her and Harry. "I um... I think you're wrong," she said uncomfortably.

"I am never wrong about these things," Lavender said. "Justin has got it bad for you. I've never seen him like that over a girl before."

Hermione felt herself relax. "Justin's nice, but not my type."

"I've heard that before," Lavender said. "You know Parvati said the same thing about Harry when she found out he fancied her."

Hermione closed her eyes for a moment.

"They had a disastrous date to our fourth year Yule Ball," Lavender confided. "He didn't even dance with her!"

"You don't say," Hermione busied herself with hanging up her clothing.

Lavender nodded. "Parvati said it was the worst first date in the entire world."

"Guess that means he's not perfect," Hermione said dryly.

"They started to get closer during our sixth year," Lavender continued. "Given what happened the last time they went out, you know she wasn't all that ready to subject herself to that again. But, they were inseparable after that."

Hermione cursed herself for feeling jealous. She didn't know any details of what had happened to Parvati, but she had obviously been very important to Harry.

Lavender walked over to her desk and picked up a photo album. "I have some pictures of them in here."

"I just really want to unpack and get some sleep," Hermione said abruptly.

Lavender didn't notice Hermione's tone. She thumbed through the album and found the photographs she wanted Hermione to see. "This was all of us on Halloween."

Hermione sighed and looked at the picture. "That's nice."

"I still can't believe she's gone," Lavender said swallowing the lump in her throat.

Hermione felt something inside her soften at the look on the blonde's face. "I'm sorry," she said quietly. "It must be hard to lose a good friend."

Lavender nodded. "She was my best friend."

Hermione had never really been close with any girls her age. "I'm sure it was a rough time for all of you."

"It was," Lavender said wiping at her eyes. "But especially for Harry."

Hermione patted Lavender's shoulder awkwardly, not really sure what to say.

"Thanks," Lavender said. "I'm not usually this emotional."

"It's okay," Hermione offered a quick smile.

Thankfully, there was a knock on the door. "Granger, this just arrived for you," a girl Hermione remembered meeting at dinner that evening said. She handed Hermione an envelope. Hermione recognised the familiar neat script of her mother.

"Thanks," Hermione said unenthusiastically.

She sat down on the bed and slowly opened the letter.

Hermione:

What on earth has gotten into you? The daughter we raised would never have stormed out of the house last night! You were so rude to poor James! He told us about what happened at the pub. He tells us that you left the pub with some strange man.

Hermione sighed and rubbed her temples. She contemplated not reading the rest of the letter but her curiosity got the better of her.

Your father and I are very disappointed in you, Hermione Jane. You have so much potential, sweetheart.

"Potential to be a dentist," Hermione muttered to herself. "Just what I wanted to hear."

Your father and I think you need to think long and hard about what you've done. It's not too late to turn this around. The university has agreed to enroll you next semester. Keep that in mind.

Hermione crumpled up the letter in her fist and threw it into the rubbish bin.

"Bad news?" Lavender asked.

"Just my parents," Hermione muttered.

"Let me guess," Lavender said. "They don't think you should be an Auror."

"Something like that," Hermione answered. "More on the lines of becoming a dentist."

"If it makes you feel any better," Lavender said sympathetically. "Mine weren't too thrilled with me choosing this career field either."

"What did they want you to do?" Hermione asked.

"Anything but this," Lavender replied. "But during the War, I lost a lot of friends and people that I cared about. I wanted to do something meaningful with my life."

Hermione looked at the other girl with some new respect. "I can certainly understand that."

"I know a lot of people think I can't do this," Lavender said. "But I'm determined to prove them wrong."

"And I'm sure you will," Hermione smiled at her.

"Thanks," Lavender said smiling back at her. "I think we're both going to do well."

"I'm determined to be top of the class," Hermione replied. "I get pretty fanatical about my studies."

"No wonder you're a little worried about working with Ron," Lavender commented. "But maybe you'll be a good influence on him."

"I doubt that," Hermione answered, sitting back on the bed. "But who knows."

Lavender returned her attention to unpacking her belongings. Hermione was feeling more than a little restless and decided to go downstairs and see about getting a glass of warm milk. That always did help her get to sleep.

It wasn't quite ten yet, so she wasn't breaking curfew. She headed for the cafeteria.

The cafeteria was empty save for the woman working at the counter. Hermione asked for a glass of warm milk and with a wave of the woman's wand, the milk materialised.

She wasn't quite ready to go back upstairs so she decided to go outside for some fresh air.

Hermione took a deep breath as she went outside, closing her eyes as a cool breeze made her hair lift and fly out behind her.

This had been a very long day and she wished she could rewind to this morning when she'd first woken up.

"What are you doing out here?" a voice interrupted her thoughts.

Hermione opened her eyes and looked behind her to see the one person she didn't want to see. "I--I needed some fresh air. I still have a few minutes before curfew if that's what you're worried about."

"It's not good if you're caught out after ten," Harry told her.

"I'm just going to drink my milk and then go upstairs," Hermione said turning back around.

Harry watched her for a moment. "How's rooming with Lavender?"

"Its fine," Hermione replied shortly.

Harry nodded as he came and stood by her at the railing.

Hermione took a sip of her milk wondering why he was still out here. Didn't he have somewhere to be?

"What made you decide to be an Auror?" Harry finally asked. He wasn't sure what else to say to her.

Hermione traced the top of her glass with her finger. "We had career counselling at school my sixth year. Remus Lupin spoke at our school. He made it seem like the best job in the world."

"Lupin's great," Harry nodded. "He's like a father to me."

Hermione looked at him. "And why did you decide to become an instructor?"

Harry shrugged. "It was offered to me."

"I'm sure that you had your pick of any number of jobs," Hermione commented. "Why this one?"

"I didn't want to be in the spotlight anymore," Harry answered.

"I can't imagine what your life has been like," Hermione said quietly.

"It's been one hell of a ride," Harry said with a touch of bitterness.

He was silent after that and Hermione didn't know what to say without seeming like she was prying into his personal life. For all intents and purposes, they were strangers. "I hope you realise that I was just as shocked as you were this morning," Hermione said instead. "I honestly didn't know you were going to be here of all places."

"I shouldn't have accused you like I did," Harry looked over at her. "No one except Lupin and a few others knew I was going to be teaching."

"And I'm not going to tell anyone what happened," Hermione reassured him. "If anyone found out, we could both be in trouble."

Harry nodded. "Especially me."

"So we should just forget that last night happened," Hermione said while wondering if that was even possible.

"Maybe," Harry agreed unenthusiastically

"Maybe?" Hermione asked.

He realised how close he was standing to her. "Yeah..."

"It's the sensible thing to do," Hermione said looking up at him.

"Of course," Harry said quietly.

"So we'll just go on forward like today was the first time we'd ever met," Hermione said. "We'll just carry on as instructor and trainee and no one will be the wiser."

"Probably for the best," Harry didn't realise that they had moved closer to each other.

"Absolutely," Hermione agreed. She told herself to say good night and go upstairs. The words didn't come though.

Harry didn't know what was going on. He hadn't had any feelings for any girl since Parvati.

"What are we doing?" Hermione whispered.

"I have no idea," Harry answered softly.

"I should go," Hermione said finally breaking away from his gaze.

Harry nodded reluctantly.

"Good night then," Hermione said grabbing her glass.

"Wait," Harry said, grabbing her hand.

"What is it?" Hermione asked.

Harry pulled her over out of the view of the windows and kissed her.

Hermione hadn't expected this action and she dropped her glass. She didn't notice though because she was too busy kissing him back with everything that she had.

Harry's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her into his body.

So much for putting what had happened behind them, Hermione thought as he deepened their kiss.

He swept his tongue through her mouth, tasting her as his fingers tangled in her long hair.

Hermione knew she should stop this before things went too far again. Mustering every ounce of willpower she had, she reluctantly broke the kiss.

Harry didn't let her step away, but rested his forehead against hers as they both caught their breath.

"Why did you do that?" she asked him.

"I don't know," He answered. "I just... I had to."

Hermione had read the Auror Rules and Regulations handbook cover to cover. Relationships between students and their superiors was strictly forbidden and there was a zero tolerance policy. If they were discovered like this, she'd be kicked out of the program and he'd lose his job.

She shook her head and stepped away. "We can't do this. I'm your student."

Harry knew that she was right. There were many reasons why this was wrong, but it didn't change the fact that he liked this girl.

Why couldn't she have been just another girl? Why did she have to be in the program?

"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I didn't mean to overstep my bounds."

Hermione shook her head. "I wanted that kiss too. But we just can't do this. It's not right."

"So we'll just forget last night," Harry said looking at her. "And forget what just happened?"

"We'll have to," Hermione said quietly.

"Good night then," Harry said. "You---you should go on upstairs. Curfew."

"Of course," Hermione nodded. "I guess I'll see you in class tomorrow."

Harry watched her head for the double doors. "Hermione?"

She turned. "Yes?"

"I don't regret what happened last night," he said looking at her. "I just wanted you to know that."

"I don't either," Hermione answered. "But while I don't want you giving me any leverage in class; I don't expect you to treat me badly because of it."

"I wouldn't," he said sincerely. "I promise."

"Thank you," Hermione said, smiling a bit. "I really should get back upstairs now."

"I should be heading home," Harry said. "It's been a long day."

Hermione nodded. "Good night then."

"Good night," Harry said softly. "Miss Granger."

Hermione ducked inside so he couldn't see her blush. She had to fight away the butterflies in her stomach. "I do not fancy him," she told herself. "He is my professor."

She didn't believe that for a second, but she'd just have to keep telling herself that to avoid temptation.

She arrived back in the room to find Lavender had finally finished unpacking.

"Did you get what you wanted?" Lavender asked.

Hermione thought for a moment. "I suppose so..."

Lavender smiled at her. "That's good."

"Did you manage to find space for everything?" Hermione asked, sitting on the bed. "How many of my drawers did you use?"

"None actually," Lavender said proudly. "I shrunk some of my outfits to save space."

Hermione was surprised. "That's a good idea."

"Desperate times called for desperate measures," Lavender said. "But you know, we can't always get what we want. So we have to make do with what we have."

Hermione nodded as she lay back on the narrow bed. "We have three years of this..."

"I like to think of it as the beginning of a new adventure," Lavender said grabbing a set of pyjamas from her dresser.

"At least you're not working with Ron Weasley," Hermione said.

"He's really not that bad," Lavender tried to reassure her. "I think Harry thought you'd be a good influence on Ron."

"He's completely unserious," Hermione looked over at her. "I'm going to wind up doing all of our work."

"Harry won't let Ron get away with that," Lavender said.

Hermione hoped Lavender was right. She also hoped Harry would stick to his word about not treating her differently due to what had happened.

Hermione resolved to put last night behind her and just think of Harry Potter as just another professor. He was off-limits to her in any other capacity.

But her traitorous mind still made her feel the touch of his hands on her body, and made her remember how passionately he had kissed her.

"Thinking about Justin?" Lavender teased.

"No," Hermione answered.

"Ernie?" Lavender guessed. "Or maybe you and Ron have that opposites attract thing---" Her voice trailed off at the glare Hermione sent her at those words. "Or maybe not..."

"I'm not thinking of any bloke," Hermione answered. "I don't have time for such nonsense."

"Right," Lavender said with a knowing grin. "You can't fool me."

"Well what about you?" Hermione countered. "Who have you got your eye on?"

"No one here," Lavender confided. "I broke things off with my ex before I came here."

"How long were you with him?" Hermione asked conversationally.

"Seamus and I were together for almost two years," Lavender said. "We dated right after Ron and I broke up."

"You dated Ron?" Hermione asked, her eyebrow raised.

Lavender nodded. "Just for a little while during our sixth year. It wasn't anything serious."

"I can't imagine Ron doing anything serious," Hermione changed into her own pyjamas.

"He's actually pretty serious with Luna," Lavender told her. "She's still at Hogwarts. She's a good friend of his little sister's."

Hermione wondered if this Luna girl was completely daft to be dating Ron.

"They're really adorable together," Lavender continued. "And even though Luna's a bit out there, she's really sweet."

"Hmm," Hermione climbed under the covers. "I'm sure they're a real joy together."

Lavender giggled. "On that note, I think we'll say good night."

Hermione had to smile at her roommate. She really wasn't as bad as she originally thought Lavender would be. "Good night."

Lavender turned out the lights and Hermione closed her eyes trying to think of anything but Harry Potter. She imagined he wasn't having too hard of a time getting her out of his mind.

Hermione didn't know just how wrong she was. He was currently lying in his own bed, staring at the spot she had occupied the night before.

He wasn't supposed to see her again after last night. Why did she have to be one of his students?

He hadn't felt like this about a girl since Parvati. There was something about Hermione that piqued his interest but he couldn't put his finger on what exactly it was.

He reached for the file on his bedside table. Curiosity had gotten the better of him and he'd nicked it from the administration office before he'd left for the evening. "Granger, Hermione Jane."

A smile touched his lips. "Muggleborn, highest in her class at Beauxbatons..."

He read over the rest of her preliminary information. Some of the things he knew from their conversation last night. Some were quite a surprise to him. Despite her high marks, one of her weaknesses was flight. Apparently, she had zero control over a broom and this had led to many mishaps. Due to this, she hadn't been on a broom since her elementary flying lesson during her first year. No wonder she didn't look too pleased when he'd mentioned flying and brooms in class that morning.

It was also noted in her file that she claimed to work better alone and not in a team. That was something she was going to have to learn to get used to.

He knew that she wasn't happy about working with Ron. Truth be told, he probably should have let her work with Lavender. Anything would have been better than watching Justin Finch-Fletchley trying to worm his way in to her good graces.

At the same time, he hoped his best friend would survive in the program, and if that were to happen, he needed a partner who would force him to concentrate.

Harry was about to close the file when he noticed a photograph of the brunette in the back of the file.

He pulled it out and studied it. She was pretty- but not in the same way Parvati had been. Hermione had a rather simple beauty about her.

Harry sighed. She was his student. He shouldn't be sitting here looking at a photograph of her and thinking about what it felt like to be with her.

He stuffed the photo back into the file and tossed it on his nightstand. Harry turned and buried his face in his pillow.

He had to forget about Hermione Granger. Last night was a one-time thing.

"Right," He muttered to himself. "Just a one time thing."

His old school friend, Dean Thomas, kept asking if he could set him up with a girl. Perhaps, that was just what he needed.

*** *** ***

They were a few days into training, and Hermione desperately hoped she wouldn't be paired with Ron for the next three years. He took nothing seriously, and apparently after getting a letter the previous night from his girlfriend, was in rare form.

"Three more days," Ron said grinning at her. "Three more days until I see my girl again."

"What was it?" Justin asked. "Three days, two hours, thirteen minutes--"

"Don't encourage him, Justin," Hermione said. "Please."

"What's wrong with being excited to see my girlfriend?" Ron glared at her.

"Nothing," Hermione muttered trying to concentrate on what was happening at the front of the classroom. Harry was teaching them the disillusionment charm. Currently, Eloise Midgen was having trouble mastering it.

"Just flick your wrist this way," Harry showed her. "Not to the left--"

"Is that your right or my right?" Eloise asked.

Harry tried to mask his impatience. "Your right."

"I'm thinking of leaving here about nine Saturday morning," Ron told Justin. "That way I'll be there when Luna arrives. Fred and George said we could go upstairs..."

"Who said we could leave here?" Hermione asked him sharply.

"We have Saturdays off," Ron reminded her. "And I'd appreciate it if you'd mind your own business."

Hermione rolled her eyes again. "I'd appreciate it if you'd concentrate on something other than your libido."

"My what?" Ron asked.

Justin snorted back his laughter. "Come on mate." he snickered.

"Your sex drive," Lavender told Ron.

"Figures he wouldn't know what I was referring to," Hermione muttered.

Eloise finally mastered the charm and Harry sighed in relief. "Very good, Miss Midgen."

"Thanks Harry-- I mean Mr. Potter." Eloise said.

Harry looked at his watch. "Okay, we'll just take a shirt break. Be back here in 20 minutes and Miss Brown and Mr. Macmillan will try the charm."

"Finally," Ron shoved his chair back. "I'll be in the cafeteria."

"Come on, Hermione," Lavender said. "I'll treat you to a muffin."

"I'm not that hungry--" Hermione tried to object.

"Chocolate chip muffins," Lavender said not taking no for an answer. She grabbed her roommate's hand and practically dragged her out of the room. Harry tidied the room up a bit before he followed the trainees to the cafeteria. He was hoping to run into Lupin.

He was in luck- he saw Lupin just as he was heading inside. "Got a minute?" he asked the older man.

"Of course, Harry." Lupin smiled. "What can I do for you?"

"Those books you were telling me about," Harry began. "Do you think I could stop by your office later and pick them up?"

"Sure," Lupin nodded. "I should be around after the last class for a little while."

"Thanks," Harry said. "I was thinking Eloise could use one or two of them. She's having trouble with some of the concealing charms."

Lupin smiled in approval. "I like that you're thinking of your students' best interest."

"I have to admit that sometimes it does try my patience," Harry admitted.

"Join the club," Lupin said wryly.

Harry was about to say something else to his mentor when someone clapped him hard on the back.

"Harry," Ron said sitting down with a tray of food. "My best mate."

"Hi Ron," Harry raised an eyebrow at him.

"Why don't you cut to the chase and tell Harry what it is you want," Lupin said stifling a chuckle.

"Well," Ron said. "Saturday is the first Hogsmeade visit..."

"As I've heard," Harry said.

"I was hoping to go meet up with Luna," Ron said cajolingly.

"Mr. Weasley," Lupin said leaning back in his chair. "You are aware that trainees do have Saturdays off and you are able to leave the Ministry during that time, but you must be back here by six p.m."

"I can do that," Ron nodded quickly.

Harry's back was to the table just behind them so he didn't notice when Lavender and Hermione sat down. Hermione had protested, but it was the only table available.

"You should come with me, Harry." Ron was saying. "It'd be fun to go to Hogsmeade again."

"I can't," Harry said. "I have plans."

"You do?" Ron asked.

"Dean's setting me up with Megan Jones," Harry told him.

Lupin grinned. "That's great, Harry. You should get out and enjoy yourself. You're only young once."

"Megan Jones?" Ron asked, impressed. "Man, she was so hot!"

"On that note," Lupin said pushing back from his chair. "I'm going to say goodbye. Harry, I'll have those books for you later."

"Thanks," Harry told him. "Are we young ones too much for you?"

"The old man can't cut it," Ron joked.

Lupin gave Ron a dirty look. "You see how old I am when you face off against me in our next lesson."

Ron gulped. "You look rather young today, Professor Lupin."

"Good save," Lupin nodded with a smirk.

"So where are you and Megan going?" Ron asked before taking a bite of his toast.

"Thought I'd take her somewhere in Muggle London," Harry shrugged. "Maybe the Ivy?"

"That's quite posh," Ron commented. "Very impressive."

"I think she'll like it," Harry answered noncommittally.

Ron grinned and looked over at Lavender. "Hey, Lav! If some bloke took you to The Ivy, would you be impressed?"

"Who's taking who to the Ivy?" Lavender asked.

"Harry here is taking Megan Jones to the Ivy," Ron said nudging his best friend.

Hermione looked down at her muffin, trying not to show how this news bothered her.

"Megan Jones?" Lavender asked. "Really?"

"Yeah," Harry avoided looking at Hermione. "Dean's fixing me up with her."

"She's hot," Ron said before stuffing a whole piece of toast in his mouth.

"You have such a one track mind," Lavender shook her head.

"You used to love that about me," Ron said winking at her.

"I did not," Lavender said, but she blushed.

"Are you doing anything special on Saturday?" Ron asked her. "I'd ask your roommate, but I imagine she's going to spend it in some library reading. Or maybe she's going to alphabetize something."

"And what if I was?" Hermione asked him, her eyes dark.

Ron laughed. "Living on the edge, aren't we, Granger?"

"As opposed to you?" Hermione returned. "On the edge of obesity?"

"For your information," Lavender said. "Hermione and Justin are going to a movie."

"What?" Harry asked before he could stop himself.

Hermione looked at Lavender. She didn't know anything about going to the movies with Justin. "Um...that's right."

"Since when?" Harry demanded.

Lavender and Ron looked quizzically at Harry. They couldn't understand why he would have a problem with that.

"Since this morning when he asked her," Lavender said. She looked over to the table where Justin was sitting with Ernie.

Hermione cast a look at her roommate. Justin had not asked her to the movies nor did she intend on going to see any movies this weekend. She wasn't sure what Lavender's plan was.

"Justin must have bumped his head," Ron said.

"He should do more than bump his head," Harry muttered.

Neither Ron nor Lavender heard this, but Hermione had.

She turned in her chair and gave him a look. "What's so wrong with Justin taking me to the movies?" she challenged.

"Yeah," Lavender said taking her side. "It's not against the rules for trainees to date."

"I didn't say it was," Harry snapped.

Ron stood up, shaking his head. "I'm going to grab a glass of juice before we go back to class."

"You have five minutes," Harry stood up. "Don’t' be late."

"Ooooh," Lavender said pushing her tray away. "I'd better head to the loo. I'll catch up to you in class, Hermione."

"Fine," Hermione rose and threw away the remains of her muffin.

Lavender hurried over to Justin to fill him in on what had happened. Hermione wished she'd just stayed in the classroom.

"What?" Justin asked. "Why'd you tell him that?"

"Ron was giving Hermione a hard time," Lavender told him. "So if he asks, just tell him you're taking Hermione to the movies on Saturday."

"Okay..." Justin looked over where Hermione was disappearing out the cafeteria doors. "Think she'd go if I actually asked her?"

"I think you're in with a chance," Lavender told him. She didn't know if that was true, but Hermione wanted to save face in front of Ron.

"Maybe I'll catch her before class then," Justin hurried out of the room.

"Good luck," Lavender whispered.

He managed to catch her just before she got back in the classroom. "Hey Hermione!" he called.

"Justin," Hermione said forcing a smile.

"Um... Lavender just told me about Ron," Justin turned a bit red. "And um... I thought if you wanted to, we could go see a movie so it's not just, you know... a lie or anything."

Hermione knew Lavender was only trying to help, but she had just made things worse. The last thing Hermione wanted to do was hurt Justin's feelings. But, if Harry was going on a date with some girl, who's to say that she couldn't go out with Justin. "Um, okay. Yeah."

"Really?" Justin brightened.

"Sure," Hermione said seeing Harry approaching. "That could be fun."

"Great," Justin said happily. "I'm really looking forward to it. Maybe afterwards we can go grab some coffee."

"I'd like that," Hermione said.

Justin leaned in and for a moment Hermione thought he was going to kiss her but he only pecked her cheek.

"I'll see you inside," Justin said.

"Right," Hermione said, turning away from Harry.

"Hermione--" he called after her.

"Yes?" she asked coolly.

"Tomorrow afternoon, we start flying techniques," Harry said. This wasn't at all what he'd wanted to tell her, but it was the first thing that popped into his head. "I--I hope that you like your broom."

She felt herself stiffen but wouldn't allow him to see that. "I suppose I don’t' have a choice."

"It's a vital part of your training," Harry said keeping his tone business-like given that some of the other students were walking past them into the classroom.

"Fine," Hermione answered. "I'll get it."

"I'm sorry about earlier," he said quietly. "I hope you and Justin have a good time on your date."

"And you on yours," Hermione said uncomfortably.

"We'd better get inside," Harry said awkwardly.

"Right," Hermione moved past him and Harry closed the door behind them.

Harry called Lavender and Ernie up to the front of the class to try the disillusionment charm. Hermione tried to concentrate on the lesson.

"Move your wrist," Harry instructed the blonde. "To your right..."

"Like this?" Lavender asked.

"Right," Harry nodded. "That's good."

Lavender beamed at him. "I'm a natural."

Ernie rolled his eyes. "Then be a natural and cast the spell."

"Shut it, Ernie," Lavender said glaring at him.

Ernie flicked his wrist and shot a spell directly at her.

Lavender's hair turned green causing the blonde to shriek.

Harry was not amused. "Ernie, go sit down."

"Fine," Ernie grumbled.

"My hair," Lavender nearly cried.

"Change it back, Ernie," Harry ordered.

Ernie smirked. "I might have to get up off my chair."

Harry stared him down. "Well, you can practise this spell Saturday while the rest of your friends are enjoying their day off."

Ernie's smirk disappeared. "You can't do that!"

"Actually, I can," Harry shot back. "I am your teacher, Mr. Macmillan.";

"Whatever," Ernie snapped, crossing his arms and sitting back. "Then change her hair yourself."

"Ernie," Justin said to his friend. "Come on, mate."

Ernie glared at him. "Suck up."

"Get out," Harry said folding his arms. "And don't come back until you can refrain from your outbursts and you can respect my position as your instructor."

"You can't kick me out," Ernie said defiantly.

The rest of the class looked at Harry.

"Want to try me?" Harry asked in a low, dangerous voice.

"This is a joke," Ernie said pushing back from his chair and stalking out of the room.

The whole class broke out into whispers once he left. "Okay," Harry barked. "Back to work!"

"Um… my hair?" Lavender asked hesitantly.

Harry flicked his wand and Lavender's hair turned back to a gleaming blonde shade.

"Thank you," Lavender muttered before hurrying back to her seat.

Even Ron kept his antics subdued the rest of the lesson that day as to not risk Harry's wrath.

The trainees couldn't wait to get out of the class to gossip about what would happen with Ernie.

"Do you think he'll get kicked out?" Eloise asked.

"He should," Lavender huffed, touching her long hair. "I can't believe he almost ruined my looks."

Hermione thought the worse offence by far was Ernie back-talking to Harry. For some reason, Ernie didn't take Harry seriously.

"Well what do you think?" Lavender turned on her roommate. "I think Ernie should be kicked to the curb for what he did to me."

"Everything he did in there was out of line," Hermione replied.

Eloise nodded vigorously. "He'd never treat Professor Lupin that way."

Hermione couldn't have agreed more.

"Come on," Lavender said. "Let's grab some lunch."

"I forgot my bag," Hermione said hoping against hope that Harry had already left the classroom. "I'll catch up."

"We'll see you down there," Lavender told her, hurrying ahead.

Hermione nodded and walked quickly back to the classroom to retrieve her bag.

To her dismay, Harry was still inside, looking over a few files at the desk.

He looked up when she came into the room. "What are you doing back here?"

"I forgot my bag," Hermione said, moving quickly towards her desk. "I'll just grab it and go--"

"I shouldn't have let him get the best of me," Harry said quietly.

"Ernie?" Hermione asked. "He was a bloody moron. He shouldn't be talking to you like that."

"Yes, but I went to school with everyone in this room," Harry said leaning back in his chair. "I actually thought they'd take me seriously."

"Most of them do though," Hermione replied, approaching the desk. "Lavender's really impressed that you're teaching us."

"One out of ten," Harry said. "I'm really doing great, aren't I?"

Hermione crossed her arms. "We haven't been doing this that long. I think you're doing fine, Harry."

He smiled at her. "You really think so? Because sometimes I feel like the blind leading the blind."

"I don't think there's anyone better we could learn from," Hermione answered softly.

He held her gaze for a few moments before speaking again. "Thank you."

Hermione nodded. "I um... I guess I'll see you after lunch then."

"Yeah," Harry said his gaze still trained on her. "After lunch."

Hermione blushed at his intense look before turning and hurrying out of the room.

Harry nearly called after her, but stopped himself. They were supposed to be moving on.

Hermione hurried downstairs and joined Lavender and Eloise at a table in the cafeteria.

"We were afraid that Harry might have taken your head off," Lavender said. "Everything okay?"

"Its fine," Hermione answered. "He didn't say anything rude to me."

"That's good," Lavender said before taking a sip of her drink.

"I'm a little nervous about flying," Hermione confessed.

"Me too," Eloise said. "I'm rubbish at it."

"What?" Ron asked as he passed by. "Miss Perfect admits she's horrible at something?"

Hermione chose to ignore him.

"Ron quit it," Lavender ordered. "Remember the first time you tried to fly? Your broom whacked you right in the nose."

Hermione and Eloise had a good laugh at that.

"Thanks a lot," Ron glared at his ex girlfriend.

"How are Ginny and Neville?" Eloise asked, trying to keep the peace. "Are they handling the long-distance relationship as well as you and Luna?"

"They're good," Ron nodded, turning his back on Lavender and Hermione. "We're heading to Hogsmeade together to see them."

"Luna and Neville were always really nice to me," Eloise said. "I appreciated that."

"Parvati always thought Luna was a little off, but she liked her." Lavender said with a faraway look in her eyes.

"I still can't believe she's gone," Eloise said.

"I really miss her," Lavender wiped at her eyes. "I'm sorry. Just sometimes, it still really hurts..."

"We all do," Ron said. "Especially you and Harry, since you were the closest to her."

Lavender nodded. "And he never wants to talk about it."

"But at least he's attempting to move on now," Ron said referring to his friend's upcoming date with Megan.

Hermione bit her lower lip at the mention of Harry's upcoming date. Part of her now wished she hadn't taken Justin up on his offer.

"I don't know," Lavender said thoughtfully. "Megan's not really his type."

"But she's so hot," Ron stuffed some crisps into his mouth.

"Your girlfriend sure is one lucky girl," Hermione said rolling her eyes.

"Luna's happy with who I am," Ron told her. "I don't have to change for her."

"Like I said," Hermione said looking disdainfully at him. "Lucky girl."

"Just because no blokes find you attractive--" Ron began angrily.

Hermione felt a surge of anger and it took everything she had not to turn him into a slug.

"Enough, you two," Lavender said. "Can't we just have a nice quiet lunch?"

"Don't worry," Ron said grabbing his tray. "I'll go. "

"I can't stand him," Hermione said when he'd left.

"I think the feeling's mutual," Eloise commented.

"Well you'll have to live with it," Lavender sat back and began running her hand through her hair again. "He's your partner."

"Don't remind me," Hermione said. The three girls were silent for a few minutes, eating their meals. Hermione's curiosity got the better of her. "Lavender? That girl---Megan Jones. You said she wasn't Harry's type. Why?"

Lavender shrugged. "She's all right, I suppose, but she's sort of flashy. Always wants to be the centre of attention and to be seen. Harry's not like that."

"Why would his friend set them up if she's like that?" Hermione wondered aloud.

"I think Harry probably asked him just in general," Eloise nodded.

"Oh," Hermione said trying to appear disinterested.

"Why do you ask?" Lavender asked.

"She's probably just curious since she's the only one of us who didn't go to Hogwarts," Eloise guessed.

"Right," Hermione said quickly. "That's exactly it."

"I'll be surprised if this lasts more than one date," Lavender said seeing Harry walk into the cafeteria just as Padma Patil was walking out. "Oh no---"

4. Chapter 4

A Happy Birthday to Harry, and in the REAL Potterverse, he is celebrating with Hermione, not that redhead ho. Hope you enjoy this chapter and please review!

Harry stopped as Parvati's twin sister blocked his path. "Hello Padma," he said quietly.

Padma glowered at him before stalking out of the cafeteria.

Harry sighed and stood there for a moment looking after her. The Patil family hated him, and rightfully so, he figured. But he wanted to try and at least make peace with Padma, considering they were both working in the Ministry.

But that didn't seem possible given the look on her face just now. He wanted her to know that if he could, he would change things.

Sometimes part of him wish he'd never pursued Parvati. She'd still be alive and happy if she had never been with him.

"Poor Harry," Lavender commented watching as he silently joined the queue.

Hermione had also witnessed the scene. "I didn't realise Parvati had a twin," she said quietly.

Eloise nodded. "She works here at the Ministry in the Wizengamot."

"Wow," Hermione was impressed. "That's quite a job to get right out of school."

"She's super smart," Lavender confided. "Parvati was too, in her own way, but Padma was a real overachiever."

"In Ravenclaw," Eloise added. "The smartest house at Hogwarts."

"She blames Harry for what happened to her sister," Lavender said shaking her head. "There wasn't anything he could do."

"What... what exactly happened?" Hermione asked curiously.

"Well," Lavender said. "After our sixth year, Harry decided he was going to leave school and go off in search of Voldemort and the horcruxes. Ron and Parvati were going to go with him and he did everything he could to talk them out of it."

"I read about those," Hermione nodded. "I take it he couldn't dissuade them?"

"He thought he had," Lavender continued. "He left in the middle of the night without their knowledge. When Parvati found out, she was a wreck."

"I remember that," Eloise nodded. "She wouldn't eat for a week."

"So what happened?" Hermione asked.

"She left," Lavender said. "During a Hogsmeade visit."

"She'd overheard Professor McGonagall talking about his whereabouts," Eloise said.

"So she went after him," Lavender said. "That was... that was the last time any of us saw her alive."

"But she chose to go after him," Hermione commented. "He didn't make her go. Her parents and sister shouldn't blame him for that."

"They do though," Lavender looked over at the black haired young man.

Hermione could understand their grief, but their anger was completely misplaced. Her heart went out to Harry. From what she knew of him, she had a feeling that he too blamed himself for what happened.

"He had so much to contend with already," Lavender said sympathetically.

Hermione had a newfound respect for Lavender since it was obvious she didn't blame Harry for her best friend's death.

"I sometimes talk to Padma, but she and I were never close." Lavender finished. "And she doesn't like the fact that I don't share her opinion of Harry."

"It's been a year," Eloise said. "I would have thought she'd have time to realise he didn't do this. He had no idea she'd even left Hogwarts."

"Did they ever meet up again before she died?" Hermione asked softly.

Lavender shook her head. "When Harry found her, she was already dead. Voldemort got to her first."

"That's horrible," Hermione said, also turning to look over at Harry, who had sat by himself at a table in the corner.

"Her parents wouldn't even let him come to the memorial service," Eloise said sadly.

Despite her earlier misgivings about Harry, Hermione felt nothing but sympathy for him now. It was obvious he'd been through some rather tough obstacles in his life. "And now he's got to deal with prats like Ernie," she said to the two girls.

"Ernie and Harry have always had a rivalry," Lavender said. "Even more so now."

"Why?" Hermione asked. "After everything Harry's done, Ernie still hates him?"

"Jealousy," Lavender replied. "It's as simple as that. Ernie likes to be the best."

"I always thought Ernie had a thing for Parvati," Eloise confided.

"Really?" Lavender asked.

"Just a feeling I always had," Eloise was eager to gossip.

"Parvati only had eyes for Harry," Lavender said. "I imagine if this hadn't have happened, they'd be engaged or something by now."

Hermione bit her lower lip and looked away. She didn't like that this news upset her.

"Hopefully, he'll find someone else," Lavender said. "And I can say with confidence, it's not going to be Megan Jones."

"I hope not," Hermione muttered before she could stop herself.

Lavender looked quizzically at her.

Hermione blushed. "Sorry... I started thinking about something else. About um... our flying lesson this afternoon."

"It's not going to be that bad," Lavender assured her. "And I'm sure you're going to be fine on a broom. If you're not, just ask Harry. I'm sure he'd be happy to help you."

"We'll see," Hermione said absently, her mind on what she'd just learned.

Later that afternoon, she joined the rest of her trainees outside on the Ministry lawn. They all had their brooms and Hermione felt a pang in her stomach at the thought of getting on it. She liked being in control and on a broom she had absolutely no control. The last thing she wanted to do was make a fool of herself in front of the class.

"All right," Harry said. "One of the most important things is knowing how to fly, and knowing how to fly fast. You sometimes have to go really high up, so a fear of heights, if you have one, is something to get over."

Eloise definitely had a fear of heights and she looked like she'd rather run a mile than get up on her broom.

Hermione didn't fear being high up, but worried that her lack of control over her broom could cause her to fall.

"Everyone mount your brooms," Harry called out. "We'll do a few laps around the Ministry."

Hermione pressed her lips together and picked up the handle.

"That's not how you do it," Ron informed her.

Hermione glared back at him. "Well if you're so smart, you do it."

"Unlike some people," Ron said smugly. "I know exactly how to do it."

"Then do it," Hermione challenged.

"I think I'd like to watch you give it a go," Ron countered. "Come on then."

Hermione hated the redhead with every ounce of her being, but she put her hand over the broom like she'd been taught so long ago. "Up..."

Ron laughed when her broom stayed on the ground. All around them, the others were taking to the sky.

"Prat," Hermione hissed.

Ron took off with the rest of the class, leaving Hermione all by herself on the ground. "Up!" Hermione repeated. "Come on! UP!"

Harry looked down and saw Hermione struggling to get her broom into her hand. He flew back down towards her. "Need some help?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, thanks. I-I can do this."

Harry nodded. "Okay..." he looked at her expectantly.

"UP!" Hermione repeated in a pleading tone. Why wasn't the damn broom responding?

Harry got behind her. "You really have to feel it for the broom to respond," he said.

"Feel it?" Hermione asked, her breath catching in her throat at his closeness.

"Yeah," he answered softly. "It sounds a bit strange, but you really have to want to get on the broom."

"Well, there's my problem," Hermione said with a slight laugh. "I don't really want to get on the broom."

Harry half smiled at that. "If you want to succeed, you have to."

He lifted her arm and placed his arm over hers. "Now, say it."

Hermione took a deep breath. "UP!"

To her delight, the broom rose from the ground and into her hand.

"There you go," Harry said encouragingly.

"I think that's the easiest part," Hermione said. "I---I really am completely rubbish at this. I have no sense of control."

Harry nodded. "If you want some private lessons, all you have to do is ask."

"From you?" Hermione asked.

"If you want," Harry rubbed the back of his neck.

"I'd appreciate the extra help," Hermione said. "But, I'm sure you're too busy to do that and perhaps it's not the best idea given---"

"We moved on from that, remember?" Harry asked, looking away.

"Right," Hermione said softly. "Um, well, then I suppose if you're offering to help, then I accept."

Harry nodded. "Good. We'll start tomorrow after the lesson."

"Thank you," Hermione said smiling at him.

Harry nodded and smiled back. "We should get up there."

"Oh, right," Hermione said. "I was hoping you might have forgotten about that."

"Not likely," Harry replied. "Come on... you'll be fine."

Hermione wished she shared his confidence. "O-okay."

"You're going to be fine," Harry impulsively reached for her hand and squeezed it.

Hermione looked at him. "You promise?"

"Promise," Harry said. "You can do it."

Hermione nodded. "So--what's the best way to do this?"

"Get on, for starters," Harry answered. "And then just pull up on the handle. You'll go right up in the air."

Hermione did as he told her and said a silent prayer that she wouldn't take off too fast and crash into a tree or something.

"Good," Harry mounted his own broom and followed her up.

"How do you get it to turn?" Hermione shouted out to him.

"Guide it," Harry flew up beside her. "Just like this..."

Hermione tried to mimic his movements, but she'd turn a little too fast and her broom shot off to the right.

Harry still followed behind her. "Just pull a bit to the left," he shouted over the wind.

"What?" Hermione couldn't hear what he'd said. She tried to pull up on the handle but that only made her go faster for some reason. She was heading straight for the brick walls of the Ministry.

Harry flattened himself against his broom and flew along side her. "Pull left," he shouted. "Do it now!"

Hermione's hands were shaking as she gripped the handle and jerked it to the left.

To her relief, the broom turned away from the Ministry building.

"Good," Harry was still alongside her. "Now gently, pull up."

Hermione pulled up gently on the handle. "Can we land?"

Harry nodded. "You can stay on the ground, but I'll have to go back up with the others."

Hermione looked over at him. "How do we land?"

"Push down... gently." Harry told her, demonstrating.

"Gently," Hermione said nodding. "Okay...I like that."

"That's good," Harry nodded as he showed her how to land gently on the ground.

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief when she felt her feet firmly on the ground. She was still a little shaken by what had almost happened. If it hadn't been for Harry, she would have hit that wall.

Harry landed beside her. "Just take today and watch." he told her. "I'll catch you up tomorrow..."

"Thank you, Harry," Hermione said quietly.

He nodded. "Um... I really have to get up there."

"Go," Hermione told him. "I'll be fine down here."

Harry got back on his room and after one last look at her, flew up to join his students.

Hermione set her broom down and sat down on one of the benches. She looked up at the sky where the class was flying. She hoped no one had seen her close call.

Ron smirked. "Granger have a bit of trouble?" he asked when Harry joined them.

"She's fine," Harry said shortly.

"Can't handle herself on a broom, obviously." Ron replied.

"Leave her alone, Ron," Harry warned.

"You partnered me up with her," Ron retorted.

"Which means you are to work with her, not make snide comments about her or try and get a rise out of her," Harry countered.

"Whatever," Ron muttered. "Can we just get on with the lesson?"

"Right," Harry said. He spent the next forty-five minutes going over flying while simultaneously performing the disillusionment charm they'd learned that morning.

"This is too hard," Eloise complained.

"Just don't try and over think it," Harry told her. "You've already come so far just by getting up here as high as you are, Eloise."

Eloise nodded. "Okay..."

On the ground, Hermione was watching as best she could. She hated missing the lesson and hoped that Harry would be able to help her catch up during the extra lesson tomorrow.

Someone sat down beside her and Hermione turned to see Ernie. "How long have they been up there?" he asked her.

"Almost an hour," she answered.

Ernie sighed. "I'm supposed to wait down here like a good little boy and then apologise to Potter. Can you believe that?"

Hermione shrugged. "You shouldn't have been insolent to him earlier. Whether or not you like him, he's still your instructor."

Ernie rolled his eyes. "You sound like Justin."

"Yeah well, he's not the one in trouble." Hermione answered coolly.

"I told you I was going to be a good little boy and apologise," Ernie said. "I'm going to be an Auror and I'm not going to let Potter stand in the way."

"Then don't," Hermione replied. "Treat him with some respect. He sacrificed a lot for everyone, and he's just trying to teach some of what he knows."

"Whatever," Ernie grumbled.

Hermione rolled her eyes and ignored him.

A few minutes later, the rest of their classmates landed.

"That was good, everyone." Harry said. "You all did great for your first time."

"Was it good for you?" Ron asked winking at Lavender.

Lavender rolled her eyes. "Better than you were," she retorted.

"Okay, okay," Harry said stifling a laugh. "I guess I'll see you lot tomorrow morning. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon with Lupin."

Hermione got up and followed the rest of the class inside. She was angry with herself for not being able to be part of the lesson.

"Potter," Ernie called after him. "Can I have a quick word?"

Harry turned. "Yes?"

Ernie plastered an apologetic look on his face and then approached him. "I'm sorry for my behaviour this morning in class. I was out of line."

"I'll say you were," Harry replied coolly.

"Look, you and I have never been friends," Ernie said trying to keep his anger in check. "I'm trying to be the bigger man here and apologise."

"Fine," Harry replied. "Apology accepted. Don't act out in my class again."

"I'll be on my best behaviour," Ernie said in a smart-ass tone. "Let's just hope the same can be said for you."

Harry's eyes grew dark. "Don't forget that I'm the instructor. I'm here to teach you some of what I know. If you don't want to learn it, then stay out of my class. If you do, then I'll see you there tomorrow. But I will not tolerate any more of what you did today."

Ernie gave him a mock salute and then strode back toward the Ministry.

"Asshole," Harry muttered.

Ernie gave him one last look before entering the building. Harry Potter had to have some skeleton in his closet. Mr. Perfect couldn't get away with everything all the time. He was going to slip up about something and Ernie was going to be there when he did.

*** *** ***

After Lupin's portion of their lesson the next day, Hermione headed back outside. She tried not to dread flying again, but after her close call the day before, she really had no desire to get back on a broom.

She just hoped that the rest of her classmates stayed inside. The last thing she wanted or needed was having to endure Ron Weasley's teasing.

Harry was already waiting for her, two brooms by his side. "Hi," he stood up as she approached.

"Hi," she said looking with a frown at the brooms. "Um...you know, maybe this isn't such a good idea. I'm sure you're busy and I have some reading to do for Lupin's class...."

"You need to know this to pass the course," Harry interrupted.

"Right," Hermione said taking the broom he offered her.

"You're not scared of heights," Harry commented. "So, I can't really see what's the problem."

"I just..." Hermione tried to find the right words. "I don't like not being in control."

"But you are in control," Harry pointed out. "You're in control of where it goes. You decide how high or how low you fly."

"I wasn't in control yesterday," she muttered.

Harry looked at her. "Okay, Granger. Tie back your hair and then we'll begin."

Hermione sighed. She supposed there was no way of getting out of this.

Harry waited for her and tried not to watched as she pulled back her hair into a ponytail.

"Okay," Hermione grumbled.

"All right," Harry said. "You're going to do what I showed you yesterday. Hold your hand over the broom and say up."

Hermione set the broom down on the ground and then held her hand over it. "UP!"

The broom didn't move. Hermione huffed. "Come on you, bloody broom! UP!"

"You have to feel it," Harry said patiently. "Remember..."

Hermione nodded and took a deep breath. She wasn't used to failing at anything. "Up!"

This time, the broom shot directly up into her hand,

"There you go!" Harry said.

"I did it!" Hermione exclaimed, her eyes shining as she looked at Harry. "I can't believe I actually did it!"

"Good job," Harry nodded. "That's the first step right there."

Hermione smiled at him. "Probably the easiest one, right?"

Harry smiled back. "Pretty much. We'll take it slow up in the air."

"Right," Hermione said mounting her broom just as he did.

"Just pull up gently," Harry said. "Gently..."

Hermione pulled up a little on her broomstick and felt her feet rise off the ground. This wasn't that bad so far, she thought.

"Just keep it slow," Harry rose up right alongside her.

"Slow is really, really good," Hermione called out to him.

Despite himself, Harry chuckled. "Wait until you get used to flying," he said. "You'll want to go as fast as you can."

"I wouldn't count on that," Hermione said. "Baby steps."

"Just trust me," Harry said with a grin.

Hermione did trust him even though she barely knew him. "Okay...so if we wanted to go higher, we'd pull up gently like...this?"

"Right," Harry stayed right alongside her. "You're doing a good job."

"It helps that you're patient," Hermione said. "At Beauxbatons, our flying instructor was Madame Fournier."

"Was she that bad?" Harry asked.

"She was terrible," Hermione answered, relaxing a bit. "Screamed her head off if you weren't up in the air within five minutes our first day."

Harry laughed. "I bet it sounded worse in French, right?"

"Oh you'd better believe it," Hermione answered.

"I think her long lost brother taught at Hogwarts," Harry said. "Severus Snape."

Hermione wrinkled her nose. "Lovely name."

"If you ever saw him, you'd know the same suits him," Harry said. "Completely pale, sour look on his face all the time, dressed all in black. Long, greasy hair. Hates me because my last name is Potter."

"He hates you because of your name?" Hermione asked as Harry steered them around in a wide circle. "That's ridiculous."

"Well, apparently he and my dad were at school together," Harry told her. "They didn't get along. And I guess the sins of the father..."

"Are just passed on," Hermione finished. "You don't seem the troublemaker type, though."

Harry laughed. "I broke a few rules in my time."

"I was the good student," Hermione recalled. "Never stepped a toe out of line... never got into trouble..."

"I know," Harry said without thinking.

"How did you know?" Hermione asked.

"Uh..." Harry turned a bit red. "Lucky guess..."

"You've read my file," Hermione said looking at him. "Haven't you?"

"I sort of peeked at it," Harry said sheepishly. "After we... after you stayed over, I was a bit curious about you."

Hermione blushed. "Um...so why don't you know show me how we turn?"

"Right," Harry focused on the task at hand. "You just carefully pull your handle in the direction you want to go. When you get more accustomed to speed, it'll be easier."

"Like this?" Hermione asked doing as he instructed.

"A little too much," Harry had to turn sharply to keep alongside her.

"Sorry," Hermione called out. "I sometimes get ahead of myself."

"It's okay," Harry caught up to her.

"You know the other day when I was watching you with the class, you looked so...free," Hermione said. "Like you were having the time of your life."

"I love flying," Harry replied. "It's one thing I was able to do well right from the start."

"Youngest seeker in a century," Hermione said remembering something she'd read about him.

Harry smiled. "That seems so long ago. Almost a different lifetime."

"Can I ask you something?" Hermione asked. "Ron Weasley...how do you stomach him? He's insufferable!"

"He's really not so bad," Harry told her. "I think you'll be a good influence on him."

"Is that why you made us partners?" Hermione asked point-blank.

"Yes," Harry answered.

"So far his sole purpose seems to be to drive me insane," Hermione said with a sigh. "He never takes anything seriously. He's always talking about food and his girlfriend and Quidditch. And this morning he nearly jumped down my throat because I didn't know what a wonky feint was."

"Wronski Feint," Harry corrected her. "It's only one of the most amazing Quidditch moves in the world!"

"You sound just like him," Hermione said rolling her eyes, but there was a smile on her face.

"Surely not all bad?" Harry joked.

"No," Hermione laughed. "Not at all bad."

Harry smiled at her again and found himself wishing once more than she wasn't in the program- that she was just some other girl. He hadn't been interested in anyone since Parvati but Hermione was different.

"So if I wanted to the disillusionment charm while I'm up here," Hermione said. "What would I do?"

"You would keep gripping your broom with one hand," Harry said. "And cast the spell with your other."

"Think I'm ready to try that and to fly at the same time?" Hermione asked him.

"You could try it," Harry nodded.

"Okay," Hermione said nervously. She didn't like taking one hand off of her broom. She preferred holding onto it with both hands.

"You'll do fine," Harry encouraged her, flying close.

Her hand was shaking as she reached for her wand.

"Don't think about the fact that you're flying," Harry said.

That was easy for him to say, Hermione thought. She said the incantation, praying that she wouldn't crash into a wall of fall off her broom.

"Just concentrate..." Harry told her.

Hermione felt as if someone had just poured cold liquid over her. She grinned. She'd done it! This was exactly how she'd felt the other day when they'd performed the charm in class.

"Great job!" Harry congratulated her.

Hermione knew he couldn't see her, but she couldn't help beaming at him. She'd never have done this without his help.

"Do you think you can land?" Harry called out. "By yourself?"

"I think so," Hermione replied saying the incantation to reverse the disillusionment charm. "I just...I lower the broom slowly and focus on the spot where I want to land."

"Right," Harry nodded. "You've been studying, haven't you?"

"Maybe," Hermione said with a gleam in her eye.

Harry smiled at her again. "I'll land first. I want to see how you do it."

"Okay," Hermione nodded. "I'll wait for your signal."

"Whenever you're ready," Harry called back.

Hermione waited until he'd landed before she began her own descent.

"Push down and aim for one spot," she recited to herself.

"That's it," Harry encouraged.

Her landing was a bit bumpy, but not nearly as bad as she thought it would be. "I did it!"

"You were brilliant," Harry told her. "I'm proud of you."

"Thanks," Hermione said breathlessly. She impulsively hugged him.

Harry hadn't expected this, but still he found himself wrapping his arms around her and holding her close.

Hermione allowed herself to lose in the moment of being in his arms again.

"Hermione," he said softly.

"We're doing it again aren't we?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah," Harry said reluctantly letting go of her.

"It's hard keeping away from you like that," Hermione said before she could stop herself.

Harry nodded. "It has to be this way though. We could get in a lot of trouble if anyone knew..."

"I know," she nodded and looked away.

"I wish things were different," Harry said.

"You do?" she asked. "With me?"

Harry knew he shouldn't have said anything. There was no need to give her or himself hope for anything more than a teacher-student business-like relationship.

"Blokes don't normally see me the way you looked at me that one night," Hermione said quietly.

"I find that hard to believe," Harry said. "You're very pretty, Hermione."

She blushed. "Sometimes I feel that way..."

Harry smiled at her. "That night?"

"That was one of the best nights of my life," she confessed.

It was taking all that he had not to kiss her. This really was dangerous territory. "Mine too."

"Even..." Hermione hesitated.

"What?" he asked, stepping closer to her.

"Nothing," Hermione said. "It's not my place..."

Harry wanted to press her, but knew it would just lead to something they probably wouldn't be able to stop. No matter how much he wanted her, he wouldn't jeopardise her future for it. "I should get inside. I have a meeting at six."

"Of course," Hermione dropped her eyes away, feeling foolish for hoping that he might kiss her again.

"Enjoy your day off," he said to her. "With---with Justin."

"And you with... Megan." Hermione nodded.

Harry gave her one last lingering look before grabbing their brooms and heading back into the Ministry.

5. Chapter 5

We don’t know whether you guys will love us or hex us at the end of this chapter, but we do hope you enjoy it. Please review!!! ;)

Hermione sighed before making her way back to the small dormitory. She was more confused than ever on her feelings for Harry.

Lavender was sitting on her bed reading the book Lupin had assigned for them. "How was your walk?"

"Fine," Hermione lied.

"Must be really breezy outside," Lavender said. "You look all windblown and your cheeks are flushed."

"It is, a bit." Hermione smoothed her hair back.

"Justin stopped me on the way back upstairs," Lavender confided. "Wanted to know what kind of film you wanted to see and if you'd want to grab a bite."

"I don't know," Hermione answered. "I'm not so sure it's even a good idea."

"Hermione," Lavender said shaking her head. "Come on. You've already told him yes. You'd break the poor boy's heart if you cancelled out on him now."

"I won't cancel out," Hermione grumbled.

Lavender returned to her reading and Hermione picked up her own textbook eager to get her mind off of what had happened. It was easier said than done. He'd said that night was one of the best nights of his life, too.

She had thought she was complete rubbish, but apparently not.

"You sure you're okay?" Lavender asked.

"What?" Hermione asked. "Oh... I'm fine."

"You look a million miles away," Lavender commented. "Thinking about Justin, aren't you?"

Hermione shook her head. "I don't like him like that."

"Yet," Lavender said with a grin.

Hermione glanced warily at her. "You didn't tell him anything, did you?"

"No, of course not," Lavender replied.

"Promise you won't go giving him false hope," Hermione said.

"I wouldn't do that," Lavender promised. "He's really a good bloke, Hermione."

"He's very nice," Hermione agreed. "He'll be a good friend."

"And you can never have too many friends," Lavender said getting to her feet. "I promised Eloise I'd drop off my notes. I'll be right back."

"Okay," Hermione lay back on her bed.

It wasn't good to dwell on something that she could never have, but that didn't stop her from thinking about Harry and wondering what he was doing now.

If she was truly honest with herself, she would admit that she fancied him a bit.

While she did like Justin as a friend, there wasn't any spark there.

She only hoped he wouldn't get any ideas, especially since they were going out.

It would be nice to get out of here for a few hours and not have to dwell on the fact that Harry was out with this Megan Jones person.

After spending time with Hermione, Harry was no longer looking forward to this date.

His short meeting with his superiors was now over and he decided to blow off some steam in the Ministry gym.

He changed into a swim costume and hit the pool, swimming lap after lap.

A couple of lanes over, Ernie Macmillan was just finishing up his own workout and looked over to see Harry swimming as if he was being chased by a shark.

Harry didn't notice Ernie watching, which was probably a good thing given the angry words exchanged between them.

Ernie grabbed a towel and sat down beside Justin.

"So you and Granger are going out tomorrow?" Ernie asked.

"Yeah," Justin answered. "We're going to see a film and maybe get something to eat."

"She's kind of cute in a mousy, plain kind of way," Ernie commented.

"I think she's pretty hot," Justin replied. "And obviously smart as hell."

"They do say it's the quiet ones you have to watch out for," Ernie said with a grin.

"Hopefully I'll find out tomorrow," Justin laughed.

"Maybe you will," Ernie said. "I'll probably just hang out here."

"Get some studying done," Justin told him. "It couldn't hurt."

"I'm going to finish at the top of our training class," Ernie boasted.

Harry had just surfaced and he caught Ernie's lofty proclamation.

He was dying to reply and say he doubted that, but kept his mouth closed.

"I don't know," Justin commented. "Hermione's going to give you a run for your money, mate."

Ernie waved his hand dismissively. "You wait and see."

"I think it's going to be an interesting three years," Justin said with a grin. He caught sight of Harry and waved. "Alright, Harry?"

Harry jerked his head. "Fine, you?"

"Looking forward to the day off tomorrow," Justin said.

"Enjoy them while you can," Harry replied. "Lupin told me near the end of training, you're on call 24/7."

Justin groaned. "So much for my social life, right?"

Harry looked over at Ernie, who was glaring at him. "What's the matter with you?"

Ernie shrugged. "I was just wondering how it is you can train us when you yourself never went through the training..."

"Ernie---" Justin cautioned. "Come on, mate."

"Like I told you before," Harry said coolly. "I took all the tests and passed them with flying colours. Plus, I was asked to come do this. I didn't seek it out."

Ernie looked at him as if he didn't believe a word that was coming out of his mouth. But, thankfully, he didn't say anything in response.

"So," Justin said attempting to change the subject. "I heard you were taking Megan Jones out."

Harry shrugged. "Yeah."

"Weasley said you were taking her to some posh place," Ernie said. "Eager to impress, aren't we?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "When was the last time you had a date, Macmillan?"

Ernie was about to make a smart remark when Justin cut him off. "Hermione and I are going to a film tomorrow," Ernie announced. "I thought I'd take her for a bite to eat afterwards. Can you recommend a good place, Harry?"

Harry felt his jaw tighten. "I don't know what she likes to eat," he answered shortly.

"She mentioned that she really likes Italian," Justin offered.

"Then take her somewhere that serves Italian," Harry pushed his wet hair back. "I'll see you lot at the lesson on Monday."

"Wanker," Ernie said when Harry was out of earshot.

"You need to lay off him," Justin replied. "He's not a bad bloke. And it's not his fault Parvati preferred him over you."

"Yeah, I'll lay off him," Ernie said getting to his feet.

"I'll believe that when I see it," Justin returned.

Ernie couldn't understand why Justin and his fellow trainees didn't realise what bullshit this was. Potter had no business training them for anything. Ernie knew it was only a matter of time before Potter slipped up and Ernie wanted to be there when it happened.

*** *** ***

Ron could hardly wait to get to Hogsmeade to see Luna. It had been several weeks since she had gone back to school and him to Auror training. He had loads to tell her about, especially his annoying partner.

They'd agreed to meet just outside The Three Broomsticks and Ron was currently pacing outside the pub. He'd seen a few of the other Hogwarts students milling about so he knew Luna would soon be here.

He saw his sister meet Neville and head into Madam Puddifoots. He smirked to himself, grateful that Luna wasn't the type to go for that frippery.

"Ronald?"

"Luna!" Ron spun around.

She was wearing jeans and a green jumper. Her hair was pulled back just as he liked it and she was wearing radish earrings. Before he could say anything, she'd planted a kiss on him that nearly knocked him off his feet.

Ron wrapped his arms around her, deepening the kiss and not caring who saw them snogging like this. "I missed you."

"I missed you," she said dreamily. "Did you enjoy my letters?"

"All of them," he nodded. "And I've got loads to tell you."

"Let's get a table then and you can tell me all about it," Luna said giving him another kiss.

"Right," Ron squeezed her hand. He hadn't realised until now just how glad he was to see her again.

Luna led the way into the pub and they found a table near the back. After they ordered, they cuddled up in the booth.

"So tell me how your training is," Luna said.

"It's pretty tough already," he said. "I mean, I've got three more years of this and I can't stand my partner."

"What's wrong with your partner?" Luna asked.

"She's mental!" Ron replied. "I can't believe Harry put me with her."

"Ronald, I'm sure she's not that bad," Luna said before taking a sip of her juice.

"You have no idea," Ron answered. "She can't take a joke at all."

"She's probably serious about her training," Luna said thoughtfully.

"But she acts like I'm not," Ron complained.

"Are you?" Luna asked.

"Sure I am," he answered quickly.

Luna gave his hand a squeeze. "Okay."

Ron relaxed at her touch. "How about you?" he asked. "Your last year? How's it going?"

"It's going well," Luna told him. She gave him a quick rundown on her classes and her marks. "And it's been nice having Ginny there to talk to. She's missed Neville as much as I've missed you."

"I bet she only misses him half as much," Ron replied with a grin.

Luna laughed. "It is quite different without you around to distract me."

"I miss distracting you," Ron leaned over and kissed the side of her neck.

"Mmm," Luna purred.

Madam Rosmerta laughed as she set their plates down on the table. "If you'd rather nibble on her neck, perhaps you don't want the food then?"

"No we'll take the food," Ron said, pulling away.

"Thank you, Rosmerta," Luna said smiling at her.

The older woman winked at them and went back to the bar while Ron dug eagerly into his food.

"Ronald, how is Harry doing?" Luna asked. "I've been worried about him."

"He's all right," Ron replied. "Still misses Parvati a lot."

Luna nodded. "Still not ready to move on?"

"I don't know," Ron said. "He's going out with Megan Jones today. Dean Thomas set them up."

"Megan Jones?" Luna asked taken aback.

Ron nodded. "He's going to have a blast with her."

Luna wasn't so sure about that. Megan Jones was very flashy and seemed high-maintenance. But, then again, Luna didn't know the girl very well.

"What do you think about it?" she asked.

Ron shrugged. "She's fun. Merlin knows Harry needs more fun in his life."

Luna nodded. "Well then I hope she can give it to him."

"If you're going to pity someone," Ron said. "Pity Justin. He's taking my shrew of a partner out today."

"Ronald maybe you should be a bit nicer to her." Luna said.

Ron looked at his girlfriend as if she had sprouted a second head. Being nice to Granger was completely impossible, Ron thought. But, Luna had such a good heart, she thought that everyone deserved a chance. "I've tried, Luna," Ron told her.

Luna smiled at him. "Remember how you used to get angry at everyone for treating me badly? That could be how people have treated her."

"Luna--," Ron protested.

"For me?" Luna asked.

"You don't fight fair," Ron said knowing he'd never been able to refuse his girlfriend anything.

Luna giggled. "I know!"

"I'll try, but only for you," Ron said, wondering how in the world he was going to be nice to someone who hated his guts.

Luna pecked him on the lips. "Thank you Ronald."

Ron rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. He guessed he'd spent the next week trying to get into Hermione's good graces or at least to find some common ground with her.

Someone who was also trying to do that was Justin Finch-Fletchley. He knew that a film wasn't really the best first date idea. For one thing, they couldn't talk very much. He'd picked a period piece thinking she'd like that.

"Do you really like this?" he asked her again.

Hermione looked at him. "Yes," she whispered back. "It's fine."

"Okay," he nodded, looking back at the screen. Truth be told, he was bored to death.

He surreptiously checked his watch. The movie had been going on for two hours now and he hoped it would come to an end soon. Justin decided to make a move. Faking a yawn and a stretch, he rested his arm on the back of Hermione's seat. He waited a moment before moving his arm from the seat to her shoulder.

Hermione raised an eyebrow at this, but said nothing. Hopefully Justin wasn't dumb enough to try any moves on her.

"Why is she mooning over this Heathcliff character?" Justin whispered. "I thought she was married to that bloke Edgar."

"Because she loves him," Hermione whispered back impatiently.

"He's a moody wanker," Justin commented.

Hermione bit her lower lip in annoyance.

"If she wants to be with that Heathcliff, why doesn't she just dump Edgar?" Justin commented. "I guess women didn't make since even back then."

Hermione bristled. "If you'd just watch the movie, you'd understand what was going on," she whispered a bit sharply.

"Sorry," Justin apologised in a sheepish tone.

Hermione again tried to concentrate on the film. She hoped he wouldn't pursue going to get something to eat afterwards- she really just wanted to get back to the dormitory and lose herself in some reading.

She wondered what time Harry was taking Megan out. Would they be going to dinner? Would he take her out dancing? Hermione sighed. She wasn't supposed to care about what he was doing or whom he was doing it with.

Justin seemed to think she was sighing out of boredom. "We can get out of here if you want," he whispered to her.

Hermione shook her head. "No, it's fine. It's nearly over, Justin."

He slumped back in the chair. "Okay..."

Justin somehow made it through the last few scenes and he resisted the urge to say "Finally!" when the credits began to run across the screen.

Hermione wished she could have said she enjoyed the film, but quite honestly couldn't. Justin was already at the end of the row of seats and she got up to follow him.

"We have a couple of hours before we have to be back at the dorm," Justin said. "Would you like to grab a bite to eat?"

"I don't know," Hermione hedged. "I've got quite a bit of reading to do--"

"Come on," Justin said grinning at her. "We can go anywhere you like."

"Maybe some coffee," Hermione relented.

"That I can do," Justin said happily.

Hermione nodded as they walked towards the coffee shop on the corner.

"I'll place our order," Justin told her. "What do you want?"

"Just some regular coffee, please." Hermione answered. "I don't need anything really fancy."

"Got it," Justin said grinning at her. "Go and find us a table."

"Okay," Hermione answered, scoping out the room. She saw a corner table and snagged it before someone else could sit down.

Justin joined her a few minutes later with two coffees and some pastries. "I didn't know what you'd like so I got one of everything."

"Thanks," Hermione said. She resolved to try and be a bit nicer to the guy. "I am a little hungry."

"That movie really wasn't one I would have picked out," Justin admitted. "It's not really my type of film. I usually like action films or comedies."

"I enjoy the classics," Hermione answered. "Especially Jane Austen, or sometimes Charles Dickens."

Justin nodded. "Jane Austen...is that an actress?"

"No," Hermione shook her head. "She's a writer from the 1800's."

"Right," Justin said sheepishly. He took a sip of his coffee trying to think of something to say that wouldn't make him look like an idiot. "So, did you leave any blokes behind in France?"

"No," Hermione shook her head.

"I find that hard to believe," Justin said. "You probably had to beat the boys off with a stick."

"Hardly," Hermione smiled ruefully. "I was pretty involved with my studies."

"All work and no play," Justin teased.

"I played a little," Hermione smiled. "Well... very little."

Justin pushed the plate of pastries in her direction. "I know the next three years, we're not going to have much time to play."

"Tell me about it," Hermione picked up a brownie. "But I don't know... I'm sort of looking forward to it." she added. She didn't mention that she also looked forward to seeing Harry on an almost daily basis.

"I'm going to have my hands full keeping Ernie in line," Justin told her. "He really needs to watch what he says in front of some of our instructors."

"Yes he does," Hermione agreed. "Despite Harry being our age, he is our instructor and he does know quite a bit more than any of us."

Justin nodded in agreement. "Exactly and I think he's done really well so far."

"I agree," Hermione replied. "He's really quite um... um... smart."

"Harry's a great bloke," Justin said.

"Yes he is," Hermione said absently.

"I'm really glad that Lavender set this up," Justin said looking across the table at her. "I really like you, Hermione."

"I like you too," Hermione replied. "But... we're friends Justin. Right now, I can't see myself giving any more than that."

"Oh," Justin said quietly.

"But, I hope we can still be friends," Hermione said gently. "I really do like you, Justin."

He nodded. "Sure," he replied.

"Good," Hermione answered.

The next few minutes were quite awkward and Hermione shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"We should probably get back to the Ministry," Justin said. "Nearing curfew and all that."

"Right," Hermione nodded. "Let's take the rest of this back with us."

Justin asked the woman at the counter for a box.

They walked back to the Ministry together in a somewhat comfortable silence. "Thanks for understanding," Hermione said to Justin. "Just... right now, I feel like I have a lot of things going in my life." she thought about Harry, and tried to push the images aside.

"I suppose relationships are pretty impossible since the next three years of our lives are going to be full with training," Justin commented.

Hermione nodded. "Right."

Justin held the door for her. "After you...."

"Thanks," Hermione smiled at him. She wasn't looking where she was going and collided with someone just inside.

Harry held his arms out to steady her. "Hi."

"Oh..." Hermione's voice trailed off. "Um.... hi." Harry was dressed in a suit and tie and looked absolutely gorgeous. Hermione couldn't even speak over the lump in her throat.

Harry didn't realise he was still holding onto her until Justin spoke.

"Hiya, Harry," Justin said warmly. "You just heading out?"

"Yeah," Harry moved his gaze from Hermione's. "You two just getting in?"

Justin nodded. "We saw a film and then we went for a coffee."

Hermione didn't trust her voice. She knew she should say something, but right now, she doubted her ability to string words together.

Harry nodded. "Well... I hope you two have a good night. I'll see you Monday morning."

"Say hello to Megan for me," Justin said. He looked at Hermione. "We'd better go upstairs."

Hermione nodded again. "Good night," she managed.

Harry turned and watched her follow Justin and wished that it was Hermione he was talking out to The Ivy.

Megan had sent him an owl earlier telling him she preferred roses over daises for a first date flower, and not to be late, although she most likely wouldn't be ready until at least a half hour after he got there. Part of him wanted to kill Dean for setting him up, but he HAD asked him to do it.

Harry decided to just go with it. Perhaps this would be a great evening and they'd really hit it off.

He was quick to get to Megan's place after stopping at a florist and buying a dozen red roses.

He knocked on the door and waited for what seemed like forever before someone answered the door.

"I'm here to pick up Megan..." Harry said a bit hesitantly.

"She's still getting ready," the girl said. "Come in."

"Thanks," Harry stepped inside. "I'm Harry," he introduced himself.

"Tamara," the girl said looking a little put out. "I'm Megan's flatmate."

"It's nice to meet you," Harry replied awkwardly.

"You're shorter than I thought you'd be," Tamara commented before heading back into the kitchen.

"Uh... I'm sorry." Harry raised an eyebrow.

"TAMARA!" Megan shrieked from her bedroom. "Get our guest something to drink!"

Tamara jumped. "Can I get you anything?" she seemed to jump into hostess mode. "A glass of water, or wine?"

"No, thank you," Harry said sitting down on the sofa. "I'm fine."

"I'll go see if she's almost ready," Tamara ran from the room.

Harry nodded and set the flowers on the coffee table.

He tapped his foot a bit impatiently. Their reservations at the Ivy would be given away if they didn't get there within the next fifteen minutes.

Thankfully, Megan came out a couple of minutes later, looking very beautiful. "Hello, Harry."

"Hello," Harry rose to his feet. "These are for you," he held out the roses.

Megan's smile faltered a bit. "Red?"

"Thought that's what you'd like," Harry replied.

"Well, they're very lovely," Megan said handing them off to Tamara. "But in the future, please remember that I love pink roses best."

"I'll keep that in mind," Harry answered dryly. "Shall we?"

"Of course," Megan said. "Let me just get my wrap."

Harry helped her on with it then led her out the door. "I hope you like the Ivy," he said.

"I adore going there," Megan said smiling at him.

"Good," Harry smiled quickly.

Megan talked almost the entire way to the restaurant. Harry hardly managed to get a word in edgewise. For a brief moment, he imagined Hermione sitting beside him in the car.

"...so I told them that I really thought red would be a better colour," Megan was saying. "They decided to go with the orange. Can you believe that? I mean who wears orange these days?"

"I don't know," Harry said truthfully.

Megan smiled at him. "I've talked way too much about me. What about you?"

Harry shrugged. "What do you want to know?"

"What took you so long to ask Dean to set us up for one?" Megan asked flirtatiously.

"I haven't really been in the mood to date," Harry replied.

"Parvati?" Megan asked looking sympathetically at him.

Harry nodded. "Yeah."

Thankfully, they arrived at the restaurant and Harry didn't have to answer any more questions about Parvati.

"Reservation for Potter," Harry told the maitre'd. "I requested a corner table."

"Of course," the maitre'd replied. "Right this way."

Harry stepped aside and allowed Megan to walk in front of him.

The maitre'd held Megan's chair for her and she sat down looking around the room.

"It's a slow night," she commented. "We should have done this earlier."

"This was the time they had available for a reservation," Harry said sitting down.

"Maybe next time we should decide together on where to go then," Megan tossed her hair back. "It'll do."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry that I didn't consult you on that."

Megan only shrugged. "I hope the lobster is good tonight."

He wasn't surprised that she'd decided on the most expensive item on the menu.

"I hope you like champagne, too." Megan said. "I'd like a bottle of Cristal."

"Fine," Harry said with a sigh. "How about after dinner, we stop off at Tiffany's and buy you a diamond?"

Megan didn't catch his sarcasm. "Two carat or above."

Harry wanted to laugh. Dean thought this girl was his dream woman?

Thankfully, the waiter stepped in and Harry was spared replying.

Harry placed his order and Megan's, but apparently he didn't do this right either.

"Is there a problem, miss?" the waiter asked.

"I would like a salad with fat free vinaigrette on the SIDE," Megan emphasised. "And the lobster with NO butter. It's entirely too fattening."

"Yes, miss," the waiter said.

Harry rolled his eyes. This was going to be a long, long night.

Back at the dormitory, Lavender was beside herself wondering how Harry's date was going.

"I don't want him NOT to have fun," she said. "It's just weird to think of him with someone other than Parvati."

Hermione didn't want to be rude, but the last thing she wanted to think about was Harry and his date.

"And Megan's just really not his type." Lavender continued. "She's the kind of girl who wants diamonds on a first date."

"She must have some redeeming qualities if one of his best friends set them up," Hermione said trying to seem diplomatic.

"I don't know WHAT Dean was thinking," Lavender shook her head.

"Probably that he wanted to set his friend up with a hot girl who would put out," Hermione said grumpily.

Lavender laughed. "Well that's where he's wrong. Megan thinks she's above sleeping on the first date. You've practically got to buy her a jewellery store to get that far."

Hermione decided that maybe she shouldn't be so judgmental since she did sleep with a bloke on the first date. Well, it wasn't technically a date.

"More like a one night stand," she muttered.

"One night stand?" Lavender asked, her ears perking up.

Hermione hadn't realised she said that aloud. "Nothing."

Lavender gasped. "Did you have a one night stand, Miss Granger?"

Hermione flushed. "Absolutely not!" she denied.

Lavender sat down on the edge of Hermione's bed and looked at her roommate. "YOU DID!"

"No I didn't," Hermione lied.

"Uh-huh," Lavender said as if she didn't believe a word Hermione said.

"I have reading to do," Hermione grabbed a book off her nightstand.

"You little minx," Lavender teased.

"Drop it," Hermione said.

"Okay, okay," Lavender said standing up. "Was it good?"

Hermione didn't bother to even answer her.

"The only bloke I ever shagged was Ron Weasley for Merlin's sake," Lavender told her. "Come on...."

"You shagged Ron?" Hermione asked her nose scrunching up in disgust.

"He was my first," Lavender said. "And not so memorable..."

"Um, well, this one night thing was my first too," Hermione admitted in a voice nearly above a whisper.

Lavender spun around. "So you DID have a one night stand! You HAVE to tell me all about it!"

Hermione put her head in her hands. Why had she even brought this up? "There's nothing much to tell...."

"There has to be," Lavender said. "Who was it?"

"I didn't get his name," Hermione said.

Lavender's eyes grew large. "Hermione!"

"It's true," Hermione elaborated on the truth a little. "It just sort of happened..."

"You don't strike me as the type to do that," Lavender said. "Wow...."

"Thanks, I think." Hermione replied.

Lavender smiled. "So there's no chance you'll see him anymore?"

"I don't know about that," Hermione answered vaguely. "He... sort of popped up when I least expected him to."

"Ooooh," Lavender said excitedly. "So---"

"That's all I'm saying," Hermione answered.

"Okay," Lavender said trying to hide her disappointment.

Hermione read for a few minutes. "What?" she asked Lavender, who continued to stare at her.

"Nothing," Lavender replied reaching for her own book.

"I'm not telling you who it is," Hermione answered.

"You just said you didn't know his name," Lavender pointed out.

Hermione realised her mistake. "Well I'm not telling you what he looks like," she covered.

"I wouldn't tell anyone," Lavender promised.

Hermione wanted badly to confide in someone, but wasn't quite sure she could confide in Lavender just yet.

Thankfully, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Hermione called out.

"Hermione," Eloise said. "Professor Lupin would like to see you in his office."

Hermione stood up, her blood running cold for a minute. Had Lupin found out about her and Harry somehow?

Hermione followed Eloise out of the room. "Did he--did he say what it was about?"

Eloise shook her head. "I don't know. I ran into Harry downstairs and he asked me to come and fetch you. He said Lupin wanted to see you in his office."

"Harry's back from his date already?" Hermione asked.

"Suppose so," Eloise said. "I've got to go back to my room. I was in the middle of studying. Good luck."

"Thanks..." Hermione said. She headed down to the office with some trepidation.

She knocked on Lupin's door, expecting the older gentleman to throw open the door and tell her that he knew what she'd done and that she was kicked out of the program.

It wasn't Lupin that opened the door, but Harry.

He was still wearing his suit and tie, and she gulped. "Um... Lupin wanted to see me."

"He's not here," Harry told her, motioning for her to come inside.

"I don't understand," Hermione said as he closed the door behind her.

Hermione sat down and looked at Harry who started pacing as if he had a million things on his mind. Perhaps he was going to warn her that Lupin had found out about them?

"I had a date tonight," Harry finally said. " A real date."

"I know," Hermione answered.

Harry stopped pacing and looked properly at her. "I've only been in love once in my life. One time."

Hermione stayed silent, wondering why he was telling her this. Perhaps he now regretted them spending the night together.

"Parvati and me----we made plans," Harry said quietly. "We were going to get a place together when it was all over. She was so excited about it, I actually started to believe it was possible."

"I'm sorry you never got to do that," Hermione replied quietly.

"I thought I was being noble," Harry said sitting down beside her. "I thought that it was for the best if I went out and faced him on my own. I'd seen enough people I cared about die. I didn't want anything to happen to her or to Ron."

Hermione put a hand on his arm. She had the feeling that he had never opened up this way to anyone.

"He killed her like she was nothing," Harry said his voice breaking. "She didn't matter to him."

"I'm so sorry," Hermione squeezed his hand.

"I spent the last few months in a complete daze," Harry told her. "I shut myself off from my friends. I started hanging out at Muggle pubs. I didn't want to be around anyone. Lupin, he convinced me to take this job. He told me I could make a difference."

"You are," Hermione nodded. "You're the best person to teach us what we need to know to become Aurors."

Harry stood up and walked over to the window. "I'm not sure what I'm doing half of the time, Hermione. Hell, most of the time. And not just here...Parvati's gone and I'm supposed to move on, right? I'm supposed to go on with my life, such as it is."

"You don't have to forget about her," Hermione told him. "But I'm sure she would want you to be happy."

"That's what Megan said tonight," Harry said his back still to her. "Among other things. "

"Lavender was wondering how that was going," Hermione said tentatively.

"Really well," Harry said sarcastically. "I think she was picking out our china patterns before we'd even sat down for dinner."

"That bad?" Hermione asked.

"I bought the wrong roses," Harry said. "I picked the wrong time. In fact, I apparently did everything that you could possibly do wrong on a date including thinking about another girl the entire time I was with her."

Hermione shook her head. "It sounds to me as if she was the loser, Harry. You did everything right."

"I shouldn't have gone out with her to begin with," Harry said turning around. "When it was---when it was you I haven't been able to stop thinking about."

Hermione was startled. "Me?"

Harry loosened his tie. "I don't know what I'm saying. All I know is that after I dropped Megan off, I was heading home, but somehow found myself back here."

Hermione didn't quite know what to say. "I thought we were going to keep our distance," she offered weakly.

Harry didn't say anything to this. He just put his head in his hands.

"It's hard," Hermione swallowed. "It's hard for us."

Harry sat back down beside her. "I'm sorry for putting you in this position. You don't deserve this."

"You aren't putting me in any position," Hermione replied softly.

Harry just shook his head. "Look. We'll just find some way to carry on like we did before. Just--just forget I said anything."

"How am I supposed to do that?" Hermione asked.

Harry wished he had an answer for her. He should never have asked Eloise to go and get her. He should have never put her in this position. They were both playing with fire and if they were caught, her career would be ruined.

Hermione sensed his hesitation, his fear and his longing. Her hand was shaking as she put it on his shoulder.

"You should go," he said quietly.

"Why did you really call me down here?" Hermione asked him.

"I wanted to see you," he replied meeting her gaze.

"And now you want me to leave?" she asked.

Harry made a move to stand up again, but Hermione put her hand on his arm.

"You were just opening up to me," she said to him.

He'd never told anyone the things he'd just told her. Harry reached out and touched her cheek. "You haven't told me how you feel. Am I alone in this?"

Hermione shook her head. "No."

Harry smiled for the first time since she'd entered the room. "Where do we go from here?"

"I'm not sure," she said truthfully. "I know where I want to go..."

"Where?" Harry asked.

Hermione was sick of denying how she felt. "I think you know, Harry." she whispered.

Harry did the thing he'd wanted to do from the moment she had walked into the office. He pulled her to him and kissed her.

6. Ch 6

Boy you all are chomping at the bit for something more to happen between H/Hr. Well… your wait is over ;) Please review!

Hermione let out an approving noise as she kissed him back, winding her arms around his neck. This is what she had been longing for all day while she was with Justin.

"Hermione," he breathed against her skin.

"Yes," she said. "Please..."

Harry smiled at her. There was no turning back now. "Let's get out of here."

"Where to?" she asked immediately.

"Across the hall to my office," he said giving her another kiss. "Yes?"

Hermione grinned at him. "Let's go!"

Harry took her hand and they walked over to the door. He slowly opened it and peered outside to make sure no one was in the hall.

"Are we safe?" Hermione whispered.

"The coast is clear," Harry said tugging at her hand .

They ran across the corridor and were barely in the office before Harry locked the door and was kissing her again. Hermione pulled on his jacket, propelling them over to the sofa.

They were both laughing as they struggled with each other's clothes. "You're driving me crazy, you know that?" he asked as he unclasped her bra.

"I know," she said huskily.

"I like it," Harry said softly. "And I really, really like you."

"Same here," Hermione pulled him to her again.

Harry kissed her, snaking his arms around her waist. He groaned when she arched against him. She knew exactly what she was doing.

"I don't want to wait tonight," Hermione said breathlessly.

"We've waited long enough," Harry said before trailing kisses down her neck and shoulders.

"Yes we have," Hermione agreed, running her fingernails over his bare back.

He laid her down on the sofa and looked down at her, thinking that he'd never seen anyone look more beautiful than she did right then.

"I don't want to wait anymore," Hermione said again.

In an instant, he was over her, kissing her hard.

This time, Hermione felt no pain when he slid inside her.

Her body arched against him again and Harry kissed her again, muffling his own groan.

Hermione bit down on her lower lip as he moved faster into her.

In the haste to be with her, he'd forgotten to put a silencing charm on the room and at the moment that was the furthest thing from his mind.

Hermione wasn't thinking of anything rational either at this point. Her thoughts were centred solely on the man above her.

"Hermione," he managed to say when she wrapped her legs around him.

"Kiss me," she said weakly, already nearing her peak.

He did just that putting everything he felt at that moment into that one kiss.

Hermione let out her cry into his mouth, arching her body up against his.

He nearly lost it when she did this and he let out a guttural moan.

Hermione was completely breathless as Harry collapsed just off to her side, also panting heavily.

He met her gaze and smiled softly at her. "Hey."

"Hi," she managed, pushing his sweaty fringe off his forehead.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked.

Hermione nodded. "Never been better, actually."

He pulled his old Gryffindor blanket down from the back of the sofa and covered them both with it. "We weren't going to do this again, were we?"

"No," Hermione said wryly. "But there's something quite irresistible about you."

He grinned lazily at her. "I bet you say that to all the instructors you seduce."

Hermione poked him. "You're the first."

"So are you planning on going through all of us then?" Harry teased. "Because---Ow!"

"Hardly," she answered.

"Good," Harry said. "It was bad enough watching Justin flirt with you."

"Justin's nice, but he's not my type," Hermione said.

Harry kissed her. "That's good to hear."

Hermione ran her fingers through his thick, wild hair. "What do we do now?"

"We obviously can't stay away from each other," Harry said.

"Nor do we want to," Hermione answered.

"So," Harry said thoughtfully. "We see each other when we can and we'll keep it just between us. No one can find out."

"For the next three years?" Hermione propped herself up.

"I know it's not going to be easy," Harry said resting his forehead against hers.

Hermione shook her head. "Do you think we can do this? Be together and not tell anyone?"

"I want to try," he replied.

She smiled. "Me too."

"And we'll not let it carry into the classroom," he said. "We'll be professional."

"Of course," Hermione answered. "Completely professional."

"Saturdays on your days off, you can come over to my place," Harry said before giving her another kiss.

"Okay," she agreed.

"We can do this," Harry said determinedly.

"I sort of find this a bit surreal," Hermione confessed. "That you want to be with me."

"Why wouldn't I?" he asked her. "You're intelligent, you're funny. You're beautiful and you make me feel better than I have in months. "

His words made her blush with pride. "When you say it like that, I have to believe you."

"It's true," Harry said brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear.

Hermione cuddled up beside him and for the first time noticed what time it actually was. She'd been downstairs for well over an hour.

"Oh no," she said softly. "It's after eleven..."

"Mmm?" Harry asked nibbling on her ear.

"It's after curfew," Hermione sat up.

"Right," Harry said reaching for his boxer shorts.

"What should I do?" Hermione asked. "If anyone catches me?"

Harry walked over to his desk and pulled out his dad's old cloak. "Take this."

Hermione gasped. "That's an invisibility cloak!"

"It belonged to my dad," Harry said handing it to her.

"I've heard of these," Hermione said. "But never seen one."

"You should be able to get back upstairs without being spotted," Harry said smiling at her.

"Okay," Hermione said, wishing she could go back with him.

"Something tells me that we'll be using my dad's old cloak quite a bit," Harry said pulling her to him.

"I'm okay with that," Hermione smiled at him.

Harry kissed her one last time. "Good night."

"Night," Hermione said softly, pulling the cloak around her.

Harry quickly finished dressing and then opened the door. He was going to grab some files before he headed home.

Hermione gave him one last look before she walked out of the office. She decided to take the stairs back to the dorms and thankfully didn't run into anyone.

"Where have you been?" Lavender hissed when Hermione opened the door.

Lavender's tone startled Hermione. "M-meeting with Lupin. Merlin, Lavender! You scared me half to death!"

"You were talking to Lupin for an hour and a half?" the blonde asked sceptically. "And what's that in your hands?"

"An old blanket," Hermione lied. "My mum sent a care package to me and this was with it. I've had it since I was little."

"It doesn't look old," Lavender eyed it.

"I've taken really good care of it," Hermione said setting it down on her bed. "What have you been up to?"

"I'm tired," Lavender replied. "And I was worried about you."

"I'm sorry," Hermione apologised. "I asked Lupin to tell me about Sirius Black and he just kept talking and talking. You know how he is when he gets started on something."

Lavender rolled her eyes. "Tell me about it," she agreed. "Well... as long as you're all right."

"I'm fine," Hermione assured her. "Absolutely fine."

Lavender nodded and thankfully didn't question. "Guess what I heard while you were gone..."

"What?" Hermione asked absently.

"Ron's brother Charlie is coming in next week to talk to us about dangerous creatures," Lavender said. "He works with dragons in Romania, so it should be really cool."

"He's not anything like his brother, is he?" Hermione asked.

"I'm not sure," Lavender said. "I haven't actually ever met him."

"Let's hope he's not," Hermione said grabbing a set of pyjamas from her dresser. "I can barely take one of Ron Weasley."

"He's really not that bad," Lavender tried again. "I'm friends with him and I used to date him."

Hermione was on such a high, she didn't even mind talking about Ron Weasley. "How many brothers and sisters does he have anyway?"

"He's got five brothers, all older," Lavender said. "And a younger sister."

"The sister goes to school with Ron's girlfriend?" Hermione asked changing into her pyjamas.

Lavender nodded. "Ginny. She used to have this huge crush on Harry."

"Did he go out with her?" Hermione spun around.

"Not really," Lavender said. "Well...they did have sort of a thing during his sixth year, but it seemed to come out of nowhere. It didn't last long though and it wasn't too long before he and Parvati hooked up."

"Oh," Hermione said. "She... she still doesn't fancy him does she?"

Lavender shook her head. "No way. She's completely head over heels for Neville Longbottom. Neville is the sweetest bloke in the world."

Hermione relaxed. "Oh..."

Lavender pulled back the covers of her bed and slid inside. She looked at Hermione. "Did you run into Harry while you were down there?"

"No," Hermione answered quickly.

"I'm going to corner him tomorrow at breakfast," Lavender said. "See how things went with Megan."

"Badly," Hermione answered before she could stop herself.

"What?" Lavender asked raising an eyebrow.

"I'm just assuming," Hermione covered. "From the way you were talking about her..."

Lavender nodded. "I know. She's a complete cow."

"She'd have to be, to push Harry away." Hermione got into bed. "He just... he seems like he's a good boyfriend type, from what you've told me about him and Parvati."

"He is," Lavender agreed. "But he and Parvati never really had a "normal" relationship. I mean, they spent whatever time they could together when he wasn't training. She used to tell me that when it was all over, they'd do the normal, everyday couple things. "

"That sounds lovely," Hermione said a bit wistfully.

"I just hope he can find someone that he can do those things with," Lavender said. "I mean, it will be strange to see him with someone else, but I want him to be happy."

"You're his friend," Hermione replied, wondering what Lavender would think of her with Harry. "Of course you want him to be happy."

Lavender smiled at her. "You're so easy to talk to."

"Thanks," Hermione turned out her light. "It's nice having a few friends."

"Even Ron?" Lavender said giggling.

"Maybe not him," Hermione answered dryly.

"I'm sorry things with Justin didn't go so well," Lavender said.

"We're better off as friends," Hermione said.

"I had such high hopes for you and him though," Lavender said wistfully. "I feel like it's my fault that you had such a crappy night."

"I didn't," Hermione answered, hiding her smile.

"Sweet dreams," Lavender said turning out her own light.

Hermione smiled again as she recalled what had happened downstairs. It seemed a bit like a dream, but at the same time, she could so vividly recall Harry's lips on hers, his hands running over her body.

He'd been right when he said that hiding their relationship wasn't going to be easy. She didn't know how she would be able to hide how she felt when she was around him.

This wasn't going to be easy, but he was definitely worth it.

*** *** ***

Ron Weasley yawned as he entered the classroom Monday morning. He was knackered and the last thing he felt like doing was sitting in a classroom talking about something that didn’t interest him in the slightest. Last night, instead of studying for today’s lesson, he and his roommate played Wizard’s chess and drank Firewhisky.

Ron rubbed at his eyes before sitting down. "Don't even try to lecture me," he said, yawning again as Hermione opened her mouth.

"I wasn't going to," Hermione said. Truth be told, she was quite knackered too, but she was on cloud nine after spending Saturday night and most of Sunday with Harry.

"You aren't?" Ron asked in surprise. "Why not?"

"I could if you'd like, but I'm in too good a mood to worry about you and your lack of preparation and your procrastination."

"Pro what?" Ron asked. "Wait... never mind."

"Your brother's coming in today, right?" Hermione asked.

"Oh yeah," Ron said. "I forgot about that!"

A few more of the trainees came into the classroom, including a surly looking Ernie.

Lavender leaned over. "He doesn't look any more eager to be here," she said quietly to Justin.

"He's been in a strop all weekend," Justin told her.

"Over Harry?" Lavender rolled her eyes. "He needs to get over it."

"Where is Harry?" Justin asked looking at his watch. "Class was supposed to start at 8."

"I'm sure he'll be here soon," Hermione answered, looking back at them.

"He'd better be," Ernie grumbled. "I've better things to do with my time than wait around for him."

"Like what?" Lavender asked sarcastically. "Wait for another instructor?"

Ernie rolled his eyes. The rest of these idiots could sit around and kiss up to Potter, but he wasn't going to do that. He was going to bide his time and wait for the moment when Mr. Perfect messed up, which would hopefully be soon.

Hermione turned back to her book and tried to hide her smile as she thought about her weekend.

He'd surprised her with dinner in his office last night . It had been takeaway curry but it was better to her than dining in a posh restaurant.

He had explained to her that while the new Auror recruits were allowed out on Saturdays, Sundays were supposed to be their time to catch up on reading, assignments, and other tasks the instructors set out for them, which is why for the first year, they were confined six days a week to the Ministry building.

After she'd returned to her dorm, she'd stayed up late going over the required reading. It had been worth it though.

She blushed now as Harry entered the room, going straight to the desk at the front. "Good morning everyone," he said in a pleasant tone.

"Good morning, Harry," Lavender said brightly. She'd tried to corner him yesterday to find out the details on his date with Megan. He was nowhere to be found yesterday, but Lavender vowed to get him alone sometime today to ask him about the date.

"Today as most of you know, we're having a special guest come talk to us about working with dangerous creatures," Harry said. "Charlie Weasley has been working for some years now in Romania on a dragon reservation."

"How long will he be with us?" Eloise asked, raising her hand.

"Most of this week," Harry answered. "I hope you'll give him your undivided attention when he arrives, as what he's going to tell you will be very useful." his eyes fell on Hermione and he smiled. "For now, let's go over the reading that you were all to do this weekend."

"Can you go over that bit about wandless magic?" Eloise asked.

"Sure," Harry nodded.

"I'm sure Mr. Potter would only be too happy to demonstrate it for us," Ernie said to her.

Harry pressed his lips together but didn't say anything. Instead, he waved his hand in Ernie's direction and his textbook slammed shut.

"Whoa," Justin said impressed. "That's amazing."

"Yeah," Ernie glared at Harry. "Wonderful."

Lavender raised her hand and Harry called on her. "Wandless magic and non-verbal spells are so advanced. You and Dumbledore are the only wizards I ever met who were capable of it."

Hermione also raised her hand. "What makes you capable of wandless magic when regular witches and wizards aren't able to do it?"

"Well, you all have done wandless magic before," Harry pointed out with a grin. "Can anyone tell me how?"

Hermione raised her hand. "Apparition? We don't use wands to Apparate."

"Very good," Harry smiled at her.

"When I was younger before I even know I was magical, I was able to do things that no one could understand," Justin recalled. "I could get objects to come to me just by thinking that I wanted them. I certainly didn't have a wand then."

"See, you're all capable," Harry told them. "It just requires a lot of concentration and a certain level of skill."

"So, are you going to try and teach us how to use wandless magic?" Ron asked.

"I can help you practise what you already know," Harry answered.

Ron didn't think he was capable of it, but he nodded.

"It requires a great deal of concentration, as I said." Harry told them. "It will become easier as you learn to control it."

"A witch of wizard's emotional state can affect their inherent abilities," Harry continued. "You have to learn to control your emotions so you can control your magic, especially when you attempt to use wandless magic."

Hermione was fascinated by all this and decided she would go to the library and find as many books as she could on wandless magic so she could read up on it.

"Does anyone have any other questions?" Harry asked.

Ernie was about to retort with a smart ass comeback when the door open and a red haired man poked his head in.

"I'm not too early, am I?" Charlie asked.

"Hey Charlie," Harry replied. "Not at all. Come on in."

Charlie grinned at his younger brother. "Alright, Ron?"

Ron nodded. "Hiya."

Lavender studied the older man. He had the trademark Weasley red hair, but he was a little shorter than Ron, but he had a better build in Lavender's opinion. He looked more athletic and his face looked tanned. She'd seen pictures of him, of course, but she'd never seen him in person.

All in all, Lavender Brown thought he was quite good looking and blushed a bit when he smiled at her.

After a brief introduction from Harry, Charlie stood at the front of the room. "Good morning," he said warmly. "I promise not to try and bore you all to death."

"Yeah right," Ron cracked.

"My cross to bear," Charlie said dryly. "Is that I'm Ron Weasley's older brother. I hope you don't hold that against me."

The rest of the class laughed at that.

"I'm here to talk to you about dangerous creatures, especially dragons," Charlie continued. "Who here knows anything about them?"

Hermione raised her hand and Charlie called on her. "Dragons are found in mountain habitats usually. There are ten known breeds of them in the world."

Charlie looked impressed. "Very good," he said. "Your name?"

"Hermione Granger," Hermione replied. "Care of Magical Creatures was one of my favourite classes at Beauxbatons."

Ron rolled his eyes at Hermione's eager attitude.

"We have all ten breeds on our reservation in Romania," Charlie continued. "Harry was particularly fond of the Hungarian Horntail."

Harry grinned ruefully. "Yeah right."

Charlie briefly went through a description of each of the breeds. "And as you know, Muggles only know of dragons in films and in stories. They remember them as beats in mythology. You can thank the Ministry for that because they work with us to keep the existence of these dragons hidden from Muggles."

Hermione scribbled this down on a piece of parchment as Lavender raised her hand.

"Yes?" Charlie asked. "Miss-?"

"Brown," Lavender said eagerly. "But you can call me Lavender."

Charlie smiled at her. "Very colourful name, Lavender."

She blushed. "Thank you. Um... are we going to be able to see the dragons at all?"

Charlie nodded. "As a matter of fact, you will. Next week, you'll all visit our reservation in Romania where you'll see them."

"We're going to Romania?" Hermione asked excitedly.

"Yes, the entire weekend," Charlie told her. "You'll stay at the reservation and you'll interact with the dragons and see all the different things we do on the reservation."

Hermione couldn't help but look over at Harry at this news.

Charlie spent the next few minutes answering questions about the reservation and about dragons. He answered as best he could, but he couldn't help but be distracted by the blonde sitting in the front row.

She was really quite gorgeous- almost model-esque looking. He wondered what a girl that looked like her was doing in Auror training.

"I'd like to thank you all for listening to me drone on today," Charlie concluded. "I will see you next weekend. Remember to dress warmly. It can get quite cold on the reservation, especially during the evening."

"Thanks Charlie," Harry said. "I think it'll be really interesting to see the dragons up close."

Charlie nodded and stood back while Harry excused the group for their late morning break.

"Glad to see you stayed awake during my talk, Ron," Charlie said to his younger brother. "Forgive me for saying this, but you look like shite."

"I didn't sleep much," Ron ran his hand through his hair. "Got a little... distracted last night."

"Ogden's did you in, did it?" Charlie guessed.

"Just a little," Ron said sheepishly. "And Saturday I was off visiting Luna."

"Fred and George told me about that," Charlie said with a grin.

"I bet they did," Ron answered. "Those two--"

"...know that they can't use Bill or me to bother so they use you since you're the youngest," Charlie finished.

"Ginny's the youngest," Ron grumbled. "I don't see them making her life a living hell. I mean, Neville was groping her in the middle of their shop and they didn't even bat an eyelash!"

"Groping her?" Charlie raised an eyebrow. "That's not allowed."

"You do realise that Ginny was groped at one time by Harry too," Ron said.

"Better not have been," Charlie said. "I thought you told me they were only together a few weeks."

"A few snogs does not constitute groping, Ron," Harry said from behind him.

"You know, that's really a visual I don't want," Ron complained.

"Me either," Charlie said watching as Lavender left the room with Hermione. "Um---that's um...quite a group you have, Harry."

"Yeah," Harry's eyes followed Hermione. "So far so good... with the exception of one."

"The bloke in the back who kept yawning?" Charlie guessed.

"Ernie," Harry rolled his eyes. "He's got the worst attitude."

"Between him and Granger it's been a bloody picnic," Ron said sarcastically.

"Hermione's not so bad," Harry said before he could stop himself.

Thankfully, neither of the Weasleys picked up on this. "I thought she was quite intelligent," Charlie said. "She really knows her stuff."

"Too bad she's a bit of a shrew," Ron said. "And my so called best friend here paired me up with her."

"You need a good influence," Charlie said clapping his brother on the back.

"Whatever," Ron said. "I'm going to the cafeteria."

"I'm hungry too," Charlie said. "Mind if I join you?"

"Sure," Ron answered. "Harry?"

"I have some things to do here, but I'll catch up with you in a bit," Harry told them.

"Cool," Ron answered, heading for the door. Charlie followed, hoping that Lavender had gone to the cafeteria as well. He wanted to see more of her.

He thought about the best way to broach the subject with his brother. "You went to school with must of them, didn't you?"

Ron nodded. "All but the shrew."

"Did you know them all pretty well?" Charlie asked.

Ron shrugged. "Most of them, yeah."

"How well?" Charlie pressed.

Ron quickened his step, eager to get to the cafeteria. He wondered what they were serving today. He hoped they had waffles. "I used to date the blonde-Lavender."

"You did?" Charlie asked in surprise. "You dated her?"

Ron nodded. "During fifth year and part of sixth."

"Was it serious?" Charlie asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Yeah, until she gave me some stupid necklace and started calling me Won-Won," Ron said in a hushed tone.

"She did that?" Charlie was surprised. "She... she didn't seem the type."

"What can I say?" Ron asked puffing out his chest. "She fell hard for me."

"Yeah right," Charlie cuffed him on the head. "Probably wanted to just drive you insane."

Ron laughed, but his happiness quickly turned to frustration when he saw the long queue in the cafeteria. "Great."

"Why don't we ask them if we can cut in?" Charlie pointed to Lavender and Hermione, who were near the front.

Ron didn't like his chances with Hermione, but Lavender just might let them. "Okay."

"Hi ladies," Charlie smiled at them. "Mind if we slip in with you two?"

"Sure," Lavender replied smiling back at him.

"Is it okay with you?" Ron asked Hermione reluctantly.

Hermione shrugged. "Sure. We only have about twenty minutes left."

"Thanks," Ron said feeling a little guilty for the things he'd said about her.

Hermione had hoped Harry would join them, but he was probably busy planning the rest of their lesson for the day.

Lavender grabbed a bowl of fruit from the serving line, but looking longingly at the plate of waffles that Charlie had on his tray.

"You should get some," Charlie caught her gaze. "They're really good."

"The fruit is all that I need," Lavender said. "Really. Besides, I'm watching my figure."

"You don't need to," Charlie said.

Lavender blushed. "Um...well maybe you could let me have a bite of yours?"

Charlie grinned at her. "Or maybe more than a bite..."

"They do look really good," Lavender said. "Much better than my plain old fruit bowl."

"I won't tell if you don't," Charlie said softly.

Lavender wondered if he was flirting with her. He couldn't really be, could he? I mean, he was much older and besides, Ron had probably told him about their past history.

"On me," Charlie told the cashier when they went to pay.

Lavender shook her head. "That's not necessary, Mr. Weasley."

"Call me Charlie," he grinned. "Mr. Weasley is my father. And I want to pay."

"Thank you," Lavender said smiling back at him. It was hard not to. "Charlie."

"Very welcome," Charlie grinned back at her.

Hermione looked at her roommate and friend. "I'm actually going to take my muffins and juice back to the classroom. I wanted to ask Harry some things about wandless magic."

"Okay," Lavender broke her gaze away from Charlie. "I'll see you back there."

Ron had already found a table and Lavender assumed Charlie would join his brother.

"How about we sit over there?" Charlie nodded to an empty table near the window.

"Um," Lavender said, taken aback. "Sure. That'd be nice."

Charlie took her tray. "After you..."

Lavender beamed at him before walking ahead.

Charlie couldn't help admiring her body as she led them to the table. The way her hips swayed under her robes was making him think thoughts that had best stayed hidden.

Lavender sat down and wondered what she could talk about to someone so distinguished and intelligent. "You know you really didn't have to buy my breakfast."

"I wanted to," Charlie told her.

"And you wanted someone to help you eat your waffles?" Lavender asked.

"That's just a bonus," he winked at her.

Lavender laughed. "I suppose I could help you out."

"Mind if I steal a piece of your fruit?" he asked her.

"That would only be fair," Lavender said pushing the bowl toward him.

"So I take it you lot didn't know about your trip to Romania?" Charlie asked.

Lavender shook her head. "No, but I'm really looking forward to it."

"If you like, I'll give you a private tour," Charlie said flirtatiously. "You can really see the dragons up close."

The smile on Lavender's face fell. That was just great. He obviously didn't care about getting to know her. He just thought she was going to be easy. "I'll just stick with the class, thank you."

"Oh," Charlie said. "Okay... It just seemed like you were really interested in the dragons and I thought you might enjoy a more up close experience."

"I hope you realise that I take my work here very seriously," Lavender said indignantly.

"I wouldn't have implied otherwise," Charlie held up his hands. "I'm sorry- I didn't mean to offend you--"

Lavender studied him for a few moments. Maybe she'd read things wrong. "I thought that you were---never mind..."

"Thought I was what?" Charlie asked.

"Propositioning me," Lavender said looking down at the table.

Charlie studied her for a moment. "And you find that insulting?"

Lavender met his gaze. "I--I've always been looked at as the shallow girl. The one who was more into her looks and her clothes. I don't know if you know this, but my best friend died in the war. I just---losing her made me take a long look at myself and I want to do something with my life. No one believes that I can do this, but I know that I can."

"I'm so sorry to hear about your friend," Charlie replied sincerely. "It makes me admire you all the more, honestly."

"I'm sorry for overreacting," Lavender said. "My last boyfriend...he didn't believe I could do this. He said I was wasting my time. I guess I just thought that you were the same."

"I find this profession quite admirable," Charlie answered. "It takes quite a bit of discipline and bravery."

"I'm trying to work on both of those," Lavender admitted. She took her fork and stole a bite of his waffles.

"Seems to me like you're doing a pretty good job so far," Charlie pushed the plate towards her.

Lavender didn't know how he could make such an assessment given that he'd only observed her in one class, but she let that slide. She was too busy enjoying the waffles and, she had to admit, his company.

7. Chapter 7

Authors’ note: More Harry and Hermione this chapter and isn’t that what we all need? We hope you enjoy this chapter!

Upstairs, Hermione knocked on the door to the classroom and let herself back in. "I thought you might be hungry," she said.

Harry looked up from his paperwork and smiled lazily at her. "Did you bring the teacher an apple?" he asked.

Hermione grinned. "One better. Apple cinnamon, actually." she set the muffin on his desk.

"Thank you," he said grinning back at her.

"That wandless magic you were talking about earlier sounds fascinating," Hermione said, setting her bag down.

"I thought I detected some interest," Harry said.

"I'm going later to the library to do some research," Hermione replied. "I can't wait to read more about it."

"You know you get this look in your eyes when you're excited about something," he said looking at her. "Your whole face lights up."

"I hadn't realised you were paying that close attention," Hermione smiled at him.

Harry waved his hand causing the door to close and lock. "I'm trying not to in here. But, it's difficult."

Hermione nodded. "But we're doing pretty well so far..."

"One day," Harry said coming around the desk.

"So two years and three hundred sixty four days to go?" Hermione asked dryly as he pulled her to him.

"You started a countdown?" he asked nuzzling her neck.

"I can't help it," Hermione closed her eyes. "Sort of looking forward to the end of the three years all of a sudden."

Harry felt a twinge of guilt for asking her to hide like this, but it truly was the only way they could be together.

Hermione leaned in and brushed her lips over his. "We still have a few minutes, don't we?"

"Mmmhmm," he said softly. "You have any ideas?"

"A few," Hermione pressed her lips to his.

Harry deepened the kiss and snaked his arms around her waist pulling her even closer.

Hermione knew how dangerous it was for them to be kissing like this right in the classroom but the forbidden nature of it only made it appeal to her more.

"Do you think you can get away tonight?" he asked. "Just for a couple of hours?"

"I'll try," she promised. "In your office?"

"I know it's not the greatest of places," he apologised.

"I don't care," Hermione answered.

He kissed her again and they lost themselves in what they were doing, but Harry knew they were on borrowed time. Summoning his willpower, he reluctantly pulled away from her. Any moment now the other students would return to the classroom.

Hermione straightened out her hair and her robes. "What time tonight?" she asked softly.

"I have a briefing at six," he told her. "It shouldn't take too long. Say seven?"

"Seven it is," Hermione nodded, kissing him quickly before retreating to her desk. "Eat your muffin."

"You're bossy," Harry commented taking a seat at his desk. "I like that."

Hermione laughed. "I bet you do."

With a wave of his hand, Harry unlocked and opened the door.

"Will you be coming with us to Romania?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. "I have to be there."

Hermione smiled and started to say something when Lavender came back into the classroom. She made a beeline for Harry.

"Yes?" Harry asked.

"Mr. Elusive," Lavender said eagerly. "How was the big date with Megan?"

"We're getting married," Harry said trying to keep a straight face.

"WHAT?" Lavender shrieked. "HARRY HAVE YOU GONE INSANE?"

Harry laughed. "Easy, Lavender. I was only kidding. Megan...Megan and I probably aren't going to go on a second date."

"I didn't really think she was your type," Lavender replied smugly.

"Apparently Dean thought so," Harry said.

"What does he know," Lavender waved her hand.

"Apparently not much," Harry replied. "Megan thought I should have invited her out for a later time so we could have been seen. She thought I should have taken her to the jeweller's to buy a diamond. Oh, and she thought that I should really get my hair lightened and trimmed because according to her the messy look was in a long time ago, but right now it just doesn't cut it especially if we're photographed."

Hermione blinked. "What's wrong with your hair?" she asked.

Harry shrugged. "She said that I had that just got out of bed look."

"Parvati loved how your hair looked," Lavender remarked.

Hermione looked down at her book, feeling more than a little uncomfortable.

"Do you remember when she tried to cut your hair for you?" Lavender asked, smiling at the memory.

Harry smiled. "Yeah... and I grew it back overnight? She was pretty ticked at me."

"But she didn't stay mad at you for long," Lavender said. "She never could."

Harry opened his mouth to reply but Ron and Justin came back into the room.

"Hiya, Hermione," Justin said walking past her to take his seat.

"Hi Justin," Hermione smiled up at him.

"I looked for you yesterday," he said. "I was going to see if you wanted to study."

"Oh," Hermione said. "Um.... I sort of holed up in the library."

Justin raised an eyebrow. "Really? I was in there most of the day. I didn't see you."

"I was off in a corner," Hermione lied. "Sort of buried back there..."

"Oh," Justin said. "Well, I'll look for you back there next time."

"Sure..." Hermione nodded, making a mental note to prepare a better story for next time.

The other students trickled into the classroom, with Ernie bringing up the rear. He shot Harry a smartass grin before sitting down at his desk.

"I hope you all enjoyed Charlie's speech this morning," Harry began. "I hope you took some good notes- you'll need them for next weekend when we go to Romania."

"We're not going to battle the dragons, are we?" Eloise asked a worried expression on her face.

Harry smiled. "No. You'll observe them though; see how they interact with the handlers there and each other.”

Eloise relaxed. "Good. I don't think I could battle a dragon."

Ernie snorted. "No one but our perfect instructor can do that."

"And how many dragons have YOU battled?" Ron asked.

Ernie glared back at him in response.

Harry chose to ignore Ernie's remarks. He started the second part of that day's lesson concerning wandless magic. They would begin the practical part of their training on that skill after the trip to Romania, but he wanted to go over the fundamentals.

He had them do a simple spell of shutting their textbooks without using their hands or wands. "Concentrate," he said. "You really have to focus at first on doing this."

Hermione did as he instructed and to her delight, she was the first to successfully shut her textbook.

"Very good," Harry said approvingly, smiling at her.

Hermione smiled back at his praise.

Lavender was struggling with the task. On her first attempt, she concentrated too hard and her book flew across the room.

"Ow!" Ernie glared at her. "Watch what you're doing!"

"Sorry," Lavender apologised. Harry retrieved the book and handed it back to her.

"Just close your eyes," he told her. "Concentrate. Block out everything else and just picture the book closing, Lav. You can do this."

Lavender nodded. She held her hand over the book and imagined it closing.

The book closed and Harry laughed when he saw Lavender's eyes were still closed.

"Open your eyes and see what you did," Harry told her.

Lavender peeked. "I did it!" she brightened.

Hermione smiled at her friend. "Good job!"

Ernie rolled his eyes. He didn't see what closing a damn textbook with a wave of your hand had to do with being an Auror.

"Ernie?" Harry asked. "Have you managed to close your book?"

Ernie waved his hand over the book and shot Harry a smirk as the book closed.

"Good," Harry nodded.

Justin looked over at his friend after Harry had moved on to help Eloise. "Ernie, come on. You're digging yourself into a hole, mate."

"I'm fine," Ernie said coldly.

"You are going to keep on until you're thrown out of the program," Justin hissed. "Is that what you want?"

"I don't think Potter knows what he's talking about," Ernie snapped back. "Just because the rest of you worship him doesn't mean I have to!"

Justin rolled his eyes. There was apparently no way to get through to Ernie.

"I'm pleased that most of you were able to do this without much coaching," Harry was standing again in front of the class. "Next lesson, we'll try something else. For the remainder of today, I'd like us to try some more flying exercises outside."

Ron grinned. "Fantastic!"

Hermione was slightly less enthusiastic. She may have somewhat mastered a broom but she still wasn't so keen on flying.

"You can leave your belongings in here," Harry told them. "We'll head on out to the field."

Ernie followed Justin out of the room. At least flying was a somewhat useful way of spending their time.

Hermione hung back by Lavender. "I hope I can manage my broom this time," she said.

"You'll be fine," Lavender reassured her. "You're great at everything else."

Harry noticed Hermione's expression and dropped back to talk to her. "You all right?"

"Just a little nervous about getting back on a broom," Hermione admitted.

"You're going to be fine," Harry assured her. "Just remember what we went over when I gave you that lesson."

Hermione nodded. "Easier said than done."

"I know you can do it," Harry said quietly.

"We'll see," Hermione said. "I wish I could be like you on a broom. Completely fearless."

Harry smiled. "Are you hinting for another private lesson?"

"Maybe," Hermione said laughing. "I think I need all the help I can get."

Harry nodded. "After today's lesson then?"

"I'd like that," Hermione replied.

"Today, just try what I told you before," Harry said. "We aren't going to do anything too difficult."

Hermione certainly liked the sound of that. She could definitely do with nice and easy, especially when it came to flying.

Harry led them to the rows of brooms. "Everyone pick one, and I'll meet you up in the air."

"Too bad these aren't Firebolts," Ron said grabbing one from the pile.

Hermione grimaced. "This one's fast enough for me."

Ernie was sick of watching Granger get all the accolades. Lupin and Potter seemed to think she could do no wrong. Well, there was one thing she wasn't great at and he was determined to show her up today.

Ernie was the first of them to take to the sky; he watched with disdain as a few of them had trouble getting their brooms to respond yet again.

These people had no business being Aurors if they couldn't even fly. Eloise Midgen, Hermione Granger and Lavender Brown had no business here.

"Come on already," he sneered as Ron and Justin flew up to join him.

"I should probably get down there and help Hermione," Justin called out.

"She's fine without you," Ernie said crossly. "Besides, St. Potter has her covered."

Justin looked down to see Harry helping Hermione.

"Remember," Harry was perched on his broom. "You have to want to get on it."

"Right," Hermione said. She took a deep breath and held her hand over the broom. "Up!"

"Perfect," Harry grinned at her. "Come on Granger."

Hermione mounted her broom and gently pulled up on it.

"Good job Hermione!" Lavender called out to her.

Hermione grinned and managed a small wave at her friend.

"All right," Harry said once they were all up there. "I'd like you to all just coast around for awhile, and get the feel of being up in the air again. We'll start a few exercises in about ten minutes."

Hermione decided to do a few passes around the field, deciding to take it slowly. She concentrated on what she was doing and steered the broom expertly in the direction she wanted to go.

She didn't notice Ernie coming up behind her.

"Watch it, Granger!" he called out flying right above her.

Hermione shrieked and clutched onto her broomstick. "What is your problem?" she called out angrily.

Ernie laughed. "If you can't handle yourself up here, you're not going to get very far, are you?"

"I'm doing fine," Hermione snapped.

Hermione tried to fly away from him, but he apparently wasn't finished with her.

"Come on," he jeered, heading right for her. "Can you get away from the bad guys?"

Hermione tried to get out of his way, but the end of his broom struck the end of hers, sending her into a tailspin.

She screamed and clutched onto her broom.

When he heard Hermione's scream, Harry turned his head.

Her broom was spinning out of control, and Harry was incensed to see Ernie laughing at her.

"Hermione!" Lavender screamed.

Her grasp was slipping and she shrieked again as her body fell to the side. "HARRY!"

Harry flew as fast as he could to her side. He managed to grab her just before she lost her grip. Her broom fell to the ground and she clung to Harry.

"ERNIE!" Harry roared. "GET DOWN HERE NOW!"

Ernie sighed. He knew he'd overdone it a bit with Hermione, but he really was trying to help her. She had to know by now that this job wasn't for her. He took a deep breath before heading for the ground.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked her while waiting for Ernie to descend. "Hermione..."

"I thought I was going to fall," Hermione whispered. She was shaking and her face was pale.

"I wouldn't have let you," Harry said softly.

Lavender landed and hurried over to them.

"Hermione!" Lavender exclaimed. "Are you okay?"

She nodded. "Just a little shaken up."

"Go see Lupin," Harry ordered Ernie as soon as he landed. "You're not to come back to my classroom until you learn to have a little respect for other people.

"I didn't mean anything by it," Ernie argued. "I was just trying to help her."

"How?" Harry demanded. "By killing her?"

"I was just fooling around," Ernie replied. "Hermione knows that. And she's fine!"

"Oh right," Hermione answered sarcastically, her voice still shaking. "I'm just bloody peachy!"

"Lupin's office," Harry told Ernie. "NOW!"

Ernie glared angrily at Harry before stomping off the field.

"I don't know what in the world has gotten into him," Lavender said shaking her head. "He could have killed you, Hermione!"

"I'm okay," Hermione managed.

"Your hands are all scratched up," Lavender said to her. "That damn Ernie!"

Hermione glanced down at her fingers. "I have a salve in our room I can put on them."

"I can go and get it for you," Lavender offered. "If it's okay with Harry---"

"Sure," Harry replied, examining the backs of her hands.

Lavender excused herself and hurried back toward the main building.

Hermione shuddered when she thought of what might have happened if Harry hadn't swooped in and grabbed her before she'd lost her grip completely.

"Are you all right?" Harry asked again, seemingly forgetting that the others were crowded around them.

Hermione nodded. "I'm okay. I should have had better control..."

"You were doing fine until Ernie's little stunt," Harry said angrily.

Hermione noticed the others watching them. She pulled her hands away from him.

Harry seemed to wise up. "Um... if your salve doesn't work, then you should go see the nurse. They have one on call here--"

"I'll be fine," Hermione assured him. She looked over at the rest of the class. "I'm sorry..."

"It's okay," Justin said. "I'm sorry about Ernie. He's not normally this insane."

"You don't have to apologise for him," Hermione said.

Justin still seemed embarrassed. "He's my friend, though. I just don't want you to think he's always that way."

Hermione didn't know about that, but she wasn't going to hold it against Justin.

Lavender returned with the salve and Hermione thanked her.

"We should get back up there," Harry said to the rest of the class. "Hermione, you're excused for the rest of this lesson."

Hermione vehemently shook her head. "I want to get back up there."

"You do?" Harry asked.

"If you get knocked down, you get right back up and try again, right?" Hermione asked. "I'll be fine."

Harry looked at her with some real respect. "We'll see you up there in five, then."

"You can use my gloves," Lavender said handing them to her.

"Thanks," Hermione smiled at her.

"Let's get up there and show those blokes how it's really done,"Lavender said winking at her.

Hermione rubbed the salve in and then put the gloves on. "I'm ready."

Harry watched as she took to the sky with Lavender and couldn't help but grin. She kept on surprising him each and every day.

"What do you think will happen to Ernie?" Ron asked.

"I'm not sure," Harry said. "I'm going to talk to Lupin later about it."

"Granger and I aren't friends, but she didn't deserve that," Ron commented.

"No, she definitely didn't," Harry answered.

"You okay?" Ron asked.

"Fine," Harry said quickly. "Let's get up there."

"Right," Ron said following him.

The rest of the afternoon went by without incident. Ernie didn't return to class, which didn't surprise anyone.

"Everyone did great today," Harry told them when they got back to the classroom. "For tomorrow, please read the first ten pages of the next chapter."

A few of the trainees groaned and Harry laughed. "Come on. I could have assigned you ten chapters."

Hermione wondered if he was giving them an easy assignment because of them meeting tonight but she didn't say anything.

"I'll see you lot tomorrow," Harry said. "And don't eat too much at lunch, Ron."

"Yeah right," Ron answered, already out the door.

Hermione grabbed her bag and started putting away her textbooks and parchment.

Harry waited to approach her until the room was empty. "I was really impressed by you today," he told her.

"You liked my spin and near freefall?" Hermione asked him.

"The fact that you got back up there afterwards," Harry replied.

"Oh," Hermione said. "That."

"I think you took everyone by surprise," Harry smiled.

"I'm not a quitter," Hermione told him. "Even though I was scared, I knew that it was something I had to do."

"You'll make it in this," Harry said intently.

His belief in her meant more than she could even put into words. "Thanks."

"I'll see you around seven," Harry said quietly.

"I'll be there," Hermione said.

Harry squeezed her hand and they left the room together.

"Harry?" Nymphadora Tonks came up behind them. "Remus wants to see you."

"Right," Harry said. "I was just heading there. Tonks, this is Hermione Granger- one of my students."

Hermione couldn't help staring at the older woman with pink hair. "Nice to meet you."

"Lovely to meet you too," Tonks grinned at her. "Let me know if he ever gives you a hard time, ok?"

"I will," Hermione said with a grin.

"I'll see you later for the flying lesson," Harry looked at her.

"Right," Hermione nodded before heading off toward the cafeteria to meet up with Lavender.

Harry and Tonks walked back toward the main offices.

"What exactly happened out there?" Tonks asked. "Remus seems pretty ticked."

Harry told her what had happened.

"What a wanker!" Tonks replied. "He should be kicked out."

"We'll see," Harry said knocking on the door to Remus' office.

"Come in, Harry." Remus said.

Harry opened the door and saw Ernie sitting down across from Remus, looking very remorseful. Harry hoped that Lupin wasn't buying this act.

"Mr. Macmillan has told me his side of the story," Remus said. "I'd like to hear yours."

Harry nodded. "We were up in the air, and I was letting my students get the feel of being on the brooms- some of them aren't so comfortable flying just yet. Hermione Granger was flying and Macmillan here decided to play some games with her."

"Mr. Macmillan said that was just having fun and he never intended for her to get hurt," Remus said levelling his gaze at Ernie.

"I'd say running into another person on a broom, forty feet in the air, isn't fun." Harry said coolly.

"Sir," Ernie said looking at Lupin. "I honestly didn't mean any harm. I'll do whatever it takes to prove myself to you."

Harry gave Lupin a look. "We need to talk in private."

"Mr. Macmillan will you please wait outside?" Lupin asked.

Ernie nodded. "Anything you say, sir."

Harry took Ernie's empty seat. It was taking all that he had not to throttle him.

"I trust you, Harry." Lupin levelled a gaze at him. "Do you believe he intentionally tried to hurt another student?"

Harry looked thoughtfully at his mentor. "No, sir. I don't think he intentionally meant to hurt her, but he was definitely trying to make her look bad. It's no secret that she's at the top of the class right now and he's jealous. He's used to being the best."

Harry looked thoughtfully at his mentor. If he was being honest, he didn't think that Ernie intentionally hurt Hermione. But, Ernie was a loose cannon and he was going to keep at this until someone did get hurt. "I don't think he did, but he's definitely a problem. She could have been seriously hurt today, Remus."

"Do you think he should be removed from the program?" Lupin asked seriously.

Harry and Ernie had never really got along very well, but Harry did know that Ernie wanted to be an Auror. "What do you think?" Harry asked.

Lupin shook his head. "This is not about what I think. You're the instructor here, and you were at the scene of the incident."

Harry wondered if he should judge Ernie at all given what he was doing with Hermione. They were breaking the rules, too.

"I think he has the makings to become a great Auror," Harry said quietly. "But his attitude has to change. He's doubted my authority from the moment he stepped into the classroom. He's made smart remarks and he seems to think he can get ahead by showing up the other students. Things are going to have to change if he wants to remain in the program."

Lupin nodded. "Thank you Harry. I'll have a word with him."

Harry stood up. "We're still meeting at six?"

"Yes," Lupin answered. "I'll see you then."

On his way out, he passed Ernie who was sitting just outside with Tonks.

"Lupin wants to see you," he stated coolly.

"Haven't you ever done something you regretted?" Ernie asked him.

"Many a time," Harry replied. "But never what you did today."

Ernie looked at him. "I'm sorry about today. Really."

Harry couldn't tell if he was serious or not, but he nodded silently.

Ernie walked into Lupin's office and Harry hoped he'd done the right thing. He did know that if Ernie so much as laid a finger on Hermione again, he wasn't going to let it slide.

"He seems genuine," Tonks offered.

"What are you still doing here?" Harry asked eager to change the subject.

"Just waiting for Remus to finish up," Tonks answered.

"You two going to lunch?" Harry asked. It was no secret that Tonks had a crush on Lupin, who seemed clueless to her feelings.

"Perhaps," Tonks's face matched her hair.

Harry laughed. "Tonks, you could just tell him, you know."

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said hastily.

Harry shook his head and noticed a poster on the bulletin board announcing a Halloween ball. "Do we have to go to this?"

Tonks nodded. "Everyone does. The Ministry figured it was a way for everyone to unwind a bit."

Harry turned around and grinned at her. "So...who are you going with then?"

"No one yet," Tonks said with a saucy smile.

"I think you might have a certain bloke in mind," Harry said. "Someone who can be quite an animal when the moon is right..."

"Again, I don't know what you're talking about," Tonks straightened up. "Who are you taking?"

He knew who he'd want to take, but he knew that wasn't possible. "I'll probably go solo.”

"You should take a date," Tonks advised. "More fun."

Thankfully, the door opened to Lupin's office and Ernie strode out looking relieved. He nodded at Tonks and Harry before leaving.

"Hello, Remus," Tonks said brightly. "I was hoping to catch you."

"Nymphadora," Lupin said distractedly.

Harry looked over at his mentor. "Well?"

"Ernie will continue with the program on a probationary period," Remus told them. "One more incident and he's out."

Harry nodded. "Thanks."

Tonks positioned herself by the poster announcing the ball and tried to look nonchalant. Remus ignored her though and she cleared her throat.

Harry hid his smile. "So... you going to this ball?" he asked, meaningfully glancing at the pink haired woman.

Remus nodded. "Unfortunately, I have to. And so do you, Harry. There's no getting out of it."

"Going with anyone?" Harry tried to appear innocent.

Lupin nodded. "Yes."

Tonks almost wilted right before their very eyes. "Who?" she squeaked.

"Cassandra Simmons," Lupin replied. "She works in the Portkey department. We were at Hogwarts together."

Harry nodded. "I see..."

"I didn't know you were seeing anyone," Tonks said quietly.

"We just decided to go," Lupin answered, shifting his armload of files.

"That's nice," Tonks said looking down at the floor.

Harry felt bad for Tonks. "I'm going to go grab some lunch," he said.

"I'll see you later, Harry," Remus said.

Harry nodded. "See you Lupin. Bye, Tonks."

"Bye," Tonks said sadly.

Harry wondered if there was any possible way to take Hermione to this ball. Spending a whole evening together like that sounded nice to him.

Who was he kidding? There was no way that would happen.

He dropped his things off in his office before heading down to the cafeteria for a quick bite.

He joined the queue and looked around the cafeteria spotting Hermione in the back with her friends.

He decided to join them- after all, until just a few weeks ago, they had all been classmates.

"Room for one more?" Harry asked.

"Sure," Lavender moved down so he could sit between her and Hermione. "Always, Harry."

"We were just talking about the ball," Eloise told him. "We saw the poster."

Harry nodded. "All the instructors are required to go."

"Are you taking Megan Jones?" Eloise asked.

"No," Harry shook his head. "I have no plans on seeing Megan again."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that," Lavender said. "Honestly, I'm surprised she didn't sell her story to the Prophet. I can see it now 'My Wild Night with The Boy Who Lived'."

Harry rolled her eyes. "Probably more like The Boy Who Was Too Cheap."

"You took her to the Ivy for Merlin's sake!" Lavender exclaimed.

"But I forgot the diamonds," Harry answered dryly.

Lavender rolled her eyes. "You're better off without that cow, Harry."

Harry sneaked a look at Hermione, who turned red. "Yeah," he replied. "You're right."

"So who are you going to ask, Lavender?" Eloise asked.

Lavender shrugged, thinking of Charlie Weasley. "I don't know."

"How about you, Hermione?" Eloise asked. "I imagine Justin's going to ask you."

"I don't know if I'll go," Hermione said quickly. "Doesn't really sound like my sort of thing."

Eloise nodded wistfully. "Wish someone like Justin would ask me..."

"You both have to go," Lavender said. "Come on. We're not going to get many opportunities to have fun and get all dressed up! It's going to be fun!"

"We'll see," Hermione answered noncommittally.

"I'm going to go and grab another juice," Lavender said. "Does anyone want anything?"

Eloise nodded. "I'd like to get another. I'll go with you."

The two of them got up, leaving Harry and Hermione alone.

"Ernie's going to stay in the program," Harry told her. "He's on probation."

"I'm not about to let him near me again," Hermione told him.

"Neither am I," Harry said.

Hermione sent him a half smile. "Thanks."

"How are your hands?" he asked.

"Better," she lifted them up. "That salve is great."

"You know that I'd like nothing more than to take you to that ball," he said.

Hermione nodded. "If there was a way we could go together--"

"There's not," he interjected. For the first time, he realised what he'd asked her to give up for him.

"It's all right," Hermione nodded. "They really aren't my thing."

"There's nothing to say I couldn't ask some of my students to dance," Harry said thoughtfully.

Hermione smiled. "Perhaps I'll make it a point to show up then."

Underneath the table, he reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. "You're the best thing to happen to me in quite some time."

His words sent a thrill through her. "I am?" she asked softly.

Harry nodded. "You are."

"It's that way for me too," Hermione wanted so badly to kiss him right then and there. "I... I never expected this-- you."

Harry smiled and gave her hand another squeeze underneath the table. "I can't wait to see you tonight."

"I can't wait either," she said. "But we have our flying lesson first..."

"Right," Harry said. "And then my meeting, but afterwards..."

"For those few hours, it's just about us," Hermione smiled at him.

Lavender and Eloise rejoined them and Harry reluctantly let go of Hermione's hand.

"You two look so serious," Lavender commented. "Did you find out what's going to happen to Ernie?"

"He's on probation," Harry said leaning back in his chair.

"That's it?" Lavender scoffed.

"He's promised that he's going to behave himself," Harry told her. "One more mistake and he's out of the program."

"He never acted like that before," Eloise said thoughtfully.

"He's very competitive," Lavender said. "Always has been. Especially where Harry was concerned."

"Why?" Hermione asked.

"They're rivals," Lavender told her. "Ernie was jealous the moment Harry made our house team the first year. First years never make it on to the house teams, but he did. Then there was the whole Triwizard Tournament. Ernie thought Harry had entered his own name---"

Harry cleared his throat. "Lavender as much fun as it is going through this, can we please talk about something else?"

"Sorry," Lavender blushed.

"It's okay," Harry said grinning at her. "But on that note, I think I'm going to go. I have some paperwork to catch up on. You ladies enjoy the rest of your day."

"We will," Lavender grinned at him. "Bye, Harry."

Eloise watched him go. "He looks so happy. I haven't seen him like this in ages."

"I wonder why," Lavender said thoughtfully. "I mean... first there was Parvati, and then the horrible date with Megan. I wonder if Harry's seeing someone else on the side."

"Maybe it isn't someone else," Hermione tried to deflect. "I mean, maybe he's just really happy with his new career."

Lavender shook her head. "He's definitely seeing someone."

"You think?" Eloise asked.

"He hasn't been like this since Parvati." Lavender replied. "I just wonder who's making him so happy?"

Hermione took a sip of her juice to stop from smiling. He was making her happy, too. More happy than she could ever remember being.

8. Chapter 8

Thanks again you guys for all your comments on this story. We’re so glad you’re enjoying it, and we’re having a lot of fun writing it! Make sure to read Last Dance, there’s some BIG stuff coming up there- and review :D We know, we know… we’re big review whores! But we love them! So indulge us!

Hermione and Harry hadn't had much time for their flying lesson. He'd only been able to set aside a half hour for her, but they'd enjoyed spending that small amount of time together with a promise of more quality time coming that evening.

Hermione wondered how she was going to get out from under Lavender's watchful eye. Her roommate was currently trying to practise wandless magic. She was trying, unsuccessfully, to get Hermione to join her.

"I really just want to go study," Hermione replied. "In the library."

"I'll come with you," Lavender said.

"I study better alone," Hermione said quickly. "Really."

"Oh," Lavender said hurt.

"Maybe tomorrow night?" Hermione offered.

"Sure," Lavender replied. "I guess I'll see you when you get back then."

Hermione smiled at her and quickly slipped out of the room before Lavender could change her mind. She didn't like lying to her new friend, but there wasn't any way around it if she wanted to continue seeing Harry.

She took the lift down to the instructors' offices and hoped she wouldn't run into anyone.

She knocked softly on Harry's office door. "It's me," she said softly.

There was no answer and Hermione knocked again.

She looked at her watch. It was after seven.

"Harry?" she knocked again.

There was still no answer. She wondered if perhaps his meeting had gone longer than he'd expected.

Either that, or he'd wised up and decided that all the sneaking around wasn't worth it.

The door to Lupin's office, which was directly behind her, swung open. "Hermione," Lupin said warmly.

She jumped. "Hello sir!"

"Are you here to see me?" Lupin asked.

"Um... I actually had a question for Ha-- Mr. Potter," Hermione said, spotting Harry behind Lupin. "About the reading he assigned us."

"I'll leave you two to it," Lupin said. "I have a dinner date."

"Have a nice time, sir." Hermione blushed as Harry unlocked his office door.

"Think about what I said, Harry," Lupin said.

"I will," Harry nodded. "Talk to you later."

Harry held open the door. "After you, Miss Granger."

"Thank you," Hermione said.

Harry closed the door and set a silencing charm on the room. "Sorry about that. Remus likes the sound of his own voice."

"It's okay," Hermione said softly. "What does he want you to think about?"

"Helping out on some raids," Harry said.

"Wow," Hermione was impressed.

"My plate is full right now though," Harry said. "Teaching. The trip to Romania. Spending as much time with a certain someone as I can."

Hermione smiled. "I like that last option quite a bit."

"I thought you would," Harry said pulling her to him. He'd wanted to kiss her all day.

Hermione melted against him, pressing her lips to his.

He'd just lifted her jumper when there was a knock on his door.

"What the hell--" Harry said crossly. "Quick- go behind my desk."

Hermione nodded and moved behind his desk, crouching down.

Harry opened the door to see Tonks wiping at her eyes. "I'm so glad you're still here."

"What?" Harry asked. "Tonks--"

Tonks' lower lip trembled. "I--I saw him in the lift just now. With...with her."

"I'm sure it's nothing serious," Harry assured her.

"He was flirting with her!" Tonks said in exasperation. "I didn't even know he could flirt!"

"I didn't either," Harry said. "Not something I want to picture."

From behind the desk, Hermione wondered who Tonks was talking about.

"Would you like me to say something to him?" Harry offered, hoping to get her out of here quickly.

Tonks shook her head. "No. It wouldn't do any good. It's so unfair, Harry!"

"Come on Tonks," Harry patted her shoulder and cast a look towards his desk. "I'm sure he's not as interested in her as you think..."

"You really think?" Tonks asked hopefully.

"Sure," Harry nodded. "I'll try and talk to him about her."

"You're such a great friend," Tonks said giving him a hug.

"Sure," Harry smiled at the other woman. "It'll be all right, Tonks. I promise."

"You probably want to go home," Tonks said. "I'll leave you to it, Harry."

"Thanks," Harry opened the door. "See you tomorrow."

Tonks walked out and Harry closed the door behind her.

Hermione stood up. "That was close."

"Too close," He agreed, locking the door again.

"Where were we?" Hermione asked.

Harry smiled at her. "Here..." he wound his arms back around her.

Hermione smiled back at him. "It's all coming back to me now."

"Uh huh," Harry brushed his lips over hers.

Hermione looped her arms around his neck and he walked her backwards over to the sofa.

"Oomph," she laughed as they fell onto it together.

Harry tickled her side. "Very graceful."

"You did it," she smiled at him.

Harry's eyes darkened as he looked at her. He'd meant what he'd said to her earlier. She was the best thing in his life right now.

"What are you thinking?" Hermione asked softly, running her hand through his hair.

"Just how glad I am that you're here with me," Harry replied.

"I'm glad too," Hermione kissed him. "But I almost couldn't get away from Lavender."

Harry laughed. "And I couldn't get away from Lupin."

"I wonder what Lavender would say if she knew," Hermione said thoughtfully.

Harry had asked himself that question, too. Lavender and Parvati had been best friends since they were 11 years old. Lavender was devastated when her best friend died, but she'd been a great friend to Harry.

"Not that I'm going to tell her," Hermione said quickly, mistaking his silence for disapproval.

Harry gave her a kiss. "It's not that, Hermione. This is just really complicated."

"I know," she said softly.

"But being with you is definitely worth it," Harry whispered.

Hermione felt her heart beat faster at the look on his face. "I feel the same way."

Harry gave her a kiss which quickly turned passionate.

"Mmmmm..." Hermione tugged at his jumper. "Off with those clothes..."

He grinned. "And off with yours..."

They fumbled with the buttons of the blouse she wore underneath her jumper. "Just tear them off," Hermione said. "I'll fix them later..."

"As you wish," Harry said tearing open the blouse.

The buttons went flying everywhere, but Hermione didn't care as she pulled the damned thing off and threw it aside.

He made quick work of pulling off her jeans and then her knickers.

She tugged down on his boxers and he unclasped her bra.

Harry positioned himself over her and kissed her softly. Hermione arched her back, guiding him to enter her. He thrust inside her hard and fast.

"Oh," Hermione's eyes opened wide.

Her body moulded perfectly around him and he marvelled at how well they fit. Not just here, but everywhere else. She got him like no one else had which seemed to strange given that they hadn't known each other very long.

"Harry," Hermione said breathlessly. "How did this all come about?"

"What?" Harry asked against her skin.

"You and me," Hermione whispered.

"I don't know," he said looking down at her.

"It just feels like something out of a dream," Hermione said as he pushed into her again.

"Good dream, I hope," Harry said before kissing her.

"Very much so," Hermione closed her eyes.

He knew what she meant though. There was no explanation for how they'd come together like this. He wasn't in the habit of having one night stands and he knew that wasn't her style either. Despite their every effort to stay away from each other, they'd been thrown together time and time again. He wanted to know everything about her.

There was a part of him that still felt as if he was betraying Parvati's memory, but he knew that she would have wanted him to move on.

Moving on hadn't seemed possible until he'd met Hermione.

A short while later, they were lying together in a comfortable silence. Hermione enjoyed the feeling of his hand running through her hair.

"I could get used to this," Harry finally said.

"I already am," Hermione admitted.

Harry smiled. "Hermione Jane..."

She smiled into his shoulder. "Harry James..."

He knew she'd have to go soon, but he wasn't ready for that yet. If he had his way, she'd stay here all night with him.

"So what was Tonks talking about earlier?" she asked curiously.

"Ah," Harry said. "I was wondering when you were going to ask about that. Well, Tonks fancies Remus."

"Really?" Hermione raised her head up and looked at him.

"If you spent any time around her, you'd see," Harry said. "She's fancied him for quite some time now, but he can't see it. And I think if he knew, he'd have a problem with the age difference."

"You think she'd be good for him?" Hermione asked, laying her head back down on his chest.

"I do," Harry replied.

Hermione was silent for a few minutes. "Do you think your friends would think that I'm good for you?" she ventured.

"I would like to think that they want me to be happy," Harry said. "And you make me happy. I think you're great for me."

She smiled. "When I first met you, I never thought we'd... well... I never thought we'd have a relationship, if that's what we want to call this."

"It's not conventional, but I'd like to think it's a relationship," Harry said softly. "Don't you?"

"Yes," Hermione answered. "I do think that."

Harry kissed the top of her head.

"I don't want to go," she murmured.

"We still have a few minutes before curfew," he said.

"It's just not enough," Hermione said quietly.

Harry knew what she was talking about. He wanted nothing more than to wake up with her tomorrow morning.

It was a few minutes later when she pushed herself off him. "I should get dressed."

Harry sat up and placed a kiss on her bare shoulder. "Me too."

Hermione closed her eyes for a moment, wishing she could stop time.

He was going to ask if she wanted to come by his place Saturday, but he remembered that this coming weekend would find them all in Romania at the dragon reservation. He didn't know if they'd be able to find some time along together.

"I guess I'll see you in class tomorrow," Hermione pulled her jumper on and straightened her hair.

There was another knock on the door and Harry cursed. "This place is as busy as Kings' Cross on the first day of school."

Hermione ducked back down again behind the desk without a word.

Harry threw on the rest of his clothes and slid into his shoes before opening the door. "Lavender?"

"I know it's nearly curfew," she said barging into his office. "But I have to know..."

"Know what?" Harry moved to his desk, blocking her way.

"I've known you for some time now," Lavender said looking at the sofa and raising an eyebrow at the blanket. "Were you taking a kip?"

"Yeah," he lied. "I was."

"I didn't mean to wake you," Lavender apologised. "But I can't help but be curious. There's something different about you, Harry."

"I'm same old me," Harry shrugged and hoped he looked innocent.

Lavender shook her head. "No, you're not. You're----you're happy. "

Harry raised an eyebrow. "So you're saying I wasn't before?"

"No, it's just that you were not really yourself these last few months," Lavender said quietly.

"I haven't even seen you since I left school," Harry pointed out.

"Which is part of the problem," Lavender said. "You kind of shut yourself away from everyone."

"I had to deal with what happened in my own way," Harry told her.

"We all did," Lavender said. "But, you went through the worst of it because you---you blamed yourself for it."

"It was my fault she sneaked off and came," Harry looked away. "Nothing could ever change that."

"You didn't know!" Lavender argued. "You had no idea that she was going to come after you and if you had, you'd have done everything in your power to save her."

"Of course I would have," Harry said sharply.

"I didn't come down here to bring this up," Lavender said. "I just---you're different. You're smiling again. I just think that there's something going on with you."

"I'm just keeping busy," Harry said truthfully.

"Please tell me Megan Jones isn't the reason for that," Lavender said.

"No," Harry shook his head. "I have no plans on seeing her again, Lavender."

Lavender sighed in relief. "Thank God."

"You'd better get back," Harry said. "Curfew."

"Are you seeing anyone?" Lavender asked studying him.

"No," Harry answered quickly.

Lavender folded her arms. "You wouldn't tell me if you were, would you?"

"I'm not," Harry insisted.

Lavender didn't believe that for a moment. But, she wasn't going to press her luck. "Okay. Well, regardless, it's good to see you smiling again."

"Thanks," Harry said. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night," Lavender said.

"Night," Harry responded, shutting the door behind her. "Bloody hell..."

"She's just concerned about you," Hermione said standing up.

"I know, but still," Harry ran his hands through his hair, making it stick up on end. "She's a bit too nosy sometimes."

Hermione came around the desk and put her arms around his neck. "I'm sorry."

Harry relaxed at her touch. "It's not your fault," he said, resting his forehead on hers.

"I do have to agree with Lavender," Hermione said softly. "I like seeing you smile, too."

Harry grinned at her. "She was right about that."

Hermione gave him a kiss. "I have about two minutes."

"Take my cloak again," Harry told her.

"Thank you," Hermione said.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Harry touched her cheek before leaning in to kiss her good night.

Hermione lingered a bit longer, but finally broke the kiss. He handed her the cloak.

"Night," she whispered, pulling it over her head.

"Night," Harry said before opening the door.

Hermione quickly headed back along the corridors; slipping into the room she shared with Lavender right as the clock struck eleven.

Lavender was sitting up in bed reading. "How was the library?"

"Fine," Hermione lied. "I got loads done."

Lavender smiled. "So did I."

Hermione nodded as she put the cloak in her trunk. "That's good."

"Can I ask you something?" Lavender asked.

"Sure," Hermione looked over at her.

Lavender bit her bottom lip. "Um...what did you think of Charlie Weasley?"

Hermione thought for a moment. "He seemed pretty smart and knowledgeable," she said. "I'm looking forward to the trip to the reservation."

"Me too," Lavender admitted. "He and I had lunch together."

"You did?" Hermione asked. "What did you talk about?"

"Just small talk," Lavender said. "And it was really nice, but then I thought he was hitting on me..."

"Why would you think that?" Hermione asked though she knew the answer. Lavender was very pretty and it was easy to see why blokes would be falling all over themselves to ask her out.

Lavender blushed. "He just seemed interested... and he said he'd take me up close to the dragons when we got to Romania."

"That doesn't sound bad at all," Hermione said thoughtfully.

"I just... I'm not the type of girl who's easy," Lavender explained. "And I didn't want him thinking so."

"Do you fancy him?" Hermione asked.

Lavender blushed even harder. "I don't know."

Hermione smiled. "Well, maybe this weekend in Romania, you can figure that out."

"Perhaps," Lavender closed her book. "I went and saw Harry, too."

"Oh?" Hermione asked turning away.

"I still think he's seeing someone," Lavender said. "But he won't give me any hints."

"I'm sure he'll tell you when the time is right," Hermione said trying to sound neutral. She quickly changed into her pyjamas.

"I just want to know who's making him happy again," Lavender hugged her pillow to her.

"Isn't enough that he's happy again?" Hermione asked sliding underneath her covers.

"I guess," Lavender replied.

"We should get some sleep," Hermione said turning off her lamp.

"Right," Lavender also turned her lamp off.

Hermione didn't close her eyes though. She was thinking about the time she'd shared with Harry and the two close calls they'd had tonight.

She knew it wasn't going to be as easy to dodge people if they kept meeting all the time. Perhaps they needed to cut back the amount of time they spent alone.

She didn't want her studies and training to suffer either. Being an Auror was important to her and she wanted to prove to herself and to her parents that she was capable of the job.

*** *** ***

The trainees were scheduled to leave from the Ministry at five o’clock that Friday afternoon. They were arriving at the dragon reservation in Romania via portkey. Everyone was excited to get away from the Ministry, but they all knew that they’d have a lot of work ahead of them. This was as Harry liked to remind them an important part of their training and not just an excuse to get away for a weekend.

"Come on," Ron tried to joke. "Surely we'll have a little time to ourselves. Saturday's supposed to be our day off!"

"You should take this seriously, Ron," Harry told him. "You lot will have some time to yourselves, but our main objective this weekend is to learn as much as we can about dragons."

"I can learn about dragons and have a good time too," Ron grumbled.

"Will Charlie---I mean, Mr. Weasley lead the training?" Lavender asked hopefully.

Harry nodded. "He'll be with us all weekend."

Hermione gave her friend a knowing grin.

Lavender blushed. She'd thought a lot about Charlie these last couple of days. Maybe she'd get a chance to talk to him and get to know him better.

"We have to get to our portkeys," Harry glanced at his watch. "We leave in three minutes."

"Where are we departing from?" Hermione asked.

"A few floors down," Harry told her.

"We'd better get a move on," Justin said.

Hermione followed behind Harry as they went downstairs. "Are we meeting up tonight?" she asked him quietly.

"I think that might be arranged," Harry replied in a hushed tone. "If you aren't doing anything..."

Hermione grinned. "I kept my schedule free... in case."

They hadn't had a chance to be alone since Monday. Harry was looking forward to being with her again.

"You find a place for us," Hermione whispered to him. "And I'll meet you there at ten."

Harry hid his smile as he directed the trainees toward the portkeys.

"Just grab onto one of them and in a few minutes we'll be in Romania," Harry told them.

Hermione, Lavender, Eloise and Ron each put a hand on one of the books. Justin, Ernie, and the others took the second portkey.

Harry had his own and just a few short minutes later, they all found themselves standing in the midst of a large dragon reservation surrounded by mountains.

Lavender was speechless as she took in the surroundings. It was quite cold, but the landscape was absolutely breathtaking.

"Hello!" Charlie Weasley was striding up to them. Lavender blushed as he looked her way and smiled.

"Hello, Charlie," Harry said warmly.

"Harry," Charlie clapped him on the shoulder. "Alright?"

"Yeah," Harry said. "We're really glad you could set aside time for all of us this weekend."

"We're always happy to see people who are interested in dragons," Charlie said. "I'll show you lot where you're going to be sleeping, and then we can get started."

"How's the food here, Charlie?" Ron asked his brother.

"Sludge," Charlie told him. "Sometimes, dragon dung."

Ron stopped in his tracks. "S-sludge?"

"It's quite good for you," Charlie nodded.

Ron's face fell. He knew that he should have packed some snacks or something in his trunk. There was no way he was going to survive the next three days on sludge and there was absolutely no way he was going to eat dragon dung.

Charlie laughed at his brother. "Relax Ron. The food's good."

Ron hit his brother on the shoulder. "Not cool, Charlie. Not cool."

Harry laughed too. "I wish I had a camera so you could have seen your face, Ron."

"You should never, ever joke about food," Ron said glaring at them both.

"Relax," Harry shook his head. "You wouldn't have starved."

"All joking aside," Charlie told the group. "We want you all to learn as much as you can this weekend, but please be careful. Don't approach the dragons unless you are in the company of myself or one of my colleagues. We've been studying them for years and for some of you this is the first time you've come up close and personal with them."

Lavender wondered if Charlie still wanted to show her the dragons like he'd said when they had lunch together.

Charlie explained that the ladies would bunk in one room while the blokes would bunk in another.

"Even Harry?" Ernie asked.

"As the instructor, Harry gets his own room," Charlie replied casually.

"He can't be slumming with us peons," Ron joked.

"Figures," Ernie muttered.

Luckily for Ernie, no one heard him.

Charlie led the group up the stairs to the main building. "How many of you work here?" Eloise asked.

"About twenty two of us," Charlie answered. "A group has to be on call twenty four hours a day, so we rotate shifts."

At the top of the staircase stood a tall raven-haired girl dressed in jeans and a navy jumper. Justin and Ernie's jaws dropped when they saw her. Lavender watched as the girl's eyes lit up at the sight of Charlie.

"Jessica," Charlie said turning to see her. "Come on down here so I can introduce you to our group."

Jessica sauntered down, coming by Charlie and standing close to him.

"Jessica Truman," Charlie said. "This is the group of Auror trainees from London. Everyone, Jessica and I have worked together for two years now. She knows ALMOST as much as I do."

Jessica hit him on the arm and laughed. "I know MORE than you and you know it."

Lavender bit her lower lip and looked away. Obviously Charlie and this girl had something going and he wasn't interested in her at all. She was surprised to find out how disappointed she was about that.

"Jess, why don't you show the ladies their room?" Charlie asked.

"Sure thing," Jessica winked at him. "Girls, follow me."

"She looks like she should be in a fashion show," Eloise whispered to Lavender. "Instead of on a reservation like this."

"Tell me about it," Lavender muttered sullenly.

Jessica waved at them to follow her upstairs. "You are going to love it here."

"I hope so," Hermione hurried alongside her. "I've never actually seen a dragon before."

"You're in for a real treat," Jessica told her. "You're going to see your fair share of them in the next couple of days---"

"Hermione," Hermione said introducing herself. "And this is Eloise and Lavender."

"Nice to meet you all," Jessica smiled at them.

She led them down the corridor to a set of double doors. "You'll be staying in here with Ramona, Tabitha and me."

"Great," Lavender muttered quietly so no one heard her.

"We've set out some extra beds for you," Jessica said opening the doors. "We eat dinner at around seven. Breakfast is at eight and Lunch is at one."

"Thanks," Hermione said, dropping her bag on one of the empty beds. She was pleased that Harry had his own room- it meant it would be easier for them to be alone together.

"So, Jessica," Lavender said setting her things down on the bed beside Hermione's. "There's you and this Tabitha and Ramona, you're the only girls with all these boys?"

Jessica nodded. "Kind of unbalanced, wouldn't you say?"

"Your---your boyfriend must be very secure," Lavender fished.

Jessica laughed. "I don't have a boyfriend, Lavender."

"Oh," Lavender tried not to show how much that pleased her. "Sorry..."

"But I've got my on someone," Jessica said with a grin.

"Who?" Eloise asked.

"A lady never tells," Jessica said coyly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to finish up an experiment. Charlie will want to meet you downstairs in about ten minutes."

"What a tart," Lavender muttered when she'd left the room.

"I bet it's Charlie," Eloise said. "That she fancies."

Hermione looked over at her friend. "But perhaps Charlie fancies someone else..."

Lavender shrugged. "It doesn't matter to me. We're here to learn and not get caught up in the love lives of dragon handlers, right?"

"Right," Hermione was unconvinced. "Well we best get back downstairs..."

"Right," Lavender agreed.

Charlie was already waiting for them when they got back. Lavender wasn't really sure what to say to him and was a bit dismayed when he headed in her direction.

"How are your accommodations, Miss Brown?" Charlie asked. "Fine," Lavender replied shortly.

"I know it's not the Ritz," Charlie didn't catch onto her tone. "But I'm sure for a weekend it'll do."

"If Jessica can handle it, I think I can," Lavender shot back.

Charlie seemed surprised at her answer. "Don't you like Jess?" he asked.

"Why wouldn't I like her?" Lavender asked, wondering why she was acting like this. It was petty and childish and she had no claim to Charlie Weasley. She barely knew him.

"I don't know," Charlie replied. "Are you all right?"

Lavender didn't get a chance to respond as the rest of their group joined them. Charlie frowned. "We have to get started, but I was hoping you might join me for a walk after dinner?"

"What?" she asked surprised.

"A walk," Charlie said. "If you're up for it..."

"Okay," Lavender agreed.

A wide smile spread across Charlie's face. "It's a date."

She found herself smiling too. "I'm looking forward to it."

Charlie gave her hand a quick squeeze before walking over to Harry.

Lavender nearly sprinted over to Hermione. "He just asked me to go for a walk after dinner," she hissed in the brunette's ear.

Hermione smiled at her. "So I guess this means you've decided that YOU fancy him?"

Lavender gave her a look. "It means he doesn't fancy that tart!"

"Well, she's not the one going for a walk with him, is she?" Hermione pointed out.

"Nope," Lavender said smugly.

"Come on," Hermione tugged at her arm. "Let's get closer so we can hear what they're saying."

The girls joined the group as Charlie explained what they would be doing that day.

"Today you'll be observing from a distance," he was saying. "Tomorrow, we'll have you lot get a little more close up."

"I'd like to get close up to that Jessica," Ernie whispered to Justin.

"I know," Justin agreed. "She was HOT!"

"I think she's into Weasley though," Ernie said.

"That's a shame," Justin said, not realising that Eloise, Hermione and Lavender could hear what they were saying. "I'd like to have her go to that ball with me."

Charlie led them back outside. "We'll start off with the Hungarian Horntail. We have three of those on the reservation."

Harry shook his head. "I've seen enough of those." he joked.

Ernie rolled his eyes. Yet another opportunity for Potter to lord over the rest of them all that he'd done.

"I remember the Triwizard Tournament," Charlie said. "Bringing four dragons without them being seen by Muggles is no easy task."

"Surviving that Hungarian Horntail wasn't an easy task, either," Lavender said looking at Harry. "Parvati and I were scared to death the entire tournament!"

Harry smiled a bit at that memory.

They arrived at a large caged area where Jessica was waiting for them.

She broke out into a rather radiant smile as Charlie approached. "I've got Velma ready for you." she said.

"Thanks, Jess," Charlie said patting her on the shoulder.

The trainees watched while the Hungarian Horntail stepped out from behind a tree.

"The Horntail is distinctive because of its' black scales, bronze horns and their spiked tails. The flames they shoot can extend as far as fifty feet."

"I can vouch for that," Harry said to his group. "They're incredibly fast, and very, very defensive of their eggs."

"Velma here has been with us for over three years," Jessica told them. "A week ago, she gave birth."

"You mean there are baby dragons?" Hermione asked excitedly.

"Charlie and I were with Velma the entire time during the birth," Jessica told her. "If you look to your right by the tree...that's the baby."

"Wow," Hermione whispered.

"How cute!" Lavender gushed as the baby dragon peered out at them from behind it's mother's leg.

"She won't allow anyone but me or Jess to get any closer than this," Charlie told them.

"Have you named the baby?" Eloise asked.

"Not yet," Charlie answered.

"That is the cutest thing I've ever seen," Lavender commented.

Charlie grinned at her. "I'm glad you think so."

"Will she come any closer?" Hermione asked.

"I doubt Velma will let her," Charlie said.

Hermione noticed Harry standing behind her and she smiled. "It's something else, isn't it?"

"You can say that again," Harry agreed.

"Charlie mentioned that you have four of them on the reservation," Eloise said. "Where are the other two horntails?"

"Some of our trainers take them out to stretch their wings," Jessica explained.

"You might get to see the other two this weekend," Charlie promised. "Harry, since you battled one of these, maybe you could give the trainees some pointers..."

"Are you going to make them fight?" Harry asked in amusement.

"Not unless you really tick me off," Charlie said dryly.

"Very funny," Jessica nudged Charlie's shoulder with hers.

Lavender wished she knew what kind of dynamic Charlie and this Jessica person had with each other. Deciding to find out, Lavender tapped Ron on the shoulder. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Ron answered.

"Your brother," Lavender said. "Does he---is he dating anyone?"

"Which one?" Ron asked. "I have five brothers, Lav. There's Fred, George, Percy, Charlie, Bill..."

"Um," Lavender blushed. "Sorry... I meant Charlie."

Ron looked over at his older brother who was chatting with Jessica. "I think that should be obvious."

9. Chapter 9

We really think you guys will enjoy this chapter ;) And be forewarned… CLIFFIE!

Lavender was baffled. Why had Charlie asked her for a walk if he was into this Jessica?

"Jess, how about we try and get Velma to shoot some fire?" Charlie asked.

"Sure," Jessica answered.

Jessica nodded toward one of the other handlers.

"This is going to be so cool," Justin said his eyes on the black haired girl.

Jessica opened the cage and gingerly stepped closer to the dragon.

"Easy Jess," Charlie said.

Jessica approached the dragon with extreme caution under the watchful eye of the group. She withdrew her wand.

Velma drew her head back and looked down at the trainer approaching her.

"Steady," Charlie called out to Jess. "Steady...”

"Easy girl," Jessica said in a soothing voice.

Hermione felt her breath catch in her throat as the dragon reared its head back and breathed fire in Jessica's direction.

She unconsciously stepped back against Harry as she stared up in awe.

Harry put a comforting hand on her shoulder and Lavender saw this out of the corner of her eye.

"That was something, wasn't it?" Ron asked Lavender.

"Yeah," she said absently.

Harry took his hand off of Hermione's shoulder and Lavender wondered what, if anything, she'd just witnessed.

"That was great," Charlie said to Jessica.

"Thanks," Jessica beamed at him.

"If you'll follow us," Charlie said. "We'll show you the Norwegian Ridgeback we have over here..."

Lavender momentarily forgot about Charlie and Jessica as she watched Harry and Hermione walking together.

He was walking closer to her than he normally would, and they were conversing quietly, almost intimately.

Lavender quickened her step so she could catch up to them, hoping she could hear what they were talking about. She knew she was probably overreacting, but she couldn't help thinking something was up. But, then again, Hermione was always one of the first people in their group to ask questions. She was always going up to Lupin and asking him for pointers or for recommendations on books. Perhaps that was what was going on here.

"... later?" she heard Harry ask.

"Okay," Hermione responded. "I'd like that."

"What?" Lavender didn't mean to ask aloud.

Hermione turned. "Lavender?"

"Uh... hi." Lavender grinned innocently.

Hermione looked quizzically at her. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," she said quickly. "You two?"

"Good," Harry replied. "Are you enjoying the lesson so far?"

"Very much," Lavender nodded. "I'm glad we came." her eyes strayed to Charlie.

Charlie stood in front of the group with Jessica. He explained the characteristics of the Norwegian Ridgeback and introduced them to Olaf and Olga, the reservation's two Ridgebacks.

"They're beautiful," Lavender breathed, staring up at them.

Charlie caught her eye. "The Norwegian Ridgeback is my favourite. Olaf and I arrived here at about the same time so I have a special place in my heart for him."

"Whatever happened to Norbert?" Harry asked Charlie.

Ron gulped. "Oh...please tell me he's not still here."

Charlie laughed. "He was sent to a special reserve in Greenland a few years ago."

"Who's Norbert?" Hermione asked Lavender.

"Why don't you ask Harry?" Lavender responded in a cold tone.

Hermione looked at her oddly. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Lavender hadn't meant for that to come out the way it had. She shook her head. "Nothing. I'm sorry, Hermione. The groundskeeper at Hogwarts is a really good friend of Harry's. Our first year at Hogwarts, he obtained a dragon egg and he cared for it until its birth. He named it Norbert, but he wasn't able to stay at the castle. Dumbledore sent him here to be with his own kind."

"Oh," Hermione said wistfully. "I wish I could have seen something like that..."

"I didn't," Lavender told her. "Ron told me about it when we were dating."

"I see," Hermione answered. "Still would have been cool to see..."

Charlie and Jessica showed the trainees two more breeds before calling it a day. Dinner would be in a half an hour and the groups splintered off as they made their way back to the main building. Lavender wanted to walk back with Charlie, but Jessica seemed to have taken permanent residence by his side.

"Just great," Lavender muttered to Hermione. "Feel like its one step forward and two steps back right now."

"You still have your walk with him after dinner," Hermione reminded her.

"True," Lavender nodded.

"I don't know about you, but I'm starving," Hermione said.

"I'm a little hungry," Lavender agreed.

Hermione wanted to freshen up a bit before dinner so she went upstairs to their room. Lavender followed a few moments later when it became apparent Jessica wasn't going anywhere.

Ron caught up with Harry. "Some of the blokes are going to play cards tonight. You in?"

"Uh... what time?" Harry asked.

"Nine or so," Ron replied.

"I don’t' think so," Harry said. "I'm... I'm pretty tired."

Ron nodded. "I get it. You can't fraternize with us. Wouldn't look good."

"That's not it," Harry said. "I'm just tired. Haven't been sleeping so well lately."

"Nightmares?" Ron asked.

"Yeah," Harry lied.

"If you change your mind, you know where we are," Ron told him slapping him on the back.

"Right," Harry said. "Thanks mate."

It was times like this that Ron really missed Luna. It was bad enough that she wouldn't be able to come to the Ministry's Halloween Ball. She's already written to him and told him to ask someone to go. She knew that it would be a just friends thing and she was confident in their relationship.

He was considering skipping it altogether and just hanging in his room that night. He really had no desire to go to a dance of any sort without her.

Dinner was pretty subdued. Charlie introduced some of the other handlers to the trainees. Lavender couldn't eat much. She was nervous about their walk later.

"Do you think he only asked me as friends?" Lavender fretted to Hermione.

"I saw the way he was looking at you earlier," Hermione said. "Look, just play it by ear, Lav. Be yourself and see how things go."

"Okay," Lavender said. "I'm going to go back and freshen up really quick."

"Good luck," Hermione said smiling at her.

"Thanks," Lavender said, reminding herself to ask her friend later what was going on between her and Harry exactly,

Charlie finished his dinner and excused himself to meet Lavender. He didn't notice that Jessica pouted when he left the dining hall.

He waited outside the girls' room for her, and smiled when she opened the door. "Ready?"

Lavender nodded and grabbed her cloak. She didn't tell him that she'd half expected Jessica to be with him.

"I thought I'd show you some of the dragons a little more close up," Charlie told her.

"I'd like that," Lavender said smiling at him.

"Great," he said, reaching for her hand. "I'm glad you're here, Lav."

"Me too," Lavender said softly.

Charlie glanced admiringly at her. "You look great."

Lavender blushed. "Thanks. I've actually had this jumper for ages. It's the warmest one I have."

"Looks good on you," he winked.

"So, which dragons are you going to show me?" Lavender asked.

"I thought you might like seeing the Horntails a little closer," Charlie said.

"As long as they don't breathe fire at me," Lavender said.

"Just stay calm," Charlie told her. "They're used to me, so just don't make any sudden moves."

"Right," Lavender said linking her arm with his.

Charlie led her into the paddock, where the Horntails were sitting. "Stay behind me for now."

Lavender wordlessly nodded.

"Hey Velma," Charlie said soothingly. "Hey girl... going to let me in tonight?"

The horntail looked up and studied Charlie. The baby dragon, as always, stood right beside its mother.

"That's a girl," Charlie said, approaching slowly.

Lavender watched in awe while the dragon approached Charlie.

She looked past them and saw the baby dragon looking at her curiously. Almost as if she weren’t in control of her body, she moved slowly towards it.

Charlie looked over at her. "Lav..."

"I think it's okay," she said softly, reaching out and stroking the top of the baby's head. Velma looked down at her, but didn't retaliate.

Charlie had never seen anything like this before.

Lavender could hardly control her excitement. "This is unreal!" she breathed.

"You're a natural," Charlie said.

"Thanks," she grinned at him.

"What made you want to work with them?" Lavender asked.

"They've always fascinated me," Charlie couldn't take his eyes off her.

"And the Norwegian Ridgebacks are your favourites?" Lavender asked. The baby dragon rested its chin on her knee.

"Normally," Charlie said with a grin.

Lavender had a feeling that after this moment, she would always be partial to the Hungarian Horntail.

"I've never seen these dragons take to someone new like this," Charlie shook his head. "You've got something in you, Lav."

Lavender shrugged. "I've always been really good with animals."

Charlie smiled at her again. "I think they can tell that you're a good person."

"Ah, you should see me in the mornings," Lavender said with a grin. "I'm not very sweet at all. I can be a right terror."

"I'll believe that when I see it," Charlie leaned in flirtatiously.

Velma started for the trees and the baby dragon looked up at Lavender before following its mother. Charlie was still looking at Lavender and she felt butterflies in her stomach. "Um...so what's next?"

"I'm not sure," he said sheepishly. "You... you sort of threw me for a loop there."

"Me?" Lavender asked taking his hand when he offered to help her to her feet.

"You just surprise me, that's all." he said. "You're not just another pretty face in the crowd."

"Thanks," Lavender blushed.

"You're one of a kind," he continued softly.

Lavender looked up at him. No one had ever really looked at her like this or said such sweet things to her.

"I've been thinking about you all week," Charlie said, weaving their fingers together.

Lavender smiled. She'd been thinking about him, too. More than she probably should have. "Me too."

"I know this might be hard," he said. "But... perhaps we could... I don't know... try something out?"

"W-what?" Lavender stammered.

"I know it's long distance," he said quickly. "But I like you a lot."

She liked him, too, but she'd seen him with Jessica that afternoon.

"Would you be at all interested?" he asked, seeing as how she hadn't responded.

"Yes, but--"

"But..." he nodded. "You're seeing someone else..."

Lavender shook her head. "No, but ...but you are."

"What?" he asked in surprise. "No I'm not."

Lavender raised an eyebrow. "Jessica?"

"Jess?" Charlie asked incredulously. "You think I'm seeing Jessica?"

Lavender nodded. "I saw you with her and Ron said---"

"You listened to Ron?" Charlie shook his head. "You went to school with him- I thought you'd know better than that."

"But he's your brother," Lavender protested. "Wouldn't he know?"

"No," Charlie answered. "Ron doesn't know. I'm not dating Jessica. I think of her like I think of Ginny. As a sister."

Lavender stared at him. "So you aren't seeing anyone? You're not interested in Jessica?"

Charlie laughed. "There's one girl here I'm interested in."

"Really?" Lavender asked.

"Uh huh," he said leaning in.

Lavender looped her arms around his neck.

"So you're interested?" he asked huskily.

"A little," Lavender flirted.

"Only a little?" Charlie smiled at her.

"I might need a little convincing," Lavender said smiling back at him.

"I might be able to do that," he said, leaning in a little more and brushing his lips against hers.

Lavender kissed him back. She'd kissed a few boys in her time, but they all paled in comparison to Charlie.

His arms slid around her waist, drawing her closer to him.

"Charlie," Lavender whispered.

"Yeah?" he asked softly.

"I don't know," Lavender said dreamily.

He laughed. "I don't know either." he said before kissing her again.

She knew this wasn't going to be easy. She lived in London, he lived here. She was going to have a very busy schedule with her training and he certainly had his hands full on the reservation.

"We can make this work," he said, brushing his mouth over her skin.

"And we have this weekend," Lavender said, her eyes still closed.

"Right," he agreed.

"Let's continue our walk," Lavender said taking his hand.

"Sure," he said, gazing at her with a grin.

"So," Lavender said grinning back at him.

"I'm really, really glad you're here," Charlie said, squeezing her hand.

"Me too," Lavender said. "It's nice to see you in your natural habitat."

He laughed. "You make me sound like one of the dragons."

"Do you breathe fire?" Lavender teased.

"Would you like to find out?" he joked.

"No," Lavender replied, shaking her head. "I'd like to stay on your good side."

"I'd like you to stay there too," he replied cheekily.

Lavender nudged him. "You aren't at all what I expected."

"I'm assuming that's a good thing," Charlie responded.

"It's a very good thing," Lavender grinned. She heard a low rumbling sound in the distance and the smile on her face fell. "What is that?"

Charlie gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "That would be our Romanian Longhorns. One of them can get quite moody if we don't feed them on time."

"Oh," Lavender said. "I thought it might be the Horntails."

"No," Charlie said. "You'll get to see the Longhorns tomorrow."

"Okay," she replied, smiling up at him.

"I wish we had some more time," Charlie apologised. "But I have to help the others close down."

"Of course," Lavender blushed. "I'm... I'm glad we met up."

"Me too," Charlie said pulling her close again.

Lavender wound her arms around him as he kissed her again.

When they pulled apart, a few moments later, they were both grinning at each other. "So, I hope that I'll see you for breakfast?" he asked her.

"Yes," she responded dazedly. "Charlie?"

"Yes, Lavender?" Charlie asked.

"There's um... there's a ball at the Ministry around Halloween," Lavender said. "Do you think you'd be able to come to London for it?"

Charlie looked thoughtfully at her. "I'd have to wear dress robes and dance with you wouldn't I?"

Lavender giggled. "You'd have to wear a costume. And yes, you'd have to dance with me. Quite closely, as a matter of fact."

"I rather like the sound of that," Charlie said grinning at her. "I'd say you have a date, Miss Brown."

Lavender grinned back. "Fantastic."

Charlie knew he'd have to change shifts with one of his colleagues, but he wanted to see Lavender as much as possible.

"I'm already looking forward to it," she continued softly, pressing her lips against his again.

She couldn't wait to tell Hermione about what had happened.

"I really have to go," Charlie said regretfully. "I'll save you a seat at my table for breakfast."

"It's a date," Lavender said. "You go on ahead. I can see myself back."

"Okay," Charlie gave her one last kiss. "See you tomorrow."

Lavender practically floated back to the main house. She was absolutely smitten with Charlie Weasley.

She crept into the room and over to Hermione's bed intent on telling her friend every last detail.

"Hermione?" Lavender whispered.

She thought she saw someone lying on the bed so she prodded the blankets. "Hermione?"

It was only the pillows though and Lavender wondered where Hermione could have gone.

What she didn't know was that Hermione was several hundred metres away in Harry's private room.

She snuggled closer to Harry, feeling completely sated.

"This gets better ever time," Harry said, kissing the top of her head.

Hermione smiled, she couldn't have agreed more. She'd looked forward to this all day. "I would have understood if you'd wanted to play cards with the others..."

"I can do that anytime," Harry answered. "I wanted to be with you."

Hermione kissed his chest. She'd wanted to be with him, too. It was so hard having to pretend not to look at him, and to not reach for his hand when they were sitting together in front of the others.

Harry pulled her closer to him. "I wish you could stay here all night."

Hermione wanted that too, but knew it would be impossible. She rested her head on his chest, thinking what it would be like to be a real couple.

"You all right?" he asked.

"Of course," Hermione replied. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Just asking," Harry said, running his hand through her hair.

"Justin asked me to go the ball with him," Hermione said.

"What?" Harry asked, raising his head.

"He came up to me after dinner," Hermione said softly.

"What... what did you tell him?" Harry asked.

"He said it would be just as friends," Hermione said. "Since we have to go...."

"I'm just being a jerk," Harry said. "I can't expect you not to go with anyone."

"You know that I'd rather go with you," Hermione said.

"I wish we could go together too," Harry said, kissing her.

This situation wasn't ideal, but she'd put up with whatever she had to if it meant being with him like this. She was falling for him more and more each day.

Harry made a contented sound deep in his throat. "I don't want you to leave."

"Maybe I don't have to," Hermione said.

Harry gazed at her. "You don't think anyone will miss you?"

She told him how she'd set her pillows up in her bed to look like she was asleep. "We could set the alarm and I can sneak back into my room first thing in the morning."

Harry grinned at her. "Granger, you are the smartest witch I've ever met."

"Never underestimate a woman in--" Hermione started to say. She realised what she was about to tell him, her voice trailed off.

"What?" he asked.

"Nothing," Hermione said quickly. She sat up in bed and reached for the alarm clock on the bedside table.

Harry watched her set it for six am before she settled back in next to him.

"So where were we?" Hermione asked wrapping her arms around him.

"We could get back to what we were doing before," Harry hinted.

Hermione grinned. "Oh....you mean THAT."

"THAT," Harry chuckled. "You're quite good at that."

Hermione laughed. "Well, you know I am an overachiever."

"I can certainly agree with that," Harry pulled her up against him.

They didn't say much of anything else the rest of the night. Hermione drifted off to sleep in Harry's arms. It didn't take long for Harry to fall asleep either. It had been a long day and what he and Hermione had just done had left him physically spent.

He dreamed of Hermione at the ball. She was wearing a gypsy costume and he couldn't take his eyes off of her.

Looking down, he realised he was dressed as a pirate. The two of them seemed to drift towards each other, meeting in the middle of the dance floor.

Someone grabbed his arm and he turned to see Parvati, wearing a long, flowing dress.

"Have you forgotten about me already?" she asked in a sultry tone.

"Parvati?" he asked in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

"I've missed you," she said simply.

"I've missed you too," Harry said reaching for her.

"Harry," Hermione reached for his hand. "What about us?"

"He couldn't save me," Parvati said quietly. "He can't save you."

"That's because I saved him," Hermione said softly.

"You did," Harry said looking at her.

"What about me?" Parvati reached for him. "You said you loved me. You said we would start a family...."

"I know but--" Harry began.

"How could you let him do this to me?" Parvati asked. "How could you let You-Know-Who kill me, Harry?"

"I didn't mean to," Harry said. "I didn't know, Parvati."

"He has her now," Parvati said.

"What?" Harry spun around.

Parvati looked over his shoulder. "She's gone, Harry."

Harry turned around to see Hermione being pulled away from him. "Don't let him take me!" she begged.

Harry moved to follow her, but Parvati held on to him. "Don't leave me. You promised."

"But--" Harry looked back at Hermione. "I have to go to her."

When he turned back to Parvati, she was standing in a group with Sirius, Lily, and James. "She's going to join us soon."

"No," Harry shook his head. "No!"

Hermione awoke with a start when she heard Harry calling out in his sleep. "Harry?"

"No!" he thrashed around. "You can't take her from me!"

Hermione gently shook him. "Harry? Wake up..."

Harry shot straight up, his chest heaving. "Hermione?"

"I'm right here," Hermione replied putting her hand on his arm.

He turned to look at her and for a moment she didn't think he realised where he was.
"You had a bad dream," Hermione said gently.

"They were taking you away," Harry pushed his hair out of his face.

"Who was taking me away?" Hermione said.

"He was," Harry muttered. "Voldemort. Everyone... everyone said you were leaving me soon."

"I'm not going anywhere," Hermione said touching his cheek. "It was just a dream."

"Just a dream?" Harry blinked.

"Just a dream," Hermione reassured him. Her heart broke at the look on his face.

He nodded, pulling her to him in a rather bone crushing hug.

She let him hold her like that, knowing he needed her. It made sense to her now. To him, it must have seemed like everyone he cared about was taken away from him.

"I'm sorry," Harry apologised a few minutes later.

"There's no need to apologise," Hermione said giving him a kiss.

"You don't need to hear about all this," Harry said quietly.

"I don't mind," she said lying back down with him.

"I just... I've pushed everyone away for so long. I don't want to be alone anymore," Harry confessed.

"You don't have to be alone," Hermione said softly. "I'm here and I don't have any plans to go anywhere." She didn't want to say this so soon because she was afraid she would push him away. But, she wanted him to know how she was feeling. "I love you."

Harry looked at her properly. "You do?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes."

No one had told him that since he'd been with Parvati. And it completely shocked him to realise in that moment he felt the same way about her.

"You don't have to say it back," Hermione continued. "I just---I just wanted you to know how I was feeling. I've never felt this way in my life before. All I know is that when we're together, I just want time to stand still. When we're together, I feel safe and warm and happy." She saw the look on his face and put her head in her hands. "And I've completely freaked you out now...."

"No," he shook his head. "No you haven't."

"We should probably get back to sleep," Hermione said hastily.

"I love you too," Harry told her softly.

"I'm always putting the cart before the horse," Hermione rattled on. "I just--what?"

He smiled at her. "I love you too," he repeated.

Hermione smiled at him. "Really?"

"You made me want to get back out there and be a real person again," Harry told her. "That night in the pub... it changed everything for me."

"Me too," Hermione said putting her arms around him and hugging him tightly.

Harry held onto her as she buried her face in his shoulder.

There wasn't anything he wouldn't have done for her. He would do whatever possible to keep her safe.

Hermione looked at the clock. "We still have a few more hours before I have to get back," she said softly.

"We should probably get some sleep," Harry said.

She nodded. "I don't want to be tired tomorrow."

Harry waved his hand, turning off the lamp. He and Hermione settled back down and before long, they were both asleep. Early the next morning, Hermione awoke to the sound of the alarm. She said a quick goodbye to a groggy Harry and got dressed in her pyjamas. Gingerly, she opened the door and peered out into the corridor. The coast was clear and she tiptoed out of the room.

She managed to sneak back into the girls' room without anyone waking up and was sliding under the covers when a hand grabbed her wrist.

10. Chatper 10

Don’t hate us for another cliffie! Please read and review! We’re so glad you guys love this story!

"Where have you been?" Lavender hissed.

"What are you doing up?" Hermione asked.

"Don't turn this around on me," Lavender folded her arms. "I was worried about you!"

"I... fell asleep near one of the paddocks," Hermione lied. "Ridiculous of me, to be quite honest."

Lavender raised an eyebrow. "What were you doing outside?"

"Just hoping for a closer look at the dragons," Hermione said.

"But you---you set your pillows up," Lavender argued. "You set them up so it would look like you were in there..."

"I didn't want word getting back to Ha-- Mr. Potter or Lupin," Hermione covered.

Lavender looked at her friend. "You know, if there's something going on with you and you need to talk---"

"Nothing," Hermione lied, feeling terrible. "But what about you? How was your walk?" she was eager to change the subject.

"Absolutely fantastic," Lavender replied, forgetting about where Hermione had been. "He's taking me to the ball, Hermione."

"That's lovely," Hermione was happy for her friend.

Lavender told her about getting up close and personal with Velma and the baby dragon. "It was amazing."

Hermione was envious. "You got to touch the baby?"

Lavender nodded. "She really took to me. And... and so did Charlie."

"I'm glad," Hermione replied.

"It's going to be so great to go to the ball with someone I'm absolutely crazy about," Lavender gushed.

Hermione smiled wistfully. "You're very lucky, Lavender."

Lavender nodded. She still had an hour before they had to be awake. "I'm going back to bed. I'm really glad that you're okay."

"Thanks," Hermione replied. "Sorry to have made you worry."

Lavender smiled reassuringly at her before slipping back into her bed.

Hermione pulled her covers up and shut her eyes, thinking of what had happened during the course of the night. She couldn't believe Harry was in love with her too. It just seemed so unreal!

She felt bad for lying to Lavender. Covering up how she felt and where she was wasn't easy.

It was going to be difficult keeping this a secret, especially with their feelings out in the open now.

But, Hermione thought as a smile played on her lips, he was definitely worth it.

*** *** ***

Ron walked into the dining room the next morning, feeling a little grumpy. He was still moping over the fact that Luna wouldn't be coming with him to the Halloween ball.

"Cheer up, Ron," Charlie said smiling at his younger brother. "We have waffles."

"Yeah, yeah." Ron dropped down on the bench beside him. "I slept horribly."

"I heard that Justin bloke cleaned you out at poker," Charlie joked.

Ron glared at him. "Whatever."

"So how are things with you and Luna?" Charlie asked. "You're still seeing her, right?"

Ron nodded. "But she can't come back for the Ball."

Charlie poured himself a glass of juice. "You could always ask someone else. Just as friends..."

"I was thinking about asking Lavender," Ron replied.

"You can't," Charlie said before he could stop himself.

Ron shrugged. "I can. Luna said she'd be okay with it. And Lavender and I do have a history together."

"No I mean, you really can't." Charlie said. "Lavender's already got a date."

Ron raised an eyebrow. "With who?"

"Me," Charlie answered.

Ron spit out his juice. "I'm sorry. Did you say----you?"

"She asked me to go last night," Charlie told him.

So that was why Lavender was so concerned with who Charlie was dating, Ron thought to himself.

"But you can't go out with her," Ron said.

"And why not?" Charlie asked.

"Because for one thing, she and I dated," Ron said.

"So?" Charlie asked. "She's cute and I like her, and she likes me."

Ron gaped at him. "You're seven years older than she is!"

"Your point being what?" Charlie asked calmly.

"You're an old man and she's just a girl," Ron pointed out as if the answer should have been obvious.

"Why does this bother you so much?" Charlie asked. "Are you jealous?"

"How would you feel if I started dating one of your ex-girlfriends?" Ron argued.

Charlie refused to let his younger brother's arguments get to him. "I suppose it would depend on the ex girlfriend."

"Gemma Bransford," Ron said off the top of his head. Charlie had dated Gemma all throughout his sixth and seventh years at Hogwarts.

"Good luck with that," Charlie said. "She's married and has two children."

Ron glared at him. "It's just WEIRD, okay?"

"What's weird?" a familiar voice asked.

Charlie smiled. "Good morning, Lavender."

"Hi," she smiled at him. "I was hoping to run into you."

"You look rather nice this morning," Charlie said pouring her a glass of juice.

Ron rolled his eyes. "She's had that jumper for over a year."

"And she looks great in it," Charlie answered. "Merlin, Ron."

Lavender sat down beside Charlie. "Something smells delicious."

"Waffles," Charlie said. "Would you like some?"

"I'd love some," Lavender said. "With loads of syrup."

"I've taught you well," Charlie said with a grin. He put a couple of the waffles on her plate and smothered them with syrup.

"When did you start eating syrup?" Ron asked the blonde.

Lavender shrugged. "I indulge every now and then. Everything in moderation. Right, Charlie?"

"And I say you never looked better for it," he winked flirtatiously.

Lavender blushed. "So, Ron...how was the game last night?"

"Don't ask him," Charlie cut in. "That Justin guy cleaned his clock."

"Ask Justin to play you in chess," Lavender said smiling at Ron. "No one can beat you at that."

Ron nodded. "Might just do that."

"I taught him how to play," Charlie told her.

"Really?" Lavender asked him, not noticing Jessica sitting down across from them. "Ron taught me a trick or two."

"I was her first love," Ron said pointedly to Charlie.

"I was not in love with you," Lavender shot back.

"You two make a really nice couple," Jessica chimed in to Ron and Lavender. "Don't they, Charlie?"

"They're not a couple, Jess." Charlie said, amused.

"They're not?" Jessica asked. "Oh..."

"We were," Ron corrected.

"Several years ago," Lavender added.

"Ron is dating a really sweet girl named Luna now," Charlie told Jessica.

"I see," Jessica nodded.

"And Charlie and I are going to the Ministry ball together," Lavender said happily.

The smile on Jessica's face fell. "You are?"

"She asked me last night," Charlie grinned back at the blonde.

"How nice," Jessica said quietly.

For a moment, Lavender pitied the black haired girl.

Jessica pushed her plate away. "I'm actually not very hungry. I'm going to go and check on something..."

"Jess, waffles are your favourite breakfast," Charlie said.

Jessica didn't respond to him and hurried out of the kitchen.

"What's wrong with her?" Charlie wondered aloud.

"Okay," Ron said. "I'm by no means, the smartest bloke in the world, but come on, Charlie! That girl fancies you!"

"Jess?" Charlie asked strangely. "She's a friend."

"Something tells me she'd like to be more," Ron said. "I can't believe you didn't see it."

"I'm not interested in her," Charlie looked over at Lavender, who blushed.

"You could have broken the news a little better," Ron said pushing back from his chair.

"Ron--" Charlie began.

"I'll see you later," Ron grumbled.

"What's his problem?" Lavender asked Charlie.

"He was thinking of asking you to the ball since Luna can't go," Charlie told her. "When I told him that you are I were going together, he didn't handle it too well."

Lavender looked baffled. "Why should it matter to him?"

"I don't know," Charlie said. "I suppose I should talk to Jess later and see what's going on."

"Maybe," Lavender reached for his hand. "But you know what? Let them say what they want. If we want to be together then that's all that matters."

"I like the way you think," Charlie said squeezing her hand.

Lavender leaned in and pecked him quickly on the lips.

Upstairs, Hermione was just stepping out into the corridor. She'd slept a little later than she'd wanted to given what had happened last night.

She hoped breakfast was still going on as she hurried down to the kitchen.

She'd just put her hand on the doorknob when someone grabbed her arm.

"Hey!" she spun around.

Harry grinned and pressed her up against the wall. "Everyone's inside the kitchen. We're safe."

She smiled at him. "Good morning."

Harry pressed his lips to hers. "It is now."

Hermione slid her arms around him, pulling him even closer to her.

He kissed her again, wishing he could take her back upstairs and forget about everything.

"Can we meet again tonight?" Hermione asked.

"Same time?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Hermione nodded. "Works for me."

He rested his forehead on hers. "Thank you for last night. Not just for obvious reasons, but for being there for me."

She brushed back his wild hair. "Anytime," she said softly.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," Hermione kissed him.

Ernie hurried downstairs. He was late and he planned on reaming Justin out for not waking him before he'd left the room.

"Come on," Hermione pulled away from Harry. "I'm starving."

"Me too," Harry said. "You should quit distracting me."

"Very funny," Hermione said dryly, walking ahead of him.

"Good morning, Harry," Ernie said tightly.

Harry spun around. "Ernie!"

Ernie looked at him. "Alright?"

"Fine," he said hurriedly. "You? Sleep well?"

"Like a log," Ernie replied. He nodded at Hermione. "Hermione."

"Morning," Hermione answered.

Ernie couldn't help thinking they both looked a little...spooked, for want of a better word.

Harry opened the kitchen door. "After you."

"Thank you," Hermione stepped past him.

Ernie followed her inside.

Hermione smiled as she saw Lavender and Charlie sitting closely together. "Morning you two," she said, sitting down.

"Morning," Lavender said happily.

"Or is it more like afternoon?" Hermione joked.

"You tell me," Lavender grinned. "Charlie, you're not going to believe this, but Hermione fell asleep in the paddocks last night."

"You did?" Charlie asked. "How'd you manage that- we check those every night before we lock up."

"I--I couldn't sleep last night," Hermione said. "So I went for a walk."

Lavender looked at her suspiciously.

"So, what's on tap for today, Charlie?" Hermione asked changing the subject.

"Well," Charlie said. "We're going to take you around to the rest of the dragon paddocks, possibly let some of you get in up close to them."

"I can't wait," Hermione said.

Harry sat down on Charlie's other side. "Morning," he said.

"Morning, Harry," Charlie said. "How are you?"

"Good," Harry replied. "Had a good night's rest."

Hermione looked around the dining room. Everyone in their group was accounted for except for Ron. She caught Ernie's eye and she wondered why he was staring at her.

"Something I can help you with?" she asked coolly.

"No," Ernie replied. "Not at all."

"Then why are you watching me?" she demanded.

"Easy, Granger," Ernie said. "I was just trying to get Justin's attention."

"Then stare at him," Hermione glared at the other boy.

Ernie wanted to tell her to shut her damn mouth, but he thought better of it.

"Everything okay?" Harry watched the little exchange.

"Absolutely," Ernie said. "Lavender, can you pass that plate, please?"

"Sure," Lavender pushed the waffles towards him.

Lavender looked across the table at Harry. "Um, Harry?"

"Yeah?" Harry asked.

"I was wondering if you were taking anyone to the ball," Lavender said.

"I was planning on going stag," Harry answered.

"You can't go alone!" Lavender exclaimed. "Look, I know Dean messed up when he set you up with that horrid Megan, but I can find someone for you. Ernie---Hannah Abbott, she's still single isn't she?"

"I'm going by myself," Harry said firmly.

"What about you, Hermione?" Ernie asked. "Did you tell Justin yes yet?"

"We're just going as friends," Hermione murmured.

"And I promised not to step all over her toes," Justin said coming up behind her and putting his arms around her neck in a teasing gesture.

"Right," Hermione said uncomfortably, pulling away.

Lavender beamed at Justin. She was glad that Hermione was giving him another chance. Perhaps this time sparks would fly.

Eloise had just sat down. "I wish I had a date," she said wistfully, with a meaningful look at Justin.

Ernie grinned. "There you go, Harry. You could take Eloise."

"I'm. Going. Stag." Harry said, his eyes darkening as Justin sat down closely to Hermione.

"And he can't date a student," Eloise pointed out. "That would be absolutely against the rules."

"We're not talking date exclusively," Ernie sensed this was making Harry uncomfortable and was determined to milk it. "Just going to the Ball."

"Maybe you should be more concerned about finding your own date than worrying about Harry," Hermione shot back.

Ernie glared at her.

"Right then," Harry said looking at Charlie. "We'll be setting off in what---ten minutes?"

Charlie nodded. "We'll meet everyone just outside."

Hermione shared a look with Harry. She was glad to hear that he wasn't going to the ball with anyone. She wished she hadn't told Justin that she'd go with him.

She also wished Lavender would stop giving her those suspicious glances as well, and stop trying to push her towards a relationship with Justin.

Jessica came back into the dining room and made a beeline for Harry. She bent down and whispered something in Harry's ear.

"What?" Harry turned to look at her.

"You know that demonstration you asked us to set up?" Jessica asked him. "I was wondering if you could give me some help on the back paddock?"

"Sure," he answered. "I'd be happy to."

Lavender watched the two of them leave the dining area and she winked at Charlie. "Maybe you won't have to talk with her after all. I think she's got someone else in her sights."

"Harry needs to be careful," Charlie said thoughtfully. "Jess is great, but she's a little bit fickle."

Lavender thought that was obvious given how she forgot about Charlie and moved on to someone else in a matter of minutes.

"Do we have time for a quick walk together before we meet up?" She asked Charlie, turning her attention back to him.

"Probably not," Charlie replied. "But we could go outside and snog."

Lavender grinned. "I love the way your mind works, Weasley."

Eloise slid down to sit beside Hermione after Lavender and Charlie left. "I wish I had someone interested in me like that," Eloise lamented.

"Why wouldn't you?" Hermione asked absently.

"I'm not pretty," Eloise said sadly. "And I've...well, I've never even kissed a bloke before."

Hermione turned to properly look at Eloise. "You are too pretty," she contradicted.

Eloise smiled at her. "Thanks, Hermione, but I don't think blokes see me like that."

"Perhaps it's because you don't see yourself like that," Hermione told her. "You're a nice girl, you're smart, and you're attractive. Blokes would be mad to pass you up."

Eloise shrugged and watched as Justin and Ernie left the dining area.

"Is there anyone you're interested in?" Hermione asked her.

"Not really," Eloise lied. "Well...there is one..."

"Who?" Hermione asked curiously. "I won't say anything, I promise."

"You might get mad," Eloise said blushing.

Hermione's heart sank- she wondered if Eloise also had her sights set on Harry. "I won't get mad," she said weakly.

"Justin," Eloise whispered.

For a moment she thought she hadn't heard right. "You fancy Justin?"

"We were both in Hufflepuff at Hogwarts," Eloise explained. "He's the smartest and sweetest bloke in the whole world."

"Why didn't you ask him to the Ball then?" Hermione asked her.

"He asked you," Eloise said sadly.

"We're just friends," Hermione explained. "Honestly."

Eloise stood up and together the two of them walked out of the dining room and toward the front door. "How could you not fancy him, Hermione?"

"He's just not my type," Hermione answered.

The two girls stepped outside and Eloise gasped. "It's freezing!"

Hermione shivered. "I didn't realise it would be this cold!"

Charlie smiled at the assembled group. "Okay, I hope that you lot are feeling brave. Today, you are going to battle a dragon."

Ron gulped. "BATTLE a dragon?"

"Relax," Charlie told his brother. "You'll be going up against a simulator."

Ron relaxed. "That's better."

Charlie led the group toward the paddocks. Hermione smiled while Eloise catalogued all of Justin's great qualities. Eloise definitely had it bad.

"Would you like me to hint around for you?" Hermione offered.

"You'd do that?" Eloise asked.

"Sure," Hermione nodded.

Eloise beamed at her. "Thanks, Hermione. You're such a good friend."

Lavender giggled. "Hey, you guys. I think Harry might have a candidate for the ball...take a look at that!"

Hermione looked over and saw Jessica holding onto Harry's arm and laughing at something he said.

"No, you didn't!" Jessica exclaimed.

"I did," Harry said chuckling. "But you'd know all about that..."

"Maybe," Jessica answered coyly.

Hermione bit her lower lip and turned away. She hated the fact that she was so jealous right now.

"They actually look really good together," Lavender commented.

"She's really pretty," Eloise volunteered.

"She's hot," Ernie chimed in. He had a feeling there was something going on between Granger and Potter and he was going to test the waters, so to speak.

Hermione shrugged. "Yes, she's very pretty." she tried to act as if this didn't bother her.

"I'd be willing to bet, he'll be busy tonight getting to know her better," Ernie said to Justin, knowing full well Hermione could hear him.

"Man, I would do that too," Justin said covetously.

"Should we get something to hose the two of you down?" Lavender asked rolling her eyes.

"Sod off," Ernie said to her.

Harry helped Jessica finish setting up the simulated dragon.

"I feel a bit like a princess in the tall tower," Jessica flirted. "And you're the brave knight coming to rescue me..."

Harry smiled. "I'm hardly a brave knight." he replied.

"I've read the stories and heard enough about you from Charlie," Jessica said. "You're definitely a brave knight."

Harry shrugged modestly. "I think we've got this..."

"Right," Jessica smiled at him. "Thank you for helping me."

"Sure," he nodded. "Thanks for doing this for my group."

"I'd do anything for you," Jessica said touching his arm. "All you have to do is ask."

Harry nodded, feeling slightly uncomfortable. "Um.... thanks."

He stood in front of the group. "Okay, everyone. Part of being an Auror is protecting the Wizarding world from all forces---be it witch, wizard, animal, or creature. The key is being prepared for any eventuality."

The group nodded. "Would we ever really have to battle a dragon?" Eloise asked.

"It's quite possible," Harry told her. "You have to be prepared."

"But today's only a simulation right?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. "Only a simulation. Now, I'll demonstrate and then you each will have a go."

Hermione stood back and kept one eye on Jessica, the other on Harry. Was he really interested in that girl?

"Okay," Charlie said. "We'll start off with the Hungarian Horntail since Harry's so well-acquainted with those."

Harry nodded as he drew his wand. "What you'll want to watch for is any weaknesses in the dragon."

The group watched as the simulator transformed itself into the image of a Hungarian Horntail.

"That's amazing," Hermione said in awe.

The simulator roared its head back and shot flames in Harry's direction.

Harry blocked the flames with a shielding spell then sent a spell rocketing at the dragon's underbelly.

Instead of standing there to watch how the dragon would retaliate, he used its momentary distraction to his advantage and moved behind it.

"This is so incredible," Lavender said, her eyes wide.

Ernie rolled his eyes. Potter was just showing off in front of Jessica.

Harry used a few more spells, ducking around the dragon before the simulation was defeated.

The trainees, save for Ernie, gave him a round of applause.

"That was amazing," Justin clapped him on the back.

"Thank you," Harry said. "Now, who wants to go first?"

"I'll go," Ernie stepped forward confidently. He'd show them how this was really done.

"Alright," Harry said. "Once you step into the paddock, you'll have about 30 seconds before the simulation begins."

"I don't need them," Ernie brushed past him.

"Come on, Ernie!" Justin encouraged.

"This is going to be a piece of cake," Ernie smirked.

Charlie used his wand to activate the simulator, which again transformed into a Hungarian Horntail.

"Could this get any easier?" Ernie asked, raising his wand.

The Horntail came to life and charged at him.

Ernie shouted a spell that would confuse the dragon, but it only came closer to him.

"Come on, Ernie!" Justin shouted.

Harry had a feeling Ernie's cockiness would come back to bite him in the arse, but he didn't think it would happen this quickly.

Ernie trained his wand on the dragon as it reared back its head and shot flames in his direction.

He managed to douse the flames, but only just before they reached him.

Ernie turned and smirked at the group.

"Watch out!" Ron hollered at him.

Ernie turned to see the dragon roaring toward him. He managed to just get out of the way before its large tail came down on him.

"Shit," he muttered, glad this wasn't a real dragon.

"Shut it down," Harry said to Jessica.

Jessica obliged immediately. "Is he okay?"

"I'm fine," Ernie said stalking back out. He would have had it if he'd had a little more time to prepare.

"You made a classic mistake," Harry said. "You turned your back."

"I thought it was over when I doused the flames," Ernie said defensively.

"You can't assume that," Harry told him.

Ernie leaned back against a tree and sulked while Harry went through every thing he'd done wrong.

"Okay," Harry said surveying the group. "Who wants to have a go?"

Hermione hesitantly raised her hand. "I-I'll try."

"All right," Harry nodded and smiled at her. "In you go. Remember, you have thirty seconds once inside before the simulation starts."

"Come on, Hermione!" Lavender yelled. "Kick some dragon arse!"

Hermione felt very nervous as she stepped into the paddock. She'd never faced a dragon before. She tried to remember every defensive spell she knew.

"You'll do fine," Harry said to her as he closed the gate.

Hermione took a deep breath.

"You're going to face the Norwegian Ridgeback," Charlie called out to her.

"Okay," she answered, readying herself.

The Ridgeback came to life and turned its cold eyes in her direction. Hermione's hand was shaking as she pointed her wand.

She shot out the first spell that came to mind- it sent a ball of fire rocketing past the dragon's shoulder. When it turned, she remembered what Harry had done and sent another spell towards its underside.

"She's doing it!" Lavender squealed.

Harry felt quite proud as he watched Hermione take on the simulated dragon.

As its last act, the dragon shot flames in Hermione's direction.

Using a shielding spell, the flames were harmless and Hermione emerged unscathed.

"Brilliant!" Lavender squealed, giving her friend a hug when she came out of the paddock.

"Thanks," Hermione was grinning from ear to ear.

"Good job, Granger," Harry grinned at her.

"Thank you," she blushed.

One by one, the rest of the trainees had a chance to go up against a dragon, with varying results. By far, Hermione was the best.

"You did a good job," Hermione told Ron when he came out of the paddock.

Ron puffed out his chest. "He was no match for me."

Lavender laughed. "If you say so, Ron."

"We'll take a quick break before we move on," Charlie told them. "There's water and snacks in the barn."

"I'm starved," Ron eagerly set out.

"When aren't you?" Lavender teased, wanting to make sure that things were okay with Ron. She didn't have a romantic interest in him anymore, but she wanted to remain friends and he was Charlie's brother.

"Never," Ron hurried away from her.

Charlie knew what she was trying to do. "He'll come around, Lav."

"I hope so," Lavender replied, taking his hand.

Harry was about to call out to Hermione when Jessica grabbed his hand. "Would you mind giving me a hand? I need help putting the simulator in the barn."

"Uh... sure." Harry replied.

"Great," Jessica said linking her arm in his.

Hermione watched this exchange before turning and heading into the barn. She liked this girl Jessica less and less as the day went on.

"You really did an amazing job," Jessica gushed to Harry.

"Thanks," Harry answered. "But I really just wanted my students to get the experience."

Jessica looked flirtatiously at him. "How would you like to sit at my table tonight?"

"I really shouldn't separate myself from the group," Harry answered. "But you could sit with us if you want."

Jessica stood at the front of the simulator while Harry stood at the back. Together, they pushed it into the barn. Jessica smiled at Harry. "I'd love to sit with you tonight."

Hermione heard this and nearly dropped her cup of water.

11. Chapter 11

You all were sure brutal to Jessica ;) But never fear- you find out what happens… right now! REVIEW! PLEASE! We’ll give you cookies ;) Erm… biscuits! Baked by one Miss Emma Weasley, fresh from her Easy Bake Oven!

"Okay," Harry replied. "I'm sure you'll get along great with everyone."

"I just really want to get to know YOU better," Jessica said winking at him.

Harry smiled politely. "I'm really not that interesting."

"I don't think that's true," Jessica said helping him push the simulator into the corner. "Come on, you. I'll get you a water and a biscuit."

"Thanks," Harry replied. "Appreciate it."

Jessica squeezed his shoulder before hurrying over to the refreshment table.

Hermione waited silently to see if Harry would notice her there or not.

Lavender waved her hand in front of Hermione. "Hello?"

"What?" Hermione asked absently.

"Nice to know my conversation was so stimulating for you," Lavender teased. "You were just a million miles away."

"I'm sorry," Hermione apologised.

"No problem," Lavender said. She looked over at Jessica who was piling biscuits on a paper plate. "Hello, Jess."

"Hi Lavender," the black haired girl replied.

"So you and Harry seem to be getting along," Lavender commented.

Jessica smiled. "Perhaps I might be coming to your Ball after all."

"You just met him," Hermione blurted out.

Jessica gave her an odd look. "So?"

Hermione wondered when she would learn to keep her mouth shut. "Um, well, I just mean that you've just met him. And we're leaving tomorrow."

"Don't worry," Jessica grinned. "I work fast. See you, ladies. I have to go and feed my man."

Lavender rolled her eyes. "Charlie's right. She is fickle."

"She certainly didn't waste any time crying over Charlie before she moved on," Hermione commented.

"Maybe she'll be good for Harry," Lavender said thoughtfully. "Although I still believe he's seeing someone on the side."

"So you said," Hermione said. She knew that they had to keep things secret, but if they were a normal couple, she could be over there right now talking with him and holding his hand. If they were a normal couple, he could have hugged her when she'd come out of the paddock earlier. If they were a normal couple, they could go to the ball together.

She finally managed to catch his eye and she looked at him wordlessly for a few moments before turning away. "I'm going to wait outside," she said quietly to Lavender.

"Are you okay?" Lavender asked, concerned.

"Fine," Hermione said briefly. "See you in a few."

She walked out of the barn at a quick pace wishing she could just go back to the main house.

"Hey," a voice said. "Hermione- wait up!"

Hermione quickened her pace.

"Hermione," Harry grabbed her arm. "What's wrong?"

"You shouldn't be here," Hermione said turning around. "Someone might see."

"Right now I don't care," Harry responded. "What is going on? You left there looking like you were going to kill someone. Is Ernie bothering you again?"

"No," Hermione replied. "You and Jessica seemed ...chummy."

Harry shrugged. "She's all right I guess."

"I'm fine," Hermione reassured him. She didn't want to admit how jealous she was to see Jessica flirting with him.

"Are you sure?" he asked softly.

Hermione nodded. "No need to worry about me."

Harry looked at her for several long moments. "You know I love you," he said quietly.

Hermione did know that and the time they'd spent together was very special to her. "I love you, too."

"She's nice, but she's no you," Harry told her.

"How is it that you always know just the right thing to say?" Hermione asked.

"I'm not sure," Harry confessed. "Normally I'm told I say the wrong thing."

"You get one right every now and again," Hermione said feeling better.

"I'll have to work on that." Harry gave her hand a quick squeeze.

Hermione smiled again. "I guess we'd better get back."

"Hermione?" Harry asked. "Wait---"

"What?" she turned back around.

"I'm thinking that we should go out on a proper date," Harry said thoughtfully.

"What?" Hermione asked, her eyes wide. "How will we do that?"

"We can't go anywhere in London, of course," Harry said. "But---um, maybe we could go to Florence. Naples. Rome. You name it and we'll go there."

Hermione smiled at him. "Can we go to Paris?"

"Paris it is," Harry said. "I'll take you somewhere nice. I promise."

Hermione grinned. "When will we go?"

"Saturday night?" Harry suggested.

"I'll probably have to sneak away," Hermione said thoughtfully. "But I'm sure I can manage."

"Our first date," Harry said grinning at her.

"Official one," Hermione added, laughing. "I can't wait."

"You know, I've never been to Paris," he admitted as they walked back to join the others.

"I haven't been there in a few years," Hermione answered. "But it's my favourite city, especially in the winter."

Harry thought about asking Remus to help him pick out a nice restaurant. But he thought better of it. If he told Lupin he needed help on where to take a date, he'd want details and Harry couldn't give him that.

"I think you'll like it too," Hermione said. "There's this little restaurant, right down on the Champs Elysees. It's very intimate and quite lovely."

Harry looked sideways at her. "That's just what we need. Intimate and lovely."

"It's called Le Charognard," Hermione answered. "It means The Scavenger."

"Perfect," Harry said. "I'll sort out reservations for us."

Hermione fought the impulse to throw her arms around him. "Thank you," she said.

"I know it's not the same as the ball," Harry apologised.

"It's okay," Hermione shook her head.

"It's the next best thing," Harry said. "And we'll have a good time."

"We'll have a wonderful time," Hermione corrected.

"Come on then," Harry said motioning for her to follow him. "Dragon slayer."

"I'm hardly a dragon slayer," Hermione said modestly.

"Could have fooled me," Harry said. "The way you were spouting off spells. I was very impressed."

"I've been reading about dragons all week in the library," Hermione answered.

"You and your books," Harry teased.

Lavender caught sight of them chatting together and wondered yet again what was going on with her roommate and Harry.

"You have something against me being smart?" Hermione joked.

"Not at all," Harry said, not knowing they were under Lavender's watchful eye. "I find it a complete turn-on."

Hermione laughed. "Maybe I should meet you dressed like a schoolmarm."

Harry nudged her. "There's an idea."

"I'll keep it in mind," Hermione said dryly.

"Everything okay, Lavender?" Eloise asked tapping her on the shoulder.

"What?" Lavender asked. "Yeah... everything's great. Why?"

"You looked preoccupied," Eloise replied.

Lavender shook her head. "Just thinking about Charlie," she lied.

"Where'd Hermione get to?" Eloise looked around

"I'm not sure," Lavender turned away.

"There she is," Eloise said. "With Harry."

"Oh," Lavender pretended to be surprised. "I wonder what they're talking about."

"Dunno," Eloise said thoughtfully. "But I think we're starting up again."

Lavender nodded, but didn't move. She continued to watch Harry and how happy he looked while talking to Hermione. Hermione couldn't be the girl he was seeing on the side, could she? Lavender wanted to laugh at the idea. Hermione was so serious and into following the rules. She'd never blatantly break the rules like this, would she?

*** *** ***

Back at Hogwarts, Ginny and Luna were almost too busy to miss their boyfriends. Ginny was captain of the Gryffindor team and was trying to prepare her team for their first match against the Slytherins. She had more than one reason to look forward to the match. Neville was going to attend as a guest of Professor Sprout, who had a soft spot for her favourite student.

Luna, on the other hand, was busy with her homework- she was taking extra Herbology lessons and focusing on reading as many issues of the Quibbler as she possibly could.

The two girls were studying in the library that evening. Ginny looked across the table at her friend. "You know you should ask Professor McGonagall if you could be excused for just one night to go to that ball with Ron."

"I don't want any special treatment," Luna replied.

"It's not special treatment," Ginny argued. "It's one night. You'd be gone for what---three hours?"

"I just don't think she'd let me go," Luna said, turning the page of her newspaper.

"You'll never know if you don't ask," Ginny pointed out. "I bet she'd say yes. She let Natalie McDonald go home last weekend for her sister's wedding."

"I do miss my Ronald," Luna said wistfully.

"Well, you should ask McGonagall," Ginny said. "The worst she could tell you is no, which I don't think she'd say. Ron would be over the moon to see you."

"Perhaps I'll ask her at breakfast tomorrow then," Luna nodded. "It would be nice to surprise him."

Ginny smiled. Her brother would have her to thank for this and she'd have to remind him of that when they were home for Christmas.

Ginny picked up a copy of the latest Daily Prophet wanting to see if there was anything she could use in her essay.

"What are you writing about?" Luna asked.

"The role of women in today's Magical government," Ginny replied.

Luna nodded. "That's a good topic."

Ginny smiled. "I'm hoping that Binns thinks so."

Luna giggled. "I already wrote mine. I chose to do past history, and wrote about the witch trials."

"That's a good one too!" Ginny told her. "Those are so interesting to read about."

"Very much so," Luna toyed with her cork necklace.

Ginny couldn't resist scanning the society page and nearly fell out of her chair when she saw a big headline. "Megan Jones: My Night with the Boy Who Lived".

Luna looked up. "Harry's seeing Megan Jones?"

"Merlin's beard, I hope not!" Ginny exclaimed.

"Pretty, petite Megan Jones confessed to the Prophet that she always had a crush on the raven-haired heartthrob," Ginny said. She looked up at Luna. "Who writes this rubbish?"

"Not Daddy," Luna said proudly. "His featured articles are on Nargles and Kneazles."

"But she never figured she'd have a chance until a mutual friend set them up on a date," Ginny read aloud. "Megan tells us exclusively that Harry was completely enthralled by her."

"That doesn't sound very much like Harry," Luna tipped her head.

"No it doesn't," Ginny agreed. "Oh...Luna, you aren't going to believe this! 'Megan said she was pleasantly surprised when Harry offered to take her to a jeweller to pick out whatever baubles she wanted,'"

"I would have gotten an opal," Luna said dreamily.

Ginny looked at her friend. "Really?"

"But she probably prefers diamonds," Luna said.

Ginny rolled her eyes. Megan Jones was a shallow, conceited cow. If she was expecting a second date with Harry, there was no way she was going to get one by selling her story to the papers. Harry was very protective of his privacy.

"I remember how Harry used to look at Parvati," Luna said softly. "It would take a very special girl to make him feel that way again."

"Well, unless Megan has a love potion, I don't think that girl is her," Ginny commented.

"Perhaps I'll see him if I'm allowed to go to the Ball," Luna said.

"You're going to go," Ginny said determinedly. "She's going to say yes. Do you have your dress robes?"

Luna nodded. "I brought them with me just in case."

"You're going to look gorgeous," Ginny said. "And I would love to see the look on Ron's face when he sees you."

"I'll be sure and tell you all the details," Luna promised.

Ginny leaned forward. "If I tell you something you have to promise not to tell Ron."

"Okay," Luna nodded.

"Well," Ginny confided. "This summer, after we graduate, Neville and I are going to...travel."

"Travel?" Luna asked. "To someplace like Nepal? They have amazing creatures there!"

Ginny giggled. "Luna! Not Nepal...we're going to go to a bunch of different places."

"What are you going to see?" Luna asked.

"We're still deciding," Ginny said. "And there's still the matter of convincing my mum and dad to let me go."

"I'm sure they will," Luna replied. "After all, we'll have graduated. Ronald and I want to move in together."

Ginny frowned. "Luna, as your friend, I cannot allow you to move in with Ron. He's a complete slob, for one thing. He never cleans up after himself. For another, he's forever eating something."

"I know," Luna said dreamily.

Ginny shook her head. "Love really is blind."

"When he has potatoes," Luna began, her eyes focusing on something faraway. "He gets this look on his face--"

"Luna---" Ginny said, not wanting to hear things like this about her brother.

"And when he has bangers and mash," Luna continued. "It's like the whole world is right." she sighed.

Ginny raised an eyebrow. "Um...okay..."

"It's really quite lovely watching him eat dessert," Luna said. "Any dessert..."

"Luna," Ginny tried to interject, but Luna kept talking as if she couldn't hear her.

"Chocolate pudding is the best--" Luna started again.

"Luna, he stuffs everything in his mouth," Ginny tried to argue. "And he talks with his mouth full----"

"Sometimes he even kisses me when he's got food in his mouth," Luna sighed. "Some girls find that gross, but it's so Ronald..."

"Count me in with those girls," Ginny muttered.

"I'm sorry," Luna finally seemed to realise Ginny didn't want to hear that.

"It's okay," Ginny said with a laugh. "You're in love."

"Very much," Luna tucked her quill behind her ear.

"So am I," Ginny said. "And I just hope Mum and Dad let me go on that trip with Neville."

"I'm sure they will," Luna nodded.

Ginny wasn't so sure. Being the only girl, she was treated differently from her brothers. For one thing, her parents were overprotective where she was concerned.

"Maybe Ronald and I can take a trip too," Luna said thoughtfully. "To Nepal..."

"He's going to be busy for the next three years, Luna," Ginny told her gently. "With his training."

Luna focused in on her friend. "I don't think Ronald is cut out to be an Auror."

"What makes you say that?" Ginny asked.

"I just don't think he's right for that sort of job," Luna replied. "It's a feeling I have."

"Have you told him about this?" Ginny asked. Her brother had seemed pretty excited when he'd heard the news that he'd been accepted into the program.

"He knows," Luna nodded.

"And what did he say?" Ginny asked.

"He's been thinking about things," Luna replied.

"Dropping out?" Ginny asked, taken aback.

"Perhaps not, yet." Luna answered.

"I think he'd make a great Auror," Ginny said loyally. "He fought along with Harry..."

"But if his heart isn't in it, I don’t' think he should stay with it." Luna told her.

"My parents were very excited when he was accepted," Ginny countered. "They are so proud."

"I wouldn't hold him back if he truly loved what he was doing," Luna assured her.

"I know," Ginny said quietly.

"I just want him to be happy," Luna said wistfully.

"Me too," Ginny said nodding. "Me too."

"Well I think it's time I get back to my room," Luna said.

"And to dream about my brother eating beef stew?" Ginny teased.

"Ooooh," Luna's eyes went glassy. "Yes..."

Ginny picked up the Daily Prophet and looked at the article about Harry again. She couldn't believe the nerve of Megan Jones selling her story. She could just imagine how Harry was reacting.

At the Ministry, he was enduring good-natured teasing from his colleagues about the story. He had been angry when he'd first read the story, but over the years he'd gotten used to the lies they printed about him.

"So Harry," one of the other Aurors named Nick said. "You going to buy me some diamonds?"

"That depends on whether you put out on the date," Harry said cheekily.

Lupin roared and slapped Harry on the back. "Good one."

"I don't imagine you'll be asking her out again," Tonks commented setting the newspaper aside.

"No way," Harry answered.

"You cheapskate," Tonks teased. "You should have gotten her something more expensive."

"Like the Crown Jewels?" Harry retorted.

"Probably wouldn't be enough for Miss Jones," Lupin laughed.

"Whatever," Harry crumpled the paper. "I've got better things to do than worry about what they say about me."

"Saturday night," Tonks said looking longingly at Lupin, who was oblivious. "Have you big plans for the weekend, Harry?"

"Not really," he lied. "Just same old stuff."

"Me either," Tonks said with another pointed look at Lupin. "Not a single thing to do...nowhere to go..."

"Is that true, Nymphadora?" Lupin asked.

"Well unless someone were to ask me..." Tonks hinted not so subtly.

"I was wondering," Lupin began.

"Yes?" Tonks asked eagerly.

"If you might fancy getting a drink?" Lupin asked.

"I'd love to!" Tonks burst out. Harry had to hide his grin.

"I have some things I needed to go over with you," Lupin continued. "Kingsley said you were thinking of getting into teaching..."

Tonks visibly deflated. "Sure..." her response was less than enthusiastic.

"I'll meet you here at six then," Lupin said gathering up his paperwork. He stood up and said a quick goodbye to the others before leaving the room.

"It's one step forward and two steps back," Tonks said putting her head in her hands.

Harry patted her shoulder. "He'll wise up... eventually."

"I'm starting to think its hopeless," Tonks said. "Do you know what it's like to want to be with someone so badly and not being able to?"

"You have no idea," Harry said without thinking.

Tonks looked apologetically at him. "Oh, Harry! I'm so sorry! I can be so insensitive sometimes. You and Parvati..."

"Yeah," Harry said, figuring he'd let her think that.

"You're going to find someone else," Tonks said. "I just know it."

Harry thought again about Hermione. "I hope so," he lied.

"But it's not going to be Megan Jones," Tonks said with a grin.

Harry rolled his eyes. "I don't think I could afford her again."

"Pity the poor bloke who can," Tonks commented.

"I should go," Harry replied. "Got to go over some lesson plans before I leave for the night."

"Have a good night," Tonks called out to him.

Harry waved before heading to his office.

Upstairs in the dormitories, Hermione was looking in her closet and wondering what she could wear. She didn't have anything fancy other than dress robes. But, she and Harry were going to a Muggle restaurant and she couldn't really wear those.

Lavender was doing some yoga exercises in the middle of the room and she watched Hermione. "You've been standing there for about ten minutes."

"I know... I just um... I got an owl earlier and my parents want to take me to dinner this evening. I don't know what to wear."

"Oh," Lavender said. "Well, you could borrow something of mine. I think we're about the same size."

"Really?" Hermione asked. "That would be nice, thanks."

"No problem," Lavender said. "So your parents have come around then? About your being an Auror?"

"They'll probably try and convince me to do something else," Hermione answered.

"That's a shame," Lavender said walking over to the closet. "Let's see...."

The first few outfits Lavender picked out Hermione vetoed immediately.

Lavender laughed. "Probably not the best dresses to go out with mum and dad. Sorry about that."

"It's okay," Hermione said, spying a simple black dress near the back of the closet. "How about that one?"

"Ooooh" Lavender squealed. "That one is perfect!"

"It's lovely," Hermione replied, envisioning what Harry would think of her in it.

"I have some earrings that would look really great with it," Lavender said.

"Thank you," Hermione said. She felt bad yet again about lying to her friend, but it was necessary right now.

"What time are you going?" Lavender asked, walking over to her dresser.

"I'm not sure yet," Hermione answered.

"You should wear your hair up, I think," Lavender said thoughtfully.

"Okay," Hermione agreed.

"Maybe your parents will surprise you," Lavender said handing her the earrings.

"I doubt it," Hermione hated lying and almost confessed what was really going on but she held her tongue. "But they're my parents..."

"And they always think they know best," Lavender finished.

"Tell me about it," Hermione nodded, hanging the black dress up carefully in her own closet.

"I'm going to have a run evening of reading and writing a letter to Charlie," Lavender said.

Hermione smiled at her. "I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks," Lavender said smiling back at her. "He's pretty great, isn't he?"

"Quite so," Hermione said, feeling antsy. She wished she were with Harry right now, as opposed to a few hours from then.

"You could do yoga with me," Lavender said sitting back down on her mat. "It could help relax you."

Hermione shrugged. "Okay," she said.

"It's very calming," Lavender said picking up her wand and transfiguring her trainer into a mat. "Just do what I do...and we can have a proper chat."

"A proper chat?" Hermione asked. "About what?"

Lavender hadn't spoken to Hermione about the closeness she'd observed between her friend and Harry. She'd hoped it was just a fluke. They had been quite business like with each other in classes and Lavender was starting to believe that maybe she'd just imagined things. Still, she wanted to get to know her roommate better.

"About anything," she smiled at her.

"Okay," Hermione said sitting down just like Lavender.

"Breathe in," Lavender coached.

Hermione did as she instructed.

"Breathe out," Lavender said. "Just do it evenly."

Hermione exhaled and closed her eyes, trying to clear her mind.

"That's it," Lavender could see Hermione relaxing already.

Hermione smiled and opened her eyes. "What's next?"

"Just concentrate on your breathing for a few minutes," Lavender said.

Hermione did just that, feeling all her worries and concerns melting away.

"So," Lavender said. "What do you really think of Harry?"

Hermione shrugged. "He's a great teacher and I think we have so much to learn from him."

Lavender was disappointed in Hermione's reply. She'd hoped for something a bit juicier.

"He's really nice, isn't he?" Lavender asked, trying a different tact.

"Yes he is," Hermione nodded.

Lavender stretched her arms up above her head and Hermione did the same.

"Handsome too," Lavender commented.

"Mmmhmm," Hermione fought not to let her face grow red.

"Extend your leg like this," Lavender demonstrated. "Square your torso over the extended leg and forward bend over that leg."

Hermione was grateful that in this pose, she could hide her face.

"Got it?" Lavender asked. "It's a bit complicated--"

"I've got it," Hermione replied.

"Harry's just a good friend," Lavender said. "I really think he deserves to be happy with a good girl."

"Of course," Hermione said. She wondered why Lavender was talking about this with her. "You want him to be happy."

"That's why I still think he's seeing someone on the side," Lavender replied.

"If he is, he'll tell you in his own time," Hermione deflected. "And maybe he'll find someone who makes him as happy as Charlie makes you."

Lavender realised she wasn't going to get anywhere with Hermione, at least not that night. "You're right."

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. The next half hour she and Lavender finished their yoga exercises, only talking about the different positions.

"That felt great," Hermione said. "Thanks, Lavender."

"No problem," Lavender said folding up her mat.

"We should do that again soon," Hermione said.

"Absolutely," Lavender agreed. "I'm going to go for some tea in the cafeteria. Would you like one?"

"I'd love one," Hermione answered. "Thanks."

"I'll be back in a few," Lavender said.

Hermione stretched out on her bed once Lavender had gone. She could hardly wait to go to Paris with Harry.

She'd spend the evening in the most romantic city in the world with the man she loved. It didn't get any better than that, Hermione thought happily.

Lavender hurried down to the cafeteria, humming a happy tune under her breath.

She turned the corner and saw that Padma Patil was just a few feet ahead of her. She was about to call out to her when Harry came out of the cafeteria, colliding with Padma.

"Do you mind?" Padma asked icily.

Harry knelt down to help her with her files, but she waved him off.

"I'm sorry," Harry said.

"You're always sorry," Padma snapped. "Disaster just follows you wherever you go."

"Padma---" Harry started to say.

"Just stay away from me," the dark haired girl said.

"Look," Harry said standing back up. "Padma, I never wanted this to happen. I didn't know that she was going to come after me. I thought I was protecting her. "

"All you have are excuses!" Padma said angrily. "My sister is DEAD, Harry. DEAD. And it's all because of you!"

Harry paled at her words. He knew he deserved her anger. She wasn't saying anything he hadn't already said to himself.

Lavender rushed forward. "Padma that's not fair. Harry's no more to blame for Parvati's death than you or me."

"SHE WAS YOUR BEST FRIEND!" Padma rounded on her. "And you defend him?"

"I miss her almost as much as you do," Lavender said. "But I know this wasn't Harry's fault."

"You'd do well to stay away from him," Padma warned.

"Harry is my friend too," Lavender said firmly. "And you'd do well to forgive him. He did a lot for everyone."

Padma just rolled her eyes and stalked off in the other direction.

"Harry--" Lavender began.

He shook his head. "There's nothing you can say, Lav. She's right."

"No she isn't," Lavender replied. "Not even for a moment."

"I've managed to avoid her," Harry said. "And I knew this would happen, but--"

"You. Were. Not. To. Blame." Lavender said firmly.

She couldn't possibly know how much that meant to him. He smiled slightly at her. "Thank you. You've...you've been a really great friend."

"We'll always be friends," Lavender gave him a hug.

"Parvati would be proud of you and what you've done," Harry told her.

"Thanks," Lavender said. "She'd be proud of you too."

"I--I really should get going," Harry said. "You---you have big plans for your day off?"

"Not really," Lavender replied. "I wish Charlie could come down but he's got work."

"At least he's coming for the ball," Harry said.

"I know," Lavender said. "I can hardly wait. What about you- are you taking Jessica?"

"Jessica?" Harry asked. "Um---no."

"Why not?" Lavender asked. "She clearly fancies you." Which Lavender liked because it meant she wasn't going after Charlie.

"I'm going alone," Harry said firmly. "If I had my way, I wouldn't go at all."

"You sound like Hermione," Lavender said.

"What makes you say that?" Harry asked quickly.

"I don't think Justin was her first choice," Lavender replied.

Harry gave her a quizzical look.

"Her first choice would be to stay in the dorms reading," Lavender said.

Harry smiled. "That sounds like her."

"I should go," Lavender said. "I just came down here to get us some tea."

"Right," Harry nodded. "Thanks Lav. I'm glad to know at least someone believes in me."

"There's a whole lot of us," Lavender said giving his hand a squeeze.

Harry nodded. "I'll see you later. Tell Hermione good night for me."

"I will," Lavender promised.

Lavender hurried in and got their tea, making it back upstairs with a few minutes to spare for the curfew. "Here you go," she said, handing the hot cup to her roommate. "And Harry says good night."

Hermione looked up. "Oh, you ran into him?"

"Right by the cafeteria," Lavender shook her head. "He ran into Padma- Parvati's twin sister."

"Oh," Hermione said quietly. She couldn't have imagined that went very well.

"She just can't let it go," Lavender said. "I mean... I understand she's hurting. What I felt must have been nothing compared to the loss she experienced. But she needs to stop blaming Harry for it."

"Is he okay?" Hermione asked.

"I think so," Lavender told him. "He's happy to have friends, and people who believe in him."

Hermione smiled. She was glad that Lavender had been there to soften the blow of Parvati's words. She knew how important his friends were to him.

"He doesn't deserve Padma's hatred," Lavender continued. "Parvati would have been really disappointed in her."

"She's not ready to listen," Hermione said thoughtfully. "Maybe with time, she'll be able to look past her anger to see that Parvati's death was not Harry's fault."

"I doubt it," Lavender said. "Padma's pretty stubborn. And she wasn't all that fond of Harry when Parvati was still alive."

Hermione couldn't understand that. She had so many questions, but she didn't want to make Lavender any more suspicious of her than she already was.

"I'm sure I've talked your ear off enough about Harry for one night," Lavender said. "I just really think he deserves to find himself a nice girl."

Hermione hoped that Lavender would feel the same way if she found out that she and Harry were dating.

"But I'm sure he will eventually," Lavender flopped back on her bed.

Hermione grabbed her robe and excused herself to get ready for her "dinner with her parents."

"Have fun," Lavender said. "I'll help you get dressed when you come back."

"Thanks," Hermione said slipping out of the room and heading for the bathroom.

She quickly showered and dried her hair, wishing again that she could present herself better for such a special date.

When she came back into the room, she was surprised to see Lavender had spread out her makeup and various hair potions. "What's all this?"

"To help you get ready," Lavender said simply. "Sit!"

Hermione smiled. "Lavender---"

"Come on," Lavender said. "I don’t' get a chance to do this often enough and I'm an expert!"

"Okay," Hermione said sitting down. "Thank you."

Lavender clapped happily. "How often do you straighten your hair?"

"Not that often," Hermione said. "I don't usually have that much time..."

"This will be extra fun then," Lavender squeezed some potion into her hand.

Hermione trusted Lavender and knew that she wouldn't do anything too drastic with her hair or makeup.

"So is it just meeting your parents or do you have something else going on?" Lavender asked slyly.

"Just dinner," Hermione said, which was partly true. She really, really hated lying to her new friend.

"No one else?" Lavender pressed.

"Not unless they spring someone else on me," Hermione said. She was glad her back was to Lavender and the girl couldn't see her face.

"Someone else?" Lavender asked.

Hermione silently cursed. "Um, sometimes my grandparents come along."

"I see," Lavender replied.

"We've never talked about your parents," Hermione deflected. "What do they do for a living?"

"Mum works in a robe shoppe," Lavender replied. "Dad works at Gringotts."

"You've no brothers or sisters?" Hermione asked.

Lavender shook her head. "I'm an only child."

"Me too," Hermione said. "But I always wanted a sister."

Lavender smiled at her. "We're sort of becoming that way, aren't we?"

Hermione smiled. "Yeah, we are. Ow!" She yelped as Lavender worked the brush through her tangled hair.

"Sorry," Lavender said. "You have really thick hair."

"The bane of my existence," Hermione said with a sigh. "I can barely get a brush through it most days."

"Maybe you should think about permanently straightening it," Lavender said.

Hermione shrugged. "Maybe."

"It's pretty long," Lavender tugged the brush through it again.

Hermione waited patiently while Lavender styled her hair. Her roommate though wouldn't allow her to see the results until after she'd finished with her makeup.

"I think you need to get into the dress before you can see yourself," Lavender said. "Then you'll get the full effect."

"Okay," Hermione replied.

"There," Lavender said in satisfaction a few minutes later. "You look perfect."

Hermione tried to sneak a look in the mirror, but Lavender blocked her view. "Dress first."

"Oh fine," Hermione replied, reaching into her closet.

"Your parents aren't going to recognise their sophisticated, glamorous daughter," Lavender said.

"One can only hope," Hermione muttered under her breath. She actually hadn't heard from her parents in weeks.

She quickly pulled on the dress, being careful not to mess up her hair.

"Wow," Lavender was surprised at how well the dress fit. "You look incredible!"

Hermione beamed at her. "Really?"

Lavender nodded. "You just need to put on those earrings and then I'll let you have a look for yourself."

"Okay," Hermione said, threading them through her ears.

"Perfect," Lavender said grinning at her. "Take a look, Miss Granger."

Hermione could scarcely believe it was her in the mirror. "Lavender, you are a wonder!"

"I am, aren't I?" Lavender said proudly.

She couldn't wait for Harry to see her dressed like this.

She was meeting him at a nearby coffee shop and they were going to Apparate to their destination. "Thank you, Lavender."

"I'm glad I was able to help," the blonde said. "Hope you have fun."

Hermione smiled at her before grabbing her coat and bag. She practically floated out of the door.

She slipped out of the Ministry without anyone seeing her and headed for the coffee shop.

Harry was sitting at the counter and Hermione felt butterflies in her stomach as she approached him.

12. Chapter 12

Authors’ note: Sorry we didn’t post this last night! We were both busily writing Last Dance and forgot! We hope that you enjoy the latest chapter!

Harry was sitting at the counter and Hermione felt butterflies in her stomach as she approached him.

"Hi," she said softly, sliding into the chair next to him.

Harry turned and smiled at her. "Hi."

She leaned in and gave him a kiss. "I've been waiting to do that all day."

"Me too," Harry said still looking at her. "You straightened your hair..."

"Lavender helped me get ready," Hermione said. "I told her I was going to dinner with my parents."

He knew that she hated lying to Lavender and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks," Hermione smiled at him. "You look very handsome as well."

Harry tugged at his tie. "I usually hate wearing these things."

"It suits you," Hermione smoothed out his shirt.

He didn't tell her about what had happened with Padma Patil earlier or how when he'd returned home, he could still hear the other girl's words in his head.

"Come on," Hermione said. "Let's get going."

"Right," Harry said standing up and offering her his arm.

Hermione blushed and took it. "You're quite the gentleman."

"I've had lessons," he said with a wink.

"You mean you're not a natural?" Hermione teased gently.

"Certain people bring out the best in me," Harry said holding the door for her. "I want tonight to be special for you."

"It already is," Hermione told him as they went around the corner to the alley.

"Would you allow me to do the honours?" Harry asked.

"Of course," Hermione purred.

"Hold on to me," he said softly.

"That won't be hard," Hermione said, wrapping her arms around his middle.

Harry rested his forehead on hers and held her close.

A moment later, Hermione opened her eyes to find them in Paris.

"Welcome to Paris," Harry said smiling down at her.

"So glad to be back," Hermione pressed her lips to his.

"I love you," Harry whispered.

"I love you too," Hermione said softly.

He knew that the safest thing for Hermione would be to let her go. Being with him could be dangerous and the last thing he wanted was to lose someone else he loved. But, he knew that he couldn't have let her go. He was that selfish.

"Come on," Hermione said. "The restaurant is this way."

"Lead the way Mademoiselle Granger," Harry said taking her hand.

"It's this way," Hermione said.

A few moments later, they were standing in the restaurant waiting to be seated.

"Two please," Harry said, squeezing her hand.

The maitre'd nodded. "May I take your coat, mademoiselle?"

"Yes, thank you," Hermione replied.

Harry hadn't seen her dress yet and he lost all coherent thought when he looked at her.

"What?" she asked, a bit self consciously.

"I think your young man thinks you look beautiful," the maitre'd said smiling at her.

Hermione blushed. "Thank you," she said softly.

"She took my breath away," Harry said defensively.

Hermione laughed shyly. "Thanks Harry."

"Right this way," the maitre'd said.

Harry slid an arm around Hermione's waist as they headed for their table.

The maitre'd held Hermione's chair out for her.

Hermione sat down and thanked the man.

"Could we get a bottle of your finest champagne please?" Harry asked.

"Absolutely," the man replied.

"This is a night to celebrate," Harry said to Hermione.

Hermione smiled at him. "What are we celebrating?"

"Us," Harry reached for her hand. "Our first real date. And the fact that I've found someone new that means as much as you do to me."

Hermione beamed at him. "I just wish we had more time here. I have so many things I could show you."

"We do have two weeks off for Christmas," Harry said. "We could always come back."

"Really?" Hermione asked excitedly.

"Unless you have plans with your family---" Harry started to say.

"No," Hermione said quickly. "I'd love to spend that time with you."

"Two weeks of this," Harry said softly. "Not having to worry about someone catching us..."

"And being together every single night," Hermione added dreamily.

"Waking up together," Harry continued.

"And just lying in bed together," Hermione said mischievously.

"Doing whatever we want," Harry said huskily.

A waiter brought over their champagne and took their orders.

"I'm so excited already," Hermione said in a low voice as Harry poured them both some champagne.

"I'll even let you drag me to the Louvre," Harry said.

"You are my kind of guy," Hermione laughed.

Harry leaned back in his chair. "So...have you heard from your parents?"

Hermione shook her head. "I was toying with the idea of sending them an owl... I mean, they're stubborn but they ARE my parents."

"They'll come around especially when they hear about how well their daughter is doing," Harry said.

"They still think I should be a dentist, I'm sure." Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Mrs. Weasley, Ron's mother, probably would have liked it if I'd just stayed in my godfather's house and become a recluse," Harry said. "She's overprotective."

"It sounds as if she cares about you a great deal," Hermione replied.

"She's the closest thing I have to a mum," Harry said.

"Ron hasn’t' been so bad lately," Hermione offered.

"He said the same about you," Harry said.

"Imagine that," Hermione shook her head.

"He means well," Harry defended his best friend. "He sometimes doesn't think before he speaks. Kind of gets him into trouble."

"I figured that out the first day," Hermione said dryly. "But he's quite dedicated to his girlfriend. He hardly stops talking about her."

"Luna's been really good for him," Harry told her. "I think you'd like her."

"Perhaps someday I'll get to meet her," Hermione replied.

"You will," Harry promised.

Hermione reached for his hand and squeezed it.

"And maybe I'll meet your family," Harry said.

Hermione nodded. "I really should talk to my parents."

"You said that you'd always gotten along with them," Harry said. "Until you decided to follow a different career path..."

Hermione nodded. "They don't understand anything about our world."

That sounded a bit like his aunt and uncle, Harry thought to himself. Though, he doubted that Hermione's parents were that vicious and close-minded. They probably thought they knew what was best for their daughter and didn't trust her to take care of herself. But, he knew just as well as anyone that she knew how to take care of herself.

"I have to say, the quiche here is absolutely remarkable," Hermione told him.

"Do you think it makes me less of a bloke that you had to order for us?" Harry asked with a grin.

Hermione laughed. "Not at all."

"I should have probably studied basic French before we came here," Harry said.

"It's no big deal," Hermione assured him.

The waiter brought over their starters and Hermione stifled a laugh at the look on his face. "It's really good," she assured him.

"Hermione..." Harry said. "These are SNAILS."

"Escargot," Hermione said. "And they are a delicacy."

"They grow in a garden," Harry said.

"And you didn't complain when I ordered them," Hermione pointed out.

"Because I didn't know what they were!" Harry exclaimed. He watched in revulsion as Hermione ate one. "I hope you don't think I'm going to kiss you later now."

Hermione grinned. "What makes you so sure I would let you? You, Harry Potter, are...a chicken."

Harry stared at her in disbelief. "No one has ever called me a chicken."

"I'm glad that I'm the first," Hermione said before eating another one.

"I'm not eating those," Harry pushed his plate away.

"You've never had them before," Hermione said. "How do you know that you wouldn't like them?"

"Because they're snails," Harry said as if it should be obvious.

Hermione shook her head. "Okay, but you know, sometimes you can step out of your comfort zone and try something new and you might find that you like it."

"Will you stop pestering me if I try one?" Harry asked. "And if I don't like it--"

"I'll not say another word," Hermione promised.

"Fine," Harry stabbed a fork into one on his plate.

Hermione took a sip of her champagne and watched while Harry slowly moved the fork toward his mouth.

He closed his eyes before sticking the snail into his mouth.

"Now's the part where you chew," Hermione said.

"Hermione--" Harry choked out. "There's enough garlic on this thing to kill a vampire."

"At least you tried it," Hermione said smiling at him.

"I don't get how you can eat those," Harry said.

"I like them," Hermione said defensively.

Harry only shook his head before downing some champagne.

"I can promise you'll like the main course," Hermione said. "It's not snails."

"It's not frog legs is it?" Harry asked warily.

Hermione laughed and shook her head. "No."

Harry sighed in relief. "Thank Merlin."

"Filet Mignon," Hermione reassured him.

"That I can handle," Harry said with a grin.

He watched her as she took a sip of her champagne. This was the first time in his life when he wasn't looking over his shoulder for some unknown evil. He'd never really been able to give his full attention to his relationship with Parvati. But, things with Hermione were quite different.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked.

He didn't know how to really explain what he was thinking about to her.

"About how lucky I am to be here with you," Harry said.

Hermione smiled. "Sometimes I can't believe we've found each other like we did."

"I thought you didn't believe in fate," Harry said.

"She's dealt me a good hand," Hermione joked. "What can I say?"

Harry grinned. "Do you know how nice it is to look at you and not have to pretend that I'm not?"

Hermione laughed. "About as nice as it is to sit here and hold your hand and not worry about who sees us?"

"I just wish we had more time here," Harry replied.

"Like you said," Hermione replied. "We have those two weeks at Christmas."

Harry gave her hand a squeeze. "I can't wait."

"I love you," Hermione said intently.

"I love you," Harry said. He'd said it to her before, but she really was the best thing in his life right now.

"This still feels so unreal," Hermione confessed.

"Unreal?" Harry asked.

"It's just... I mean... I've been reading about you for so long," Hermione began. "And suddenly, you're this huge fixture in my life."

"I hope that's a good thing," Harry said.

"The best thing," Hermione assured him.

The waiter brought out their main courses then and they were silent while they sampled their food.

"How is it?" Hermione asked him.

"Better than the snails," Harry replied.

Hermione laugh. "At least you tried."

"And I'm never going to have one of those ever again," Harry said shaking his head.

"I wouldn't dare make you," she said.

"I'd do just about anything for you," Harry said. "Except eat snails."

Hermione leaned across the table and kissed him.

Harry wished that they could spend the night here, but he knew it was impossible. He tried not to dwell on how little time they actually had, but tried to concentrate on making the most of the time they did have.

After their main courses, the waiter brought over coffee and dessert. Hermione smiled at Harry. "Mousse aux Chocolat Blanc et aux Framboises."

Harry shook his head. "What does that mean?"

"It's a white chocolate mousse with raspberries," Hermione told him.

"That does sound good," Harry replied.

Hermione eagerly took a bite of her dessert. "Mmmmm."

"I could say the same thing about you," Harry said softly.

Hermione blushed.

"I don't think I ever wanted someone so badly in my life," he continued.

Hermione met his gaze and smiled at him.

"Do you think you'll have time to come to my place when we get back to England?" he asked her.

"W-what about curfew?" Hermione asked.

"Don't we gain an hour going back?" he asked, looking at his watch.

"Oh," Hermione replied. "Well, that's different..."

"I just need to be with you," Harry said.

"What do you say to us getting out of here then?" Hermione asked.

"I'm all for it," Harry answered.

Harry motioned for the waiter.

"What can I get you sir?" he asked.

"Bill, please." Harry answered, reaching for his money.

The waiter nodded and brought over their bill. Once it was settled, Harry and Hermione walked out to the lobby where the maitre'd handed them their coats.

Just outside the restaurant, a photographer from the Daily Prophet was waiting to get a photograph of one of the French Ministry's top officials. Their were rumours that he was having an affair with a famous British singer. The photographer was camped out of one of the official's favourite haunts, but so far had not seen anyone of interest.

Harry, completely unaware, opened the door. "After you," he said to Hermione.

The photographer was just about to give up and go home when he spotted Harry Potter of all people coming out of the restaurant following some woman. Instinctively, he reached for his camera.

"Come on," Harry laughed. A bright light to his side startled him and he turned, reaching for his wand.

"What was that?" Hermione asked standing behind him.

Harry pushed Hermione behind him. "Get away from me," he glared at the reporter.

The reporter didn't say anything and before Harry could do anything more, the reporter disapparated.

"How did they know?" Hermione asked. "How did they know we were here?"

"I don't know," Harry answered grimly.

Hermione wondered if the photographer had managed to get her photograph. If they had, she could kiss her dream of being an Auror goodbye and Harry would lose his job.

Harry looked at her. "I don't think he saw you," he offered. "I pushed you behind me too quickly."

"You're sure?" Hermione asked uncertainly.

"I hope so," Harry tried to sound reassuring.

Their perfect evening had come to a not so perfect ending. Harry pulled her into his arms.

"Look," he said. "No matter what happens--"

Hermione looked up at him. "Let's get out of here ...before they come back."

"Right," Harry took her hand and they hurried down to the alley they'd Apparated to.

Hermione's mind was whirling with questions. What would happen if the photographer had gotten her photograph?

Harry Apparated them both back to his flat, but it was obvious neither of them was in the mood anymore.

Hermione sank down onto the sofa. They'd had such a great time. Could someone have found out where they were going?

"Hey," Harry sat down next to her. "It'll be okay."

There was no way he could know that, but Hermione really wanted to believe him. She rested her head on his shoulder.

He rubbed her shoulder. "Tonight..." he said. "Tonight was one of the best nights I've had in a long, long time."

"Until---" Hermione started to say.

"Let's not worry about it until it happens," he said.

"Tomorrow everything could crash down around us," Hermione said quietly.

Harry sighed. "I'm used to that."

"I'm sorry," Hermione said sitting up and looking at him. "We should have just stayed home..."

"No," Harry shook his head. "I wanted to take you out. You deserved a real date."

"And look at what that might cost us," Hermione said. "This is your career, Harry."

Harry sighed, raking his fingers through his hair.

"I know how much it means to you," Hermione said. "You're a great teacher and if your involvement with me put that in jeopardy..."

"Hermione," Harry said. "You mean more to me than that stupid job."

Hermione leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss.

"You're far more important to me," Harry said, touching her cheek.

"So, whatever happens," Hermione began.

Harry nodded.

"We'll get through it together," Hermione vowed.

Harry reached for her hand and squeezed it. "We don't even know what sorts of photographs he got.

"I wonder if he got that look you get when you're angry," Hermione said pulling a perfect "angry-Harry" face.

Harry shivered. "You're too good at that."

Hermione smiled for the first time since they'd left the restaurant.

"It's going to be okay," Harry said optimistically.

"I hope so," Hermione said softly.

Harry leaned in and kissed her. "It's going to be just fine..."

"How can you be so sure?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know," he said. "I just... I feel different with you. For once in my life I feel like I might just have a future with someone."

Hermione gaped at him. "But---you were with Parvati---"

"I know," Harry nodded. "But being with you is so different."

"Different?" Hermione asked.

"I can't really describe it," Harry replied. "With Parvati... I loved her. I loved being with her. But I always felt like something would eventually go wrong. I never told anyone that."

"Something would go wrong in your relationship?" Hermione asked.

Harry shrugged. "Possibly. I guess I just eventually thought she'd figure out she was too good for me and leave."

Hermione's heart wanted to break at the look on his face. He'd grown up in a house where he hadn't been loved and where the people told him day in and day out that he wasn't worth it. "She loved you very much," Hermione said quietly. She'd known that because of what Lavender had told her.

"I know that now," Harry replied. "But I didn't get to tell her how I felt. So that's why I'm making sure you know."

Hermione reached for his hand. It meant so much to her that he trusted her enough to tell her this.

"I know that you aren't in danger being with me like Parvati was," Harry said quietly. "But I know how short life can be."

"You more than anyone," Hermione said touching his cheek.

"Just so you know what you're getting yourself into," Harry tried to joke.

"I know," Hermione said hugging him tightly.

"Love you," Harry whispered in her ear.

Hermione pulled back to look at him. There was a twinkle in her eyes. "Um...you know, we still have some time left..."

Harry smiled at her. "Yes we do..."

Hermione tugged at his tie. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Harry kissed the side of her neck. "I believe I am..."

Hermione closed her eyes and forgot about what might happen tomorrow if those photographs were published.

"We can stay right here," Harry said huskily.

"Right here," Hermione agreed. "Mmmmm...."

Harry unzipped the dress and slowly began to slide it down her body.

Hermione opened her eyes and looked at him. No one had ever looked at her the way he did and no one made her feel the way he did.

"I really mean it when I say you're the best thing in my life," Harry said softly.

"Something else we have in common," Hermione said grinning at him as she loosened his tie. "You're the best thing in mine."

Harry helped her pull off his tie and then his shirt while she slid the dress off and kicked it aside.

She had a feeling she wouldn't be getting back to the dorms until way after her curfew, but if those pictures were published, it wouldn't matter anyway. Harry, himself, had just said that life was short.

Harry continued kissing over her bare skin, down her neck and moved his lips to the valley between her breasts.

"Yes," Hermione whispered.

Her body arched under his, and Harry wanted nothing more than to bury himself inside her.

"Now," Hermione pleaded, looking up at him.

Harry nodded, unable to speak. He raised himself up on his arms and pushed himself inside her body.

"Kiss me," Hermione whispered.

"Okay," Harry managed, pressing his lips to hers.

Hermione clung to him as he began to move inside her. She wanted all of him.

"Hermione--" Harry choked out, his green eyes locked onto her brown ones.

Hermione tightened her legs around his waist, pulling him in deeper. She was near her own breaking point. "Harry..."

Harry covered her mouth with his, kissing her harder than he ever had.

He pushed into her one last time and Hermione cried out his name again.

With a satisfied groan, Harry collapsed just to her side, trying to catch his breath.

Hermione stared in a daze up at the ceiling.

"You..." Harry brushed a piece of hair off her sweaty forehead. "You are incredible..."

"So are you," Hermione said smiling at him.

"I love you," Harry said, kissing her gently.

"No matter what?" Hermione asked looking up at him.

"No matter what," Harry stroked her cheek.

"It's going to be fine," Hermione said echoing his words from earlier.

Harry smiled at her. "I should get you back," he said regretfully.

Hermione nodded.

"Much as I don't want to," Harry said, helping her up.

Hermione gave him a kiss. Tonight had been perfect, except for that incident outside the restaurant.

"I'll walk back with you," he offered.

Hermione shook her head. "It's too much of a risk."

"I guess you're right," Harry answered as they finished getting dressed. "How about I walk you to the door?"

"I'd like that," Hermione replied.

"When you Apparate there," Harry told her. "Go three doors down from the main entrance. It's not a doorway that traces your entrance, so you may be able to slip in without anyone knowing you're late."

"Thank you," Hermione said putting her arms around him.

"Just be careful," Harry kissed her. "And I'll drop by my office tomorrow around half past one-- I'll bring us lunch."

"We can celebrate or drown our sorrows," Hermione said. "You can help me pack and I can help you pack."

"Hermione--" Harry began.

"Only joking," Hermione said putting her arms around his neck.

"That's better," he said, kissing her again. "I love you."

"I love you," Hermione said softly. "And thank you for the evening."

"We'll do it again soon," Harry promised. "Go somewhere less public and more quiet."

"I hear Antarctica is nice this time of year," Hermione said dryly.

"Very funny," Harry answered. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night," Hermione said opening the door.

Harry watched her Apparate away.

He closed the door and leaned against it. He'd meant what he'd said to Hermione. His job meant a great deal to him. But, she was more important to him.

If it came down to it, he'd quit teaching to be with her.

What he didn't want was for her to lose her place in the program. If their relationship was discovered, they'd kick her out. They just had to be a little more careful.

*** *** ***

Hermione was glad that Lavender had already been asleep when she got home the previous night. She was so tired that she slept in quite late the next morning, and probably would have kept on sleeping into the early afternoon if Lavender's ranting hadn't woken her up.

"I knew it!" Lavender was saying over and over. "I knew he was seeing someone!"

Hermione grumpily through the pillow over her head.

Lavender looked over at her roommate. "Hermione get up," she said impatiently. "You have to see this! I KNEW Harry was seeing someone!"

13. Ch 13

Bit of a shorter one this time, but it does have smut ;) Enjoy and review!

Hermione suddenly remembered what had happened last night in Paris with the photographer. With a heavy heart, she took the pillow off of her head and sat up in bed.

"Is there a picture?" Hermione asked.

"Oh you'd better believe there's a picture," Lavender snapped the newspaper in front of her.

Hermione took the paper and felt a surge of relief when she saw a picture of Harry holding his hand out to block the photographer. The only image of her was the back of her head over Harry's shoulder.

"I want to know who she is!" Lavender burst out.

"The article doesn't say?" Hermione asked.

Lavender snatched it back from Hermione. "The identity of the mystery woman remains unknown. A waiter at the restaurant commented that they seemed to be very much in love and that they held hands and kissed throughout the meal."

"He probably just wants it to stay private," Hermione offered weakly.

Lavender momentarily forgot about Harry and looked at her roommate. She felt bad for thinking that Hermione was dating Harry. Obviously she wasn't since she was out with her parents while Harry was wining and dining some girl in Paris.

Hermione took Lavender's silence as disbelief. "Perhaps he's worried something would happen to this girl if everyone knew who she was, you know?" she babbled.

"Are you sure it's not that Megan person?" Hermione asked.

"I doubt it," Lavender replied. "Megan Jones would have jumped in front of Harry to get her mug in the papers."

Hermione let out a nervous laugh.

"I'm going to bug him about this tomorrow until he tells me who he's going out with," Lavender vowed.

"Lavender," Hermione cautioned. "Maybe that's not such a good idea---"

"Why not?" Lavender asked.

"You don't want to alienate him," Hermione covered. "Remember the last time you asked him?"

Lavender crossed her arms. "I just want to know who's making him so happy."

Hermione pulled on her dressing gown. She wished she could tell her friend, but she knew Lavender wouldn't understand.

"You don't know anything, do you?" Lavender tried.

"Why would I know anything?" Hermione lied. "I barely know him."

"You just seem a bit chummy with him sometimes," Lavender was frustrated.

"I do?" Hermione asked keeping her back to Lavender.

"Sometimes," Lavender twisted her hair into a large knot.

"He's just been really nice," Hermione said. "You know making me feel included since all of you went to school together and I didn't."

"I guess you're right," Lavender flopped down on the bed. She decided to let this go for now. "Did I tell you Charlie already wrote me back?"

"Really?" Hermione asked, relieved at the change in subject.

"He is so positively dreamy," Lavender smiled.

"And in two more weeks, you'll get to see him at the ball," Hermione said smiling back at her.

"You have no idea how much I can't wait for that," Lavender said fervently. "And speaking of the Ball..."

"What about it?" Hermione asked.

"Justin is really looking forward to going with you," Lavender said coyly.

Hermione was making her bed and she stopped at this and looked at her friend. "Lavender, Justin and I are just going as friends."

"That's not what he thinks," Lavender replied in a sing song voice.

Hermione shook her head. "Lavender..."

"He's such a nice guy," Lavender said. "Why won't you give him another chance?"

"He is a great guy," Hermione agreed. "But there's just no sparks."

"But there could be..." Lavender hinted.

"Drop it, Lavender," Hermione said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to go work out."

"But you just got up!" Lavender protested.

"What do you want me to do?" Hermione asked.

"I thought we might go get breakfast together," Lavender replied.

"Oh," Hermione said. "Okay."

"If you want to..." Lavender replied.

"I do," Hermione replied. "I just need to get dressed."

"Great," Lavender said.

Hermione changed into track pants, a tank top, and a hooded jacket. She was planning on going to the gym right after breakfast.

"I was going to go but then I saw the newspaper and I got too worked up to eat anything right away," Lavender chattered as they headed to the cafeteria. "But tell me, how was your dinner with your parents?"

"It was nice," Hermione said.

"Just nice?" Lavender asked. "Where did they take you?"

"Oh you know," Hermione said, wishing she'd thought of all of this ahead of time. She should have known Lavender would ask.

"I'm always looking for new places to eat," Lavender replied. "Especially now that I'm seeing Charlie."

"The Four Seasons," Hermione said thinking of the first posh restaurant that came to mind.

"Wow," Lavender said enviously.

Hermione and Lavender walked into the cafeteria and Lavender looked around to see if by any stroke of luck Harry was there. She grinned when she saw him sitting in the corner with Neville Longbottom.

"I'll be right back," Lavender told Hermione.

"Where are you going?" Hermione asked.

Lavender ignored her and made a beeline for Harry and Neville.

"Lavender," Neville said standing up when he saw her.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Lavender said dismissively. "Nice to see you, Nev. Harry---who is she?"

Harry sighed. "Lavender--"

"I tried to get it out of him, too, but he's not talking," Neville said sitting back down.

"It's no one's business but mine who I'm seeing," Harry said firmly.

"It's not Cho Chang, is it?" Lavender asked. "I know you two had that really bad kiss and she was always talking to you about Cedric. Not to mention the fact that her best friend sold out the D.A...."

"I've got a meeting in an hour," Harry said, looking at his watch.

Hermione suddenly remembered that Harry had planned on bringing them lunch around half past one.

"It is Cho Chang!" Lavender exclaimed. "Harry!"

"It is NOT Cho Chang!" Harry exclaimed. "Merlin!"

Lavender smiled. "Thank God! She's really pretty and all, but what a basket case!"

Harry rolled his eyes. "I have to go."

"It was nice running into you, mate," Neville said shaking his hand.

"You too," Harry said, his eyes fixated on the brunette across the cafeteria.

"Did he tell you anything?" Lavender asked Neville when they were alone.

"I already told you," he said. "Nothing."

Lavender slumped down in her chair.

"This is driving me crazy!"

Neville shrugged. "He'll tell us when he's ready."

Harry walked past Hermione in the queue and gave a slight wave of his hand. She looked down at her tray and saw that a note had appeared.

She balanced the tray with one hand and casually peeked at the note with her other.

"Can you meet me in 10 minutes?" the note read. "Usual place."

Hermione smiled and tucked the note into her pocket before setting her tray aside and hurrying out of the cafeteria.

Harry was sitting in his office looking at that morning's paper when he heard a knock on the door. "Come in," he called.

"Hi," Hermione poked her head in. She saw Lupin coming down the hall. "You wanted to see me sir?" she pretended to be there for business reasons.

"Yes, Miss Granger," Harry said standing up.

"Good afternoon Professor Lupin," Hermione said to the older man as he came closer.

"Good afternoon, Hermione," the older man replied. He smiled at Harry who stood in the doorway. "Nice to see you on the front page again, Harry."

Harry rolled his eyes. "It's always something."

"I'll see you later," Lupin said. "I have to meet with Kingsley."

Harry nodded. "Miss Granger," he held open the door and Hermione went past him as Lupin disappeared from sight.

Harry closed the door behind her. "So, you saw the paper?"

Hermione nodded. "You can see my head, but nothing else."

"Personally," Harry said pressing her up against the door. "I like seeing all of you."

Hermione put her arms around his neck. "I like you seeing all of me too," she said with a grin.

Harry pressed his lips to hers.

Hermione forgot all about going to the gym as she kissed him back.

"I told you we had nothing to worry about," he told her in between kisses.

"I'll have to listen to you more often," Hermione said, her eyes closed.

Harry grinned. "I am always right."

"Don't push it," Hermione smiled back at him.

"Speaking of pushing it," Harry said. "Your friend Lavender is about to drive me insane. I swear she's relentless."

"Suddenly she's MY friend?" Hermione asked with a grin. "She was giving me the third degree this morning as well."

Harry took her hand and led her over to the sofa. "She's not going to need much training in interrogation techniques."

"She's definitely not," Hermione agreed. "What's for lunch?"

"Brunch, you mean," Harry corrected.

"Well then what's for brunch?" Hermione laughed. "I'm starving here!"

"Okay," Harry said. "I stopped off at the bakery on my way in..."

"Something smells delicious," Hermione answered.

"We have coffee, juice, sweet rolls, and éclairs," Harry said. "Did I do good?"

"Absolutely fantastic," Hermione said, kissing him.

Harry opened up the bags and Hermione eagerly took one of the sweet rolls.

"What made you so hungry?" he teased her.

"Oh, I don't know," Hermione said coyly.

Harry paused to kiss the side of her neck.

"You should try one of these," Hermione said laughing as his breath tickled her neck.

"You're much sweeter," Harry murmured.

Hermione broke off a piece of her roll and held it out to him. "Try it."

Harry took it and held it up to her mouth. "Open."

"I was trying to give you a bite," Hermione protested.

"And that's how I'm going to take it," Harry said with a grin.

Hermione grinned before opening her mouth.

Harry placed it between her lips and then leaned in to kiss her.

Hermione looped her arms his neck and kissed him back.

"Mmmmm..." Harry said. "You are delicious."

Hermione laughed and broke off another piece of the roll, putting it in his mouth. "This is even better than a posh French restaurant."

"That it is," Harry replied. "Because I can do this and not worry about who sees it..."

"Do what?" Hermione asked, but her words were cut off when he kissed her again.

"Snog you within an inch of your life?" he asked when they pulled apart.

"Mmmhmm," Hermione said dreamily.

Harry nudged her neck with his nose and closed his eyes.

"I love you," Hermione murmured. "So much."

"I know," he said softly. "I love you too. I can't imagine being without you."

Hermione smiled at him. "I had a really nice dream last night about Christmas."

"You did?" he asked. "Me too."

"You still want to spend it together, right?" Hermione asked.

"More than anything," Harry said, letting her hair loose from the ponytail she'd pulled it back in.

"Two whole weeks with each other," Hermione said thoughtfully.

"And no one else," Harry replied meaningfully.

Hermione leaned in to kiss him, but was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Oi, Harry!" Ron called out trying the door. "You in there, mate?"

"What the hell," Harry rolled his eyes. "Maybe he'll go away if we stay quiet."

"I know you're in there," Ron called out. "I can smell pastries. Come on---"

"His bloody nose," Harry groaned.

Hermione stood up. "It's okay. We can pick back up later."

"I'm sorry," Harry whispered as she crouched down behind his desk.

Harry sighed and opened the door. "Something smells fantastic----Ooooh, sweet rolls!"

"Hands off," Harry said crossly. "What do you want?"

Ron produced the paper from his back pocket. "Who is she?"

"No one," Harry snapped.

"Come on," Ron said reaching for a pastry. "I'm your oldest and best mate. If you can't tell me, who can you tell? Odds are it's Cho..."

"Merlin," Harry rolled his eyes. "It is NOT Cho."

"Come on," Ron said with a laugh. "I remember her taking you to Madam Puddifoots Tea Room. That French restaurant here sounds like it would be up her alley. Froufrou and all that."

"Leave it alone," Harry said. "Both the pastry AND this."

"Cho's hot and all, but she was a little too emotional," Ron said with his mouth full. "I would have thought you'd have known better, but---"

Ron's voice trailed off when he noticed there were two cups of coffee on the table and an elastic hair band. Ron grinned. "She was here, wasn't she?"

"No," Harry snapped. "Ron get out!"

Ron picked up the hair band. "Well, I hope you were nicer to her than you were to me. No wonder she didn't stick around."

Harry snatched it away. "I found that on the floor, and I'm meeting with Lupin, that's why there's two cups there."

"Right," Ron said shaking his head.

Harry just glared at him in response.

"You know we are friends," Ron reminded him. "I told you when I started to fancy Luna...."

"I know," Harry answered.

Hermione's knees were starting to cramp and she wondered when Harry last straightened up around here. It really was quite dusty. Before she could stop herself, she sneezed.

Ron's head spun around. "SHE IS HERE!" he crowed.

Harry put his head in his hands. "Ron---"

Even though Ron wasn't the smartest person in the world, Hermione knew there was no getting around this. With a heavy sigh, she slowly climbed out from under the desk.

Ron's eyes widened. "What the--"

"Ron," Harry said. "You can't tell anyone."

"Granger?" Ron asked still in disbelief.

Hermione raised her eyebrow at him.

"Uh, can someone please tell me what's going on?" Ron asked looking back and forth between them.

"Isn't it obvious?" Harry asked with a sigh. "Hermione and I are seeing each other."

"Shagging?" Ron asked, his eyes large. "Her?"

"What's wrong with that?" Hermione asked, her hands on her hips.

"Uh, well nothing's wrong with that," Ron stammered. "You're----you're kind of pretty in a way...."

"Look, can you please keep this a secret?" Harry asked him. "If word gets out, I could lose my job and Hermione could get kicked out of the program."

"This is serious then?" Ron asked.

Hermione looked at him. "Would we risk everything if it wasn't?"

"Wow," Ron shook his head.

"Can we trust you to keep quiet about this?" Harry asked. "Ron?"

"Yeah," Ron replied. "Yeah... I won't say anything."

"Thank you," Hermione said quietly.

Ron grabbed another pastry before heading out the door.

"I'm sorry," Hermione apologised.

"Why are you sorry?" Harry asked.

Hermione shrugged. "If I hadn't have sneezed---"

Harry sat down and patted the spot on the sofa next to him. "I trust Ron," he said. "I didn't want to tell anyone because I figured the less people that knew, the better, but Ron's no snitch."

Hermione hadn't known Ron for very long and they hadn't seen eye to eye on much of anything. She wasn't so sure that she could trust him, but if Harry could, she supposed that was good enough for her. She sat back down beside him and rested her head on his shoulder.

"He's been my best friend for ages," Harry reassured her.

"And he isn't too crazy about me," Hermione said.

"That doesn't matter," Harry said firmly. "He'll learn to like you. You're a part of my life now."

"Absolutely," Hermione said giving him a kiss.

Harry ran his hand through her hair. "What a weekend it's been, right?"

Hermione laughed. "Never a dull moment, eh?"

Harry shook his head. "Not with me."

"So that dream you had about us at Christmas?" Hermione asked. "Tell me about it."

"Well," Harry said. "It involved you... and me... and this really nice penthouse hotel room..."

Hermione grinned. "And what were we doing?"

"I think you know what we were doing," Harry replied in a husky voice.

Hermione moved over to sit on his lap. "Well, I imagine in that penthouse, there was a really big bed..."

Harry shook his head. "A really small bed. We had to lie extremely close together..."

"Oh," Hermione said nuzzling his neck.

"Then..." Harry continued as he pulled at her shirt. "We weren't wearing anything..."

"Clothes are overrated," Hermione said pulling away from him so he could lift her tank top over her head.

"Yes they are," Harry said, dropping it to the side as he kissed her bare shoulder.

"So much for my workout," Hermione said softly.

"Oh you're going to get a workout," Harry replied. "Just not the one you planned on."

Hermione grinned. "Am I?"

"Uh huh," Harry said, shedding his own clothing. He lay down on his back and pulled her on top of him.

Hermione looked down at him. "We always seem to end up like this."

"You say that like it's a bad thing," he replied.

"I've no complaints," Hermione said grinning at him.

He grinned as he waved his hand behind her back, causing her bra to unsnap.

Hermione laughed. "Harry!"

"You love it," Harry said devilishly.

"You were just showing off," Hermione said pressing against him.

"Impressive, isn't it?" he asked smugly.

"I've seen better," Hermione said trying to keep a straight face.

Harry poked her side. "I beg your pardon?"

"Well," Hermione said. "There was this one bloke I met in a pub...."

Harry scoffed. "What sort of bloke picks up a girl in a pub?"

"He was quite handsome," Hermione said. "And he knew just the right things to say..."

"Such as?" Harry nipped at her lower lip.

"I forget," Hermione said closing her eyes. "But he was a really great kisser."

"I bet I'm better," Harry sealed his lips over hers.

"I don't remember him being as arrogant," Hermione said.

"He probably didn't feel so arrogant at the time," Harry replied.

Hermione looked at him. "He made me feel beautiful and he made me feel safe. That's all that mattered."

Harry smiled at her. "And she made him feel loved."

“Definitely loved,” Hermione kissed his neck, working her fingers into his hair. Harry ran his hands up and down her back as she worked her way down across his chest.

“How’s that feel?” she asked, feeling more seductive.

“Amazing,” Harry managed as she rubbed her lower body against his. “If you keep doing that-“

“What?” she teased.

“That,” Harry groaned as his back arched. Hermione kissed him again as she pushed herself onto him.

“Harry…” she whimpered softly.

Harry was breathing too hard to say anything; he put his hands on her hips and began to guide her.

Hermione rose up and down on top of him, sweat breaking out across her brow. Harry pulled her down to him and kissed her as he drove up into her repeatedly.

She muffled her cry into his mouth as he lifted his body one more time before they both fell back, panting. “Wow…”

“That was absolutely incredible,” Harry said. “You… are absolutely incredible.”

Hermione gave him a kiss and after that, neither of them spoke for a long, long time.

"Harry," Hermione murmured after a long while.

"Yeah?" Harry asked.

"If Ron knows... I think I should tell Lavender about us." Hermione said quietly.

"Hermione---"

"I know," she said quickly. "But... she's become my friend, Harry. A good friend. And she cares about you."

Harry was silent. He wasn't so sure that Lavender would handle this well. Parvati was her best friend.

"Harry," Hermione raised her head.

"She's----she might react the way you think she will," Harry said choosing his words carefully.

"I think she'll be happy for us," Hermione ventured.

"If you want to tell her," Harry said. "You can."

"You don’t' mind?" Hermione asked.

Harry shook his head. What he was worried about was how Lavender would react to this.

"Maybe we should tell her together," Hermione brushed some hair out of his eyes.

"Is that what you want?" he asked her.

Hermione nodded.

"Okay," Harry said giving her a kiss. "We can tell her."

Hermione hugged him. "Thank you."

Upstairs, in the dorms, Lavender was just finishing up a letter to Charlie. She couldn't stop thinking about him and she'd asked him to send her a photograph. It wasn't as good as the real thing, but she'd make do.

She'd decided to send him one of her, and hoped it was the perfect one. She was looking back over her shoulder and winking at the camera.

The door opened and Lavender smiled when she saw Hermione. "I was just taking a photo for Charlie. Oh---hi, Harry."

"I'm glad you're here," Hermione replied. "I um... I need to talk to you."

"I had a talk with Neville," Lavender reassured Harry. "I promise not to give you a hard time about Cho."

"That's what we wanted to talk to you about," Hermione wiped her sweaty palm on her trousers.

"Oh?" Lavender asked, setting her camera down.

"Um...." Hermione swallowed and looked at Harry. She suddenly felt quite nervous about this. "The girl Harry's been seeing..."'

Lavender looked eagerly at Harry. She couldn't understand why he was here with Hermione, but...

"You?" Lavender asked looking at her friend. "It's you, isn't it?"

Hermione bit her lower lip and nodded.

Lavender was at a loss for words. Hermione was the girl Harry had been seeing. Hermione. Hermione had stood here and listened to her drone on and on about the identity of the "mystery woman" and she'd never said anything.

Lavender shook her head. That wasn't right. She had said something. She'd asked her questions about Harry and his life---his friends, his relationships.

"Lavender?" Hermione asked uncertainly. "Please--say something."

"You've been lying to me?" Lavender finally uttered. "All this time?"

"No," Hermione shook her head. "We just... I just..."

"You used me," Lavender said angrily. "You used me to get information about Harry. I poured my heart out to you---"

"Lavender---" Harry finally said.

"No!" Lavender said angrily. "I've been nothing but a friend to both of you and you've just been laughing at me behind my back!"

"No, it's not like that at all," Hermione said, wondering where this had all gone wrong. This wasn't how she thought this would go.

Lavender shook her head. "Then why didn't you tell me?"

"We couldn't tell anyone," Hermione tried to tell her. "If someone found out that we were involved--"

"I wouldn't have said a word to anyone," Lavender replied. "Not in a million years!"

"We couldn't take that chance," Harry said. "Look, Hermione hated lying to you, Lavender."

"Could have fooled me," Lavender said bitterly.

"It's not like we wanted to keep this a secret just from you," Hermione said. "That's why we're telling you now."

Lavender didn't know what to say; didn't know how to react to this. She just kept thinking about all those opportunities Hermione had to come clean and didn't.

"Lav please," Hermione begged. "You're a good friend to me. That's why I wanted to tell you about this."

Lavender grabbed her book. "I'm---I can't deal with this right now. I'll---I'll see you later."

"You won't tell anyone?" Harry asked, standing up.

The fact that he had to ask that hurt her even more. She didn't respond or look back at them as she left the room.

Hermione shook her head. "I shouldn't have told her."

"Come here," Harry said opening his arms to her.

Hermione buried her face in his shoulder.

"She just needs some time," Harry said. "She'll realise that you are her friend and you hated lying to her."

"I hope so," Hermione replied quietly.

"It's going to be okay," Harry said.

Hermione nodded. "Well... now two people know. It sort of feels like a bit of a relief, in a way."

"We have to make sure no one else finds out," Harry said.

"We won't let anyone else find out," Hermione replied.

"I need to get to my meeting," Harry said. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'll be all right," Hermione answered. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bright and early," Harry said giving her one last kiss. "Love you."

"Love you," Hermione smiled at him. "Be careful leaving here."

He nodded and Hermione sank back down on her bed after he'd left. She'd been so sure that Lavender would have been happy for them. What had gone wrong?

14. 14

You get the rest of Lavender’s reaction and then the beginning of the Halloween Ball. This one’s not quite as eventful, but we still hope you enjoy it!

The blonde had currently gone down into the cafeteria and found a corner table where she could be alone. She felt completely betrayed right now.

She'd really liked Hermione and thought they were on their way to becoming good friends.

"Hey," Ron saw her sitting in the corner. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing," she grumbled.

Ron plonked his tray down. "You fight with my brother or something?"

Lavender shook her head. "No, we're fine. It's----I hate people who pretend they're your friend when all the time they're using you to get information about someone else! I mean, how selfish can you be?"

Ron gave her a strange look. "Want to start at the beginning?"

Lavender shook her head. She wasn't going to blab Hermione's big secret.

Ron shrugged. "It's been a weird day for everyone," he said. "I wasn't even going to eat until I walked by here."

"You?" Lavender asked. "Not eat? It must be bad then."

"Just something.... strange I saw earlier today," Ron thought about what he'd encountered in Harry's office.

"There's a lot of that going around," Lavender agreed, picking up a paper napkin and folding it over and over again.

Ron tucked into his food and didn't notice as Hermione appeared in the cafeteria doorway.

Lavender rolled her eyes when she spotted Hermione. She'd expected to see her come in here. Probably worried about her precious secret.

"Lav," Hermione hurried over. "Please, can I just talk to you for a moment?"

"I've not told anyone if that's what you're so worried about," Lavender said icily.

"I know you wouldn't," Hermione replied quietly.

Ron raised an eyebrow. "Does she know about the...you know, too?"

"YOU know?" Lavender asked, crossing her arms. "Was I the last to find out?"

Ron held up his hands. "Believe you me, I'd have rather not known. I feel like up is down, left is right. This whole thing has thrown me for a loop."

"Will you just eat your lunch and shut up!" Hermione hissed at him.

"Don't talk to him like that," Lavender glared at her. "He's not the one keeping secrets from his friends."

"Lavender," Hermione said sitting down. "Look, I hated keeping this from you. I wanted to tell you, but put yourself in my position..."

Ron gulped. "Another thing I'd rather not think about."

This time both Hermione and Lavender glared at him.

"I'll just move over to another table now," Ron picked up his tray.

"Thank you," Hermione said, softening her tone a bit.

Lavender shook her head. "Hermione... I just really don't know what to say right now."

"I'm so sorry," Hermione said. "I hated keeping this from you. I never used you to find out about Harry."

"Then what do you call it?" she asked bitterly.

Hermione sighed. She figured she'd have to tell Lavender everything. "Um, do you remember me telling you about that one-night stand?"

"What, that one you had before we started training?" Lavender asked.

Hermione nodded and began telling Lavender about that disastrous dinner at her parent’s house all those weeks ago. "I just felt so strangled and that they were trying to run my life. I walked out of the dinner and went into the neighbourhood pub."

Lavender nodded. "And he was there?" she asked quietly.

"He was sitting there and at first, I didn't know who he was," Hermione continued. "Until I was able to get a proper look at him----"

"So you planned this all along?" Lavender asked folding her arms again. "You seduced---"

"No!" Hermione exclaimed, earning looks from other people. "Can we... can we talk back up in our room or something?"

"Fine," Lavender said getting to her feet.

"Thank you," Hermione said in relief.

A few minutes later, they were in the privacy of their room again. Hermione sat down on the edge of Lavender's bed while the blonde stood.

"I'm not the type of person who picks up men in pubs or clubs," Hermione continued. "That's not me. I always thought that when I had my first time, it would be with someone I loved---"

"Well I guess you can say it wasn't," Lavender shook her head.

"No, but we sat there talking and I don't know," Hermione said remembering that first night with him. "It was like we were kindred spirits."

Lavender cast her a doubtful look.

"It was going to be a one night thing," Hermione continued. "For all we knew, we'd never see each other again. And then, I walk into training---"

"And he's the instructor," Lavender interjected. "Hermione---"

"If anyone finds out, we both get kicked out of here," Hermione replied.

"But you should have known I wouldn't have said a word!" Lavender argued. "I'm your friend!"

"I know you won't," Hermione said. "That's why I told Harry I wanted you to know about us."

"After Ron found out?" Lavender asked. "Ron Weasley knew before I did!"

"He just found out today too," Hermione said. "He caught us in Harry's office."

"Caught you?" Lavender asked, her eyes growing large. "In the act?"

"We were getting there," Hermione blushed. "Lav... I love Harry. And he loves me."

Lavender studied her for a long time. "You do, don't you?"

"Very much," Hermione nodded.

"Okay," Lavender said quietly.

"I hope you're okay with this," Hermione twisted the edge of her shirt in her fingers. "You're his friend too."

"I don't like that you lied to me," Lavender said thoughtfully. "But I guess I can see why you felt like you had to."

"I'm sorry about not telling you," Hermione replied. "I really hope you can forgive us."

"I'll try," Lavender said with a slight smile. "It's just---it's strange."

"I hope not a bad sort of strange," Hermione replied.

Lavender shrugged. "It's going to take some getting used to."

"Of course," Hermione nodded.

"You and Harry?" Lavender asked sitting down finally.

Hermione nodded again.

"You're the one who made him so happy," Lavender said thoughtfully.

"He's made me happy too," Hermione replied softly.

"And this has been going on since the beginning of the program?" Lavender asked.

"The night before, actually." Hermione replied.

"You minx," Lavender said giggling.

Hermione had to laugh. "Now that's something I've never been called before."

"You are shagging the instructor," Lavender said.

Hermione's face went very red.

"You gave him more than an apple," Lavender teased.

"Lavender!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Well, it is true," Lavender pointed out. "Ooooh...you actually want to stay after class, don't you?"

"He really was giving me flying lessons," Hermione replied. "I've gotten loads better."

Lavender smiled. "He is a fantastic flyer. Parvati used to---never mind."

"It's okay," Hermione said. "She was a big part of his life. I'd never want him to forget her."

"She used to say that watching him fly was like looking at pure joy," Lavender continued.

"He does seem quite happy when he's up in the air," Hermione agreed.

Lavender still felt a little strange with all this, but when she thought about it, she could see why Hermione felt she had to be silent. "Do your parents know?" she asked.

Hermione shook her head. "I haven't talked to them. They've sent me a few owls, but it's been the same thing each time- I should forget about this nonsense and come home."

"If you ever want to talk about that or about...anything else," Lavender offered. "I'm here."

"Thanks," Hermione said. "You've become a really good friend to me."

Lavender smiled. "Despite how I reacted earlier?"

Hermione nodded. "But that's why I wanted you to know."

"Poor Justin," Lavender said. "He really is looking forward to the ball."

"I'll still go with him," Hermione said. "But did you know Eloise fancies him quite a bit?"

Lavender nodded. It was quite obvious to everyone, but Justin.

"I thought perhaps we could help her with that," Hermione said.

Lavender's eyes lit up. "Project!"

Hermione laughed. "At the ball?"

"We can help her get ready," Lavender said, the wheels already turning in her mind. "I can take her with me to Hogsmeade next weekend to get a costume."

"You're going to Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked.

Lavender nodded. "I have to find a good costume. Do you want to go too?"

Hermione nodded. "I was thinking of going as a gypsy."

Lavender looked thoughtfully at her. "I think you'd look great as a gypsy."

"What are you and Charlie going as?" Hermione asked.

"Charlie's not telling me," Lavender said. "He wanted it to be a surprise."

"So how do you know what sort of costume to get?" Hermione stretched.

Lavender shrugged. "I'm going as a mermaid."

Hermione grinned. "You'll look fantastic."

"Why thank you," Lavender said taking a bow. "I'm going to lengthen my hair....and I know someone in Hogsmeade. She's helping make my costume."

"That will be lovely," Hermione replied. "Perhaps you can help me with my hair again the night of the ball. I know I can't go with Harry... but I'd like him to see me all dressed up."

"You'll knock him off of his feet," Lavender said determinedly.

"And you'll knock Charlie off his," Hermione tossed a pillow at her.

Lavender giggled. "I hope so."

"I really hope we can help Eloise," Hermione said softly. "Were you friends with her in school?"

Lavender looked sheepishly at Hermione. She hadn't always been nice to Eloise. Truth be told, she'd even made fun of her. But, that had been before the war, before Lavender knew that there were more important things to worry about. "In our last year, yes."

"She's very nice," Hermione offered.

"She is," Lavender agreed. "And she deserves to be happy."

"We all do," Hermione replied. "I just have to wait a few years."

Lavender frowned. "Three years, Hermione."

"I know," Hermione shifted onto her side. "But it's going to be worth it, if we can be together."

"The papers are going to be salivating over this," Lavender said looking at the newspaper that was still on her bed. "They're going to dig and dig and dig until they find out your identity."

"Not if we keep it a secret," Hermione replied resolutely.

"It's not going to be easy," Lavender commented.

"We knew that getting into it," Hermione answered.

"And you're okay with that?" Lavender asked. "Not being able to hold hands in public. Not being able to go out on normal dates..."

"I know it sounds bad," Hermione began. "But when we're alone together... I love those times."

"It doesn't sound bad," Lavender reassured her.

"It's quite lovely, actually." Hermione replied. "He's different, when we're alone. He's sweet, and considerate--"

Lavender smiled. "You are in love, aren't you?"

Hermione tossed another pillow at her. "I already told you that."

Lavender threw it back at her. "Well, I was still angry when you told me the first time. Now, it's starting to sink in."

Hermione grinned at her. "Yes, I'm quite in love."

"I'm happy for you," Lavender said. "For you both and I promise no one will find out about it from me."

"Thank you," Hermione said sincerely.

"So, I guess you and Harry and Charlie and me can't double date," Lavender said with a frown.

"Not yet," Hermione answered. "But someday..."

"I look forward to it," Lavender said.

"Me too," Hermione said. "What were you doing earlier with that camera when we came in?"

Lavender blushed. "Um, well I was taking a photo of myself to send to Charlie. I wanted him to send me a photo, too."

Hermione grinned. "Want me to help you with that?"

"Would you?" Lavender asked eagerly.

"Sure," Hermione reached for the camera.

Lavender checked her reflection in the mirror. "Okay..."

"Give me your best shot," Hermione joked.

Lavender sat down on her bed and smiled.

"Now give me one that he'll want to keep under his pillow," Hermione said mischievously.

Lavender struck a seductive pose and held a straight face until after Hermione had taken the picture.

"That was perfect," Hermione grinned.

"I could take one of you," Lavender offered. "If you wanted to give it to Harry. I mean, he couldn't put it in his office, but I'm sure he could have it in his flat."

"You think he'd like something like that?" Hermione asked, feeling a bit self conscious now.

"The next best thing to having you there with him," Lavender replied.

Hermione had to smile at that.

"Let your hair down," Lavender instructed. "And take off that jacket..."

"Okay," Hermione replied. "How's this?"

Lavender picked up the camera. "Perfect."

Hermione smiled as winningly as she could into the camera.

Lavender took the picture. "He's going to love it, Hermione."

"I hope so," Hermione replied. "When should I give it to him?"

"Why don't you give it to him tomorrow before class?" Lavender suggested. "I'm going to go and develop them now."

"All right," Hermione replied. "I need to catch up on some reading."

"I'll be back in a few with the sexy photos," Lavender said with a grin.

Hermione smiled. "Sounds good."

Lavender felt much better now that she knew the truth and she knew that Hermione's friendship was genuine.

*** *** ***

It was the night of the Halloween Ball, and Hermione and Lavender invited Eloise to come get ready for them. The other girl had accepted happily.

Eloise knocked on the door to Lavender and Hermione's room. She was carrying the costume she'd chosen for herself.

Hermione opened the door. "Come on in, Eloise." she said. "We're almost ready."

"Hi," Eloise said smiling at her as she stepped into the room. Lavender had turned the Wireless on and music filled their small dorm room.

"You didn't show us your costume," Hermione said. "What did you decide to go as?"

Eloise held up her garment bag, but Lavender grabbed it. "You aren't wearing that, madam."

"What?" Eloise asked.

"You are wearing something that I had a friend of mine come up with," Lavender said sharing a conspiratorial look with Hermione.

Eloise looked between them. "What's wrong with my costume?"

"Nothing," Lavender replied. "But you have always been on the sidelines watching everyone else. Eloise, you are a pretty girl. You need to stand out for once. Tonight, I'm going to help you do that."

"Really?" Eloise asked. She had always admired the pretty Gryffindor but never thought they'd ever be friends. "You'd do that for me?"

"Absolutely," Lavender replied. "Sit down and let me work my magic."

Hermione smiled. "I'm just going to get dressed," she said, sitting on the edge of her bed. "So Eloise... you know I'm only going with Justin as friends tonight, right?"

Eloise nodded. "You're so lucky though. He's so handsome and smart."

"We have a plan," Hermione said, looking at Lavender. "By the end of tonight, he'll only have eyes for you."

Eloise shook her head. There was no possible way to do that, she thought without the aid of some sort of love potion.

"First things first," Lavender said critically. "Stop thinking you could never get someone like Justin. You are just as capable of snagging him as any other girl. If you don't think you'll get him, you won't."

"But---" Eloise protested.

"You're just as pretty as me or Hermione," Lavender continued. "You just need to know how to bring forth your best assets."

"And you're going to help me do that?" Eloise asked.

"Why else would you be here?" Lavender asked. "Now... I have the perfect costume for you."

"You do?" Eloise asked. "Um---"

"A French maid!" Lavender announced. "You will KNOCK Justin's socks off!"

Eloise's jaw dropped as she looked at the costume. "It's---it's so short!"

"That's the whole point," Lavender said as Hermione changed into a long skirt and gypsy style shirt.

Eloise wasn't so sure about this. She looked admiringly at Hermione. The brunette had styled her hair in ringlet curls and she wore hoop earrings. Justin would take one look at her and he'd fall even harder for her. Eloise knew she didn't have a chance.

"Put it on," Lavender told her. "Then we'll do your makeup and hair."

Eloise stood up and took the costume off the hanger. She wasn't sure about this at all.

"And you look great," Lavender said to Hermione. "You have to make sure I'm there when Harry sees you," she added in a whisper. "I'm dying to see his face."

Hermione nodded. She couldn't wait to see him. They'd not spent that much time together these last couple of weeks because of the heavy training schedule. She knew he was going as a pirate tonight and she couldn't wait to see him.

"Um..." Eloise said. "Lavender... I'm sorry, but I don't know about this. I'm probably better off going as the rabbit--"

Lavender turned around and smiled when she saw Eloise in the costume. "Stand up straight, Eloise."

"I am," Eloise said shyly.

Eloise had lost a lot of the weight that she'd carried at Hogwarts. She still had curves though and the costume accentuated every one of them.

"Wow," Hermione said. "Eloise, you look fantastic!"

"I've never worn anything this short before," Eloise said blushing.

"Which is why you should start now," Lavender said. "Flaunt your figure!"

"Justin's not going to notice me," Eloise said frowning.

"Sit down," Lavender said. "We can get started on your hair and makeup."

There was another knock on the door and Hermione answered it. A pretty blonde girl dressed as a forest nymph stood in the hall, a dreamy expression on her face.

"Can I help you?" Hermione asked, not recognising her.

"Luna!" Lavender squealed. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see Ronald," Luna said. "McGonagall let me leave for tonight only."

Lavender pushed past Hermione and grabbed Luna's arm. "Get in here before he sees you!"

Hermione gazed at the pretty, dreamy looking blonde. She had just been talking to Harry about meeting Ron's girlfriend and here she was in the flesh. "Hi," she said. "I'm Hermione."

"You're Ronald's partner," Luna said shaking her hand.

"Yes," Hermione said. "It's lovely to meet you. Ron talks about you all the time."

Luna smiled at her. "He's written to me about you, too."

"Hi, Luna," Eloise said giving her old friend a slight wave.

"Hello," Luna curled a long strand of hair around a finger.

"Ron is going to be so happy to see you," Eloise said.

"I hope so," Luna replied dreamily. "I've missed him so much."

Hermione was borrowing extensively from Lavender's collection of makeup. "He's been trying a lot harder lately in training," she said.

Luna couldn't wait to get him alone to see how he was really doing. She couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't his true calling.

Eloise tried to pull down on the skirt of the maid costume. "Lavender are you sure--"

Lavender held up her hand. "You look gorgeous, doesn't she, ladies?"

Hermione looked up from the mirror. "Definitely," she agreed.

"How are things at Hogwarts?" Lavender asked Luna.

"Fine," Luna said. "I'll miss it next year, but at least I'll get to see my Ronald more often."

"What are you going to do when you get out of school?" Hermione asked conversationally.

"Work in Daddy's office," Luna said. "I want to interview Cornish Pixies, Doxies, Grindylows and Kneazles."

"Interview them?" Hermione asked. "They don't---they don't talk, do they?"

"Sometimes," Luna answered vaguely. "When you know how to listen."

Lavender smiled fondly. Luna certainly hadn't changed at all. She and Ron were so different, but they somehow got each other.

"I'm ready," Hermione said a flutter of excitement in her stomach. She was so anxious to see Harry she could hardly stand it.

"And so is Miss Eloise," Lavender said standing back to take a look at her handiwork.

The girl in question stared at herself in the mirror. "I can't believe that's me!"

Lavender smiled at her. "It's you."

Luna stood up. "I'd very much like to go find Ronald now."

"I'll go downstairs with you," Hermione offered. She was eager to see Harry, too.

"That will be lovely," Luna smiled broadly at her.

Hermione shared a look with Lavender before following Luna out of the room.

"I hope they have good food tonight," Luna said as they took the lift downstairs. "Ronald is always happiest when he eats."

Hermione laughed. "That's true. He does look euphoric during meal times."

"Especially when he's having stew," Luna closed her eyes dreamily.

The lift pinged open and Hermione could hear the music coming from the Ministry ballroom.

"Follow me," Hermione told the other girl. "It's this way."

Luna touched her arm. "You have a very happy glow about you."

"I do?" Hermione asked, trying to dampen her eagerness.

Luna nodded. "You're in love."

"No I'm not," Hermione said quickly.

Luna studied her for a moment before stepping inside the ballroom. The room was filling up rather quickly and she scanned the room for Ron. She had no idea what he was dressed up as or when he was planning on arriving.

"I wish I could tell you what he planned on coming as," Hermione said, changing the subject. "But outside of training, Ron and I don't talk often."

"He's trying to be nicer to you," Luna said softly. "He promised he would."

"He hasn't been bad," Hermione assured her. "But it's nice that he's trying. We both have."

Luna beamed at her. "I'm glad."

"The party can start," Lavender said from behind them. "I'm here!"

Hermione laughed and turned around. "Lav, you look fantastic!"

"I do, don't I?" Lavender tossed her hair, which she'd lengthened. "I can't wait to see Charlie."

"Where's Eloise?" Hermione asked.

Lavender had thought her friend was right behind her, but she wasn't. Lavender sighed and walked back out into the corridor where Eloise was standing off to the side. "Eloise Midgen!"

"Lavender I can't," Eloise said.

"Yes you can," Lavender said. "You are a beautiful girl inside and out. You just need to have confidence. Believe in yourself, Eloise."

Eloise sighed. "Okay..." she said nervously.

"Take a deep breath," Lavender instructed. "We're going to walk in there together and you are going to own that room. Got it?"

"I'll try," Eloise began but at Lavender's look nodded. "Got it."

Lavender linked her arm in Eloise's. "Here we go...."

Eloise took a deep breath as the four of them strode into the middle of the ballroom together.

Luna spotted Ron at the refreshment table and resisted the urge to run over to him. He was dressed in his old Quidditch robes from Hogwarts. She loved it when he wore those.

Lavender squealed. "CHARLIE!" she spotted him standing next to Ron.

Both Weasley brothers turned around at this and Charlie broke out into a wide grin when he saw Lavender.

Lavender hurried towards them as fast as her confining costume would allow and threw herself at the older Weasley.

"I missed you," Charlie said putting his arms around her.

"I missed you too," Lavender said. "But I loved the pictures you sent me."

"And the ones of Velma and her little one?" Charlie asked.

"Those were some of my favourites," Lavender said, her arms still around his neck. "And I can't believe you got them to name the little one Brownie."

"After you," Charlie said giving her a kiss.

Ron rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the refreshments. He couldn't decide between the beef or the chicken.

"Ronald?"

15. 15

Enjoy and review! Thanks!

Ron dropped the full plate in his hand as he spun around. It couldn't be!

He turned around to see Luna standing before him looking absolutely beautiful. She wore a flowing white dress that was adorned with flowers. "What---what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to surprise you," she said. "Professor McGonagall let me come tonight."

He was certainly surprised. Ron grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to him. "You look...you look....I can't even find the right words."

Luna smiled at him. "I don't need words from you, Ronald."

Ron gave her a lingering kiss. He'd missed her so much these last few weeks and she was here. It was official---Professor McGonagall was his favourite person in the world for making this happen.

"I missed you too," Luna giggled when they finally broke apart. "Ronald you look so handsome in your Quidditch robes!"

Ron did a little turn. "I'm glad that you like them. It was great putting them back on again. Even if it was just for tonight."

Luna touched his arm. "Tell me everything that's been going on with you, Ronald. Don't leave a thing out."

"Well," Ron said looking over his girlfriend's shoulder where Hermione was talking with Professor Lupin. "I found out something that kind of threw me for a loop."

"What's that?" Luna asked, leaning against him.

Ron was about to tell her, but he remembered his promise to Harry. But, he and Luna didn't keep secrets from each other and she would never tell if he asked her not to. "Um, Harry's seeing someone."

"How lovely for him," Luna replied.

"You promise not to say anything to anyone?" Ron asked in a hushed tone.

"If you’re telling me a secret, I'd never tell another soul," Luna replied. "You know that, Ronald."

Ron led her off to the side. "You remember my study partner I told you about? It's----it's her."

"Hermione?" Luna asked. "I walked in here with her. She's a lovely girl." she lowered her voice. "I could see she was in love. I just didn't know it was Harry."

Ron sighed. "It's just strange. She's----so serious and high-strung. But, Harry's completely over the moon for her."

"Maybe he brings out a different side to her," Luna said wisely.

Ron shrugged. He didn't want to spend the short time he had with Luna tonight talking about Hermione. "But other than that training's going okay. I love it when we get to fly, but I hate being stuck in a classroom."

"Have you thought any more about whether or not this is the right path for you?" Luna asked, squeezing his hand.

Ron nodded. "But, I'm here, Luna. And Mum and Dad are really proud."

"I'm proud of you too," Luna said. "Whatever you decide to do, Ronald."

"It means a lot to me that you're behind me," he said putting his arms around her. "I love you, Loony."

"I love you too," Luna smiled happily at him. "I don't want to be separated from you for even one moment tonight."

"Would you like to dance?" Ron asked offering her his hand.

"I would love to," Luna's grin was wide as he led her into the middle of the floor.

"I'll try and not step all over your feet," he promised.

"I don’t' care if you do," Luna replied.

Ron smiled down at her. He'd planned on spending the evening, sitting at a table and eating himself into a stupor.

"This will be the best night," Luna rested her head against his chest. "I get to be with you."

"I'm not going to want you to leave at the end of the night," Ron said kissing the top of her head.

"I'm not going to want to go," Luna closed her eyes.

"So how are things at school?" Ron asked. "Hmm? No one's hiding your things again, are they?"

Luna giggled. "Nope. Everything's fine."

"Good," Ron said. "Because if I hear of anyone being mean to you or taking your things---"

"They'll have to deal with you," Luna kissed him.

Hermione watched her partner and his girlfriend from across the room where she stood with Justin. A wistful smile crossed her face; she wished it could be her and Harry out there showing everyone they were together.

"Luna looks really pretty, doesn't she?" Justin asked. "I mean, she's a little odd, but she is pretty."

"I think she's quite lovely," Hermione answered.

"Speaking of lovely," Justin said admiring her. "You look beautiful tonight."

"Thanks," Hermione managed a smile. She wondered where Eloise had gotten off to.

"Would you like to dance?" Justin asked.

She hadn't seen Harry yet, but didn't want him to walk in on her dancing with Justin. "How about a drink?" she asked.

"Sure," Justin said. "I'll go and get us something from the bar."

"Thanks," Hermione replied, spotting Eloise across the room. She motioned for the other girl to join her.

Eloise stumbled a bit in the shoes Lavender had talked her into wearing with her costume, but thankfully Justin didn't see that since he was walking in the other direction.

"What are you doing all the way over there?" Hermione asked. "If you want Justin to notice you, you've got to be in his eyesight."

"He's probably going to laugh his head off when he sees me," Eloise mumbled.

"No he's not," Hermione replied.

Eloise stood up straight and looked over at the bar where Justin was talking to Ernie. "I can do this, right Hermione?"

"Absolutely," Hermione replied. "Go on over there and talk to him."

Eloise blushed. "Um---okay."

"Just talk to him," Hermione coached. "You'll know what to say when the time comes."

Eloise nodded and slowly walked across the ballroom to the bar. She had practically swooned when she'd seen Justin in his costume. He was dressed as a medieval knight.

She swallowed hard as she moved next to him at the bar. "Um... excuse me?" she tried to get the attention of the bartender, hoping perhaps some liquid courage would help her.

The bartender didn't hear her and he continued to wait on the other guests.

Eloise held up her hand to get his attention but she accidentally hit Justin on the shoulder. "Oh! I'm sorry!"

"It's ok," Justin didn't look over at her.

"You---you look really nice tonight, Justin," Eloise said.

"What?" he finally turned to look at her.

"I said you look nice tonight," Eloise repeated trying to sound confident.

"Well, hello," Ernie said leering at her. "I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting...."

Eloise looked at the other boy. "Ernie..." she said. "It's me... um... it's Eloise. Eloise Midgen."

Ernie laughed. "Yeah, right and I'm Harry Potter."

"Eloise?" Justin stared at her.

"Hi," she said blushing.

"Hi..." Justin said, his gaze fixated on her.

"Midgen?" Ernie asked, his jaw dropping. "That's you?"

Eloise nodded. "Yeah, it's me."

"You sure clean up good," he said, pushing Justin aside.

"Thanks," Eloise replied. "I--I was trying to get a drink."

"I'll get that," Ernie bragged. "Oi! Over here!"

"You don't have to," Eloise said looking longingly at Justin.

"I'll get you something," Justin offered.

"That would be lovely," Eloise replied smiling at him.

"Do you like champagne?" he asked.

"I love it," Eloise said.

Ernie glared at his friend. "I said I would get it."

"It's okay," Eloise was overjoyed that Justin was paying attention to her.

Justin ordered a glass of champagne for her, momentarily forgetting that Hermione was waiting for him.

"Fine," Ernie said irritably. "Just ignore me."

"You look really, really great, Eloise," Justin said admiringly. "I didn't even recognise you."

Eloise wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not but decided to take it as one. "Thank you," she blushed.

Justin handed her a glass of champagne. "Here you are."

"Thanks," she said again, wanting to mentally kick herself.

"It's nice, isn't it?" Justin asked looking around the room. "All of us forgetting about training and just having a good time?"

Eloise nodded. "It's fun to see everyone dressed up like this too."

"It is," Justin agreed. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. Where had she been hiding this part of herself? He'd always thought she was nice, but she'd always seemed so shy.

"I really like your costume," Eloise said, fiddling with her skirt.

"Thanks," Justin said with a grin. "I like it because I get to have a sword."

Eloise burst out with a rather girlish giggle, immediately wanting to kick herself. She sounded like an imbecile!

"Hey, Lancelot," Ernie said clapping him on the back. "You remember that you have a date, right?"

Justin glared at Ernie. "I haven't forgotten."

"You want me to go and keep Granger company?" Ernie asked.

Justin sighed. "No that's okay..." he replied.

Eloise looked at Justin. "Um, would you---would you want to dance maybe?"

He had to admit he very much wanted to dance with her. "I really should get back to Hermione," he answered reluctantly.

"Oh, right," Eloise said quietly. "Sure..."

"Save one for me later?" he asked, smiling at her.

"Of course," Eloise promised, beaming at him.

Hermione smiled in Eloise's direction as she turned again to look for Harry. She wondered if he planned on showing up or not.

Harry walked into the ballroom with Tonks on his arm. He honestly hadn't planned on going with anyone, but his old friend had begged him so she could save face in front of Lupin and his date.

"This is ridiculous," he told her. "Why don't you just go and tell him how you feel?"

"Because he's with that---that woman," Tonks said scanning the room for any sight of him.

"I bet if you told him how you feel he'd drop her faster than a dungbomb," Harry replied, also looking around.

"I'm going to tell him," Tonks said. "Eventually. Um, Harry? How do I look? This costume isn't lame, is it?"

"Tonks, no one could ever say you were lame," Harry shook his head.

"I just don't look that much different from how I usually dress," Tonks said smoothing down her skirt.

"You look fine," Harry said. Tonks was dressed like a 60's swinger- complete with bright green hair.

"So do you," Tonks said grinning at him. "You promise not to make me walk the plank?"

"Only if you drink all the rum," Harry joked.

Tonks laughed and nudged him. "No worries about that. I need all my wits about me tonight."

Harry nodded absently as he scanned the room for Hermione. He told himself that they couldn't afford to be caught together, but he needed to see her.

He saw her on the other side of the room talking to Lavender and Charlie.

He sucked in a breath as he saw her costume- the gypsy outfit didn't leave much to the imagination. She looked absolutely gorgeous.

"Harry?" Tonks asked.

"What?" he asked distractedly.

"Did you want to get something to eat?" Tonks asked motioning to the table. Hermione was standing over there so it was pretty much a no-brainer for Harry.

"Yes," he replied instantly.

"Great," Tonks threaded her arm through his again.

"Harry," Charlie said warmly when they joined them.

"Hi everyone," Harry answered. "Having fun?"

"Absolutely," Lavender replied. "Right, Hermione?"

"Right," Hermione murmured, trying not to gape at Harry.

"Have any of you seen Remus Lupin?" Tonks asked.

Lavender shook her head.

"I think I saw him earlier over there," Charlie motioned towards where the tables were set up.

Tonks looked at Harry.

"Go," he said shaking his head. "And remember what I said."

Tonks nodded. "Here goes nothing..."

"She is so cool," Lavender said admiringly.

Hermione looked up at Harry and discreetly nodded her head to the doors.

He gave a slight nod in return. "If you'll excuse me, I have to find Kingsley. I'll catch up with you later, eh Charlie?"

"All work and no play," Charlie joked, his arm around Lavender.

Harry walked away sharing a quick look with Hermione.

They went out of different doors, then around the corner and into an empty room.

"Alone at last," Hermione said grinning at him.

He smiled back before locking the door. "Sorry I was late," he said softly.

"You came with Tonks?" Hermione asked.

"As a favour," Harry said, sliding his hands around her bare waist.

Hermione smiled up at him. "Do you want to dance with me?" They could hear the faint sounds of the music in the small room.

"More than you know," Harry said, drawing her close to him.

Hermione rested her head on his chest. "This is what I was looking forward to the most."

"Me too," Harry answered, running his fingers through her hair. "I kept thinking about you all day."

Hermione sighed in contentment. She would have been happy just staying here with him all evening.

"I wish we could be out there dancing together." Harry continued quietly.

"This is fine," Hermione reassured him. "This is actually damn near perfect."

"I love being alone with you," Harry said.

"Me too," Hermione said softly.

"And..." Harry pulled her closer. "I love you."

"I love you too," Hermione said tilting her head upward.

He leaned in and kissed her, first gently then with more passion.

"Harry," Hermione whispered when he moved down to her neck.

"I can't help it," he muttered. "I've been wanting to do this all day long."

"No complaints here," Hermione said closing her eyes.

He pushed her over to the desk that sat in the corner of the room, setting her down on top of it.

Hermione knew it was bad, but the thought that they could get caught was turning her on. She didn't know what had gotten into her. Wait, yes she did. She was in love.

"I need you," Harry said intently.

Hermione grinned. "I need you too."

Harry reached under the long skirt as she pulled at the trousers he wore.

"We don't have much time," Hermione said before he kissed her again.

"I know," he said as he pulled her knickers down. "I don't care."

"Neither do I," Hermione said putting her arms around his neck.

Harry wasted no time in pushing himself inside her.

Hermione bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out.

Harry kissed her again, over and over as they pushed against each other.

"Harry," Hermione breathed. "Don't stop."

Harry shook his head. "Never," he answered.

Hermione smiled and wrapped her legs around his waist.

Harry went into her even deeper and the desk banged against the wall as he thrust hard.

Hermione buried her face in his shoulder. Harry clenched her in his arms before she went limp against his body. "Hermione..."

Hermione wasn't capable of coherent thought at the moment.

Harry brushed a loose curl over her shoulder.

Hermione looked up at him. "I must look a wreck."

"You look stunning," Harry answered softly.

Hermione wasn't so sure about that. She had a feeling that if they stepped out of the room now everyone would know exactly what they'd just done.

Harry pulled away from her and they both straightened up their costumes.

"I don't want to go," Hermione said. "Not yet."

"I don't either," Harry replied. "But we can sneak out again in an hour or so."

"It's a date," Hermione said walking over to him and giving him a kiss.

Harry kept her close for a moment. "You go ahead first," he said. "I'll come back in a few minutes."

"Right," Hermione said unlocking the door. She peered out to make sure the coast was clear.

Harry watched her duck out then waited a few minutes before he headed back to the ballroom as well.

Ernie had slipped outside of the ballroom for some fresh air and he'd caught sight of Hermione leaving one of the anterooms. He wouldn't have thought anything of it had Harry Potter walked out a few minutes after her.

"Hmmm..." he said a nasty smile on his face.

Harry took a seat at the table with Tonks, Lupin and his date, Cassandra. Tonks looked quite forlorn and Harry put his arm around her. "You didn't tell him?" he asked in a whisper.

"I couldn't," Tonks muttered. "He's been all over her."

Harry smiled. "Leave it to me."

Tonks looked at him, but Harry just gave her a wink.

"Cassandra, would you like to dance?" Harry asked the older woman.

Cassandra gave him a strange look. "With you?"

"Sure, if your date doesn't mind," Harry replied.

Lupin nodded. "Sure."

Cassandra stood up and followed Harry onto the dance floor.

"You two look like you are having a good time," Tonks said conversationally.

"It's been nice catching up," Lupin replied noncommittally. "Are you having fun, Nymphadora?"

Tonks shook her head. "Not really."

"Why not?" Lupin focused his gaze on her.

Tonks took a deep breath before speaking. "Well, there was someone that I really wanted to go with, but he didn't ask me."

Lupin smiled at her. "He must be quite the fool, Nymphadora."

"That's just it," Tonks said, tracing her finger along the rim of her glass. "He's one of the smartest blokes I know. He just---he can't seem to see what's been right in front of him the whole time."

Lupin turned to look at Harry and Cassandra out on the dance floor. "Do I know him?"

"In a word, yes, but---" Tonks started to say.

"Tonks," Kingsley Shacklebolt said coming up behind her.

She sighed. "Yes sir?"

"I hate to bother you, but I was wondering if you finished those reports?" Kingsley asked.

"I put them on your desk before I left tonight," Tonks said irritably.

"Good," Kingsley nodded. "Well, enjoy the rest of your evening."

Tonks rolled her eyes. "I'll try..."

"So," Lupin said when they were alone again. "What were you saying about that bloke you fancy, Nymphadora?"

"Nothing," Tonks glared at him.

"Would you like to dance?" Lupin asked. "Maybe that might make you feel better?"

Tonks was surprised. "You want to dance with me?"

"Absolutely," Lupin replied. "But I must warn you, I'm not that great at it."

"That's okay," Tonks said eagerly.

Lupin walked around the table and offered her his hand. "My lady..."

She blushed. "Thank you."

Lupin led her out onto the dance floor. Harry gave Tonks a wink, but she wasn't holding out hope that this was anything more than just a dance.

"Your costume is really quite interesting," Lupin said.

"It's certainly not as flashy as your Cassandra's," Tonks said before she could stop herself.

Lupin smiled. "MY Cassandra is it?"

"She's your date," Tonks said looking up at him. "And you seem to fancy her."

"She's a friend," Lupin said, spinning her around. "I enjoy her company."

Tonks stumbled a bit on the turn. She blushed and wished she was as graceful as some of the other women at the ball.

"Easy there," Lupin chuckled, pulling her closer.

"Sorry," Tonks muttered. She looked properly at him. "So what made you dress up like this?"

"It was the only thing I could find," Lupin replied.

"And how lovely that you and----Cassandra match," Tonks said trying to sound sincere.

"I hardly think she enjoys being a vampiress," Lupin was amused.

"She fits the part," Tonks muttered under her breath.

"What?" Lupin hadn't heard her.

"Nothing," Tonks said hastily. "You're actually quite a good dancer, Remus."

"Helps when one has a good partner," Lupin said, looking at her.

Tonks beamed up at him.

"Your costume... interesting... and quite fetching." Lupin winked at her.

"You really think so?" Tonks asked proudly. "I made it myself."

"I do," Remus spun her around again.

This time, she didn't stumble and she felt as if she was floating on air.

"See?" Lupin pulled her close again. "We make a good team..."

"We always have," Tonks said dreamily.

She felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Cassandra looking none too pleased.

"I suppose you'd like to cut in," Tonks said quietly.

"Remus IS my date," Cassandra said icily.

"Right," Tonks said turning back to Lupin. "Thank you for the dance."

Lupin nodded to her. "Save another for me later, Nymphadora?"

Tonks nodded before making a hasty retreat. She sat back down with Harry at the table.

"How'd it go?" Harry asked. "I kept the Ice Queen at bay for as long as I could."

"It was very lovely." Tonks said. "I owe you one, Harry."

"He'll come around," Harry told her.

"I hope so," Tonks said. "She doesn't deserve him."

"No, she doesn't," Harry said. He saw Ron and Luna at a nearby table and he wanted to say hello. He asked Tonks if she'd be okay for a few moments alone and she nodded. Harry walked over to his friends and saw that Ron was doing something with the crackers on his plate.

"I can probably stack them as high as twenty and get them in my mouth," he was telling Luna, who seemed in awe.

"I would love to see it," she was transfixed.

Ron grabbed a couple more crackers from the platter in the middle of the table. "Okay...how many is that?"

"Ron, what the hell are you doing?" Harry asked taking a seat opposite him.

"What I do best," Ron cracked.

"You're really going to cram all of those into your mouth at one time?" Harry asked.

"That's twenty there, Ronald," Luna said softly.

"Should I make it twenty one?" Ron asked her.

Luna nodded and handed him one more. "Go for it, Ronald."

"Anything for you," Ron winked at her.

"Ron," Harry shook his head. "That's disgusting."

"I think it's amazing," Luna said resting her cheek in her palm as she gazed adoringly at him.

Harry shook his head. He wondered if he should go look for one of his students to dance with to take his mind off Hermione.

"How long are you here for, Luna?" Harry asked her.

"Until midnight," Luna told him. "Then, I have to go back to Hogwarts."

"I'm sure Ron here is glad you could make it," Harry said.

"My girl surprised me," Ron said before cramming the crackers in his mouth.

"Oh Ronald," Luna's eyes went glassy.

Harry just shook his head. "I'll catch up with you lot later."

"See you," Ron sprayed cracker crumbs all over the place.

Harry stood up and caught sight of Kingsley Shacklebolt dancing with Lavender. If the head of the department was dancing with one of the students, there was nothing to say he couldn't dance with Hermione.

Trying to contain his broad smile, he walked over to where she was standing with Justin and Eloise.

"Hello, Harry," Eloise said warmly.

"Eloise," Harry nodded. "You look quite lovely this evening."

Eloise blushed. "Thank you. Lavender and Hermione helped me get ready."

"I think they did a great job," Justin told her.

"Eloise, this is your favourite song, isn't it?" Hermione asked. She'd noticed Justin giving her friend looks all evening. "How about you and Justin have a go on the dance floor?"

"If he wants to," Eloise said shyly.

"Sure, if you don't mind, Hermione," Justin said practically jumping to his feet.

"I don't mind," Hermione said. "Have fun out there."

Eloise shyly took Justin's hand and he led her out onto the dance floor.

"Justin and Eloise, eh?" Harry asked raising an eyebrow.

"She fancies him quite a bit," Hermione said. "I know how that feels."

"So do I," Harry said grinning at her. "So...I was wondering if maybe you'd like to dance with me?"

"You think that'd be okay?" Hermione asked.

"One dance is perfectly innocent," Harry said motioning to where Lavender was just finishing her dance with Kingsley.

"Okay," Hermione took his hand.

"I'll be sure to dance with Lavender and Eloise too," Harry said as he put his arms on her waist.

Hermione nodded. "As long as we can still meet at least once more tonight."

"I think that can be arranged," Harry said softly.

"You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now," Hermione admitted.

"I think I do," Harry said smiling at her. "Do you imagine what would happen if we did that---right here?"

"All hell would break loose," Hermione said wryly.

"Well, since we've already broken the rules," Harry said trying very hard to keep her at a distance so as not to attract attention. "How about we go all out? How about you come back to my place after the ball?"

Hermione stared at him. "I wasn't aware I could leave."

"I won't tell if you don't," Harry whispered.

"Of course I want to come," Hermione nodded.

Harry gave her a lazy grin. "So, that's a yes?"

"A big yes," Hermione grinned back at him.

"I can't wait to take this costume off of you," he whispered in her ear.

"It's quite easy to do so," Hermione closed her eyes for a moment.

Ernie was dancing with a girl from one of the other trainee classes. He couldn't help looking at Potter and Granger. There was definitely something going on there, but what?

"Hey, Annie?" Ernie asked the girl in his arms. "What would happen if a student and an instructor were caught in a compromising position?"

"Do you have the hots for Lupin?" Annie teased.

Ernie rolled his eyes. "Do you know or don't you?"

"Well," Annie said thoughtfully. "The rules specifically state that relationships between students and instructors that go beyond the classroom are prohibited. I heard someone talking about this instructor a few years back who was caught in the supply closet with one of the first-year students. He was sacked."

"What happened to the student?" Ernie asked.

"She was thrown out of the program," Annie remembered. "Disgraced completely."

"I see," Ernie nodded.

"There's no one here that I'd risk all of that for," Annie said. She blushed. "Well, maybe Harry Potter..."

Ernie rolled his eyes. "He's a jerk."

"He's hot," Annie said looking over at him. "And he's been through so much..."

Ernie pulled away from her. "Yet another fan," he snapped.

"Do you have any idea who his mystery woman is?" Annie asked. "I was wondering if he'd bring her here tonight."

"No clue," Ernie said sourly.

Ernie put his arms around Annie and moved her closer to where Hermione and Harry were on the dance floor.

Harry had to remember twice to keep Hermione back at a distance and figured it probably wasn't the best idea to have asked her to dance when he wanted to do so much more.

Ernie strained to hear over the music.

"...this mean you can tell the future?" Ernie heard Harry ask Hermione.

Hermione laughed. "No more than you can."

"You didn't take Divination in school then?" Harry asked.

"Hardly," Hermione said. "What a waste of time."

"You should have heard some of the things that Ron and I used to come up with in our Divination class," Harry said laughing. "And she bought every single one our 'predictions'."

"Tell me more," Hermione grinned at him.

"Well let's see Ron used to go over the top with some of his predictions," Harry said with a grin. "He used to come up with the stuff like, 'Next Monday, I will develop a cough due to the unlucky conjunction of Mars and Jupiter'. All you had to do was put is some ailment or disease or some calamity and she just ate it up."

"So I'm sure you were a favourite target of hers," Hermione replied as Harry turned them around.

"Absolutely," Harry said. "She loved predicting my doom."

Hermione shook her head. "And how wrong she actually was..."

Annie started to say something to Ernie and he glared at her. "Shhh."

"What?" Annie asked.

"Just shut up," Ernie said irritably.

"You're a jerk!" Annie retorted before stalking off the dance floor.

Harry and Hermione stopped talking and looked over at him. "Alright?" Harry asked.

"Just bloody perfect," Ernie muttered.

"Thanks for the dance," Harry looked at Hermione. "I had a nice time."

"Thank you, Harry," Hermione said politely. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

Harry nodded to her before they walked away separately.

Ernie hoped the two of them didn't think they were fooling anyone. There was definitely something going on and he was going to find out what it was.

Across the room, Lavender was trying to convince Charlie to dance.

"Come on," Lavender said tugging on his arm. "I'm a good dancer. You saw me dancing with Mr. Shacklebolt. He survived."

"I'm not that great at it," Charlie said. "I'm more concerned about you than me."

"But I don't care," Lavender said. "Come on... I'm dying to get back out there!"

"Do I get to hold you close?" Charlie asked pretending to think this over.

"As close as you want," Lavender said coyly.

Charlie stood up quickly. "What are we waiting for then? Come on Miss Brown."

Lavender grinned happily as they went out onto the dance floor and he pulled her body against his. "I am so, so happy you're here tonight."

"Me too," Charlie said softly. "And it's nice to have the real thing in my arms instead of looking at your photo."

"Tell me about it," Lavender kissed him.

Charlie's arms snaked around her waist and he deepened their kiss.

He was so amazingly good at this, Lavender thought dreamily.

"You know," Charlie said grinning at her when they pulled apart. "My brothers gave me some information about you. Fred and George wanted to tell me all about you...."

"I hardly knew your brothers," Lavender blushed. "Aside from Ron."

"Don't you mean 'Won-Won'?" Charlie asked teasingly.

"Shut it," Lavender said, her face going even redder.

"Are you going to call me Char Char?" Charlie asked tickling her side.

"Would you like me to?" Lavender teased.

Charlie shook his head. "Just plain Charlie is fine."

"You look like more than just plain Charlie tonight," Lavender commented, looking at his tight fitting trousers.

"I had to for my girl," Charlie said grinning at her.

Lavender was pleased. "I'm your girl?"

Charlie kissed her in response. "What do you think?"

"I think I am," Lavender said softly. "You've made me so happy already, Charlie."

Charlie held her close. "You've made me really happy too. It's been a long time since I felt this way."

"Not even for Jessica?" Lavender couldn't resist asking.

"Jess and I are just friends," Charlie replied.

"But she fancies you," Lavender pressed. "Well she did until Harry showed up."

"She's a good friend," Charlie said. "But she's no Lavender Brown."

Lavender grinned as he spun her around. "I am one of a kind."

"And you have great taste in blokes," Charlie said puffing his chest out.

"That I do," Lavender pushed her hair over her shoulder.

"Does this mean I get a necklace?" Charlie couldn't resist asking. "Ron got one..."

Lavender poked his shoulder. "Play your cards right and you'll get anything you want from me."

"I never listen to Fred and George anyway," Charlie said giving her another kiss.

At their table, Luna had watched Ron polish off two helpings of the main course as well as half of hers.

"This is almost as good as my mum's," Ron said grabbing his napkin and wiping his mouth. "But don't tell her that."

"She wouldn't hear it from me," Luna had barely taken her eyes off him all evening.

"Now, I'm ready for dessert," Ron said looking meaningfully at her.

"I'll go get us something--" Luna began.

Ron shook his head and leaned in nuzzling her neck. "Dessert is right here."

"Ronald," Luna closed her eyes.

"Just as I like it," Ron said against her skin.

"Will you ask me to dance now?" Luna asked softly.

Ron wasn't much for dancing, but he would have done anything she asked. "Sure, would you like to dance?"

"I'd love to," Luna said happily.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look?" Ron asked as he led her onto the dance floor. "Because you really do look beautiful, Luna."

"Your sister helped me put this together," Luna told him.

"Remind me to thank her," Ron said. "Her and McGonagall. I bet that old bird misses me, doesn't she?"

Luna giggled. "Just a bit."

"I had her wrapped around my finger," Ron boasted.

"Just like I have you around mine," Luna put her arms around his neck.

"Absolutely," Ron said happily.

"Where I'll always have you, I hope." Luna put her head on his shoulder.

"Always," Ron replied without hesitation. "I'd do anything for you."

"I love you so much," Luna said.

"I love you too," Ron said. He hated the thought of being away from her. He hoped that she was being honest with him when she told him no one was bothering her at school. She said it didn't bother her, but he still hated it. He guessed that was in part because he used to participate in those pranks.

"Daddy's thinking of adding a new column to the paper," Luna told him.

"What about?" Ron asked.

She smiled at him. "A food critic column."

Ron looked at her. "That sounds like something I could do."

Luna nodded. "That's exactly what I was thinking."

"I'm not much of a writer though," Ron said. "And I'm busy with training..."

"Just think about it," Luna pushed his hair back.

"I will," he promised. "I read that guest column you wrote in the last issue."

"What did you think?" Luna asked eagerly.

"Best one yet," Ron said truthfully. "You're a great writer, Luna."

Luna gave him a kiss. "It's what I want to do when I leave school."

"Too bad we can't move in together like we planned," Ron said thoughtfully. "But once training's through and I don't have to live in the dorms..."

Luna nodded. "I wish it wasn't three years from now."

"We'll have weekends," Ron promised. "And we'll make the most of what time we do have."

Luna nodded as she nestled herself in his arms.

He knew that she was worried about him and that she had her doubts as to whether his heart was in this, but he had a lot of people counting on him and he didn't want to let any of them down.

Across the room Harry had just finished dancing with Eloise and she went shyly back to where Justin was sitting.

Justin couldn't get over the change in his classmate. He'd have never guessed that a beautiful girl was lurking underneath the bulky jumpers Eloise favoured.

"Is it okay if I sit down?" she asked softly.

"Absolutely," Justin replied.

"Harry's a pretty good dancer," Eloise volunteered. "But not as good as you."

Justin grinned. "Thanks."

Eloise wasn't sure what else to say. She folded her hands in her lap and chanced a smile at Justin. It was really quite unbelievable, the amount of attention he had paid her tonight. She felt bad about him leaving Hermione all by herself but the other girl had assured her it was fine.

"You really look nice tonight," Justin said softly. "Not that you don't look nice, but tonight---wow."

Eloise blushed deeply. "Thank you."

"Are you doing anything tomorrow?" Justin asked.

"I was planning on studying," Eloise wanted to smack herself as soon as the words came out of her mouth. Could she sound any lamer?

"Well, I was planning on going for a jog tomorrow morning," Justin said. "And I was wondering if perhaps you might want to join me?"

"You want me to go with you?" Eloise asked.

Justin nodded. "I'd really like it if you did."

"I'd love to," she said quickly.

Justin reached for her hand. "I'll meet you downstairs tomorrow morning---say around nine? We could grab breakfast before we go..."

Eloise was trembling with excitement. "Okay."

"It's a date," Justin said grinning at her.

Hermione watched from a distance and even though she didn't know what was being said, she had a feeling Eloise was having a good time.

A date, Eloise thought with excitement. She actually had a DATE with Justin.

To her delight, he was also asking her for one last dance. She practically floated onto the dance floor after him.

Lavender caught up to Hermione. "Our work here is done. How cute are they?"

"Very," Hermione smiled at her. "It's been a great night for all of us."

"I know this can't have been very easy on you," Lavender said sympathetically.

Hermione shrugged. "It's not been so bad. I mean, I do wish we could be public..."

Lavender gave her a friend a hug. "I'm happy for you both."

"Thanks," Hermione said. "Listen... would you be able to cover for me if anyone asks for me tonight? He wants me to come back to his place." she whispered.

Lavender grinned. "Oh....."

"Unless of course you're going with Charlie," Hermione said.

"No," Lavender said. "He's due back in Romania tonight at midnight. Kind of like Cinderella."

"Luna said it was the same way for her," Hermione nodded.

"At least we were able to spend some time together," Lavender said. She turned to see where Charlie was and she saw a peculiar pairing. Ernie Macmillan was talking with Padma Patil.

Hermione also saw them. "What do you think they're up to?"

Lavender shrugged. "Maybe they're talking about great they both think Ernie is."

Hermione laughed. "Great and Ernie do not go in the same sentence."

"He thinks differently," Lavender said looking once more at Padma and Ernie. It was probably nothing, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Ernie was up to something.

"I think I'm going to duck out," Hermione had caught Harry's eye from across the room. "You enjoy the rest of your night with Charlie."

"You behave yourself," Lavender called out to her.

"Look who's talking," Hermione retorted with a grin.

Ernie nudged Padma. "Potter's leaving."

Padma rolled her eyes. "I honestly don't care what he's doing, Ernie."

"But don't you want to get him sacked?" Ernie asked.

"Everyone here thinks of him like a god," Padma said motioning for the bartender. "There's nothing that he could do that could get him sacked. I'm waiting for them to declare him a saint."

Ernie rolled his eyes. "He's a horrible teacher."

Padma drained the rest of her glass. "He's a horrible person. He should be in Azkaban for what he did to my sister!"

"Should be," Ernie nodded. "And if I can prove my suspicions..."

"Prove your suspicions about what?" Padma asked.

Ernie motioned to where Harry was walking toward the front doors of the ballroom. He stopped and looked at Hermione for a brief moment before walking away.

"Just watch," Ernie said. "In about a minute, she's going to follow him."

"Who is that?" Padma asked. "Who's that girl?"

"Granger," Ernie replied. "One of my fellow students."

Padma watched as the brunette girl dressed as a gypsy waited a few moments before casually leaving the ballroom. "You're saying that they're involved?" she asked Ernie.

"Seems that way," Ernie replied.

"Do you have proof?" Padma asked.

"Well no," Ernie confessed.

Padma sighed. There was no way they'd be able to bring him down without solid proof. Just like always, Harry would get away with it.

"I'll find some," Ernie said determinedly.

Padma looked at him. "Count me in."

Ernie smiled nastily. "Perfect."

"We have to make him pay," Padma said. "We have to make sure that he loses everything. Just like my family did."

Ernie nodded. "We will."

16. 16

H/Hr lovers- which are all of you, duh ;) Will really enjoy this chapter. It’s almost entirely THEM! Please review and let us know what you think about the REAL soulmates!

Oblivious to what was going on at the Ministry, Harry and Hermione arrived back at his flat and Hermione kicked off her shoes. "I thought those shoes were going to be comfortable."

"You looked great in them," Harry said.

Hermione smiled. "Thank you, pirate."

"The gypsy and the pirate," Harry said with a grin. "What a match."

Hermione leaned back on the sofa and held up her feet. "Would you please massage them for me?"

"What's in it for me?" Harry asked licentiously.

"I just might give you a massage too," Hermione returned.

"It's a deal," Harry sat down and drew her feet into his lap.

Hermione sighed in contentment and closed her eyes.

Harry smiled as he looked up at her. "Lavender going to cover for you?"

"Yes," Hermione replied. "She said she would."

"I can tell you're glad we told her," Harry commented.

Hermione opened her eyes and looked at him. "I'm glad that she finally came around and is happy for us. It's nice having someone to talk to about it."

Harry nodded as he moved to her other foot.

"You have magic hands," Hermione said laughing.

"Parvati used to say the same thing," Harry said before he could catch himself.

Hermione opened her eyes again. "Um...."

"I'm sorry," Harry muttered.

"It's okay," Hermione said. "She was a big part of your life. You loved her. You don't have to feel bad for talking about her with me."

"I just feel differently for you," Harry told her. "I feel even more strongly for you than I did for her, which is crazy, because I haven't known you that long."

Hermione sat up and stared at him for a few moments. "You don't have to say that---"

"It's true," Harry said quietly.

Hermione didn't know the right response to this. She wasn't sure if he was telling her that just to appease her; that he was trying to reassure her that he wasn't thinking about his deceased girlfriend while he was with her.

"What is it?" Harry asked. "I put you on the spot again, didn't I? I didn't mean to--"

Hermione put her finger on his lips. "It's okay."

"I meant every word I just said," Harry caught her hand in his.

"Everything's been moving so fast for us," Hermione said thoughtfully.

"Is that a bad thing?" Harry asked with some trepidation.

Hermione shook her head. "No. I wouldn't change a thing because it brought us here where we are now."

Harry smiled at her. "I love you, Hermione."

Hermione looped her arms around his neck. "I love you."

Harry leaned in and kissed her. "I can't wait to wake up next to you in the morning," he said against her lips.

"And we have the whole night," Hermione whispered.

"I don't think I really want to sleep, after all." Harry said with a grin. "I don't want to waste a minute."

"We'll get some sleep....eventually," Hermione said grinning back at him.

Harry reached over and picked her up easily.

"Harry?" Hermione asked softly.

"Yeah?" he asked.

Hermione looked into his green eyes and felt tears welling up in hers. She'd only known him a couple of months and already he'd ingrained himself so much into her life. He was everything she always wanted. She'd never thought it was possible to be this happy.

"What's wrong?" Harry was concerned.

"You're just---you're just," Hermione said, cursing herself for turning into a blubbering idiot something she never wanted to do in front of him.

"Are you all right?" Harry asked, setting her back down.

Hermione gave a slight laugh. "I'm fine. Before when you said how you felt about me...I feel the same way."

Harry smiled at her. "I'm glad to hear that."

Hermione wiped at her eyes. "I'm sorry I turned into a leaking pipe."

"It's all right," Harry wiped another tear away with his thumb.

"It just got to me for a moment," Hermione said covering his hand with hers.

Harry leaned in and kissed her again, gently this time.

Hermione rested her head against his chest. She felt so safe with him.

"Come on," he said softly.

Hermione let him take her hand and lead her into the bedroom.

Harry closed the door behind them as he guided her to the bed. Outside, it had started to rain, and thunder rumbled as they lay down on the bed together.

Hermione took out her hoop earrings and set them on the bedside table. "What a night."

"You can say that again," Harry replied, pulling off his trousers.

"What a night," Hermione said moving over behind him and putting her arms around his neck.

"Very funny," Harry replied, tossing his bandanna into the corner.

Hermione unbuttoned his shirt, pressing herself against his back.

He smiled. "You sure aren't wasting any time."

"Time is precious," Hermione whispered pulling his shirt down and then tossing it on the floor.

Harry closed his eyes as Hermione kissed his neck, running her hands over his chest.

She noticed a couple of scars on his back that she'd never seen before. She brushed her lips across them.

"What are they?" she asked, touching them with her fingers as well.

"Shards of glass that I fell on during a battle," Harry replied.

"Oh," Hermione said quietly, running the tips of her fingers over them.

"Not too pretty, eh?" Harry asked turning his head to look at her.

"It doesn't matter," Hermione replied.

"You love me, scars and all?" Harry asked.

"I do," she answered, kissing one of them.

He hadn't just been talking about the visible scars and he had a feeling that she knew that.

"I love..." Hermione kissed his shoulder. "Everything about you, Harry Potter."

Harry turned around and pulled her into his arms. "I love everything about you, Hermione Granger."

Hermione smiled before kissing him.

He set about showing her how much he did love her as he lay down with her. They were taking big risks, but he knew in the end it would be worth it.

*** *** ***

Hermione received another letter from her parents, who she hadn't seen since starting her training. She was still upset with them for trying to push her into a career she didn't want, and for trying to get her to go out with James. She toyed with the idea of bringing Harry, but wasn't sure how her parents would react to that just yet.

She'd made plans to see them on her day off and she hoped that they'd be able to find some common ground.

"So you're really going to see your parents this time?" Lavender asked as Hermione got herself ready.

Hermione nodded. "Yes. It's the real thing this time."

"You don't seem too excited," the blonde commented. "I take it nothing's improved with them?"

Hermione thought that was the understatement of the year. Her parents were quite stubborn once they'd made up their minds. But, Hermione wasn't a little girl anymore who followed someone else's dream.

"Are you going to Harry's afterwards?" Lavender asked.

"Yes," Hermione replied. "He's cooking for me."

Lavender shook her head. "When did he get to be so domesticated?"

Hermione laughed. "I don't know. He's spoiling me."

"I'm glad you two are happy together," Lavender said sincerely.

"Thank you," Hermione said looking properly at her friend. "That really means a lot, Lavender."

"I just wanted him to find someone who cares about him for who he is," Lavender said. "And... he was happy with Parvati, but you've been good for him. I can tell."

Hermione smiled. "So what are you doing with your day off?"

"I wish I was able to see Charlie," Lavender said wistfully. "But he's got to work. So I thought I'd go into town with Eloise and go shopping. Justin asked her out on a proper date and she needs help finding something to wear."

"That's fantastic!" Hermione exclaimed.

"She is completely bonkers over him," Lavender giggled.

"I'd say the feeling was mutual," Hermione commented. Ever since the ball, Justin and Eloise had been virtually inseparable.

"I'm glad for them," Hermione said. "Eloise is a nice girl and its good Justin opened his eyes and saw how pretty she is."

"I couldn't agree more," Lavender said. "But you'd better get a move on. Didn't you say you were meeting your parents at three?"

"Yeah," Hermione said. "I'll see you later."

"Good luck," Lavender said.

"Thanks," Hermione said wryly before leaving.

Hermione arrived at her parents' home right at three as planned. She could smell her father's spaghetti and she remembered fondly all the times she'd helped him make it when she was a little girl. She dusted the soot off of her clothes and took a deep breath when she heard her mother's voice. "Hermione?"

"Hi Mum," Hermione answered, taking off her cloak.

"You look lovely sweetheart," Elinore Granger said stepping forward to give her daughter a hug.

"Thanks," Hermione hoped this would be a nice quiet day as opposed to the last time they had all been together.

"I'll just take your cloak," Elinore said. "Why don't you go on in the kitchen and say hello to your father?"

"Okay," Hermione replied, heading for the other room. "Hi Dad," she said upon entering. "It smells great in here."

"Hello, love," Robert said setting a basket of bread on the table.

"It's good to see you," Hermione realised she had missed her parents.

"We're glad to see you," Elinore said joining them in the kitchen. "You haven't written us back."

"I've been busy," Hermione replied. "Training really takes up a lot of my time. But I'll do better about writing to you."

"I remember my first year of dental school," Elinore said. "I don't think I ever had my nose out of a book."

Hermione smiled. "Some days, that's how I feel."

"Well, I hope you're hungry," Robert said. "Because dinner is ready."

"Starving," Hermione nodded.

Hermione was starting to think that maybe her parents had come around. She'd been in the house five minutes and not once had they mentioned their disdain for her choice of career.

"Would you like a glass of wine, sweetheart?" Elinore asked.

"That would be great, Mum," Hermione replied smiling at her.

"We have a great red we picked up the other day," Elinore poured all of them a glass.

Hermione took a sip. "It's really good, Mum."

"So Hermione," Robert said when they were all eating. "Tell us... tell us about what you've been up to."

Hermione told them a little about her training schedule and what her courses had been like. She told them about Lavender and what a great friend she'd become. "The highlight though was the trip to Romania. We were able to see real live dragons."

"We didn't know dragons existed," Elinore shared a look with her husband.

"Technically, you're not supposed to since you're Muggles," Hermione said. "But they are real and they're amazing."

"That sounds very dangerous," Elinore replied.

"It was a very controlled environment," Hermione reassured her. "The reservation we stayed at has very capable handlers and they made sure we were safe at all times."

Elinore nodded, but Hermione could still see the doubt in her eyes.

"How much time do you get off for the Christmas holidays?" Robert asked, changing the subject. "Your mother and I are thinking we'd book a skiing trip again. We haven't done that in years."

"Um..." Hermione said. "We get a few weeks off..."

"Fantastic," Robert said. "I'll meet with the travel agent tomorrow and sort out a place in St. Moritz for us."

Hermione didn't know what to say. She thought of the time she planned to spend in Paris with Harry, and did not want to give that time up.

"James' family goes there all the time," Elinore said with a grin in her daughter's direction.

Hermione pressed her lips together. "I haven't talked to James in awhile," she said carefully.

"I'm sure he understands," Elinore said. "You'll be able to catch up during the holidays."

"Mum," Hermione set her fork down. "I'm not interested in James. You know that. I've told you both that."

Elinore and Robert shared another look.

"What?" Hermione asked defensively.

"Nothing," Elinore said hastily. "So...if you're not interested in James, are you seeing someone else?"

"Sort of," Hermione hedged.

"Who is he?" Robert asked. "Tell us about him."

"Um, well, he's a wizard," Hermione replied. She took a piece of bread from the basket. "I always did love the way you made garlic bread, Dad."

"A wizard," Robert ignored her compliment and frowned.

Hermione put her fork down. "What?"

Robert shook his head. "I just haven't seen anything come of all this magic business, Hermione. And now you're coming home and telling us you're dating a wizard?"

"I'm a witch, Dad," Hermione argued, trying to keep her emotions in check.

"Your father and I just always thought you'd follow in our footsteps," Elinore tried to explain.

"I don't want to be a dentist, Mum," Hermione said. "I know you always felt that it was your calling, but it's just not mine."

"But you showed so much promise when you were younger," Elinore protested.

Robert leaned back in his chair. "You should be at University right now. We indulged you with Beauxbatons because you said it was what you wanted, but---"

"And I'm doing exactly what I want," Hermione argued.

"We should just stop talking about this and enjoy our meal," Elinore said quietly. "That's why we're here."

"Fine," Hermione said shortly.

Hermione listened as her parents told her stories about some of their most interesting patients. Well, she half-listened. She still couldn't believe the nerve of her father.

Yet she thought the meal would still go all right, until the doorbell rang as they were finishing up.

"Hermione, why don't you answer that?" Robert asked. "Your mother's going to help me with the dessert and coffee."

Hermione nodded and pushed her chair back, heading for the front door.

She opened the door and frowned when she saw who was on the other side. James and his parents were standing there. "James. Mr. and Mrs. McDonahue...what are you doing here?"

"Your parents invited us over for coffee," James explained. "We were hoping you'd be here, Hermione."

"It's lovely to see you, dear," Mrs. McDonahue said stepping inside.

Hermione forced a smile. "And you as well."

Hermione closed the door behind them and wondered why her parents had decided to ambush her again.

"We were hoping you'd arrive soon," Elinore came into the hall. "Robert just put on coffee."

James' parents followed Elinore into the kitchen.

"I'm glad you're here," James said to her. "I've missed you, Hermione."

Hermione wondered if he remembered what had happened the last time she'd seen him. "Um, we should probably go inside---"

James took her hand. "Hermione please-- I don't know why you won't open up to me."

Hermione pulled her hand away. "I'm seeing someone, James."

His face fell. "You are?"

Hermione nodded. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt his feelings, but she wanted to be honest.

"Since when?" James asked. "That bloke I saw you with at the pub? Is he the one?"

"Yes," Hermione replied. "My parents didn’t know until tonight. I'm sorry if they misled you."

"Well..." James looked away, obviously disappointed.

"I'm really sorry," Hermione said gently, putting her hand on his arm.

"You won't even give me a chance?" he asked.

"You two lovebirds come on in the kitchen!" Elinore called out.

Hermione sucked in a breath.

"Right then," James said not looking at her as he breezed past her.

Hermione shook her head, wishing for the time to speed up so she could escape to Harry's.

With a heavy sigh, she too walked into the kitchen.

"Elinore was just telling us about St. Moritz," Mrs. McDonahue told her. "We cannot wait for Christmas. It's going to be just like old times."

"I'm not sure I'll be able to make it," Hermione said in a polite but detached tone. "I'd have to make sure my schedule allows it."

"You just said that you get time off," Robert said. "Hermione---Christmas is a time for family. We always spend it together."

"I'll see," Hermione said again, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"Your parents told us that you're in some sort of law enforcement program," Mrs. McDonahue said conversationally. "How exciting!"

Hermione nodded. "It is. I've been learning quite a bit and it's kept me very busy."

"Busy with the wrong sort of people," James said angrily.

"What?" Elinore asked. "James?"

Hermione closed her eyes. "James--"

"She's apparently in the habit of picking up blokes in pubs," James said ignoring her. "I thought she had better judgment than that."

"My personal life is none of your business," Hermione stated coolly.

"It is ours," Robert said levelling his gaze at his daughter. "What is he talking about Hermione?"

"Nothing," Hermione glared at James.

"Do you remember in September when I came over here for dinner?" James asked. "And Hermione ran out---"

"What are you, a tattletale?" Hermione asked furiously.

"Hermione Jane," Elinore gasped.

"I'm sorry," Hermione apologised to Mr. and Mrs. McDonahue. "It was lovely seeing you again, but I have to go."

"Hermione," Elinore said. "What on earth has gotten into you?"

"Hermione, you aren't walking out this way," Robert stood up. "We are your parents and we deserve more respect than this."

"I'm not a little girl anymore!" Hermione retorted. "I am more than capable of making my own decisions, but you still think you can pull the strings!"

"Hermione!" Elinore exclaimed again.

"You're acting like a spoiled child," Robert said folding his arms. "We'd treat you like an adult if you acted like one."

Hermione couldn't believe he'd just said that. She had no response to that and she turned on her heel and stalked out of the house.

Tears blurred her eyes as she hurried along the pavement towards Harry's flat.

She couldn't remember ever feeling this upset or disappointed with her parents before. She'd actually thought that tonight would be a turning point for them!

Wiping her eyes, she knocked on Harry's door. She was early, but she was hoping he'd be home.

He didn't answer at first and she thought he wasn't home. A few moments later though, he answered the door, a towel around his waist and his hair wet from a shower. Hermione pushed past him into the flat. "You will never believe what happened!"

"Um... hello." Harry answered as he closed the door.

"Unbelievable!" Hermione exclaimed throwing her bag and cloak down on the sofa. "And it wasn't enough to belittle me alone! They had to invited James and his parents! If I had stayed longer, I think a vicar would have showed up to marry us on the spot!"

"Sweetheart," Harry said. "Why don't you relax and tell me what happened..."

Hermione stopped pacing and looked at him. "I'm---I'm sorry for just barging in here like this."

"It's okay," Harry pulled his towel tighter.

Hermione sat down. "I don't even know where to begin. I mean, it started out fine. They were really nice and it seemed like how it was before. And then my dad made some remark about how they indulged me by letting me go to Beauxbatons, but now it was time to think about my future or some rubbish like that!"

"So your parents still want you to become a dentist, aye?" Harry sat down next to her.

"Yes and apparently to become Mrs. McDonahue," Hermione said putting her head in her hands. "They invited James and his family without telling me. This was even after I told them I was sort of seeing someone."

"Sort of seeing someone?" Harry asked with amusement.

Hermione smiled for the first time in what seemed like forever. "Well, you know what I meant."

"I'm sorry," Harry squeezed her hand. "Maybe it would have helped if I had gone with you."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "They probably would have made you be James' best man."

"I wouldn't have let that happen," Harry tried to joke.

"Is it so hard to be supportive?" Hermione asked. "I mean, I'm good at what I do. I love feeling like that what I'm doing could help make a difference. They've never understood magic and I don't think they ever will. I've tried to get them to come around, but it goes in one ear and out the other."

Harry rubbed her shoulder sympathetically. "Perhaps it'll just take more time."

Hermione hugged him. "I'm sorry that I'm early. I just needed to see a friendly face."

"I don't mind," Harry buried his face in her hair.

"You're all wet," Hermione said laughing.

"You have good timing," Harry replied. "I just got out of the shower."

"Oh," Hermione said coyly. "I was just thinking that I might like to take a shower."

"Feel free," Harry answered. "I have extra towels in there--"

"I might want some company," Hermione said softly.

"Oh," Harry grinned. "Well... I don't think I scrubbed hard enough. So perhaps I should take another shower and join you."

"Suit yourself," Hermione said getting to her feet.

"Oh no," Harry scooped her up. "You're heading there in style..."

Hermione laughed. "I could get used to this."

"You should get used to it," Harry said with a grin.

Hermione pressed her lips to his.

They were still kissing when Harry carried her into his bathroom, which was still steamy from his previous shower.

He set her down and she kicked off her boots while Harry turned on the water.

Harry turned back to her as he loosened his towel. "You are way too overdressed right now."

Hermione slid out of her skirt and pulled her jumper over her head.

Harry gazed at her body; certain he'd never see anyone so beautiful in his life.

"You want to help me with this?" Hermione asked playing with the strap of her bra.

"You liked it when I did this last time," Harry waved his hand behind her back.

"I believe I said you were showing off," Hermione corrected.

"And it really turned you on," Harry said huskily.

"I never said it didn't," Hermione said kicking off her knickers. "Come on then..."

The water was hot as the two of them ducked under the spray.

Hermione laughed. "I can barely see you for the steam!"

"Let's fix that then," Harry pulled her against him.

Hermione kissed him, forgetting about her problems with her parents. Right now, nothing else mattered.

It didn't take them long to reach a heated level of passion. Harry pushed her against the tile wall as he pressed himself into her.

Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck. "Harry..."

"I love it when you say my name like that," he said in a raspy, strained voice.

Hermione put her face up to his ear. "Harry," she purred.

Harry felt his entire body stiffen at her seductive tone.

Hermione nuzzled his neck, revelling in the smell of him.

Her body slid up and down against the tiles as he pushed into her over and over.

"Yes," Hermione murmured.

Harry had no words at that moment. He loved every inch of this woman.

Hermione cried out his name and then collapsed against him.

Harry shuddered as he held onto her.

"Don't leave me yet," Hermione said trying to catch her breath.

Harry shook his head. "Never."

Hermione kissed him. "I love you."

"I love you too," Harry let his lips linger on hers. "So much."

"We'd better get out of here before we turn into wrinkled prunes," Hermione said looking up at him.

"I do have a meal for us," Harry turned off the water.

"What did you make?" Hermione asked as Harry pulled back the curtain.

"Your favourite," Harry answered, handing her a towel.

"You didn't," Hermione said wrapping the towel around her.

"I did," Harry said with a grin. "Thai."

Hermione grinned. "Pineapple rice and spring rolls?"

"Uh huh," Harry replied.

He came up behind her and put his arms on her waist. "So...you feel better now? Not so tense?"

"Not anymore," she said dreamily.

"Are you hungry now?" he asked her. "Did you eat at your parents?"

"I ate there," Hermione answered. "But I've worked up quite the appetite."

"Me too," Harry said. "Come on...let's get dressed."

"You mean you don't want to eat naked?" Hermione pretended to be shocked.

"I have no problem with it personally," Harry said nudging her.

"Might be sort of fun," Hermione replied saucily.

"I'm game if you are, Miss Granger," Harry said.

Hermione let her towel drop and smiled at him.

Harry wanted her all over again, but he decided not to act like a hormone crazed idiot.

"Come on," Hermione walked brazenly from the bathroom.

Harry followed her into the kitchen.

"I got some plum wine to go with our dinner," Harry told her, unable to tear his eyes off her.

"And for dessert?" Hermione asked.

"Banana won tons," Harry answered.

"And I imagine that Mr. and Mrs. McDonahue haven't been invited?" Hermione asked. "Or James?"

Harry smirked. "Not a chance. It's just us, Granger."

"Just how I like it," Hermione said sitting down at the small table.

Harry brought their plates over. "Dig in," he said. "I kept it warm."

"I love spring rolls," Hermione said happily.

"I'm glad I made extra," Harry joked as she piled three on her plate.

He set a glass of wine before her and then set about making his plate.

Hermione watched him, her eyes skipping up and down his body.

"Yes?" Harry asked offering her a lazy grin.

"I can't help but watch," she said, biting into a spring roll.

Harry sat down across from her. "Not bad if I do say so myself."

"More than not bad," Hermione said lustfully.

"I wish you could be here all the time," Harry said.

"Me too," Hermione replied softly.

"We'll have Christmas," Harry said. "Where do you want to go, Miss Granger?"

"I thought we decided on Paris," Hermione answered.

"The press will probably be camped out there," Harry said.

"Oh," Hermione frowned. "Well... I'm not sure then. What do you suggest?"

"You choose," Harry said reaching for her hand.

"Italy?" she tried. "Greece?"

"Greece," Harry said thoughtfully. "Hmmm...."

"The islands, perhaps?" Hermione suggested. "I hear the locale is quiet."

Harry grinned. "And you in a bikini..."

"You're seeing me in less right now," Hermione replied.

"I know," Harry said reaching over and grabbing a spring roll from her plate.

"Hey!" Hermione squealed. "Give it back!"

"I thought you were done," Harry said grinning at her.

"Yeah right!" Hermione reached for it.

Harry held it just out of her reach.

"Potter!" she exclaimed.

"You want it back?" Harry asked.

"Yes!" Hermione replied.

"Come and get it," Harry said.

Hermione raised herself off her chair but he pulled it back out of her reach. "Harry!"

"It is the last one," Harry said thoughtfully.

"And it was mine," Hermione replied.

"Yes," Harry said pretending to mull this over. "Was is the operative word."

"Harryyyyyyy," Hermione wheedled.

"Her-mio-nee," Harry said mimicking her tone.

She glared at him before standing up and stretching her body out.

Harry's eyes glassed over as he looked at her.

With a sexy smile, Hermione slid onto his lap, straddling him.

"You don't fight fair," Harry said.

"I know," Hermione said huskily.

Harry offered her the spring roll and Hermione took a bite. "Truce?"

"Maybe," Hermione licked her lips.

Harry fed her another bite.

Hermione took the rest of the roll and held it in her mouth. "Your turn..."

Harry leaned in and took a bite. "Mmm..."

"I'd like to taste you next," Hermione leaned in, flicking her tongue over his lips.

"Be my guest," Harry said tightening his arms around her.

"You are delicious," she purred, shifting against him.

He couldn't take it anymore and he pressed his lips to hers in a searing kiss.

"Mmmmm...." Hermione let out a soft moan.

He desperately needed to be inside her.

Hermione stared into his eyes as she ran her fingers through his thick, wild hair. "What are you thinking?"

"Can't you guess?" Harry asked huskily.

"If I'm right..." Hermione brushed her lips over his. "Then I am so ready for you right now."

With her arms still around his neck, she helped him find his way inside her.

"Mmmhmm..." Hermione closed her eyes. "That's it Harry..."

"Hermione," he whispered against her skin, trailing kisses down her neck and shoulder.

"Right here?" she asked breathlessly.

"Yes," Harry managed to say.

Her head fell back, and she gasped as Harry thrust up against her.

She was brazen and carefree and he was happy that she let him see her like this. He loved her more than he ever thought was possible.

She rode on top of him until she was breathless and they were both sweating.

"I'm knackered," Harry said.

"Me too," Hermione said, resting against him. "You tire me out."

"What would you say to getting some sleep?" Harry asked.

"As long as we can have dessert before I head back later," Hermione told him.

"I promise," Harry said, standing up with her still in his arms. He gingerly carried her back to the bedroom.

"Thank you," she kissed his cheek.

"For what?" he asked.

"For turning this night into an amazing one." she replied.

He set her down on the bed. "That's what I'm here for."

"You're here for more than that." Hermione pulled him down next to her.

"I love you," Harry said kissing her tenderly.

"I love you too," Hermione replied. "More than anything else."

Harry pulled the covers up around them and Hermione cuddled up beside him.

"A few hours of sleep will be good," she yawned.

Harry closed his eyes, wishing that they could stay here just like this and not worry about anything else.

17. Chapter 17

Authors’ note: This one is H/Hr lite, so to speak. But, we hope you enjoy it just the same. Happy Halloween and a Happy Birthday to my co-author, Heaven.

Eloise had never been more nervous in her life. Justin had officially asked her out on a date and Lavender was helping her get ready. They had sat together at every meal, and gone jogging together a few times, but he hadn't kissed her and she was hoping tonight would be the night.

"If there's a lull in the conversation," Lavender said. "You just ask him a question about himself. Blokes love to talk about themselves."

"Justin doesn't really seem like that though," Eloise objected.

"I know," Lavender said. "But I'm just saying in case there's an awkward pause in the conversation. Sometimes those things happen."

"Oh," Eloise replied. "Okay."

Lavender finished styling Eloise's hair. "You look gorgeous."

"Thank you," Eloise said sincerely. "I couldn't have done any of this without you."

"It's my pleasure," Lavender smiled at her.

"I hope he likes what he sees," Eloise smoothed her dress down.

"He will," Lavender said. "And whatever you do, don't order anything with garlic."

"Right," Eloise nodded.

"And above all," Lavender said. "Be yourself."

"I will," Eloise promised. "I should go meet him. I don't want to be late."

"You're going to be fine," Lavender said giving her a hug.

"Thank you for everything you've done for me," Eloise said. "And for being my friend."

Lavender smiled as her friend left the room. She just hoped that tonight would go well.

Justin was waiting for his date downstairs and unfortunately Ernie had decided to keep him company.

"Eloise?" Ernie asked Justin, rolling his eyes. "I'll admit she looked hot the night of the ball, but---"

"She's a nice girl," Justin answered. "We've gone jogging a few times together."

"Jogging," Ernie said sarcastically. "That's really ...romantic, mate."

"Why don't you tell me why you're all of a sudden Padma Patil's better half?" Justin countered. "Every time I see you, I see her."

Ernie shrugged. "We just have a lot in common..."

"Hatred toward Harry Potter?" Justin asked.

"Maybe," Ernie answered.

Justin shook his head. "You need to watch it, Ern."

"Whatever," Ernie snapped. "There comes Eloise."

Justin turned and smiled when he saw his date. She looked very pretty.

"Hi," Eloise said shyly.

"Are you ready?" Justin asked offering her his hand.

"Yes," she said, blushing as she took it.

Justin ignored the look on Ernie's face. "I made reservations for us at this Italian place."

"I love Italian," Eloise said.

"Let's go," Justin said. He looked over his shoulder at his friend. "Enjoy your day off, Ern."

"I plan to," Ernie said, not saying anything to Eloise.

Justin and Eloise walked out of the Ministry. It was quite cold and the forecast called for snow.

Eloise wished she knew what to say, but since she didn't want to utter anything stupid, stayed silent.

"Did you work on your essay for Lupin?" Justin asked trying to get her to talk. But, to his dismay, she only nodded in response. "Oh...well, I'm half way finished."

"I'm about finished," Eloise said.

He waited for her to elaborate, but she didn't. He couldn't quite understand why she was being so quiet. They talked quite a bit during classes and when they exercised together. "My topic is kind of boring. I'm writing about the use of disguise."

"Oh," Eloise replied. "Mine's on the use of the Concealment Charm."

Justin nodded. "That's a good topic."

"I've had lots to write about," Eloise said softly.

"I think Weasley's writing about food," Justin said with a laugh. "I don't know how it relates to being an Auror, but..."

Eloise smiled. "He's always eating."

Justin took her hand again and led her across the street. He held the door open for her when they reached the restaurant.

"Thank you," Eloise said. She wished she could think of something else, ANYTHING else, to say to him.

"Finch-Fletchley," Justin told the maitre'd. "We have a reservation."

"Right this way, sir." the maitre'd said after checking the book in front of him.

Justin allowed Eloise to go ahead of him and he couldn't resist taking a look at her legs.

She was a bit taller than he recalled her being, but that was probably due to the heels she had on.

Eloise stumbled just a bit and she felt her entire face go red.

"You okay?" Justin asked.

"Fine," she said quickly, wishing the floor would open up and swallow her.

Justin waited for the maitre'd to seat Eloise before he too sat down. The restaurant was very elegant and he hoped that it pleased her.

Eloise stumbled again as she tried to sit in the chair.

"I'm sorry, miss," the maitre'd apologised.

"Its okay," Eloise murmured, feeling more and more like the fool. After tonight, Justin would never want to take her anywhere again.

Justin took his menu and looked over the selection. "What do you think you'll have?"

"Pasta?" Eloise asked.

Justin raised an eyebrow. "Well, yes...this is an Italian restaurant, Eloise."

Eloise turned bright red and looked down at her menu. "Um... I guess I'm just not sure yet."

"Don't order anything with garlic," Eloise heard Lavender's voice in her head. She looked at the entrees on the menu and everything seemed to have garlic. She felt very much like she was taking an exam she was ill-prepared for.

"I think manicotti sounds good," Justin replied. "Have you decided yet?"

Eloise shook her head. "Um... no."

Justin nodded. "Would you like some wine?"

Eloise looked at the menu and said the first thing that came to mind. "Yes, marinara." When she looked up and met Justin's eyes she felt like running. He was looking at her like she'd said the wrong thing yet again. "Uh---"

"Merlot?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Who?" Eloise asked.

"Merlot... it's a red wine..." Justin wondered if she was feeling okay.

"Oh," Eloise said blushing. "Sure. That sounds lovely."

Justin smiled. "Good. They have a great house merlot here."

Their waitress came over to take their orders and Eloise panicked. She still hadn't chosen an entree.

"I'll have this," she pointed to something on the menu.

"Chicken Marsala?" The waitress asked, nodding. "Excellent choice, miss."

"Thank you," Eloise said in relief. She had finally done something right.

Justin ordered the wine and his choice of entree. The waitress took their menus and said she'd be right back with their salads.

"You're braver than me," Justin said to her. "Chicken Marsala has too much garlic for me."

The smile on her face fell. "It has garlic?"

"Loads of it," Justin replied.

She sighed and put her head in her hands.

"Are you okay?" Justin asked.

"No," she said mournfully.

"Are you feeling alright?" Justin asked reaching across the table and patting her arm. "Eloise?"

"I can't seem to do anything right," Eloise whispered.

Justin pulled a confused face. "What do you mean?"

"I can't think of anything to say," Eloise fought not to cry. "I order something loaded with garlic. I know what merlot is, but as soon as you asked me about it, everything just flew out of my head."

Justin moved his chair closer so he could be nearer to her. "Hey...it's okay. There's no need to be nervous."

Eloise shrugged miserably.

"Is this your first date?" Justin asked gently.

"Is it that obvious?" Eloise asked.

"Just a little," Justin said smiling at her. "But you know what; you don't have problems talking to me when we go for our morning runs. And we always have fun in the cafeteria during our breaks, right?"

She managed a smile. "Yeah, we do."

"So, you could just think of this as just another time in the cafeteria," Justin suggested.

"I'll try," she said softly.

"So just pretend we're sitting at our usual table in the cafeteria," Justin said. "And Ron's at the next table stuffing his face with pumpkin pasties. Lavender's sitting across from us doodling in her notebook about Charlie...."

Eloise laughed. "He's all she talks about."

"See?" Justin asked. "You're already feeling better."

She smiled at him. "Thanks Justin."

"Thank you," Justin said leaning over and pecking her on the cheek.

Eloise blushed a brilliant shade of red at this.

"So we can start over?" Justin asked.

Eloise nodded, her stomach flipping madly.

Justin grinned. "My first date happened when I was 16. I took her to Madam Puddifoots and proceeded to bore her to death with talk about me and my plans to be Head Boy. And I accidentally spilt my tea all over her."

"Who was it?" Eloise asked.

"Hannah Abbott," Justin said.

"I used to talk to her once in awhile," Eloise said.

"She's a sweet girl," Justin said. "And very forgiving."

"You're very forgiving too," Eloise said as the wine was brought out.

"It's easy to forgive when you fancy someone like I fancy you," Justin said boldly.

Eloise felt her heart stop. "You fancy me?" she whispered.

Justin smiled at her. "I would think that would be obvious."

She swallowed. "I just... I never thought someone like you would fancy someone like me."

"Someone like you?" Justin asked. "Eloise, you deserve far better than me."

"No I don't," Eloise said as he drew closer. "I... fancied you for a long, long time now."

"And I was a complete idiot for not realising sooner what a great girl you were," Justin said leaning in.

Eloise could hardly breathe as he brushed his lips over hers.

"Thought I'd best do that before you ate all that garlic," Justin teased.

She let out a laugh, but it wasn't the nervous giggle. "That was my first kiss," she admitted.

Justin grinned. "So no matter what happens...you'll always remember me."

"Oh I think that's a definite possibility," Eloise said softly.

He squeezed her hand. "So, we're okay now?"

Eloise nodded, feeling much less nervous now.

The rest of the evening went by brilliantly with no lulls in the conversation. Eloise forgot about her earlier stumbles and mistakes and just enjoyed herself.

They were laughing as they headed back to the Ministry. Justin was glad she'd loosened up and he'd had a really great time. "So... maybe we can do this again next week," he said.

"I'd love that," Eloise replied with a grin.

"And during the week," he squeezed her hand. "I hope we can see each other as much as possible."

"I'd really love that," Eloise said feeling a little bold as she leaned in.

Justin touched her cheek before pressing his lips to hers.

"Good night," Eloise said dreamily when they pulled apart a few moments later.

"Night," Justin smiled at her. "I really did have a great time."

He was still smiling when he walked toward his room. He heard the muffled sound of voices and he wondered who Ernie was talking to. That was revealed when he opened the door to find Padma Patil sitting close with Ernie looking at some papers.

"What are you two doing?" he asked curiously.

"Just talking," Ernie replied.

"Is that a newspaper?" Justin asked.

"Yes," Padma said quickly folding it. It was the issue of the Prophet that featured Harry Potter's mystery woman.

"Have fun with Midgen?" Ernie asked. "Couldn't be that great if you're back already."

"It was great," Justin retorted. "We just didn't want to miss curfew."

"Anything but that," Ernie snorted.

Justin shook his head. "I'm going to go take a shower. You...you lot have fun." Padma waited until she and Ernie were alone before she took out the paper again and the photograph of Hermione they'd taken earlier that day.

"I know we can't see her too closely," Padma said. "But what do you think?"

Justin looked at the newspaper photograph. "That girl has brown hair and so does Granger."

"That doesn't really mean anything," Padma said. "We need something more concrete."

"I have a connection in security downstairs," Ernie said. "The guard said he saw her leave in the evening and she was dressed for a night on the town."

"See if he overheard anything then," Padma replied.

"He already told me he didn't," Ernie said leaning back on his bed. "This is frustrating, Padma. I know they're together."

"He doesn’t' deserve anyone else," Padma said angrily.

"At least you're not in his training group," Ernie pointed out.

"I'd have quit before I let that happen," Padma stuffed the paper and photograph back into her bag.

"I reckon she's sneaking out of here to see him at night," Ernie said thoughtfully.

"See how tired she is during classes then," Padma said. "And listen and watch how she is with Potter."

"I've already seen them sneaking looks at each other," Ernie said. "But that's not anything to go on. We have to catch them in the act so to speak."

"No kidding," Padma said. "And then he's gone."

"And we'll have revenge," Ernie said. "For all that he took away."

"Everything," Padma nodded.

Padma felt a niggling feeling that getting revenge on Harry wasn't going to be all that she thought it would be. It wouldn't bring back Parvati.

"I'll keep you posted on what I find out," Ernie stood up.

"Thanks," Padma said gathering her papers. "I'll do the same."

"See you around," Ernie replied, making sure no one was around before Padma slipped out.

Padma headed toward the lift and when the doors opened, she saw Hermione Granger of all people.

Hermione bit her lower lip when she saw the dark haired girl. "Hello," she said, forcing a smile.

"You just made it," Padma said quietly. "Curfew."

"Cutting it close," Hermione nodded. "Um... you're Padma, right?"

Padma stood back so Hermione could step out. "Yes and you're Hermione Granger."

Hermione was surprised that the other girl knew her. "Right."

"How do you like the training?" Padma asked trying to be cordial.

"It's been good," Hermione answered. "Mr. Potter's working us hard."

"I'm sure he is," Padma said trying not to sound bitter. "You...you went to school in Paris, right?"

"Beauxbatons," Hermione nodded. "It was a good school."

"Do you ever get a chance to go back to Paris?" Padma asked. "It's such a romantic city."

Hermione fought not to blush. "I haven't been back there in awhile," she lied.

"Oh, that's a shame," Padma commented. "You really should go."

"Well it was really nice meeting you," Hermione was eager to escape Padma's piercing gaze.

"I'd really like it if we could be friends," Padma said offering her a slight smile.

"Um... sure." Hermione answered. "I only have a few days a week that I’m free, but..."

"We could have lunch," Padma interjected. "You know I imagine if you'd been at Hogwarts, you'd have been in Ravenclaw with me."

"Lavender seems pretty sure I'd have been in Gryffindor with them," Hermione let out a small laugh.

"Like Harry, you mean?" Padma asked, unable to mask the bitterness in her voice.

"Perhaps," Hermione answered uncomfortably.

"Well, I shouldn't keep you any longer," Padma said. "Good night."

"Bye," Hermione had to control herself so she wouldn't run away. Something about Padma made her extremely nervous.

"You look like you just saw a ghost," Lavender commented when her roommate walked in their room.

"Padma stopped me as I was coming off the lift," Hermione told her. "She was asking me questions about training; about Paris... she wants us to have lunch together."

"Padma?" Lavender asked raising an eyebrow. "Padma Patil?"

Hermione nodded. "I was just as shocked as you are."

"Well, you and Padma are both kind of studious," Lavender commented. "Well, really studious."

"Do you think she saw me and Harry though?" Hermione asked.

"She was with Ernie at dinner," Lavender told her. "And you and Harry were just in his office, right? How would she have seen you?"

"I don't know," Hermione shook her head as she kicked off her shoes.

"You're paranoid," Lavender said. "Maybe Padma's just trying to be nice. Like I said, you are kind of alike."

"Maybe," Hermione shrugged. "I'll just have to be careful what I say."

Hermione sat down on her bed. "Did you finish your essay?"

Lavender shook her head. "No, I was writing to Charlie."

She smiled. "Are you sending him those new pictures you took?"

Lavender nodded. "Yes."

"I'm sure he'll love them," Hermione commented.

"When are you two seeing each other again?"

"Christmas," Lavender said. "I've been invited to the Burrow."

"How lovely," Hermione lay back with her head on her pillow.

"And how was your evening?" Lavender asked grinning at her.

"I think you can guess," Hermione said with a smile.

Lavender giggled. "Uh-huh."

"We're trying to decide on a place to go for Christmas hols," Hermione said softly. "Somewhere low key."

"Do you have any place in mind?" Lavender asked.

"Originally we talked about going back to Paris," Hermione said. "But after that picture in the paper..."

"You should go somewhere tropical and secluded," Lavender said.

"It would be nice to go somewhere warm," Hermione nodded. "Perhaps Phuket."

"I doubt the Prophet would know you were there," Lavender said thoughtfully.

"I'll tell him about it tomorrow," Hermione said.

Lavender sighed. "I have to work on that stupid essay. I really was going to do it tonight, but I was writing to Charlie...."

"I can help you with it," Hermione offered. "I already finished mine."

"I really need to do well on this one," Lavender said. "I really messed up the last two exams we had."

"I promise to study with you from now on," Hermione sat up. "I thought those exams were pretty easy."

Lavender didn't know how Hermione was balancing her secret relationship with Harry with studying. Of course, Hermione was far more organised than she was. Lavender really wanted to prove herself, but lately it seemed as if all she could think about was Charlie. It was the same way with Ron when they first started seeing each other and with Seamus.

"It's not hard to focus once you get into it," Hermione was saying.

"How do you do it?" Lavender asked.

"Study?" Hermione asked. "I've always loved to learn... so I suppose that's it."

"But how do you block everything else out?" Lavender asked as she took out her books. "I sit down and I start thinking about Charlie and what he's doing and if he's thinking about me."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully. "It's been a bit harder to concentrate since I got with Harry. But I just force myself to study properly."

"That's what I want to do," Lavender said. "Study properly."

"You have to rid yourself of distractions," Hermione grabbed her books. "If you're writing a letter to Charlie, finish it first so it's done with. You'll be more apt to concentrate then."

"Right," Lavender said nodding. "No thinking about Charlie when we're studying. None whatsoever."

Hermione smiled. "It's okay to think about him a little. But just during little study breaks."

"Okay," Lavender said. "Well, I was thinking I would write about how to restrain magical law-breakers without attracting Muggle attention."

Hermione brightened. "That's a great topic!"

Lavender beamed at her. "Thanks. I checked out some books from the Ministry library."

"Let's take a look then," Hermione pulled her chair over to Lavender's desk and before long, the blonde's essay was finished.

"Thank you so much," Lavender said to her friend. "I really couldn't have done this without you."

"Anytime you want to study together, I'll make time." Hermione told her.

"Thank you," Lavender said again before yawning. "I think I'm going to bed. It's late."

"Me too," Hermione slid back the covers. "Did Eloise let you know how her date went?"

Lavender nodded. "She knocked on the door on her way back to her room. They snogged!"

Hermione grinned. "That's great!"

"She promised to give us full details tomorrow at breakfast," Lavender said.

Hermione changed into her pyjamas. "I can't wait." she said with a yawn.

"Good night, Hermione," Lavender said.

"Night," Hermione turned on her side and closed her eyes, hoping to fall asleep dreaming of sitting on a hot beach with Harry.

Lavender closed her eyes, vowing that her marks wouldn't suffer any further. She wasn't going to let her feelings for Charlie blur her focus on becoming an Auror.

*** *** ***

Harry was meeting with Lupin to discuss some things he wanted to go over with his class and Tonks had begged to come along. He'd hoped that after the ball, Lupin would finally open his eyes but it seemed his mentor was as blind as ever to Tonks's crush.

"So, next week, you want to take your group on a mission?" Lupin asked.

Harry nodded. "I think it'd be really beneficial for them to see what it's like out there."

"You'd need at least two more Aurors present," Lupin replied thoughtfully.

"I wouldn't mind helping out," Tonks said eagerly.

"Thank you, Nymphadora," Lupin said absently.

Tonks hated it when anyone called her by that name, but she never minded when Remus said it. She loved the way her name sounded on his lips.

"What about you, Remus?" Tonks asked a dreamy tone to her voice. "You could help out, too."

"Yeah," Harry answered. "I think it'd be great if both of us were there."

"I think that can be arranged," Lupin replied. "We have to go over the logistics of course."

"Great," Harry said, sneaking a grin at Tonks.

"We can go over that at the meeting tomorrow," Lupin said. "Is there anything else?"

"I don't think so," Harry gathered his notes and stuffed them back into his case.

Tonks reluctantly stood up and excused herself. She was thinking she'd drown her sorrows in a cup of coffee and a muffin. She walked hastily in the direction of the cafeteria. To her dismay, she found herself in the queue right behind Lupin's friend, Cassandra.

Thinking she'd try to be friendly, she greeted the other woman. "Hello Cassandra," she said, keeping her tone neutral.

"Tonks, right?" Cassandra asked.

"Yes," she nodded. "How are you?"

"Fantastic," Cassandra replied. "Have you seen Remus? He was supposed to join me for breakfast."

"He was upstairs with Harry," Tonks told her.

"That's nice," Cassandra said moving her tray down to make room for Tonks. "You and Harry make a nice couple."

"Harry and I aren't a couple," Tonks replied. "He's too young for me."

Cassandra smiled. "The same could be said for you and Remus Lupin."

Tonks bit her lower lip. "He's a good friend," she said, but knew she didn't sound convincing.

"Let's call a spade a spade, Nymphadora," Cassandra said folding her arms and looking disdainfully at her. "I see the way you look at Remus. You should be ashamed of yourself, for one thing. He is old enough to be your father!"

Tonks was so embarrassed; she hardly knew what to say. "I don't know what you're talking about," she murmured, her face flushing as pink as her hair.

"He needs someone cultured and someone who understands the same things he does," Cassandra said. "You hardly fit the bill."

Something inside Tonks snapped at Cassandra's tone. "And you think you do?" she asked, looking straight up at the older woman.

"No," Cassandra said shaking her head. "I KNOW that I do. You are just a child."

"I'm no child," Tonks's palm was itching for her wand, but she kept that impulse under control.

"How many adults do you know with pink hair?" Cassandra asked. "Or purple hair. Face it dear, you're not on his level and you never will be."

"I think you're wrong," Tonks said evenly. "Remus needs someone who can keep him on his toes, not bore him to death."

Cassandra finished loading her tray. "I can assure you that I don't bore him."

"That's not what he said," Tonks muttered. She was lying through her teeth, but wanted desperately to get under this horrid woman's skin.

"Oh," Cassandra said rolling her eyes. "You expect me to believe that he talks to you about his personal life?"

"Why shouldn't he?" Tonks asked.

"Hello, ladies," Lupin said coming up behind them. "You seem to be holding up the queue."

Tonks blushed and Cassandra smirked haughtily, as if she'd just proved herself right.

"Everything okay?" Lupin asked looking at both of them.

"Fine," Tonks replied, turning away quickly.

"Nymphadora and I were just coming to an understanding," Cassandra replied.

"An understanding about what?" Lupin asked.

Tonks only shook her head and moved away, too angry to say a word.

"I'm really happy to see you," Cassandra said happy to have him alone.

Lupin smiled. "It's a pleasure, as always." he said cordially.

Cassandra waited patiently for him to choose what he wanted for breakfast before she led the way to a quiet table in the back of the cafeteria. "That girl....Tonks...she certainly is a strange one."

Lupin's face broke out into a grin. "She sure is," he said affectionately.

"I hear she's quite clumsy too," Cassandra said.

"That's Nymphadora," Lupin looked over at the pink haired young woman. "She's one of a kind."

"She's around thirty, right?" Cassandra asked.

Lupin nodded. "And a crack shot Auror. One of the best I've seen."

Cassandra didn't believe that was true. She figured Remus was just being nice. "She certainly is quite fond of you, Remus."

"You think so?" Remus asked.

"I think she has a bit of crush, if you must know," Cassandra said.

"On me?" Remus chuckled. "You must be mistaken."

"A woman knows these things," Cassandra said. "She and I were just chatting about it, actually."

"Nymphadora used to be my student," Remus said. "I doubt she fancies me, Cassandra."

"Well, I nipped it in the bud," Cassandra told him. "I told her that there was no possible way the two of you could have a relationship. For one thing, there is the age difference."

He gave her a strange look. "Cassandra--"

"There's no need to thank me," Cassandra interjected.

"I wasn't going to," Lupin informed her. "My private life is just that. Private."

"Oh," Cassandra frowned.

"I enjoy a good friendship with you," Lupin replied. "And with Nymphadora."

"She's a child," Cassandra said dismissively.

Lupin felt himself grow defensive. "Nymphadora is not a child," he said. "She's a Metamorphmagus, and a huge asset."

"You can run your department as you see fit," Cassandra said. "But I think she's more of a liability especially if she's too busy getting moony-faced over you."

"I will run my department," Lupin said coolly. "The way I see fit. I do a good job. And Tonks is one of the best we have. And if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go join her now."

Cassandra was speechless.

"Take care," Lupin gathered his things and stood up.

Tonks picked at her food. She couldn't believe she'd allowed that evil cow to get under her skin the way she had.

She was stewing in her own thoughts and didn't notice a figure approach her.

"Mind if I join you, Nymphadora?"

Tonks looked up in surprise. "Remus. I thought you were with your girlfriend...."

"Cassandra is most certainly not a girlfriend of mine," Remus set his tray down.

Tonks felt a smile play at her lips at this. "Oh, well, I just thought that since you'd been on a date or two that you were seeing each other."

"She came with me to the ball," Remus replied. "That's it."

"So you don't have feelings for her?" Tonks asked before she could stop herself.

Remus shook his head.

Tonks grinned. "That's fantastic!"

He was amused. "And why is that?"

Tonks blushed. "I didn't mean that. I meant that it was fantastically sad that things couldn't work out."

"Uh huh," Remus said. "You know... she told me something interesting before I left the table."

"What's that?" Tonks asked before taking a sip of her juice.

"That she thinks you fancy me," he answered.

Tonks choked on the juice. "W-what?"

"She told me you fancy me," Lupin looked directly at her.

"That's---that's," Tonks stammered.

"True?" Remus asked, feeling flattered, and for some reason, rather eager for her answer.

Tonks wished she could disappear. "Um, well, I might have a small crush."

He stared at her without speaking.

"I think you're the most wonderful man," Tonks said, knowing that she had to get all of this out. "I've always thought that actually. You always know just what to say and what to do. And I usually hate it when people call me 'Nymphadora' but I don't have a problem when you say it."

A slow smile spread across his face.

"I know that you're older than me, but I don't have a problem with that," Tonks said looking over at him. "I think age is just a number. It only matters how you feel..."

"I never thought of you the way you think of me," Lupin said quietly. "But--"

"But?" Tonks asked, her face drooping. "No, don't say it. I don't need to hear it. I know what you're going to say. Just forget that I said anything."

"I was going to say that I wasn't sure how I felt," he interrupted her.

"Oh," Tonks said quietly.

"But if we got to know each other better in a more casual setting, that might change," Remus said.

Tonks smiled. "Are you asking me out on a date, sir?"

18. 18

Most of you loved the Remus/Tonks, so enjoy this one as well! Please review- and thanks for the birthday wishes last week!

"Can I assume you'd say yes if I was?" Remus flirted.

"Well," Tonks said trying to play it cool. "I would have to check my book, of course, but I might be able to squeeze you in for a dinner or breakfast or lunch or even a late-night snack."

He grinned. "Now you're just taking the Mickey."

Tonks laughed. "Maybe, but you deserve it for making me suffer these last few months."

"If I had known--" he began.

"It's okay," Tonks said touching his arm. "You're kind of focused on the job when you're here. It's easy to see how you could have missed it."

"I just might have asked earlier," he told her.

Tonks practically beamed at him. "So I guess this means we're going out on a date..."

Remus chuckled. "Yes we are."

Tonks couldn't wait to tell Harry her good news. He had been a really good friend these last few weeks listening to her and giving her a shoulder to cry on. She knew he'd be happy for her that she finally had the man of her dreams. She only wished that he too would find someone to love.

Little did she know that he had, and was currently waiting for her to meet up with him in an empty classroom.

The morning classes would be starting soon and he wanted to steal some time with her.

A few moments later, Hermione slipped into the room. "Hi," she said softly.

"Hello," Harry said smiling at her. "Good morning."

"Morning," she answered with a grin. "I come bearing breakfast."

"What did you bring for us?" Harry asked stepping closer.

"Pancakes," Hermione said. "I've found the cafeteria makes excellent pancakes."

"Yes, they do," Harry said helping her with the plates. "I missed you last night."

"I know," she said. "I missed you too."

"We have the weekend," Harry said with a grin.

"I already can't wait," Hermione gave him a kiss. "Eat up. We don't have much time before class starts."

Harry poured some maple syrup on his pancakes. "I have good news. Lupin okayed taking you lot out on your first mission."

Hermione's eyes widened. "Already?"

"It's not anything major," Harry replied. "Probably just accompanying us on some raids."

"But still," Hermione's face glowed with excitement.

"Your first mission," Harry said smiling at her.

"Is it local?" she asked.

"Probably," Harry said. "We have to work out the logistics."

Hermione nodded. "I can't wait to get out there."

"You're going to do great," Harry said. "And it shouldn't be anything too dangerous. Once we know what we're going to do and where we're going to go, you'll be able to prepare."

"What's on the agenda for today, Professor?" she asked teasingly.

Harry chuckled. "Well, Miss Granger. We'll be working more with wandless magic."

"I was hoping you'd teach us more about that soon," Hermione answered excitedly.

Harry leaned over and kissed her.

"One might think you're working a little wandless magic on me right now," Hermione said coyly when they broke apart.

"Would I do that?" Harry asked innocently.

"Oh yes," Hermione nodded. "You most certainly would."

"You taste like syrup and blueberries," Harry said softly.

"So do you," Hermione brushed her lips against his again.

As much as he wanted to take this further, he knew they only had a couple of minutes before class was scheduled to begin. Harry reluctantly pulled away.

"What are you doing tonight?" she asked.

"Hmm," Harry said thoughtfully. "I was invited to have dinner at the Burrow tonight with Ron's family."

"Oh," Hermione nodded. "It's probably good- I can catch up on some more reading."

"Molly Weasley is hard to turn down," Harry said. "And she cornered me the other day when she stopped in to see her husband. I wish I could take you with me."

"Someday," Hermione squeezed his hand.

"I imagine tonight she'll work on me for Christmas," Harry said.

"My parents wanted me to come with them to St. Moritz," Hermione answered.

"You still can," Harry said helping her clean up their breakfast dishes. "I'd understand. They are your family."

"But I want to spend that time with you," she objected. "My parents have done nothing but mock my choice of a career."

"They are still your parents," Harry said. "The only set you'll ever have."

"I know--" she began.

Harry took her hand. "I know they love you and I know you love them. Don't take them for granted, Hermione."

Hermione looked up at him, realising why he was being so insistent on this. "I'm sorry," she apologised. "You must think I'm such a brat right now."

Harry shook his head. "I'd never think that about you. I've just learned the hard way to not take the people you care about for granted."

"I'll try to remember that, but things haven't been easy," Hermione replied.

"I know," Harry said pulling her into his arms. "They'll come around."

"I really want you to meet them," Hermione buried her face in his shoulder. "Despite everything they've said, I think they'd like you."

"Someday," Harry promised.

Hermione gave him one more kiss. "I'll meet you in class," she said.

"Hermione?"

"Hmm?" she asked.

"Your parents....they don't know that I'm your professor, right?" Harry asked.

"No," she shook her head. "I just told them I was seeing someone, that's all."

"Well, what if I joined you for Christmas?" Harry asked.

"In St. Moritz?" Hermione asked.

"Sure," Harry replied. "I'm not much of a skier though."

"Neither am I," she confessed. "I just like to sit by the fire with a book and some hot chocolate."

"Do you think your parents would have a problem with you bringing a guest?" Harry asked.

"I'll ask," Hermione touched his cheek. "Harry..."

"Yes?" Harry asked.

"It just means a lot that you want to come with," she said, kissing him gently.

"I love you," Harry said. "And I want to spend Christmas with you and you should spend it with your family."

"I love you too," she said. "I'll owl them and work something out."

"Okay," Harry said. "You'd better get a move on. I'll see you in the classroom."

"Right," Hermione gathered her things while Harry cleaned up the evidence of their breakfast.

Ernie rolled his eyes when Hermione hurried into the classroom with a smug, satisfied expression on her face.

"What's eating you?" she asked coolly.

"Nothing," Ernie said forcing a smile. "Nothing at all. How are you?"

"Fine," Hermione sat down and pulled out a thick book.

"Good morning, everyone," Harry said as he stepped into the classroom.

"Morning," Hermione answered, not looking up from her book.

"I have a few quick announcements before we begin," Harry said.

Ernie sat back with a smirk. "Another weekend with dragons?"

"No, Ernie," Harry said. "As you know, one of the responsibilities you will have as an Auror will be performing raids."

"We get to go on a raid?" Justin asked eagerly.

"Yes," Harry replied. "Before you get too excited, you need to realise that this isn't your opportunity to play the hero. There are set procedures in place."

"Like what?" Ron asked.

"I'm so glad you've asked," Harry said, waving his hand. A stack of books appeared on his desk. "Each of you are to study these procedure manuals."

Ernie groaned audibly.

With another wave of his hand, the books levitated off of the desk and landed on each of the trainee's desks.

"Harry," Ron grumbled. "This whole book is about procedures?"

"Every word," Harry said. "And I want you to study it hard."

Hermione took her copy of the manual and decided she'd start reading this tonight.

"The mission will take place sometime in the next two weeks," Harry told them. "I'll know more in the next coming days. Please remember that any intelligence you receive about this mission is classified. You are not to share it with anyone outside the department. Are we clear?"

A chorus of "Yes sir," arose from everyone in the room.

"Professor Lupin also asked me to make sure that you lot turn in your essays to him no later than 5 p.m. today," Harry continued.

"Granger probably already had hers done a week ago," Ernie whispered snidely.

Ron heard this as did Hermione. "Don't let him get to you. He's a wanker, Hermione."

Hermione turned in surprise. Ron was actually being nice to her. "Um...I won't. Thank you."

Ron nodded and chanced a smile at her.

"I did actually have mine done a week ago," Hermione admitted.

"I sure could have used some help on mine," Ron answered. "It's pretty bad."

"I'm sure it's okay," Hermione reassured him. "Um...if you'd like, I could proofread it for you after class."

Ron's eyebrows shot up. "You'd do that?"

"We are partners," Hermione replied.

"Thanks," Ron said gratefully.

"It's no problem," Hermione said.

"Are you two quite done with your conversation?" Harry asked, pretending to be stern. He was actually relieved to see Ron and Hermione not arguing for a change.

"Yes, sir," Hermione replied.

"Good," Harry said, turning back to his desk.

"We haven't worked on our wandless magic techniques in awhile," Harry said. "I was thinking today we'd go over what we'd learned so far and take it a step further. Can I have a volunteer?"

Lavender raised her hand. "I'll give it a go."

"Great," Harry nodded. "I'd like you to make this chair move from here, to over here, without your wand."

Lavender left her wand on her desk and stood up. She took a deep breath and cleared her mind.

"Concentrate," Harry told her.

Lavender opened her eyes and waved her hand. The chair didn't move.

"You have to concentrate," Harry told her. "Clear your mind of all other thoughts."

Lavender told herself not to think about Charlie. She needed to think about that bloody chair and getting it to move.

It took a lot of effort, but she pushed the thoughts of Charlie out of her head and concentrated on moving the chair.

The chair moved slightly.

"Come on," Harry said encouragingly.

"I'd have gotten it by now," Ernie muttered.

Lavender blocked out Ernie and the other students and concentrated. The chair moved a little further.

Using all her effort, she managed to move the chair within a few feet of where Harry wanted. Lavender sat back down, feeling rather breathless.

"Good job," Harry told her. "It will get easier, Lavender. You just need to keep practising."

"I will," Lavender wiped her forehead. "I didn't know it'd be so exhausting."

Ernie rolled his eyes. This wasn't going to be of any help to any of them in the real world. This was all stuff they could have learned at Hogwarts.

"Who wants to try next?" Harry asked, effortlessly moving the chair back with a wave of his hand.

"I'll go," Ernie said.

Harry nodded. "All right," he stepped back.

Ernie waved his hand and the chair moved all the way across the room. He wasn't ready to stop there, either. With another wave of his hand, Harry's desk moved from the front of the room to the back. "How's that?" Ernie asked smugly.

Harry nodded again. "I'm glad you've been practising."

Ernie shrugged. "It's not that difficult."

"I'd like to try next," Hermione raised her hand.

"I'm sure you would," Ernie muttered as he passed her.

Hermione glared at him, determined to show him up a bit.

"Miss Granger," Harry said. "How about you take that stack of books and move them to Eloise's desk?"

"Okay," Hermione closed her eyes and waved her hand towards the books.

Ernie rolled his eyes when Hermione completed the task effortlessly. He wouldn't have been surprised if Potter was secretly moving them for her.

"Very good," Harry nodded. "Ron? Want to give it a go?"

"Want me to move the stick Ernie has up his arse?" Ron asked cheekily.

Harry almost smiled as the rest of the class laughed. "Ron--"

"At least I'm not dating Loony Lovegood," Ernie retorted.

Ron's face darkened as he lunged for the other male.

Justin stood up quickly and got in between them. "He didn't mean it, Ron."

"My arse he didn't," Ron tried to shove past him.

Ernie laughed. "Oh, come off it, Weasley. You used to say the same stuff until you got into her knickers."

"You son of a bitch," Ron growled before Harry pulled him back.

"Sit down!" Harry barked. "Both of you!"

Ernie smirked at both of them before sliding back into his seat.

"Ron," Harry ordered. "It's your turn."

"You say one more thing about my girlfriend and I'll knock your teeth out," Ron warned Ernie.

"I'm scared," Ernie said with a sneer.

"Block him out," Harry told his friend. "Just do what Hermione did. Move those books from Eloise's desk to mine."

"Okay," Ron tried to concentrate.

He was still so angry that he overshot Harry's desk and the books hit the chalkboard before falling to the floor.

"Sorry," Ron muttered.

"Well, you can do it," Harry answered, picking them up. "Good job."

Ron sat back down but not before shooting a glare in Ernie's direction. That wanker had crossed a line when he'd said that about Luna.

Hermione leaned over. "I've only met Luna once," she said quietly. "But she's a lovely girl. Ernie only wishes he could get someone like her."

Ron smiled. "She's the best. She really is."

It was amazing, Hermione thought. Despite the rocky start between her and Ron, they really seemed to be getting along now.

"I wasn't always nice to her," Ron admitted sheepishly. "But, that changed during the war. She makes me want to be a better person."

Hermione nodded. "It's obvious she loves you very much."

"She's my girl," Ron said with a grin. He wondered what she was doing right then.

"I bet she's thinking of you right now," Hermione whispered before turning back to the front.

Class ended a few minutes later and Justin made sure to stay by Ernie's side so there wouldn't be another confrontation with Ron.

Ron reached into his bag and handed Hermione his essay. "You sure you don't mind reading over it?"

"Not at all," Hermione replied, already skimming through it. "I'll read it during lunch and give it back right before Lupin's class."

"Thanks," Ron said. "You know, you're not so bad. You're a little mental, but other than that, you're okay."

Hermione laughed and shook her head. "You're incorrigible."

Ron grinned. "Luna says the same thing about me."

"I'll get this back to you as soon as possible," Hermione said, heading down the corridor.

"Hermione!" someone called out from behind her.

She turned around. "Yes?"

Padma Patil smiled warmly at her. The dark-haired girl was wearing a smart set of dress robes and her hair was pulled back into one long plait. "I thought that was you."

"Oh hi," Hermione answered. "How... how are you?"

"I'm doing well," Padma replied. She held out a couple of books. "These are the latest by Corinna McCandler. I know the ministry librarian really well and she mentioned that you were waiting for these books to come in."

Hermione smiled. Corinna McCandler was a well-known advocate for House Elf welfare, a cause that was near and dear to Hermione's heart. "But the librarian said she wasn't getting them in until next week...."

"I pulled a few strings," Padma said with a smile.

Hermione gratefully took the books. "That's very kind of you. Thank you, Padma."

"That's what friends are for," Padma had to stop herself from gritting her teeth at the phrase.

Hermione couldn't understand why Padma had singled her out. But, maybe she was just being paranoid. Padma Patil couldn't have known about her relationship with Harry. Lavender had said that she and Padma were very studious.

"It's really shame how House Elves have suffered over the years," Padma said laying it on thick. "More people should read books like those and they'd think twice about it."

"I agree," Hermione nodded. "I hope to someday raise more awareness about it."

"Maybe you and I can start a committee or something," Padma suggested.

Hermione looked at her in surprise.

"I know you're busy with your training," Padma said. "But if you have free time, I'd love to work with you."

"That might be nice," Hermione reminded herself to be cautious.

Harry turned the corner and spotted Hermione. He was about to call out to her when he saw the person she was speaking to.

It felt strange to see Hermione standing by the mirror image of his dead girlfriend.

"I am pretty busy," Hermione said. "But maybe..."

"Hi," Harry interrupted as he came up to them.

"Hello," Padma said icily.

Hermione nodded. "Was there something you needed from me?" she asked neutrally.

Padma studied both of them carefully.

"No," Harry said quietly.

"I'm almost done with that essay you assigned," Hermione replied. "I'll have it finished tomorrow."

"I should get back to work," Padma said. "I really hope you enjoy those books, Hermione."

"Thank you," Hermione said. "I'll see you later."

"See you," Padma said turning away to hide the smile on her face.

Harry stared at her once Padma was gone. "What was that all about?"

Hermione meant to tell him about running into Padma the other night, but she'd been so busy that she'd forgotten. "I just met her formally the other night. I just ran into her in the hall. She had some books that I've been waiting for."

"What sort of books?" Harry asked. "Why is she suddenly nosing into your business?"

"I don't think she was nosing into my business," Hermione said. "She seems genuine."

"Padma hates me," Harry said quietly. "Why would she all of a sudden want to be your friend?"

"She doesn't know about us," Hermione said in a hushed tone. "As far as she knows, I'm just your student."

"She's too smart for that," Harry argued, folding his arms.

"How would she possibly know about us?" Hermione asked.

Harry shrugged.

"She cares about House Elves," Hermione said holding up the books for him to see. "And she asked if I wanted to join a committee----"

"A committee?" Harry raised his eyebrow. "She's never been interested in House Elves, Hermione."

"Maybe she's changed her mind," Hermione said thoughtfully. "If you read these books, you would to."

"That's not the point, Hermione." Harry said.

"What is the point?" Hermione asked, folding her arms. They were attracting a bit of attention so Harry took her by the arm and led her back into the now empty classroom.

"The point is, I think she's trying to get close to you to get to me," Harry was trying to remain patient.

"Harry, she doesn't know about us," Hermione tried to reason. "How would she? We've been very careful."

"I just have a feeling," Harry said, growing frustrated. "I just think she has ulterior motives."

Hermione folded her arms. "Harry---"

"You think I'm wrong?" Harry asked pointedly.

"I just think that you might be over thinking this," Hermione replied. "Granted, it is a bit bizarre that she suddenly came up to me, but Lavender said that she and I are alike. Maybe she---"

"Maybe she what?" Harry asked.

"Maybe she just wants to be friends," Hermione said. "Maybe this is her way of forgiving you as well..."

"Maybe if this was a movie," Harry said sarcastically. "But her entire family hates me, Hermione.”

"So you're basically saying because they hate you, and your only REAL connection to me is a teacher to a student, that there's no way she'd want to be my friend?" Hermione asked in a dangerous voice.

"You're a smart girl, Hermione," Harry said amazed that she couldn't see this. "Don't be naive."

She glared at him. "You're calling me naive?"

"Not all the time," Harry said. "But about this, yes. I think you are being extremely naive."

Hermione shook her head, incensed with anger. "You have no right to say that," she said furiously. "You haven't a clue about me after all!"

Harry sighed. "Hermione---"

"Just leave me alone," Hermione pushed past him.

"Would you wait a minute?" Harry called after her.

"What?" she turned around angrily. "Going for another dig are we?"

"No!" Harry retorted. "All I'm saying is that for someone so smart..."

Hermione wanted to throw something at him but refrained. "I don't want to talk to you for awhile," she said coldly.

"Over this?" Harry asked in disbelief. "You're acting like a child!"

"And you're acting like a real asshole," Hermione retorted. "Get out of my way."

"Fine!" Harry grumbled, stalking out of the classroom.

"Jerk,” Hermione muttered.

Harry couldn't believe Hermione. Maybe he'd crossed a line when he'd called her naive, but that was what she was being! She didn't know Padma. She didn't know how vindictive Parvati's sister could be.

He hated that they were fighting now. The day had started out great and now had gone completely down the tubes.

"Where's the fire, Harry?" Remus Lupin asked.

"As long as I live, I will never understand women," Harry grumbled.

"What happened?" Remus asked.

Harry realised he'd said too much.

"You have an argument with that girl we saw in the papers?" Lupin asked. "I have been meaning to ask you about that---"

"It's nothing," he said quickly. "I'm just venting is all."

"If you did want to talk, I'm here," Lupin offered.

"Thanks," Harry muttered.

"Maybe if you and your lady friend talked about this," Lupin suggested. "After you've given her time to calm down, that is."

"We'll see," Harry wanted to steer away from the topic. "Any word on those raids yet?"

"Do you think you could have your team ready next weekend?" Lupin asked. "I know its short notice, but Kingsley insisted."

"I'm pretty sure I could," Harry nodded.

Lupin clapped him on the back. "I'll have the specifics for you by the end of the day."

"Thanks," Harry tried to muster up the enthusiasm he'd shown earlier that day.

Lupin grinned. "You have the same look on your face that your dad would get when he fought with Lily."

"Probably pretty often, aye?" Harry asked.

"A lot of them when she was pregnant with you," Lupin remembered. "And your father said something wrong that would set her off."

Harry half smiled. "Were you around as often as Sirius?"

Lupin nodded. "I had the good fortune to be the sounding board for both your parents."

Harry tugged at his sleeve. "Sometimes I still wish things could have been different..."

"Despite their arguments, they did still love each other very much," Lupin told him. "And they loved you more than anything in this world. At the end of the day that was all that mattered."

Harry nodded, wondering if he should try and apologise to Hermione. Perhaps she was right and Padma was just trying to be friendly.

"Give her some time to cool off," Lupin advised.

Harry nodded again. "So... how was your breakfast?"

Lupin's cheeks reddened. "Oh...well, it was certainly an eye-opener."

"Oh yeah?" Harry asked. "Like how?"

Lupin told the younger man about his conversations with both Tonks and Cassandra. "I had no idea that Nymphadora felt this way."

Harry managed to keep a smile off his face. "So you're taking her on a date?"

Lupin put his hands in his pockets and shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, it sure seems that way."

This time he did smile. "I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun. She'll be good for an old man like you."

"Old?" Lupin asked, putting his hand to his chest in a dramatic fashion.

Harry rolled his eyes playfully. "She's not much older than me."

"You're going to give me hell about this, aren't you?" Lupin asked.

"Don't you think I deserve to?" Harry joked.

"Maybe just a little," Lupin said chuckling.

"For what it's worth, I think you two would make a great couple," Harry said honestly.

"Thanks," Lupin said grinning as he thought of her.

"I should go get ready for tomorrow's session," Harry replied, feeling a bit better. "I'll talk to you later."

"Okay," Lupin said. "Good luck with your...friend."

Harry rolled his eyes. "You too old man."

Padma had watched the scene unfold. She smiled as she thought about everything falling into place. The first thing he'd lose would be Hermione and then he'd lose his job. Truth be told, she'd rather see him in Azkaban, but since that wasn't possible, this was the next best thing.

19. Ch 19

We left this one on a bit of a cliffie. Do enjoy, and PLEASE review!

The weekend had arrived and the trainee group was getting ready for their mission. Hermione was a bit quiet, seeing as how she and Harry still weren't really talking.

Lavender waved her hand in front of her friend's face. She and Hermione were going to be partners for this case and she wanted to make sure that they were both completely prepared. Lavender's marks had really suffered over the last few weeks and she was doing everything she could to keep her mind on the program.

"Okay, so one Auror secures the position, while the other..." Lavender asked Hermione.

"Defends," Hermione replied automatically.

"Good," Lavender said looking back at the manual. "We also need to make sure that no Muggles are in the immediate vicinity because then we might have to engage in memory modification."

"Right," Hermione said blankly.

Lavender looked over at her. "Hermione, come on."

"What?" Hermione asked. "Sorry..."

"It's okay," Lavender said. "You know...I bet that you and I do the best out of everyone. We will impress everyone!"

"Of course," Hermione nodded. "Everyone."

"Okay, so these wizards have set up their little operation just outside of Surrey," Lavender said reading from their case notes.

"And they're suspected of using their powers to steal from Muggles," Hermione added.

Lavender opened her mouth to say something but was suddenly surprised when someone put their hands over her eyes.

"Guess who," a low voice said in her ear.

"CHARLIE!" Lavender squealed, causing the people in the library to glare in their direction.

"Hey you," he grinned at her. "Thought I'd surprise you."

"You certainly did!" Lavender exclaimed throwing her arms around his neck.

Hermione smiled. "I'll be up in our room," she told Lavender.

"Good to see you again, Hermione," Charlie said warmly.

"You too," Hermione said, gathering her books.

Lavender frowned. She was thrilled to see her boyfriend, but now was not a good time. "Wait, Hermione..."

"What?" she turned around.

Lavender bit her bottom lip. "Um...well, we still have to work on this. We're doing it tomorrow..."

"I'm sure taking a few hours to go out with Charlie would be fine," Hermione objected.

"All work and no play," Charlie teased.

Lavender sent him a weak smile. "It's not that--"

"Just enjoy your break," Hermione told her. "We'll continue later."

Charlie took her hand. "I thought I'd take you out to lunch."

Hermione gave them a wave before heading out of the library.

Lavender hedged. "Charlie..."

"What is it?" he asked softly.

"Tomorrow is a REALLY big day for all of us," Lavender said. "I can't go into the specifics because you're not in the program..."

Charlie gasped and clutched at his chest in a dramatic fashion. "You don't trust me! I see how it is. You've done it, Lavender Brown. You've figured out my devious plan. I was only seeing you to get information that I will sell to the Russian Minister for Magic..."

Lavender rolled her eyes but grinned. "Now who's being overdramatic?"

"Me," Charlie grinned back at her. "Come on...you have to eat and you haven't seen my ugly mug in weeks."

"You are so far from ugly," Lavender leaned in and gave him a kiss. "And I have really missed you..."

"I missed you too," Charlie said softly. "How is my favourite Auror doing?"

"Okay," Lavender said. "It's been a bit hard to concentrate lately."

"You've been thinking about a certain someone?" Charlie asked innocently.

"Oh yes," Lavender said, looking over at him.

"So," Charlie said. "Where do you want to go for lunch?"

"You pick," Lavender snuggled against him.

"You want to stick close to here?" Charlie asked.

"That sounds nice," Lavender nodded.

"Okay," Charlie said thoughtfully. "Let's go to the pub. I promise not to get you pissed."

Lavender laughed. "What would you do with me if I was?"

Charlie stood up and offered her his hand. "I'd be a perfect gentleman, of course."

Lavender gave him a kiss. "A perfect gentleman," she echoed dreamily.

Charlie waited patiently while she gathered up her things.

He had really missed her since the ball. They wrote to each other every few days but it just wasn't the same as seeing her.

"You look gorgeous," Charlie said smiling at her.

"Thanks," Lavender said. "So do you. Handsome, I mean."

Charlie put his arm around her and led her out of the library. He saw his brother sitting in the back with Eloise Midgen. "I take it they're partners for your top secret mission?"

"Yeah," Lavender answered. "Although I think she'd have rather been partnered with Justin."

"Why's that?" Charlie asked.

"They've been seeing each other since the ball," Lavender explained.

"Really?" Charlie asked. "Wow..."

Lavender squeezed his hand. "I'm really happy you came, Charlie."

"I had the day off and I thought I'd surprise you," Charlie said. "And I am glad that I did."

Lavender pulled him to her and kissed him again.

Charlie's arms snaked around her waist and he deepened the kiss.

She didn't care that they were in the middle of a rather public street. She just wanted to be with him right then and there.

"Merlin, I have missed you," Charlie whispered.

"Me too," Lavender said softly. "I want to be together all the time."

Charlie smiled down at her. "Let's get out of the cold. I don't want you to freeze."

"No chance of that happening with you around," Lavender flirted.

Charlie squeezed her side one more time before taking her hand. A few minutes later, they were sitting in a pub.

"What'll you have?" Lavender asked. "I usually enjoy a salad, but I might treat myself today."

"I want a nice big cheeseburger with chips," Charlie said.

"Some chicken sounds good to me," Lavender mused.

"What do you want to drink?" Charlie asked. "I'll go and place our orders at the bar."

"Some ice water, please." Lavender smiled at him.

"Don't go anywhere," Charlie said winking at her.

"Never," Lavender said with a grin.

While he was gone, Lavender started to worry about the missed preparation time.

She hoped Hermione could help catch her up. Her roommate would most likely be able to prep her before they left. Besides, she hadn't gotten to see Charlie in weeks.

Charlie came back over with their drinks. "The food should be up in a few minutes."

"Great," Lavender reached for his hand.

"So, have you thought anymore about spending Christmas with my family?" Charlie asked.

"I was planning on going home for a few days," Lavender said. "But I'd love to join you at some point."

"That'd be great," Charlie said grinning at her. "My family is a little...well; I don't have to tell you since you dated Ron."

Lavender smiled. "I knew your twin brothers."

"And you lived to tell the tale," Charlie joked. "Well, they're not so bad as long as you stay on your toes. I'm closest to Ginny and Bill."

"I'll talk to my parents," Lavender promised. "Perhaps you can join us for a few days as well."

"You want me to meet your folks?" Charlie asked.

"If you'd like that," Lavender said softly.

"I would," Charlie reassured her. "It's just...I am older than you. Do you think your parents might have a problem with that?"

Lavender shrugged. "If you make me happy, which you do, I don't think age will matter at all."

Charlie leaned over and kissed her. "You make me happy too."

Lavender grinned at him again. "How's Brownie?"

"Growing like a weed," Charlie replied. He reached into his pocket. "Here are some photos."

"Ooooh," Lavender squealed. "I wish I could see her again!"

Charlie handed her the photographs. "That first one is right before she tried to scorch Jessica."

Lavender had to hide her smile at that remark.

"Here she is with her Mum," Charlie said handing her a photograph.

"That's so sweet," Lavender said.

"She misses you," Charlie said.

"I miss her too," Lavender said. "Can I keep this photo?"

"You can keep all of them," Charlie said. "I took them for you."

"Thank you," Lavender told him as their food was brought to them.

"This looks great," Charlie said happily.

"Yes it does," Lavender said ravenously.

Charlie chuckled as he watched Lavender tuck in to her food.

"I told you I was hungry," Lavender said when she caught him looking at her.

"I love watching you eat," Charlie said. "Real food."

"Aside from lettuce you mean?" Lavender asked with a grin.

"Exactly," Charlie said before taking a bite of his cheeseburger. "So, tell me...what's going on?"

"Just busy trying to keep my marks up," Lavender didn't really want to admit how much she was struggling at the moment.

"And you can't tell me, but tomorrow is a really big day for you," Charlie said. "I know you're going to do great, Lavender."

Lavender smiled. "I hope so."

"So what about everything else?" Charlie asked. "You getting along with everyone?"

"Except for Ernie, who's just being a huge wanker," Lavender rolled her eyes.

"Macmillan?" Charlie asked, recognizing the name from Lavender's letters.

She nodded. "He hates Harry, so he acts like a jerk during class."

"And Harry just puts up with it?" Charlie asked.

"He's spoken to Lupin," Lavender replied. She told him how abrasive Ernie had been at the start of training and what he had done to Hermione. "So if he steps a foot out of line again..."

"He's out," Charlie finished. "Well, if he ever says anything to you...."

"He hasn't bothered me," Lavender assured him, secretly pleased at how defensive he was being.

"I'll feed him to one of the Norwegian Ridgebacks if he does," Charlie said.

Lavender grinned at him.

"Try one of these," Charlie said dipping one of his chips in catsup and holding it out to her.

Lavender opened her mouth.

Charlie grinned before feeding it to her. "Delicious, right?"

"Excellent," Lavender replied.

"That's my girl," Charlie said proudly.

"I'm your girl?" she asked, pleased.

"Oh absolutely," Charlie said squeezing her hand.

"That's the best thing I've heard all day," Lavender said in a husky voice.

Charlie grinned and fed her another chip.

"How long can you stay?" she asked when they'd finished their meal.

"I promised my mum, I'd join her and dad for dinner," Charlie said. "So, I'm yours for a few hours at least."

"Great," Lavender said with a grin. "I have a few hours as well."

"Whatever will we do?" Charlie asked thoughtfully.

"I think we need to go have some time to ourselves," Lavender said softly.

"Where did you have in mind?" Charlie asked.

"We could go back to the Ministry and find an unused classroom," Lavender suggested.

"You wouldn't get in trouble, would you?" Charlie asked.

"I don't think so," Lavender shrugged. She'd forgotten all about preparing for the assignment.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Charlie asked standing up.

Lavender took his hand as he helped her stand up.

"This thing you're doing tomorrow," Charlie asked. "It's not dangerous, is it?"

"I don't know," Lavender said truthfully.

"Promise me that you'll be careful?" Charlie asked. "I don't want anything to happen to you, Lavender."

"I'll be careful," she said, giving him a kiss.

They didn't speak much on the way back to the Ministry. Lavender was content just to enjoy being with him.

"I'd take you back up to the room, but I'm sure I'd get in trouble for that," Lavender told him.

"We wouldn't want that," Charlie said nudging her.

"Not at all," Lavender said, pulling him to her.

Charlie leaned down and kissed her.

She closed her eyes and just enjoyed being close to him like this.

"Lavender," Charlie whispered.

"I'm so glad you're here," she said softly.

"I'm a good distraction," Charlie said resting his forehead against hers.

"Yes you are," she murmured. "Come on... this way."

Charlie would have followed her anywhere. He laughed along with her as they searched for an empty room.

"Here seems good," Lavender shut the door and locked it with her wand. Within moments, he had her pushed back against the wall and they were kissing passionately.

"Alone at last," Charlie said in between kisses.

"Alone is the best way to be with you," Lavender pulled them over to the desk at the front.

Charlie pulled off her cloak.

"More," Lavender whispered in his ear.

Charlie's eyes darkened as he looked at her. "As you wish..."

Lavender wasn't sure what was spurring her on, but she loved the way he was making her feel.

Charlie kissed her again as he snuck a hand up her jumper.

She arched her back, making his fingers slide further under her shirt.

"Lavender," Charlie managed to choke out.

"Yes," she hissed.

"You are driving me crazy," he said before kissing her again.

"Good," Lavender nipped at his ear.

"You know exactly what you're doing," Charlie said huskily. "Don't you?"

"Perhaps," Lavender said coyly.

Charlie planted kisses along her jaw and neckline.

Lavender still wanted more. She reached down and pulled up on his jumper.

Charlie lifted his arms and she pulled it up over his head. She'd not seen him like this before and she smiled as she took him in.

"Like it?" he asked cockily.

Lavender pushed him playfully. "It's...okay."

"Just okay?" he asked, pretending to be hurt.

"I didn't realise how athletic dragon handlers are," Lavender said softly.

"I work out," Charlie boasted.

"Do you?" Lavender asked touching his chest. "Hmmm...."

"All the time," he answered softly.

"Doing what exactly?" Lavender asked.

"Tug of war with Brownie," he joked.

"Ahhh," Lavender said giggling. "Well, Brownie has certainly done a great job..."

"And how about this brownie?" he asked in a low voice.

"Perfect," Lavender murmured.

Charlie kissed her again as he slid his hands under her skirt.

"Ooooh," Lavender said smiling at him.

"Like that did you?" he kissed under her ear.

"It's not...it's not bad," Lavender stammered.

"Just not bad?" he asked. "Can I make it better?"

Lavender bit her bottom lip when his hand travelled up her thigh.

"Okay?" he asked when her breathing increased.

"Mmmhmm," Lavender nodded.

"Good," he said softly.

Lavender looped her arms around his neck.

Charlie wanted to go as far as she'd let him go. Gently, he began to pull her skirt down.

"Charlie," Lavender smiled at him. "I trust you."

"I love you," he said before he could stop himself.

Lavender wasn't sure she'd heard him correctly. "Um..."

"Sorry," Charlie said hastily. "Um... I uh..."

"You just said you love me," Lavender said in a daze.

"I know," he said, embarrassed.

"I don't know what to say," Lavender said quietly.

"I understand if you don't say it back," Charlie replied. "It's a bit soon..."

Lavender shook her head. "No, it's not that. It's just---no one's ever said that to me."

"Then they're missing out," Charlie said intently.

Lavender smiled at him. "I love you, too."

He stared at her, speechless.

"I'm completely crazy about you," Lavender said. "So much so that I find it hard to concentrate most of the time."

"Same here," Charlie confessed.

Lavender rested her head on his chest. "Oh, Charlie."

He hugged her tightly, kissing the top of her head.

"I love you," Lavender repeated softly.

He smiled at her. "You deserve better than a classroom," he said.

"Christmas," Lavender promised. "We'll find time alone during Christmas."

Charlie kissed her. "A few days of time alone," he said meaningfully.

"Just you and me," Lavender agreed. "And a nice, comfy bed."

He chuckled. "You read my mind."

Lavender gave him another kiss before sliding off the desk and straightening out her clothes. Charlie put his jumper back on and tried to smooth down his hair.

"It's useless," he said after she ran her fingers through it as well.

"Its fine," Lavender reassured him. "You look handsome."

"Thanks," he sent her a grin.

"So," Lavender said. "Your mum is probably going to make your favourite things for dinner, isn't she?"

"Most likely," Charlie nodded. "I can't wait."

"I hope that she'll like me," Lavender said. "I met her a couple of times but only in passing."

"She's going to love you," Charlie assured her. "I know she will."

"What have you told her about me?" Lavender asked curiously.

"That you're gorgeous," Charlie said. "And smart… and completely mad about me."

Lavender grinned. "Very."

He kissed her again. "I wish we had more time together."

"Christmas will be here before we know it," Lavender said.

"Good," he answered.

"I'll walk you out," Lavender said, knowing she had to get back to work, but wanting to spend every second with him.

"Okay," he agreed, taking her hand.

"I'm knitting you a scarf," Lavender told him.

"You are?" he asked with a grin. "I didn't know you knew how to knit."

"Hermione taught me," Lavender said. "It's very therapeutic."

"Mum loves to knit," Charlie told her. "So there's something you'll have in common right off the bat."

Lavender grinned. She decided not to tell him about how she'd never really liked his sister when they were at Hogwarts. But, Ginny had become much more bearable now that she was with Neville.

"I'll see you in a few weeks," Charlie promised her when they came to the lobby.

"We'll still write," Lavender said.

"Every day," he promised.

Lavender hugged him tightly. "I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too," he said huskily, leaning in for a kiss.

Lavender pressed her lips to his.

They kissed for several minutes, oblivious to the people passing by.

"I have to go," Charlie said reluctantly. "Promise you'll be careful tomorrow?"

"I promise," Lavender said.

"Good luck," Charlie said smiling at her.

"I'll see you soon," she said softly.

Charlie gave her one last kiss before walking away.

She watched him go before heading back up to her room. She hoped she would find Hermione in there.

Hermione, however, had taken a small study break. She'd walked down to the cafeteria for pumpkin juice and a muffin.

While standing in line, she thought over the things she had read about raids. While they could be dangerous, they had often brought about evidence that would lead to convict dangerous wizards.

Lavender was right. This mission could be the chance they had to prove themselves. She wasn't going to waste her time worrying about Harry and their fight. He obviously wasn't losing any sleep over it.

She was almost to the head of the line when she bumped into someone. "Sorry..."

"Watch where you're---" Harry snapped. "Oh---"

"Sorry," Hermione said coolly.

"You should be preparing for tomorrow," Harry said echoing her tone.

"I am," Hermione crossed her arms. "A person has to eat, you know."

"Wotcher, Harry!" Tonks said happily coming over to join them. She didn't notice the tension between Harry and Hermione. "I am so excited! They have pumpkin pie today."

"Great," Harry said tonelessly.

"That does sound good," Hermione said setting aside her muffin and reaching for a piece of pie. "Unless of course, you think I'm too NAIVE to have pie."

Tonks looked at her, clueless. "Too naive to have pie?"

"I wouldn't say naive," Harry retorted. "I'd say you were acting childish."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Better childish than an arse," she retorted.

"It's just pie," Tonks said wondering what was going on.

"It's never just pie, Tonks," Hermione responded. "If you'll excuse me--"

"Um, sure," Tonks said confused.

"Professor," Hermione said in a sarcastic tone as she glared at Harry before leaving the cafeteria.

"What just happened here?" Tonks asked pulling a confused face. "It was just...pie."

Harry shook his head. "She's pissed because I gave her low marks on her essay," he covered quickly.

"Oh," Tonks said nodding. "Was it that bad?"

"Yeah," Harry snapped. "It was."

Tonks shrugged and grabbed a piece of pie for herself. "You sure you don't want a slice? It's the best in the world. Even better than Hogwarts, in my opinion."

"I'm suddenly not hungry," Harry shoved his tray away.

Tonks put her hand on his arm. "Harry, I know it's not been easy for you having to teach people you went to school with and people you consider your friends. But, you know, you've done an amazing job so far."

Harry softened at her obvious praise. "Thanks," he replied. "I... I appreciate that."

"And I'll be there tomorrow to help with the surveillance," Tonks said grinning at him. "I promise not to trip over my wand."

"That'll be a first," Harry cracked.

"Very funny," Tonks said. "I'm buying you a piece of pie, Potter. And you can tell me why you've been in such a bad mood lately."

"I can't," Harry said. "I have to go."

"You are avoiding me," Tonks said with a grin.

"I am not," Harry denied. "Besides, Lupin's right over there. Go eat with him."

"Oh," Tonks brightened. "Okay, see you later."

Harry laughed as he watched his friend and colleague practically run in Lupin's direction. His smile turned into a wince when she tripped over her feet and nearly dropped her tray on Lupin's lap.

Harry walked out of the cafeteria wondering what he was going to do about Hermione. They couldn't go on like this, but she was being completely unreasonable.

He was still surprised for someone so smart, that she couldn't see how fake Padma was being. He more than suspected Padma knew about him and Hermione.

If there even was a him and Hermione, Harry grumbled to himself.

The girl in question arrived back up in her room, where Lavender nearly pounced on her.

"I HAD THE BEST DAY!" Lavender shouted.

Hermione jumped. "Merlin!"

Lavender giggled. "I'm sorry! I'm just so excited! Charlie told me he loved me!"

A smile appeared on Hermione's face. "How lovely," she said. "I'm happy for you, Lav."

Lavender gave her a hug. "It was the best day!"

"For you, perhaps," Hermione answered. "Mine was so- so…"

"Oh," Lavender said frowning. "You and Harry---"

"We just fought in the cafeteria," Hermione said glumly. "I'm sorry Lav. I don't want to bring you down. I just don't know if we can work this out."

"Padma can be sweet," Lavender said. "But, she's changed since Parvati's death, Hermione. She hates Harry. I wouldn't be so quick to trust her."

"She's just been nice to me," Hermione replied.

Lavender nodded. "She dropped off some more books for you, earlier. I left them on your bed."

"That's what I mean," Hermione said. "She doesn't even know that I'm seeing Harry. Why would she hate me, and yet do nice things for me?"

"That's true," Lavender said thoughtfully.

"I just don't know what to do," Hermione said quietly.

"After the mission tomorrow, you should talk to him," Lavender said. "You love each other."

"Yeah," Hermione said. "I hope he still loves me."

"One fight isn't going to be the end for you guys," Lavender said. "And you know it."

Hermione shrugged, unconvinced.

"We can get your mind off of it by getting back to our prep work," Lavender said.

"Right," Hermione nodded. "Good idea."

"I know that Lupin said it was pretty much a textbook case, but there's still the chance that something might happen," Lavender said. "I'm a little nervous, actually."

"I'm excited," Hermione said. "Our first raid..."

"You're not nervous at all?" Lavender asked.

"Maybe just a little," Hermione confessed.

"At least we're working together," Lavender said. "I'll have your back and you'll have mine."

"Exactly," Hermione agreed.

The two of them spent the majority of the night going over their case notes along with the procedures manual.

"I feel like I understand this so much better," Lavender said. "Earlier, all I could think about was Charlie."

"With good reason," Hermione said standing up and stretching. "You had a great lunch with him. That was sweet of him to surprise you like that."

"Yes it was," Lavender flopped back on her bed.

"And you're spending Christmas together," Hermione said smiling at her.

"We're going to be at my parents' house for a few days, then go on to his family's celebration," Lavender told her.

Hermione remembered the tentative plans she and Harry had made for Christmas.

"You and Harry will be perfectly fine by tomorrow night," Lavender predicted.

"We'll just have to agree to disagree on this," Hermione said.

"Hermione you're not going to get anywhere by being this stubborn," Lavender preached.

"I am not being stubborn," Hermione said defensively. "He is! He thinks that his way is the only way and that he knows what is best for everyone."

"Harry is Harry," Lavender began. "I guess I'm a little defensive of him because I've known him for so long but when he gets worked up like that, it means it's because he cares."

"I'll try and talk to him tomorrow," Hermione said.

"And like I said, you two will patch things up," Lavender said. "And I can say I told you so."

"Yeah," Hermione said quietly. "Maybe."

"I already know you will be fine," Lavender said.

"We'll see tomorrow," Hermione said. "We'd better get some sleep."

"I can't wait to dream tonight," Lavender said happily.

Hermione laughed. "I bet you can't."

"Wake me up when you do, will you?" Lavender asked with a yawn.

"I've set the alarm," Hermione said.

"Great," Lavender pulled her hair back into a ponytail.

Hermione changed into her pyjamas and then slid under the covers.

"Night," Lavender told her friend.

"Night," Hermione said. "Sweet dreams."

"I plan to have some," Lavender giggled.

"...with Charlie Weasley in the starring role?" Hermione guessed.

"You bet," Lavender answered.

Lavender couldn't wipe the smile off of her face.

Hermione, meanwhile, had a more difficult time falling asleep. She wanted to patch things up with Harry, but her stupid pride kept making his words repeat in her head.

Naive. She wasn't naive and he should know her better by now.

"He needs to apologise to me," Hermione mumbled as she turned on her side.

In his flat, Harry was thinking the same thing about Hermione. She needed to see how vindictive Padma Patil was being.

"I just need some way for her to see it for herself," he said.

He knew that sometimes he had to step back and let others make their own mistakes.

But with her, it was different. He hated that they were fighting and wanted to talk things out with her the next day after the mission.

Either way, tomorrow was going to be a long day.

*** *** ***

Hermione was nervous but excited as they arrived at the mansion where the raid was to take place. She had a feeling today would really prove who was in this and who wasn't.

"Remember your places," Harry told them. "Wands at the ready. Be on your toes. This is serious, guys."

"Right," Ron's grip on his wand was sweaty.

Lupin looked over at Tonks. She was going to set things in motion by knocking on the door and acting as a decoy. This would allow Ron, Justin, Ernie and Eloise to enter from the back.

She sent him a smile indicating that she was ready before changing her appearance to a blond haired, blue eyed beauty.

Ron let out a wolf whistle.

Harry glared at him. "Could you be any louder?"

"Sorry," Ron grumbled.

"Okay," Tonks said winking at the group. "Let me show you how it's done."

Remus watched her go, his eyes on her figure. He shook his head to clear his thoughts before moving into position.

Hermione looked over at Lavender. She and her roommate were to be Tonks' backup. With a deep breath, Hermione got into place behind one of the trees in the front yard. Lavender crouched down behind a Muggle car.

Tonks knocked on the door, ready to flip her hair back and play the damsel in distress.

A few moments later, a butler opened the door.

"Yes, miss?"

"I'm afraid my car has broken down in the road there," Tonks said, widening her eyes. "Have you got a phone I could use?"

The older gentleman looked over her shoulder and saw the car with a flat tire. "Of course, miss. Right this way."

Harry received the signal from Lupin and he led the way into the back of the house. He just hoped that Macmillan wasn't going to pull some stunt.

Ernie wasn't stupid enough to act out, but he decided this was his chance to prove to Lupin that he was better than the rest of these trainees

"This is a lovely home," Tonks told the butler as he led her into the salon. "I was so happy when I saw your lights on. I know it's awfully late...”

"Quite all right miss," the butler said. "The phone is just in here."

Tonks looked gratefully at him. "I promise not to be long."

"Very good miss," the butler bowed slightly.

Harry and the other trainees could hear Tonks.

"Ron," Harry whispered. "You and Ernie go upstairs to the office on the third floor. The money is supposed to be in the safe behind the portrait. Be very quick and give the signal out the window as soon as you've got it."

"Right," Ron nodded as he pressed himself to the wall.

In the salon, Tonks was punching in the number to Lupin's mobile. "Charles? It's me....Rebecca. The most horrible thing has happened!"

"What's wrong dear?" Lupin asked in case anyone was listening close enough for a voice on the other end.

"I have a flat tire!" Tonks exclaimed dramatically. "And I left my mobile at your place. A nice man has allowed me to use his phone..."

"What's the address dear?" Lupin asked.

Tonks looked over at the butler. "Sir? What is the address? My boyfriend's going to come over and change my tire."

The butler gave her the address. "Can I get you anything, miss?"

Tonks shook her head. "I wouldn't want to intrude." She smiled at him before repeating the address into the phone.

Just outside, Lupin caught sight of Ron flashing his lit wand once from the window. Lupin nodded toward Lavender and Hermione. It was time for them to get into position.

The two girls cast nervous looks at each other before creeping towards the house.

"Good luck," Lavender whispered to her friend.

"You too," Hermione said as they separated.

Ron and Ernie had just come back downstairs with the money they'd found along with some contraband.

"Excuse me," The butler was in front of them in the hallway. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

"Uh," Ron said taken aback. "We're---"

"We're Aurors and this is a raid," Ernie replied defiantly.

"I bet your pardon?" the butler asked indignantly.

Harry, Eloise and Justin joined them, their wands trained on the butler.

"What's going on here?" another voice interrupted them as Augustus Rookwood stepped into the room.

"Rookwood, how nice of you to join us," Harry replied glaring at one of Voldemort's old Death Eaters.

"Potter," Rookwood grinned crookedly. "How nice to see you..."

"Quite a haul you have," Harry said gesturing toward the rucksack in Ron's hand. "Let me guess, some investments of yours paid off?"

The other man snarled. "That would be non of your concern..."

"When you steal from Muggles, it is my concern," Harry replied. "Not to mention the dark magic artefacts that we found lying around."

At that moment, Hermione and Lavender crept into the corridor.

"What are you going to do Potter?" Rookwood scoffed. "Throw me in Azkaban over a few thousand pounds?"

"I'm going to throw you in there for much more than that," Harry snapped.

Rookwood's mistress laughed as she entered the room, her wand drawn. "Did I miss the invitation to the party?" Alecto Carrow said haughtily, putting a strangle hold on Lavender with her free arm.

Hermione pointed her own wand at the woman. "Let her go," she said icily.

"No, I don't think I will," Alecto replied gleefully. "She can be our ticket out of here."

Tonks had hurried outside to alert Lupin to what had happened and he'd rushed toward the house, hot on her heels.

Rookwood beamed at his girlfriend. "I love this, Alecto. We haven't had a decent duel in ages. Which one should I attack first?"

"You don't have a wand, you pompous arse," Ron pointed out.

"I don't need one," he said, waving his hand at Hermione.

Lavender watched in horror as a streak of purple flame flew from Rookwood's hand and hit Hermione in the chest.

20. 20

Here’s the fallout from Rookwood’s curse. Enjoy, and to our American readers, Happy Thanksgiving!

"NO!" Lavender screamed.

Harry ran towards them, hitting Rookwood in the face with his fist.

Hermione crumpled to the floor, her eyes closed. Eloise ran over to tend to her while Justin, Ernie and Ron rounded on Carrow who pushed Lavender away and set off a series of stunning spells at them.

Lupin and Tonks burst into the room a moment later, wands drawn.

Harry chased after Rookwood. "Stupefy!"

The Death Eater stopped cold, falling to the floor as Ernie hit Carrow in the back of the head.

Eloise had apprehended the butler who looked more than a little confused by what had just transpired. Chances were he wasn't involved in the robberies, but they would definitely want to pump him for information about the dealings of Carrow and Rookwood.

Tonks knelt down beside Hermione. "Does anyone know what he hit her with?"

"Something purple," Harry said his face pale.

"We should get her to St. Mungos," Tonks said. "Now."

"Right," Lupin said grimly.

Tonks pressed two fingers to Hermione's neck. "There's still a pulse."

Harry lifted her up. "Let's go," he snapped.

He wanted nothing more than for her to open her eyes and look up at him and tell him that she was okay. But, her body was limp in his arms.

"Harry-" Lupin looked at him carefully.

"I have to get her to hospital," Harry said trying very hard to keep his emotions in check. "You can stay behind here, but I have to take her now."

"Right," Lupin nodded.

Eloise and Lavender hurried after them. They were concerned about their friend.

"Harry-" Lavender said. "She'll be all right."

He barely heard her. The only thing on his mind was getting her to the hospital and making sure she was okay.

Harry looked down at Hermione's silent, pale face. "Please be okay," he said quietly.

He Apparated them both to St. Mungos and he bypassed the woman at the front desk. "SHE NEEDS HELP!" he bellowed, not caring who heard him.

"She's been hit with a curse!" Lavender added.

A bored looking Healer came over and looked down at Hermione. "She looks as if she's died."

"SHE IS NOT DEAD!" Harry roared.

"Great bedside manner," Lavender glared at the healer.

The healer ignored her and pointed toward an empty cot. "Place her on the bed, please."

Harry gently set her down. "Please be okay," he whispered.

Lavender told the healer everything she remembered. "He used wandless magic and she was hit by some sort of purple flame."

"Right," the healer said brusquely.

Harry held onto Hermione's hand much to the annoyance of the healer. "I need you all to leave. I have to tend to the patient."

"I'm staying," Harry said firmly.

"Fine!" the healer retorted. "But only you."

Eloise and Lavender reluctantly headed for the door. "I'll ring her parents," Lavender said tears welling up in her eyes. "Just in case..."

Eloise grabbed her hand. "I'll go with you."

The healer looked over at Harry. "How long has she been out?"

"Fifteen minutes," Harry answered.

The healer leaned over Hermione examining her condition. "I'm not sure what kind of curse this is. I'm going to get the specialist on call."

Harry paled.

The healer left the examining area and Harry sat down, taking Hermione's cold hand in his.

"You can't leave me," he whispered brokenly. "Hermione... I am so sorry. I should have paid better attention. This shouldn't have happened to you."

He wasn't going to think the worst, but she'd been out for quite some time now. If she---if she didn't wake up, the last memory he'd have of her alive would have been their fight. Their stupid, worthless fight.

"Hermione," he leaned closer. "Please... you have to wake up. I have to tell you how much I love you."

A different healer came into the room and Harry reluctantly sat back. The woman didn't speak as she examined Hermione.

Harry watched the woman's face for any sign of how dire Hermione's situation was, but the woman's face gave nothing away.

"Well?" he asked impatiently. "Will she be all right?"

"I'm not sure of the curse," the healer replied. "This is extraordinary..."

Harry ran his hands through his hair, feeling a sense of panic rise within him. It was happening all over again.

"Who hit her with the curse?" the healer asked. "Is there any way you could get him to tell you what curse h used?"

"Augustus Rookwood," Harry said. "He's a Death Eater."

The healer sighed. "They always have those complex spells and curses. Are you sure it wasn't one of the Unforgivables?"

"It's not one I've ever seen before," Harry replied. "And I've seen my share."

"I'm sure you have," the healer said sympathetically. "The only thing we can do now is monitor her condition. It would help though if you could talk to this Rookwood and find out what curse he used. It would help Miss Granger."

Harry nodded. "Thank you." he said dejectedly.

With a heavy heart, Harry stood up and walked out of the examining room. He needed to check in with Lupin to see if he could get Rookwood to talk. Harry wasn't sure he would be able to stay in control if he was in a room alone with Rookwood.

As he walked out into the waiting room, he saw Lavender and Eloise talking with an older man and woman. Hermione's parents, Harry thought to himself.

Taking a deep breath, he walked over to them.

"Dr. Granger, I'm sure Hermione's going to be fine," Eloise was saying to Hermione's father. "St. Mungo's is the best hospital."

"This should never have happened," Robert Granger was saying. "Soon as we're able, we're taking her home to live with us."

"This was just an accident, Sir," Lavender tried to reason with him. "Hermione loves being an Auror."

"She's still unconscious," Harry interrupted them quietly. "I have to go speak with Rookwood about what curse he put on her."

"And who are you?" Elinore Granger asked.

"Harry Potter ma'am," he said. "I'm Hermione's... Hermione's professor."

"I hold you personally responsible for what's happened to her!" Robert Granger glared at him. "Where were you when my daughter was being hit by a curse?"

"It wasn't his fault, sir." Lavender tried. "We were all to be in certain positions when it happened."

Elinore put her hand on her husband's shoulder. "Robert, let's go and sit with Hermione."

Robert glared at Harry for another moment before following his wife into the room.

Harry put his head into his hands.

Lavender looked over at Eloise. "Why don't you owl Justin and the others and let them know what's going on, Eloise?"

"Sure," Eloise nodded and hurried away.

"I need to go talk to Rookwood," Harry muttered.

"They're just concerned about their daughter," Lavender said gently. "I'm sure they didn't mean what they said. You know that this wasn't your fault..."

"I should have had a better grip on the situation," Harry said. "Of course it's my fault!"

"Harry, you had no idea that Rookwood was going to throw that curse at Hermione!" Lavender argued.

"I should have apprehended him right away," Harry ran his hands through his hair again.

Lavender didn't have to read minds to know what was going through his right now. She'd seen him just like this after Parvati.

"Hermione was going to talk to you tonight," Lavender said quietly. "She hated fighting with you and she was going to talk it out with you after the mission was completed."

"We should have stopped fighting long ago," Harry said miserably, looking over at the room.

"You'll be able to make up with her soon," Lavender said optimistically. "As soon as she wakes up."

Harry wasn't so sure. "I'm going to go find Lupin," he said. "Keep an eye on things for me?"

Lavender nodded. "Don't do anything stupid, okay?"

Harry only shrugged. He wasn't about to make any promises.

He somehow made it back to the Ministry without splinching himself. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Hermione's face right before she crumpled to the floor.

"I have to talk to Rookwood," he said, barging into Lupin's office.

"Kingsley is interrogating him right now," Lupin said. He had never seen Harry like this before.

"No, I have to find out what curse he used," Harry shook his head. "The healers can't lift it off her if they don't know what it was."

"They're in Room One," Lupin replied. "But--"

Harry turned and headed for the room without another word.

Lupin had to run to catch up to him. Harry didn't even knock on the door before barging in startling Kingsley.

"What did you do to her?" Harry snarled at Rookwood.

"Do to whom?" Rookwood asked innocently. "You're the one who knocked me out, Potter!"

"To one of my students!" Harry roared, remembering himself at the last moment.

"The Mudblood?" Rookwood scoffed. "The world will be better off with one less..."

Harry grabbed him by the collar. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?"

Lupin tried to restrain Harry but Harry shrugged him off.

Rookwood gasped for air. "...can't....breathe..."

The coffee cups on the table flew to the wall and shattered as Harry grew more furious. "WHAT CURSE DID YOU USE?"

Kingsley managed to pull Harry off of Rookwood, who sank back into his chair, trying to catch his breath.

"I think you should tell Mr. Potter what he wants to hear," Kingsley said to the Death Eater.

"Fine," Rookwood said in a raspy voice. "The curse doesn't have a name. I used it during the war...."

"What does it do?" Harry asked angrily.

A proud smile came over Rookwood's face. "It renders the victim unconscious and it slowly eats away at their insides..."

"How is it lifted?" Harry's fist curled.

Rookwood didn't reply at first but the tandem of Kingsley Shacklebolt and Harry Potter made him change his mind. "A combination of aconite, ginger, and hellebore usually counters the effects of the curse. It must be administered within three hours of the curse or the victim will die."

Harry shoved his chair back so fast it knocked over as he rushed from the room.

"Harry!" Lupin called after him but his friend was already gone.

Harry reached the hospital in record time and searched frantically for the healer who had treated Hermione.

He found her talking to the Grangers just outside of Hermione's room.

"Aconite," he said, breathlessly. "Ginger and hellebore. It'll bring her out of it."

"What?" the healer asked.

"You have to give it to her NOW," Harry said. "It has to be administered within three hours!"

"I think we have those ingredients in our stores," the healer said. "I'll go and make the potion."

Harry nodded. "Hurry," he urged. "Please, hurry."

The healer hurried in the other direction and Harry was left alone with Hermione's parents.

"You're sure this will work?" Elinore asked him.

Harry nodded. "It has to..."

"Thank you," Elinore said extending her hand. "She's our girl. If anything happened to her..."

Harry nodded, shaking Hermione’s mother's hand. "I'll do what I can to make sure she recovers."

"That's not going to be necessary," Robert Granger said. "As soon as this is over, we're taking our daughter home."

"Robert--" Elinore began.

"We've indulged her in this far too long, Ellie," Robert said firmly. "We let her go to that school against our better judgement. But, enough is enough. She's lying in that bed unconscious."

"She'll be all right," Harry said. "With that potion given to her, she'll wake up."

"We'll see," Robert said pushing past him. "Right now, we want to be with our daughter."

"I understand," Harry nodded.

Elinore followed her husband back into Hermione's room. Harry wanted nothing more than to go in there with them.

Lavender appeared behind him. "Did you find anything out?" she asked anxiously.

He briefly told her about what Rookwood had told him.

"The healer should be back any second with the potion," Harry said.

Lavender sighed in relief. "So you think she'll be all right then?"

"I hope so," Harry said giving her a hug. "I can't lose her."

"You won't," Lavender said. "I know you won't."

The healer came back a few minutes later with the potion. Harry and Lavender watched from outside as she administered the potion by injection.

Harry held his breath, waiting for Hermione to stir.

"Come on, Hermione," Lavender whispered.

Harry reached for Lavender's hand and squeezed it as he stared at Hermione's face, waiting for any flicker of movement.

Hermione's body began to seize all of a sudden and Harry felt like an idiot for trusting Rookwood. But the healer didn't seem to be worried and Lavender heard her reassure Hermione's parents that this was a normal reaction to the potion.

It took all Harry's willpower not to rush into the room and he sagged against the door in relief when Hermione suddenly opened her eyes.

"Miss Granger?" the healer asked leaning over her. "It's okay. You're in St. Mungos. I'm Healer Donovan. Your parents are right here."

"What happened?" Hermione asked, her throat feeling quite scratchy.

"You were hit with a curse," Healer Donovan told her.

"Oh, sweetheart," Elinore said taking Hermione's hand. "I'm so glad you're awake!"

"Mum and Dad?" Hermione blinked. "What are you two doing here?"

"Your friend Lavender called us," Robert explained.

"Oh," Hermione looked towards the door and saw Harry and Lavender hovering outside.

"Is everyone else okay?" Hermione asked.

"I'm not sure, sweetheart." Elinore replied. "We're just concerned about you."

"Everyone's fine," Harry said from the doorway. "Everyone's fine. Rookwood and Callow were arrested."

"Good," Hermione said in relief.

"I'm going to call your grandparents," Elinore told her. "They're going to be so happy that you're okay!"

"Mum," Hermione said. "We don't need to tell everyone about this. I'm fine, and let's just leave it at that."

"It's just your grandparents," Elinore said already reaching for her mobile.

"Mum, please," Hermione reached for her hand.

"Okay," Elinore relented. "I'm just so happy you're okay!"

"Thanks," Hermione said softly.

"Me too," Robert said smiling down at his daughter. He looked over at the healer. "When will we be able to take her home?"

"Home?" Hermione asked. "Dad--"

"We'll want to keep her for a couple of days," Healer Donovan interjected. "Just to keep an eye on her."

Robert opened his mouth to say something, but Elinore cut him off.

"We'll talk about that tomorrow," Elinore said. "Hermione needs to rest."

"Of course," Robert nodded.

Hermione met Harry's gaze and offered him a smile.

Harry chanced a smile back at her. He hoped to be able to get her alone soon.

"Dr. Granger is correct," Healer Donovan said. "Hermione does need her rest."

"We'll be back tomorrow," Robert told his daughter. "You feel better, sweetheart."

"Thanks, Dad," Hermione said squeezing his hand.

Robert and Elinore left with Lavender, who offered to get them through the Leaky Cauldron. Harry closed the door behind them and approached Hermione's bedside.

"Hi," Hermione said hoarsely.

"How are you feeling, really?" Harry pulled a chair closer.

"Like I've been hit in the stomach a hundred times," Hermione replied.

"I'm so sorry," Harry said quietly.

"For what?" Hermione asked softly.

"You shouldn't have gotten hurt," Harry said. "I should have prepared you better. Instead, I spent all week being angry over a stupid fight."

Hermione shook her head. "You...you didn't do anything wrong."

"Yes I did," Harry squeezed her hand. "I did everything wrong."

"No more arguing," Hermione whispered. "I missed you."

"I've missed you too," Harry stroked her cheek. "I love you."

"I love you," Hermione said smiling at him. "Will you stay?"

Harry nodded immediately. "As long as you need me to." He didn't care at that moment about possibly getting caught by Lupin, Kingsley, or anyone else.

"Thanks," Hermione said softly. She didn't want to go to sleep, but she was really tired.

Harry settled on the bed next to her. "Am I hurting you?"

"Not at all," Hermione said closing her eyes. She'd missed being this close to him.

Harry kissed her forehead. "Just rest," he said softly.

"Okay," Hermione whispered.

"I'll be here when you wake up," Harry promised.

"You met my parents," Hermione said sleepily.

"For a minute," Harry answered.

Hermione rested her head on Harry's chest, wincing just a little at the pain the movement caused.

"I'm not quitting the program," Hermione said softly. "And I'm not moving back in with them."

"I didn't think you'd want to," Harry said. "They probably aren't going to like hearing that."

"Haven't you heard? I'm a rebel?" Hermione said.

Harry laughed. "You certainly are."

Hermione smiled as Harry ran his hands through her hair.

"I'm so glad you're okay," Harry told her. "I was a right mess when you got hit with that curse. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"I'm not going anywhere," she promised.

"Ever," Harry said quietly.

Hermione fell asleep in his arms and Harry kissed the top of her head. He honestly didn't care right now if anyone saw them like this. She wanted him there and there was nowhere else in the world he wanted to be.

*** *** ***

Tonks was talking animatedly about something, but Lupin barely heard her. His mind was still on what had happened at the raid this weekend, and Harry's behaviour when Hermione had gotten hurt.

"Remus?" Tonks asked. "Have you heard a word I've said?"

"Hmm?" Lupin replied absently. "I'm sorry, Nymphadora."

Tonks sat back. "It's okay. I was just asking if you'd heard anything about Rookwood."

"He'll be tried tomorrow," Lupin said. "And should be on his way to Azkaban."

"Good," Tonks nodded.

"I wanted to talk to Harry about what happened this weekend, but I haven't been able to get in touch with him," Lupin told her. "I know he blames himself for what happened."

Tonks shook her head. "But he couldn't have known. Everyone did what they were supposed to do."

"I hope I can remind him of that," Lupin said. "It's never easy when one of your team gets injured."

"And Hermione's going to be just fine," Tonks said.

Lupin nodded. "She's to be back in classes today."

"Good," Tonks said. "I like her."

"I do too," Lupin said. "She's going to make a great Auror. She's very clever."

"Harry told me she's his best student," Tonks replied.

"She's mine as well," Lupin told her.

Tonks looked up as Harry entered the cafeteria. She waved him over.

He looked like he hadn't slept much in the past two days and Tonks smiled sympathetically at him. "When was the last time you slept, Harry?"

"I don't know," Harry ran his hands through his hair. "Not since Friday, really."

"Miss Granger will be back in classes today," Lupin reassured him. "St. Mungos said she was doing well."

"Yeah she's fine now," Harry nodded.

Tonks smiled. "And her parents?"

"They still want her to come back home," Harry answered.

"I can understand their concern," Lupin said thoughtfully. "She is their only daughter and I know they were less than thrilled when she chose this career path."

"It's what she wants," Harry said defensively. "And she's an adult now. She can make her own decisions!"

Tonks shared a look with Lupin, but she decided Harry was acting like this because he was getting by on almost no sleep and she knew that he'd had to deal with Hermione's parents. It couldn't have been easy.

"You should take a kip after your morning class," Tonks told him. "You really need it, Harry."

"Maybe I will," Harry muttered.

"You shouldn't blame yourself as to what happened," Lupin told him. "Every Auror knows there is a risk when they go on missions. Hermione knew that--"

"And she still got hurt," Harry snapped. "Yeah."

"Harry---" Tonks said gently.

"I've got to go get ready for my lesson," Harry said before turning and leaving abruptly.

Tonks sighed. "He's taking this hard."

"Yeah," Lupin gazed after him.

Tonks reached for his hand. "I know you're worried for him."

"He's taking this more than hard," Lupin said thoughtfully. "It's actually on a personal level."

"What makes you say that?" Tonks asked him.

"The only other time I've seen him even remotely like this is when Parvati was killed by Voldemort," Lupin told her.

"You don't think he's going to spiral like he did before, do you?" Tonks asked. "He withdrew from everyone after that..."

"I hope not," Lupin replied.

Tonks looked at him. "I'd better get going too. I have to meet with Kingsley."

"I'll see you later tonight, Nymphadora," Lupin smiled at her.

Tonks looked around before leaning forward and pecking him on the cheek.

He turned a rather fetching shade of red at her gesture.

"Bye, Remus," Tonks said winking at him before walking out of the cafeteria.

She passed Justin and Eloise on her way in, who were deep in conversation about the raid that past weekend.

"It was so exciting," Justin told her. "When Ron and I were upstairs in that office getting the evidence. I've never felt so much adrenaline, Eloise."

"Me either," Eloise replied. "I can't wait to be an Auror officially and do raids all the time."

Justin grinned. "Me, too."

"Maybe we'll get to be partners," Eloise said softly.

"I couldn't think of a better one," Justin said squeezing her hand.

The now familiar but welcome thrill shot through her as they sat down together at their usual table.

"Have you seen Hermione yet?" Justin asked her. "I know she was getting out of hospital late last night."

"I saw her as Lavender was walking her back to their room," Eloise said. "She's going to be all right."

"That's great," Justin said. "She's tough. I knew she'd make it through."

"I'm so glad she's all right." Eloise agreed.

"I don't know what I'd have done if it had been you that had gone down like that," Justin said.

"Really?" she asked, blushing.

"Yes," Justin said grinning at her. "You know how much you mean to me."

"I'm beginning to see that," she said happily.

"And we have to start thinking about Christmas," Justin said.

"Christmas?" Eloise asked.

"Yes," Justin said. "It's coming up soon. Did you have plans with your family?"

"No," she said shyly. "Not yet... I mean, I was just going to go home, but nothing special."

"Well, I'd like to see you at some point during the break," Justin said.

"I'd like that too," she agreed. "Um... maybe you can come over for dinner on Christmas Day?"

"Would your parents mind?" Justin asked.

"I'll owl home and ask," Eloise said. "But I think they'll be happy to meet you."

"Meeting the parents," Justin said dramatically. "I don't know what they'll think of me."

"They'll love you," Eloise assured him.

"And their daughter?" Justin asked.

Eloise blushed a bright shade of red at his obvious question.

Justin grinned. "How about I go and grab us something for breakfast?"

"Sure," she said shyly.

Justin patted her arm affectionately before walking away. He was feeling quite good actually. Things with Eloise were going brilliantly.

Eloise wasn't sure she could eat that morning. Instead, she pulled out a piece of parchment to write home to her parents about Justin.

"Midgen, have you seen Justin?" Ernie asked interrupting her thoughts.

"What?" Eloise looked up.

"Justin," Ernie said impatiently.

"He's getting us something to eat," Eloise said quietly.

Ernie rolled his eyes. "Thank you."

Eloise shrugged. "Fine."

Ernie walked up to his best friend who was standing in the queue. He'd spent most of the weekend trying to catch Potter at the hospital with Granger. Unfortunately, security hadn't let him past the front desk. Because of that, he'd forgotten to write a paper for Lupin's class.

"Hey," he nudged his friend. "Favour?"

Justin turned around. "Hey, mate."

"Let me borrow your essay," Ernie said without preamble.

Justin thought Ernie was joking. "Right."

"No really," Ernie said. "I didn't get a chance to work on mine."

"So, I'm just supposed to give you mine?" Justin asked incredulously.

"Just let me borrow it," Ernie said impatiently.

"Ern," Justin protested. "This isn't like Hogwarts, mate. We could get kicked out of the program..."

"It's not like I'm going to copy it," Ernie rolled his eyes. "I just need a few ideas."

"Why didn't you work on it this weekend?" Justin asked.

"I was busy," Ernie said. "Are you going to let me see your essay or not?"

Justin thought about this for a moment before nodding. "It's in my bag. But you'd better not---"

But Justin's words were cut off when Ernie stalked back toward the table.

"Hey what are you doing?" Eloise asked when Ernie started rifling through Justin's bag.

Ernie ignored her as he pulled out Justin's essay and hurried off toward the library so he could work on it before class. He would be late for Harry's morning class, but that couldn't be helped. He'd just make up some excuse about breakfast not agreeing with him.

"What just happened here?" Eloise asked as Justin came back to the table.

Justin sat the tray down on the table and shook his head. "He's up to something. I just wish I knew what it was."

"He just took your essay," Eloise pointed out.

"I know," Justin sat down. "He said he wasn't going to copy it. Just get some ideas..."

"I hope he doesn't copy," Eloise said. "You could get into big trouble."

"If he does, I'll kill him myself," Justin said. "I'm worried, Eloise. He's broken curfew a lot these last few days. I haven't said anything, but if he gets caught when he's already on probation..."

"But that's his problem," Eloise said. "Ernie's an adult, and he's got to take care of himself."

"He's my best mate," Justin said defensively.

Eloise looked down at her plate. "Just don't let him drag you down."

Justin nodded, but didn't say anything. He and Ernie had been through quite a lot. Justin would do almost anything for him, but he wasn't about to get thrown out of the program for him.

Outside in the corridor, Lavender was fussing over Hermione. "I really don't think you should be walking, Hermione."

"I'm fine," Hermione said. "I'm not an invalid, Lav."

"You were seriously injured," Lavender argued. "You nearly died!"

"I can walk," Hermione told her firmly. "I can go to class, I can cast spells, and oh, I can breathe on my own."

"In other words, back off?" Lavender asked.

"Just a little," Hermione smiled at her. "I appreciate the concern, but really, I feel all right."

Hermione was glad to be out of the hospital and getting back to normal. Her parents had not wanted her to return to the program, but she'd reminded them as gently as she could that she was an adult now capable of making her own decisions.

It had caused another bit of a rift between her and her father, but she wasn't sure what else she could do to prove that this was what she wanted to do.

"I promise not to mother you too much," Lavender said. "I know you already have one mother, you don't need another."

"Just be my friend," Hermione said wryly.

"That I can do," Lavender said grinning at her.

21. 21

More H/Hr fun this chapter. We hope you enjoy and please review!!!

"I'm pretty famished," Hermione admitted. "Hospital food is not that good."

"You should have told me!" Lavender said. "I would have brought you something from the bakery while you were in there. Of course, your parents were hovering over you most of the time..."

"Its fine," Hermione assured her. "Really. Let's just go in and have breakfast."

"Okay," Lavender said. "I'm hungry too."

"I finished my essay last night for Professor Lupin," Hermione said as they got into queue.

"You did?" Lavender asked. "Hermione, you were supposed to be resting."

Hermione gave her a look.

"Okay," Lavender said sheepishly. "Okay."

"Thank you," Hermione said in relief as she reached for a muffin.

"I finished my essay too," Lavender said. "This morning."

"You waited that long?" Hermione asked automatically.

"Well, I was worried about my roommate," Lavender pointed out.

"I guess I can let you off the hook just this once," Hermione joked.

"Very nice of you to do that," Lavender giggled. "Ooooh! They have waffles!"

"Your favourite Charlie food," Hermione teased.

Lavender smiled. "Yes, they are."

Hermione watched as her friend stacked three waffles on her plate and then poured a healthy amount of syrup on top of them. "Charlie's made you start eating real food, Lav."

"I've probably gained a stone for it," Lavender replied.

"That's rubbish," Hermione said grabbing a plate of waffles, too.

"Yes well," Lavender said. "It makes me think of him when I eat them."

Hermione smiled at her. "The way to your heart was through a plate of waffles..."

Lavender laughed. "Maybe I'm more like Ron than I ever thought."

"Perish the thought," Hermione teased, reaching for a glass of juice. She was hoping to see Harry, but a quick scan of the cafeteria revealed he wasn't here.

"He's preparing for class, I'm sure." Lavender whispered.

Hermione nodded. "He's been kind of quiet since this happened. I mean, he was there, but he looked so distant."

"He's probably scared of anyone finding out," Lavender reassured her.

Hermione thought it was more than that. She hoped he honestly didn't blame himself for what had happened. She certainly didn't.

"You'll talk to him after class, and it'll be fine," Lavender said quietly as they sat down at a table.

"I hope so," Hermione said.

"Hello, Miss Granger, Miss Brown," Lupin said from behind them.

"Good morning, Professor," Hermione replied.

"How are you feeling?" Lupin asked her.

"Much better, thank you." Hermione answered.

"She's got a big scar on her stomach," Lavender added.

Hermione blushed. "Lavender..."

"I'm very sorry to hear that Miss Granger." Lupin said.

"It's okay, sir," Hermione said. "I'm just looking forward to things getting back to normal."

"Very good," Lupin said. "I'll see you both later in class."

Hermione and Lavender finished their breakfast and slowly made their way to the classroom for that morning's class. Hermione's heart skipped a beat when she saw Harry busily writing at his desk.

No one else was in yet, and Lavender whispered that she'd wait outside and let them know when anyone was approaching.

"Hi," Hermione said when they were alone.

"Hey," Harry said softly. "How are you feeling?"

"Good," Hermione replied. "How are you?"

"All right," Harry answered, standing up.

Hermione smiled at him. "You look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't, really." Harry said. "I was worried about you."

Hermione reached for him. "I'm okay."

Harry pulled her tightly against him.

Hermione winced when he held her. "Oh...."

"I'm sorry," Harry said quickly. "Where does it hurt?"

"It's my stomach," Hermione said. "Where I was hit..."

Harry's eyebrows creased together. "I should have paid more attention," he muttered.

Hermione shook her head. "No."

"Hermione--" Harry began to argue.

"No," Hermione repeated. "It wasn't your fault. It was Rookwood's and he's on his way to Azkaban."

"Where he should have been all along," Harry said bitterly.

Hermione reached for his hand. "It's okay."

"I just don't think I could handle it if anything happened to you," Harry told her.

"I feel that way about you," Hermione said leaning in. "I love you."

"I love you too," Harry said before gently kissing her.

Hermione put her arms around his neck. This was what she'd been waiting for all weekend.

"You're going to be okay," Harry said, more to reassure himself.

"Better than okay because I have you," Hermione said.

"You always do," Harry brushed her hair behind her ear.

"You know my mother had some nice things to say about you," Hermione told him.

"She did?" Harry asked, surprised.

"Mmmhmm," Hermione said. "She thought that it was very nice of you to be so concerned."

"Little does she know," Harry said wryly.

Hermione laughed. "Yes, little does she know."

Harry kissed her again, holding her close but not too tightly.

"Thank you for staying with me this weekend," Hermione said. "I really needed you and you were there."

"No one could have dragged me away," Harry said. "No one."

Hermione leaned against him. "Are you doing anything tonight?"

"Something with you, I hope." Harry said.

Hermione smiled. "How about a quiet night at yours?"

"I'll make us dinner," Harry promised. "Your favourite, again."

"Sounds perfect," Hermione said happily. "I can't wait."

Harry gave her one more kiss as Lavender poked her head in.

"Time's up," she apologised. "Eloise and Justin are coming."

"Thanks," Harry told her.

Hermione took her seat while the rest of the students trickled in, save for Ernie.

"He---he wasn't feeling that well," Justin told Harry. "He's going to come later if he feels better."

"I see," Harry made a notation in the roster as Eloise shook her head.

Justin looked away from Eloise. She didn't understand.

Harry began the lesson for that day by talking about the raid and what had happened.

"There were some good things that happened and some bad things," Harry told them. "First off, I didn't prepare you for everything eventuality."

"But we got him, right?" Ron asked. "He's getting sent to Azkaban?"

"If all goes as expected," Harry said.

"What can we do to better prepare ourselves for next time?" Hermione asked.

"Does anyone have any ideas?" Harry asked the class. He wanted them to start thinking like Aurors.

"Maybe a better awareness of our surroundings?" Eloise volunteered.

"Very good," Harry said. "And we didn't plan on there being anyone else there. That was a big mistake."

The class nodded sombrely.

"Justin, what do you think was our mistake?" Harry asked.

"Being too spread out?" Justin asked. "Not having enough of us in one place?"

"Valid points," Harry said nodding. "I don't want you to think that I'm not proud of all of you. You all did quite well on your first raid."

"When do we do another one?" Lavender asked.

"I don't know, but hopefully sometime after the new year," Harry told them.

Despite what had happened to her, Hermione was anxious to go on another raid.

Harry produced a stack of folders. "I'd like you to break up into groups of two and read over the cases in these folders."

"Should we work with our partners?" Justin asked.

"Yes," Harry replied. "These are past cases that the Aurors in this department worked on in the last two years. Analyze the cases and determine what was done right and wrong in each case."

Hermione was going to pull her chair over by Ron's when he stood up.

"I can get it for you," Ron said hastily.

"Thanks," Hermione said.

"No problem," Ron said moving her chair. "So, how are you?"

"Better," Hermione nodded.

"You had us all really worried," Ron told her.

"I know," she said softly. "Harry especially."

"He's blaming himself, isn't he?" Ron asked, keeping his voice down.

"I told him not to," Hermione answered as she opened her book. "It wasn't his fault."

"He never believes that," Ron said shaking his head. "Everything's always his fault in his mind."

"Just because of Parvati?" Hermione whispered.

"Before then," Ron confided. "Sirius."

"Oh," Hermione said, sneaking a look at the black haired young man at the front of the classroom.

"We'd better get to work," Ron said opening the folder.

Hermione nodded. "We've got quite a bit of reading to do here."

"Good thing you're such a bookworm," Ron grinned.

Harry excused himself and told the class that he'd be right back.

He slipped out into the hall and closed the door behind him.

Every time he looked at Hermione, he pictured her falling to the floor in that mansion.

"Get a grip," he told himself. "She's fine."

The right thing to do would be to end this. He hadn't been able to protect Parvati and he hadn't been able to protect Hermione. But, there was no way in the world, he could let her go.

She was too much a part of his life. He saw them together years from now.

A few minutes later, he walked back into the classroom and checked their progress.

"What have you lot found out so far?" he asked.

Ron snickered. "Hermione and I were enjoying the fact that a death eater was caught in lingerie."

Lavender rolled her eyes. "So?"

"It was a male death eater," Hermione pointed out.

Lavender slapped a hand over her mouth as the rest of the class laughed.

"It gets better," Ron told her. "It was Lucius Malfoy."

Harry couldn't suppress a grin. "We know where Draco gets it from then."

"That's classic," Lavender giggled.

"Quite so," Harry answered.

The rest of that morning's session went by without an appearance from Ernie.

Harry marked that in his roster that Ernie had missed the lesson. Truth be told however, he didn't miss the bloke at all.

Hermione lingered after class. "You should kip," she told him.

"I'm all right," Harry replied.

"You have bags under your eyes," Hermione said. "And I caught you yawning a couple of times."

"I know but I was worried, that's why." Harry told her. "I'll be all right."

"You said you'd do anything for me, right?" Hermione asked slyly.

Harry smiled at her. "Are you going to ask me to sleep?"

Hermione hit him playfully on the arm. "Yes, but now you've ruined it."

"I'll go take a kip," Harry promised.

"Will you really?" Hermione asked. "Or are you just placating me?"

"I promise," Harry said.

"I don't want you falling asleep on me tonight," Hermione said.

"Never," Harry said, leaning in for a quick kiss. "I'll see you around seven in my office. We can leave from there."

"I'll be there," Hermione promised. "I love you."

"I love you too," Harry answered.

Hermione turned to leave and nearly collided with Ernie as she exited the room.

"Hey, Granger," Ernie said. "Good to see you back."

"Uh, hi Ernie," Hermione answered. "Thanks."

Ernie stood back to allow her to leave before he entered the room.

"Feeling better?" Harry asked him.

"What?" Ernie asked. "Oh uh... yeah. What did I miss?"

"We discussed the raid," Harry said handing him a folder. "And we discussed prior cases."

"Any reading?" Ernie asked curtly.

"Just read over your case," Harry told him.

"Sounds like fun," Ernie turned to leave.

"I really do hope that you're taking this seriously, Ernie," Harry cautioned. "You are still on probation and skiving---"

"I wasn't skiving!" Ernie snapped, his face red.

"Justin said you were sick," Harry said. "I was just trying to confirm it. Believe it or not, I would like for you to do well in the program."

"How nice," Ernie said sarcastically.

"You do realise that we're not at Hogwarts anymore?" Harry asked him. "I'm your superior."

"As you keep reminding me," Ernie crossed his arms.

"You just need to respect my position as your superior," Harry told him.

"Whatever," Ernie said. "Can I go now?"

"Yes," Harry replied. "You can go."

Ernie grumbled under his breath as he left the room. Potter was loving every single moment of this. Ordering him around and acting all smug. Ernie decided to give up his lunch and try and find Padma.

She was in the library, going over some old case. "Hi," Ernie approached her, his eyes running over her slender body.

"I'm kind of busy," Padma told him.

"I'll only be a minute," Ernie said. "I just caught Granger coming out of Potter's classroom."

"She's in his class," Padma rolled her eyes.

"Alone," Ernie stressed.

"Oh," Padma said looking up.

"Just thought you might want to know," Ernie smiled at her.

"I heard that she was hurt this weekend," Padma said. "During your little raid..."

"You should have seen Potter," Ernie smirked. "I thought he'd lose it right then and there."

Padma had tried not to like Hermione, but it was hard. She really was friendly and easy to talk to and they had a lot in common. In some parallel universe, maybe they could have been friends.

"We can use this, right?" Ernie asked, sitting down in the chair next to her.

"Use what?" Padma asked.

"His reaction," Ernie said. "Against him. To get him sacked."

"Ernie, I don't think that would help," Padma replied. "You'd have to have concrete proof and he could easily say he reacted like he did because she was his student."

Ernie was frustrated at her answer. "It sounds like you're backing out on our deal," he said.

Padma sighed. "It's not that, Ernie. It's just I've started this new job and I'm trying to spend as much time with my parents. I'm all they have left."

Ernie stared at the young woman who was the exact mirror image of the girl he'd been head over heels for at Hogwarts.

"I just wonder if this is worth it," Padma said. "He's bullet-proof, Ernie."

Ernie just rolled his eyes. "You've gone soft.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Padma asked.

"You've gone soft on Potter," Ernie said, trying to fan the flames. "You don't care that he killed your sister." by the look on Padma's face, he realised he'd gone too far.

She glared at him. "How could you say something like that!"

"I'm sorry," Ernie apologised quickly. "I was way out of line."

"My sister meant everything to me," Padma said as tears welled up in her eyes. "I would have done anything for her and for you to say something like that..."

"I shouldn't have," Ernie felt bad and he put a hand on her arm. "I know she was important to you. I just... I need to keep my mouth shut sometimes."

Padma relaxed. "Yes, you do."

"I'm really sorry," Ernie gazed over at her. "Padma--"

"It's okay," Padma said quietly.

"I just would never deliberately hurt you," Ernie said.

Padma gave him a slight smile. "Thanks."

Ernie realised his time was up for now. "I'll let you get back to work."

"I really should," Padma said gathering her books. "I have to turn this research in upstairs."

"I'll see you later," Ernie said, watching her leave.

He wondered why she didn't wear her hair down more often the way Parvati always did.

He made a mental note to say something to her about that another time.

He had thought a lot about Parvati over the last few weeks. If she'd only given him a chance instead of Potter, she'd still be alive today.

He promised himself her death wouldn't have been in vain. To die for Potter... that was just too much to really think about.

He remembered their sixth year at Hogwarts. He'd tried to work up the courage to ask her out.

It had been too late, he reminisced. Potter had already sunk his claws into her. Just swooped in and took her away and Parvati never even thought twice about it. He'd get Potter back for that. And for causing the Patil family so much grief.

Later that evening, Harry was headed back to the Ministry to collect Hermione. He'd actually managed to get some much needed sleep.

He let himself into his office, thinking about the night ahead. He knew they probably wouldn't be able to get intimate, but he didn't care. He just wanted to hold her.

They could talk about what they would do for Christmas. The idea of him spending Christmas with her family was now out since he'd met her parents in the capacity of her professor.

He was mulling over a few ideas in his head when he heard a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," he called out.

"Hi," Hermione poked her head around the door.

"Hi," he said grinning at her. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine," Hermione said. "And you? Did you sleep like you promised?"

"Three hour kip," Harry told her.

She grinned. "That's what I like to hear."

"Well, I was told that I had to or else," Harry said dryly.

"That's right," Hermione gave him a kiss.

"Well, I have a quiet night planned for you," Harry said. "I'm still cooking, but while you wait, you can take a nice, long bath..."

"Sounds perfect," Hermione said.

"You ready to go?" Harry asked her.

"Definitely," she said.

Harry gave her one last kiss before taking her hand and leading her over to the fireplace.

"You should be all right to Floo," Harry told her.

"The healer said it would be okay," Hermione said.

"Good," Harry tossed a pinch of dust into the fireplace. "After you..."

"Such a gentleman," Hermione said stepping inside.

He followed after and they were soon in his flat. "You know where the bathroom is," he told her.

Hermione smiled and silently walked toward the bathroom. When she opened the door, she gasped.

"Like it?" Harry grinned. "Surprise..."

There were lit candles all around the bathroom and soft music was playing. He'd set up a full bubble bath for her. "You did all this for me?"

"Sure did," Harry answered. "Go on and relax."

Hermione turned around and beamed at him. "Thank you."

Harry gave her a gentle kiss. "I'll finish dinner."

Hermione grinned. "You are the best. Do you know that?"

He smiled back at her. "Only the best for you."

He gave her another quick kiss before he left her. Hermione slowly took off her clothes. It had been ages since she'd had a bubble bath.

She sank into the hot bath, feeling her muscles relax immediately. She was going to have to repay him for this. Perhaps at Christmas...

Christmas. That thought made her sit straight up.

They wouldn't be able to spend Christmas with her family now.

She ran her hand along the top of the water in disappointment. Hermione'd had daydreams about Harry sitting around, talking and charming her parents, and warm nights sitting together by a fire.

Harry poked his head inside. "I have a glass of wine for you."

"Thanks," Hermione said softly.

"You're welcome," Harry said setting the glass down on the edge of the tub. "You look nice and settled in."

"I feel very relaxed," Hermione said. "Harry... I just realised we can't do the Christmas like we planned."

Harry knelt down. "I know."

"I was really looking forward to it," she said quietly.

Harry touched her cheek. "Me too, sweetheart."

"I still want to spend it with you," Hermione leaned into his palm.

"We will," Harry promised her.

Hermione nodded. "Okay."

"I was actually thinking about it earlier," Harry said. "How would you feel about spending the holiday at my godfather's house? It's isolated and no one would know we were there."

"Where did you say it was?" she asked.

"Right here in London," Harry replied. "12 Grimmauld Place."

It wasn't the most glamorous sounding holiday, but if they were alone, she didn't care. "I think it sounds wonderful."

Harry grinned. "You sure? I know it's not St. Moritz."

"I don't care," she leaned in and gave him a kiss. "We'll get food, and movies, and stuff to drink, and we'll stay in the house the entire time."

"Now that sounds perfect," Harry said pulling back. He was about to get up to check on the food when he saw through a break in the bubbles the scar on Hermione's abdomen.

She saw the look on his face. "What?"

"Nothing," Harry said hastily. "I-I need to check on dinner."

"Harry," Hermione put her hand out to stop him. "What is it?"

"You didn't tell me that you had a scar," Harry said quietly.

Hermione looked down at her stomach wordlessly.

Harry stood up. "I'm going to check on dinner."

"You're angry," she said as he reached the door. "Harry, it's just a scar."

He turned around. "It's not just a scar, Hermione. It's a reminder to you and to me that I couldn't protect you---"

"It's not about protection," Hermione interrupted. "That could have happened to any of us, Harry."

"Yeah, but it happened to you," Harry replied. "And I don't want to lose you."

"You aren't going to lose me," Hermione assured him.

"I nearly did last weekend," Harry said looking at her.

"I wasn't about to die," Hermione told him. "Harry-"

"You were bleeding to death, Hermione," Harry said bitterly. "If I hadn't gotten to Rookwood when I did, we wouldn't have been able to save you."

"But you did save me," Hermione said gently. "Harry, you can't blame yourself for everything that goes wrong in the world."

Harry looked away.

"You can't," Hermione told him. "I won't let you blame yourself for what happened."

"I'm sorry," he said softly.

"It's okay," Hermione said.

Harry reached for a towel. "You're going to turn into a prune."

"Long as you still love me, wrinkled skin and all," Hermione said, rising up from the tub.

"You know I do," Harry sand handing her the towel.

She wrapped it around herself. "Thank you."

"I love you, Hermione Granger," Harry said.

She gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I love you too Harry Potter. I always will."

Harry pulled her close.

"Hold me for a minute," She whispered.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her like she asked.

"I've wanted to be in your arms like this all week," Hermione closed her eyes.

"Feels like home," Harry whispered.

She couldn't have agreed more as she rested her head on his chest.

"I really should get back to the kitchen," Harry said softly.

"I'll join you there in a minute," she said.

"Okay," Harry said giving her hand one last squeeze.

Hermione sipped her wine before folding the towel and placing it on the counter. Harry had really gone all out and put a nice, thick robe in there for her as well.

Hermione put the robe on and straightened her hair before joining him in the kitchen. He seemed to be in much better spirits.

"It smells absolutely delicious in here," she said.

"Thank you," Harry said putting the plates on the table.

"You spoil me," she said, setting her glass of wine down.

"You deserve to be pampered every now and then," Harry said holding out her chair for her.

"With you it's been almost every night," Hermione said with a grin.

"So you're going to keep me around then?" Harry asked.

"You'd better believe it," Hermione answered.

"So how did you leave things with your parents?" Harry asked.

"Dad's not happy with me again," Hermione said. "He really wants me home."

Harry could certainly understand why. He'd seen Dr. Granger at the hospital.

"And your mum?" Harry asked.

"I think Mum just wants me to be happy," Hermione said softly.

"She and I have something in common," Harry said smiling at her.

"She really did like you," Hermione dug into her spring rolls.

"Would she feel the same if she knew who I really was and what we were really doing?" Harry asked.

"I would hope so," Hermione said thoughtfully.

"Your dad would probably want to beat me into a pulp," Harry joked.

"If he got the chance to get to know you, he'd like you." Hermione told him.

"Did he like your other boyfriends?" Harry asked.

"I haven't had that many," Hermione looked down at her dish.

"I find that hard to believe," Harry said.

Hermione shrugged. "It's not a big deal."

"You can tell me you know and I think I'm secure enough in what we have to not be upset," Harry teased.

Hermione shook her head. "I just know that I'm lucky to have you."

Harry smiled at her. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, I've only had two serious girlfriends other than you."

"Aside from Parvati, who was the other one?" Hermione asked curiously.

"One and a half actually," Harry clarified. "I had a short-term thing with Cho Chang, she was a year older than me and I fancied her quite a bit. She was still hung up on her old boyfriend though."

"So you were sort of rebound?" Hermione asked.

Harry told Hermione about the Triwizard Tournament during his fourth year at Hogwarts. He told her about Cho and how she'd been involved with one of his competitors, Cedric Diggory.

"I was there when he died," Harry said quietly. "I think she and I were looking for some sort of common ground and we found it in each other."

"How horrible," Hermione said softly. "For both of you."

Harry nodded. "Yeah. Cedric was a great bloke, too."

Hermione finished her rice. "That was wonderful Harry."

"Do you have room for dessert?" Harry asked with a grin. "I hope so..."

"Always," Hermione said laughing.

Harry took their empty plates and set them in the sink.

"Before you get too impressed," Harry cautioned. "I didn't make the dessert. I stopped off at the bakery earlier."

"So you cheated?" Hermione teased.

"Just a little," Harry said reaching into the icebox for the German chocolate cake.

Hermione's eyes glazed over. "Chocolate...."

Harry grinned. "I thought you'd like this."

"I love chocolate," Hermione said.

Harry set a slice before her. "Here you go."

Hermione stuck her fork into it. "I'm hungry all over again."

Harry grinned. "You look like a kid in a candy shoppe."

"Very funny," Hermione answered.

"So," Harry said. "Come on...tell me, who was your first boyfriend?"

"Just a guy back at Beauxbatons," Hermione said. "We had a few dates here and there."

"Jean Philippe?" Harry asked. "Pierre? Jean Claude?"

"Damien," Hermione said.

"Damien?" Harry asked, his nose scrunching up in disgust.

"I know," Hermione said with a grin. "But I thought he was dreamy."

"Dreamy?" Harry rolled his eyes.

"He was," Hermione said with a grin. "But nowhere near as dreamy as you."

"Damien," Harry grumbled. "You know there was a Muggle film where there was this demon child and you know what his name was? Damien."

Hermione laughed. "I assure you, Damien was anything but a demon child."

"So what made you chuck old Demon?" Harry asked.

"Damien," Hermione said, amused. "I don't know... we grew apart, and he started seeing other girls."

"He was a wanker," Harry said taking a bite of his cake.

"How would you know?" Hermione asked. "You never met him."

Harry shrugged. "Damien."

Hermione laughed. "You're jealous!"

"Jealous?" Harry scoffed.

"Why else would you hate a bloke you never even met?" Hermione asked.

"I didn't say I hated him," Harry said defensively. "I said he had a stupid name."

Hermione moved over to sit on his lap.

"Damien," Harry grumbled again.

Hermione smiled and took the fork from him and cut into the cake. She held out the fork to him. "Bite?"

"I'm not so hungry," Harry said.

"Come on," Hermione said.

One look at her face and Harry couldn't refuse.

Hermione fed him the bite. "So who was the other one?"

"Ron's sister Ginny," Harry said. "I don't know why, thinking back on it."

"Ron mentioned she had a crush on you for a long time," Hermione replied.

Harry shrugged. "Lavender always thought it was a love potion."

Hermione gasped. "Really?"

"It sort of came on out of nowhere," Harry said.

"Kind of like us," Hermione said taking another bite of the cake.

Harry shook his head. "Nowhere near it."

"That one night in a bar and it didn't come out of nowhere?" Hermione asked. "Come on..."

"So what did you do?" Harry asked nudging her. "You slip something in my drink?"

"Hardly," Hermione said.

"Well, it did come out of nowhere," Harry admitted. "But it came about at the perfect time."

Hermione smiled. "We both needed somebody."

Harry put his arms around her. "Yes, we did."

Hermione gave him a slow, passionate kiss.

Harry rested his forehead against hers. "You taste like chocolate."

"That's a good thing," Hermione told him.

"That's a very good thing," Harry said nuzzling her neck.

Hermione closed her eyes and let her head fall back.

"I love you," Harry whispered against her skin.

"I love you too," Hermione answered softly.

Harry stood up with her in his arms and carried her into the sitting room.

"Harry I don't know if--" she began.

"No," Harry reassured her. "I just thought we'd lie down together. That's all."

"Okay," she said, relieved.

Harry cuddled up beside her on the sofa and pulled his old Gryffindor blanket over the two of them.

"This is the best part of the evening," Hermione rested her head on his chest. "Just lying here with you. I want to do this every night."

"We can do it during Christmas," Harry told her.

She couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face.

"I want to spend every moment that I can with you," Harry said kissing the top of her head.

"Me too," Hermione closed her eyes in contentment.

Harry held her and tried to forget the images of her falling victim to Rookwood's curse.

"I really don't want to go back tonight," Hermione murmured.

"I was just thinking the same thing," Harry said thoughtfully.

"We probably shouldn't risk it though," Hermione said regretfully.

"Stay," Harry whispered in her ear.

"What if someone finds out?" Hermione asked. "We haven't been as careful as we should be."

"You are always practical," Harry reluctantly agreed.

"Sometimes too much so," Hermione sat up.

"So, I should get you back," Harry said.

"Can we meet in your office again tomorrow night?" Hermione asked.

"I think I might be able to fit you in," Harry said with a grin.

Hermione kissed him. "You'd better."

"Need any help getting dressed?" Harry asked.

"If you're offering, sure." Hermione answered.

Harry took her hand and led her back to the bathroom where she had left her clothes.

"I love this robe," Hermione said.

"It's yours," Harry told her.

"I can't take your robe," Hermione replied.

Harry tugged on the sash to the robe. "I bought it for you."

"You did?" Hermione asked. "Really?"

"Really," Harry said with a grin.

Hermione hugged him as tightly as she could.

"I should buy you robes more often," Harry joked.

"You are so perfect," Hermione said softly.

"Love really is blind," Harry said holding her close.

"No it's not," Hermione pressed her face in his shoulder.

Harry wrapped his arms around her waist, pushing away the guilt he felt about what had happened to her. He loved her with all his heart.

"I'll see you tomorrow," she said softly as she pulled her clothes on.

"You sure you don't want me to go back with you?" Harry asked.

She shook her head. "I think I can get back on my own. No sense in you possibly getting caught."

"Just remember to lock my office when you leave," Harry said.

"I will," she promised.

"I'm glad we could spend some time together tonight," Harry said.

"Me too," Hermione said.

"I love you," Harry said giving her one last kiss.

She held onto him for a long moment. "I love you too."

Harry let her go with a promise to see her tomorrow morning.

22. 22

If you like Lav/Charlie, you’ll enjoy this chapter. Please review!

She made it back into the room without anyone seeing her. Lavender was still up, reading in bed.

Lavender just shook her head when she saw the happy look on her friend's face. There was no need to ask if she'd had a good evening.

"Hi," Hermione said. "What are you reading?"

"The new Sabrina Sinclair novel," Lavender said holding it up for Hermione to see.

"I see," Hermione said, reaching into a drawer for her pyjamas.

Lavender giggled when she heard Hermione humming a little tune. "Good night?"

"Harry's so dreamy," Hermione said.

Lavender gaped at her friend. "Did I just hear Hermione Granger call someone 'dreamy'?"

"I know," Hermione laughed. "But he is. He's just so perfect."

"I think it's safe to say the feeling is mutual," Lavender commented. "I saw how he was with you at the hospital."

"Tonight when I got there he had a nice, hot bath waiting for me, with candles and a robe." Hermione recalled. "And then he brought me a glass of wine and we had dinner together."

Lavender grinned. "That's very romantic."

"Quite so," Hermione agreed.

"Did you two decide about Christmas?" Lavender asked.

Hermione nodded. "We've decided to stay at his godfather's house."

Lavender was silent for a few moments.

"What?" Hermione asked.

"He hasn't been back there since before the war," Lavender said. "Wow."

"Really," Hermione sat down on the edge of her bed. "I didn't know that."

Lavender nodded. "He told Parvati once that he would never go back there because there were too many memories of Sirius."

"But then why would he want me to come back?" Hermione wondered.

"I think that should be obvious," Lavender said. "You brought him back in more ways than one, Hermione."

"Thanks," Hermione said softly.

"We'd better get to sleep," Lavender said.

The brunette nodded. "I'm pretty tired."

"And in luuuuuuuuuuuuuurve," Lavender teased.

"Look who's talking," Hermione returned.

"Oh, Harry's soooooo dreamy," Lavender cooed.

Hermione threw a pillow at her.

"Good night, Hermione," Lavender said setting her book aside.

"Night," Hermione said as Lavender tossed the pillow back.

"Teacher's Pet," Lavender retorted.

"Dragon lover," Hermione teased.

"Guilty," Lavender giggled.

"I'll see you in the morning," Hermione said, turning out her light.

"Good night," Lavender said turning off her lamp, too.

*** *** ***

Molly Weasley had invited Ernest and Luna Lovegood over for Christmas dinner, and Ron and Luna were currently sitting by the fire in the sitting room.

"I am completely stuffed," Luna said. "Your mother is an excellent cook, Ronald."

Ron put his arm around her. "That's one of the reasons I love being home."

"Two weeks and I get to see you every day," Luna said happily.

"Ronnie?" George called out. "We just put some mistletoe out. Why don't you and Luna come and try it out?"

"I don't think so," Luna said shaking her head. "There might be Nargles in there."

"That and my brothers probably hexed it somehow," Ron said. "NO THANKS!"

Fred glared at him. "Ronnie, we would never do that to you!"

"Yeah right," Ron retorted.

Ernest chuckled. "Molly, your Fred and George certainly have quite an imagination."

"Sometimes too much so," Molly cast disapproving looks at her twin sons.

Ron grimaced when he caught sight of Neville and Ginny snogging on the other sofa.

"Come on," he said. "Let's go for a walk."

"Wear your cloaks," Molly said to them. "It's cold out there. I think we're going to get snow."

"Right Mum," Ron nodded.

Luna kissed her father on the cheek. "We'll be right back, Daddy."

"Have fun dear," Ernest told her.

Ron helped Luna on with her cloak. "Maybe we should go out the other door to avoid the mistletoe?"

"Good idea," Luna replied.

Ron took her hand and led her out the back door. It was rather chilly outside and Ron pulled Luna close.

"I've missed you so much," Luna said softly.

"I've missed you too," Ron said huskily. "You're the only thing that's gotten me through my training."

"Ronald," Luna said. "Have you thought any more about that position at the Quibbler?"

"The food critic?" Ron asked.

"I really think you'd be perfect for it." she told him.

"Me?" Ron asked. "A writer?"

"And a food taster," Luna said with a smile.

Ron laughed. "That sounds like it would be right up my alley."

"And we'd get to spend loads of time together," Luna added softly.

Ron looked properly at her. She'd mentioned this before, but he hadn't taken her seriously. "Luna..."

"I know you think being an Auror is your calling, but you just don't seem so happy about it," Luna said.

Ron shrugged. "It's not so bad. The flying part is really great."

"That's all?" she asked.

Ron tried to think of something else that he liked about the training program, but his mind went blank.

"Well, um..."

"Just think about it a bit more for me," Luna said, looking up at him.

Ron put his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "I'd do anything for you, Luna."

"I love you so much," Luna hugged him back.

"I love you too," Ron said. "You know, I'm going to marry you someday."

She grinned. "I like to hear that."

"Luna Weasley," Ron said spinning her around.

The blonde laughed. "It's a perfect fit."

The sound of her laughter was like music to his ears. Truth be told, he hadn't been this happy since that night he'd seen her at the Halloween Ball.

"You really think I'd make a good food critic?" Ron asked her. "You're not just saying that because you love me and you think I'm perfect?"

"I really do think you'd make a good food critic," Luna told him.

"I'm definitely passionate about food," Ron said thoughtfully. "And I'd love the chance to eat at all these different restaurants..."

Luna squeezed his hand. "And if you needed any help in writing, I'd be right there."

"Really?" Ron asked, seriously considering this for the first time.

"Yes," Luna replied. "I promise."

"I'd have to think of a really cool name for my column," Ron said grinning at her.

"We could think of something, definitely," Luna said encouragingly.

Ron leaned in and kissed her.

She made a noise in her throat, wrapping her arms around him.

Ron nuzzled her neck. "Luna..."

"I want to stay over tonight," Luna said softly.

"You do?" Ron asked touching her cheek.

"Yes," she said. "Very much so."

"I think that could be arranged," Ron said before giving her another kiss.

"We should make a blizzard," Luna giggled. "Then we'd have to stay."

"Yes, but your dad might not like the idea of you and me sharing a room," Ron said with a laugh.

"We don't have to tell him," Luna giggled.

"My devious girlfriend," Ron teased. "Come on...let's go back before they send out a search party."

Luna kissed him one more time. "Dessert."

"My favourite," Ron said smiling at her.

Hand in hand, they headed back into the Burrow.

"You're just in time," Molly said. "We were about to have dessert and coffee."

"Great," Ron said. "I'm starved!"

Ginny looked at the clock. The hand with her brother's picture was still pointed at "Travelling". "I hate that Charlie missed dinner."

"He'll be here soon with Lavender," Molly answered. "I'm looking forward to meeting her. She sounds just lovely."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Doesn't anyone else find it odd that she used to date Ron?"

Fred guffawed. "Well the fact that ANY girl would date Ron is quite odd..."

Ron checked to see if his mother was watching and quickly hit the back of Fred's head.

"Ow!" Fred yelped.

Ron shrugged innocently when Molly looked in their direction.

"Mum!" Charlie's voice rang out from the sitting room. "We're here!"

"Charlie!" Ginny squealed.

Neville laughed and followed his girlfriend into the sitting room. Out of all of her brothers, Ginny was closest to Charlie.

"Who is this?" Charlie asked laughing when he saw his sister. "This isn't my little sister..."

"Shut up," Ginny said laughing as she hugged him tightly.

Lavender smiled at Neville. "Hi, Neville! Happy Christmas!"

"Lavender," he said warmly. "It's good to see you!"

Ginny beamed at her boyfriend. "Neville, you remember Charlie, right?"

"Of course," Neville put out his hand. "Good to see you."

"Nice to see you too, mate," Charlie said shaking Neville's hand. "Sorry we're late."

"My mum and dad had to grill him," Lavender explained.

"And you made it out alive?" Neville joked.

"They loved him," Lavender announced proudly. "As I knew they would."

Charlie put his arm around her. "We had a great time."

"Come on," Ginny said. "We were about to have dessert."

"Great," Charlie squeezed his girlfriend's hand. "We could do for something sweet."

Lavender looked adoringly at him. She was nervous about seeing his family again, but she was among friends. She looked over at Ginny but the younger girl was glaring at her. "That's a really nice jumper, Ginny. That colour looks great on you."

"Thanks," Ginny said coolly.

The moment Charlie walked into the kitchen, he was engulfed in a Molly Weasley bear hug.

"Charlie!" Molly exclaimed.

"Hi Mum," Charlie wheezed. "I've missed you too."

Arthur put his hand on his wife's shoulder. "Molly, he can't breathe."

"I've just missed him so much," Molly wiped her eyes.

Charlie gave his father a hug. "How are you doing, Old Man?"

Arthur chuckled. "I have some new gadgets to show you in the shed."

"I might have one or two for you," Charlie said.

Arthur's face brightened. "I can't wait!"

"Hello, Lavender," Molly said smiling politely at the young woman. "It's so nice to have you here."

"Hi," Lavender said a bit nervously. "Thank you so much for inviting me."

"You're quite welcome," Molly said. "You know Ginny, Neville, Ron and Luna, of course. That tall bloke at the end of the table with the too long hair is my oldest, Bill."

"Mum," Bill said rolling his eyes. "You do realise that I'm an adult now?"

Lavender giggled. "Hi Bill."

"And Fleur, his wife," Molly said. "And the little girl on Fleur's lap is their oldest, Sophie. The baby, Josette, is upstairs."

"Bonjour," Fleur said warmly.

Lavender remembered the Veela from the Triwizard Tournament her fourth year at Hogwarts. "You're looking lovely, Fleur." she said.

"Merci," Fleur replied in a soft tone.

Fred cleared his throat. "Aren't you forgetting someone, Charlie?"

"Nope," Charlie said with a straight face. "I think I got everyone..."

George pushed past his brother and extended his hand to Lavender. "You remember us, of course. Fred and George Weasley, the best looking of the lot."

"The tricksters, right?" Lavender asked with a grin.

"That's right," Fred said proudly.

"Come, come," Molly waved them into the kitchen. "Everyone sit down!"

"Alright?" Charlie whispered to his girlfriend.

"So far so good," Lavender smiled at him.

Charlie squeezed her hand. "They love you."

"I hope so," Lavender thought about the look Ginny had given her a few minutes ago.

Charlie grinned when his mother put a plate of chocolate cake before him. "Mum, I love you."

"I'm just so happy you're here," Molly moved to hug him again.

Charlie laughed and shared a look with Lavender. "I told you, didn't I?"

"Yes you did," Lavender reached for his hand.

"How are things on the reservation?" Ginny asked her older brother.

"Great," Charlie said. "Brownie is growing like a weed."

"Who's Brownie?" Ginny asked.

"Lavender's dragon," Charlie said with a grin.

Lavender told them about what had happened at the reservation. "She was the cutest thing."

"She fell in love with Lavender," Charlie said.

"Not really," Lavender said hastily. "We just sort of bonded I guess..."

"She's being modest," Charlie said. "I've never seen a dragon of that kind take to someone so fast."

Ginny rolled her eyes and looked down at her plate.

"Neville, how are your holidays, so far?" Lavender asked her old friend.

"Great," Neville said. "I've been able to see Gin every day, and I also spent some time with my parents."

"That's great," Lavender smiled at him.

"We've been having a great time," Neville looked at his girlfriend.

Ginny smiled at him. "We have. And he says he has something special planned for my Christmas present..."

"Very special," Neville interjected with a grin.

Ron made a retching sound. "I'm trying to eat. No googly eyes."

"Oh like you and Luna aren't the same way?" Ginny retorted with a grin.

"We're in love," Ron said grinning back at her.

Luna blushed.

Ron looked at his girlfriend and suddenly everything seemed to fall into place. He would be much happier if he could work alongside her and see her every day. His heart really wasn't in his training no matter how he tried to look at it. With a heavy heart, he began to stand up.

But, his father beat him to the punch. Arthur stood at the head of the table. "I'm so glad that all of my family is here tonight on this special occasion."

"For Mum's cake," George said, making everyone laugh.

"Here, Here!" Fred exclaimed, raising his glass.

"We very rarely get serious here," Arthur continued. "But tonight, I want to recognise someone who doesn't always get the credit he deserves."

Molly beamed proudly at her youngest son.

"Me?" Ron asked taken aback.

"Him?" Fred echoed.

Arthur nodded. "Ronald, you have had to compete for attention in our family for a long time. We've never told you how proud we are of you. I look at you and think my son...he's going to be this great Auror."

Ron cast a look at Luna, who was just as surprised by the Weasleys' announcement as he was.

Molly stood beside her husband. "We love you, Ronald. And I cannot wait to see you finish your training. You've worked really hard to get where you are and words cannot express how proud we are."

Ron gaped at his parents.

"Wait just one moment," Fred said shaking his head. "When did this become the Ron Appreciation Hour?"

"Show your brother some respect," Molly said sternly.

Bill raised his glass. "Mum and Dad are right. You've done a great job, Ron."

"Uh, thanks," Ron mustered up a smile. "Thanks a lot."

"I don't think I've ever seen him so speechless," Charlie whispered to Lavender as Molly engulfed her youngest son in a bear hug.

"Unless he's eating," Lavender whispered back.

Luna beamed at Ron. "Ronald would be great at whatever he decided to do."

Molly nodded and wiped at her eyes. "And what he's going to be is a great Auror."

"Right," Ron nodded. "The best Auror there is."

"To Ron," Ginny said raising her glass.

"You don't have to do that," Ron protested.

"Nonsense," Arthur said, raising his glass as well. "To Ron."

"To Ronald," Luna echoed softly.

"You lot sure know how to surprise a bloke," Ron said his cheeks reddening at his family's praise. "Thank you. I really don't know what else to say."

"You're doing a great job in training," Lavender said. "Better than me, at any rate."

"I don't know about that," Ron said shaking his head.

"You are," Lavender insisted.

Ron wanted to tell her that she more than likely wanted it more than he did.

Luna pushed her slice of cake over to him. "Help me finish this."

Ron shook his head. "I'm not hungry..."

"We'll work this out," Luna whispered.

Ron nodded, but he didn't see how.

"I saw Seamus Finnegan in Diagon Alley yesterday," Ginny said to Lavender.

"Oh?" Lavender asked. "I haven't seen him since Hogwarts."

"You dated him for a year," Ginny said tracing the top of her mug with her finger. "And before that there was Ron...and then...."

"Everyone has exes," Charlie interjected. "Big deal, Ginny."

Lavender blushed. "Things didn't end that great between Seamus and me."

"What's that?" Molly asked.

"He just didn't think I could be an Auror," Lavender explained.

"He was an idiot," Charlie said. "For letting you go and not believing in you."

"I'm just glad you do," Lavender said.

"Of course," Charlie said leaning forward and giving her a kiss.

Ginny rolled her eyes again.

"Ernest, how about you and I go and see what new artefacts I've uncovered?" Arthur asked. "You will not believe what Fred and George found for me."

"That sounds great, Arthur," Ernest said.

The twins decided to join them and Bill and Fleur excused themselves to put their youngest daughter to bed.

Luna offered to help Molly with the cleaning.

"I've got it dear," Molly waved her on.

"Are you sure?" Luna asked.

"Quite sure," Molly said. "You go spend time with Ronald and the other kids."

Luna gave her a hug. "Thank you for inviting Daddy and me tonight. We really enjoyed it."

"You are always welcome here," Molly told her. "I see why Ronald loves you so much. You're a lovely, lovely young woman."

Luna beamed at her. "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley."

"Call me Molly," the older woman admonished.

"Happy Christmas, Molly," Luna said.

"Go have fun," Molly told her again. "And avoid the mistletoe."

Luna walked into the sitting room and settled down on one of the sofas with Ron.

"Luna, you look really pretty tonight," Lavender told her. "You have the prettiest hair."

"Thank you," Luna said, leaning against her boyfriend.

Charlie looked at his brother. "I thought Harry was going to be here."

Ron shook his head. "He had... other plans."

"I'm sure Mum wasn't too happy about that," Charlie commented.

"She made me promise to have him over for dinner soon," Ron answered.

"Maybe he's with his mystery woman," Ginny said giggling. The media was still buzzing about the mystery woman's identity.

"Yeah maybe," Ron said uneasily. He shared a look with Lavender.

Ginny caught this and wondered what was going on with Ron and his ex-girlfriend. Truth be told, she had never understood how Charlie would ever go for someone as shallow and superficial as Lavender Brown. It also didn't make sense why Lavender would fall for Charlie, a dragon handler who was seven years older than her. But, what would make sense was for Lavender to use Charlie to make Ron jealous.

Ginny wasn't about to stand for that. She and Charlie were very close and she wasn't about to let some hussy use him.

"So what's this big surprise you have for Gin?" Charlie asked Neville.

"That's for Ginny," Neville replied with a grin.

Ginny rested her head on Neville's shoulder. "Whatever it is, I'm sure that I'm going to love it."

"It better not be what I think it is," Ron cast Neville a warning look.

"What do you think it is?" Ginny asked him.

Ron just glared at Neville in response.

"Back off, Ronald," Luna told him gently.

Charlie looked at Lavender. "Want to go for a walk?"

"Sure," Lavender replied.

They got their cloaks and headed outside just as it started to snow.

"Thought you might need some fresh air," Charlie said smiling at her.

"And here I thought you just wanted to get me alone," Lavender said playfully.

"Well that was part of it," Charlie admitted. "I know my family can be a bit overwhelming, but their hearts are in the right place."

"I've been having a great time," Lavender assured him.

"I'm glad," Charlie said putting his arms around her.

Lavender leaned against him. "I love you."

"I love you too," Charlie said softly.

"I can't wait for the next few days," she said. They planned to drive just south of London and check out a few bed and breakfasts along the way.

"Me too," Charlie said. "No work. No problems. Just you and me."

"Exactly," Lavender kissed him.

"So, you really think your parents liked me?" Charlie asked her when they pulled apart.

"Well my dad didn't sit in silence," Lavender pointed out. "It means he wanted to get to know you."

Charlie grinned. "That's good because I plan on seeing a lot of his daughter in the future."

"His daughter plans on seeing loads of you," Lavender said dreamily.

"CHARLIE!" Ginny's voice rang out in the distance.

Charlie groaned. "What does she want?"

"We'd better go see," Lavender said taking his hand.

Charlie sighed and made a mental note to kill his sister.

Ginny was waiting for them at the door. "Daddy has something he wanted to show you in the shed."

"What is it?" Charlie asked.

"That hair dryer that Angelina gave him," Ginny said with a grin. "He's fascinated by it."

"Come on Lav," Charlie said. "You can show Dad how to work that thing."

"I was kind of hoping to have a moment with Lavender," Ginny said. "We can join you in a moment."

"All right," Charlie gave his girlfriend a quick kiss.

Lavender smiled at Ginny. "You really do have a lovely home, Ginny. It's so warm and welcoming."

"Thanks," Ginny crossed her arms.

"What did you want to talk about?" Lavender asked. "I promise that Neville hasn't told me about what he has planned for your Christmas present..."

"Why are you dating Charlie?" Ginny asked bluntly.

Lavender was taken aback at her question. "Um...well, we hit it off when we met. I like him very much and we have fun together."

Ginny was unconvinced.

Lavender raised an eyebrow. "Ginny, have I done something to offend you?"

"I don't want Charlie getting hurt," Ginny snapped.

"Neither do I," Lavender said quietly.

"Then you should break things off before you break his heart," Ginny said, glaring at her. "I know what you were like in school. I saw how many blokes you were with."

"I beg your pardon?" Lavender asked. "How many blokes I was with?"

"Enough of them," Ginny returned coolly.

"Well how about you?" Lavender countered. "At least I never had to use a love potion on someone."

"A love potion?" Ginny retorted. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Or how you threw poor Dean Thomas over because Harry finally showed interest in you," Lavender continued.

"I never did that!" Ginny denied hotly.

"Oh, please!" Lavender said sarcastically. "You followed Harry around like a puppy from the moment you stepped foot in Hogwarts. The second he paid any attention to you, you dropped Dean and broke his heart. I've never been that cold, Ginny."

Lavender didn't want one of the other Weasleys to hear this conversation, but she couldn't stay quiet while Ginny raked her over the coals. Lavender had honestly thought that the younger girl had changed because of her involvement with Neville.

Ginny stepped forward and for a moment Lavender thought the redhead was going to slap her.

"Ron is very happy with Luna," Ginny said with a warning tone in her voice. "Luna's my best friend and Charlie's my brother. If you think you can use Charlie to make Ron jealous..."

Lavender laughed. "Honestly... you think I'm still interested in Ron? How daft are you?"

"You and Charlie have nothing in common," Ginny argued.

"How would you know?" Lavender asked. "You hardly know me."

Ginny looked at her. "I know my brother and he's very important to me."

"And he's important to me too," Lavender said. "I love him."

"Ron said you'd changed a lot since Parvati's death," Ginny commented.

"We all changed," Lavender replied.

Ginny was silent for a few moments.

"You really love Charlie?" Ginny asked finally.

"Yes," Lavender said with an edge to her voice. "I do."

Ginny nodded. "I'm sorry that I doubted that."

Lavender relaxed. "Thanks..."

"I haven't seen him this happy in quite some time," Ginny said.

"He's made me quite happy too," Lavender glanced over to the shed.

"We should probably go and check on them," Ginny said. "My dad gets a little enthusiastic about these things. He might have the boys in there the whole night unless we rescue them."

Lavender nodded, although she still wasn't exactly sure of Ginny's intentions.

Ginny wasn't so sure she believed the older girl, but she'd let it go for now. But, she'd keep her eye on things to make sure that Lavender wasn't trying to worm her way back into Ron's good graces.

Lavender broke back out into a smile when Charlie emerged from the shed.

"You missed quite a show," Charlie told her.

"I did?" Lavender asked, winding her arms around him.

"Oh yes," Charlie said. "Dad was blow drying Mr. Lovegood's hair. It was quite a sight."

Lavender giggled. "I'm sorry I missed it."

"How are my two favourite girls?" Charlie asked looking at his sister. "Singing my praises?"

"Always," Ginny said sweetly.

Ginny excused herself to catch up to Neville.

"I found out what Neville's giving her," Charlie told his girlfriend.

"What?" Lavender asked curiously.

"Promise ring," Charlie replied. "Apparently, he thinks he's going to marry her someday."

"That's sweet," Lavender replied. "Why wouldn't they get married someday?"

Charlie laughed. "If he can make it through the questions we're going to put him through. He has to go through all of Ginny's big brothers."

"You'll be nice to him," Lavender chided. "He cares about Ginny very much."

"I know," Charlie said. "We just want to give him a hard time."

Lavender looked outside to see Ginny and Neville standing just outside the shed.

"Why did everyone stop talking the moment I stepped in there?" Ginny asked her boyfriend.

"I'm not sure," Neville shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Uh-huh," Ginny said grinning at him.

"Well... how about we go for a walk?" Neville asked. "It's time I give you your surprise anyway."

They walked away leaving Lavender and Charlie alone again.

"Let's go and sit in front of the fire," Charlie said softly.

"Sounds good to me," Lavender said, leaning against him.

Charlie led her into the sitting room. "So you and Ginny had a nice talk?"

Lavender shrugged. "It was all right..."

"What happened?" Charlie asked.

"She..." Lavender bit her lower lip, not wanting to cause an argument. "She just sort of thought I was using you to make Ron jealous," she confessed quietly.

Charlie stared at her for a moment before breaking out into laughter.

"What's so funny?" Lavender asked.

"My sister even considering that," Charlie explained.

"Well it's totally untrue," Lavender said.

"I know that," Charlie said. "I know you love me."

She smiled. "Yes I do."

"I'll have a talk with my sister," Charlie vowed.

"Don't," Lavender said. "She'll just get angry at me."

"She wasn't mean to you earlier, was she?" Charlie asked.

Lavender shook her head. "It's fine... she'll see in time that I want you, not Ron."

Charlie leaned in and kissed her. "I love you, Lavender Brown."

Lavender put her arms around his neck. "I love you too," she said, kissing him again.

"We're going to have a nice holiday," Charlie said as she snuggled up close to him.

"Especially once we get on the road," Lavender replied meaningfully.

"I can't wait," Charlie said winking at her.

"I've been looking forward to it for weeks," she said, running her hand over his chest.

"You realise we might not get to see a lot of the outside?" Charlie asked with a shrug.

"Ask me if I care," Lavender answered.

Charlie laughed. "Yet another reason why I love you so much."

She leaned in and kissed him again, pulling at his lower lip.

Charlie wished they were alone and he could do what he really wanted to. But, his parents were just in the other room and Fred and George were probably lurking somewhere ready to play a prank.

"Think we can duck out soon?" she asked, only half joking.

"Probably not," Charlie answered reluctantly.

"It's okay," she said. "I know you haven't seen your family in awhile and want to spend time with them.

Charlie nodded. "My mother would probably disown me if I didn't."

"I understand," Lavender pushed his hair back. "I'm just glad we have this time together."

"Me too," Charlie whispered.

23. 23

Here’s the H/Hr Christmas you all have been waiting for. Enjoy!

In the kitchen, Ron was trying to avoid looking at Luna. He knew she wanted to talk to him about what had happened earlier, but he didn't really want to get into it.

"Ronald, you should really try some of these," she held up the lemon biscuits.

"I'm not hungry," Ron said quietly.

She moved into the chair next to his. "Ronald--"

"Yeah?" Ron asked, but he didn't really have to ask. He knew what her question was.

"You should really tell them," Luna reached for his hand.

"You heard them," Ron said looking at her. "They're proud of me, Luna. For the first time in my life..."

"This is not the first time they've been proud of you," Luna told him.

Ron shook his head. "You don't understand, Luna."

"Then help me understand," she said supportively.

"I was actually considering your offer earlier," Ron told her. "I was thinking it was something I could actually do. You know I was about to stand up and announce my plans to them when my dad beat me to the punch."

"You can still do it," Luna said. "Ronald, I will support whatever you want to do. I just want you to be happy doing it."

Ron smiled at her. "I know and I love you for it."

She gave him a kiss. "I think your parents would still be proud of you if you did the critic column. But you have to want to do it."

"I can't disappoint them, Luna," Ron said. "Besides, I've already started my training. I just have 2 and a half years left to go. And it's not going to be that bad."

She nodded. "Okay... if that's what you want, Ronald."

Ron put his arms around her. "I love you. That's one thing I definitely am sure about."

"I love you too," Luna said with a big smile. "And we're spending every day of this holiday together."

"Absolutely," Ron grinned. He reached for one of the biscuits.

"There we go," Luna giggled. "I knew you were hungry."

"They are your famous lemon biscuits," Ron said before popping one into his mouth.

"And I made them just for you," she whispered in his ear.

Ron beamed at her. "That's my girl."

"And you're my guy," she looped her arms around his neck.

"Happy Christmas, Luna," Ron said leaning in.

She gave him a long, thorough kiss. "Happy Christmas Ronald."

Ron resolved that he would follow through with the training. But, he could tell Luna was disappointed. He also knew that if his parents found out about his doubts, they'd be disappointed.

As he kissed his girlfriend again, he decided he'd think this all out later.

*** *** ***

For the first time since he'd been at Hogwarts, Harry had actually looked forward to Christmas. He'd taken a lot of grief from Molly Weasley that he was missing the holiday with his surrogate family, but there honestly was nowhere else Harry wanted to be.

Grimmauld Place had been unoccupied for over two years. When Harry had first set foot in the house a few days ago, he knew that he had his work cut out for him if he was going to make the old Black family estate presentable for Hermione.

Holidays were important to her and he didn't want her to spend it in a cold, dark place.

With the help of his favourite house elf, Dobby, Harry had used all his free time to help remodel the house. It hadn't been easy especially with Dobby changing almost everything Harry did. But, in the end, the house looked much more like a home.

He'd promised that he wouldn't buy a tree or decorate without Hermione. He was going to pick her up from her parents' home and together, they'd go out and buy atree. Harry waited just down the street from her parents' house for Hermione. He hated sneaking around like this, but it was what they had to do for now.

He saw her hurrying towards him and smiled. Her cheeks were pink from the cold air, and a light snow was beginning to fall.

"Sorry," Hermione apologised. "I just did manage to sneak away."

"It's all right," Harry gave her a kiss.

"Happy Christmas," Hermione said softly smiling up at him.

"Happy Christmas," Harry echoed. "Come on."

"We have a tree to buy," Hermione said taking his hand.

"That we do," Harry answered. "I already went to the shops, so we have more than enough food."

Hermione nodded. "I shrunk my bag and put it in my pocket."

"Good idea," Harry squeezed her hand.

It only took them a few moments to reach the tree lot and Hermione was glad that there still seemed to be quite a few trees available.

"We have room for a really big one if you want," Harry said.

Hermione nodded. "We should take a look at all of them before we make a choice. We'll know the right tree when we see it..."

"Sure," Harry agreed. "There's no rush."

Hermione walked around a rather large tree in the middle of the lot. She tried to picture it completely decorated.

"It's nice," Harry offered.

"Hmmm," Hermione replied.

"I don't know a whole lot about trees," Harry stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Never really got a chance to decorate them or anything."

Hermione hadn't thought about that. She'd known he'd never done things like that with the Dursleys. "Not even with the Weasleys?"

"They included me, but it never really felt like I was really a part of things." Harry answered.

"Well, that's going to change this Christmas," Hermione said taking his hand. "YOU are going to pick our tree. Our very first tree."

He grinned at her. "I love the sound of that."

"Come on," Hermione said linking her arm in his.

Harry followed her to another, fuller tree near the corner of the lot. "That looks nice."

"Yes, it does," Hermione replied.

They scrutinized it for several moments. "I think it's our tree," Harry said, looking over at her.

Hermione motioned for the lot owner. He came over to them. "Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas to you," Hermione replied. "We were wondering how much this tree was?"

"That's fifty quid," the man replied.

"That's an awful lot," Hermione frowned.

"We'll take it," Harry replied, reaching for his wallet.

"Harry-" Hermione began.

"My choice, remember," Harry said.

"But it's so expensive," she argued.

"It is the biggest one left on the lot," the lot owner reminded her.

"We'll take it," Harry repeated firmly.

"Excellent choice," the owner said taking the money from Harry. "Did you need some help getting it to your car, sir?"

"Uh... I think we've got it," Harry replied. "Thanks though."

The man nodded and walked away to help another customer.

"It's perfect," Harry said looking up at their tree.

"Yes it is," Hermione kissed his cheek.

"Even if it was expensive?" Harry asked teasingly.

"At least you paid for it," she teased.

Harry laughed. "Okay, Miss Granger. Is anyone looking? We need to shrink this down until we get to the house."

Hermione took a quick look around. "We're good."

Harry quickly withdrew his wand and shrunk the tree down to miniature size.

Hermione put it carefully in her purse for safekeeping until they got back to his place.

"We can Apparate over," Harry told her.

"The sooner the better," Hermione took his hand.

He led her under the awning for a closed shop. "Just you wait until you meet Dobby."

"Dobby?" Hermione asked.

"My house elf," Harry replied. "Now, are you---what? What's that look for?"

"You have a house elf?" she asked disapprovingly.

Harry took her hand. "One that I pay even though he doesn't want anything other than socks and tea cosies."

"You pay him?" Hermione softened.

"It's a long story, but yes," Harry told her. "And don't worry, I'm sure he'll tell you all about it."

"If we have time," Hermione said mischievously.

Harry smiled. "Well, then what are we waiting for?"

A few minutes later found them in the entryway to Grimmauld Place.

Hermione's jaw dropped as Harry held the door for her.

"What do you think?" he asked a bit anxiously.

"It's---wow," Hermione said looking around.

"Harry Potter, sir!" someone called out.

"Brace yourself," Harry whispered to Hermione as Dobby came toward them. The house elf was wearing odd socks--one red and one green. Around his neck was a tie that was decorated with Christmas lights.

"Hello Dobby," Harry said. "I'd like you to meet Hermione."

Hermione knelt down and extended her hand to the house elf. "It's great to meet you, Dobby."

"Harry Potter's miss!" the elf exclaimed happily.

Hermione smiled. "Happy Christmas, Dobby."

"Thank you miss," the elf said. "If Harry Potter's love needs anything, anything at all, you must ask Dobby!"

"I'm going to give Hermione the grand tour so she doesn't get lost," Harry said.

"Might happen anyway," Hermione answered dryly.

"Come on you," Harry said taking her hand. "I'll show you the kitchen first."

"Okay," she said, following him.

He explained to her that the house had been empty for quite some time. He didn't mention the portrait of Sirius' mother that was tucked firmly away in the attic. He could just imagine what that hag would say if she knew a Muggle born witch was staying here in her old home.

"I think it's lovely here," Hermione told him.

"I'm glad you like it," Harry said leading her down the small set of steps that led to the kitchen. "I know you ate at your parents..."

"I nibbled," Hermione said. "They were trying to bring James over again."

Harry knew her parents weren't too happy when Hermione told them she didn't want to go skiing. "They don't give up, do they?" Harry asked.

"I wish I could tell them about us," Hermione said wistfully.

"Two more Christmases from now, you can," Harry tried to make her smile.

She nodded. "Just two more Christmases..."

"It's going to be great," Harry promised.

"Show me the rest of the house," Hermione said. "Then we can put the tree up, and have dinner."

He took her hand and led her upstairs, telling her stories about the summer he'd spent here the summer before his fifth year.

"Will you tell me more about Sirius someday?" Hermione asked as he led her into the bedroom.

"Sure," Harry said. "I um, hope this bedroom's okay with you. It's the one I've always stayed in and---

"It's fine," Hermione assured him.

He'd thought that being back here would bring back painful memories for him, but to his surprise, it wasn't. It probably had something to with his choice of houseguest.

"I'll let you get settled," Harry said. "If you'll just hand over our tree. I'll get it set up downstairs and I promise I will not decorate any of it until you're there with me."

"Promise?" Hermione asked.

"I promise," Harry said giving her a kiss.

"I won't take long," Hermione said, giving him the tree.

Harry was grinning from ear to ear when he came downstairs. He set the tree up with a little help from Dobby.

"How's dinner coming along, Dobby?" Harry asked.

"Very good, sir." Dobby nodded. "Very good indeed!"

"Where did you get all of these ornaments?" Harry asked him.

"The attic," Dobby told him.

"There are great, Dobby," Harry said looking in the boxes.

"Thank you," Dobby beamed.

Hermione had changed into a jumper and jeans and she'd pulled her hair back into a ponytail. She did get a little lost on her way downstairs, but thankfully she heard the muffled sound of Harry's voice.

She peeked in a few rooms until she saw Harry and Dobby. "Sorry," she said. "This place is huge."

"Ron used to have leave bread crumbs," Harry said with a grin. "Come here and look at our tree."

"It really is perfect," Hermione said as he put his arm around her.

"Dobby found some ornaments upstairs," Harry told her. "We have lights and garland..."

"We'll start with the lights," Hermione said. "It's much easier that way."

"You're the expert," Harry said.

"I try," Hermione said, reaching into a box.

"So what traditions do you have in your family?" Harry asked sitting down beside her.

"We always have hot chocolate when we start putting the ornaments on," Hermione said. "And a fire in the fireplace."

"We have the fire," Harry said. "But I'll see what I can do about the hot chocolate---"

"Dobby can do it, Harry Potter, sir," Dobby said hastily.

"Thank you Dobby," Harry said. "I appreciate it."

With a pop, Dobby disappeared.

Hermione began to string the lights around the tree. "Come on you," she smiled at him.

Harry stood up and took the other end of the lights. "You know my uncle used to hate doing this part. He could never get them untangled."

"We've got it easy," Hermione grinned. "We can use magic."

"Yeah," Harry grinned back at her.

Together, they carefully strung the lights around the tree. "Perfect," Hermione stood back.

"Jingle bells," Dobby was singing rather loudly and off-key as he came back into the sitting room with a tray of hot chocolate and biscuits. "Jingle bells...jingle all the way...."

Hermione laughed. "Oh what fun it is to ride..."

Dobby beamed at her. "...in a one-horse open sleigh..."

Harry shook his head. "You two are mad."

"Don't be a Scrooge," Hermione said. "Right, Dobby?"

"Right, miss." Dobby said. "Dinner is almost ready for Harry Potter and his love."

"Thank you, Dobby," Hermione said. She walked over to the table and looked into one of the boxes. "These are some fancy ornaments."

"Dobby cleaned them for you, miss." the elf told her.

Harry motioned with his head for Dobby to go back into the kitchen, but the house elf didn't seem to notice. He was watching Hermione in awe.

"Dobby, why don't you---"

"This one is so beautiful," Hermione exclaimed holding up a sterling silver snow flake ornament.

"That belonged to Master Sirius," Dobby said.

Again, Harry motioned at the house elf, but again, he was ignored.

"Do you have any special plans for the holiday, Dobby?" Hermione asked.

"I do, miss!" Dobby exclaimed. "Dobby is going to Hogwarts to see Winky!"

Hermione grinned at his exuberance. "And who is this Winky?"

If Dobby could have blushed, he would have. "Dobby's love," the house elf looked down at his large feet.

"I hope that you and Winky have a great Christmas together," Hermione said patting Dobby on the top of his head. "She's a lucky elf."

"Thank you miss," Dobby said, looking up at her.

"I hope I get to meet her some day," Hermione said smiling at him before returning her attention to the ornaments.

"Dobby," Harry cleared his throat. "How's dinner?"

Dobby stared transfixed at Hermione.

"I think I know just the spot for this one," Hermione said taking the ornament over to the tree.

"Dobby will help you, miss," the elf followed her faithfully.

Harry gave up on being alone with his girlfriend anytime in the immediate future. Besides, Dobby seemed to be smitten. Harry couldn't fault him for that.

He sat on the sofa, grabbing a mug of hot chocolate as he watched Hermione hang the ornaments.

"We have an angel and a star," Hermione called out over her shoulder. "Which do you think we should use to top off the tree, Harry?"

"You can't fit on top of the tree," Harry said with a lazy grin. "So I guess it'd have to be the star."

"You are supposed to be helping," Hermione reminded him.

"I'll help," Harry got up.

Dobby finally remembered the dinner and with a pop he disappeared.

"Finally," Harry said.

"Hmm?" Hermione asked.

"I've been waiting to be alone with you," Harry wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"I like Dobby," Hermione relaxing against him.

"He's got a bit of a crush on you," Harry said.

Hermione turned around and looped her arms around his neck. "And what about you?"

"I have more than a crush on you," Harry rested his forehead on hers.

"You do?" Hermione whispered.

"I'm completely head over heels for you," Harry said softly.

"And you know what the best part is?" Hermione asked. "I have you all to myself for the next two weeks."

Harry grinned. "We've been waiting for this."

"Yes we have," Hermione said before he kissed her.

Harry kissed her deeply, pulling her body against his.

"What about Dobby?" Hermione asked weakly.

"We'll go up to our room," Harry said, his breath hot on her neck.

"Okay," Hermione said eagerly.

He lifted her up effortlessly and carried her up the stairs.

"This must be how you get your exercise," Hermione teased. "Carrying girls upstairs to your room to have your way with them..."

"Only one girl," Harry replied.

They were kissing as they entered the bedroom.

"Lock the door," she hissed.

Harry set her down and locked the door as she requested. When he turned around, Hermione launched herself at him, pressing him against the door.

"Bed?" he managed.

"Mmmhmm," Hermione replied.

He propelled them over, falling down onto the thick duvet.

Hermione fumbled with his belt. "Hurry, Harry..."

"Right," he said, tearing at his shirt.

Hermione lifted her jumper up over her head and tossed it to the floor.

Harry attacked her skin with his mouth, kissing her over and over again.

Hermione closed her eyes. "Harry..."

"Yeah?" he muttered, pulling at her jeans.

"Don't stop," Hermione whispered.

"Couldn't even if I wanted to," Harry said, pressing his lips to hers again.

Hermione wrapped her arms around him, needing to have him inside her now.

"You ready?" he asked, his eyes boring into hers.

Hermione nodded wordlessly.

Not waiting another moment, Harry pushed himself inside her, never breaking his gaze away.

They hadn't had sex since her accident and Hermione had missed being close with him like this.

"Yes," she said, clutching onto him as she arched against him. "Merlin, Harry!"

He was at a loss for words as he thrust deeper into her.

"More," she hissed.

She'd wrapped her legs around him and this was all the encouragement he needed.

Harry pressed as far into her as he could straining as his breathing grew heavier.

Hermione cried out his name and with a final grunt, Harry pushed into her one more time. He collapsed against her, burying his face in her neck.

"Harry," she wound her arms around him. "Harry..."

"Yeah?" he asked, lifting his head and looking down at her.

"It just gets better every time," she said softly.

Harry kissed her forehead. "You're amazing."

Hermione smiled at him. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," Harry said softly.

"I think I've worked up an appetite," Hermione said with a grin.

"Dobby's probably wondered where we went," Harry said.

"He worked so hard on dinner," Hermione said, pulling back the duvet. "We shouldn't disappoint him."

"No, we shouldn't," Harry agreed.

"We can do this again later," she said with a grin, kissing him.

"Again and again," Harry said chuckling.

"For the next two weeks," Hermione reached for her clothing.

They dressed quickly and hurried downstairs. Dobby looked up happily when he saw them.

"We didn't want to miss dinner, Dobby," Hermione told him.

"Everything looks great, Dobby," Harry said.

"Thank you sir," Dobby beamed with pleasure.

Harry held Hermione's chair out for her.

"Thanks," Hermione smiled at him.

"Master Harry is a good cook too," Dobby said singing the praises of his boss.

"Yes he is," Hermione replied.

Dobby brought over their drinks. "And he's the youngest student in Hogwarts in over a century to be picked for his house team..."

"He's one of a kind, isn't he?" Hermione laughed as Harry turned red.

"He won the Triwizard Tournament in his fourth year," Dobby continued.

Harry looked across the table at Hermione. "I swear I didn't tell him to say these things..."

"I know," Hermione assured him.

"He's the youngest Auror in history," Dobby said setting a basket of dinner rolls in the middle of the table.

"Dobby," Harry said. "Aren't you heading to see Winky tonight?"

"Are you trying to get rid of Dobby?" Dobby asked.

"Of course not," Harry lied.

Hermione smiled at the house elf. "You could join us."

Harry stared at her in disbelief.

"Dobby cannot," Dobby replied. "Dobby has to see Winky."

"Tell her we said hello, then." Harry replied. "I can handle it from here."

"Thank you, Dobby," Hermione said shaking his little hand. "For making me feel so welcome."

"Miss is most welcome," Dobby bowed. "Dobby likes Harry Potter's love very much."

"I like you too," Hermione said smiling at him. "Give our best to Winky. Happy Christmas, Dobby."

"Happy Christmas, miss," Dobby bowed again. "And Happy Christmas, Harry Potter sir."

"Happy Christmas," Harry told him. "And thank you for everything you did for us, Dobby."

Dobby grinned widely and with a pop, disappeared.

Harry laughed. "He's something else, isn't he?"

"He adores you," Hermione replied. "That's plain to see."

"I think he likes you a bit more," Harry said grinning at her.

"I have that effect on people," Hermione joked. "And now apparently house elves as well."

"Everyone loves Hermione," Harry said.

She made a face. "That sounds like a Muggle show of some kind."

"But no one loves her more than me," Harry said raising his glass.

"I should hope not." Hermione raised hers as well.

"To the best Christmas ever," Harry said.

"It will be," she nodded. "Just us for the whole two weeks."

"There is one room that I didn't show you," Harry said. "There's a big library on the third floor."

Her entire face brightened. "You have a library?"

"It belonged to the Black Family," Harry told her. "When Sirius left me the house, it became mine."

"I love libraries," Hermione said covetously.

Harry gasped, pretending to be surprised. "Really?"

"I just love books," Hermione said, unaware that he was teasing her.

"You might be disappointed to know that all the books in the Black family collection are about Quidditch," Harry said with a frown.

"Quidditch?" Hermione deflated. "Really? All of them? Why on earth would anyone want an entire library on Quidditch?"

"Well," Harry said trying to keep a straight face. "They're not all about Quidditch..."

"Do you have any on Ancient Runes?" she asked.

"No," Harry replied. "The other half of the library is dedicated to...deep sea fishing."

She gave him a look. "You're just making fun of me."

"I'm not," Harry said. "The Black Family loved deep sea fishing. Couldn't get enough of it, actually."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I can see your mouth twitching."

Harry laughed. "I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself."

Hermione balled up her napkin and threw it at him.

"I was just having a go at you," Harry apologised. "But I think I know you well enough by now to know that you love books. You didn't even go to Hogwarts and you've read that Hogwarts: A History, how many times now?"

"At least a dozen, if not more," Hermione replied.

"You know more about that school than I do," Harry said.

"Probably," Hermione answered.

"So how do you like the meal?" Harry asked. "Roast turkey is one of Dobby's specialties."

"It's absolutely delicious," she answered. "Best meal I've had since your place."

"I'm going to cook breakfast for you tomorrow," Harry told her.

"I can't wait," Hermione grinned. "But I want to help."

"I'd like that," Harry said reaching across the table for her hand. "I'm so glad that you're here. The holidays haven't typically meant that much to me over the years."

"I want them to be special for you from now on, Harry." she told him.

"I nearly lost you a couple of weeks ago," Harry said looking into her brown eyes. "I've never been that scared, Hermione."

"But you didn't," Hermione clasped his other hand in hers. "I'm not going anywhere, Harry."

"Having you here is the best present," Harry said softly.

She moved over to sit on his lap.

"I know this hasn't been easy," Harry said putting his arms around her.

"I don't care," she answered, leaning her forehead on his.

"Nothing worthwhile is ever easy," Harry said.

"That's very true," Hermione stroked his messy hair back. "And you're definitely the most worthwhile thing I've done all year."

Harry leaned in and kissed her softly.

"Why do I think we're about to have dessert?" Hermione asked with a grin.

"Hmmm," Harry said thoughtfully. "I don't know why you would think that."

"I do," Hermione leaned in and kissed him passionately.

"So you don't want to go to the library then?" Harry asked with a lazy grin when they pulled apart.

"Maybe later," Hermione ran her fingers through his hair.

"I don't know if I can make it back upstairs," Harry said kissing her again.

"Can you make it to the sitting room?" she asked. "By the tree?"

"I think so," Harry said picking her up.

"Carrying me again," Hermione said. "I could get used to this, you know."

"It's the quickest way to get into the sitting room," Harry said laughing.

Hermione swatted his shoulder.

"You are not supposed to hit your professor," Harry reminded her. "I might have to write you up for that, Miss Granger."

"So you're going to punish me," Hermione lowered her eyelids.

"Well, I was thinking we might be able to work something out," Harry said setting her down on the sofa.

"Like what?" she asked coyly.

Harry set her down on the sofa. "Well, we could start with a kiss..."

"I like that idea," Hermione wrapped her arms around him.

"And then maybe," Harry said nuzzling her neck. "A little of this..."

"Ooooh," she sighed. "Yes... I like that too."

Harry slid his hand underneath her jumper. "And then maybe....this...."

She arched against him. "Love that..." she purred.

"Merlin, Hermione," Harry said losing his train of thought.

"I have a feeling we're going to be taking every opportunity we can for this over the next few weeks," Hermione said.

"We're going to be knackered," Harry said smiling down at her.

"I can deal with that," Hermione laughed.

Awhile later, Hermione and Harry were lying together on the sofa covered up with a blanket. The only light in the room came from the tree and the fireplace. Hermione sighed contentedly, her head resting on Harry's chest.

"This is exactly what I've been waiting for," Harry was stroking her hair. "Just lying here, and not worrying about what time you have to be back at the Ministry."

"This is perfect," Hermione said softly.

"Yeah it is," Harry echoed.

"I love our tree," Hermione said.

"I do too," Harry answered. "You did a great job decorating it."

"You helped," Hermione said with a giggle. "A little bit."

"I helped put the star up," Harry grinned at her.

"You worked really hard at it too," Hermione said laughing.

"Lifting you up there," Harry gave her a gentle poke.

"You just wanted an excuse to get your hands on me," Hermione said.

"Like I need one?" Harry asked.

"No," Hermione said. "Harry? I was thinking..."

"What's that?" Harry asked, running his fingers through her hair again.

"New Year's Eve," Hermione said. "You know since Ron and Lavender know about us. Maybe we could have them over for a small get together."

Harry looked at her properly. "You'd want to do that?"

Hermione nodded. "He's your best friend and Lavender's mine. We can trust them."

"What about Luna?" Harry asked. "And Charlie? I don't think they'd tell, but I just worry about so many people knowing about us."

"It was just an idea," Hermione said.

"It's a good idea," Harry told her. "I really think so..."

"Really?" Hermione asked happily.

"Let's just think it through, and decide if it's worth the risk of other people knowing about us," Harry told her.

"Right," Hermione agreed.

Harry kissed her again. "I could stay here all night," he said.

"We could, but it's a tradition to come downstairs on Christmas morning," Hermione pointed out. "Besides, we don't want Santa catching us like this, now do we?"

"Oh of course not," Harry smirked.

"So far," Hermione said. "Our first Christmas has been fantastic."

"The best ever," Harry added as they sat up.

"I'm going to take the blanket," Hermione said wrapping it around her.

"Cold?" Harry asked.

"I don't feel like putting my clothes on again since I'm just going to change into my pyjamas," Hermione said.

"I don't mind if you decide not to change into pyjamas," Harry said licentiously.

"Don't you think I might get a little cold?" Hermione asked.

"I can guarantee you won't," Harry said.

Hermione smiled. "You can, can you?"

"Absolutely," Harry picked her up again, blanket and all.

"You keep doing this and I'll expect it every single time," Hermione teased.

"I'm okay with that," Harry said softly.

"Happy Christmas, Harry," Hermione said.

He kissed her again. "Happy Christmas, love."

24. 24

We finish up Christmas here, even though in real time it’s next week ;) So enjoy and please review!

After spending a night at the Burrow, Lavender and Charlie decided to drive south and check out a few of the bed and breakfasts they found on the road. The impulsiveness of their little holiday made Lavender quite excited and she could hardly wait to be alone with her boyfriend.

"I know the car's not much," Charlie apologised for the third time that day. "But, I did borrow it from an old friend. And it's the best I could do on short notice."

"It doesn't matter to me," Lavender replied.

"It's a lot better than my dad's old Ford Anglia," Charlie said with a laugh. "Of course, Ron and Harry took care of that old heap."

"I remember them talking about that car," Lavender said with a grin.

"I wasn't here to see it, but apparently my mum was so mad, she sent him a howler," Charlie said. "Poor Ron."

Lavender reached for his hand. "I don't even care if we were walking, I'm just so glad to be with you."

"Me too," Charlie said looking away from the road to look at her.

"What about that place?" Lavender asked.

"Millbrook Cottage?" Charlie asked. "Are you sure?"

"We can check it out," Lavender replied. "And if we don't like it, we'll get back on the road."

Charlie pulled the car into the drive. "Millbrook it is."

Lavender got out of the car and looked around at the charming little cottage.

"Watch out for the ice," Charlie warned.

His warning came a bit too late. Lavender slipped on a patch of ice.

"Are you okay?" Charlie asked kneeling down beside her.

"Fine," Lavender winced. She wasn't sure what was more bruised- her spine or her pride.

Charlie offered her his hand. "If it makes you feel any better, I once took a nasty spill on some ice. On the front steps at Hogwarts in front of Sarah Beth Reilly. The very same Sara Beth that I spent two years trying to impress."

Lavender sent him a half smile as he helped her to his feet.

"I broke my nose," Charlie said. "And she never spoke to me again. Though, truth be told, she was a Slytherin..."

"You were attracted to a Slytherin?" Lavender asked, her nose wrinkling.

"I was sixteen years old," Charlie said defensively.

"Well..." Lavender stepped closer. "It certainly didn't take away from your looks."

"I am hot," Charlie said with a lazy grin.

"For me," Lavender replied.

"Absolutely," Charlie said giving her a kiss. "Come on, Miss Brown. Let's check this place out."

"Okay," Lavender agreed as they headed inside.

"This is nice and cosy," Charlie commented as he held the door for her.

"Definitely looks like it," Lavender said. "Thanks."

"You're welcome," Charlie said. "Are you sure you're okay from the fall?"

Lavender nodded. "I'm fine, I promise."

"May I help you?" a woman asked approaching them.

"We'd like to rent a room for tonight, please." Lavender said.

"You're in luck," the woman said smiling at them. "We happen to have a vacancy."

"Perfect," Lavender said, squeezing Charlie's hand.

"The cottage suite is just upstairs," the woman told them.

"We'll take it," Charlie said without hesitation.

The woman led them upstairs explaining the amenities available to them. "Breakfast is served every morning at eight. Once you are settled, I'll bring you some tea and biscuits."

"Thank you," Lavender said, her stomach fluttering excitedly.

"You're quite welcome," the woman said smiling at her. "I'm Rebecca and if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

"We will," Charlie said. "We appreciate it."

Rebecca smiled at them before going downstairs.

Charlie looked around at the room and couldn't help but be impressed. They'd obviously been given the best room in the place.

"I think this place is perfect," Lavender said, winding her arms around him.

"I think you're perfect," Charlie said softly.

She laughed. "That makes two of us. I think I'm perfect too."

"Even when you fall on the ice," Charlie teased.

"Even then," Lavender kissed him.

"I should go and get our bags," Charlie said.

"Hurry," Lavender kissed him again.

"Don't go anywhere," Charlie said before practically running out of the room.

Lavender headed for the loo while he was outside. She fixed up her hair and made sure her makeup was perfect before he came back.

Charlie set their bags down beside the door. "Good thing we stopped when we did. It's snowing again."

"We had the right idea," Lavender replied. "Guess we're in for the night then."

"No one else I'd rather be stuck with," Charlie said.

She wound her arms around his neck. "I've been waiting to be alone with you like this."

"You mean away from the mad house?" Charlie asked. "They loved you, you know that, right?"

"I hope so," Lavender said. "I really had a good time, Charlie."

"Me too," Charlie said. "I'm really glad we have this time, Lavender."

"I want to spend the rest of this holiday just... with... you..." Lavender said, kissing him.

"I think that can be arranged," Charlie said walking her back toward the bed.

It wasn't Lavender's first time, but it was her first time with Charlie, and her first time with a guy that she loved.

"I should lock the door in case that woman comes back with the tea," Charlie said pulling away for a moment.

"Good idea," Lavender said breathlessly. "Put up that Do Not Disturb sign."

Charlie did quick work of doing just that. "You realise she's going to know we're shagging."

"Who cares?" Lavender asked lazily.

"I see," Charlie said nodding as if suddenly catching on to her. "You're going to seduce me, Miss Brown?"

"Maybe," Lavender said coyly.

"Just as long as you promise to respect me in the morning," Charlie said with a grin.

"I'll do more than respect you," Lavender replied.

Charlie leaned in. "Promise?"

"I promise," Lavender brushed her lips over his.

"I love you," Charlie said suddenly serious.

"I love you too," Lavender said softly.

Charlie cupped her face in his hands. "You're sure you're ready for this?"

"I am so ready for you," Lavender said, staring into his eyes.

Charlie wrapped his arms around her and softly kissed her.

"Charlie," Lavender said breathlessly. "I love you so much."

"I love you, too," Charlie said before nuzzling her neck.

"Make me yours," Lavender whispered in his ear.

Charlie smiled at her before tugging up on her jumper.

Lavender lifted her arms willingly.

Charlie lifted it over her head and tossed it to the floor.

"More," Lavender hissed, nipping at his ear.

Charlie grinned. "Okay..."

"I want all of you," Lavender replied.

Charlie pulled away to take off his jumper and t-shirt.

Lavender let her eyes take in his physique. Dealing with dragons definitely helped him look good.

Charlie smiled at her as he unzipped her jeans.

She lifted her body, allowing him to slide them down.

"Lavender," Charlie said admiringly.

"I'm all yours," Lavender told him.

Charlie finished undressing before lying down beside her on the bed. He kissed her and pulled her close.

Lavender wrapped her arms around him. "Soon," she whispered in his ear.

"Now," Charlie whispered back.

"I'm ready for you," Lavender said.

Charlie kissed her hard, running his hands through her silky hair.

"Mmmm..." she arched against him.

Charlie groaned and lunged into her with one hard stroke.

"OH!" Lavender gasped.

Charlie looked down at her to make sure this was okay. He hadn't meant to be so rough, but he had wanted her so much.

"Don't wait," Lavender said breathlessly. She wrapped her legs around him to take him in deeper. "Please Charlie," she pleaded.

Charlie locked his gaze with hers as they began to move.

Her breathing grew heavy as he pushed inside her again and again.

"Lavender," Charlie called out her name. "Merlin---"

"More Charlie," she begged. "Please..."

She wrapped her legs tightly around him and took him in deeper. Charlie smiled lazily down at her when she called out his name.

"Oh," Lavender said. "Oh...."

He collapsed down onto her, nuzzling her neck. "Lavender..."

"That was incredible," Lavender was still breathing hard.

"Yes it was," Charlie said looking down at her. "Well worth the wait."

"You're worth everything," Lavender said, running her fingers through his hair.

Charlie kissed her. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," Lavender said as he moved to her side. "More than anyone else... ever."

"Come here," Charlie said and Lavender nestled into him.

"This is the most comfortable I've been in a long time," she said softly.

"No work and all play can do that for a person," Charlie joked.

"Then you need to visit more often." Lavender replied with a grin.

"I was thinking the same thing," Charlie said.

She closed her eyes. "Like.... every weekend."

"What about your training?" Charlie asked.

"I have Saturdays free," Lavender told him.

"Well," Charlie said thoughtfully. "I don't know about every weekend, but I'll come down as often as I can."

"I can live with that," Lavender said dreamily.

"I love you," Charlie said holding her close.

She pressed her lips to his. "Love you too."

"Even if I did once fancy a Slytherin?" Charlie asked.

"Well I went out with your brother," Lavender said coyly.

"Well I went out with your brother," Lavender said coyly.

Charlie grimaced. "Don't remind me."

"You're a much better boyfriend," Lavender assured him.

"Well," Charlie said with a lazy grin. "I am the most handsome of my brothers."

"I quite agree with that," Lavender ran her hand over his chest.

"And I think I have the best girlfriend," Charlie said.

"I quite agree with that too," she giggled.

Charlie closed his eyes. "And I'm absolutely knackered."

Lavender wasn't quite as tired, but she nodded. "A kip would be nice."

"Rest up for Round Two," Charlie said cheekily.

She laughed. "Oh you better believe it."

*** *** ***

Christmas morning, Hermione awoke feeling more satisfied than she had in a long time. The holiday so far had been wonderful, and she wondered if she'd ever be able to fall asleep without lying next to Harry again.

She studied him for a few more moments as he slept; a slight smile on her face.

A part of her missed being with her parents. This was the first Christmas she'd spent apart from them.

But looking at Harry, she knew it was worth it. Hermione loved him so much, and not having to worry about hiding was like a dream come true.

Harry opened his eyes and stared blearily up at her. "What are you doing awake?"

"It's Christmas morning," Hermione said, reaching for his glasses.

"You sound like a little kid," Harry said laughing as she handed them to him.

She poked his shoulder. "Very funny."

"Happy Christmas," Harry said pulling her close.

"You too," she said, giving him a kiss.

"So," Harry said. "Did you want to stay in here where it's nice and warm or do you want to go downstairs and see what Santa left you?"

"Tough call," Hermione joked.

"We could go downstairs and open presents and then we could come back up here," Harry said thoughtfully.

"I like that idea," Hermione kissed him again. "You are rather smart."

"I thought you were the brains behind our little outfit," Harry teased.

"I have to let you have your moments sometime," Hermione said, sliding out of his embrace and into her robe.

Harry was grinning as he reached for a sweatshirt. "Come on then, Miss Granger."

Together they went downstairs. Harry quickly made them some hot chocolate while she started a fire in the fireplace.

He set their mugs down on the coffee table. "So...ladies first."

"You pick one for me to open," Hermione said with a grin.

"How about this one?" Harry asked, handing her a small box.

Hermione took it and carefully pulled the paper off. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the jewellery box.

"You know, the present is what's inside the box," Harry joked. "You have to open it."

Wordlessly, she cracked it open. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at the diamond and sapphire ring inside.

"Are those 'I like it' tears?" Harry asked. "Or 'how could you get me something so hideous' tears?"

"This is so beautiful, Harry." Hermione whispered.

"You really like it?" Harry asked touching her cheek.

"I love it," she lifted it from the box and saw there was a silver chain attached so she could wear it around her neck.

"I love you," Harry said softly.

"I love you too," she kissed him. "Put it on me?"

"Sure," Harry said grinning at her as he took the chain from her and put it around her neck. "Perfect."

"Just like us," she said softly.

Harry couldn't have agreed more. He watched as she gleefully hurried over to the mirror to get a look at the necklace.

"I only wish I could show this to everyone," Hermione said wistfully.

He came up behind and put his arms around her waist. "You will. It's just going to be awhile."

"I know," she said. "Come on, you open a gift now." she retrieved a box from under the tree.

"This one is big," Harry said taking it from her.

"Yes it is," Hermione replied. "Open up!"

Harry opened the package and he was speechless. It was a Muggle portrait of his parents.

"I took that photograph you have," Hermione told him. "And gave it to an artist friend."

"Wow," Harry stared at it, transfixed. "Hermione--"

"I was worried that you'd notice the photograph was gone," Hermione said. "I have it in my bag. I'll give it back to you."

"I thought I'd misplaced it," Harry said.

"Your mum was so beautiful," Hermione commented.

"You remind me of what she must have been," Harry said. "From what Lupin and... and Sirius told me."

"She was a bossy know-it-all bookworm, too?" Hermione asked.

"And my dad was a prankster who thought he knew it all," Harry said.

"He sounds like Ron," Hermione said.

"So what are you saying?" Harry poked her. "That you'd rather be here with Ron?"

"Eww, no," Hermione said scrunching up her nose.

Harry laughed. "Thank you." he gave her a kiss. "I'm going to hang it up in my flat."

"I'm so glad you like it," Hermione said.

"It's perfect," Harry said.

Hermione was just reaching for another present when she heard voices in the foyer.

"Happy Christmas, Harry!" Tonks called out.

"Oh fuck," Harry said, his eyes gone wide.

Hermione didn't have time to think so she Apparated upstairs.

"Happy Christmas!" Tonks said again as she and Lupin entered the room. "Remus owes me 10 galleons. He said you'd still be in bed."

"Oh uh... no, just opening some gifts," Harry said lamely. "What uh... what are you both doing here?"

"We didn't want you to spend the holiday alone!" Tonks exclaimed taking off her cloak. "Ooooh! You have a tree!"

"Of course he does, Nymphadora," Lupin helped her.

"We were at the Weasleys this morning," Tonks said. "We thought you were going to be there. Molly was beside herself thinking you were going to be alone."

"I'm fine," Harry said. "Just fine..."

"She was about to come over here herself, but we headed her off," Lupin said. "You know how she can be. She was about to pack up the entire family and bring the holiday to you."

Harry hoped Ron had managed to talk her out of that one. "Well... as you can see, things are great here."

"We come bearing presents," Tonks said happily.

Harry realised with dismay that they planned to stay awhile. "That's awfully nice of you," he said.

Tonks caught sight of the two mugs of hot chocolate. "Oh..."

"I just brought out two in case I wanted another right away," Harry lied. "I'm impatient like that."

"Uh-huh," Tonks said not believing that for a minute. "Your girlfriend is here, isn't she? The mystery woman..."

"There's no mystery woman here," Harry rolled his eyes.

"Nymphadora," Lupin warned. "Don't interrogate Harry. He's not on trial."

"But Remus--" she began.

"How about I get you both some coffee or hot chocolate?" Harry asked.

"Coffee would be great," Lupin replied.

"Hot chocolate for me," Tonks said.

Harry excused himself to get their drinks.

"Nymphadora," Lupin said in a quiet voice. "Don't push him."

"I just want to know who he's seeing," Tonks said. "We're his friends."

"And he'll tell us when he's ready," Lupin said giving her a kiss. "This is our first Christmas together."

"Yes it is," Tonks softened. "I'm so happy."

"Me too," Lupin said resting his forehead on hers. "The first of many."

"I told you I'd be good for you," Tonks put her arms around his neck. "I keep you young."

"Which is a good thing," Harry said coming back into the room. "Since he's so old."

Tonks laughed. "Not with me he isn't."

"Too much information," Harry said handing them mugs.

"Thanks," Lupin said. "So what are your plans for today? Any way we can convince you to come back to the Weasleys?"

"I'm just going to take it easy," Harry replied.

"We hate the thought of you being here by yourself," Tonks said.

"I'll be fine," Harry reassured her.

"You're sure?" Tonks pressed.

"Yes," Harry replied. "But I am glad you're here. I have gifts for you, too."

"That's awfully sweet of you, Harry." Tonks said with a huge grin.

"You are my friends," Harry said reaching under the tree.

"Don't mind my girlfriend," Lupin said. "She loves presents more than anything."

"Just a little," Tonks said eagerly.

"Just a lot," Lupin corrected.

"Very funny," Tonks said, taking an envelope from Harry. She opened it and squealed. "Weird Sisters tickets! Harry! These are front row!"

"Enjoy," Harry said with a grin.

Tonks gave him a hug. "You are the best!"

"You're next, old man." Harry said.

"Harry," Lupin said. "You shouldn't have."

"Tell me something I don't know," Harry said. "But you're my boss and I do sort of have to suck up..."

"Just a little," Lupin said unwrapping the present. "Harry..."

"That is your favourite book, isn't it?" Harry asked. "It's a first edition."

"Yes it is," Lupin held it up. "A Tale of Two Cities..."

"Which two cities?" Tonks asked curiously.

Lupin laughed. "Nymphadora. It's a classic by Charles Dickens."

"Who?" Tonks asked.

"One of Britain's greatest authors," Lupin said. "Don't worry. We don't have to have a lot in common. I don't know who the Weird Sisters are and you don't know who Charles Dickens is."

"Well you will know after this concert," Tonks waved the tickets.

"I can hardly wait," Lupin said with a slight groan.

"You'll love it," Tonks said. "I'll wear my hair pink, and we'll do something fun with yours too."

Harry stifled a laugh at the look on Lupin's face.

"Thanks Harry," Lupin said dryly.

"My pleasure," Harry said. "And just make sure you take photos, Tonks. I want to see what he'd look like."

"I'll take hundreds," Tonks promised.

Lupin set some additional presents down under the tree. "From the Weasleys."

Harry stole a glance to the upstairs. "That was nice of them..."

The look wasn't lost on Lupin. He had a feeling that Tonks was right. Harry obviously had someone staying here with him. But, Lupin wasn't going to push the issue. Whoever this woman was, she had been wonderful for Harry. Lupin couldn't remember the last time he'd seen his friend so happy.

"Nymphadora," he coughed. "Perhaps we should go... I'm sure Harry would like some time to... himself."

Tonks nodded. "You're right."

"I'm really glad you both stopped by," Harry said giving Tonks a hug.

"Tell your girlfriend I said Happy Christmas," Tonks whispered in his ear.

"Sod off," Harry returned.

"And a Happy Christmas to you too," Tonks said beaming at him.

"See you both soon," Harry replied.

"See you," Lupin said grabbing their cloaks. "Come on, Nymphadora."

"You know I really detest being called by that name--" the rest of Tonks's sentence was cut off as Harry closed the door.

Harry shook his head. "You can come out now."

Hermione stepped out from behind the wall. "That was a close one."

"I had no idea Remus knew how to get in here," Harry said. "I'm sorry."

"Its okay," Hermione reassured him. "I think it was nice that they wanted to stop by. They're really great friends."

"They are," Harry nodded, pulling her close.

"Are you hungry?" Hermione asked huskily.

"Mmmhmm," Harry murmured nuzzling her neck.

"For food?" she asked. "Or for me?"

"You tell me," Harry said, untying her robe.

"I think both," Hermione said coyly. "But more for me."

"You are quite perceptive," Harry whispered.

"I try," Hermione wrapped her arms around him.

"This is turning out to be my best Christmas ever," Harry replied with a grin.

"Mine too," she laughed as he picked her up.

"Your chariot, my lady," Harry said.

"Mmm... why don't you give me the ride of my life," Hermione nibbled at his ear.

Harry stopped on the steps, a lazy grin on his face. "Hermione..."

"Yes?" she asked softly.

"Do you have any idea what it does to me when you say things like that?" Harry asked. "On second thought, don't answer. You know exactly what you're doing."

"With you I do," Hermione said, pushing his hair back.

"I love you more than anything in this world," he said softly. "We've only been together a short time, but I just feel like this is just the beginning for us. I never---I never thought I'd feel this way."

"I didn't either," she told him. "Not for a long, long time. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Her words made him smile. It was what he wanted too, more than anything. But, he knew things wouldn't be easy.

"You know once everyone does find out, your name will be in all the papers," Harry said.

"I don't care," she said.

"You say that now," Harry said.

"I'll say that always," Hermione corrected.

"I never want you to regret this," Harry told her. "People are going---"

"What are they going to say?" Hermione asked. "Why would it matter to us? If we're happy, then that's ALL that matters."

Harry gave her a kiss that nearly took her breath away.

"Harry," she said dazedly when they pulled apart.

"I'm going to marry you," Harry said hurrying up the rest of the stairs.

She grinned. "Are you now?"

"When your training is through and we can be together," Harry said. "We're going to get married. I mean, if you say yes, of course..."

"What do you think I'm going to say?" Hermione asked. "Honestly, Harry."

"Things might change in two and a half years," Harry pointed out.

Hermione shook her head. "No way. This is the real thing Harry."

"Yes it is," Harry agreed, setting her down on the unmade bed.

"Now here's a good Christmas present," she said with a grin.

"Only the best for my girl," Harry said lying down beside her.

"I'm always your girl, Harry." she promised.

Harry propped himself up on his elbow and looked at her. "I love you."

"I love you too," she said, running her fingers through his hair again.

"I love this," Harry said. "Being with you like this. Not having to pretend that we're not more than what we are."

"I love it as well," Hermione said. "It's been such a relief."

"We will have quite the story to tell our grandchildren one day when they ask how we met," Harry said with a laugh. "I'll tell them about how Grandma picked me up in pub..."

Hermione laughed. "And how Grandpa took me home for sex?"

"And how the next day Grandma showed up in his class and he could barely concentrate on anything, but her," Harry continued.

"Same with her," Hermione said, inching closer. "Grandma could hardly take her eyes off Grandpa."

"We'll have to edit out the really juicy parts," Harry said reaching underneath her pyjama top.

"Those stay right here in this bed," Hermione agreed softly.

"And my office," Harry said with a grin. "And my flat...and that closet at the Ministry..."

"And the classroom," Hermione laughed.

"That one they'd never believe," Harry said chuckling.

"That was rather amazing," Hermione agreed.

"And reckless on our part," Harry reminded her. "But I guess that was part of the thrill, right? The idea that we could have been caught?"

"I suppose so," Hermione said, her forehead touching his. "But the more reckless we are, the more I worry about us being caught."

"Which is why you should probably not do what you did that day," Harry said softly. "I did try to resist, but you were really---"

"You did not try to resist," Hermione nudged him.

"I did too," Harry began laughing at the look on her face.

"As I recall," Hermione said. "All I was trying for was a kiss. You were the one who couldn't keep his hands off of me."

"Can you blame me?" Harry pushed her robe away.

Hermione shook her head. "No. Because I can't keep mine off of you, either."

"Then I guess it's a good thing we're in love," Harry rolled her on top of him.

"It's a great thing," Hermione corrected.

That was the last thing either of them said for quite some time.

25. 25

We hope you enjoy this chapter today- a little time with Justin and Eloise and then a bit of insight into Ernie’s crazy head. Everyone have a safe and Happy Christmas!!!

Eloise checked her reflection one more time in the mirror. She remembered what Lavender had said about not overdoing her makeup and had only put on a touch of eye shadow, blush, and lipstick.

She wasn't sure why she was so nervous- she supposed she really wanted Justin to impress her family. They were often so critical of her- because she wasn't the beautiful one like her sister- and Justin was also the first guy she'd ever brought home.

"Eloise!" her mother called out. "Come and set the table!"

"Be right there," Eloise called back, pushing her hair behind her shoulders.

"I hope your Justin likes beef stew," Isabelle Midgen said to her daughter. "Because I have made enough to feed an army."

"I'm sure he does, Mum." Eloise got out the silverware.

"When is this Dustin supposed to be here anyway?" Walter Midgen asked his daughter. "Hmm?"

"Any minute now," Eloise replied. "And it's Justin, Dad. Not Dustin."

"Of course," Walter nodded.

"I told him half past seven," Eloise said. "So he could be here anytime."

"You look lovely, sweetheart," Isabelle said smiling at her daughter.

"Thanks Mum," Eloise said, flushing a bit.

"I'm glad that you're sister is home so we can all meet him," Isabelle said.

"Right," Eloise forced a smile. She and her sister Danielle had never quite seen eye to eye on things.

Danielle was three years older than Eloise and she was studying to be a healer. She also had the good fortune to get the good skin and good hair in the family and she'd never had a problem with acne like Eloise had.

"Are we eating soon?" Danielle breezed into the room. "I have a final tomorrow and I have to study tonight."

"Yes, Dani," Isabelle replied. "Eloise's boyfriend will be here soon. Why don't you help your sister finish setting the table?"

Danielle rolled her eyes. "Fine."

"Thanks," Eloise muttered as her sister set out the napkins.

"As usual, I have to finish your job," Danielle said. "Honestly, Eloise."

Eloise sighed. "I just got started, Dani."

Danielle didn't say anything else. "Isn't this bloke supposed to be here by now?"

"He should be here any minute," Eloise said.

"I think it's nice that you've made some good friends," Isabelle commented, setting the pot of stew in the middle of the table. "Lavender and Hermione, right?"

Eloise nodded. "We've gotten pretty close."

"Lavender Brown?" Danielle asked. "The pretty blonde? She's your friend?"

Eloise nodded. "Especially since we began Auror training."

Danielle looked at her uncertainly. "Mmmhmm."

"It's true," Eloise said defensively. "She's the one who helped get Justin to notice me."

"She must have been a miracle worker," Danielle said with a smirk.

Eloise frowned at her sister. "Thanks a lot."

"Girls, please," Walter said coming into the kitchen. He surveyed the table. "This looks delicious, Isabelle."

"Thanks," Isabelle said. "It's all ready for when Justin arrives."

"It's not everyday that a father gets to meet his youngest daughter's boyfriend," Walter said putting his arm around Eloise. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks Daddy," Eloise said gratefully. "You'll really like him."

"We should wait for him in the sitting room," Isabelle suggested.

"Okay," Eloise agreed.

"Danielle, what is your final on tomorrow?" Isabelle asked conversationally.

Eloise didn't listen for the answer. She was too nervous about Justin. She hoped that her family would like him as much as she did.

Fifteen minutes later, her nervous butterflies had returned. She wondered why he wasn't there yet.

Danielle sighed and shot a glare at her sister.

"Should you ring him, sweetheart?" Walter asked. "See if something's holding him up?"

"Yes," Eloise said blushing. "I'll do that right now."

She went into the kitchen and dialled his mobile number, hoping he'd pick up and have a good excuse as to why he was late.

To her dismay, she reached his voice mail. "Justin, it's me. I hope you're not running late. We're all just waiting on you. I hope everything's okay. Call me when you get this. Bye."

"Well?" Danielle asked when she came back into the room.

"Voice mail," Eloise replied. "I-I'm sure he's on his way."

"You know, I really need this time to study--" her sister began.

"Danielle," Isabelle interjected. "I'm sure Justin will be here soon.”

"Sure," Danielle smirked. "How do we know Eloise didn't just make him up?"

Eloise glared at her sister. "I didn't make him up!"

"Danielle, apologise to your sister," Walter ordered.

"I'm sorry," Danielle mumbled and Eloise knew her sister didn't mean it.

"I'd better check on the stew," Isabelle said. "Make sure it's not drying out."

"I'm sorry, Mum," Eloise said softly.

"It's all right," Isabelle smiled at her daughter before hurrying into the kitchen.

Danielle looked at her sister. "Have you been using that lotion the dermatologist prescribed? I think it's drying out your skin, Eloise."

"My skin is fine," Eloise said, looking away from her sister.

Eloise looked at the clock on the wall and sighed. Justin was over 20 minutes late now.

"What sort of bloke is this?" Danielle pressed on relentlessly. "Can't even ring to tell us he'll be late?"

Eloise looked at her. "Dani, something could have happened to him..."

"Sure," Danielle rolled her eyes.

Eloise was about to ring him again when she heard the doorbell.

"He's here," she said, relief flooding through her body as she rushed for the door.

Justin looked sheepish and apologetic when he saw Eloise. "I am so sorry I'm late."

"We've been waiting for you," Eloise was so happy to see him she almost didn't care.

"Can I come in?" Justin asked.

"Oh... of course." Eloise stood back.

Justin stepped inside and kissed her on the cheek. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks," Eloise blushed a bright red. "Um... let me take your cloak."

"Thanks," Justin said taking it off and handing it to her. "You have a really nice house."

"Thank you," she said. "Um... why don't you come into the kitchen. It's just this way."

"Okay," Justin said taking her hand. He was relieved that she didn't seem too upset with him for being late.

"Mum?" Eloise said as she led him into the room. "I'd like you to meet Justin. Justin, this is my mum, Isabelle."

"It's nice to meet you, Justin," Isabelle said shaking his hand.

"You too," Justin said. "I do apologise for being late. My friend Ernie swore that he heard of a raid happening tonight but nothing ever came of it."

"Oh," Isabelle said smiling at him. "That's quite alright. This is my husband, Walter..."

"Hello, son." Walter shook his hand firmly.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Midgen," Justin said. "Eloise has told me a great deal about all of you."

"She's told us a few things about you," Walter said.

"All good, I hope," Justin said with a charming grin.

"Of course," Eloise said hastily. "And um... this is my older sister, Danielle."

Justin turned around to see Eloise's sister. "Hello, Danielle."

"Justin," Danielle said, not warmly but not unfriendly either.

"Why don't we all sit down?" Isabelle asked. "I put a warming charm on the stew. I hope you're hungry, Justin."

"Starved, actually." Justin replied. "Eloise has told me what a wonderful cook you are."

Isabelle grinned. "She's quite a good cook herself."

"I'm not that great," Eloise said shyly.

"She's being modest," Isabelle said proudly.

"I had no idea," Justin smiled at her.

"She's not that great," Danielle said.

Justin looked at her in surprise and Eloise turned red. "I'm good at making dessert," she said. "I um, I made it for tonight."

"Chocolate cake," Danielle said grabbing a roll from the basket. "Which you shouldn't eat, Eloise. "

"A small piece never hurts," Isabelle gave her older daughter a look.

"It's her skin," Danielle said loftily.

Eloise stared down at her plate, feeling completely humiliated.

"I happen to think she has lovely skin," Justin said smiling reassuringly at Eloise.

She managed a grateful smile at her boyfriend. "Thanks," she said softly.

Walter's opinion of Justin went up even more at that. "Justin, Eloise tells us that you're near the top of your training class."

"Just behind Hermione Granger," Justin nodded. "That girl is positively brilliant."

"She's helped me out so much," Eloise said.

"Figures," Danielle mumbled.

"Eloise really is being modest," Justin told them. "Harry told her just before break that she had improved so much since the beginning of training. Remus Lupin said she was going to be a great Auror. "

Isabelle smiled with pride. "Eloise has always been able to do anything she sets her mind to."

"You didn't tell us about this," Walter said to his youngest daughter. "Eloise...that's wonderful!"

"I meant to," Eloise said.

"I'm at the top of my class," Danielle announced.

"What are you studying to be?" Justin asked.

"A healer," Danielle announced. "I have one more year of study and then I'll be working at St. Mungos."

"That's very impressive," Justin nodded.

Eloise decided not to tell Justin that her sister was probably doing this more out of ambition than a desire to help her fellow man.

"Yes well," Danielle said. "I was always the smarter one."

Eloise looked across the table at her sister. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just what I said," Danielle replied coolly.

"Danielle," Isabelle chastised.

Danielle only shrugged before returning to her stew.

"Eloise told us you were Muggle born?" Walter asked conversationally. Justin nodded. "I was all set to go to Eton like my Dad when I received my Hogwarts letter."

"Eton?" Isabelle asked, impressed. "My, my!"

"Handsome and smart," Eloise said beaming at him.

Justin grinned back at her. "Only the best for you."

Isabelle grinned. She was happy that her daughter seemed to have found a nice bloke who would treat her well. "Justin, how were your holidays?"

"Very nice, Mrs. Midgen." Justin replied. "Yours?"

"We had a really nice one, too," Isabelle told him. "It's always nice to have our girls home."

"We'll be back in those dorms soon enough," Eloise said. "My bed here is much more comfortable."

"What about you, Danielle?" Justin asked. "Do you stay in the dorms at University or do you have a flat?"

"I have my own flat," Danielle said.

"Must be nice," Justin said. "Not to have flatmates..."

"It is," Danielle replied. "I can come and go as I please, and I can study in peace."

"That must be nice," Justin joked. "I share a dorm with my best mate, Ernie."

The smile on Eloise's face slipped a bit at the mention of Ernie's name.

"I hope you've saved room for Eloise's chocolate cake," Isabelle said getting out of her chair.

"I'll always have room for that," Justin answered.

"I'll help you, Mum," Eloise said getting up, too.

"Is there anything I can do?" Justin asked.

Walter smiled. "You can sit here with me and tell me which team you pull for, Justin."

Justin laughed. "That's easy, sir. Puddlemere all the way."

"I knew I liked this boy," Walter said with a grin.

At the counter, Eloise looked expectantly at her mother. "What about you, Mum?" she whispered. "Do you like him?"

Isabelle smiled. "He's a lovely young man, and obviously quite taken with you."

"You really think so?" Eloise asked hopefully.

"Absolutely," Isabelle said.

Eloise grinned. "He's pretty fantastic, isn't he?"

Isabelle laughed. "Yes, he is. Your father and I are happy for you, sweetheart."

"I just wish Dani could be happy for me too," Eloise said wistfully.

"Deep down, she is," Isabelle replied, placing cake on dessert plates.

"Way deep down," Eloise grumbled.

"What was that, sweetheart?" Isabelle asked.

"Nothing, Mum," Eloise said. "I'll---I'll get the coffee."

"Thank you dear," Isabelle put the plates on a tray and levitated it in the air.

"...so needless to say," Danielle was telling them. "I was the only one who knew the healing charm."

Justin nodded. "That's pretty incredible."

"That's what my professor said," Danielle said proudly.

"Who wants coffee?" Eloise interrupted.

"Me, definitely," Danielle replied. "I need the caffeine if I'm going to study."

Eloise set a cup down and poured some coffee into it for her sister.

Danielle didn't even say thank you when Eloise placed the cup in front of her. She excused herself from the table and Eloise couldn't say she was sorry to see her go.

She poured coffee for the rest of them and sat down again next to Justin, feeling as if a large weight had just lifted from her shoulders.

"How has it been learning from Harry Potter?" Isabelle asked.

"Amazing," Eloise said. "It was a bit strange at first, seeing as he's our age, but he's accomplished so much."

"It was really strange for Ernie, Ron and me since we were all mates at school," Justin told them. He didn't let on that Ernie and Harry had barely stood each other when they were in Hogwarts.

"Can't be that strange for Ernie," Eloise said. "He hardly listens to anything Harry says."

"He and Harry kind of had a friendly rivalry in school," Justin said diplomatically. "Ernie and I are like brothers..."

"I have a number of friends like that," Walter nodded. "You stay close your whole life."

"Ern's had a tough time of it lately," Justin said. "It was part of the reason I was late arriving here actually."

"You said he thought there was a raid?" Eloise asked.

Justin nodded. "If you ask me, I think it was an excuse to get closer to Padma Patil. He had her involved even though she's not an Auror."

"Involved how?" Eloise asked.

"Well you know how she's interning with the Wizengamot?" Justin asked her. "Well, he was trying to see if she would let him look at some old case files."

"Oh," Eloise replied.

"Sounds like your friend Ernie is quite ambitious," Walter commented.

"He can be," Justin finished his cake. "Eloise, that was delicious."

Eloise beamed at him. "I'm glad you liked it, Justin."

"I thought perhaps if your parents didn't mind, I'd take you out for a little while," Justin said. "A movie, perhaps?"

Eloise looked at her parents. "Would that be okay?"

"Of course," Isabelle replied.

Walter shook Justin's hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you, son."

"You too," Justin replied.

"Don't be a stranger," Isabelle said. "Drop by anytime."

Eloise grabbed her cloak. "I won't be late, Mum."

"Have fun darling," Isabelle kissed her cheek.

Justin reached for her hand the moment they left the house. "So what's the verdict?"

"I think they love you," Eloise said happily. "I knew they would."

"Your sister is a piece of work," Justin commented.

Eloise shook her head. "We've never gotten along- I'm sure that's plain to see."

"She likes to be the centre of attention, doesn't she?" Justin asked.

"More than you know," Eloise said. "For the longest time, I didn't believe I was as good as she is at anything."

"You're a good girlfriend," Justin said grinning at her.

Eloise blushed deeply. "Well I think you're a good boyfriend," she said boldly.

"Even though you don't like my best mate very much?" Justin asked.

Eloise looked away. "I wish I could say I did," she confessed. "But Ernie's never been very nice to me."

"Ern's a good bloke," Justin said loyally. "He's just had a hard time lately."

"I'll have to take your word for it," Eloise shrugged.

"He is," Justin said. "You and Ernie haven't had a chance to really get to know each other is all."

"I guess," Eloise replied. "I don't want to talk about Ernie, though."

"We'll agree to disagree about him," Justin said.

"We'll have to," Eloise squeezed his hand.

Justin gave his girlfriend a lingering kiss. He forgot all about his best mate.

His best mate had his hands full dealing with an irate Padma Patil.

"Do you have any idea how much trouble I could have gotten into if we'd been caught?" Padma asked him angrily. "Honestly! A raid..."

"I just thought--" Ernie began.

"You didn't think," Padma said angrily, tossing her hair over her shoulder. Ernie stared transfixed. That was something that Parvati used to do all the time.

"Hello," Padma said impatiently. "What are you staring at?"

"Um, nothing," Ernie said hastily.

She rolled her eyes. "You know, I could be spending tonight with my family. But no, I'm here on some strange hunch you have."

"I'm sorry," Ernie said turning on the charm.

"I'm going home," Padma said, reaching for her cloak.

"Wait," Ernie called after her. "I was thinking about...our plan."

"What about it?" she asked.

"What's the one thing that Potter feels the most guilty about?" Ernie asked.

Padma looked at him a moment. "I'd say that's fairly obvious," she answered quietly. "My sister."

Ernie smiled. "And... you look just like her."

"What the hell are you getting at?" Padma asked snappishly.

"I'm thinking that it's time your sister haunted Potter, so to speak," Ernie said calmly. He didn't want to make her mad. He needed her too much.

Padma stared at him silently.

"You could wear your hair in that one plait like Parvati used to do," Ernie remembered.

"You want me to dress just like my sister to freak out Harry Potter?" Padma asked slowly. She wondered just how far Ernie was going to take this.

"It's going to drive him crazy," Ernie argued his point. "You know how he was right after his godfather died, right? He was barely able to concentrate."

"I suppose so," Padma said. "I still have some of her clothing in my closet at home. I'll wear something the first day you all come back."

"Fantastic," Ernie said hugging her. "You're not going to regret this!"

Padma had to keep herself from shuddering. "Well you know... its part of the plan."

"We're going to make him pay for what he did to you," Ernie said softly.

"Not just to me," she said. "My entire family misses her."

"She was the best," Ernie said pulling away to look at her. "And she is going to have justice."

"How well did you know her?" Padma asked.

"Very well," Ernie said. "She and I used to study together."

"I see," Padma answered, stepping back.

Her sister wasn't one for studying. In fact, if it hadn't been for Padma's tutoring, Parvati might have flunked out of Hogwarts.

Ernie though remembered that one time he'd been close to asking her out. He'd found her in the library giggling with Lavender about the latest Witch Weekly. Ernie hoped Lavender would leave soon.

***

"That dress would look great on you," Lavender said holding up the magazine.

"I was thinking I might get it in green," Parvati said.

Lavender grinned. "Because it matches a certain Gryffindor's eyes, perhaps?"

"Oh, perhaps," Parvati's grin was huge.

"He was looking at you at dinner," Lavender whispered.

"You know, at first I thought why bother," Parvati confided. "But he's not the same bloke he was at the Yule Ball."

Ernie rolled his eyes. Parvati Patil fancied Harry Potter?

"And if you and Harry go out," Lavender said with a grin. "You can double with me and Ron."

Parvati laughed. "You know, Padma said he's still the worst date she ever had."

Lavender giggled. "Well, he's come a long way since then. He sure can snog..."

"I'll take your word for it," Parvati sat back. "So you really think I should go out with Harry?"

"Absolutely," Lavender replied. "In fact, I think---"

Her voice trailed off when she felt a tapping on her shoulder. She turned around. "Ernie?"

"Hey," Ernie said. "I'm sorry to bother you, but Professor McGonagall asked me to get you. She wanted a quick word in your common room."

"What?" Lavender gave him a strange look. "Why would she ask you to get me?"

"I ran into her on my way to the library," Ernie lied. "She said it was urgent."

"I hope everything's okay," Lavender rose.

"Maybe I should go with you," Parvati also started to get up.

"She was pretty clear," Ernie said quickly. "Just Lavender."

"I'll be back soon," Lavender assured her, hurrying out of the library.

Parvati sat back down and started to thumb through the magazine again.

"So..." Ernie sat down in Lavender's vacated seat.

Parvati looked up at him. "Yes?"

"What's new with you?" Ernie asked, mentally kicking himself.

"I really should be studying for Charms," Parvati confided. "But, Lav and I were just looking over this week's Witch Weekly. It's their spring fashion issue."

"You'd look fantastic in those robes," Ernie gazed at one of the models in the magazine.

Parvati beamed at him. "You think so?"

"Oh absolutely," Ernie said. "That blue colour on you..."

"I was actually thinking of green," Parvati said softly.

"Why green?" Ernie asked, even though he knew the answer.

Parvati blushed. "Just because..."

"Well, I happen to think you'd look pretty in anything," Ernie said.

Parvati grinned. "You really think so? That's really sweet of you to say, Ernie."

"Yeah well," Ernie smiled back at her. "So listen... I was thinking perhaps sometime you'd like--"

"Hi, Parvati," a male voice said from behind her.

Parvati turned and blushed. "Hello, Harry."

He smiled at her. "I--I was wondering if you were going with anyone to Hogsmeade this weekend?"

"No, I'm not," Parvati tried not to sound too eager.

"Well, I was wondering," Harry said looking down at his feet. "I was wondering---"

"Yes?" Parvati turned her back on a seething Ernie.

"If you might want to go with me?" Harry asked.

Parvati tipped her head to the side, playing it cool as she pretended to think for a moment. "That might be nice," she finally said.

Harry grinned and looked as if he couldn't believe she'd actually said yes. "Great."

"How about we meet up at breakfast," she suggested. "And go from there?"

"I'd like that," Harry replied. He sat down beside her. "So what are you doing?"

"Just doing a little browsing," Parvati said flirtatiously. "What would you think of me in these robes... in green?"

Harry looked at the magazine. "I don't know much about fashion, but I think you would look beautiful in them."

"I like them because they match your eyes," Parvati said, leaning in just a bit.

Ernie couldn't believe this. They seemed to have forgotten he was even here.

"So I see," Harry grinned back at her.

"I'll have to see if they have something like this in Hogsmeade," Parvati said. "But you probably wouldn't like me dragging you in and out of shops would you?"

"I wouldn't mind too much," Harry sat back.

"I thought you were going out with Cho Chang," Ernie interjected.

"What?" Harry asked, just realising he was there. "Where'd you hear that, Macmillan?"

"I saw you talking with her at breakfast," Ernie said. "Of course, you didn't waste your time after Cedric, did you?"

Parvati turned and gave him a dirty look. "They're friends."

"I don't think it's any of your business, Macmillan," Harry retorted.

Ernie sneered at him as he got up. "Well I don't want to interrupt your DATE," he snapped.

***

Padma waved her hand in front of Ernie's face. "Hello? Where did you go just now?"

"What?" he jumped.

"You got this funny look on your face," Padma told him. "Just now."

Ernie shrugged. "I'm fine."

"I should really be going," Padma said.

"So I'll see you soon, right?" Ernie asked.

"Yeah," Padma replied. "I'll---I'll be in touch."

"Great," Ernie smiled at her. "I'll see you later, Parvati."

Padma stared at him. "Padma, you mean."

"What?" he asked.

"You called me 'Parvati'," Padma said quietly.

"I did?" Ernie asked. "I uh... it must have been because of the plan."

Padma studied him. Something about him had always seemed off to her, but more so lately. "Um, okay then."

Ernie nodded. "Have a good night." he stood up.

Padma gathered the rest of her belongings. She was glad that Ernie was leaving. More troubling though was this plan of his. Padma wanted to see Harry suffer for what had happened to her sister, but this didn't seem like the best way. She didn't want to wear her sister's clothes or act as her sister had. A guilty feeling nagged at her that her sister wouldn't want that.

With a sigh, she pushed the thought out of her mind. This had to be done.

26. 26

Quite fitting that part of this chapter takes place on New Year’s Eve. We hope you all had a safe and happy holiday! Enjoy!

Ron and Luna had seen each other nearly every day of the Christmas holiday, and were now spending a quiet New Year's Eve alone.

"This is nice," she murmured as he stroked her hair. "Being with you... having you all to myself."

"How did you manage that?" Ron asked softly. "Don't tell me your father had a New Year's date?"

"Your mum just happened to find out he had no plans," Luna said with a grin.

"She did, did she?" Ron asked grinning back at her. "And how did she find that out?"

"I might have mentioned something," Luna replied slyly.

"That's my girl," Ron said leaning in and kissing her.

"I'll always be your girl, Ronald." Luna closed her eyes.

"Even if I'm an Auror?" Ron asked.

"Of course," Luna said, looking at him.

Ron leaned back against the sofa. "I know you thought I should say something..."

"I just think you should be enjoying your job, not doing it out of a sense of duty," Luna responded.

"I wish it were that easy," Ron grumbled.

"I don't want to pressure you," she said softly. "I just want you to be happy."

"I am happy," Ron said looking at her. "When I'm with you."

"We could be together all the time if you wrote for Daddy's paper," Luna pointed out.

"That's true," Ron agreed.

"And you love to eat," Luna said. "You'd get to eat for a living."

Ron laughed. "I'm good at that."

"Quite so," Luna agreed, laying her head on his chest again.

"I love you," Ron said softly.

"I love you too," she said dreamily. "Every time you say that... I get this thrill."

"In that case," Ron said a mischievous gleam in his eye. "I love you. I love you. I love you."

She giggled. "Keep saying that..."

"I love you," Ron said nuzzling her neck. "I love you..."

"That tickles," Luna was laughing as she wound her arms around him.

"Feels pretty good to me," Ron said with a grin.

"You always feel good to me," Luna whispered.

Ron kissed her again. She was going back to Hogwarts in a couple of days and he wasn't looking forward to being away from her until Easter.

"Let's just stay here all night," Luna suggested. "Not move off this sofa."

"I don't see why we'd have to," Ron said thoughtfully. "I have the best girl...food...good music..."

"Exactly," she agreed with a smile.

The music on the wireless ended and a reporter announced that they were live from Diagon Alley. "...the crowd is packed tightly around the square celebrating. Unfortunately, there's no sign of the most famous wizard of all, Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived is nowhere to be seen. Could he be ringing in the New Year with his mystery woman?"

Ron rolled his eyes. "Why can't they just leave him alone?"

"I know," Luna said. "But hopefully he's having a nice holiday away from their prying eyes."

"He's with Hermione at Grimmauld Place," Ron said.

Luna smiled. "That's great. I hope they're having a nice time."

The couple in question was in fact, having quite a nice time. They were lying on a thick blanket in front of the fireplace.

"We're almost out of popcorn," Hermione said looking down at the bowl.

Harry waved his hand and the bowl filled again. "Better?" he asked with a grin.

"Okay, now you're showing off," Hermione laughed.

"And you love when I do that," Harry said smugly.

"Maybe I like a more modest bloke," Hermione said thoughtfully.

"I can do that too," Harry looked over at her.

"You can be modest?" Hermione asked. "I'll believe that when I see it."

"Long as I can keep you around while I try it," Harry nuzzled her neck.

"I guess I could stick around if you wanted to try," Hermione whispered.

"I'd try anything for you," Harry said softly.

Hermione smiled at him. She'd been deliriously happy the entire time they'd been here. There was no need to worry about someone walking in on them or seeing them. They could just be with each other without any worries. This was a preview to how their life would be once training was over. She couldn't wait.

Harry rolled his eyes when he heard them on the Wireless speculating his whereabouts once again. "Am I really THAT interesting?"

Hermione tilted her head and studied him. "Hmm...Not really."

He poked her. "You better have a better answer than that."

"Well, there is that thing you do," Hermione murmured. "You know..."

"This?" Harry ran his hand over her stomach.

Hermione's breath caught in her throat. "Mmmhmm."

"And this?" Harry asked, nipping at her ear.

"That...that's good too," Hermione said softly, closing her eyes.

Harry kissed her gently, still running his hands over her warm skin.

Hermione wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Let's just sleep here tonight," he murmured huskily. "I don't think I want to move for the rest of the holiday."

Hermione grinned. "I like that idea. It's all nice and warm here."

"In fact," Harry continued. "Let's never move again."

Hermione laughed. "We might be missed..."

"Maybe a little," Harry shrugged.

Hermione grinned. "Couldn't you hear it now? The Boy Who Lived has disappeared. Where has he gone? Who is he with?"

"It would be quite the controversy," Harry pulled her closer.

"I wonder how your friend Neville feels," Hermione said. "That article in the Prophet this morning that said you might have reunited with Ron's sister..."

Harry rolled his eyes. "No way."

"What was it that the article said?" Hermione asked. "She was your soulmate?"

"You are my soulmate," Harry said as he kissed under her ear. "Anyone who thinks otherwise is just plain... delusional."

Hermione smiled. "I like the sound of that...soulmate."

Harry grinned back at her.

"And it's our little secret," Hermione said kissing him.

"Yes it is," Harry stroked back her hair.

"This holiday has been absolutely perfect," Hermione said dreamily.

"I just wish it wasn't coming to an end," Harry agreed. "It was too short."

"We'll still have the weekends," Hermione said. "And some nights..."

"As many as we can manage," Harry agreed.

Hermione rested her head on his chest. "I didn't know it was possible to be this happy, Harry."

"I didn't either, until I met you," he said softly. "I never loved anyone this much."

Hermione looked up at him. "But--- Parvati?"

"I loved her," Harry said. "But I never felt for her what I do for you."

"Harry," Hermione said softly, touching his cheek.

"It's a bit terrifying," he admitted.

She knew exactly what he meant. They'd met each other under less than ideal circumstances and now what seemed like a short time later, they were wrapped up in each other's lives. She had nothing to compare this to because this was the first time she'd ever felt this way about anyone.

"I really do want to just fall asleep here," Harry closed his eyes.

Hermione rested her head on his chest again and closed her eyes. "I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too," Harry pulled a blanket over the two of them.

"Don't you go hogging the covers," Hermione teased.

"With you on top of me?" Harry returned.

"Yesterday morning, I woke up with no blankets," Hermione reminded him. "And you were snoring."

"Whatever," Harry said. "I think you were snoring."

"Grangers do not snore," Hermione said defensively.

"Sure they don't," Harry smirked.

"That was you," Hermione said poking him in the side.

"If you say so," Harry poked her back.

"You also leave the toilet seat up," Hermione pointed out.

"I'm a guy," Harry reasoned.

"Who has obviously not lived with women," Hermione said.

"I haven't," Harry answered.

"So I can train you," Hermione said thoughtfully.

"Train me?" Harry raised an eyebrow. "Hermione--"

"Yes, Mr. Potter?" Hermione asked.

"We can live together just fine without any 'training'." Harry told her.

"I don't know," Hermione said getting to her feet and taking the blanket with her.

"What?" Harry asked. "Hermione--"

Hermione turned around and grinned at him. "I'm only teasing. You don't have to be trained."

Harry made a face at her.

"You should have seen the look on your face," Hermione laughed.

"Very funny," Harry reached for the blanket.

"Oh, no you don't!" Hermione said stepping back.

"Hermione!" he whined.

"That's not very becoming," Hermione said grinning at him.

"Well neither is freezing my arse off," Harry replied, grabbing the edge of the blanket.

"Hey!" Hermione protested.

"Get back down here," Harry said.

"Okay," Hermione relented. "We can share."

Harry kissed her when she lay back down next to him.

"This is much better," Hermione said snuggling up in his arms.

"Yes it is," he agreed softly.

"It's nearly midnight," Hermione said as she heard the announcer on the wireless announce that there was only a few more minutes left in the year.

"I have a feeling this is going to be the best year of my life," Harry grinned at her.

"It's going to be hard to live up to this past year," Hermione said.

"I think we'll manage," Harry pulled her over on top of him.

"We're going to miss the countdown," Hermione whispered.

"Doesn't matter," Harry said.

"Mmmhmm," Hermione murmured. "This is a much better way to ring in the New Year."

"Yes it is," he ran his hands through her hair.

Hermione smiled down at him. "You still want to stay here forever?"

"You'd better believe it," Harry said huskily.

"Well," Hermione said positioning herself right where he wanted. "When we're through, you're not going to be able to move..."

"Do it to me, Granger," Harry challenged.

Hermione grinned. "You asked for it..."

He let out a grunt as she pushed herself onto him. His hands found her hips and Hermione rocked her body backwards.

"...Ten....nine..." the announcer's voice came over the wireless.

"Harry," Hermione gasped.

He couldn't even talk as he pushed up harder into her.

"...seven...six...five," the countdown continued.

Hermione rode on him, feeling her body tighten around him as the announcer hit zero.

"Happy New Year!" the announcer's voice filled the room just before music began to play.

Harry grinned up at her as she collapsed against him. "Happy New Year, sweetheart."

"Happy New Year," Hermione said breathlessly.

"Now that is the best way to start the year," Harry joked.

Hermione laughed. "Absolutely."

"You hungry?" he asked.

Hermione nodded.

"I have some leftover fish and chips," Harry said.

Hermione sat up. "I can do better than that. I'll make us a sandwich."

"Okay," Harry grinned at her as he reached for his boxers and jeans.

Hermione quickly got dressed and gave him one last kiss before heading into the kitchen.

Harry dressed then moved the blanket up onto the sofa.

He walked over to the window and saw that it was still snowing. Earlier that afternoon, he had Hermione had gone in the backyard and had a snowball fight.

The memory of it brought a grin to his face. He'd gotten her right in the face and in retaliation she had pummelled him with snowballs until he was forced to admit defeat.

Hermione came back into the room carrying a tray of food. "I hope you wanted butterbeer."

"Sounds great," Harry turned around.

"I love this place," Hermione said setting the tray down.

"I love it when you're here," Harry reached for a sandwich.

Hermione smiled at him. "It's awfully big for one person, but I could see raising a family here."

"Oh yeah?" Harry asked.

Hermione blushed. She probably shouldn't have said that. "I mean...you know if you wanted to raise a family. Years and years from now...”

"Three years from now?" Harry asked.

"Three years or four," Hermione said with a shrug. "You never know..."

"No," Harry agreed as he gazed at her. "You don't..."

"I mean, this house might be a nice place to start a family," Hermione said looking around.

"It still needs a lot of work," Harry replied.

"Let's just forget I said anything," Hermione said hastily. "So...how's your sandwich?"

"Hermione," Harry said. "I feel the same way you do."

"You do?" Hermione asked.

"Of course I do," Harry moved closer to her.

Hermione smiled. "You know I never thought much about it actually, but the last few days...I don't know. I just started thinking about you and me....and a family."

"It's hard not to, living in a house like this," Harry said. "But really, before I could move anyone in here long term, it needs work. There are loads of rooms that haven't been touched in years."

"We could do that," Hermione said excitedly. "Whenever we have free time..."

"Free time is going to be hard in the next few years," Harry told her.

"Well," Hermione said. "We have our holiday breaks...and a few weeks during the summer..."

"Let's tackle it then," Harry slid an arm around her.

"Really?" Hermione asked beaming at him.

"Sure," Harry said. "I do own the place."

"Oh, Harry!" Hermione kissed him.

He laughed. "Were you this happy at the stroke of midnight?"

"What were we doing at the stroke of midnight?" Hermione asked pretending to be clueless.

He nudged her side.

"Oh," Hermione said. "It's all coming back to me now."

"I should hope so," Harry nuzzled at her neck.

Hermione smiled. "I love you more than anything, Harry."

"I love you too," Harry kissed her.

He held her to him and he couldn't help but remember the last time he'd made plans for the future like this. It hadn't worked out with Parvati.

It WOULD work with Hermione. Harry would make sure that they stayed together.

*** *** ***

Padma ran her fingers through her long hair, which she'd left down to look more like her sister's. "Are you sure about this?" she asked Ernie warily.

Ernie nodded. "You look just like her, Padma. You really, really do."

Padma sighed. "All right, I suppose. But I don't have much time for this."

Ernie squeezed her hand. "You're going to be fine. Look, Potter usually comes down here before class. You know what you have to do, right?"

"Right," Padma said, wishing he'd stop staring at her.

It was hard not to stare. With her hair down like this, she was so much like Parvati it was jarring. He longed to run his fingers through her hair and pull her close.

"I guess I'd better go," Padma tried to pull her hand away from his. "Ernie! Let go of me!"

"Sorry," he said hastily.

She was regretting her decision to get involved in this but felt it was too late to back out now. "There he is," she said.

"Good luck," Ernie whispered before ducking out of sight.

Padma turned until she could see Harry out of the corner of her eye. When he was just about to pass her, she tossed her hair back in a gesture she'd seen her sister do often.

Harry felt a chill and he turned just in time to see a sight he hadn't seen in quite some time. "Parvati?" he called out uncertainly.

Padma ducked down a corridor without answering him.

Harry turned around looking for some sign of what he'd thought he'd just seen. But, it couldn't have been her.

Ernie nearly laughed in glee as he saw Potter scratching his head. That idiot actually thought he'd seen Parvati!

Harry turned to walk back toward the classroom. The sound of familiar laughter echoed in the hall. "Harry...."

"Parvati?" Harry called out again.

Padma ducked behind the large closet against the wall as Harry poked his head inside.

Padma held her breath as Harry stepped into the room.

She hoped he wouldn't actually find her. She and Ernie had not gone this far in their plan.

Someone put their hand on Harry's shoulder and he nearly jumped out of his skin. He turned around to see Hermione.

"Hermione, you startled me," Harry snapped.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said, taken aback by his tone.

"I--I thought I heard something," Harry said which was partially true. His tone was softer this time. "I was just checking this room out."

"Oh," Hermione said. "Um... I finished my essay and I wanted you to take a look at it."

"I'm sure it's fine," Harry reassured her.

Padma whispered a quick spell so her next words would only be heard by Harry.

"I love you, Harry," she said in her sister's soft tone.

"What?" Harry spun back around, nearly knocking Hermione over.

"Don't leave me," Padma whispered. "My Harry..."

Harry wildly turned again. "Parvati!"

Hermione looked at her boyfriend with wide eyes. "Harry? Are you okay?"

"Fine," Harry said abruptly. "Let's go."

"Goodbye my love," Padma whispered.

Harry slammed the door behind them and stalked down the corridor.

"Harry!" Hermione hurried after him.

"What?" he asked tersely, trying to figure out what exactly had just happened.

"What's wrong?" Hermione asked wishing he would slow down.

"Nothing," Harry said. "We should get to the classroom."

Hermione wanted to say something else, but some of her fellow trainees were milling about in the halls now.

Harry dropped his case onto the desk in the front of the room and ran his hand through his hair. What the hell had just happened in there? How could Parvati be talking to him?"

Hermione reluctantly took her seat. She wished she could talk to Harry to find out what was truly wrong. Earlier, he'd said Parvati's name. What was that about?

"Morning," Lavender slid into the seat next to her with a yawn. "Where were you so early?"

"I-I wanted Harry to read over my essay," Hermione replied.

Lavender gave her a sly look. "Uh huh..."

Hermione shook her head. "No, it wasn't like that."

"Why not?" Lavender asked.

"He's acting strange," Hermione whispered.

"Strange how?" Lavender lowered her voice.

"I'll tell you at our break," Hermione whispered.

Lavender nodded as Harry stood up. "Is everyone here?" he asked irritably.

Ron ambled in with a cocky grin. "They are now. No applause, just throw money."

"Sit down," Harry snapped. "This is a serious class. You don't just wander in when you feel like it."

"O-Kay," Ron said slowly. He sat down at his desk with a glass of juice and a muffin he'd picked up from the cafeteria.

"Weasley, there's no eating in class, you know that," Harry chastised.

"I woke up late, Harry," Ron said. "I didn't have time to sit down and eat breakfast so I brought this to class. Come on, mate. Have a heart."

"Put it away," Harry snarled. "Unless you want to leave."

Ernie hid his grin. Padma had obviously gotten under Potter's skin.

"Fine," Ron said shortly, glaring at his friend.

"I hope everyone finished their essays," Harry announced.

There was a rustling of paper as everyone took theirs out. Ernie paled- in his haste to bring Potter down; he'd forgotten to do his.

Just outside the classroom, Padma was preparing to do one last pass in the hall. After this, she had to get to work. She was already late as it was.

"Ernie?" Harry snapped. "Where's yours..." his voice trailed off as he saw the dark haired girl pass by the room.

"Where's what, Professor?" Ernie asked innocently, but Harry didn't seem to hear him.

As if he were in a trance, he headed for the door quickly.

"Harry?" Ron asked. "What's going on?"

Harry didn't answer as he poked his head outside. There was no one in the corridor and he frowned.

What the hell was wrong with him?

"Nothing," Harry said shortly. "Ernie! Where's your essay!" he barked.

"I need an extension," Ernie said. "I would really appreciate an extension, Professor."

"I'm not giving you an extension," Harry glared at him. "You had two weeks to get this done."

Ernie shrugged. He'd take the failing grade because today he'd gotten what he'd wanted.

"You might remember you are STILL on probation," Harry told him.

"Yes, sir. I promise it will not happen again," Ernie said with false sincerity.

Harry glared at him before heading to the front of the class.

"Open your training manuals," Harry ordered. "Read the chapter on Defensive spells and counterattacks."

"Aren't we going to do any real training today?" Ron asked.

"Read the manual, Weasley," Harry said tersely.

"What's your problem?" Ron muttered, opening his book.

"Just leave it, Ron," Hermione hissed.

"Miss Granger, I can run my own class without your input," Harry barked.

Hermione stared at him in shock. He'd never once taken that tone with her.

Harry sat down at his desk and put his head in his hands.

Lavender shot Hermione a quizzical look.

Hermione honestly didn't know what was going on with Harry. Last night when she'd seen him, he couldn't have been more loving and affectionate.

With a heavy sigh, she turned the pages in her book until she found the chapter and began to read.

Harry thought about why he would be thinking of Parvati and imagining her face everywhere now. He had just spent a wonderful holiday with Hermione. There was no reason to dwell on the past.

But why was she there? How could she suddenly appear after a year?

He was just hallucinating, he told himself. That was the only logical explanation. Residual guilt over her death was coming back to rear its ugly head. That had to be it.

Harry looked up at Hermione, who was concentrating on the chapter he'd assigned. He felt bad for snapping at her now. She'd only tried to help. This wasn't her fault. He would apologise to her at the morning break.

"Miss Granger," he said when he'd dismissed them. "Would you wait a moment, please?"

"I'll save you a seat in the caf," Lavender promised patting her friend on the shoulder before leaving the room with Eloise.

"Thanks," Hermione murmured quietly as she approached Harry's desk.

"I'm sorry," Harry said once they were alone.

Hermione shrugged, not meeting his eyes.

"I'm just in a mood today," Harry told her. "I didn't mean to take it out on you."

"When we were in that room," Hermione began. "I heard you call out for Parvati."

"You must have misheard me," Harry said.

"No I didn't," she said. "Harry--"

"It was nothing," Harry said, cutting her off. "Just drop it, okay?"

"Fine," she said coolly, turning to leave.

"Hermione," Harry called after her. "I'm sorry for acting like an ass. Don't leave like this."

"Then talk to me," Hermione turned around.

"You'll think I'm crazy," Harry said.

"No I won't," she said softly.

"This morning," Harry told her. "Out in the hall...I, um, heard Parvati's voice and I saw her, Hermione. I saw her."

"How?" Hermione asked. "How could she be here?"

Harry shook his head. "She's not. She can't be."

"Right," Hermione touched his face. "Someone's just playing a trick."

"Or maybe it's just all in my head," Harry said thoughtfully.

"The guy I love isn't a head case," Hermione smiled at him for the first time that morning.

"I'm not so sure about that," Harry said putting his arms around her waist.

"I am," Hermione said softly.

Harry leaned in and softly kissed her.

"This is better," Hermione said. "Much, much better."

"You like me better when I'm not being moody and mean?" Harry asked with a grin.

"Am I being that transparent?" Hermione joked.

"Just a little," Harry said laughing.

She kissed him again, more passionately. "Hopefully this helps the moody and mean turn into happy and nice."

"It certainly does," Harry said huskily.

"Good," Hermione answered.

"So," Harry said. "We're okay now?"

"Of course we're okay," Hermione said.

"I suppose I have to apologise to Ron too," Harry said.

"Might be a nice idea," Hermione nibbled at his ear. "And I should go make an appearance in the cafeteria so we don't raise any suspicion."

"I'll walk with you," Harry said reluctantly pulling away. "You can tell me about your essay."

"All right," Hermione agreed.

"Did you stick to the four page rule?" Harry asked holding the door open for her.

Hermione made a face. "It was hard, but yes."

"You wrote really small, didn't you?" he asked.

"Maybe," Hermione answered.

"I know you too well," Harry said shaking his head.

"You sure do," Hermione said as they got into the lift.

"I'm sure it's great," Harry said. "Lupin says every essay you've done for him has been brilliant."

Hermione blushed with pride. "Well I always do my best with schoolwork."

"That's not all you do your best at," he said nudging her.

"Not here," she hissed, but she was grinning.

"I am sorry about earlier," Harry said. "You didn't deserve that."

"It's okay now," Hermione said. "Really... but just don't hide things from me."

"No secrets," Harry promised as the lift pinged open.

"Good," Hermione said, stepping out.

"I have to have a quick word with Lavender," Harry told her.

"I'm going to get a bite to eat," Hermione said. "I'll see you back in the classroom."

Harry nodded and set off in the opposite direction once they entered the cafeteria. Lavender was sitting with Eloise at a table in the back.

"Lavender, I was hoping we could have a word in private?" Harry asked.

Lavender didn't look too thrilled at that prospect given his behaviour in class that morning.

"I'm going to go for some more coffee," Eloise said hastily.

Harry sat down. "Something really strange happened today." he leaned in. "I um... I saw Parvati."

27. 27

Enjoy, and please review!

"Parvati?" Lavender asked, taken aback.

"I don't know how," Harry said. "And it couldn't have been Padma... she doesn't have access to our part of the building."

"It was probably just your mind playing tricks on you," Lavender said thoughtfully.

"I don't know," Harry said. "I saw her, and I heard her. Three times I heard her talk to me."

"I think you might have a guilty conscience," Lavender said gently. "I mean you and Parvati were in love and her life was cut short. Now, you're in love with someone else..."

Harry nodded. "Maybe..."

"Was that the reason you were acting like a wanker in class?" Lavender asked. "Sorry, but you were horrid."

"I know," Harry said. "Sorry."

"Well, now that you told me what happened, it's kind of understandable," Lavender said. "I'm sure it's nothing, Harry."

"If you see anything... you'll let me know, right?" Harry asked, standing up.

"Absolutely," Lavender promised.

In the queue, Hermione was thinking about what she wanted for breakfast when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Padma Patil smiling at her.

"Hello, Hermione," Padma said politely. "I haven't seen you since before the holidays. How are you?"

"Good," Hermione said. "How are you? Did you read those essays I had sent to your office?"

Padma nodded. "They were very informative. I love Stansilov's work. He really understands the plight of the house elf."

"He really does," Hermione said. "His work is what made me interested in house elf rights to begin with."

"Me too," Padma said. "You know he's speaking here next month at the Wizengamot. I was going to invite you..."

"Really?" Hermione asked excitedly. "He's coming here?"

Padma nodded. "I helped prepare the press release this morning. If you want, I can save you a seat."

"I would love that," Hermione said. "Thank you so much Padma."

"You're quite welcome," Padma said feeling a twinge of guilt. But, this had nothing to do with Ernie's plan. When she'd started writing the press release and saw whom the speaker was going to be, she'd immediately thought of Hermione. Despite herself, she really liked the other girl.

"This will be fantastic," Hermione said. "I wonder if we'll get the chance to speak to him."

Padma laughed. "We're not going to let him get away that easily, are we?"

"No way," Hermione shook her head.

"I'll send a copy of the press release to you so you'll have the details," Padma said.

"That would be lovely," Hermione said as they moved forward in line.

"I remember when I read Stanislov's first article," Padma said. "I was in my fifth year at Hogwarts. I couldn't believe that I hadn't noticed before all that they did and for no pay. That Christmas, I told my parents I would never speak to them again unless they gave Timmons, our house elf, clothes. Parvati thought I was going a little overboard..."

Hermione nodded. "Everyone at Beauxbatons thought I had gone mad when I demanded the Headmistress pay the elves."

"No one understood," Padma said. "It's a shame you didn't go to Hogwarts. We could have made quite a difference together."

"I think we definitely could have," Hermione paid for her food.

Padma paid for hers, too. "Well, I'm going to take this back upstairs to my office. It was really great running into you again, Hermione. "

"You too," Hermione said. "Take care Padma."

Padma passed Harry on the way out and tried to ignore him as he looked in her direction. She'd pinned her hair back like she normally did.

She didn't notice Ernie also watching her from the opposite end of the cafeteria. He was disappointed that she'd changed so she didn't look like her sister as much.

He closed his eyes and remembered how she'd looked that morning in her sister's old clothes and with her hair long and flowing.

If Parvati had only agreed to date him, she'd still be alive today.

With Padma though he could have the next best thing, he thought with a grin. Once they'd ruined Potter's life and career, they could start a life together. He would convince her to let her hair down and be more outgoing like her sister.

With that thought in mind, Ernie left the cafeteria, but not without glaring in Potter's direction.

Harry rolled his eyes. Macmillan was on a very thin thread as it was. He didn't need to go pushing it. Harry grabbed a cup of coffee and a scone and headed over to where Ron was sitting.

"Sorry about earlier," Harry said sitting down.

"Earlier when you acted like Snape's less nicer brother?" Ron asked sarcastically. "Is that what you mean?"

"Yeah," Harry said. "I was a real arse."

"Too right you were," Ron said moving to shut his notebook. He'd tried to write up some things about the cafeteria food to see how his writing skills were. Not that he was going to take that job with Luna's father at the paper or anything. This was just something he was doing as a lark.

Harry nodded. "You're my best mate. Sometimes I think I forget that."

"Sometimes you do," Ron agreed. "But it's okay. I mean you are the teacher. Sometimes I forget that."

Harry nodded. "So what were you writing about?"

Ron looked sheepishly at him. "Food."

Harry grinned. "Why am I not surprised?"

"Write what you know, right?" Ron asked with a laugh.

Harry nodded. "And aside from Luna, that's the best thing you know."

Ron grinned as he thought about his girlfriend. "She's the best thing in my life, Harry."

"I know the feeling," Harry looked furtively over at Hermione.

"Luna's dad is starting a food column for his paper," Ron told Harry. "They're looking for a food critic. Luna---Luna thinks I might be perfect for the job."

"You planning on fighting crime and bad food at the same time?" Harry asked. "You're going to have your hands full, Ron."

"Yeah," Ron forced a laugh. "Plate full, just how I like it."

"Seriously though," Harry said. "There's no way you could do both, Ron."

"I know that," Ron said, a bit testily. "I'll figure it out."

Harry noticed his friend's tone so he backed off. "So, your mum still speaking to me after my no-show?"

"Are you kidding?" Ron asked. "She was worried about you the whole holiday."

"She shouldn't have been," Harry said. "I was fine. Better than fine."

"I'm sure you were." Ron answered.

"I need to owl Neville and apologise for that crap article in the paper about Ginny and me reuniting," Harry commented.

"He knows it's rubbish," Ron answered. "My sister's mad about him."

"They're much more suited than she and I ever were," Harry said.

"That whole situation was weird," Ron replied.

Harry nodded. "It came out of nowhere. But, it's in the past. I'm glad she's got Neville."

Ron nodded. "He's a good bloke for her."

"Just like you are for Luna," Harry said. "You had a good holiday, right?"

"I really did," Ron answered. "New Year's Eve was the greatest."

"Yeah?" Harry asked. "You're not going to give me details, are you?"

Ron grinned. "Do I need to?"

Harry vehemently shook his head. "No."

"Well I'll see you back upstairs," Ron said. "In a better mood, thankfully."

"Yes," Harry said. "Much better."

Harry looked around and realised most of his class was back upstairs. He gathered his things and headed out of the cafeteria.

Lavender was probably right. There was no way he could be actually seeing Parvati. She was gone and she wasn't coming back.

A smile came to his face when he thought of Hermione. She was his future, the woman he wanted to be with. Harry knew he was lucky to have found her.

They were going to start a family when this was all said and done. He'd never imagined he'd ever reach that point in his life. But with her, it all seemed possible.

*** *** ***

Remus Lupin waited in the meeting room for his teachers to arrive. He'd received a letter that morning and it was serious enough that he needed to bring it to attention.

Tonks arrived first. Even though she wasn't an active instructor now, she was expected to start teaching next term. "Wotcher, Remus!"

He couldn't stop his smile. "Hey there, you."

She smiled back at him. "You do remember we're going to the concert tonight, right?"

"I remember," Remus replied.

"The Weird Sisters are a great band," Tonks said. "And you are going to have a good time."

"Of course," Remus said. "I'll be the oldest one there."

"No, you won't," Tonks said.

"Want to wager on that?" Remus asked.

"Absolutely," Tonks said with a grin. "What are the stakes?"

"Hmm..." Remus said. "If I'm the oldest one there, you'll do anything I ask for one night. "If I'm not the oldest one, I'll do whatever YOU want."

Tonks grinned wider. "Deal."

Remus had a hard time not kissing her to seal the bet, but as he moved towards her, people started coming into the room.

"Later," Tonks promised.

"You'd better believe it," Remus replied.

Tonks took her seat and stared dreamily back at Lupin.

Lupin cleared his throat. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice," he began.

"What's this about, Remus?" Harry asked.

"I received a letter this morning," Remus said. "From a student. I don't know who, but he or she alluded to the teacher/student line being severely crossed."

"Crossed how?" Tonks asked. Other instructors started asking questions as well. Remus held up his hand. "I'll read the letter to you then, shall I?"

Harry nodded. "Read it," he said, trying to control his fear. He somehow knew that letter had been written about him and Hermione.

"Professor Lupin," Remus read aloud. "I write to you today as a concerned student. I know you believe in fairness and equality. Because of that, I think you should be made aware of something."

Tonks glanced around as Remus read the letter. She tried to determine who it had possibly written about.

"I think that one of your instructors might be involved romantically with one of my fellow students," Lupin continued.

"Wait a minute," one of the professors said. "I'm not involved with any of my students!"

Tonks looked at Harry, who was sitting beside her. "I don't think any of his students would want to be involved with him," she whispered. "He's nearly 100."

Harry snorted, but didn't respond.

"The letter doesn't name names," Remus reiterated. "I just thought that I would talk to you all about this. If one of you has crossed the line, I ask you to pull back. This is your career on the line not to mention the future of that student."

Harry had to struggle not to look away in guilt.

"And before any of you ask," Remus said. "There is no such law against fellow Aurors dating given that they do not let it interfere in their job. That is because two Aurors are on equal footing. But, a teacher and student---that is a different story altogether."

"Why is it so forbidden?" another professor asked. "Just out of curiosity, of course."

Remus looked out at the group. "You are their superior. You are in a position of authority. You should not engage in any activity with a student that crosses a line. I know this is hard for you, especially, Harry."

Harry's eyes grew large.

"Just last year, Harry was in school with most of his trainees," Remus explained.

"So it's probably him, then," a professor said.

Tonks glared at him. "Of course, it's not!"

"He's the youngest out of all of us," the man pointed out. "With the most temptation."

Remus held up his hand. "I didn't call this meeting and divulge the contents of that letter so you lot would hurl accusations at each other. No one's accusing anyone of anything here. I'm just asking you all to be careful."

"I'm already careful," another professor stood up. "I resent being accused otherwise."

"Hathaway, no one's accusing you of anything!" Remus shot back.

"Good," Hathaway snapped as he left the room.

Remus sighed. "Just everyone...be careful. That's...that's all."

Harry slowly stood up, feeling depressed. Why did someone always have to come along to ruin his happiness?

"Hathaway was a little too defensive, don't you think?" Tonks asked Harry.

"Yeah," Harry answered. "Sure was..."

"You'll be happy to know that Remus and I are using your concert tickets tonight," Tonks told him.

Harry half smiled. "I hope you two have fun."

"We're going to have a blast," Tonks said. "Except Remus seems to think he'll be the oldest one there."

Harry smirked. "Oh please."

"Don't give him a hard time," Tonks said. "He's sensitive enough about it as it is."

"I won't say a word," Harry answered.

"He's still a little wigged out about the age difference," Tonks said.

"He shouldn't be," Harry said. "You'll keep him young."

Tonks grinned. "That's what I tell him. Besides, when you love someone, things like that don't matter."

Harry shook his head. "Not at all."

Tonks looked at Harry. "Are you okay? You look a little pale."

"Just tired," Harry said quickly.

"You should get some sleep," Tonks said. "Don't work yourself too hard."

"I won't," Harry said. "Let me know how the concert is."

"I will," Tonks said grinning at him. She stood up and walked out of the room.

Harry looked over at Remus. "Looking forward to the concert, old man?"

"Oh yes," Remus said sarcastically. "Why couldn't I fancy a girl who prefers the symphony?"

"Because Tonks is one of a kind?" Harry asked. "And she's all yours?"

"That could be it," Remus said with a laugh.

"So..." Harry said. "That note really wasn't signed?"

Lupin shook his head. "No. I'm sorry that some of the others ganged up on you there, Harry."

Harry shrugged. "I don't care what they think."

"I know how important this job is to you," Lupin said gathering up his papers. "And I know you wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that."

"Of course not," Harry said, trying not to look as uncomfortable as he felt.

"How are your classes going?" Remus asked.

"Fine," Harry answered. "Just fine..."

"I think this is the best group of trainees we've ever had," Remus commented.

"Some of them are better than others," Harry said.

"I think Granger, Finch-Fletchley, and Midgen are at the top," Remus said.

"If Lavender Brown could concentrate, she'd be up there too," Harry said.

"I'm worried about her as well," Remus said. "She started out strong, but lately she's seemed preoccupied."

Harry nodded. "She'll need to shape up."

"I'm scheduled to talk to her in about five minutes," Remus said. "Would you like to sit in?"

"Sure," Harry said. "I could give you some input."

"Let's go then," Lupin said.

Harry stood up, grateful to have diverted the subject for now. The truth was, Lavender did need to focus on the training.

When they arrived at Remus' office, Lavender was already waiting for them.

"Hello sir." Lavender said nervously.

"Miss Brown," Remus said nodding at her. "Why don't you have a seat?"

Lavender nodded, quickly sitting down. Harry took the seat next to her.

Remus sat down at his desk and looked through her file. Lavender resisted the urge to bite her nails, which she normally did when she was nervous. "Miss Brown," Remus began.

"I'm not doing so well, am I?" she asked, biting her nail. "That's why you called me here."

"I'm afraid so," Remus replied. "In looking through your files, I came across the recommendation letter that Minerva McGonagall wrote on your behalf. She wrote about how determined you were once you put your mind to a task. She said that you were a very intelligent girl who had the capability to do what ever you set your mind to. That's the same girl that walked through these doors four months ago. But, I'm sad to say, that same girl doesn't sit before me now."

Lavender put her head down, fighting back tears.

"Lavender," Harry said. "I know you can do this. I know you've got the drive and determination to see through this training. I just don't know what happened to it."

Lavender knew exactly what had happened. Charlie Weasley.

"We want you to succeed," Lupin continued. "But you have to want this as well."

"I do," Lavender said meeting his gaze. "I want that more than anything, sir."

Lupin nodded. "Then I hope to see an improvement on your performance soon."

"You will," Lavender promised. "I’m going to buckle down and work hard."

"Good," Lupin smiled, as did Harry.

"Thank you for giving me another chance," Lavender said. "You will not regret it."

"I'll see you tomorrow morning," Harry told her.

Lavender stood up and walked out of Lupin's office. Why did this always happen to her? She wanted to apply herself. She wanted to do well, but whenever a boy entered the picture, everything seemed to revolve around him. It had been that way with Ron. It had been that way with Seamus. It had been that way with Charlie even more so given that her feelings for him were so strong.

She sighed as she rested her head against the cool stone of the corridor walls.

She knew what she had to do, but she didn't know how she would do it.

Maybe Hermione would know, she thought. Maybe Hermione could help her figure out a way out of his mess she'd put herself in.

She found her friend in the Ministry library. This all came so easily to Hermione.

"Can I talk to you?" she asked.

"Of course," Hermione said closing her book. "What's up?"

"I've just had a meeting with Lupin and Harry," Lavender said. She relayed what they had told her. "I just don't know how to balance the two."

"You can do it," Hermione reassured her. "It's quite possible."

"Not for me," Lavender said miserably.

"Focus," Hermione told her. "That's what you need to do. Focus your attention on your training. Concentrate on Charlie during the weekends."

"I've tried that," Lavender said. "I cannot stop thinking about him. Even during the meeting my thoughts were on him."

"You have to try," Hermione told her. "This is serious, Lavender. This was a warning. The second time, they might not be so willing to give you another chance."

Lavender nodded. "I just have to do what you do."

"Focus and concentration," Hermione told her. "There's a time and place for everything."

Easier said than done, Lavender thought.

"You've done this before," Hermione reassured her. "You balanced your studies at Hogwarts with a social life, right?"

"Yeah, but it was easier there," Lavender said.

"I'll help you any way that I can," Hermione promised.

"Thanks," Lavender said gratefully.

"You'll turn this around," Hermione said confidently.

"I have to," Lavender said. "This is what I want to do with my life. I can't let anything stand in my way."

"That's the spirit," Hermione said smiling at her.

"I'm going to go upstairs and get my books," Lavender said. "Would you mind helping me now?"

"Not at all," Hermione answered.

"I'll be right back," Lavender promised, quickly getting up from her seat and running out of the library.

Hermione pulled her book closer and tried to finish the chapter before Lavender came back down.

"I still can't believe the nerve of Lupin!" she heard someone saying a few tables down. Hermione looked up and recognised the wizard as one of the Auror instructors.

"It has to be Potter," the other man was saying. "He's the youngest and he was in school with half the trainees last year."

She pretended to be absorbed in her reading but kept her ears trained.

"Not as if Lupin would do anything if it was him," the man continued. "Potter's his golden boy."

"He'll always be able to get away with everything," the first man said.

"The only question is," his colleague said. "Which bird is he shagging?"

"Probably that blonde," the first man said with a harsh laugh.

"Lavender Brown, right?" the wizard chuckled. "Couldn't blame him for that. She is hot. If I were a few years younger..."

Hermione shook with anger. Had those professors absolutely ANY decency at all?

"I wonder who wrote the letter?" the other man asked.

"I'd like to find out," the first man said.

"This will probably be the last we'll hear of it," his colleague said. "Potter could shag the poor girl in front of Lupin and he wouldn't bat an eyelash."

Hermione had to refrain from slamming her book shut.

The two instructors left the library still laughing and making snide comments.

"Bastards," Hermione whispered, hoping she'd never have them as professors.

She was still fuming when Lavender came back and sat down. The blonde set her books down and looked over at Hermione. "You look like you want to take someone's head off. Is everything okay?"

Hermione shook her head. "Not really. But I don't want to talk about it here."

Lavender studied her friend for a few moments. "Um, okay. Well, I was thinking we could start with those concealment charms and work our way through to the defensive spells. Does that sound like a plan?"

"Sure," Hermione muttered distractedly.

She focused her attention though because she knew Lavender needed her help. Together, the two girls studied for the next couple of hours.

"I think I finally really understand this," Lavender said in relief.

"You can also make yourself some flashcards," Hermione recommended. "That's what I do and it's a great way to test yourself to make sure you have things down pat."

"Will you help me with that?" Lavender asked. "Please?"

"Sure," Hermione replied. "In fact, I can make copies for you of the ones I already have."

"You're the best," Lavender said gratefully. "Thanks to you, I may not have to break up with Charlie."

"Lavender, you weren't thinking of doing that, were you?" Hermione asked as the two of them headed out of the library.

"Yes," Lavender said. "I thought... if I broke up with him, perhaps I'd stop thinking about him."

"Lavender," Hermione said shaking her head. "If you broke up with him, you'd still think about him. It would probably be worse."

"I don't think it could be worse," Lavender said.

"You just need to focus your attention on your training and think about Charlie during your free time, which we have so little of," Hermione told her. "You can do this. You're very intelligent."

"You really think so?" Lavender asked.

"I know so," Hermione said smiling at her. "You wouldn't be here otherwise."

"Thanks,” Lavender said. "For helping me like this. You really are my best friend."

"I've never had one of those," Hermione said. "A best friend."

"More people should realise how great you are, then." Lavender gave her a hug.

Hermione hugged her back. "Thanks, Lavender."

"At least we know Harry appreciates you," Lavender whispered.

Hermione nodded, but the mention of Harry brought back the memory of what those instructors had said in the library.

"I just know you two will work everything out over the next three years," Lavender continued quietly.

"I think so too," Hermione said. She waited until they were upstairs in the safety of their room before she told her friend what she'd overheard.

"What?" Lavender exclaimed. "But who would have sent in a letter like that?"

Hermione shrugged. "I don't know. They didn't say."

"Well maybe someone else is having an affair with a student and it had nothing to do with you and Harry." Lavender suggested.

"Maybe," Hermione replied. But, she had a feeling that was just wishful thinking on her part.

"It'll be okay," Lavender reassured her. "It has to be."

"We've been really careful," Hermione said. "No one knows we spent the Christmas hols together."

"Except me," Lavender said smugly.

"And Ron," Hermione said. "You--you don't think he would have written the letter, do you? I mean, he and I didn't get off on the right foot, but we've made an effort..."

"Ron would never do that to Harry," Lavender said.

"Macmillan?" Hermione guessed.

"HE might," Lavender made a face.

"I wouldn't put it past him," Hermione said shaking her head. "He hates Harry."

"I don't know how he would know about you two, though." Lavender replied.

Hermione put her head in her hands. "I don't know, either."

"It'll be okay," Lavender put a hand on her shoulder.

"Thanks," Hermione said.

"Apparently things with Justin and Eloise are going REALLY well," Lavender said, changing the subject.

"Oh yeah?" Hermione asked. "I know she was worried, especially with how horrid her sister usually is."

"I guess their dinner went all right, with her sister, but he completely won over her parents," Lavender reported.

Hermione grinned. "That's great!"

"I'm glad our little ploy worked at the Halloween ball," Lavender said.

"If this whole Auror thing doesn't work out, we can be matchmakers," Hermione said with a laugh.

"Wouldn't that be perfect," Lavender stretched out on her small bed.

"It's good to have a Plan B," Hermione said shaking her head.

"Especially with me," Lavender said.

"Don't talk like that, Lav," Hermione said. "You're going to turn this around."

"I really hope so," Lavender turned on her side.

"I'm going to work out before bed,” Hermione said. "I'll work on those flash cards when I get back."

"I'm going to read over those chapters again," Lavender replied. "And think about Charlie... later."

Hermione smiled. "That's the spirit."

"Thanks again for all your help," Lavender said.

"Of course," Hermione said grabbing her work out clothes and trainers. "That's what friends are for."

"Have a good workout," Lavender waved her out of the room before grabbing her textbook.

Hermione headed downstairs for the gym. She changed into her workout clothes and pulled her hair back into a ponytail. There were a few trainees that she recognised from her classes in the gym.

"Do you know what I heard?" one of them asked as she headed for the weights. "I heard one of the trainers is having an affair with a trainee."

"No way," his friend replied. "Who?"

"No one knows," the first bloke said. "I heard Lupin called a meeting today to warn them all."

"I wonder who it could be," his friend replied. "This is major. I heard about something like this happening a few years ago. The instructor was sacked and the trainee...is working in some office in Russia pushing papers."

"Couldn't keep it in his trousers," the boy smirked.

Hermione glared at the two boys.

One of them saw her. "What's up, Granger?"

"Nothing," Hermione muttered.

She stalked over to one of the machines and with a flick of her wand, added some weight to it.

"Did you hear the latest?" the boy followed her.

"No, and I don't care to gossip," Hermione replied coolly.

"Shut it you guys," the other bloke hissed. "Here comes Potter."

Hermione fought to keep her face from turning red as Harry approached them.

"What are you lot up to?" Harry asked politely.

"Just working out, sir," Hermione answered.

"As am I," Harry replied.

The two boys walked away and Harry looked over at her. "Need someone to spot you?"

"I don't think that would be wise," Hermione said.

"I suppose you're right," The corner of Harry's mouth twisted down. "I guess you've heard about the meeting?"

"It's all over the Ministry," Hermione said sitting down on the bench. "It's all everyone can talk about it. Odds are that it's you and Lavender."

Harry snorted and shook his head.

"So it's probably best if you and I aren't seen alone," Hermione said in a hushed tone.

"Good idea," Harry said reluctantly.

Hermione looked at him. "Are you---are you okay?"

Harry shrugged. "As okay as I'll ever be," he said. "I'm going for a swim."

"I wish I could join you," Hermione said wistfully.

"Me too," Harry said. "I'll see you later... in class."

"Have a good swim," Hermione told him.

He nodded before heading towards the pool

Despite what Lupin said, he knew that everyone thought he was the instructor involved with a student. Someone had it out for him and obviously wanted to get back at him.

He jumped to the conclusion that it was Ernie Macmillan, but he knew he could never prove that.

He stripped down to his trunks and was glad that he was the only one swimming. He dove in and tried to block out the stress of the day.

He went back and forth across the pool at least twenty times before he stopped and floated on his back. The ceiling above him was enchanted much like the Great Hall at Hogwarts.

"Harry," a soft voice called out to him.

Parvati's voice.

He treaded water and stared all around him. "Who's there?"

Parvati's laughter echoed.

"Do you remember that time we went swimming at the Burrow?" Parvati's voice called out to him.

"Look I know you can't be Parvati," Harry said, swimming to the edge of the pool.

"We had our first fight," Parvati's voice called out. "You tried to push me away..."

Harry grabbed his towel and tried to make a quick exit for the locker room.

"Like you're doing now," she said. "Don't leave me..."

"You're NOT HERE!" he shouted.

"Don't leave me," Parvati's voice echoed around the room. "Don't leave me again."

Harry slammed the door behind him, breathing hard.

It wasn't her. It couldn't be.

Not now, when he had Hermione. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with Hermione and knew it couldn't happen if Parvati were to somehow reappear now.

There was a knock on the door and Harry turned around. "GO AWAY!"

"Harry?" Hermione called out. "Are you okay? It's me."

"You shouldn't be here," he called back.

"I heard you yelling," Hermione told him. "I was worried. Are you okay?"

"Fine," he said. "I'm fine. Just... hearing things that aren't there."

"Again?" Hermione asked looking over her shoulder to make sure no one else was in the pool area.

"Don’t' worry about it," Harry said, a bit harshly. "I'll be fine. Don't get caught in here."

"Okay," Hermione said reluctantly. "I'll---I'll go."

Harry waited until he was sure she had gone before leaving the locker room.

What the hell was going on?

28. 28

We’re actually getting into the ‘climax’ of the story- we’re guessing it will wind up being close to 35 chapters! Thanks to all of you who have reviewed and enjoy!

It was well into February now, and Ron couldn't stop thinking about the job Luna had offered him. She had told him her father would hold it until the summer, then they'd have to find someone else.

Truth be told, his heart had been more into that job than into Auror training. He had a decision to make and either way he went, he would disappoint someone he cared about.

He couldn't talk to Harry about this, and he wasn't close enough to Hermione to ask her opinion either.

There had to be someone that he could talk to who would be objective about this.

He found himself in the cafeteria and noticed Justin sitting at a table across the room.

Justin might be able to help him. Ron quickly made his way through the queue and got his breakfast. He made his way over to where Justin was.

"Hi, mate," Ron said warmly.

"Hey," Justin said, looking up in surprise. "What's up?"

"Mind if I sit down?" Ron asked.

"Sure," Justin said. "Eloise is joining me in a bit."

"How's that going, then?" Ron asked.

"Great," Justin's grin got bigger. "She's really amazing."

"That's nice," Ron said moving his pancakes around on his plate. "I mean...that's something that no one thought you'd be good with and look at you now...together. I mean, I'm sure you had your doubts...when you were starting out...but you knew in your heart that it was the right thing to do..."

His voice trailed off when he looked up to see Justin staring at him with a confused expression on his face.

"Sorry," Ron muttered. "I'm just sort of out of it this morning."

"Have a lot on your mind?" Justin asked.

"You could say that," Ron said. "Mate... how did you know if you really wanted to be an Auror?"

Justin shrugged. "I just knew. You remember when we had career counselling with McGonagall, right? She said that I had the marks for it and it seemed like something I'd be great at."

"You wouldn't say anything if I told you something private, would you?" Ron asked after looking around.

"Of course not," Justin replied. "What's going on?"

"I'm thinking of quitting the program," Ron said quietly.

Justin's eyes grew large. "What? Why?"

"I just don't feel like it's what I want to do anymore," Ron answered. "I hate all the homework and the reading. I hate that we're confined here six days a week. When Luna's home, I'll never get to see her until we're done training."

"She's still at Hogwarts though, mate," Justin pointed out.

"She'll be finished in a few months," Ron answered.

"You'll still get to see her on weekends," Justin said.

"It's not enough," Ron answered. "I just don't see myself doing this long term."

Justin looked thoughtfully at him. "Well, what do you want to do then?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out." Ron said morosely.

"No wonder you look preoccupied," Justin commented.

"Well, the thing is, Luna's dad also has a position open at his paper," Ron said. "For a food critic. I could do that."

Justin grinned. "There's no one else in the world who knows food better than you."

Ron smiled back. "Exactly."

"So, you're leaning toward doing that then?" Justin asked.

"I don't know," Ron said. "I think so. I just don't know how to tell my parents... or Harry."

"Well, you could try being honest," Justin suggested. "I mean, they are your family. They'll want you to be happy."

"I suppose you're right," Ron said thoughtfully.

"I'm always right," Justin said with a grin.

"He sure is," Eloise said, setting her tray down.

"Hey you," Justin said smiling up at her.

"Hi," Eloise gave him a quick, shy kiss.

"Morning, Eloise," Ron said.

"Hi Ron," Eloise said. "You feeling okay?"

Ron nodded. "I'm okay."

"Nothing ever hurts Ron's appetite," Justin joked.

Ron heartily took a bite of his pancakes. "Especially when the food is this good."

"There's something you'd miss," Justin said. "Ministry cafeteria food."

Eloise looked at Ron. "What's going on? Are you thinking of dropping out of the program?"

Ron glared at Justin.

Justin looked sheepishly at him. "I'm sorry. But---you know what? If you were thinking of talking to your dad, you could do it now. He just walked in..."

Ron turned and saw his father joining the queue.

"Um..." Ron gulped. "I don't know if I want to talk to him just yet."

"Better him than your mum, right?" Justin encouraged.

Ron took a deep breath and stood up. "I guess you're right."

"Good luck," Justin called after him.

Ron hesitantly approached his father. "Dad?"

Arthur turned and beamed when he saw his youngest son. "Ronald!"

Ron put his hands in his pockets. "Hi, Dad."

"I haven't seen you in awhile," Arthur said. "Have you got time for some breakfast?"

Ron nodded. "I already had something, actually."

"How about you sit around with me then?" Arthur said.

Ron nodded. "I'd like that."

"Wonderful," Arthur paid for his food and they sat down. "How's training?"

Ron picked up a napkin. "It's---it's okay."

"Just okay?" Arthur pressed.

Ron started tearing up the napkin. "It's good. You know, we're learning a lot and all that."

"You don't seem overly thrilled about it," Arthur commented.

Ron looked across the table at his father. "I'm---I'm not, Dad."

"How come?" Arthur asked. "Tell me about it."

"I don't want to disappoint you," Ron said quietly. "You or Mum."

"That's impossible, Ron." Arthur said.

"I'm thinking of quitting the program," Ron told his father. "The truth is, my heart hasn't been in this."

Arthur looked seriously at him. "You have to do what makes you happy."

Ron hadn't expected this. He thought his father would have told him to suck it up and get through it. "But, I'm already half way into my first year."

"Sometimes you have to try something to find out if you like it or not," Arthur said. "If there's something else you want to do--"

"There is," Ron said reaching into his pocket. He pulled out the review he'd written for The Three Broomsticks. "Luna's dad is looking for a food critic for his paper."

Arthur chuckled. "That sounds like a job you were born for."

He handed the paper to his father. "You might not think so after you read this."

Arthur scanned it. "I'm no expert in writing, Ron. Perhaps you should send this to Luna and see what she thinks."

"But do you think it sounds good?" Ron asked.

"It's very descriptive," Arthur nodded.

"You have to be when you're talking about food," Ron said. "I want to make the readers feel like they're eating it too. Does that make sense?"

"Quite so," Arthur nodded. "I really think you'd do go at this Ron. And your mother and I would never want you to stay with this if it makes you unhappy."

"But---you heard her at Christmas, Dad," Ron argued. "She was so proud of me."

"She wouldn't be so proud if she knew you were unhappy." Arthur told him.

"Really?" Ron asked.

"Really," Arthur said. "You should tell her."

"Will you be there when I tell her?" Ron asked.

Arthur chuckled. "If you'd like me to be."

"You remember how she was when Fred and George dropped out of Hogwarts," Ron recalled with a shudder. "I think they heard her screaming in Australia."

"Well that's because they dropped out," Arthur said. "You didn't hear her screaming when they started pulling in money from their shop did you? She's happy that they're happy."

Ron hadn't thought about that. "That's right. She was."

"And she'll be happy if this is what you want," Arthur reassured him.

Ron smiled. "Thanks, Dad."

"Anytime, son." Arthur replied.

"We should do this more often," Ron said.

"Yes we should," Arthur agreed. "I'd love that."

Ron nicked one of the muffins on his father's plate. "Especially if I leave the program. I can still enjoy the food here."

Arthur laughed. "Because that's what is most important."

"Always thinking about my stomach," Ron said with a grin. "You know that."

"We know," Arthur replied.

"I'm going to mail this off to Luna today," Ron said pocketing the review. "Let her show it to her dad to make sure he even wants me for the job. "

"Good idea," Arthur said.

"Thanks, Dad, " Ron said. "I was really worried."

"Don't be," Arthur said. "I'm proud of you for coming to me, Ron."

"I was going to say something at Christmas, but then Mum stood up and made that speech," Ron told him. "But things didn't change. I just don't see myself doing this for the rest of my life."

"I understand," Arthur said. "But I wish you'd spoken up sooner."

"Me too," Ron said. "Me, too."

"It'll be all right," Arthur patted his arm.

For the first time, Ron actually believed that. Of course, he still had to wait for Mr. Lovegood's opinion, but Luna seemed pretty sure that was just a formality.

"Looks like his dad's okay with Ron's news," Justin was watching from across the cafeteria.

Eloise nodded. "I had a feeling he would be."

Justin smiled at her. "You look really nice today."

Eloise blushed. "Thank you."

He squeezed her hand. "So... what if I told you I had a surprise for you later?"

"A surprise?" Eloise asked. "What kind of surprise?"

"If I told you..." Justin began to tease.

"That would ruin the surprise," Eloise finished.

"Exactly," he leaned in and gave her a kiss.

Eloise rested her forehead on his. "So not even a hint?"

"Don't eat dinner," Justin said softly.

"Are you taking me out?" Eloise asked.

"Sort of," Justin said. "And that's all the hints you're going to get."

Eloise playfully punched him in the arm. "No fair."

"You won't be saying that later," Justin tucked her hair behind her ear.

Eloise felt her insides melt at the way he was looking at her. She'd never felt this way in her life before and she hoped they'd always be like this.

Justin kissed her again. Eloise was one of the sweetest and prettiest girls he'd ever met. Each day he found himself falling harder for her.

"I love you," Eloise whispered.

He blinked and stared at her wordlessly.

"It's okay," Eloise said quickly. "You don't have to say it back. I just wanted you to know."

"That was part of the surprise," Justin said sheepishly. "I was going to tell you that tonight."

Eloise beamed at him. "Really?"

"Yeah," he said with a disarming grin.

Eloise threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "Oh, Justin!"

He laughed. "You completely took me by surprise, you know."

"I never thought you'd feel this way," Eloise said resting her head on his shoulder.

"I didn't either, at first." Justin said. "But I'm really glad we got together. You're amazing, Eloise."

Eloise gave him a lingering kiss. She usually wasn't one for public displays of affection, but given what they'd just said to each other, she knew the moment warranted just that.

Across the room, Padma Patil was just sitting down for a quick breakfast before her important meeting. She nearly jumped out of her seat when seemingly out of nowhere, a pink rose appeared. She turned around and saw Ernie grinning at her. "Ernie! You scared me to death!"

"Sorry," he said, moving his chair closer. "Do you like it?"

"Parvati's favourite flowers were pink roses," Padma said softly.

"I know," Ernie replied.

Padma set the rose down on the table. "Why are you giving it to me?"

"Just thought you might like it," Ernie said, gazing at her.

"It was very thoughtful of you," Padma said wishing he'd leave. He made her uncomfortable, especially with how he looked at her.

"So... how's our plan going?" he asked.

"You tell me," Padma replied. "You see Potter more than I do."

"He's completely freaked out," Ernie said with a satisfied grin. "You have to go by the classroom again today."

"I don't think I can," Padma hedged. "I have a really busy day today, Ernie."

He frowned at her. "But you promised you would."

"I promised I'd do it when my scheduled allowed for it," Padma corrected. "Contrary to popular belief, I have other things in my life to occupy my time. There's a very important lecturer coming in today. He's talking about house elves---"

"Who cares about house elves?" Ernie asked impatiently.

"I do," Padma retorted. "Hermione Granger and I---"

Ernie rolled his eyes. "We don't have time for this, Parvati."

Padma blinked. "My. Name. Is. Padma."

"I know that," Ernie said sharply.

Padma shook her head. "I don't think you do. That's not the first time you've 'slipped up'."

"What are you trying to say?" Ernie asked angrily. "First you go against our plan. Now you're trying to accuse me of this!"

Padma glared at him. "Keep your voice down!"

"You're a quitter," Ernie said angrily. "Parvati would be so disappointed in you."

Padma slapped him, startling both herself and Ernie.

"You bitch," Ernie hissed after he'd recovered. "You BITCH. You'll PAY for that!"

"Stay the hell away from me!" Padma exclaimed, gathering her books and stalking out of the cafeteria.

Ernie glared at her retreating back. She was nothing like her sister. Parvati would never talk to or treat anyone like that.

"What just happened?" Justin asked, approaching his best friend.

"None of your business," Ernie snapped at him.

"Mate?" Justin asked. "You look like you want to tear someone's head off."

"I'm FINE," Ernie shoved past him.

Justin started to follow him but thought better of it.

"Are you all right?" Eloise put her hand on his arm.

"I'm worried," Justin said still looking in Ernie's direction.

"About what?" Eloise asked.

"Him," Justin replied. "You heard him just now with Padma."

It was no secret that Eloise didn't care for Ernie, but she held her tongue.

"I think everyone heard him," Justin said shaking his head. "He's already on probation."

"It's his decision to do what he wants," Eloise said. "Justin, you can't be his big brother."

"I just don't want him to screw this up," Justin said quietly. "We talked about this all the time at Hogwarts."

"Justin," Eloise said. "He's not the same bloke that he was at Hogwarts."

He opened his mouth to defend his best friend, but Eloise was right. Ernie hadn't been the same.

"I don't think he wants to be helped," she continued.

Justin sighed. "I don't know if I can let him do this, Eloise."

"What can you do to stop him from doing what he wants to do?" Eloise asked.

"I don't know," Justin replied.

She took his hands in hers. "Let's not worry about it now," she said. "Let's just think about our night together."

Justin smiled. "I can do that."

Eloise leaned in and kissed him again. "I love you, Justin." she whispered.

"I love you too," he whispered back.

"We should really get to class," she said, not moving.

"Mmmhmm," Justin murmured.

"We're going to be late," Eloise said, laughing as he pulled her closer.

"I'm willing to risk it," Justin said before giving her a kiss.

"We could... find... an empty classroom..." she said breathlessly. "For just a few minutes..."

Justin was about to agree when Harry walked past them. "Would the two of you like a formal invitation to class?"

"What?" he asked.

"Class is starting in less than a minute," Harry barked at them. "Come on."

"Okay," Eloise said meekly. "Sorry..."

Justin took Eloise's hand. "Looks like we're in for another great day," he whispered. He wasn't looking forward to this. If Ernie and Harry were both in explosive moods, Justin hated to think what might happen.

She squeezed his hand as they retrieved their books

In the classroom, Hermione was just sitting down beside Lavender. She had been hoping to have a word with Harry before class, but he had made himself scarce. In fact, he'd made himself scarce quite a bit in the last couple of weeks.

"Are you all right?" Lavender asked. "You've been out of it all morning."

"Just a little preoccupied," Hermione replied. "I--I'm not going to be at dinner tonight. I'm attending that lecture on house elves with Padma."

Lavender raised her eyebrows. "Really?"

"Yes," Hermione replied. "She pulled some strings to get me in."

"That was nice," Lavender said.

Hermione smiled. "Yes, it was."

"No talking!" Harry snapped when he came into the room.

"Here we go again," Lavender muttered under her breath.

"And you're late!" Harry barked at Justin and Eloise.

"We---were right behind you," Justin told him, which earned him a death glare. "Okay--shutting up now. It won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't," Harry growled. "Sit down."

Justin and Eloise hurriedly took their seats.

"What's wrong, Potter?" Ernie asked sarcastically. "You look as if you've seen a ghost."

"Shut your mouth and have some respect," Harry's green eyes were dark.

"Respect?" Ernie sneered. "You?"

Harry glared at him. "You want to leave, Macmillan?" he asked.

"No," Ernie said. "I want you to tell the class what a hypocrite you are. Why don't we let them in on a few of your dirty little secrets..."

"Get out," Harry erupted. "Get out of my class. You are not to come back until you've learned your place!"

Ernie grabbed his bag and stood up. "What about your little girlfriend? Hmm? Does she get to stay?"

Hermione felt her face grow pale and she struggled to keep her composure.

Harry grabbed Ernie by the collar and shoved him out of the room. "What the hell is your problem with me?" Harry asked him. "Hmm?"

"Everything, Potter." Ernie shoved him back. "You fucking think you're so above everyone else."

"This is about Parvati, isn't it?" Harry asked him point blank. "You're still hung up over the fact that she---"

Ernie hauled back and punched him in the jaw.

"You just earned yourself a ticket out of the program," Harry said rubbing at his jaw. He wanted nothing more than to retaliate.

"I don't imagine Lupin and Shacklebolt would like hearing that it's you and Granger fucking each other like rabbits under their noses," Ernie shot back.

"I'm not doing anything with my students!" Harry lied vehemently. "Get the hell out of here, you son of a bitch!"

Ernie grinned. "With pleasure, Potter."

Harry watched him go, his lip curled up in a sneer.

"What happened?" Justin asked when Harry walked back into the classroom.

"Nothing," Harry said shortly. "Go back to your reading."

"I should go check on Ernie," Justin said. "Harry, he hasn't been himself lately---"

"He's gone," Harry said. "Out of the program."

Justin's jaw dropped. "No---"

"Yes," Harry snapped. "Get. Back. To. Your. Reading."

Reluctantly, Justin sat back down. He wondered what had possessed Ernie to talk back to Harry like that when he knew he was on probation.

Hermione looked thoughtfully at Harry as she pretended to read. She was getting increasingly worried about him.

Harry didn't sit down. He was too keyed up from what had happened with Ernie. What if Macmillan decided to blab to Lupin or Kingsley about his suspicions?

He paced across the room and looked out the door, wondering if he'd see Parvati again.

He hadn't spoken to Hermione about what had happened in the pool. Truth be told, he hadn't spoken to her about anything. Things were so screwed up right now and it seemed like one false move would spoil everything.

He looked over at his class and saw her glancing up at him.

"Are you okay?" she mouthed to him.

His response was to turn away.

Hermione bit her lower lip, letting out a silent sigh.

The morning session seemed to go by at a snail's pace. Harry didn't teach them anything. Any time someone dared to ask a question, he would mutter for them to continue reading. The class was more than ready for that morning's break so they could talk about what had happened with Ernie and Harry.

Hermione waited until the class had cleared before she approached Harry.

"Hey," she said closing the door.

"What do you want?" he muttered distractedly.

"To see how you were," Hermione said. "It looked like things got a bit heated with you and Ernie."

"He's out of the program," Harry said. "Nothing more to talk about."

Hermione bit her bottom lip. "You've been avoiding me."

"I'm busy," Harry didn't look at her.

Hermione came up behind him and put her hand on his arm. "If you want to talk..."

"I'm fine," Harry shrugged her off.

Hermione was silent as she watched him gathering up his things.

He still didn't look at her as he hurriedly exited the room.

She debated going after him, but she knew it would be a losing battle. He obviously didn't want to talk about whatever was bothering him.

Fighting back a few tears, she headed down to the cafeteria to talk to Lavender.

Lavender was sitting by herself thankfully. She'd already grabbed a cup of coffee and a muffin for Hermione.

"Hi," Hermione said softly.

"Hey," Lavender said looking up at her friend. "I thought you'd need this. I had a feeling he wouldn't be up for talking."

Hermione shook her head. "He won't even look at me," she said. "What did I do?"

"It's not you," Lavender reassured her. "It's that letter. It's Parvati."

"I don't understand though," Hermione picked at her muffin. "He's told me time and again that he's over her. That he loves me... even more than he loved her."

"It's just what he does," Lavender said thoughtfully. "Everyone he's loved has been hurt or killed, Hermione. It's like a defence mechanism or something. He pushes you away because he thinks it's for your own good."

"Well he needs to let me decide that," Hermione sat back.

"He loves you, Hermione," Lavender said. "This is just---a messed up situation that the two of you find yourselves in."

"I guess," Hermione wiped at her eyes.

"After your thing tonight, why don't you go by his place and talk?" Lavender suggested.

"Why bother?" Hermione asked bitterly.

"Because you love him and you're not giving up on him," Lavender replied.

"It seems as if he's giving up on me," Hermione sighed.

"You know that's not true," Lavender told her. "This is just a rough patch for you two."

Hermione only shook her head.

Lavender patted her arm reassuringly. "It is. You'll see."

"Thanks," Hermione said quietly. "Just... for listening to me. For being my friend."

"Of course," Lavender said giving her a reassuring smile. "You've done that and more for me."

"I don't want to go back this afternoon," Hermione admitted.

"Hermione Jane Granger wants to skive?" Lavender asked.

Hermione shrugged. "I just don't feel the passion for this that I used to feel."

"Just because of this?" Lavender asked. "Hermione---"

"Just everything, lately." Hermione said.

Lavender stared at her. "You want to drop out of the program?"

"I just don't know," Hermione said restlessly.

"You're at the top of our training class," Lavender pointed out.

"I don't want to talk about this now," Hermione said.

"What do you want to talk about?" Lavender asked. "Ernie going completely mental?"

Hermione shook her head. "That's another thing. How did he find out?"

"Because he had to be the one who wrote the letter to Lupin," Lavender replied rolling her eyes. "He's had it in for Harry from the beginning."

Hermione sighed and rubbed at her eyes.

"He's out so even if he said anything," Lavender told her. "I'm sure Lupin would think it was just sour grapes."

"I just feel like everything's falling apart around me and I can't stop it." Hermione said quietly.

"That's how I felt after I had my talk with Lupin," Lavender said. "But I'm turning things around. You can too."

"I hope so," Hermione said. "I'm really looking forward to tonight."

"The house elf thing?" Lavender asked.

"Yes," Hermione nodded. "It's such an important issue."

"And it will keep your mind off of H-A-R-R-Y," Lavender said, nudging her. "And when you get back, we'll eat ice cream and read magazines."

Hermione had to smile. "That sounds good."

"And we won't even bring up his name," Lavender said grinning back at her.

"Sounds good to me," Hermione answered.

"I'll set it up," Lavender promised.

Hermione felt better. "Thanks, Lav."

"It's what I'm here for," Lavender replied.

A few tables away, Justin was fretting over that morning. "I really think he could still stick with the program if he'd just apologise."

Ron looked at him as if he'd grown a second head. "Justin---there's no way they'd let him come back after that."

"But you don't know how much he really wants this," Justin defended his friend.

"Obviously not that much considering how he acted with Harry," Ron said. "You saw him, Justin. I know he's your best friend---"

"Just like Harry's yours," Justin shot back.

"That has nothing to do with this," Ron glared at him.

"You saw what kind of mood Harry was in when he walked in," Justin said.

"Well your buddy definitely didn't help matters much by slinging accusations." Ron retorted.

Eloise sighed. "Guys---"

But they ignored her.

"Accusations that might be based in fact," Justin shot back. "Harry's our age. I wouldn't put it past him to ---"

"To what?" Ron stood up, his eyes snapping fire.

"Shag a student," Justin finished.

"Justin!" Eloise gasped.

"You better take that back," Ron glared at him. "Harry's done a great job teaching us this year."

"Guys," Eloise said before Justin could respond. "Stop this! This isn't your fight!"

Justin looked over at his girlfriend. The look on her face made him calm down instantly.

"Thank you," Eloise said calmly.

"I'm out of here," Ron muttered.

"Ron," Eloise said. "You don't have to go."

"No, I do." Ron answered. "You two have a nice lunch." he grabbed his tray and stalked to the other side of the cafeteria.

He wasn't in the mood to eat and he wanted to make sure that Harry was doing okay.

He left his almost full tray on a table and went back up to the classroom. Harry was sitting at the desk staring off into space.

"Safe to enter?" Ron asked knocking on the door frame.

"What?" Harry asked. "Oh... yeah. Is break over?"

"Nearly," Ron replied. "You okay?"

"Fine," Harry lied.

"You want to try telling that to someone who hasn't known you since we were 11?" Ron asked.

Harry sighed. "I don't know what's going on with me."

"I saw Hermione in the cafeteria," Ron replied. "She looked like she'd been crying."

Harry sighed. "Will you close the door?"

Ron nodded and did as Harry asked.

"I'm beginning to think I'm crazy," Harry said. "In the past few weeks I've been seeing Parvati."

"Parvati?" Ron asked taken aback. "Harry---"

"I know," Harry ran his hands through his hair. "I've been up all night thinking about her. It's bringing back all the guilt."

"Harry," Ron said. "Why didn't you say anything before?"

"I thought I could deal with it myself." Harry answered, looking out the window.

"Since that's always gone so well for you before," Ron said shaking his head. "Mate, you need to stop this. You know what happened to Parvati was not your fault!"

Harry didn't look convinced.

"You thought that you'd left her safe behind at school," Ron reminded him. "She decided to leave all on her own. She chose that because she loved you."

Harry sighed. "I thought it might be Padma I was seeing, but she doesn't have access to this part of the Ministry. So explain to me how Parvati is everywhere I turn."

"Your mind is playing tricks on you or something like that," Ron said after thinking about this for a few moments. "And I wouldn't put it past Padma. Look, Padma could get access if she knew someone who let her in. "

"I've been pushing Hermione away too," Harry admitted. "And I don't even know where to begin to explain it to her."

Ron shook his head. "She's the best thing in your life right now, mate."

"Yeah she is," Harry nodded.

"You're going to lose her if you don't find some way to talk to her about this," Ron said.

"Maybe tonight," Harry said.

"You're not crazy," Ron told him. "You know that right?"

Harry gave him a sheepish smile. "I hope not."

"Well," Ron said. "I was hoping that you might want to have dinner. I have something I needed to talk to you about."

Harry nodded. "Sure, mate."

Ron smiled. "Great."

"How's Luna?" Harry asked.

"She's good," Ron replied. "I just sent her an owl today." He didn't tell Harry about the review.

"I bet you can't wait to see her again," Harry said, looking through his case for some files.

"I wish I could see her on Valentine's Day," Ron said wistfully.

"It kind of sucks being in the middle of the week and all," Harry agreed.

"Yeah, but at least you'll see your girl," Ron pointed out.

Harry only shrugged.

"So Ernie's really gone?" Ron asked deciding not to push him on the issue of Hermione.

"I just got back from talking to Lupin before you came in here," Harry said. "He's out."

"Good riddance," Ron replied. "He's completely mental."

"He still might have had a place here if he hadn't gotten physical out in the corridor," Harry answered.

"He hit you?" Ron asked.

"Right in the jaw," Harry massaged it.

"He has a death wish, doesn't he?" Ron asked shaking his head. "Justin and I got into it downstairs. He was taking Ernie's side and I was on yours. Eloise told us to knock it off because it wasn't our fight."

"She's right," Harry replied.

"Yeah, well," Ron shrugged. "I wasn't going to tell her that."

Harry almost smiled.

"So," Ron said. "You're not going to be an arse and push Hermione away? You're going to tell her what's going on and clear all this up?"

"I'll try," Harry answered. "If she'll listen."

Ron smiled. "Don't tell her I was in here pleading her case, either. She might think I actually like her."

Harry smiled wryly. "And here I thought you two were becoming the best of friends."

"Just like you and Draco Malfoy," Ron returned.

Harry snorted. "Point taken."

Ron laughed. "Okay. I better get to Lupin's class. You going to be okay?"

"I'll be fine," Harry said. "See you around six in the cafeteria."

"I'll be there," Ron said, hoping that he wouldn't disappoint his friend on top of everything else Harry had going on his life right now.

29. 29

Drama ensues this chapter. We hope you enjoy it. And RIP to Heath Ledger :(

Hermione bid a goodbye to her room mate and headed for the cafeteria, where she was meeting up with Padma. She was really looking forward to hearing about the House Elf rights that evening and wanted to be early so they could sit right up front by the speaker.

She was eager to have something else to think about other than Harry and the fact that she'd never felt more apart from him than she did at that moment. Why couldn't he talk to her?

He hadn't attempted to find her that afternoon and she had briefly entertained the idea of going to his office, but soon dismissed it. He could apologise to her.

She met Padma at the entrance to the cafeteria.

"I'm not late, am I?" Hermione asked when she caught the other girl looking at her watch.

"No," Padma replied. "In fact, I'm glad you're early. I got a note from the speaker asking us to meet him early. He heard how interested we are in helping House Elves."

Hermione grinned. "Really? Padma!"

Padma grinned back at her. "So let's go, Granger!"

Hermione laughed. "Okay! You know, I really needed this after the day I had."

"Bad?" Padma asked.

"Horrid," Hermione told her.

"What happened?" she inquired.

Hermione knew she couldn't tell Padma about this. Even though they were becoming friends, the less Padma knew about this the better. No one else needed to find out her secret.

"It was just a long, long day," Hermione said instead.

"I've had those," Padma nodded. "Too often."

"So where are we meeting him?" Hermione asked, changing the subject.

"In one of the rooms here," Padma consulted the note.

"I cannot wait to pick his brain," Hermione told her.

Padma laughed. "You know, I never really thought much about this sort of thing until I met you. It's much more important than anyone thinks."

"It really is," Hermione agreed. "Everyone rolled their eyes at me when I tried to start something at Beauxbatons."

"I'm sure it would have been the same way for me at Hogwarts," Padma commented, pushing open the door to one of the presentation rooms.

"I guess we're early," Hermione said when they stepped into the empty room.

Padma frowned. "Strange... this note says he would already be here..."

"He's probably running late," Hermione said taking a seat.

"I suppose," Padma sat next to her.

"I can't thank you enough for getting me in to see the lecture," Hermione told her. "You're a really great friend, Padma."

"You've become a good friend to me too," Padma said sincerely.

Hermione smiled at her. "So how have things been going for you?"

"Good, but busy," Padma nodded. "Just yesterday--"

The door opened and both girls turned around.

"Macmillan?" Hermione asked taken aback. "What on earth are you doing here?"

Ernie smiled nastily. "What I should have done months ago."

Padma glared at him. "Ernie---go away!"

Ernie extended his wand. "I'd watch what I said if I were you."

Padma rolled her eyes. "Ernie--"

"Ernie, what are you even doing here?" Hermione asked. "You were thrown out of the program!"

"It's YOU who should be thrown out," Ernie said angrily.

Padma stood in between Ernie and Hermione. "Leave it, Ernie. Hermione hasn't done anything wrong."

Ernie sneered at her. "That's not what you were saying just a few weeks ago. She was a part of your plan to get Potter back for what he's done to you!"

"LEAVE IT, ERNIE!" Padma told him angrily.

"What's he talking about, Padma?" Hermione asked from behind her.

"Nothing," Padma said through clenched teeth. "Nothing at all--"

"She's lying, Granger," Ernie said, his wand still trained on the two of them. "Padma and I were partners."

"Partners?" Hermione looked between them. "For... what?"

"Revenge," Ernie told her. "Pure revenge. She hates Potter just as much as I do. He took away the most important person in the world from us."

"Us?" Padma asked. "US? Parvati hardly even KNEW you!"

Hermione was trying to reach into her pocket for her own wand while Ernie was preoccupied.

"Ah, Granger." Ernie said. "Don't think you're so stealthy..."

Hermione watched in horror as her wand flew out of her pocket and into Ernie's hands.

"Wandless magic," Ernie said with a grin. "Got to thank Potter for that one."

"What are you trying to get at, Ernie?" Padma asked impatiently.

"What I'm getting at, Padma," Ernie replied in an eerily calm voice. "Is that Potter took Parvati from me. I'm going to take Granger from him. It's only fair."

"From him?" Hermione asked, stepping back. "Ernie--"

Ernie laughed. "There's no need to cover with me, Granger. I know all about you and him. Every single, sordid detail."

Padma looked at him. "Look, Ernie. There's no harm done. Just let Hermione and me go."

"I don't think so," Ernie trained his wand on her again.

"Padma's right," Hermione said. "Just let us go. We promise not to tell anyone---"

Ernie turned and stunned her. Hermione's body slumped against a chair before sliding to the floor.

"Ernie!" Padma screamed. "What did you just do?"

"What you should be helping me do," Ernie pointed his wand at her.

"I never signed up for this!" Padma exclaimed. "Ernie, you've lost your mind. Parvati barely knew you. You weren't involved."

"You have NO idea how I felt about her," Ernie hissed.

"Enlighten me," Padma said sarcastically.

Ernie shot her with the same spell he'd hit Hermione with.

Ernie grinned when he saw her slump to the floor. This couldn't have gone better. He might be going down, but he wasn't going down alone. He only wished he'd be here to see the look on Potter's face when he found his precious Hermione missing.

Working quickly, he used a shielding spell so no one would be able to see them and he could get them out of the building.

Just downstairs in his office, Harry was grading essays while he waited for that lecture to finish. He was hesitant to approach Hermione, but Ron was right. If he didn't make an effort, he was going to lose her.

It had been a long, stressful today and all he wanted to do was see Hermione. He knew explaining things wasn't going to be easy, but he loved her. He had to make sure she knew that.

The lecture was supposed to be an hour long and Harry knew that Lupin had planned to attend. He would wait until he saw Lupin return to his office and then he would head downstairs to catch up to Hermione.

Opening his office door a crack, he was able to view Lupin's door from a vantage point.

Over the years, he'd gotten used to dealing with things that bothered him on his own.

Harry checked his watch again. Another fifteen minutes or so before the lecture was over. He sighed, stuffing the remainder of the papers into his case.

Perhaps he'd sneak her out of here and they could go back to his place to talk.

A few minutes later, Harry saw Lupin unlock the door to his office. Obviously, he didn't expect Harry to be sitting there, as Tonks slipped in behind him.

"Remus?" Harry called out.

He watched Lupin freeze.

"Wotcher, Harry!" Tonks called out.

Remus shot her a look.

"What?" Tonks asked innocently. "He saw me come in here."

"How'd the lecture go?" Harry asked innocently.

"Very informative," Remus replied. "Tonks even managed to stay awake."

"I owed him since he went to the concert with me," Tonks said with a grin.

Harry half smiled. "A few of my students planned to go."

"Really?" Remus asked. "I didn't see anyone from our classes there."

"Really?" Harry asked. "Hermione... Granger, she's pretty into that stuff."

"I don't recall seeing her there," Remus commented. "Did you, Nymphadora?"

Tonks shook her head. "I was surprised not to see her there, actually. She told me she was coming with Padma Patil."

"Was Padma there?" Harry asked trying to keep his tone neutral.

"I didn't see her either," Lupin replied.

"Oh," Harry said quietly.

"You look worried," Lupin said.

Harry shook his head. "No. I just thought I heard them say there were going is all."

"You seem very distracted today," Lupin commented. "Are you sure everything is all right?"

"Remus is right," Tonks said. "You do, Harry."

Harry wanted to tell Lupin and Tonks about Hermione. He had a feeling Lupin would understand where he was coming from. But he also knew the older man would be put in a very difficult position so he only shook his head. "I'm fine."

"You're probably distracted about Ron," Tonks said. She'd seen the two of them deep in conversation at the cafeteria during dinner. "I heard he was leaving the program."

Harry nodded. "That came as a bit of a shock," he admitted. "But Ron needs to do what's right for him."

Remus looked at Harry. "You know if there's anything bothering you, you can talk to me."

"I know," Harry said quietly.

Remus looked as if he wanted to say something else, but he decided to let it pass. "Well, you have a good night, Harry."

"You too," Harry gave them both a meaningful look before turning to leave.

He decided to go upstairs to the dorms to check on Hermione.

He slipped upstairs and knocked on Hermione and Lavender's door.

A few moments later, Lavender answered and looked surprised to see him there. "What are you doing here?"

"I was hoping to see Hermione," Harry said.

"She's at a lecture downstairs," Lavender replied.

"Lupin and Tonks were there," Harry said. "And they told me she never showed up."

Lavender stood back so he could enter the room. She closed the door behind him. "That doesn't sound right. Maybe it was so crowded they didn't see her?"

"They didn't see her OR Padma," Harry answered.

Lavender frowned. "But, Hermione left here a little earlier so they could get a good seat. This doesn't make sense, Harry. She was really looking forward to it."

Harry's eyebrows creased together. "I'm going to go look for her."

"I'll go and see if anyone else has seen her," Lavender said grabbing her robe.

"Thanks," Harry took off down the corridor.

She had to be okay. He tried not to think the worst, but given all that he'd seen in his life, it wasn't hard to see why he'd immediately go there.

He headed down where the lecture was taking place. Seeing there were still some people in the room, he tried to relax.

There were a few familiar faces in that room and Harry approached a red-haired girl. "Susan?"

"Harry!" Susan Bones exclaimed. "How are you?"

"Fine," Harry said giving her a slight smile. "I take it you were here for the lecture?"

Susan nodded. "It's a bigger turnout than expected."

"Did you happen to see Padma Patil here?" Harry asked.

The redhead thought for a moment. "No... no I didn't."

"Damn," Harry muttered under his breath. "Um...what about a girl about this tall?" Harry asked holding his hand up to his chest. "Brown, bushy hair?"

Susan shrugged. "I could be wrong, but I don't remember seeing anyone like that."

Harry frowned. This didn't look good. "Look, if you do see her or Padma will you please let them know I'm looking for them?"

"Sure," Susan agreed.

Harry hurried out of the room. He knew it was a long shot, but he decided to try the library.

A half hour later, he was growing worried. There was no sign of Hermione OR Padma.

Lavender hadn't had any luck either. She bit her bottom lip as she studied Harry. "We should notify Lupin."

Harry nodded tersely. "I just have this bad feeling," he said.

Lavender couldn't help feeling a sense of deja vu. This was too much like what had happened with Parvati. She could still remember waking up to find her best friend's bed was empty.

"I'll go tell Lupin," Harry was saying. "You go get the rest of our class. We need to get a search going."

Lavender nodded. "Right."

Without another word, Harry headed back for the offices.

In a Muggle hotel room, Hermione was just coming to.

"What's going on?" she asked blearily.

There was no answer and she shakily sat up trying to get her bearings.

"Ernie?" she cleared her throat. "Padma?"

"Shut up," Ernie grumbled.

Hermione struggled to keep her eyes open. "What did you do?"

"Not me," Ernie said leaning back in his chair. "We. Padma and me."

Hermione looked at the girl lying next to her. "She's--"

"Alive," Ernie interjected. "She should wake up soon."

"What is going on?" Hermione asked, becoming more alert.

"I don't know yet," Ernie said impatiently.

"I'm leaving," Hermione tried to get up.

Ernie laughed. "Try. See how far you get."

"You're a bastard," she glared at him.

"That's where you're wrong!" Ernie shouted at her. "Your boyfriend's the bastard!"

"How would you know anything about me?" Hermione snapped.

"Mmmmm," Padma murmured from the floor.

"Padma," Hermione reached over and shook her.

"Hermione?" Padma asked looking up at her.

"You were in on this?" Hermione asked, her.

Padma grabbed the bag of her head as she struggled to sit. "Oh my head!"

"It'll go away," Ernie said coldly.

Hermione glared at Padma. "Were you in on this? Did you help him?":

"What?" Padma asked. "No--"

"Right," Hermione shot back. "I thought you were my friend!"

"I am," Padma said. "Hermione--"

Ernie grinned. "You can tell her the truth now, Padma. It's okay. Tell her all about how you dressed up like your sister and made Potter think he was seeing a ghost..."

"I didn't want to," Padma returned.

"Right," Ernie scoffed.

"I didn't!" Padma struggled to sit up.

Hermione looked at her as if it was the first time she'd really seen Padma. "He warned me about you. He said you weren't to be trusted. But, I didn't listen. I thought---I thought you were my friend."

"I am," Padma said softly. "Hermione.. Please. You have to believe me."

"Why should I believe anything you say?" Hermione asked her angrily.

"Because I'm not in league with him," Padma said, pushing herself up.

"Come off of it," Ernie said rolling his eyes. "You were into this just as much as I was."

"No I'm not!" Padma snapped. "You're the psycho that keeps confusing me with my sister!"

"You two deserve each other," Hermione said advancing on Ernie, but she hit what felt like a brick wall. This caused Ernie to cackle.

"Told you, Granger," Ernie said. "You can try all you want. You're not going anywhere."

"What did you do?" Hermione asked, hitting her fist against the barrier.

"Wards," Ernie replied gleefully. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I have to go and get a drink. You girls make yourselves at home."

"LET ME OUT!" Hermione screamed.

Ernie ignored her as he grabbed the room key card from the table and then exited the room.

Hermione trembled with rage as she called upon every spell she knew to try and get herself out.

Padma sat back against the wall. She put her head in her hands. She never should have gotten involved with Ernie.

Hermione glared at her. "Are you satisfied?"

Padma looked up at her with tears in her eyes. "Hermione. I swear. I didn't know he was going to do this."

"Sure," Hermione scoffed.

Padma sighed. "The truth is...I did team up with him at first. I wanted to get back at Harry. I--I blamed him for what happened to Parvati."

"He had nothing to do with it," Hermione shot back.

"She went after him," Padma said quietly. "I needed someone to blame, Hermione. She left because of him and since I couldn't blame V-Voldemort, I blamed him."

Hermione regarded her silently for a very long moment.

"If I was with him, do you think he would have me locked up in here with you?" Padma asked her. "Hermione---I changed my mind the moment you and I became friends."

"I don't know if I can trust you," Hermione looked away.

Padma felt tears welling up in her eyes. "I'm sorry..."

"Look, your reasoning for all this isn't important right now," Hermione said. "Getting out of here is."

"Right," Parvati said wiping at her eyes.

Hermione again tried to think of any spell that would break down this barrier. Of course, it didn't help that she didn't have her wand. And she also didn't have quite a grip on wandless magic yet- certainly not enough to do this on her own.

Padma was racking her brain for some way out of this. She couldn't believe she'd ever thought about teaming up with Ernie Macmillan. Her first instinct had been to walk away from him. If only she had, they wouldn't be here right now.

"He---he's obsessed with my sister," Padma said suddenly.

"What?" Hermione asked.

"Ernie," Padma said her eyes suddenly bright. "He fancied Parvati when we were at school. That's part of why he hates Harry so much. Parvati chose Harry. When he and I were alone, he would call me by her name."

"What a creep," Hermione shivered.

"What if I convince him that I'm on his side?" Padma suggested. She pulled out the twist that was tying back her hair. "Parvati always wore her hair down."

Hermione gave her a doubtful glance. "Do you really think that would work?"

"It's worth a shot," Padma said. "It's the only plan we have."

Hermione sighed. "I guess you're right."

"I know I haven't given you reason to trust me," Padma said. "But I promise that I'm going to do whatever I can to get us out of here."

Hermione sat on the bed. "Let's hope it works."

"It will," Padma said quietly. "It has to."

Hermione sank back against the pillow. She wondered if Harry knew she was missing yet.

"That's a pretty ring," Padma said referring to the necklace around Hermione's neck. "Did he give that to you then?"

"What?" Hermione asked.

"The ring," Padma said.

"It's... just a ring," Hermione lied.

"I know," Padma told her. "I know about you and Harry."

Hermione paled but said nothing.

"I haven't told anyone," Padma said sitting down on the edge of the bed. "I promise."

"How did you find out?" Hermione asked quietly.

"I've seen the two of you together," Padma replied. "When you thought no one was looking."

Hermione touched the ring. "I guess we weren't as good at hiding as we thought."

Padma shook her head. "Not really. You really love him, don't you?"

"Yes," Hermione said. "More than anyone."

"I promise not to say anything," Padma said. "I know you both could be in a lot of trouble if this got out."

Hermione shrugged. "I think people must know."

"I think I'm more observant than most people," Padma said. "Don't worry. I think your secret is safe."

"I hope so," Hermione said. "I don't want Harry to lose his job. He's a good teacher."

Padma certainly couldn't argue that. She remembered the days of the D.A. where he'd taught them all how to defend themselves.

"I can't stand sitting around like this," Hermione said impatiently.

"I wonder where he went," Padma said thoughtfully.

"He said he was getting a drink," Hermione replied. "But that shouldn't take this long."

"I wish he'd put that damn ward up on the side that has the window," Padma said shaking her head.

Hermione ran her hand along the invisible barrier. She closed her eyes and thought it might be worth a try to concentrate on trying to break it down.

Padma studied her. "What are you doing?"

"I want to try something Harry taught us," Hermione said.

Padma stood back. "Go right ahead, Miss Auror."

She recalled the lessons Harry taught them about wandless magic and how to block spells. She wished she had been quick enough to think of them when Ernie was snatching her wand away.

The door clicked open and Ernie rolled his eyes when he saw what Hermione was trying to do.

"Granger, Granger, Granger," Ernie said. "You do realise that I would have thought you'd try that?"

Hermione opened her eyes and glared at him. "Let us out of here."

"Not likely," Ernie said sitting his cup of coffee down on the table.

"Ernie," Padma said softening her tone in a pitch perfect imitation of her sister's voice.

He froze but didn't turn to look at her.

"Did you get peppermint in your coffee?" Padma asked softly. "That's how I always loved it."

Ernie bit his lower lip.

"I remember when you used to leave peppermint sticks on my books when I was in the library," Padma said. She didn't know it was Ernie who had done that, but Parvati had thought it was Harry.

"I knew how much you liked them," Ernie recalled. "They were your favourites."

"That was the sweetest thing," Padma said smiling sweetly at him.

Hermione stayed away from the little scene in front of her. She didn't want to interfere in case it helped them escape.

Ernie looked properly at her. "I nearly told you it was me so many times."

"You should have said something," Padma continued in her sister's voice.

"You were too busy with Potter," Ernie said coldly.

"I shouldn't have been," Padma curled a lock of hair around her finger.

"He didn't love you like I did," Ernie said mesmerized by what she was doing.

"Of course he didn't," Padma answered.

Ernie gave her a slight smile.

"Come on," Padma said coyly. "You don't want to keep us in this little room, do you?"

Hermione could see Ernie's resolve wavering.

"I know you don't really want to do this..." Padma continued.

"I had to, Parvati," Ernie said softly.

"But you could let us go," Padma touched his hand. "And we'll all just walk out of here."

Hermione's eyes grew large. Somehow, Padma had broken through the wards.

"Kiss me," Ernie said to her.

"Wha--what?" Padma asked.

"Kiss me," Ernie repeated. "It's all I ever wanted."

Padma cast a look back at Hermione.

"Now?" Padma asked.

"Yes," Ernie said. "Now."

"Only if you let Hermione go," Padma countered.

Ernie blinked. "What?"

"Let Hermione go," Padma said looking right at him. "I want to be alone with you. Just you and me."

Hermione shook her head. "No--"

Padma turned and looked pleadingly at her. "It's the only way," she mouthed to her friend.

Hermione bit her lower lip as Ernie glanced back at her.

"What are you two planning?" Ernie asked angrily.

"What are you talking about?" Padma asked, still in her sister's character.

"We're not planning anything," Hermione said glaring at Padma. "I hate her."

Padma looked shocked for a second.

Ernie looked at Padma. "I can't let her go. I have to get back at Potter for what he did to you, Parvati."

"Don't you think this will do it to him?" Padma asked softly. "Losing me all over again? Only this time... to you?"

Ernie looked as if he didn't know what to do.

Hermione fingered the ring around her neck. Did Harry even know she was gone? Did anyone know? And why was Padma doing this? Hermione couldn't leave her alone with Ernie. There was no telling what he would do.

"Just let her go," Padma said. "Then we can be alone."

"I could just get rid of her," Ernie said looking disdainfully at Hermione. "Kill two birds with one stone, so to speak."

"But you're not that kind of person," Padma felt her palms grow sweaty.

"Let me think," Ernie said putting his head in his hands.

"You're not a killer," Padma said softly. "You're kind and generous and a good person. Let her go and we can be together, Ernie."

Hermione began to inch for the door.

Padma knelt down in front of him. "Come on, Ernie. Do the right thing."

"Parvati..." he whispered.

"Yes," Padma said touching his cheek.

"I want... I want to do the right thing..." he said, looking down.

"Think about Justin and your family," Padma said softly. "They're so proud of you. You don't want to disappoint them. They care about you."

"And you?" he asked. Hermione could practically read the confusion in his eyes.

"Of course," Padma whispered.

Hermione still inched for the door when Ernie faced her suddenly.

He shot another stunning spell at her which caused her to be thrown back into the wall.

"Ernie!" Padma broke character. "Ernie what are you doing?"

Ernie directed his wand at Padma. "You didn't really think I was falling for that rubbish, did you, Padma?"

"I...." Padma was at a loss for words.

Ernie rolled his eyes. "You did? Please...you're not half the girl your sister was. I know a poor imitation when I see it."

Padma bit her lower lip. "Just don't hurt us, please."

Ernie glared at her. "Don't cross me again."

He pushed her onto one of the beds and Padma backed against the headboard.

"W-what are you going to do?" Padma stammered, looking frantically over to the other side of the room where Hermione was passed out cold.

Ernie sneered at her. "Don't worry about it."

Padma shook her head. "No---"

"You two have a nice night here," Ernie smirked. "Don't worry- you can't get out, no one can come in, and no one can hear you."

"You're a bastard," Padma spat at him. "You're not going to get away with this."

Ernie kicked at Hermione as he went to the other side of the room. "That's where you're wrong, Padma. I already have."

Padma looked on as he grabbed his cup of coffee and headed out of the room. The door clicked behind him.

She wasted no time in rushing over and trying to pull open the door, but it was locked.

"Mmmph," Hermione murmured.

"Hermione!" Padma dropped to her knees. "Be careful, he hit you pretty hard. Can you sit up?"

Hermione winced as she tried to do so. "My back---"

"Careful," Padma said. "Here... let's get you over to the bed."

Hermione held on to Padma's arm as the other girl led her over to the bed. "I feel like I was rugby tackled."

"You pretty much were," Padma said. "He stunned you."

"Did he do anything to you?" Hermione asked.

Padma shook her head.

"He's going to kill us," Hermione said quietly. Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought about never seeing Harry or her parents again.

"He wouldn't tell me what he was going to do," Padma said.

Hermione closed her eyes. There had to be a way out of here. There just had to be.

"We'll figure something out," Padma said. "We have to."

30. 30- only 2 or 3 more to go, guys!

More action this chapter- we hope you enjoy it!

Ernie was headed back to the Ministry, quite pleased with himself. That bitch Padma had another thing coming if she would ever think she was on the same wave as her sister.

She'd actually thought she was fooling him? He wished he could have snapped a picture of her face when she found out her plan wasn't working.

And Granger- she'd all but confessed that she was in love with that bastard Potter.

Potter. All of this was his fault. If it wasn't for Potter, Parvati would still be here.

Humming to himself, he headed into the cafeteria to look for Justin.

To his dismay, his best friend wasn't alone. As always, Eloise Midgen was by his side. What the hell was wrong with Justin?

Midgen, he thought with a sneer. She really wasn't any good for his friend.

Eloise caught his eye and nudged Justin who turned around in his seat.

"Hey mate," Justin said. "Where were you all night?"

"In the pub," Ernie replied. "I came to pack up my things."

"Right," Justin said glumly.

Ernie glared at Eloise. "What are you looking at?"

"Absolutely nothing," Eloise answered coolly, refusing to let him intimidate her.

"I still think you might be able to turn things around," Justin told him. "You haven't been yourself..."

"It's Potter's fault," Ernie snapped.

"That's a nasty scratch you have on your cheek," Eloise commented. "How'd that happen?"

"Don't worry about it Midgen." Ernie said shortly.

Ron Weasley came over to the group looking more than a little concerned. "We're needed in headquarters."

"What's going on?" Eloise asked.

"Hermione Granger and Padma Patil are missing," Ron told them. "No one's seen either of them since earlier today."

Justin couldn't help but notice Ernie's smug grin before he hastily hid it.

"What are you doing here?" Ron asked Ernie. "I thought they kicked your arse out."

"Just getting my things, Weasel," Ernie glared at him. "Not that it's any concern of yours."

Ron glared at him. "Good riddance to bad rubbish if you ask me."

Ernie shoved a chair aside. "You son of a bitch--"

Justin held him back just in time. "Ernie, come on!"

Ron sneered at him. "If I didn't know any better I'd say you had a part in Hermione and Padma's disappearance."

"News flash for you, Weasley," Ernie retorted. "I have better things to do with my time than worry about where Potter's whore is."

This time no one could stop Ron from smashing his fist into Ernie's face.

Ernie fell back against the wall.

"You bastard," he wheezed, holding his nose which was bleeding profusely.

"You deserved it," Eloise said. "Insinuating that Harry---"

"You shut the hell up, you bitch," Ernie spat at her.

Justin advanced on his friend. "Hey! Don't talk to her like that!"

"Some friend you are," Ernie glared at him. "Taking up for that slag."

"You're making it very hard for me to remember why we're friends," Justin retorted angrily. "Don't. Ever. Talk. About. Her. Like. That."

"Get out of here," Ron shoved him. "You're no longer allowed in this building."

Ernie angrily got to his feet. "I must have missed the election. Are you the Minister?"

"To you? Yes," Ron answered sarcastically. "We have more important things to look after than you."

"Fine," Ernie said stalking out of the cafeteria.

"Bastard," Ron muttered darkly. "Come on. We need to get upstairs."

"Right," Eloise said. She looked at her boyfriend. "Justin?"

"Coming," he said, taking her hand.

"He was asking for it, mate," Ron told Justin.

"I know he was," Justin said grimly. "And he crossed the line when he insulted my girlfriend."

Eloise squeezed his hand. "Thank you for defending my honour."

Justin sent her a half smile. He still couldn't get that image of Ernie's smug smile out of his head when Ron had mentioned that Hermione and Padma were missing.

They followed Ron upstairs where everyone was meeting for the search.

Ron noticed Harry immediately. His best friend was pacing across the room, a panicked look on his face.

"I'll---I'll be right back," Ron told Justin and Eloise.

"Mate," Ron said in a low voice. "You've got to pull it together."

"It's happening again," Harry said quietly.

"No it's not," Ron said. "It's not."

"I can't lose her," Harry said running his hand nervously through his hair.

"You won't," Ron said. "Harry... you can't let yourself fall apart now. She needs you."

Harry nodded. "I know."

Lupin interrupted. "Harry, I thought you could address the others. Let them know what we know so far."

Harry nodded again. "We know that Hermione Granger and Padma Patil were going to attend the lecture last night on House Elf rights. Neither of them showed up."

"Do you think it might be Death Eaters?" one of the Aurors asked.

"I don't see how it could be," Harry answered. "They were both in this building."

"Do either of the two girls have any known enemies?" another one asked.

"Not that we've seen," Harry answered, flicking his wand around in his hand.

Justin was wondering if he should say something about his suspicions concerning his best friend.

"So we're asking anyone with information to come forward," Lupin finished.

Justin looked over at Eloise who nodded encouragingly at him.

"Sir?" Justin called out, raising his hand.

"Yes Justin," Lupin nodded.

Justin stood up. "I-I think Ernie Macmillan might have had something to do with the disappearance."

Harry's jaw tightened at the mention of the name.

"Go on, Justin." Lupin said.

"I'm sure everyone heard about what happened yesterday," Justin continued. "The truth is, he's not really been himself for quite some time. I just saw him a few minutes ago in the cafeteria. He was acting kind of strange and he had a scratch on his cheek."

"We'll check it out," Lupin nodded. "Thank you."

Justin nodded gravely and sat back down.

"I know that wasn't easy," Eloise said reaching for his hand.

Justin shook his head. "Ernie's not the same bloke he used to be."

"I'm proud of you just the same," Eloise whispered.

"Thanks," Justin squeezed her hand.

"We're going to divide you up into teams of two," Lupin told them. "You've each been assigned an area to search."

Even though Ron didn't want to be an Auror anymore, he'd do anything to help his friend find Hermione. He stood when his name was called.

"Weasley, you're going with Potter," Kingsley Shacklebolt announced.

Ron nodded and moved towards Harry.

"I think Justin's on to something with Ernie," Ron said before telling Harry what had transpired in the cafeteria.

"If he did something to her... to either of them..." Harry flexed his fist. "I'll kill him."

"They're going to be okay," Ron said reassuringly.

Harry was silent a moment. "I think Lupin suspects something."

"About you and Hermione?" Ron asked.

"Yeah," Harry said.

"What makes you say that?" Ron asked.

"Just the looks he was giving me in there," Harry said. "I don't care. I don't care if I'm sacked."

"Don't worry about any of that now," Ron told him. "We'll find them both and then you can worry about it. If all else fails, you know Fred and George would hire you at the joke shop."

Harry half smiled. "There's an offer I couldn't refuse."

"Let's go," Ron said looking at the slip of parchment that listed their assigned area.

Harry nodded. "Right."

In the hotel room, Padma and Hermione were both pacing in the small warded space. They were trying to come up with some way to get out of the room when Ernie suddenly stalked into the room, slamming the door behind him.

Both women huddled back on the bed, scared of the wild, crazy look in his eyes.

"Stop snivelling," Ernie muttered.

"Harry's going to find us," Hermione said, narrowing her eyes. "You can't keep us in here forever."

"They obviously know we're missing by now," Padma chimed in.

"Maybe they do," Ernie smirked. "Maybe they don't. Shut the hell up."

"What's your big plan?" Hermione asked him. "Hmm?"

"You don't need to know, Granger." Ernie sneered, grabbing a tissue.

"Something happened," Padma whispered to Hermione.

Hermione nodded. "Have a little run in, did you?"

"If you don't show up, I'll make you shut up," Ernie said getting up and walking into the bathroom.

"I wonder if he ran into Harry." Hermione whispered to Padma.

"Something tells me if he'd run into Harry, he wouldn't have come back here," Padma replied in a hushed tone.

"Perhaps not," Hermione said with a sigh. "I hate this. I hate sitting in here."

"Me too," Padma agreed. "But he's a loose cannon, Hermione."

"Which is why we need to get out of here," Hermione sat back up.

"How?" Padma whispered.

"I keep trying to think of a way, but he's one step ahead of me," Hermione answered.

"What about that wandless magic?" Padma whispered.

"It's not going to break down a ward," Hermione said.

"Could you use it to do something inside the ward?" Padma asked. "I mean--something that might alert someone else that we're here."

Hermione thought for a moment. "Padma..."

"Yes?" Padma whispered keeping an eye out for Ernie.

"You are brilliant," Hermione said, touching the ring she wore around her neck.

"What are you doing?" Padma asked.

Hermione closed her eyes tightly as she gripped her ring tightly in her hand. She whispered words over and over again that Padma couldn't hear.

Padma was curious to know what Hermione was doing, but she wasn't going to say anything to alert Ernie.

A moment later, Hermione opened her eyes, and her fist. The ring had disappeared.

Hermione grinned. It had worked.

"What did you do?" Padma asked in awe.

"I broke through the barrier," Hermione laid back against the pillow. The wandless magic exhausted her.

"Where did your ring go?" Padma asked.

"To Harry," Hermione revealed. "If it worked, it should help lead him to us."

"You're brilliant," Padma whispered excitedly.

"You had the idea," Hermione reached over and squeezed her hand weakly.

"We're a good team," Padma said just as Ernie came back into the room.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" he snapped at Hermione.

"Give her a break," Padma told him. "She's still recovering from those spells you hit her with, Ernie!"

"They weren't that bad," Ernie smirked.

"Try being on the receiving end and then talk to me," Padma said sarcastically.

"You shut up," Ernie said. "Or I'll--"

"I just need to rest," Hermione interjected weakly. "I'm sure you don't have any problem with that? That way you'll know I'll be quiet."

"For once," Ernie grumbled.

"Thank you," Hermione said closing her eyes.

Padma twisted her hands together nervously. She really hoped Hermione's plan would work. The way Ernie was looking at the two of them really frightened her, and she hated not knowing what he had in store for them.

Ernie sat down on the other side of the room. He had to think about what his next move would be.

He wanted nothing more than to make Potter suffer to the fullest extent. Simply dropping these two off somewhere and leaving them would do no good. It had to be something more drastic.

Harry and Ron were currently walking through Diagon Alley. Due to the late hour, the place was nearly deserted.

Ron was hungry, but he didn't say anything. For once, food could wait.

"Nothing," Harry raked his hands through his hair.

Ron looked over his shoulder as one of the shopkeepers was closing up for the night. He walked over to ask the man if he had seen Padma or Hermione. Harry put his hands in his pockets and was surprised to pull out a ring. The very same ring he'd given Hermione for Christmas.

"What the..." he muttered, looking at it closer. How had this gotten into his pocket?

"He hasn't seen anything, but he said he'd keep his eyes open," Ron said as he joined Harry. "Mate?"

"This was in my pocket," Harry said, showing the ring to Ron. "I gave this to Hermione for Christmas."

"Did she leave it behind at your place or something?" Ron asked.

"No," Harry shook his head. "She's been wearing it around her neck since the day I gave it to her. It just appeared in my pocket."

Ron looked quizzically at him. "Well, how did you--she couldn't have---could she?"

Harry remembered a lesson he'd taught them near the beginning of the term. "She sent this to me to help find her."

A slow grin spread across Ron's face. "That's one brilliant girlfriend you have there, Harry."

"She sure is," Harry agreed. "Come on. I bet we can trace this to her."

Ron nodded. "Let's go."

They rushed back to the Ministry, hoping Lupin would still be there.

Luckily, they found him in his office going over some things with Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt.

Harry realised what telling Lupin meant. It meant his relationship to Hermione was about to go public.

But, he knew that none of that mattered now. The important thing was finding her and Padma and making sure they were safe.

"Sir," Harry said hurrying into the room. "I know how we can find Hermione and Padma."

Lupin looked up in surprise. "You do?"

Harry held out his hand with the ring sitting in his palm. "Hermione used a spell to send this to me."

"How would you know that was her ring, Harry?" Kingsley asked.

"Because I gave it to her," Harry admitted.

Tonks' eyes grew large. "Why did you give her a ring?"

Harry swallowed. "We're in love."

Kingsley's expression was one of surprise, but Lupin's was unreadable.

"We can put a trace on this," Harry insisted. "I taught them a spell on how to transfer items from a warded room so a person can be found."

Tonks took the ring from him. "I can do that now."

Harry again glanced at Lupin.

Lupin looked away. "Nymphadora, please let us know what you find out."

"Right away," Tonks hurried out of the room with the ring.

"Mr. Weasley, would you mind leaving us alone with Mr. Potter?" Kingsley said to Ron.

"Sure," Ron gave his friend a sympathetic look. "I'll see if Tonks needs any help."

"Thank you," Kingsley said shutting the door behind Ron.

"Sit," Lupin said, still not looking at Harry.

Harry did as he was told, folding his hands in his lap.

"How long have you been involved with Miss Granger?" Kingsley asked.

"Since classes started," Harry replied.

If Lupin was surprised at this, he didn't let on. Harry wished he would say something. Silence was worse, much, much worse.

"You do understand that you've broken the rules?" Kingsley asked him.

"Yes," Harry answered.

"Remus and I will discuss this further after Miss Granger and Miss Patil are found," Kingsley told him.

"I understand," Harry said. "I'm... I'm sorry. It just happened."

"These things don't just happen," Lupin said quietly.

"Remus--" Harry began.

"Not now," Lupin cut him off. "The important thing is finding these two girls."

Harry nodded. He hated that Remus was ticked off at him.

Tonks knocked on the door just then and Kingsley called out for her to enter.

"I traced the ring to a Muggle hotel," Tonks told them. "The Westbury Mayfair. Room 1212, to be exact."

"Let's go," Harry said immediately, jumping to his feet.

Ron could feel the tension in the room and he was curious as to what had happened, but he was sure he'd find out later.

Harry could hardly control himself as Lupin called back Lavender, Eloise and Justin.

If Ernie Macmillan did have her and he'd hurt even one hair on her head, Harry didn't know what he'd do.

"I wonder what she's doing there?" Lavender asked once they'd all gathered and Lupin was making plans.

"Maybe whoever has her thinks that a Muggle hotel would be the best place to hold her," another trainee replied.

"Good thinking," Lupin said tersely.

"Please remember that this is a Muggle hotel," Kingsley announced, his eyes falling on Harry. "We do not want to do anything to draw attention to what we are and why we are there."

"Just get in, we'll get Hermione and Padma, and figure the rest out later," Lupin said.

"It's amazing how they were able to find out where they were," Lavender whispered to Ron.

"I know," Ron agreed.

"I just hope they're both okay," Lavender said.

"Me too," Ron said. "And if Ernie does have something to do with this, Merlin help him. Harry's going to have his ass."

Lavender nodded and caught sight of their instructor who was sitting stone-faced.

"Harry, you take Ron, Eloise and Justin and head up the back of the hotel," Remus instructed coolly. "The rest of us will approach the front."

"Do you think that's wise, sir?" Harry questioned. "I'd rather do this---"

"That's this way this is going to be done," Lupin snapped at him. "You're welcome to stay behind if you don't want to follow orders!"

Everyone grew silent at this. They had never seen Remus Lupin act like this toward anyone before, least of all Harry.

"Let's go," Kingsley said.

Eloise looked over at Justin. "Are you sure that you're up for this?"

Justin nodded. "I have to be."

The group arrived outside the hotel and split up just as Lupin had instructed. Harry led Eloise and Justin in first.

"Follow me closely," he ordered.

Eloise nodded. She wanted to help save her friend, but she was also nervous about what they would find in Room 1212.

"I hope they're okay," she whispered to Justin as she nervously took his hand.

"For his sake, they'd better be," Harry muttered, having heard what Eloise had said.

Justin was still upset that Ernie had most likely gone to these lengths to kidnap Hermione and Padma. He knew his friend had harboured feelings for Parvati, but hadn't known they ran this deeply.

Harry led them through the employee’s entrance in the back. "The service lifts should be just around the corner."

Ron drew his wand as he stayed behind Harry, who was nearly crackling with magic.

"Put it away," Harry hissed as a waiter came around the corner pushing a cart of food. Ron did as Harry requested and then his mouth positively watered as he saw what was on that tray. "C-chocolate cheesecake."

"Ron," Justin poked him in the back.

"Sorry," Ron muttered, giving one last longing look at the cart when the waiter passed them. "I haven't eaten since this morning."

"We'll get you something later," Harry said sarcastically. "Control it for now."

"Sorry," Ron said again as he pushed the call button for the lift.

Harry muttered a few unintelligible words as the lift slowly creaked it's way to them. "Bloody hell..."

It seemed like an eternity, but finally the lift pinged open and the four of them stepped inside. Eloise pushed the button for the 12th floor. "This is it."

"Wands out," Harry said. "And be careful. If this is Macmillan, there's no telling what he could do."

"Right," Justin said. A part of him held out hope that it wasn't his friend.

Eloise knocked on the room of the door. "Housekeeping," she called out.

"Bloody hell," they heard Ernie call out from the other side of the door. "Go away. It's late."

"Um... fresh towels sir," Eloise said quickly.

"Leave them by the door," Ernie called back after a moment.

Eloise looked at Justin. "They... have to be signed for, sir."

Ernie turned on the bedside lamp and looked over at Padma and Hermione. The ward was sound proof so there was no chance they would be heard even if they screamed their lungs out.

"You two stay quiet," he said menacingly. "Or I'll kill you both now."

Ernie looked through the peephole and saw a woman standing outside the door. Her face was obscured by a stack of towels and linens.

"One second," he snapped. "Coming a bit late, aren't you?"

"You asked us to come back later," Eloise said, thinking fast. "We wanted to make sure you had fresh towels, sir. Nothing but the best for our guests."

"Whatever," Ernie yanked the door open.

Eloise threw the towels in his face.

"Hey!" Ernie's voice was muffled as Harry shoved him into the room.

"You son-of-a-bitch!" Harry said pushing him against the wall.

"Fuck... you..." Ernie said as Harry's hands closed around his throat.

"I can't get the wards down!" Eloise shouted.

"Take them down," Harry snarled as Lupin, Kingsley, and the rest of them burst in.

"Not a chance," Ernie retorted. "How does it feel to have something you love so close, but you're unable to touch it?"

"I'm going to kill you," Harry growled.

"Let him go, Harry!" Lupin ordered.

Harry didn't respond.

He tightened his grip on Ernie's neck. "Take. The. Wards. Down. Now."

"HARRY!" Lupin roared. "LET HIM GO!"

"He's not worth it, Harry," Hermione called out.

Harry instantly let him go. "Hermione?"

Kingsley and Lupin bound Ernie's hands.

"Harry," Hermione said tears welling up in her eyes.

Harry rushed over and pulled her into his arms.

"Did he hurt you?" Harry asked holding her tightly.

Hermione shook her head. "You found us..."

"Thanks to you," Harry said, resting his forehead against hers as he unbound her wrists.

Eloise's jaw dropped as she watched the two of them. Were they really a couple?

Ron helped Padma sit up. "You all right?" he asked her.

Padma nodded. "Just very happy that you found us."

"Good," Ron said.

Ernie looked at Kingsley. "You see? He was playing all of us the whole time! And he's just going to get away with it?"

"What's going to happen to Mr. Potter is none of your concern, Ernie." Kingsley said.

"Take him out of here," Lupin ordered Tonks.

"With pleasure," Tonks said, grabbing Ernie's wrists.

Tonks pushed him out of the room and Harry made a move for Hermione. But, Lupin apparently had other ideas. "Miss Patil and Miss Granger will have to give statements."

"Of course," Padma nodded.

"I'll take them," Kingsley said. "Ladies..."

Harry watched as Hermione was led from the room. He could hardly look over at Lupin, who was directing some of the other Aurors to sweep the room.

"Miss Brown, Miss Midgen?" Lupin said. "How about you two go with Kingsley to see how you take a statement?"

"Yes sir," the two girls both nodded and headed out of the room to follow Tonks, Ernie and Kingsley.

Tonks was holding on to Ernie's arm and walking him toward the lift. She knew they had to be careful because this was a Muggle hotel.

"Watch it," she told him. "You don't want to cause any more problems than you already have."

A hotel housekeeper turned the corridor and Tonks quickly pocketed her wand.

Ernie saw his opportunity and took it. He twisted Tonks's arm, grabbing her wand, and aimed it directly at Hermione.

"CRUCIO!" Ernie yelled.

31. 31- Sorry for the late update, guys!

I (Heaven) am so, so sorry for not posting last night! My mind is in thirty places at once these days and I just plain forgot. Please forgive me you guys! This chapter ends the action, and the next chapter wraps the whole story up. Please enjoy! Thanks for helping make this story such a fun one to write!

Hermione screamed as she fell to the floor, writhing in pain.

Ernie unbound the ties around his wrists with one quick motion and pointed the wand at Tonks, knocking her out cold. He grabbed Eloise and held the wand to her neck.

"Ernie--" she said, swallowing nervously. "Don't do this--"

"Shut up!" Ernie shouted. From the floor, Hermione screamed. The pain was unbearable.

Lupin, Harry, Justin and the rest of the team rushed into the corridor. Ernie pointed the wand at them as he gripped Eloise around the throat.

Ernie quickly warded the space around him and Eloise so no spells could affect them.

"Let her go!" Justin said a panicked look in his eyes.

Hermione continued to writhe in pain on the floor. Harry went to her side. "Hermione!"

"Get away from her, Potter," Ernie said coldly.

"Break the curse, you son-of-a-bitch!" Harry ordered. "NOW!"

"I don't think so," Ernie said, his eyes wild. He held Eloise tighter around the throat and jabbed the wand into her skin.

"Do something!" Justin shouted looking at Lupin.

"Ernie," Lupin began carefully. "You're getting yourself in even deeper. Don't make this worse." He could barely take his own eyes off the crumpled body of Tonks.

"C-can't b-breathe," Hermione gasped.

"BREAK THE CURSE YOU FUCKING BASTARD!" Harry screamed at him. "OR I'LL KILL YOU MYSELF!"

"I'm having too much fun," Ernie cackled. "Now, I just need to decide what to use on old Eloise here..."

"No!" Justin said. "Ernie-- mate... don't hurt her. Please!"

"Some best mate you are," Ernie said angrily.

"Come on," Justin pleaded. "Just don't hurt her!"

Hermione grabbed hold of Harry's arm, gasping for breath.

Lavender closed her eyes, concentrating hard on a spell Harry had taught them. "Break down the wards," she whispered, raising her wand.

She tried to remember the proper incantation. She suddenly recalled a passage she'd read in a book of Hermione's.

Opening her eyes, Lavender shouted out the words and the ward Ernie had created around himself and Eloise vanished. Harry immediately rushed at the two of them, pushing Eloise aside and tackling Ernie to the ground.

Justin reached for Eloise. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," she gasped.

"You're going to rot in Azkaban," Harry spat at Ernie.

"Fuck you, Potter." Ernie snarled at him.

Kingsley put his arm on Harry's shoulder. "Let him go. I'm going to make sure he makes it to Azkaban personally."

Harry shoved away from Ernie and rushed to Hermione's side.

She was struggling to sit up. Every muscle in her body ached from what she had just been through.

"Hey," Harry said. "I've got you..." he carefully lifted her into his arms.

Hermione looked dazedly at him. "H-Harry?"

"It's me, sweetheart," Harry answered, brushing her hair gently off her face.

Lavender knelt down beside them. "And me. Did you see what I did?"

"That was incredible, Lavender." Harry told her.

Lavender beamed. "Thanks. I couldn't have done it without Hermione and her books!"

Hermione managed a weak smile.

"Well done, Miss Brown," Lupin said coming over to join them. Tonks was leaning against him, a sheepish look on her face.

Lavender blushed. "Thank you sir."

"Are you okay, Tonks?" Harry asked.

"Fine," Tonks nodded. "How is she?"

"She feels like she's just gone two rounds with a Norwegian Ridgeback," Hermione replied.

"Sorry," Tonks winced.

"I'm just glad that you found Padma and me," Hermione replied.

"Soon as we figured out you two were missing, we started searching," Harry told her as he picked her up to carry her into the lift.

"I want to see you both in my office tomorrow morning," Lupin called out to them. "Eight a.m."

Hermione froze in his arms. "Harry?"

"Remus," Harry said. "Listen, I--"

"Tomorrow, eight a.m.," Lupin cut him off.

"Yes sir," Harry mumbled.

"Harry?" Hermione asked when they were alone in the lift. "What's wrong?"

"He knows," Harry said. "Everyone knows."

"About...us?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded.

Hermione's face fell. "Harry--"

"We’ll figure it out," Harry promised. "I swear. But for now I have to get you to St. Mungos."

Hermione shook her head. "No, I'm fine--"

"You are not," Harry contradicted.

"I've messed things up enough for you," Hermione said quietly.

"Hermione--" Harry began.

"I'll tell Lupin that it was me," Hermione told him. "I'll tell him that I seduced you..."

"No," Harry shook his head. "We'll tell him the truth."

"But, you'll get sacked," Hermione protested.

"I don't care," Harry answered.

Hermione didn't believe that for a minute. Harry loved teaching. The lift pinged open and any argument she would have broached would have to wait.

Despite the fact that Ernie really hadn't done anything to Eloise, Justin insisted she be checked over as well.

"I'm more worried about you," Eloise said. "Justin, Ernie---"

"I'll never forgive him for this," Justin's mouth was set in a tight line.

Eloise put her arms around him. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Justin said softly. "You mean more to me than he does. I love you, Eloise."

"I love you, too," Eloise whispered.

"If anything ever happened to you--" he began.

"I'm not going anywhere," Eloise reassured him.

"You know, I'd like to come over for dinner again sometime soon," Justin told her.

"I'll owl mum and dad and see if they'll have us over this weekend," Eloise grinned.

"I hope Danielle will be there," Justin continued. “So I can tell her what an amazing, smart, talented woman her younger sister is…”

Eloise laughed. "Yeah, right."

Lavender had just finished up with Kingsley and came over to join the two.

"Hey, superstar," Eloise said to her.

"I can't believe I was able to do that," Lavender was nearly glowing with pride.

"I heard Lupin say that he didn't even know what spell you used," Justin said. "Way to go, Lav."

"Thanks," Lavender said. "I was so worried I wasn't getting anything out of these courses. All my studying and Hermione's help has really paid off. I can't wait to tell Charlie about this!"

"He's going to be so proud!" Eloise said, giving her a hug. "Thank you. You saved my life."

Lavender hugged her back. "I'm glad you're okay, Eloise."

"That makes two of us," Justin said. "Come on, Eloise. I want to take you to St. Mungos."

"Okay," she agreed. "But I'm not staying there."

"I'll come with," Lavender said. "I want to make sure Hermione's okay."

"I-I'd like to come to, if that's alright," Padma said approaching them.

Everyone turned to look at her in surprise.

"I'm not so sure she'd want you there," Lavender said coolly.

"She's my friend," Padma said.

"You have a funny way of showing it," Lavender retorted.

"I swear it," Padma said. "I... I didn't have anything to do with what happened with Ernie tonight."

Eloise looked warily at the other girl. Something told her that Padma was telling the truth. Lavender though didn't seem too convinced.

"We should let Hermione see her," Eloise volunteered. "And if she wants Padma to go away, then that's her decision."

"Fine," Lavender said crisply.

"Are you hurt?" Justin asked.

Padma shook her head. "I just have a few scratches and bruises."

The group of them headed for St. Mungos. "Can you believe it about Harry and Hermione?" Eloise asked her boyfriend quietly. "That they've been seeing each other all this time?"

"I know," Justin replied. "I wouldn't have guessed."

"He really seems to love her," Eloise continued softly.

"You don't think that she was given any unfair advantage, do you?" Justin asked. "I mean---"

"She wasn't," Lavender said. "Not at all."

"You knew about this?" Justin asked, in surprise.

"For awhile now," Lavender answered.

"Lupin didn't seem too pleased," Eloise remembered. She couldn't ever remember seeing their instructor look so angry before.

"Ron and I were the only ones who knew," Lavender said. "And Harry's pretty close with Lupin."

In the examination room, a healer had just finished checking on Hermione. "We'll give you some potions and then send you home, Miss Granger."

"Thank you," Hermione said gratefully.

The healer excused himself and left Hermione alone with Harry. "You're awfully quiet," Hermione said looking at him.

Harry looked at her. "I almost lost you. Again."

"Thanks to Lavender, you didn't," Hermione said softly.

"I'm not sorry that everyone knows," he said in reply.

"How can you say that?" Hermione asked him. "Harry--"

"Because I can't stand keeping it a secret anymore," Harry answered. "I love you, Hermione. I've been a bastard these past few weeks, but when I couldn't find you tonight... it all hit home. I can't live without you."

Hermione felt tears well up in her eyes. She patted the space beside her on the bed.

Harry sat down, taking her hand in his.

"I can't even remember what we were fighting about," Hermione said.

"I was ignoring you," he said ruefully. "Thinking I was seeing Parvati..."

"None of that matters now," Hermione said leaning in.

"Nothing," Harry answered. "And if I'm sacked, I'll find a new job."

Hermione kissed him. "I love you more than anything in this world."

"I love you too," he touched her face.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" she asked.

"Anything you want." Harry answered.

"Here are your potions, Miss Granger," the healer said coming back into the room carrying two vials. "Take the blue one first and then drink the green."

"Okay," Hermione answered, taking the vials.

"You're sure that she's going to be okay?" Harry asked the healer.

"She'll be fine come morning," the healer said. "Perhaps a bit sore- but she's lucky."

"Very lucky," Hermione said looking at Harry.

Harry waited until she'd taken the potions before reaching into his pocket. "This belongs to you, I believe."

"My ring," Hermione said smiling at him.

He slid it on her finger. "Now you can let everyone see it."

"Are we ready for that?" Hermione asked softly.

"I am," Harry told her.

"Lupin," Hermione said quietly. "He looked very disappointed."

"I know," Harry said. "But... I think it's more from me not telling him than it is me falling in love with you."

"I know how important you are to him," Hermione said.

"That's why I think once I explain, things will be okay," Harry said. “At least I hope…”

There was a knock on the doorframe and they looked up to see Lavender standing in the doorway with Padma Patil.

"How are you feeling?" Lavender asked immediately.

"Sore," Hermione replied. "But, they gave me something for the pain."

"Everyone wanted to make sure you were okay," Lavender said.

"Thanks to you," Hermione grinned. "You were amazing."

"Because of you," Lavender answered modestly.

"You were brilliant," Harry told Lavender. "You impressed everyone today, Lavender."

"I keep telling him that this shows he makes a good professor," Hermione said, leaning her head on Harry's shoulder.

Padma stepped into the room. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

Hermione nodded. "I'm fine, Padma. Thank you. Ernie didn't hurt you, did he?"

Padma shook her head. "No."

Harry looked point-blank at her. “So did you tell Hermione all about how you impersonated your sister? How you tried to make me think I’d gone mad?”

"She told me," Hermione put a hand on his arm.

"I'm not proud of what I did," Padma said quietly. "But, I had no idea he was planning this. No idea at all."

"He was as horrible to her as he was to me," Hermione told them.

"I'm sorry," Padma said sincerely. "I really am. I wish I could take it all back."

Harry opened his mouth to retort but closed it at the look on his girlfriend's face.

"I couldn't have made it through this without Hermione," Padma said.

"Maybe it's time then, that we let bygones be bygones," Harry said quietly.

Padma extended her hand. "My sister loved you very much."

"I loved her too," Harry said. "And I'll never forget her."

Padma shook his hand. "I really am sorry."

Harry nodded.

"Justin and Ron are outside, too," Lavender said. "I'll let them know everything's okay."

"Thanks," Hermione closed her eyes. "I'm tired..."

"I'll make sure she gets home okay," Harry said standing up and walking over to Lavender. "Thank you again for what you did tonight. You really were amazing."

"Thank you," Lavender glowed at his compliment.

"We'll let you get some rest," Padma said. "Good night."

"Night, Padma." Hermione said. "I'm glad you're okay too."

Harry watched the two girls leave and he couldn't believe this was actually happening. He was still wary of Padma, but Hermione seemed to believe in her. If she was willing to get past this, he supposed he could too. Grief did make you do some crazy things.

"Take me home, Harry." Hermione murmured.

Harry kissed her on the forehead. "Let me just make sure you're okay to be discharged and then I'll take you back to my place."

"Hurry," she said.

Hermione was asleep by the time he came back into the room with her discharge papers. Harry knelt down to pick her up and his eyes fell on the ring on her hand.

He stared at it for a long moment, realising exactly what it meant. They were going to spend the rest of their lives together. Not too long ago, he didn't think he had that kind of time. Gently, he gathered Hermione into his arms.

Hermione put her arms around his neck. "Going home now?" she murmured, her eyes still closed.

"Yes," he said. "Our home."

Hermione opened her eyes and smiled at him. "Our home."

Despite everything that had happened and that he dreaded would happen tomorrow, he smiled back at her. "That’s right."

Hermione didn't know how he got them back to his place, but the next thing she knew he was setting her down on a bed.

"Just rest," Harry kissed her forehead. "I'll wake you up in time for us to go in."

Hermione shook her head. "No---have to find...find...a way...to help...."

"Help who?" Harry asked. "Me?"

"Help...help," Hermione said dazedly. "Help...Harry."

"I don't need help," Harry assured her.

"I'm---I'm so sleepy," Hermione whispered falling back onto the bed.

"Just rest," Harry brushed her hair back.

Hermione nodded and closed her eyes. "Just---just for a little bit."

Harry settled himself next to her, pulling her body close.

"Love you," Hermione said before she fell asleep.

"I love you too," Harry whispered.

*** *** ***

The next morning found Harry and Hermione waiting inside Lupin's office. Harry was pacing in front of the desk, trying to formulate a believable argument.

"Just let me do the talking," Harry told Hermione.

"Yes, but---" Hermione argued.

"It will be best if I do the talking and bear the brunt of the punishment," Harry interjected. "You're still a trainee."

Hermione gave him a look. "I'm as much a part of this as you are. And besides, I think I've found a way--"

"Good morning," Lupin said briskly, coming into the room. He closed the door behind him. "Have a seat, Harry."

Without a word, Harry dropped into the seat next to Hermione.

Lupin studied some paperwork on his desk for what seemed like an eternity.

"Harry," Lupin finally began. "Do you have any idea how serious this is?"

"I don't care," Harry said resolutely. "I love Hermione. If that means I have to quit teaching, I'll do it to be with her."

"He does care," Hermione interjected. "He doesn't want to quit teaching."

Lupin looked across the desk at Harry. "You are the closest thing that I'll ever have to a son, Harry. When Sirius died, I took on the responsibility of looking after you. I was so proud when you came aboard here."

Harry couldn't even look the older man in the eye. He scuffed his foot along the floor and stayed silent.

"You lied to me," Lupin said. "When the other Aurors thought it was you who was having the affair with the student, I stood up for you."

"I'm sorry," Harry mumbled.

"Professor," Hermione said quietly. "He only did it to protect me."

"I didn't want to cause her notoriety," Harry said. "I've never once favoured her in class, either."

"He didn't," Hermione said. "In fact, I think he expected more from me."

"As did I," Lupin looked at her.

Hermione looked down at the floor.

"Our relationship began before training began," Harry told his mentor. "We didn't know we'd end up here. We were both gobsmacked when we saw each other."

"That's right, sir." Hermione said. "That's what I was going to say. Technically... Harry can't be sacked because I wasn't his student when we first got together."

"Be that as it may," Lupin said. "Miss Granger, you were actively involved with a superior during training, which is expressly forbidden."

"I know," Hermione nodded. "Which is why I'm quitting."

Harry was about to open his mouth to rebut this when he heard what Hermione said. "You're what?"

"I'm quitting," Hermione said. "I've been offered a job in the Muggle Artefacts Research Office."

Harry looked quizzically at her. She hadn't mentioned this to him. "Hermione---"

"I never got the chance to tell you," she said softly. "I'm sorry."

"That still doesn't clear Harry, Miss Granger," Remus said. "He willingly engaged in a relationship with one of his students when he was in a position of authority."

"But it began before I was his student," Hermione objected. "And for that reason, he can't be sacked."

"Miss Granger," Lupin said impatiently. "The rules specifically state---"

"That a student and professor must not BEGIN a relationship while working together," Hermione finished. "I've read the manual several times."

Lupin opened his mouth to protest, but Hermione produced a copy of the manual and opened it to the specific page that stated the rule.

"Well..." Lupin seemed at a loss for words.

"So, under THOSE rules and THOSE words," Hermione said. "He cannot be sacked."

Harry had to suppress a smile at the look on Lupin's face.

"You, yourself are carrying on a relationship with someone who is junior staff," Hermione replied. "I think you and Tonks have handled it professionally."

"That's not the same," Lupin pointed out.

"Harry's a great teacher, sir," Hermione said. "He's fair and honest and patient. You know that just as well as I do."

"I do know," Lupin replied. "Aside from the whole Ernie situation, I've heard all good things about him."

"I know you're disappointed, but it's right there in black and white," Hermione said motioning toward the manual.

"It's not your relationship that disappoints me," Lupin said to both of them. "Harry... I just don't know why you had to keep it a secret from me."

"Because I didn't want to get her in trouble and I wanted to keep my job," Harry replied. "Remus, I'm sorry I didn't tell you and I'm sorry I lied."

"But we aren't going to stay apart," Hermione reached for Harry's hand.

"We're going to be married," Harry said.

Lupin's eyebrows nearly shot up into his hairline. "What?"

"This is serious," Harry told him. "I love her more than anything in this world."

Hermione couldn't help the blush that spread across her face.

"I'll need to discuss this with Kingsley," Lupin said quietly.

"I understand," Harry said, standing up.

"If you and Miss Granger will wait outside," Lupin said.

Harry squeezed Hermione's hand as they left Lupin's office and sat down just outside. "You didn't tell me you were looking into other jobs," he said.

"I've been thinking about it for awhile now," Hermione said. "I'm better at research and analysis. You know that just as well as I do."

"But I thought you really wanted to become an Auror," Harry said.

"I did," Hermione replied. "But I think this would be a better fit for me."

"We would be able to see each other more," Harry nodded. "All the time, actually."

Hermione smiled. "See?"

"I guess part of me will miss having you in my classroom," Harry said. "Ron's not sticking with the program either."

Hermione squeezed his hand. She had figured as much. She didn't know Ron all that well, but she could tell his heart hadn't been in their training.

"You know what else will be nice?" he asked her.

"What's that?" Hermione asked.

"We don't have to hide anymore," Harry answered. "I can kiss you anywhere and anytime I feel like it." he sent her a grin.

Hermione grinned. "Another benefit."

"This will turn itself out," Harry said, more to reassure himself than her.

"It will," Hermione agreed, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I think we gave everyone the shock of a lifetime when they realised we were seeing each other," Harry said with a smile.

"Just wait until my parents find out," Hermione said.

"Think they'll be okay with this?" Harry asked.

"I do," Hermione nodded. "They want me to be happy. Happy and a dentist. But one out of two, isn't bad."

Harry laughed. "Not at all."

Hermione looked at their intertwined hands. She was still getting used to seeing that ring on her finger.

"What are you thinking?" he asked.

"About what you said in Lupin's office," Hermione replied.

"About us getting married?" Harry rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand.

Hermione nodded. "Yeah."

"You okay with that?" he asked quietly.

"I want to be with you," Hermione replied without hesitation.

"I'm glad to hear that," he said softly.

"You can't get rid of me that easily," Hermione joked.

"Wouldn't want to," Harry said. "Not ever."

"So," Hermione said. "When do you want to get married?"

"Tonight?" he joked.

Hermione nudged him. "Right..."

"Tomorrow," Harry nudged her back.

"I can see it now," Hermione said. "Mum, Dad. I'd like you to meet Harry, my husband. See you, later."

"Next week then," Harry teased. "After they've approved of me."

"We could always tell them you're going to be a dentist," Hermione laughed.

Harry made a face. "I'll have to tell them I can't stand teeth."

"Oh, they're going to really love you then," Hermione said shaking her head.

"We just won't mention that part," Harry said.

Hermione leaned in and kissed him. "I love you more than anything in this world, too."

Harry cupped the back of her head in his hand and kept her lips pressed to his.

They broke apart when they heard Lupin's door opening. His expression was unreadable as he stepped out of the office and motioned for them to come back inside.

Not letting go of Hermione's hand, Harry led her back into the office where Kingsley sat by Lupin's desk.

"I take it you've made a decision then?" Harry asked.

Lupin nodded. "We have."

Hermione gave Harry's hand a squeeze.

"Since the rules state you had to be involved beforehand," Kingsley said. "We're allowing you to stay on as a professor, Harry. BUT... you are to take a three week suspension, without pay. And if this ever happens again--"

"It won't," Harry promised.

"We are very disappointed, in both of you," Lupin said. "And if you are intent on taking another job, Miss Granger, we will expect your resignation as soon as possible."

"You'll have it by the end of the day, sir," Hermione said.

Lupin nodded. "You both may go, then."

"Thank you, sir," Hermione said shaking first Lupin and then Kingsley's hands.

Harry looked over at Lupin, but the older man wouldn't meet his eyes. He felt bad for disappointing his mentor.

"He'll come around," Hermione said when they were alone.

"I hope so," Harry replied. "We've always been really close- this is the first big thing I've ever kept from him."

"I'm sorry," Hermione said, putting her arms around him.

"Not your fault," Harry pressed his face into her hair.

"You get to keep your job," Hermione said. "That's the best news."

"And I have an unexpected holiday," Harry said.

"Hmm," Hermione said. "Well, you know I have a couple of weeks before I have to start my new job."

"What are you thinking?" Harry asked softly.

"I'm thinking we could get away," Hermione said. "Just the two of us."

"Paris again?" he asked. "Or somewhere else?"

"How about some place warm?" Hermione asked.

"Will you wear a bikini?" Harry asked impishly.

"I don't have one," Hermione replied.

"We could fix that," Harry answered.

"We could, could we?" Hermione asked.

"Sure," Harry answered. "Or you could just wear nothing at all-- Ow!"

"I'm brave, but not that brave," Hermione said swatting at him.

Harry caught her up and hugged her to him.

"What's that for?" Hermione asked.

"Just because I love you," Harry said.

"I love you too," Hermione said resting her forehead on his.

Remus Lupin and Tonks came around the corner and saw the young couple locked in an embrace.

"Don't you think you were a little hard on him," Tonks whispered. "You're the closest thing he has to a father."

"Nymphadora, he lied to me," Tonks reminded her.

"But he had a good reason to keep it a secret," Tonks argued. "Come on- when was the last time you saw him that happy?"

"It's been awhile," Lupin admitted.

"I didn't know James and Lily, but don't you think they'd have liked to see their son, happy with a job he's great at and a woman he loves?" Tonks asked. "

"Of course they would," Lupin answered. "But it just doesn't excuse the fact that he didn’t feel he could come to me."

"He knows you're disappointed," Tonks said. "But maybe you could let him know that you support him."

Lupin shrugged. Maybe he'd do that at some point, but right now he wasn't so sure he could.

"Wotcher, Harry!" Tonks called out before Lupin could stop her. "

Harry and Hermione pulled apart. "Hi Tonks..." he said warily, eyeing Lupin.

"Hermione, have you seen the um, the um---thing in the break room?" Tonks stammered, racking her brain for some sort of excuse to get Harry and Lupin alone.

"The what?" Hermione asked confused. Tonks shot her a look and Hermione suddenly understood. "Oh! That thing! No, I haven't seen it."

"Well come on!" Tonks grabbed her hand. "It's a really COOL thing!"

Lupin rolled his eyes as they left him alone with Harry. "Not very subtle, is she?"

"Never has been," Harry shrugged. "But that's part of her charm, isn't it?"

Lupin smiled. "That's Nymphadora."

Harry looked at his mentor for a long moment. "I am sorry I didn’t' tell you."

"I guess I can understand why you didn't feel you could tell me," Lupin conceded.

"Ron and Lavender were the only two people that knew," Harry told him. "We just... we couldn't let this get around."

Lupin nodded. "So, you're getting married?"

Harry nodded. "I really hope you'll be there."

"I wouldn't miss that for the world," Lupin said honestly.

A smile spread across Harry's face. "You wouldn't?"

"Of course I wouldn't," Lupin replied. "You're---you're like a son to me, Harry. I've never wanted anything more for you than for you to be happy."

"Thank you," Harry said.

Lupin extended his hand.

Harry shook it firmly. "Thanks, old man." he grinned.

"Old man?" Lupin chuckled.

"Well, you know..." Harry shrugged. "You do look younger since you started dating Tonks."

"I think she might send me to an early grave," Lupin said dryly.

"Nah," Harry said. "She'll keep you alive longer."

"That's what I keep telling him," Tonks said as she and Hermione rejoined them.

"Is everything okay?" Hermione asked Harry softly.

Harry nodded. "I think so."

Lupin looked at his girlfriend. "So how was the cool thing in the cafeteria? Everything it was made out to be?"

"It was very cool," Tonks said innocently.

"Very cool," Hermione agreed.

Harry and Lupin both rolled their eyes.

"Whatever," Tonks said linking her arm in Lupin's. "It worked, didn't it? The two of you are talking again."

"Yes well, it seems we have a wedding to help plan," Lupin replied.

Hermione grinned. "Yes, we do."

"We should tell Lavender," Harry said.

Hermione's smile faltered a bit. She hadn't told her friend about the new job or about leaving the program.

"We'll leave you to it," Tonks said. "Congratulations."

"Thanks," Harry said. "I guess I'll see you in three weeks."

Lupin nodded and he and Tonks headed away.

"I should go pack up my things," Hermione said. "And write my resignation."

"Do you want me to go with?" Harry asked.

"Sure," Hermione answered.

Harry felt considerably better now that he and Lupin had their talk.

Hermione took his hand. "So... will I be coming home with you then?"

"I thought that was the plan," Harry said. "Unless you think it's too soon to move in together, that is."

Hermione shook her head. "It's not too soon at all."

"You want to stay at the flat or the house?" Harry asked.

"We should probably stay at the flat while we fix up the house," Hermione said thoughtfully.

"Dobby will love it when he finds out we're going to move in there someday," Harry said.

"I can't wait to tell him," Hermione put her arms around him.

"He'll probably want to plan the wedding," Harry said shuddering at the thought.

Hermione laughed. "He'll have to get in line behind Lavender."

"Could you imagine if the two of them teamed up?" Harry asked, as they walked down the corridor toward Hermione's room.

"That I don't want to think about," Hermione sobered as they approached the bedroom.

Lavender was sitting on her bed reading when they walked into the room.

"Hey," Hermione said as they came in.

"What happened?" Lavender asked.

"I was suspended for three weeks," Harry said.

"And you?" Lavender looked at her friend.

"I'm dropping out of the program," Hermione said. She held up her hand when Lavender opened her mouth to say something. "Willingly dropping out."

"But you're top of the class," Lavender protested.

"I know, but I don't think this is what I was meant to do for the rest of my life," Hermione said.

"I don't understand," Lavender put her book aside. "Just a few days ago this career was fine for you."

"I've actually been thinking about this since we came back from Romania," Hermione told her. "I didn't tell anyone, not you, not Harry."

"Oh," Lavender replied softly.

Hermione stepped closer to her friend. "I'll still help you any way that I can. I'll be working here at the Ministry so we can still see each other."

"You will?" Lavender asked. "Really?"

"Of course," Hermione replied. "We're best friends, remember?"

Lavender rushed over and hugged her. "Absolutely."

"And we'll definitely stay in touch because I need help planning my wedding," Hermione said with a grin.

"You scared me half to death," Lavender said. "I was really---wedding?"

"We're getting married," Hermione looked back at Harry with a grin.

Lavender let out an eardrum shattering squeal when she saw the ring on Hermione's finger. "Ooooooooh!"

"Ow," Harry covered his ears.

"When? Where? What are you going to wear?" Lavender asked eagerly.

"That's where you come in," Hermione said. "There's no way I could pull this off without you."

"She cannot let this interfere with the program," Harry said. "You've shown great improvement, Lavender, but you have to stay on top of this."

Lavender nodded. "I will. I've never been more serious about anything before."

"You're going to be brilliant," Hermione said. "You saved my life and for that, I'll be forever grateful."

Lavender hugged her. "I wrote to Charlie and told him all about it. He told me he's so proud of me and can't wait to celebrate!"

"I knew he would be," Hermione said smiling at her friend. "And---and I really do hope that you'll forgive Padma for what happened." Hermione looked at Harry. "Both of you."

Lavender shrugged. "She caused a lot of trouble."

"Yes, she did, but I think she's genuine when she says that she's sorry," Hermione said. "Just....give her a chance. She's hurting, too. She loved Parvati just like you did."

Harry nodded. "All right."

"I'll try," Lavender relented.

"Thank you," Hermione said, relieved. "Well... I guess I should start packing my things."

"You're moving in together then?" Lavender asked.

Hermione looked at Harry. "Yes."

"Well, you realise that you're new roommate probably snores, leaves the toilet seat up, is moody and has a very strange head of hair," Lavender said.

Hermione laughed as Harry glared at Lavender. "It's part of his charm."

"Love really is blind," Lavender laughed.

"I heard that's what Charlie Weasley says," Harry replied innocently.

"Very funny," Lavender said punching him in the arm.

Hermione shook her head as she began pulling things out of the small closet.

"Does this mean I'll have my own room?" Lavender asked Harry.

"Nice try," Harry said. "But you'll probably get a new roommate."

"Bother," Lavender crossed her arms. "Why?"

"There have been some other drop outs," Harry told her. "I imagine you'll get someone from the other training group."

"Of you could room with Eloise," Hermione suggested.

"I suppose that could be fun," Lavender shrugged. "But still, my own room would be so beneficial to me."

"We'll see," Harry said with a grin.

With Lavender's help, Hermione was able to pack her things quickly.

"I guess this is it," Hermione said.

Lavender threw her arms around her again. "This won't be the same without you!"

Hermione felt tears in her eyes as she hugged her friend. "We're still going to be friends, Lavender. I promise."

"Best friends," the blonde corrected. "Even if you're with Mr. Moody over there."

Hermione didn't have to turn around to know that Harry was probably scowling at that. "We're going to go on holiday so it might be awhile before we see each other."

"Sounds nice," Lavender said wistfully. "Have a good time."

"We will," Harry said, giving Lavender a hug before taking one of Hermione's bags. "Take care of yourself, Lav."

"I'm going to know more than you by the time you get back," Lavender gestured to the stack of books on her bed.

Harry grinned. "I look forward to seeing that in class."

They left the Ministry, hand in hand. "This feels good," Hermione said.

"It's not going to always be like this," Harry cautioned her. "When the press finds out..."

"We'll deal with it," she finished. "I don't care."

Harry squeezed her hand. "I love you. You make me happier than I've ever been."

"Same here," she said, giving him a kiss.

"Let's go home," he said softly.

"Home sounds good to me," Hermione agreed.

32. 32

We’re so glad you guys enjoyed this story! Thank you so much to all of you that reviewed! Enjoy this last chapter!

"This has to be the most perfect day for a party," Lavender threw her arms around Charlie. "I'm finished with training; all our friends are coming over for a party, and most importantly--"

"We're engaged," Charlie said with a grin. "That's the best part."

"I was beginning to think you weren't going to ever ask me," Lavender teased.

"Had to wait for the right time," Charlie rested his forehead on hers. "It wasn't right when I only saw you on weekends. Besides, if I'd asked you before you finished training, you'd have never come in second in the class."

Lavender beamed at him. "Can you believe that? Me...Second?"

"Of course I can believe it," Charlie whirled her around. "Brains and beauty. That's my girl."

Lavender laughed. "I'm so happy, Charlie Weasley!"

"I am too," he said, giving her a hungry kiss. "I've got everything I want."

"Ronald!" Molly's voice echoed throughout the house. "Get out of this kitchen this instant! Those biscuits aren't for you! They're for the party!"

Charlie laughed. "Ron's on the prowl."

"Some things never change," Lavender laughed. "Come on. I should really help your mother."

"Promise me we can sneak back up here later," Charlie sneaked one more kiss.

"Absolutely," Lavender said taking his hand and leading him out of the room. They ran into Luna on the way downstairs.

"Congratulations!" the blonde said. "I was just coming to find you two!"

"Thanks," Charlie said hugging his sister-in-law. Ron and Luna had married the day after she graduated from Hogwarts.

"And where are Marcus and Helena?" Lavender asked about Ron and Luna's two children.

"I just put the baby down for her kip," Luna said. "And Marcus is supposed to be with Ron."

"We heard Molly shooing Ron out of the kitchen," Lavender said.

Luna shook her head. "I told him not to go in there!"

"Too late," Charlie grinned as the three of them headed downstairs.

There was a knock on the door and Lavender volunteered to answer it. She grinned when she saw her best friend and Harry standing on the other side of the door.

"Hi you two!" Lavender squealed.

"Congratulations!" Hermione exclaimed, giving her a hug.

"Thanks!" Lavender showed her friend her ring.

"He has excellent taste," Hermione said admiring it.

"Congrats to you, Lav." Harry said. "Second in your class- I'm impressed!"

"I owe it all to your wife," Lavender said. "She helped me even when she was busy dealing with you."

Hermione laughed. "It's a good thing I can multi task."

Lavender ushered them inside where they exchanged hellos with Luna and Charlie.

Ginny appeared with a tray of champagne. "Everyone take a glass."

Everyone, save for Hermione, did so.

"I'm actually more in the mood for pumpkin juice," Hermione said.

"Oh," Ginny said. "Okay---I'll go and get you a glass."

"Thanks," Hermione replied, not looking over at Harry. She didn't want to break her news until the right moment.

"Uncle Harry!" a red-haired boy ran at him at full speed.

Harry laughed. "Hey Marcus!"

"Daddy in trouble," Marcus told him.

"Why's that?" Harry asked. "Did he steal from the kitchen again?"

"Right now, he's getting lectured by Mum," Ginny said coming back into the room with Hermione's juice. "Every single time she turns her back, he tries to nick a biscuit."

"You'd think he'd learn, sooner or later," Harry shook his head.

"Hermione, you look a little pale," Luna commented. "Have you been ill?"

"No," Hermione said. "Just... working a lot lately. Haven't gotten a lot of sleep."

"I can certainly relate to that," Luna said.

Ron appeared in the room with Molly trailing behind him, looking sheepish.

"I was going to give one to Helena, Mum," Ron was saying to her.

"She can't eat biscuits yet!" Molly swatted his arm.

"Give it up, Ron," Charlie said slapping his brother on the back.

Marcus reached for his father. "Daddy!"

"Come here you," Ron said picking up his son. "You left me alone with Nana."

Marcus laughed. "Uncle Harry's here!"

"I see that," Ron said. "And Aunt Hermy."

Hermione made a face. "Ronald, you know I detest that name."

"That's what Marcus calls you because you're name is really hard to say," Ron reminded her. "Hermy."

"Attention!" Ginny cleared her throat. "Neville wants to make a toast!"

Neville raised his glass. "I just wanted to say congratulations to Charlie and Lavender. They'd been together for a long time. Ginny and I wish them all the happiness in the world! Congratulations!"

"Hear, hear," Harry agreed, raising his own glass while sliding his free arm around his wife.

"Wait until you see the little booties that I knitted for Helena," Molly told them. "Speaking of which, when are you going to give me another grandchild to spoil?"

Harry laughed. "We're going to wait awhile, Molly. We're enjoying being on our own right now."

Hermione smiled weakly at Harry's comment. She had just discovered the day before about her own pregnancy and hoped he would be as thrilled as she was.

"You both work too hard," Molly chastised them.

"We're looking forward to some time to relax," Harry said. "A week or so now that I'm done training this lot."

Hermione looked over at Justin, Eloise and Lavender who were talking animatedly. "I'm so proud of them," Hermione said. "They've went through quite a bit to get where they are."

Harry nodded. "This last session was pretty brutal," he said.

"I'm sure it helped prepare Lavender to be a member of this family," Molly said with a grin. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I just need to check on something in the kitchen."

"I'll help--" Ron began.

"You'll do no such thing," Molly said shooting him a warning look.

"Just to help," Ron almost pleaded.

"Everyone is here," Charlie pointed out. "Let him have one, Mum."

"I'll write about it in my column," Ron said appealingly.

"Just one," Molly said holding up her finger. "One, Ronald."

"You're the best," Ron cast a grateful look at Charlie.

Hermione stood back up. "I think I need some fresh air."

"Are you all right?" Harry asked. "I'll go with you."

Hermione took his hand and followed him out to the backyard. It was chilly out, but the cool air felt good on her face. "It was quite warm in there," Hermione said softly.

Harry brushed her hair back. "You're sort of pale."

"There's something I need to tell you," Hermione said pressing her cheek into his palm.

"What's that?" Harry asked softly.

"Well, I've not been feeling well lately," Hermione began.

"I've noticed," Harry replied.

"So, I went to St. Mungos," Hermione said, getting emotional just thinking about it. She wiped at her eyes.

Harry's eyebrows knit together. "Hermione, what's wrong?"

"I'm---I'm---," Hermione tried to say in between sobs.

"Hermione!" Harry grabbed both of her arms.

"We're going to have a baby," Hermione whispered.

For a moment, Harry was speechless. "What?" he finally uttered.

"A b-baby," Hermione stammered, trying to gauge his reaction. "I'm a couple of months along."

"A baby?" Harry repeated, still staring at her in shock.

Hermione nodded. "I was just as shocked as you were when they told me."

When he still didn't say anything, Hermione sat down at the picnic table. "I know you just told Molly that we were happy on our own, but---"

Harry suddenly laughed. "I can't believe it!"

Hermione looked at him. "You are happy, aren't you?"

"I'm thrilled," Harry said, pulling her to him.

Hermione hugged him tightly. "Really?"

"Absolutely," Harry said, resting his forehead on hers.

"In another few weeks, we'll know what we're having," Hermione told him.

"You want to find out?" Harry asked.

"Do you?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. "I hope it's a little girl that's as beautiful as her mum."

Hermione took his hand and placed it on her still flat stomach.

"Our baby is in there," Harry said in amazement.

Hermione smiled. "Can you believe it?"

"No," Harry swung her around gently. "But I'm so excited Hermione. I want to go to every appointment with you."

"I would have had you come with me to the first one, but I honestly thought it was just a flu bug," Hermione said. "You could have knocked me over with a feather when she told me."

Harry laughed. "Come on," he said. "Let's go spread the good news."

Hermione shook her head. "This is Lavender's day, Harry. I don't want to take it away from her."

"You're right," Harry nodded. "Tomorrow then!"

"Absolutely," Hermione said giving him a lingering kiss. "I love you."

"I love you too," Harry said running his hand through her hair. "Forever and ever."

Hermione smiled up at him. "Someday, we'll tell him or her about how we met."

"When you were the teacher's pet?" Harry joked.

"Okay, okay," Hermione laughed. "We might have to leave out a few things..."

"Like that first night," Harry said mischievously.

Hermione blushed. "Yeah..."

"I didn't know it then, but that was the best night of my life." Harry told her.

"It changed everything," Hermione said smiling at him. "For both of us."

Harry gave her another kiss. "It's chilly out here. Let's get you back inside."

Hermione linked her arm with his. "Okay."

"Hungry?" Harry asked her when they went back inside.

Hermione nodded. "Very much so."

"Since you're eating for two..." Harry finished.

Hermione grinned. "Yes, I am and we would like something chocolate."

Harry laughed. "Your wish is my command."

Harry went into the kitchen to fix his wife a plate and try as he might, he couldn't stop grinning. He was going to be a father.

Ron was in there, sneaking another biscuit. "What's up with you?"

"Not a thing, mate," Harry said in an almost sing-song tone. "Not a thing." He grabbed a plate.

Ron cast him a quizzical look. "You didn't just shag in my backyard, did you?"

Harry laughed. "No, not this time."

Ron shook his head. "Gross, mate."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Ron, do you really think Hermione and I would shag in the backyard?"

"With you two?" Ron asked. "Who knows?"

"Very funny," Harry said, loading up the plate with biscuits, cake and other treats.

Ron watched in awe. "Hungry?"

"Yup," Harry answered.

"I'm going to go and check on Helena," Ron said. "It's about time she woke up and partied."

"I want to hold her," Harry said, thinking he could get in a little practise. "Show her what a good looking bloke is like."

"Be my guest," Ron said. "She's a little cranky when she first wakes up though."

"I'll take my chances," Harry replied, heading back with the plate.

Hermione gratefully took the plate from him. "This looks so good."

"Eat up," Harry said. "Ron was already in there.”

"And you still managed to get me a plate?" Hermione asked with a grin. "I'm impressed."

"I had to work quickly," Harry said. "And Ron's bringing bringing Helena in here. Thought we could practise."

"Unbeknownst to everyone," Hermione said smiling up at him.

"Right," Harry gave her another kiss.

Ron came downstairs with the baby a few moments later.

"There's the little angel," Molly said grinning.

"Thank you," Ron said grinning back at her. "And I have the baby, too."

"Very funny, Ronald." Luna said, taking their daughter in her arms.

Ginny looked over Luna's shoulder at the baby. "Hey, little one."

"There's my little niece to be!" Lavender crowed.

"And don't forget our little ring bearer," Charlie said mussing Marcus' hair.

"I don't want to wear dress robes," Marcus scowled.

"What do you want to wear then?" Charlie asked.

"A dragon suit," Marcus answered.

"A dragon suit?" Charlie asked. "You know, that's what I wanted to wear, too. But, the blonde one there...she turned me down flat."

Marcus shook her head. "I don't listen to girls."

"I'm a girl," Luna pointed out. "And you do listen to me."

"Cause you're mummy," Marcus answered. "And Daddy says you're the most smartest woman in the world."

Luna grinned. "Your daddy is right."

Harry smiled when Luna brought the baby over. "There she is."

"Do you want to sit with Uncle Harry, Helena?" Luna asked. "Hmm?"

"Of course she does," Harry took her eagerly.

Hermione felt herself tearing up as she watched her husband hold the baby.

"This is going to be us," he whispered to his wife.

Hermione wiped at her eyes.

Helena wrapped her hand around Harry's finger and gave him a gummy smile.

Harry laughed. "She has Luna's smile."

"She does," Hermione agreed.

"I hope ours has your smile," Harry said softly.

Hermione rested her head on Harry's shoulder. "And your eyes."

"I like your eyes," Harry said.

Across the room, Luna curiously watched her two friends.

"There's something going on with them," she said to Lavender.

"You think?" Lavender asked.

"Harry was insistent on holding Helena," Luna answered. "And look at Hermione."

"She's---crying," Lavender said. "Is she okay?"

"I hope so," Lavender said worriedly.

Luna watched her friend and suddenly it dawned on her. She'd been that way when she was pregnant with Marcus.

"What is it?" Lavender asked noticing her expression.

"Nothing," Luna said hastily. She had a feeling she knew why Hermione hadn't said anything to anyone yet.

Lavender was about to say something else when Charlie put his arms around her from behind.

"So, we're still a no-go on the dragon suit?" Charlie asked nuzzling her neck.

"Absolutely not," Lavender said.

"Nothing I can do to change your mind?" Charlie asked.

"Not for the wedding," Lavender turned to face him. "But for me... later..."

"Ooooh," Charlie said huskily. "I like that."

"I like it too," Lavender gave him a kiss.

"So have you two set a date yet?" Eloise asked.

"Spring of next year," Lavender said. "Gives me time to plan everything."

"We'll have to work hard to degnome the garden in time for the ceremony," Arthur said to Molly.

"I'll help with that," Ron said. "So will Marcus. He loves it."

"We'll help too," Lavender chimed in.

"Nonsense," Molly said. "It's for your wedding and you won't lift a finger."

"Mrs. Weasley, I really don't mind," Lavender insisted.

"Come on Mum," Charlie said dramatically. "There's nothing more fun than throwing those little things a league or two away."

"And it's not as if Fred and George would help," Ron said.

"Hey!" the twins in question protested from across the room.

"You'll be too busy trying to pull some prank," Ron said. "And you know it. I'm still trying to recover from the fact that had it not been for Bill's quick thinking, I'd have gotten married with a purple beard and blue hair thanks to you two wankers."

Fred laughed. "I'd forgotten about that."

"I hadn't," Ron glared at him.

George guffawed. "You'd have looked better with green hair."

"I think so too," Luna said dreamily.

Ron shook his head. "You two are mental."

"I love you any way you are," Luna said giving him a kiss.

"Love you too," Ron smiled at her.

Lavender took Charlie's hand and led him to the front of the room. "I wanted to say a few words. I'm---I'm an only child. I never had brothers or sisters growing up. I'll be honest that I was a little overwhelmed when I first met all of you."

"Because you're a crazy lot," Charlie joked.

Lavender nudged him. "He's right, but you're also very loving and loyal and you make everyone feel at home. I just want to say how honoured I am to be a part of your family."

"We're so happy to have you," Molly gave the young woman a hug.

"I know I haven't always been very nice to you," Ginny said. "But it will be nice having another sister-in-law. One that I can actually understand. I mean Phlegm is nice, but---"

"How old are you?" Ron asked his sister.

"Shut up Ronald," Ginny stuck her tongue out.

"Fleur's just a little high maintenance is all," Ron said in her defence.

"Way too high for me," Ginny mumbled.

"Takes one to know one," Ron said under his breath.

Ginny glared at him.

"Come on, Gin," Harry said. "You are."

"I most certainly am not!" Ginny answered haughtily.

"How many times do you brush your hair before you go bed?" George asked her. "100 on each side, was it?"

"Two hundred," Neville answered.

"Nev!" Ginny exclaimed.

"It's true," Neville shrugged and grinned at her.

"I read it in Witch Weekly a long time ago," Ginny said defensively. "It makes your hair nice and shiny."

"Sure does," Neville ran his hand over her strands.

Ginny grinned. "Thanks, Neville."

Ron made a face. "Moving on..."

"Yes," Ginny said. "The important thing is that I'm getting a new sister."

Lavender smiled. "Thanks Ginny."

"And if anyone bothers Charlie, Lav can kick their arse," George said.

Lavender laughed. "Starting with you two?" she joked.

"We don't bother Charlie," Fred said. "We have Ickle Ronniekins for that."

"Yeah, great." Ron glared at them.

"You made us what we are today," Fred said putting his arm around his brother. "Had it not been for you serving as our guinea pig, we wouldn't have had half the products we came up with. We owe it all to you, Ron."

"Then cut me in on it," Ron answered. "I'm the only one aside from Bill with any kids."

"Uncle Harry has one," Marcus said.

"What?" the entire room turned to him.

"Uncle Harry and Aunt Hermy have one," Marcus said innocently.

Hermione turned bright red as Lavender gasped. "Hermione!"

"I-I just found out," Hermione stammered. "I was going to tell you, but today was your day. I didn't want to take away from that."

Lavender threw her arms around her best friend. "This is wonderful, Hermione! I'm so excited!"

Molly was too busy crying tears of joy to say much of anything.

"That's what you were so happy about?" Ron asked Harry.

"Yeah," Harry said sheepishly. "Sorry mate. We just didn't want to steal the spotlight."

"I hope you have a little girl!" Lavender squealed. "We can dress her in these cute little outfits!"

Hermione laughed. "Because that's what’s most important, right?"

"We might just have the next Quidditch World Cup star player in there," Harry said looking down at Hermione's tummy.

"How did you find out about this?" Ron asked his son.

"They were talking about it," Marcus said sweetly. "With Helena...practising."

"You shouldn't listen in on people's conversations," Luna lectured gently.

"I'm sorry, Mummy," Marcus said cuddling up beside her on the sofa.

Luna kissed the top of his head. "You're still my good boy."

Marcus put his arm around her. "You're the bestest mummy."

Luna smiled. "And you're the bestest son, you know that?"

Marcus smiled, looking every bit like his father when he was that age.

"How far along are you?" Lavender asked eagerly.

"A few months," Hermione said. "We can find out next week what the sex is."

"I'm so happy for you both," Lavender said. "This really is a celebration for Charlie and me and for you guys!"

"It's your and Charlie's day," Hermione shook her head.

"I don't mind sharing the spotlight," Lavender reassured her.

"Yes you do," Harry teased.

"Ha-ha," Lavender said. "You're lucky you're holding a baby. I'd hit you upside the head."

"Another grandchild for me to spoil," Molly wiped her eyes. "This is just wonderful."

Harry smiled at her. "You spoil a grandchild? Never..."

Hermione smiled happily as Harry passed Helena over to her.

"If you and Hermione really want practise, Luna and I are always looking for babysitters," Ron told his friend.

"That's a good idea," Hermione said to her husband.

"We don't pay very well," Ron warned them. "And no funny business while we're gone either."

"Sure Ron," Harry winked at Marcus. "Whatever you say."

Lavender smiled at her friend. "This is such great news. I'm getting married. You and Harry are having a baby."

"Things have really come around, haven't they?" Hermione asked.

"For the best," Lavender agreed. "For the absolute best."

"I don't think it could get much better than this," Hermione continued.

"Wait until you're holding your own baby in your arms," Lavender said.

"I can't wait," Hermione said with a grin.

As the party continued, Harry and Hermione sat close together on the sofa watching their friends and family. Hermione rested her head on his shoulder.

"This has been a great day," Harry said to her.

"Yes it has," Hermione said softly.

"Even better knowing that by this time next year we'll have our own baby." Harry smiled.

"And getting little to no sleep," Hermione said with a grin.

"And those strange cravings you're bound to have," Harry nodded.

"And the bad things I'll say when I'm in labour about you," Hermione said. "About you never touching me ever again..."

"Like that'll ever happen," Harry answered.

Hermione nudged him. "And that big old ego of yours..."

"You love it," Harry nudged her back.

"Most of the time," Hermione said laughing.

"I love you," Harry nuzzled her ear.

"I love you, too," Hermione said. "You've made me so happy."

"That goes double for me," Harry replied.

"We'll have to pick a room in the house for the nursery," Hermione said. "Dobby will go overboard as usual..."

"Only because he loves you to death," Harry said.

"I love him too," Hermione said. "He's going to be over the moon about this."

"Almost as much as me." Harry told her.

"Almost," Hermione agreed.

"Let's duck out a little early so we can go tell your parents," Harry suggested.

"And then go home and have our own little celebration," Hermione said smiling at him.

"I like that idea best of all," Harry kissed her again.