Author's Note: 5 reviews in one day! A new record. Not much for some, but I love each and every review I receive. Also, meldz correctly predicted what my next story, TOM, is about in a general sense. Hope you enjoy the last chapter!
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The morning that followed, Harry could hardly contain his excitement. Today was the beginning of a Hogsmeade weekend. This time he'd spend it with Hermione in a different way. No Ron to scold while he ate. No rows between him and Hermione. Just Harry and his beautiful witch at the wonderful village of Hogsmeade.
As he got ready, he sort of felt bad for leaving Ron to himself. But his redheaded friend assured him he'd keep himself company with Dean and Seamus. Neville also had his own date with Luna. "Don't worry about me, mate. You've got a girl to be with and Merlin knows how long both of you have been waiting for this. I'll play some pranks on the third years with Seamus and Dean." The agreements and raucous laughter that followed from the aforementioned wizards did little to decrease Harry's worries.
"Alright then. Just don't get caught. If you want to borrow my cloak just get it from my trunk." Harry cautiously walked backwards towards the door, wedging himself to the Common Room. The last thing he heard was a thanks from Ron, followed by loud conversation. Harry surmised they were planning their pranks.
Two arms that enclosed his torso managed to startle him. "Are you alright?" Hermione asked with a slight laugh. Harry turned to look at Hermione, focusing on her brown eyes.
With a pleased smile, he replied. "I am now." This, in turn, caused a dazzling smile to form on Hermione's face. He gave her a kiss, loving the feel of a bundled bookworm in his arms. "Are you ready?" She nodded her assent. Hands held together, they exited the Common Room.
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As they reached the destination of the carriages that take them to the village, they encountered their Head of House. "Ah, Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger. On your way to Hogsmeade, I see." She looked down at their joined hands, curiosity etched on her face. "I also see, if I assume correctly, that you have found each other in a new light." She wore a delighted smile as she chanced looks between them and their clasped hands.
Hermione, showing blush on her cheeks, was the one to answer their Professor. "You assume correctly, Professor McGonagall." Hermione, sporting an overjoyed smile, lay her head on Harry's shoulder.
"Well, I must say I am happy for you two. Don't let me keep you from the village any longer. I believe I have 20 Galleons to collect from Albus." As she walked away towards the castle, Harry and Hermione shared incredulous looks with each other, staring at the retreating form of the Transfiguration professor.
Climbing onto the carriage, Hermione couldn't hide the incredulity of finding that more people had betted on them getting together. "I can't believe... Even Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall?!" She roughly sat on her seat, a little annoyed. "The next person that mentions betting on us, I'll personally he-mmm." Once again, Harry's kiss was too satisfying for her to continue her tirade. "I'm torn between hitting you or kissing you for a second time." She tried sounding threatening, but the dreamy smile wouldn't allow her.
"I think you should settle for the kissing." Harry grinned cheekily at his suggestion. Hermione took it to consideration and settled for the latter. Minutes later, after several more kisses and hushed conversation, they arrived at Hogsmeade village. As Harry helped his girlfriend out of the carriage, he could already feel the lovely atmosphere of the village.
It had been a while since they had a Hogsmeade weekend. This was bound to be a special and fun day for the two Gryffindors. Hermione also couldn't contain her eagerness and joy. She held onto Harry's hand as if she were a little girl, pointing at the many sights to see at the village. "Harry! We have to go to Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop! And Tomes & Scrolls! We also have to go to The Three Broomsticks and visit Madam Rosmerta!"
Harry had that feeling again. As he watched his girlfriend looking around the village in awe, he felt that something...something that made him feel fuzzy inside. And now he understood what he felt. After experiencing it firsthand, he came to realize what he felt was love. The love he had for Hermione was insurmountable. He pulled her to him and, with much tenderness, said the three words he had always wanted to say to Hermione. "I love you."
Once Hermione was aware of what he had said, she pulled him closer (if it was even possible) and gave a him a long, passionate kiss. "I love you too." The beatific smile she wore filled Harry with even more love for her.
"Come on. We've got stores to see." It was Harry's intent for him to lead Hermione to the many stores at Hogsmeade, but it ended up being him that was dragged along by the cheerful Hermione.
Their first stop was Scrivenshaft's where they both bought a plentiful amount of quills and parchment. As they were paying, there was a quill on display near the counter. "Bold Quill." Hermione read in fascination. Harry discreetly managed take one, putting it in his inner coat pocket. He pointed in the direction of the quill and then to his pocket, managing to make his point across to Scrivenshaft. The store owner added the quill to their order. Harry payed, adding the extra amount for the Bold Quill.
They next went to Tomes & Scrolls where the Gryffindor bookworm obviously had to buy a book or two. Harry also bought one about Quidditch for Ron. Hopefully it'd make up for the loss of a day at Hogsmeade with the Trio. After purchasing their books, they were making their way to The Three Broomsticks when they came across a building with a sign in big letters that read WEASLEYS' WIZARD WHEEZES. "No way." Harry and Hermione stared in awe as they both uttered the words.
They walked into the shop to find it absolutely packed with witches and wizards alike. There was barely any room to walk. People running around looking at all the products and supplies that the Weasleys had to offer. The many people trying out samples of joke products on themselves or even on their friends was certainly a sight to see.
"Oi, Harry, Hermione!" George yelled out from above. The twins were standing on the second level of the store. It was only until they had been called by the redhead that they noticed it was two stories. They were so transfixed on what was happening at ground level. They made their way to the stairs, still mesmerized at such a huge crowd in one store. There weren't even this many people in The Three Broomsticks.
"How are you guys liking the new store?" Fred asked of them as they reached the second floor. They also noticed that they wore matching suits but in different color. Fred wore a dark maroon while George had on a velvet green.
"You guys didn't say anything about a new store?! In Hogsmeade, no less!" Harry chided them, waving around at the entire store.
"Yeah, well wanted to surprise you guys. It's great isn't it?" Fred looked around at all the people. Both twins were proud of their success. But it all started out with the generosity of a green-eyed wizard standing in front of them.
"Harry, we really want to thank you. If it wasn't for the Triwizard prize money, we wouldn't have been able to have the careers we always wanted. So we decided to give you a year's worth of free joke products and everything else you'll find in our store. Whenever you feel like dropping by, feel free to take anything you want. We honestly couldn't have done it without you."
"You couldn't have said it any better, Forge. And if you try and pay for anything, we'll tell Verity to escort you out. It'll be up to her if she has to use force. Of course, she'll also make you take the product without paying.
Harry sighed. He didn't need this. He had enough money as it was. "Alright. I'll follow your conditions if you apply it to Hermione and Ron."
The twins looked at each other, shrugged, and spoke in unison. "Deal." Loud, booming laughter throughout the store made the group of friends look down towards the first floor. Ron, green paint splattered all over him, walked through the store, looking around at his brother's creations.
"What the bloody hell is this?!" The laughter died down as he looked up at his brothers and friends. "Fred, George, what is this? You never said anything about a new store!?"
"That, dear brother, is the point of a surprise. It wouldn't be one if you had known." George explained to his younger brother.
"But that's besides the point, Ronnie. The real question is, why are you splattered in paint?" Fred's comment caused more laughter from the witches and wizards.
"Prank gone wrong." Ron mumbled as soon as it got quiet.
Harry and Hermione walked down the stairs as everyone laughed at their friend. "You didn't get any of that on my cloak, did you?" Harry couldn't control the small laughter that escaped his lips at the sight of Ron up close.
Ron simply scowled. "No, luckily I didn't." He pulled it out of his coat and handed it to Harry. "Thanks, mate. Didn't really make much use of it."
Harry took it and placed it in his coat pocket. "Good luck getting that paint off you." And with that, he took Hermione's hand and led them out of the store. It seemed somewhat colder after staying indoors for a while. "So, The Three Broomsticks?" Hermione voiced her agreement, beginning their walk to the pub.
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Walking in, they were greeted by Madam Rosmerta, who they waved at in return. They found a vacant table at the far corner of the room. They sat next to each other, facing the entire pub's population. "I'll be back with some Butterbeers." When he came back, they drank their beverages, having silent conversation, a kiss here and there. Harry had enough with a couple beers, but for Hermione, couple turned to some, some turned to plenty, and plenty turned to many.
By the time they walked out of the pub, she was downright pissed. She could barely walk so Harry had to guide her to the carriages, and from the station to the castle. As they walked through the halls of Hogwarts, Hermione was laughing randomly and said nonsense. "Harry, I want to snog you silly right now. Can we do that? Let's find a broom cupboard and kiss 'till we die." Hermione managed to slur out the words in a hushed tone as to not let anyone hear. Though the many classmates were either at Hogsmeade or in their respective Common Rooms.
"Hermione, as much as I like kissing you, snogging isn't the best option in the state you're in right now." As they neared the portrait to their Common Room, Harry said the password and steered Hermione through the hole. Surprisingly, the room was empty. He lead her to the couch in front of the fireplace. He sat down next to her, making sure she didn't lean forward and fall.
"Well if you won't let me kiss you, then I won't allow you to move until you do." She proceeded to put all her weight on him. She ended up leaning on him, her head lazily laying on his chest. Soon, sleep overtook her and she nestled closer to her green-eyed wizard. Harry let out a content sigh. His love for his bookworm had no end.
"Goodnight, Hermione." Kissing her on the forehead, he settled himself for a good night's sleep, holding Hermione as they both lay on the couch. Feeling that something,..something that he now knew was love.
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Author's Note: How touching. This story has come to an end, sad to say. I am really happy how this chapter turned out. I hope you readers did as well. Any thoughts on this chapter? The overall story? Comments? Concerns? Feel free to leave a review. Let's try and beat 5 reviews in one day in honor of the last chapter!
Author's Note 2: After editing this chapter, I noticed I had forgotten about the Bold Quill and Ron's book. So I decided to make one more chapter! It'll most likely consist of the day after and Harry giving Hermione the quill and Ron his book. Are you excited for one more chapter! Leave a review on your thoughts!