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Chapter 11: Lessons in Courtship

A few days following the First Task, Hannah found herself sitting in-between Justin and Susan on a couch in the Hufflepuff common room. They were slightly off to the side to avoid Ernie and Zacharias. Currently, every Hufflepuff was gathered waiting for their head of house, Professor Sprout, to appear. Only a few of the older students knew why they were all gathered, but they weren't offering up an explanation.

"I wonder why she called a house meeting," mused Susan.

"Who knows," answered Hannah. "Don't think it has to do with anything punishable. The people that know don't seem to care right now."

The room began to quiet down once Sprout walked in with a cheery grin on her face. "Glad all of you could make it today. Today, I have some wonderful news to share with all of you. Following the traditions of the Tri-Wizard tournament, Christmas day will bring about the hosting of the Yule Ball."

Hannah's eyes went wide for a moment as she realized the importance of the previous statement.

"The Yule Ball is a dance to allow students from all of the schools to mingle and enjoy a night of relaxation. Formal dress is required and only fourth-years and above may attend the festivities." There was a loud groan from the younger girls in the room. "Unless, of course, an older student invites a younger one as their date. The ball will last from eight o'clock until midnight. Just so you know, I've decided to break the news to my house a bit earlier than the other professors. Having a bit of advance notice gives you some time to plan who you may wish to escort to the ball. Good luck and chop, chop!" cheered Professor Sprout as she clapped her hands and strode from the common room.

The volume within the room immediately shot up as teenagers began to gossip on the latest turn in the festivities. Justin was contemplative, Susan looked smug, and Hannah was having a mini panic attack. Susan broke the silence between friends with a snicker, "So, Hannah, who do you want your date to be?"

"Not funny Sue! What if he doesn't want to ask me?" questioned Hannah softly. We haven't exactly known each other for that long. He may want to take someone he's comfortable with, like Hermione."

Susan snorted in a very un-lady-like way. "Gosh, you can be so dense. Do you just think he'll forget what's been happening between the two of you by taking the easy way out? And Hermione? Please."

"Hey what's wrong with Hermione?" piped up an indignant Justin.

Susan smacked him upside the head. "Nothing's wrong with her you dolt. Hermione is like his sister and he has no reason to ask her when he has a beautiful witch willing to snog his brains out!"

Hannah blushed and found no words to refute her best friend. Although, she was embarrassed now, Susan definitely had a way of putting things into context.

The red-head smirked in victory before turning towards Justin. "Well, us girls will have to wait our dates out, you to be the only one actually having to ask someone. So tell us Justin, any plans?"

"Of course," answered Justin in a fake pompous manner. "My brilliant schemes will allow me to woo my way into a beautiful woman's heart."

"You have no idea what to do, do you?" grinned Susan. Justin deflated and nodded. "That's what I thought. We can give you some lessons in courtship. Easiest way: just ask."

"Or you could do something romantic. Doing that would send a definitive message that you like her more seriously than just being friends," offered Hannah. It went unsaid that she was hoping for that type of invitation, although any would do.

"But please, if you take any advice from us whatsoever, never, I repeat, never make a girl feel like she's a last resort. Anything that makes her think insignificant in any way is going to find you on the ground clutching your jewels."

Justin nodded in thought as they heard someone approach. "Oi Hannah!" The three friends to see Ernie and Zacharias approaching them. Ernie was the one speaking, "I know we've been at odds lately, but I'm willing to overlook that. I've decided that I will allow you to accompany me to the ball if you abandon that loser Potter. I can tell that you are hoping that he will ask you. Thankfully, if you go with me, you won't be humiliated when he doesn't ask."

Susan and Justin could only look on with shock at how arrogant Ernie was being towards Hannah, who wanted nothing to do with him. The rage could be seen in her eyes as she yelled out a spell her mother taught her, "Terebro!" The magenta spell connected with Ernie's man parts and he went cross eyed from the impact. He immediately dropped to his knees and clutched his damaged goods while wheezing for air. He was just struck with a mild bludgeoner that packed quite a punch.

Zacharias immediately went to the aid of his friend and tried to lift him off the ground. The sneers on their faces were crushed as they glanced back towards Hannah. She was currently pointing her wand at both boys with a look of contempt.

"And that my dear friend Justin," lectured Susan, "Was a perfect example of lesson three."

"Don't be an arrogant prick. Got it."

Susan tapped Justin's cheek, "Good boy."

In the days following the Hufflepuff meeting, the six friends continued to go to classes and hang out as much as possible. It was quite obvious when the Gryffindors found out about the Yule Ball; Harry and Neville randomly began being flustered around Hannah and Susan. The boys obviously had plans in their minds, but they never seemed to act on them. All of the girls, including Hermione, were having a great time watching the boys squirm before they could find their courage.

Justin appeared close to asking Hermione because he seemed to be studying with her daily in the library. In fact, Harry and Hannah were just leaving the library, when they heard a loud "Yes!" exclaimed from inside. They both rushed back inside to find a very flustered, but happy, Justin being hugged by the bushy-haired bookworm. Madam Pince was glaring at the two from behind a bookshelf.

"So, which lesson did you resort to?" questioned Hannah.

"I just asked," chuckled Justin. "Figured the direct approach was just the thing. Plus, Krum was giving her some really creepy looks from across the room."

Hannah and Harry turned around to see Viktor Krum camped up with some books a few tables over. He had a scowl on his face as he stared at them.

Hermione slapped Justin on the arm and scolded him, "Hush you. I'm sure he's only mad that we're making a scene right now. It is a library after all."

"He was like that before I even asked you." Hermione just rolled her eyes at his response.

"Well, I guess we will leave you two here again. C'mon Harry, show me the kitchens," instructed Hannah. Harry looked mildly uncomfortable under her gaze, so he settled for nodding.

When they finally left the library, Harry seemed to relax a little. "So how is it that you've never been to the kitchens? Your common room is very close by."

Hannah huffed in annoyance. "None of the older students tell us. They see it as a coming of age thing. They only let us know when we are in our O.W.L. year. Since our studies are much more difficult, they acknowledge the need for a chance at a break."

"That makes sense I guess. I mean the Weasley twins have known about the kitchens since their first year and look how they turned out," joked Harry. As they approached a large portrait of fruit, Harry grabbed her hand softly. "Watch this." He took her fingers and guided them along the pear on the portrait.

To Hannah's shock, the pear started giggling and squirming under her touch. Suddenly, the pear transformed into a green door handle. "Wicked," whispered Hannah. She grabbed the handle with her opposite hand and pulled open the painting doorway.

Stepping through the door, Hannah was awed by the enormous room and it's high ceiling. The kitchen was almost a duplicate of the Great Hall, complete with four house tables. There were house elves everywhere, bowing them as they walked through.

"Let's sit over there," pointed Harry.

Hannah followed him and sat down at a small table near a large fireplace, but that wasn't what drew her attention. There was a small house elf passed out on the table still sitting on a stool. The elf was clutching a butterbeer loosely. "Um, is she alright Harry?"

Harry shrugged her concerns off and sat down. "Don't worry, that's just Winky. She's currently drowning her sorrows in butterbeer."

"What could possibly cause her to be in this state," queried the confused Puff as she took her seat.

"She was freed this summer by her Master, Barty Crouch."

"Wha!" jumped Winky. "Did someone -hic- mention my -hic- master?" Before either of them could answer, she passed out again with a thud.

Hannah blinked in shock. "That was... interesting."

"Yeah, she's not taking to freedom too well, completely unlike Dobby," commented Harry.

"Who's Dob-"

"Harry Potter Sir!" greeted a multicolored projectile. The voice belonged to a house elf who was covered in the oddest assortment of clothing Hannah had ever seen. The hyper elf was latched onto Harry leg in a death grip. "Harry Potter has come again to see Dobby. Sir is too kind." Hannah saw tennis ball sized green eyes turn towards her and the voiced squeaked once more. "And yous has brought company!"

Hannah stuck out her hand, "Um, hello there. My name is Hannah Abbott."

Dobby started to tear up, "Mr. Harry Potter's girl friend is too kind to Dobby. Treats him like an equal!" He grabbed her hand with both of his before vigorously shaking hers.

Hannah and Harry both went red and said at the same time , "I'm not his girlfriend." "She's not my girlfriend."

Dobby looked suspicious at both of them. "Are you a girl?"

"Yes."

"Are you Harry Potter's friend?"

"Yes."

"Than you are his girl friend, Miss."

Harry chuckled at the logic and Hannah smiled. "You're right Dobby. Thanks for clarifying that."

"Yous is welcome. Would you like something to eat?"

Harry shrugged at Hannah before he spoke, "Yeah, can we get two butterbeers..."

"And some treacle tart," added Hannah with a wink. He shot her a lop-sided grin in response.

Dobby bowed and hurried away, but as he left another elf took his place. "Excuse me young sir. Is the wicked girl coming back down again." The apprehensive elf was wringing his hands on his tea towel.

"Who are you talking about?"

"The bushy-one, sir. We would like to request that she not come here no mores. Bushy-one scares us down here," pleaded the elf.

Harry was sitting there shocked and Hannah was giggling uncontrollably. When he could finally speak he tried to calm down the elf, "I can try. The bushy-one is determined, (Hannah snorted) but I will plead your case. It is obvious that you like your lifestyle as it is."

"Thank yous sir," bowed the elf and hustled away.

Hannah watched the little elf leave before turning to Harry with a smile on her face, "So, the 'bushy-one'. Would that be Hermione?"

Harry rolled his eyes and nodded. "Hermione isn't well liked down here. She's trying to get them rights and accept wages, but anyone can see that doing so would cause chaos. Right Winky?" The drunk house elf hiccuped in response. Harry thrust out his arms as if to say, 'See what I mean?'

"Here you go. Two butterbeers for Harry Potter sir and his girl friend." Dobby had returned while they were speaking. Although she knew it wasn't real, Hannah's heart melted when Dobby muttered those words.

Both teens grabbed a bottle as Dobby left. "Cheers," muttered Harry as they clinked bottles. Harry then reached over and toasted Winky as well. Hannah just about lost her self-control when he did that. She couldn't remember the last time that she was so relaxed with someone who wasn't Susan or her Mom. Her thoughts were cut off when Harry spoke up once more, this time a bit hesitant, "Hannah, would you like to go fly around a bit after this?"

Hannah smiled, "But Harry, it's getting dark. How do you expect to get the two of us and both of our brooms under your cloak. That's a lot of running about just for a couple minutes of flying, even if I've always wanted to fly with you." She added that last part in a whisper, so she wasn't sure if he hear it.

"Yeah, I actually figured that," muttered Harry. "I was hoping you would be willing to go back up to Gryffindor Tower and come along with me on mine. We can leave through the window by my bed. No one will even see us leave the castle."

"Absolutely," blurted out Hannah. She immediately blushed and covered her mouth. Her enthusiasm was quite obvious to Harry, but he also had slight coloring in his cheeks.

Harry finished his butterbeer and stood offering his hand to Hannah. "Shall we?"

Taking one long drag from her bottle, Hannah took his hand and left the table. "Of course, Mr Potter. You know with all this sneaking around, one would think that you are doing my best to corrupt me," spoke Hannah in a coy voice.

Before they left through the exit, Dobby popped by holding a tray full of treacle tart. Harry grabbed one and popped it into his mouth. "Is it working?" he asked with a sly grin.

"More than you know."

"Hey Neville!" greeted Harry as the two of them entered the fourth-year boy's dormitory.

Neville was currently laying on his bed, reading a Herbology book that Professor Moody had given him earlier in the year. "What are you two up to? Not here to hang out with little old me are you?" he joked.

"Wouldn't dream of it Neville ol' boy," teased Harry as he rummaged through his trunk for his Firebolt. A quick enlargening charm later and they were ready to go. He swung open the window and hopped onto his broom, extending an invitation to Hannah. "Milady?"

"You are far too kind sir," continued Hannah as she swung over the broom and clutched onto Harry's strong chest. "You definitely picked a beautiful night for this." It was true, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The stars were glittering in a dazzling way.

Harry turned towards her and spoke softly, "Yeah, beautiful." Then they shot out into the chilly air.

Another one bites the dust. Next chapter will finish the flight any anything attached. Keep up your comments on the story! From your reviews and comments, the alert system was off by 10 hrs. Grrrr.

I'll be posting a poll on my profile to see what viewers want to see in a future story. Don't worry, this story will be finished before I start something else.

-BB