11

When they finally reached the front gates of Hogwarts again it had just gotten dark and by now they were arm in arm with their dates for both comfort and warmth. "Well well well. What do we have here? Out for a stroll? Or is it a date," came a familiar voice from the shadows. Stepping into the light, and of course in their path, was Draco Malfoy with his cronies, Crabbe and Goyle behind him. "What's the matter Malfoy? Jealous because the only date you've managed is with these two," retorted Ron. Draco turned red and then became angry.

"I'm surprised you managed to take a girl out. Figures it'd be a mudblood though. How'd you afford a date anyway? Probably made her pay." Crabbe and Goyle sniggered behind him.

Ron reached into his pocket and pulled out his wand but before he could cast a hand went over his and Hermione spoke, "don't bother Ron. He's not worth it."

"Better listen to your girlfriend Weasley. Wouldn't want you coughing up slugs again now would we," taunted Draco.

"Wouldn't want you falling in ponds and getting beat up by girls now would we Malfoy," chimed Harriet, "maybe that will teach you not to mess with my girlfriend if you know what's good for you!"

The mouth of all three thugs fell open. "Your what? Your girlfriend? Her," Draco asked pointing to Luna.

"Yes her," replied Harriet stepping up to Draco with fire in her eyes once more. The same fire that caused Draco to end up in the fountain earlier that day. "Is there a problem with that?"

"A problem? With two girls dating? You don't think that's a bit off? Besides why be with her when you could be with someone like me?"

Harriet laughed, "Are you serious? Me? Be with you? You're a complete git! You've been nothing but a pain since the day I arrived here! I think not! You're definitely no Luna Lovegood!" With that being said she turned and kissed Luna right in front of them.

Draco looked shocked and strangely hurt at the same time. "You haven't heard the last of this," he growled as he stormed off back towards the castle. His goons almost had to run to keep up with him.

After Draco and his goons had left, Luna looked at Harriet and asked, "You've stood up for me twice in one day Harriet Potter. What did I do to deserve this?"

"You were you Luna," Harriet replied with a smile, "besides I meant what I said. Nobody messes with my girlfriend." That caused Luna to blush for the first time.

"You do realize he's going to go tell the entire school now don't you," questioned Hermione, "not to mention I'm sure he'll try to be even more of a jerk…if that's possible."

Harriet shrugged, "They were all going to find out anyhow. Besides I have nothing to hide or be ashamed of. I have an amazing girlfriend and they can deal with it."

With that the four of them headed into the castle to warm up. "I'm sorry that the night ended like that," Harriet said as they got inside, "Malfoy's a jerk."

"It's not your fault," replied Hermione, "besides….I still had a wonderful evening surprisingly."

"What's the supposed to mean," replied Ron pretending to be hurt.

"It means you're full of surprises," came Hermione before pulling Ron towards her and giving him a kiss.

"Oh…ok..," Ron managed, "just checking."

"Are we still on for tomorrow," Luna inquired.

"Of course," replied Hermione.

"Do we have to," complained Harriet

"YES," exclaimed Hermione and Luna in unison.

"But what if I change back," replied Harriet

"Then you can give them to me. We're the same size anyway," stated Hermione, "besides you can't wear my clothes forever. You need some of your own."

"Fine," huffed Harriet as she gave up the battle with Hermione.

"Awww….you look cute when you pout," said Luna with a smile as she booped Harriet's pouting lip with her finger causing Harriet to turn a deep shade of red.

They stood around talking for a while and making plans for the following day before going their separate ways for the night. Harriet and Luna kissed goodnight as she headed for Ravenclaw tower while Ron, Hermione and Harriet headed for Gryffindor Tower.