Chapter 6: Start Me Up

The day of the first Hogsmede trip was coming up and Harry still didn't have a signed permission slip, and neither did Kami. So naturally both of them went to Professor McGonagall.

"I'm sorry Harry there is nothing I can do about your permission slip. But as much as I hate saying this and splitting the two of you up…Kami I want you to go see if Professor Lupin will sign your form. Quickly." Professor McGonagall added looking over her glasses.

"I wonder why I have to go see Lupin." Kami looked at Harry after they left Professor McGonagall's office.

"I don't know Kami. And why can't she do anything about me?" Harry looked stumped as they walked into Professor Lupin's office.

"Professor McGonagall sent me sir, and I was wondering if you would sign this please." Kami held out her form.

"How did you know to come to me? Gosh I didn't want you two finding out like this. If I sign this will you never tell a soul about this?" Professor Lupin looked at Kami.

"Sure, lips sealed." Kami motioned to Harry to leave the room which he did reluctantly.

"Your father had 3 best friends. Of the 3 only two were responsible enough to be guardians. Sirius wanted Harry because he wanted to teach him how to fly. I ended up with you. I decided to teach you that knowledge is power. I didn't get to be much of a guardian though. There are reasons why you were never in my care. Reasons if the school knew about would be dreadful. Kami I'm a werewolf. That's why you cannot live with me. But because I'm your guardian and I know you have more of Lily than James in you, I'll sign this form. I'm sorry about your living situation though and I'm sorry about Harry. If Sirius didn't do what he did he would be here for Harry." There was a loud banging on the door and in popped Harry.

"So, what happened to Sirius? You know don't play games with our heads."

"Great who else knows?" Lupin asked

"No one if you tell me whatever you know about our parents." Harry was angry.

"Harry your parents were betrayed by Sirius Black end of story on that one because I don't know too much else. I was in hiding and when your parents were killed I was in the middle of a transformation. But that's beside the point. I miss your father every day that he's gone. He was a great friend. I miss Sirius and Peter too. But this is far more than I know of. I just like remembering us at school at our best. Your mom was a lot like Miss Granger."

"Thanks Professor. It's just no one ever talks about them." Harry's voice was calm now

"I know Harry. But it might be for a good reason. Now Kami bring Harry back a ton of sweets. Have fun. Oh, and don't say yes to just anyone."

"What do you mean Professor?" Kami had a confused look on her face.

"It's time for the Winter Ball. Comes around every other year, notes go out to third year and above."

"Ask Hermione." Kami said walking quickly to Gryffindor tower to tell everyone the bittersweet news.

"She's probably been asked by now."

"Ask her Harry, you'll regret it if you don't." The portrait swung open and their friends crowded around them.

"Professor McGonagall only okayed Kami to go. Because she had a signed form."

"Who signed it?"

"Swore an oath not to tell." Kami quickly said

"But there is a Winter Ball coming up and we are all gonna need dates." Harry said to get them off of the subject.

"How are we supposed to find dates?" Ron asked stupidly.

"By asking a girl." Iris rolled her eyes.

"Hermione can I talk to you a moment alone please." Harry pulled Hermione off into a corner room.

"Something wrong Harry?"

"Yeah, I don't have a date to the winter ball and I was wondering if…you would consider going with me?" Harry looked down at his feet.

"Really? You could have your pick of the school and you want to go with me?" Hermione looked shocked.

"You can ask my twin if you don't believe me. I haven't even considered having any other girl as my date."

"I believe you. I'm just shocked it's me. I'm plain and boring and I should remind you of your sister."

"Your right, I could have some bimbo who couldn't hold a conversation. Or I can have my best friend. Standing right beside me when I make a fool of myself dancing." Harry smiled

"I'll go with you."

"Wait really?"

"Now who's shocked Mr. Potter?" Hermione giggled.

"Um…"

"It's your call, you are the guy remember?" Hermione said practically reading his mind.

"Um…if you want to be my girlfriend after this is all said and done feel free to chime in." Harry smiled.

"Oh, gosh. Um…Harry we are 13. But then again my mom said that she and dad started dating at 12 and times are different and okay yes I will."

"You will? Kami was right, this is no reason to throw up over."

"You were that nervous?" Hermione looked at him weird.

"Okay we're done being shocked now." Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and they walked back to the common room with Iris chasing after Ron with a pillow because according to Blake…

"Ron tried asking Iris to the ball and Iris didn't approve of the idea."

"Hey Ron! I've got a date!"

"More like a girlfriend Harry." Hermione smiled beside him.

"So do I." Blake announced proudly.

"Huh?" Everyone looked at him.

"Ginny Weasley is my date and girlfriend."

"What did you say about my sister you prat?" Ron roared.

"Hey Ron better him than some weirdo." Kami laughed

"Don't hurt her Blake." Ron muttered. Everyone laughed.

"Ooh, that reminds me Ron, I know this girl in Ravenclaw. She's in my year, her name is Luna Lovegood. Why don't you ask her?" Ginny laughed.

"Brilliant Ginny thanks! I'll go do that right now!" Ron ran out the door.

"Great now who is going to ask me?" Kami wondered out loud.

"One of the big shot Quidditch players." Iris laughed and grabbed her arm walking out of the portrait. Kami couldn't help but laugh as they journeyed on to Hogsmede.

"Sure you don't want me to stay Harry?" Hermione asked clearly itching to catch up with the girls.

"Run along, don't want you missing an opportunity to buy new dress robes. Speaking of which…get yourself something nice and on the offhand you want to bring something from Honeydukes back for us then here is something extra." Harry winked.

"Harry I can't except this. We've been dating five minutes and you're already shelling out galleons for me." Hermione looked skeptical.

"Hey, I have loads more and you deserve it. Pick out something nice pretty please." Harry pouted his lips then laughed. It took all of Hermione's will not to laugh back before she finally agreed to take it on the condition that she'd use half of it to buy Ginny something too. Since Ginny would have to wear some of her mom's old robes.

"Any requests for the dress Ginny?" Hermione asked before she left.

"Maybe black and white? Those are the only two colors that don't really clash against my hair." Blake pecked Ginny on the mouth before running out the portrait after Hermione. Each itching to catch up with their friends. Harry just hoped that Kami remembered to get him some dress robes as well.