AN: Sorry, it's been a while. My muse went A.W.O.L .
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The next moment, the couples were in the heart of Hogsmeade standing outside-----
Ginny let loose an excited squeal. Hermione's jaw dropped. "You didn't." Harry and Ron turned to face her. "We did."
Chapter 5: In Which Things Don't Go According to Plan
The foursome stood in front of Chateau Magiquethe classiest, most upscale, prestigious, (expensive) restaurant in Hogsmeade. The imposing building occupied a whole city-block. It's doors and windows were adorned with blue and yellow striped awnings and through the curtains, Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione saw silhouettes of people chatting at tables, sipping drinks at the bar, and gliding across the dance floor.
For a long moment, Ginny and Hermione gawped and Harry and Ron grinned, then Ginny squealed again and tugged Harry through the awning-covered doors. Hermione and Ron followed. On the other side of the door, they found a cozy, warm-feeling vestibule generously decorated with abstract art. "I never understood why they call this "art" Ron cracked," looks like the bloke had a seizure while he was painting it." Harry and Ginny chuckled appreciatively, but Hermione sighed and shook her head.
"Honestly, Ron!" she admonished.
Ginny tilted her head right a few degrees, then left. "You know, I think he's right!"
This time everyone laughed as the four reached a second door. Ron held the door open for Ginny and Hermione, but when Harry made to pass, Ron let go and the corner hit Harry squarely in the shoulder. Harry gave a small yelp, more out of surprise than pain, and shoved Ron in retribution. Their laughter was cut short by a prissy, nasal cough. Harry was unpleasantly reminded of Umbridge as he turned to see a very thin, very pale, man in a tuxedo standing behind a counter. He had a pointed nose, toothbrush mustache, thinning hair, and a disagreeable demeanor.
"Madame et Monsieur, welcome to Chateau Magique. How may I help you?" He simpered. Harry thought this guy could write a book: How to be Disliked on Short Notice.
Ron confidently stepped forward, with his shoulders back and his chin up, he replied in an eerily accurate imitation of the Maitre De's accented English, "We have reservations for seven o' clock. Party of four." Maitre De fussily flipped through a set of papers.
"For whom were these reservations made?"
Harry turned to Ron. Ron turned to Harry.
"Well?" They asked each other at the exact same time.
Then, together, they asked, "What do you mean "well?"
"You didn't make the reservations?!"
At this point, Harry turned back to face the Maitre De who returned is gaze with amused interest, an incredibly annoying little smile playing on his lips. "It would seem my friend has forgotten to reserve a table." At this point, Ron made to defend himself, but Harry silenced him with a hand. "However, I happen to know you always have a few booths open."
"Oui, Monsieur. This is true." For a moment, it seemed as though Harry had saved the day. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione all smiled, relieved. Then, however, the Maitre De added, "But tonight, I'm afraid we're totally full." The only thing it seemed he was "afraid of" was splitting in two from uncontrolled giggles.
"Are you kidding me?!" Ron exploded at the same time as Harry asked "Surely there's somewhere we can sit?" and Hermione and Ginny exclaimed, "Honestly!"
"I am sorry monsieurs, but there is nowhere. Perhaps you could try down the street at Kiddie Castle?" At this point he burst into raucous laughter. Harry and Ron whipped around and strode furiously through the vestibule and out the door. Hermione and Ginny followed at a slower pace, looking wistfully over their shoulders at the happy couples laughing, dancing, and eating.
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AN: I'm posting this a little late so kindly point out any mistakes and I'll fix them when I'm conscious.
Kind of sad way to end a chapter, I know. But it felt like a good stopping point. Review or this just might be the ending!
Read and Review,
La Nanita