"So, Ron, tell me, how come you're so mature now?" Hermione asked conversationally as they left Hagrid's hut.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you were always like a little kid, no offence."

"So I grew up, so what?"

"But you've been living with Fred and George. Surely they would make you not mature? And they've both got kids, and any kids of theirs would be like them, only more so."

"When you left me at the altar, it made me realise how old I actually was." Hermione didn't see the pointed look Ron flashed Harry.

"So Mione, what's with your wrists?"

"Did you have to ask? Okay. When I was in Germany I met this vampire. And we became quite close."

"He didn't bite you did he?" Harry said looking both worried and angry.

"Kinda. Not on my neck. If he had bitten me there he could have killed me. He was too nice to do that. But I let him drink from me." Hermione raised her arms and showed her wrists. There were several little white holes. "He wanted to turn me. Make me what he was, a vampire. He fell in love with me, and wanted to keep me with him forever."

"Ooh!" Ron winced. Harry shot him a confused look. "That's what I tried to do with her too. She doesn't like to be tied down."

They had arrived in the entrance hall. "I'll see you around." Hermione said giving them both a quick hug before dashing towards the stairs.

"But Hermione…" Ron called after her. "It's dinner time. We should be in the great hall."

"I'll see you there." Hermione called back and the men shrugged and continued on to the hall.

"So were you telling the truth about being more mature?" Harry said nudging Ron.

"God no! I'm the same as I was when I was at school. The twins said I should act more mature in front of Hermione and make her jealous about what she was missing."

Harry burst out laughing. "I think she bought it."

"So, when are you going to ask her out?"

"I don't know. Give it a little more time I think."

"Harry, if you don't, I will."

"You said you'd back off. You said I could have her."

"I'm kidding, mate. I'm not into her anymore." Ron smiled gently at Harry.

"But you told me you hadn't had a girlfriend since Hermione ran out on you."

"I haven't. I'm gay, Harry. I've had boyfriends since, but you only asked about girlfriends."

"Good point." Harry didn't look surprised. "Thanks for telling me."

"I thought you'd freak out."

"Back then I probably would have done. But now that I've seen more of the world, it really doesn't bother me."

"Really?"

"Really, really." Harry grinned and Ron beamed back. "So, do you have a partner at the moment?"

"No. I got dumped quite recently."

"Do I know the guy?"

"Yes, you do. Surprising though it sounds an old classmate of ours bats for the other team."

"Are you going to tell me the name or do I have to beat it out of you?"

"Alright! Alright! I'll tell you! Not that I'd mind you pumping me for information…"

"Ron!"

"Fine. It's Justin Finch-Fletchly."

"Justin? Didn't see that coming."

"You should have done…it was pretty obvious even at school."

Harry chuckled and they sat down at the teachers table.

"This is so weird."

"I agree mate, I never thought we'd sit here."

"You get used to it." turning they saw Hermione and Draco sitting beside them and smiling. Hermione whispered something to Draco and he sniggered.

"Share the joke." Harry told her.

"Sorry it's private. You wouldn't understand anyway. It's something that happened since your absence."