Mok: I hope that you enjoy the story. Hopefully there are not to many spelling errors. Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, just the plot, Amber and Alex.
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The next few days went by fast. Harry, Ron, Hermione as a baby and I were moved back into Gryffindor tower. Hermione stayed with me most of the time and for over the next few days I was more or less her mother. She would never go to Ron, so Harry and I were the only ones carrying her. Hermione's stuff lay untouched in the room as she slept with me on my bed for her own safety. Lina, Gourry, Amelia and Zelgadis half yelled at us before congratulating us on a job well done on getting rid of Voldmort. They were still teaching everyone but Dumbledore had found a way to send them back at the end of the year. Dumbledore had also decided that we would need these spells so Lina and the others worked together with Kale Jinn our DADA professor. Although he wasn't teaching all the spells. He was going to take over after they left as they had also taught him. Also McGonagall had a complete spell book, with the help of Lina. Lina was still teaching me and I took Hermione/Rose with me but I still couldn't get the spell. Potions with Snape was such an eventful class as Snape was not thrilled to have a child in the class.
"If that child makes one little noise I'll take points!" he growled at us as we walked into class.
"Yes sir," Harry said who at the time had been holding her. Half way through the class though Harry handed Hermione to me so he could finish the potion we were working on.
"Now, who here knows what this potion would be used for?" Snape asked. My face suddenly had a small hand in it and I quickly pulled it down and raised my own.
'What's that answer Hermione?' I asked quickly.
"Yes, Miss Lanobi," Snape said.
'It's the only known cure for certain love potions,' Hermione said and I repeated what she told me.
"Very good," Snape had said.
The rest of class was pretty normal other then Snape for once didn't take any house points.
It was now Friday evening and everyone was sitting in their common rooms. Harry, Ron, Hermione and I were working on homework. I had finished my homework and was talking to Ginny as Ron and Harry finished up their homework.
"Ginny I heard that you didn't move when we were facing Morty, why?" I asked her.
"I was in shock I think. My brain kept telling me to move but I couldn't get my legs to work," Ginny replied looking oddly at Rose/Hermione as she was in Harry's arms and had a look of disgust on her face.
"So Malfoy had to save your butt," I said.
"Yeah, but the shield that he put up failed at the end," Ginny explained looking back at me.
"No wonder his hands were burned and his hair was not so perfect," I said half laughing.
We talked for a while longer before I decided that I needed some sleep and Hermione well she was already asleep in Harry's arms.
"Well boys I'm going to sleep," I said standing. Harry gently picked Hermione/Rose up and handed her to me.
"Night Amber, Rose see you in the morning," Ron said not even looking up from his homework. Harry and I just shook our heads and smiled at him. 'At least he didn't call her Hermione,' I told Harry as I walked up the stairs to my room.
'Yeah,' Harry replied and I could feel his smile.
I awoke the next morning to be looking someone in the eyes. It startled me and I almost fell out of bed. It was only Hermione but she was now bigger her hair was longer bushier, she was now a toddler.
"Rose?" I asked the shock wearing off quickly.
'What?' She replied, I looked around the room quickly to find that I was the last one to be up.
"Come here," I said picking her up again and putting her in front of the mirror.
"What a nice picture," the mirror said.
"Huh?" came out of Hermione's mouth.
"You grew up in the middle of the night, a few years too at least 4 maybe 5," I said. Hermione couldn't say anything she was just shocked.
"Well come on Rose it's breakfast," I told her after a moment of her doing her best fish impression.
Five minutes later I walked down the stairs with Hermione, who was now wearing some of my clothing that I shrunk to her size, bounding down behind me.
"Yeah! Are you going to let me answer questions now?" she asked me.
"I don't know Hermione, not in Snape's class that's for sure. I'm sure that McGonagall would wonder how you know so much," I started as I finally reached the common room.
"Hey Amber where's Rose?" Harry asked looking at me from the couch.
"I'm right here!" Hermione said popping up next to Harry on the couch. He nearly fell of the couch, causing Hermione and me to laugh. Hermione was still giggling as I finally stopped laughing. She had way to much energy.
"She grew a little last night," I said.
"We noticed," Ron said dryly. I smiled at Ron as Harry and Hermione/Rose started talking before we headed down to breakfast.
We didn't turn many heads that morning, but on Monday at class we sure did. Hermione/Rose either sat in my or Harry's lap and one time answered a question that McGonagall had asked. McGonagall had asked Harry for the answer and Hermione/Rose was sitting in his lap answered for him. McGonagall asked why such a young one would know the answer and Harry being quick for once said that he had whispered the answer to her as that's why McGonagall had picked on him in the first place. Thankfully McGonagall took this explanation and continued with the lesson. Hermione/Rose didn't answer any more questions after that.
It had a been one week since that fateful day, Hermione and I were sitting out under a tree soaking up the sun's rays. The black charred crater had been taken care of by Hagrid and a few other teachers, it was now a fast growing multi-culture garden surrounding a pond. Hagrid said it was in memory of Hermione. Harry, Ron, and I just nodded and told him that Hermione loved it. As she did. I had been taking a few pictures of it and the surrounding area for a while before resting. I started to fall asleep and was almost there when I heard Hermione scream and felt pain in my wrist. I looked around trying to find her but I couldn't see was nowhere near me. I again hear a child scream. I looked to where the scream came from. I could barely see her, but I could see who was holding her. I knew that black hair female anywhere.
"HEY CHANG PUT ROSE DONW NOW!" I screamed as I ran for her.
"I just wanted to play." Cho questioned. 'Harry! Ron!' I called for them as I ran towards Cho and Hermione.
"Let go of Rose now," I said as I came up to them. Cho was holding Hermione by the wrist and Hermione was fighting against her. "As you have noticed Cho she doesn't want to play with you, now let go of her."
"Yes Chang let go of her now," Harry's voice came from behind me.
"What ever," Cho said as she roughly let go of Hermione. Hermione stumbled before running to Harry and me. Harry gathered her up into his arms before addressing Cho again.
"I told you before to leave my friends and me alone," he said.
"Oh and that child is your friend," Cho sneered.
"Yes she is," Harry said.
"You know age in friendship knows no bounds," I said.
"What ever," Cho said as she turned and walked away.
"Are you ok?" Harry asked Hermione.
"Yeah, thanks guys," Hermione replied hugging Harry around the neck. I just looked at the two for a second before I pulled my camera which was around my neck still and took a picture.
"You didn't," Harry said as he and Hermione/Rose looked at me, her arms still around his neck.
"I did," I said before running up to the castle.
"Amber Lanobi I demand that you give me that picture!" Harry yelled as he came after me still carrying Hermione/Rose.
"Nope," I said running inside laughing. Inside and as I was miles from Harry as he was carrying Hermione/Rose I spotted Collin Creeve.
"Hey Collin can you do me a favor," I asked out of breath.
"Sure," he replied shrugging his shoulders.
"Here take this camera, hide it don't let Harry or Rose get their hands on it, and can you develop the film?" I asked quickly holding out the camera.
"Yeah sure," he said smiling taking the camera and hid it with in his school bag. "I'll have the pictures tonight," he said smiling before running off to do what I asked and not a moment to soon as Harry and Rose/Hermione came running in.
"Where is the camera?" Harry asked.
"What camera," I asked innocently they both looked at me not believing me. I just smiled and was saved by Ron and Dean coming around the corner.
"Hey guys," Ron said walking up to Harry, Hermione/Rose and me.
"Hi," I replied safe from Harry and Hermione's wrath for the moment.
Later that night as Ron, Harry, Hermione/Rose and I sat in the common room. Ron and Harry were playing Wizard's chess while Hermione/Rose and I were reading. Collin came running up to me smiling brightly with pictures in his hands.
"Amber here you go," he said handing the pictures to me then whispered in my ear. "here are the negatives too and I didn't keep any." I just smiled taking the pictures.
"Thanks Collin," I said as I started looking at the pictures. Most were of the area around Hogwarts but there were a few of Hermione and Harry. Some as a baby and toddler one before the day which was really cute. Both Hermione and Harry were sitting on the couch working on some homework assignment. The picture I had taken that day was cute, all you could see was the back of Hermione's head with Harry's hand wrapped around it and Harry's face which was mostly buried in Hermione's hair.
"Hey what'cha got Amber?" Ron asked walking up to me, I didn't say anything but just smiled as I showed them to him. "Cool pictures." Ron said.
"WHAT!" Harry said as Hermione who was closer was already trying to get her hands on the pictures.
"Oh nothing!" I said as I grabbed the pictures.
"Come on give them to me!" Harry said.
"No, Harry. I won't in a few years you will want these pictures. Besides no one but Ron, I and Collin will see them," I said.
"Collin! He…." Harry started but I stopped him.
"No I have both the copies and negatives so don't worry. Besides do you think that I would be that stupid to send such things to the newspaper?"
"Yeah they would be wanting more then just those photos," Ron said from behind me. "Beside Harry they are really cute pictures."
"Can I at least see them?" he asked. I just smiled and let both Harry and Hermione see the pictures.
Two days after the encounter with Cho a rumor spread through Hogwarts that Hermione was dead. How anyone found that out was a mystery to all of us.
"But I'm not," Hermione/Rose said under her breath.
'We know Hermione,' I told her just as Neville came up to us talking about this rumor. The only ones that didn't seam to even notice or say anything about this rumor was Draco, Ginny, Ron, Harry, Rose and myself.
"Amber looks like you have a shadow," Draco said to me teasingly one afternoon as I was heading outside with Hermione/Rose.
"Rose has been around for a while Draco why comment on it now?" I asked confused as was Hermione/Rose. Draco looked at me like I was a blind bat. He shook his head at me before walking up to me. "Not Rose, I was talking about a Gryffindor boy that seems to be quite taken with you." I looked at him for a moment before quickly glancing behind me. The only Gryffindor boy that was even close by was Seamus.
"Oh," was all I could say. Hermione just giggled.
"You find that funny don't you?" Draco said kneeling addressing Rose directly. Hermione shut up quickly. Hermione just nodded scared but Draco smiled at her and said. "You know what's funnier?" Hermione shook her head. "Your dear friend here is blind to it and he is to frightened to do anything because of me."
"That's true," Hermione said smiling back at him. Draco just chuckled a little then stood looked at me one more time then waved bye as he walked towards the Great Hall.
'You know Hermione he has really changed,' I told her.
'That he has, and you do have a shadow,' Hermione replied smiling.
"Oh yeah must do something about that," I said as I turned and headed directly for Seamus with Hermione running to keep up with me.
"Hello Seamus," I said to him.
"Uh…Hi Amber," he stuttered out.
"Did you want to join me outside?" I asked.
"Uh…no! I just was heading for the library," he said lamely as he headed in the opposite direction of the library.
"Seamus," I called to him.
"Yeah," he said still shaky.
"The library is that way," I said pointing to my right.
"Oh yeah right just yeah thanks," he said stumbling yet again over his words.
As he came pass me again I told him, "Maybe you will find a book in there on how to ask girls out." He froze in his tracks and I just continued my way outside with Hermione.
"Do you think he will get the courage to ask you?" Hermione asked me as we walked around the creator garden.
"Don't know, don't even know what I would say to him. I wouldn't turn him down but I don't know if I would really want to date him." I told her.
"I thought we'd find you here," a new voice called to Hermione and I cutting off what Hermione would have said. We both turned to not only see Ron and Harry but also Alex. "It's also good to hear that you still give any guy a chance," Alex said smiling brightly.
"What are you doing here?" I asked as I hugged him.
"School let out early, because someone accidentally blew up the potion, charm and divination section," Alex replied.
"Did you have to take exams?" I asked.
"I did, a few others opted to take them home and have them owled to Mr. Kenobi by the end of this week," Alex said.
"Dumbledore caught Harry and I in the Great Hall this morning," Ron started.
"He wanted us to meet Alex at the station in Hogesmead, to surprise you," Harry finished.
"Wanted to come see how my best friend was fairing," Alex said smiling.
"And you got permission from Dumbledore to come, thanks bud," I said smiling hugging him tighter.
"By the way who is this little one?" he asked after we let go of each other.
"I'm Hermione," Hermione said.
"Huh?" he asked thoroughly confused.
"We can explain," Harry said as he went into what had happened in the past week. By the time we had explained everything to Alex it was dinner time.
"You know Amber, Aden and the others have been asking about you," Alex said as we sat down for dinner.
"I know, I was hoping to go back for a visit this summer. What are you guys going to do this summer?" I replied.
"I really don't know," Harry replied.
"Why don't you all come back to America with Amber? I'll probably go with Amber when she goes," Alex asked.
"That's an idea, that way you wouldn't have to deal with the Drusleys," I added and Harry smiled at that thought.
"I'd have to ask mum," Ron said but looked thrilled.
'I'd have to ask my parents…that is if I'm not still a child,' Hermione told me and I just smiled.
"I'd have to talk to Dumbledore about it," Harry finally said.
"Mr. Potter, Dumbledore would like to speak to you after dinner," Zelgadis said in his ever calm voice. Harry just nodded.
Later that night Hermione/Rose, Ron, Alex and I were all sitting in the common room talking and waiting for Harry to come back from talking to Dumbledore. Ron had sent an owl to his parents asking about the summer as Alex and I were talking about where and what we would do for the summer. Alex's father would be willing to take us all in, but we could go to my place or one of them. I inherited all that my parents had which was quite a bit. Although I still couldn't touch any of it, but Alex lived close by and his father would be willing to keep an eye on us.
"Amber he is glaring at me again," Alex said once Seamus walked into the room. I just looked up at Seamus who immediately looked away.
'The shadow strikes again,' Hermione teased.
"Yeah," I said then said to Alex, "He has taken to following me around, but he won't do anything."
"Well don't worry to much about just wait till he does something," Alex said putting his hand on my shoulder, receiving another glare from Seamus as he went up to the dormitories.
"Honestly he is just a silly boy," I said.
"Yeah especially if he doesn't do anything," Alex said hugging me. I didn't say anything just hugged him back before going back to working on summer activities.
"Don't worry about anything," Alex said as the portrait opened. Harry along with a big black shaggy dog following behind him that I had seen a few times once on Halloween and when it brought the fifth weapon to Hogwarts.
"Hey Harry!" Ron said.
"What did Dumbledore want?" I asked.
"He wanted to give me some good news which will probably be all over the school tomorrow but," Harry started as the black dog changed into Sirius Black. Alex pulled back behind me while Ron and I just smiled.
"Dose this mean what I think?" Hermione/Rose asked smiling.
"Yep! I never have to see the Drusley again!" Harry all but shouted grinning like crazy as was Sirius. Hermione jumped off the couch and ran to Harry who caught her and picked her up pulling her into a hug.
"I don't mean to be the one out of the loop, heaven knows I've spend way to long out of the loop so far, but who is this?" Sirius asked pointing to Hermione.
"You promise not to tell anyone else?" I asked and Sirius nodded.
"This is Hermione," Harry said still holding her.
"What, but I thought that she had been killed."
"That's what we thought but nope," I said as Ron and Harry gave a quick explanation, second one that day, of what had happened.
"Oh yeah Sirius Alex and Amber have invited Ron, Hermione and I to America for the summer can I go?" Harry asked as we were all sitting around the common room. Harry, Ron, Sirius and Hermione on the couch while Alex and I were sharing one of the large overstuffed chairs.
"Well seeing that I don't have a place yet, I don't see why not," Sirius said.
"People still giving you a hard time?" Ron asked.
"A little bit but I wouldn't worry about it. It's time for celebrations," he said.
"But Dumbledore hasn't told any one at the ministry of what has happened," Harry said.
"Yeah I wondered about that, when I asked him about he said he is waiting for the right moment," Sirius informed them.
We spent a little longer talking before all going to bed and Sirius headed back to Hogesmade. Alex was staying in the boys' dormitories again during his stay. Harry was right the next day the news of Sirius Black being freed and pardoned by the ministry of magic. This time Alex just stayed mostly in the Gryffindor common room or outside on the grounds while Harry, Ron, Hermione/Rose and I were in class. The days were going by fast and Cho only bugged Hermione once again but was caught by a teacher. Ron got a response from his parents saying that it was ok for him to go to America with us.
"Rose are you feeling ok?" Harry asked as we headed towards dinner. Rose had been cold all day and wasn't looking very well. It had been two weeks now since the complete defeat of Voldmort.
"I'm alright, just tired," Hermione/Rose said as we sat down for dinner.
Later that night in the common room Hermione/Rose was wrapped up in a blanket and one of my oversized jumpers sitting next to Harry who was studying for our potions finale. Ron and I were also studying for the same test Alex was reading a book and was sitting in front of me as I was in one chair and Ron was in the other. Suddenly there was a thud as Ron's potion text book fell to the floor singling that he was asleep. Harry and I just smiled at each other while Hermione was also asleep half in Harry's lap. After another hour of study Alex grabbed my foot.
"What?" I asked softly. Alex didn't say anything as he just pointed to the couch. Harry was now asleep one arm around Hermione/Rose while the other was losing it's grip on the book.
I just looked at Alex and he understood, to grab the book as I stood to get a blanket for them. As I grabbed the blanket Alex caught the book just as it started to fall.
"Nice catch," I said smiling wrapping the blanket around Hermione and Harry.
"Thanks," Alex replied smiling back as he placed the book on the floor. I grabbed two more blankets then returned to my seat to study some more. I handed Alex one blanket before wrapping myself up in the other one.
"This shall be more entertaining then Lina and Gorry," I heard something say as I was half asleep but I was so tired that I didn't think anything of it.
"WHAT THE!!!!!!!!!!"
"I THOUGHT THAT SHE WAS DEAD!!!!"
"HERMIONE, HARRY!!!!!!
Woke me up the next morning, in fact I wouldn't have been surprised if had woken up the whole school. Ron fell out of his chair and started yelling at his sister as I opened my eyes I saw the couch and two very startled and bright red teens. Hermione was now full grown and only in my jumper, and a blanket were covering her.
"Ron shut up!" I yelled as he turned to look at me his eyes stopped at the couch.
"HERMIONE!" he yelled. Alex just looked at me with sleep in his eyes and looked like he had a sore neck from sleeping on the floor.
"What's going on here! I thought that she was dead!" Ginny said bringing my attention to who had woke us up. Lavender, Ginny, Dean and Neville were standing to the side of the couch all were shocked and wonder what was going on.
"She wasn't, she just well….how do you explain," Ron said.
"You remember Professor Lina talking about Lord of nightmares?" I asked Ginny. Ginny nodded and I continued. "Well Lord of Nightmares decided to let Hermione come back, but as a child."
"You mean that baby/toddler Rose was Hermione?" Dean asked. As Harry and Hermione finally came out of their shock.
"Yes," we all said.
I was about to say more when McGonagall came walking into the common room.
"Dumbledore would, Miss Granger?" McGonagall said startled.
"Yes Professor?" Hermione replied clutching the blanket around herself like it was life it's self.
"How, when" McGonagall was at a lost for words so Xelloss, who is going to give someone a heart attack someday, popped up and answered for her.
"Lord of Nightmares, I'm sure you know about her Luna," Xelloss said smiling.
McGonagall's face darken before she spoke. "Yes but I thought that after her body had disappeared. Wait she was the child," McGonagall said finally putting everything together.
It didn't take long before everyone was out of the common room and McGonagall told Harry, Ron, Hermione and I that Dumbledore wanted to speak to us after breakfast. Hermione blankets and all headed up to the girls room with me on her tail to get changed as did Harry, Ron and Alex to their room. The five of us, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Alex and I were the last ones in for breakfast that morning. As we arrived in the Great hall it went silent and Dumbledore took this opportunity and stood to address the school.
"Students, teachers I would like to announce to you the recovery of Miss Hermione Granger who had been thought to perish two weeks ago. I would also like to announce that Voldmort has been completely defeated by Miss Hermione Granger, Miss Amber Lanobi, Mr. Ron Weasley and Mr. Harry Potter with the help of Mr. Draco Malfoy and Miss Ginny Weasley. Our world is once more safe thanks to them." Dumbledore said raising his cup to us. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a lady standing next to the wall. She was wearing huge glasses and looked to be a reporter. I didn't think anything of it as we sat down while everyone was cheering glad that the threat of Voldmort was finally gone.
"And as a treat Saturday night there will be a dance for everyone but only fourth year and up will be allowed to stay up past 10," Dumbledore said sitting down. Now the great hall was a buzz with this new news. It was only a few days away.
"Amber," Alex said next to me.
"Yeah?" I replied looking at him.
"Uh since I really don't want to go alone and you are the only…" Alex trailed off.
"Of course Alex wouldn't leave my best friend alone," I replied as I went back to my breakfast and was inside relived that I didn't have to worry about it. I looked over to Ron who was being pounced by Private and Lavender. I just inwardly laughed and looked to Hermione and Harry who were next to me.
"Would you like to go with me to the ball as friends?" Harry asked quietly so no one else would hear.
"Sure," Hermione whispered back.
After breakfast Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Draco and I headed up to Dumbledore's office. He spoke to Ginny and Draco first and let them head for class before talking to us. Ginny and Draco were smiling as they walked out. Ginny gave Ron a wink before bounding down the stairs while Draco stopped to talk to me for a second. Ron, Harry and Hermione were already heading in.
"Get rid of your shadow yet?" he asked.
"Nope not at all," I answered.
"Silly boy," he said shaking his head as he headed down the stairs and I walked into the office where they were waiting.
"Now as I told Mr. Malfoy and Miss. Weasley the ministry of magic would like to thank you. This doesn't come from Fudge who at the moment is being…removed from office," Dumbledore started.
"Who is taking over?" Ron asked.
"That I do not know, but any ways the ministry of magic has deposited into your Gringotts bank accounts the reward."
"But I don't have an account," Both Hermione and I said.
"Miss Granger you do now, and Miss Lanobi yours has been placed with your inheritance," Dumbledore explained smiling.
"But why us there are many who," Harry started but Dumbledore stopped him by raising his hand.
"Yes there are many who were affect by Voldmort but few stood up to him as you guys did," Dumbledore explained while Ron was just in shock. Dumbledore then handed Harry a note for class and a key to Hermione. "But also you must know that you will not be able to touch any of this money till you are 18," Dumbledore said as we started to leave. "Miss Lanobi I need to speak with you a moment longer." I nodded and stayed where I was as Ron, Harry, and Hermione walked out the door.
"Miss Lanobi, Remus Lupin wanted me to tell you that he has talked to your aunt and uncle and told them what has happened here," Dumbledore said once the door was shut.
"Oh boy, what did they say?" I replied sitting back down dreading what he was going to say.
"They were proud of you, they also now are more relaxed once they heard that Luicaus Malfoy can no longer harm them."
"Is that why they were reluctant to take me in. They were afraid of Malfoy?" I asked a little confused and shocked.
"Yes."
"That would explain why they didn't want me to leave the house this summer, it also explains why they didn't want me to say anything," I said thinking back to my summer.
"Yes, now your aunt and uncle will meet you at the train station at King Cross but they are no longer your legal guardian. Although they would like you to remain in contact with them." It took me a moment to let this news sink into my head.
"Sir, then who is my guardian?" I asked after a moment.
"Reamus Lupin that is if you don't mind," Dumbledore said smiling. My brain was doing flip flops. Reamus was now my legal guardian and my aunt and uncle were meeting me at the train station.
"I don't mind sir, this is good news," I said finally getting my voice to work again.
"I thought so, now if I'm not mistaken classes are about to start," Dumbledore said smiling. I just nodded and thanked him before hurrying off to class.
The first time I was able to talk to Harry, Hermione, Ron and Alex was at lunch but Lina dragged Hermione and I off before we could talk to work on the Ranga blade. She wanted us to learn it before she was sent back that weekend. By the end of lunch Hermione had it down pat and could do it but I was still have trouble but Lina thought that it would come eventually.
"So Amber what did Dumbledore want this morning?" Ron asked me as he watched some girl walking pass before turning back to me and continuing to eat dinner.
"It was good news, about my aunt and uncle," I said getting Hermione, Harry and Alex's attention too.
"Really what?" Hermione asked.
"Well first of all, the real reason that they didn't want me this summer was because of Luciaus Malfoy, but now that he uh isn't a threat any more they don't mind. Although I have a new legal guardian," I said.
"Who? Not Malfoy's mother?" Harry asked with a look of discus on his face.
"Oh heavens no!" I said laughing lightly.
"Who?" Ron asked.
"Lupin," I said smiling brightly.
"Cool!" Harry and Ron said.
"But what about…" Hermione started.
"Don't worry about it Hermione, it will get worked out. Plus he has that potion, and leaves animals alone most of the time," I said and all but Alex understood what I was talking about. He looked at me wondering, so I whispered to him, "I'm animags, silver fox."
"Always knew you would do that," he replied back to me smiling.
The rest of the week was normal with final exams. Everyone was shocked about Hermione and Voldmort. Hermione's parents had been told what had happened and how Hermione spent the last two weeks as a child. They were shocked but glad that she was ok and in good hands. They sent Harry, Ron and I a thank you letter for taking care of Hermione. Next the Daily Prophet had a hay day with the news of not only the defeat of Voldmort but of what we had called him "An inbreeding git". They also told of how Cornelius Fudge had been sacked as minister of magic and replaced by someone that I didn't know. I had sent an owl to Remus and to my aunt and uncle talking about this and that and asking if I could go to America for the summer. I received the letter from my aunt and uncle and they said that they didn't mind and that they wondered if it was alright with me if they came to visit. I wrote and told them that it was fine with me. I hadn't heard anything from Remus and was beginning to wonder if he had gotten it when on Friday evening I was outside with Alex, Ron, Hermione and Harry watching the sunset as two figures came towards us. It was Sirius and Remus.
"Sirius, Remus!" we called to them.
"Hi guys, doing well?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah,"
"How did your finals go?" Remus asked. Hermione and I smiled while Harry and Ron just groaned.
"That well," Sirius said smiling sitting down along with Remus. We spent the next hour talking.
"Remus you never replied to my letter," I said finally.
"I know I didn't, I was a little busy with Sirius, but I don't mind if you go to America for the summer," Remus said.
"Yah!" we cheered.
"But do you have any one watching over you and how are you getting there?" Remus asked.
"My father is going to watch over us and I've already got the plane tickets as the ministry of magic was kind enough to donate the money for them," Alex said smiling.
"When were you going to tell us that?" I asked.
"Uhh….right before we left," he said shyly.
"Alex," I half yelled, causing the rest to laugh.
The next morning Hogwarts said good-bye to Lina, Gourry, Amelia and Zelgadis at breakfast.
"Don't forget what we have taught you," Lina told us half glaring at us.
"We won't," Harry said while we were all smiling.
"Watch out for Xelloss," Zelgadis added.
"Defiantly," Hermione and I said as they walked out of the Great Hall.
"I'm going to miss them,"Ron said, while the rest of us agreed.
We all headed to Hogesmade soon after that most of the other girls were buying dresses or something for the ball that night. Alex and I were telling Harry about the town that was near by our school, which wasn't a wizarding village. About midday Hermione and I headed to the book store while Harry, Alex, and Ron went to the Zokkes joke shop.
"I do hope those boys aren't planning anything tonight," Hermione said.
"Oh come on Hermione let them have a little fun," I replied as I was looking at the new fiction books.
"Well as long we aren't involved in it." Hermione replied and I just smiled as we continued looking at the books.
Soon though we were back at Hogwarts getting ready for the dance. Lavender Praivate and a few other of the girls were running around getting ready. Hermione and I just looked at them and were trying not to giggle. Hermione was wearing a long full black skirt and an emerald peasant shirt. While I was wearing a dark blue renaissance dress, a full skirt with the top laced up and it also had an inlay of dark purple velvet. The sleeves were bell sleeves where they flared out at the wrist. I was doing Hermione's hair. I had braided two small braids on each side of her face then pulled them back pinning them together with a lily hair clip. My own hair was just hanging down my back and both of us decided that we weren't going to put on make-up, except for a little lip gloss. Once we were done we watched the others franticly trying to get ready, this time we couldn't hold our laughter in and started laughing.
"What are you two laughing at?" Prviate questioned glaring at us. She was wearing a black sleeveless dress with her hair up in a towel and had two bottles in one hand and make-up in the other.
"Nothing," we both said standing smiling.
"Sure," Prviate said glaring at us.
"Just ignore them, besides I bet that they didn't even get dates tonight. I mean seriously who would want to go with those ugly bookworms," Lavender said.
"Well I rather be a bookworm then a stupid idiot that barely passes classes," I replied as I pulled Hermione out of the room.
"That was so mean!" Hermione said once we were heading down the stairs.
"I know," I replied, then added. "What did we ever do to her?"
"Well look at that the two prettiest girls of Hogwarts have arrived," I heard Alex say as Hermione and I stepped into the common room. Both Hermione and I turned our heads to see who he was talking about but no one was behind us.
"He is speaking about you two," Ron said causing Hermione and I to blush.
"What did we ever do to get best friends like you?" I asked looking them over. Harry was wearing black slacks and an emerald green collared shirt that brought out his eyes and was a perfect match with Hermione. Ron was wearing black slacks and a blue shirt, while Alex was wearing tight black pants and a sliver under shirt and a dark blue almost vest like over top with a belt around his middle.
"That is the question we should be asking," Harry said, and we just all smiled.
"So is Lavender ready?" Ron asked.
"No," Hermione and I said, while Ron just sighed and said something about women taking forever.
"We didn't take forever," I told him and he just looked at me and smiled.
"Well do you want us to wait with you Ron?" Harry asked.
"Nah why don't you guys go on, I'll meet you there," Ron said as he began to all but shove the four of us out of the common room.
"Alright, we get the point we'll see you down there," Alex said smiling while the rest of us were laughing.
When we arrived at the Great Hall a lot of students were already there waiting to eat. The Great Hall was simply decorated and had small tables that surrounded a dance floor in the middle. It wasn't long after we had sat down that Ron, with Lavender in tow came in. Once he spotted us he headed for our table, Lavender's smile disappeared once she saw Hermione and I.
"Humph what couldn't get Malfoy so you went with him?" Lavender said to me as she sat down, causing Ron, Harry and Alex to wonder what was going on.
"Now Lavender why would I want to go with my cousin?" I replied and Lavender's eyes just narrowed. Lavender was about to say something when Dumbledore started speaking.
"As this is a celebration for the defeat of Voldmort, I would like to raise my glass to those who brought him down and helped. Mr. Draco Malfoy, and Miss Ginny Weasley for their help," Dumbledore said and everyone clapped, while Draco and Ginny just smiled. "Next to Miss Hermione Granger, for her bravery and help in facing an unseen path." Again the Great Hall was filled with shouts and clapping, Hermione just turned red while smiling. "And lastly but not least to Mr. Ronald Weasley, Amber Lanobi and Harry Potter for destroying Voldmort and restoring peace to us once again." Dumbledore finished and an earsplitting cheers, screams and clapping went up. It was so loud I thought those in Hogesmade could hear it.
Once it quieted down we began to order and eat dinner. All through the dinner, Lavender glared at Hermione and I while she was flirting with not only Ron but also Harry. I watched this as we waited for dessert to arrive and I heard Alex sigh next to me.
"What is it?" I asked him.
"Oh just Lavender," he said and I understood.
After dessert the tables disappeared making a bigger dance floor. Once the music started it wasn't long before couples were on the dance floor dancing away. The music was a mix of muggle and wizarding.
"Shesh can't Lavender just back off," Harry complained as we were sitting by the wall and Lavender was off getting drinks.
"What I want to know is why she called us…" Hermione trailed off as Harry and Ron both turned facing Hermione.
"Called you what?" Ron asked.
Hermione and I were silent for a moment before Alex poked me in the ribs telling me to tell. "Lavender called us ugly bookworms, and that who would want to date us," I sighed.
"WHAT?" all three said.
"Shh….it's no big deal, besides here she comes," Hermione said. Harry and Ron just looked at each other and in that second they came to a decision.
"Lavender is jealous," They both said, we just gave them a smile. Once Lavender arrived Alex grabbed my hand pulling me up to follow him.
"Later," I said as we started for the punch table.
"I would watch out for her," Alex said.
"I will," I said just as the song 'Sing, sing, sing with a swing,' came on. Alex and I both broke into huge smiled as we started to swing to one of our favorite songs. After a minute I finally realized that we were the only ones dancing as the rest had stopped to watch us.
"Shall we put on a show?" Alex asked his eyes twinkling as he pulled me in close for a second. I just smiled and nodded. We started to do more and more complex moves gaining cheers form the crowd. As the song came to an end we did a double spin, then a banana peal, another double spin before doing the octopus into another spin then ending in the cuddle, which was were my back was against Alex's chest and his arms were around my waist, on the last beat of the song. Cheers went up all around us.
"I haven't seen dancing like that in years," Dumbledore said smiling, we just returned the smile as we both made our way through the crowd to an astonished Ron, Harry and Hermione.
"That was…" Harry started but couldn't find his words.
"That was bloody brilliant," Ron said smiling.
"Where did you learn that?" Hermione asked smiling brightly.
"Our parents," Alex said.
"Yep that and muggle studies class which is for some odd reason required in the states," I said.
"Really?" Ron questioned. Alex and I just nodded as a slow song came on.
"Uh, Hermione may I have this dance?" Neville asked timidly.
"Sure you don't mind do you Harry?" Hermione asked turning to Harry.
"Nope," Harry replied smiling. Hermione and Neville went off.
"Where is Lavender?" I asked.
"Don't know and don't care," Ron answered then added before I could ask why, "Would you like to dance?"
"Sure," I said taking his outstretched hand and headed for the dance floor. I turned and looked at Alex and Harry who were talking brightly.
I asked Ron about Lavender and he said that she started to bad mouth Hermione so he told her to knock it off but she wouldn't. Lavender started yelling at Ron before finally walking away, in which Ron really didn't care where she went. "If someone can't treat my best friends nicely then why bother with them." He had said.
As the night went on the younger students were shuffled out at ten and the older students continued to dance and party late into the night. I ended up dancing with Neville, Dean, Justin, Seamus, Gorge, Fred, Harry and Alex. Hermione also ended up dancing with Dean, Ron, Justin, Gorge, Fred, some boys from Ravenclaw, Alex and Harry. Harry, Ron, Alex, Hermione and I were relaxing when Draco walked up to us, I had noticed earlier in the night that he had danced with Ginny. I don't think Ron saw it though.
"Yes?" Harry and Ron asked.
Draco just rolled his eyes. "I'm not here to bug you guys. I just wanted to ask my cousin to one dance so I can talk to her."
"Sure Draco," I said standing. Together we walked out onto the dance floor.
"What did you want to talk about Draco?" I asked.
"I wanted to tell you that, I'm sorry about earlier this year," he said. I raised my eyebrows at him. "I mean when I was hitting on you and being to daft to take the hint. Plus I may still not like muggles or muggleborns but they aren't as bad as I thought."
"Really? You do realize that you are going against what your father taught you," I said.
Draco snorted. "Taught me yeah, but didn't your father also do the same?"
"Yeah, I guess so," I replied shrugging my shoulders. We talked until the dance finished.
"What did he want?" Ron asked sourly.
"To apologies for being such a prat," I said.
"Just being a prat?" Harry asked and I just nodded smiling.
"Well I'm exhausted I'm going to go to bed," I said.
"I'm coming with you, see you boys later," Hermione said as she stood joining me.
"Later," the three chimed as we left.
The last two days of the year were relaxed and full of laughter, and we all passed yeah even the dunder heads Crabbe and Golye. Gryffindor once again won the house cup, by only five points ahead of Slytherin. Soon though Harry, Ron, Hermione, Alex and I were talking, playing games and having fun on the Hogwarts express which was speeding us back to the muggle world and into a summer that would prove interesting for us all.