Chapter 38
Courting Susan Bones
Saturday, July 5th, 1994
"Harry? Hermione?" Susan asked, "Can I ask you a question?"
Harry was walking between Hermione and Susan as they made their way toward the front left portion of the Grounds. Situated there was a walking path surrounded on either side by hedges and flowers. This path led toward a hedge maze. Neither Harry nor Hermione had explored the maze yet.
"Don't be afraid to ask us anything, Susan," Harry said, "We'll answer everything to the best of our ability."
Hermione nodded in silent agreement.
"Were the two of you a couple where – you know – where you come from?" Susan asked.
"First of all," Harry said, "We like to call it 'our future' or 'the other timeline'," Harry said, "I understand it can be confusing. We're not from an alternate dimension or an alternate reality, Susan. I'm the same Harry Potter that was born to my parents. I'm the same Harry you have known since first year. Hermione is the same girl you've known. We just have more magical knowledge than usual, and knowledge of a future that we're trying to change for the better."
"For the better of whom?" Susan asked.
"Everyone," Harry said. "Well, almost everyone. Those who don't seek to harm us."
"Like Voldemort," Susan said, in almost a whisper.
"Yes, like him," Harry said. "People died in the future we come from. Good people. Innocent people. People who should have had good long lives. People who might have changed the world for the better if their lives weren't cut short. To answer your question. I guess the answer would be 'no'. I suppose the right term would be 'budding romance'. You could say we had started our relationship just minutes before we accidentally traveled through time. I didn't even have time to ask her to be my girlfriend until we came back in time. Our first true 'date' was after she became my girlfriend."
He looked at Hermione and smiled. "To be honest, we should have been a couple for a while now."
"It wasn't your fault or mine, Harry," Hermione said, smiling, then looked at Susan, "You see, forces played against us. We learned that our love-lives weren't in our control. You know about Molly Weasley's arrest, yes?"
"Auntie told me, even before I saw it in the Daily Prophet," Susan said, "Though she didn't tell me who Mrs. Weasley's targets were. You're saying it was the two of you?"
"Yes," Hermione said, "And in our future, she succeeded with her plan. Somewhat. We were dosed, apparently frequently, made to believe we were in love with Ron and Ginny Weasley respectively. I imagine if that did not happen, Harry and I would have been a couple. For how long? I don't know."
"And... you knew nothing about your Betrothal Contracts, Harry?" Susan asked. "You were seventeen, right? You should have been given notice from Gringotts on your birthday."
"I should have," Harry said, "But I did not. I don't know why."
"We were at the Burrow, Harry," Hermione said, "Maybe Molly Weasley intercepted your post?"
"Wouldn't be the first time my post was intercepted," Harry said.
"My Aunt would have personally contacted you," Susan said, "Unless..."
Harry and Hermione grimaced, and Susan's eyes widened, as she realized what had happened.
"How?" Susan asked, her voice shivering.
"Voldemort," Harry said, "Either by his own hand, or on his orders. Sometime during our sixth year. I didn't know you – your other self - very well, so I don't know how she would have coped after it."
"I do," Hermione said, "You – she – had been Emancipated since she hadn't turned seventeen yet, and made the Head of the Bones family. She still attended Hogwarts. I imagine it was a difficult time, but she had her friends to help her."
"I promise you, Susan," Harry said, "It won't happen this time. Voldemort will die before next summer."
"And his followers?" Susan asked.
Harry wasn't sure how to answer that. He couldn't tell her about their plans for assassinations yet.
"Their threat will be diminished by then," Hermione said.
Susan nodded, accepting this as an answer. "So in your future, Auntie died without a child of her own, and the other me was the last Bones. Well, I think that will change too. Auntie has talked about your godfather a lot lately. You know about their Betrothal?"
"Yes," Harry said, nodding.
"Auntie wants to finalize it," Susan said, grinning, "But I think she wants to make sure your godfather is still the same man she fell in love with. But I could see them being married before next summer comes around."
"Then their future is already better," Harry said, "Both of theirs."
"Your godfather," Susan said, "Did he...?"
"He was killed at the end of our fifth year," Harry said, sighing. "Still seen as a criminal to most of wizarding society, still on the run."
"Still wanting to fight for the boy he thought of as a son," Hermione added, "He died for you."
"Yeah, well, he'll have a better future this time," Harry said.
"Does he know?" Susan asked, "What his – his other self – their fate was?"
"No," Harry said, "And I don't know if I can tell him."
"I don't blame you," Susan said, "Not sure I want my Auntie to know. So you didn't know me - the other me – very well?"
"I knew you because we often partnered up in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes," Hermione said, "But I didn't know enough to tell you anything about your future self. Other than the fact that you have nothing to worry about in the 'looks' department. You're gorgeous, now and in the future."
Susan blushed and grinned. Harry wasn't sure he wanted to be a part of this conversation. That seemed like something girls would talk about.
He cleared his throat. "When Voldemort returned originally, very few people believed me when I said he returned. Fudge tried to hush me and Dumbledore up. Dumbledore believed me, you see. Looking back, I guess he believed Voldemort was back, because it helped with his plans. And Fudge tried to take control of Hogwarts. Hired Dolores Umbridge at the Defense post."
"Umbridge?" Susan asked, bewildered, "Never thought of her as a teacher."
"Because she isn't," Harry said, with a snort, "She was horrid. A monster. Then Fudge gave her control over the school. Control to sack Professors she didn't approve of. She didn't believe in a practical approach. Bookwork and writing what we learned in a book was her way. Read the book, and we could pass our OWLs. That was her belief."
"Ugh!" Susan groaned, "How horrible!"
"Yep," Harry said, "So Hermione and I, we started a secret Defense club right under her nose. Something she'd never approve of. Your other self was one of several members. I got to know her a bit, but sadly not as well as I should have. So don't be afraid to talk to me. I'd like to get to know you, Susan. We'll be married in a few years, after all."
Susan smiled.
"I think I'm going to let the two of you get to know each other," Hermione said, "I have other things I can be doing."
"Can I talk to you for a moment before you go, Hermione?" Susan asked, "in private?"
Hermione nodded. Harry walked over to a stone bench, sat down, and gave the girls their privacy. He wondered what they were talking about. Probably about him.
Hermione waved her wand around herself and Susan.
"Muffliato Charm," she explained to a curious Susan, "A version of the Silencing Charm. Harry won't hear anything we say, so don't be afraid to say anything."
"Okay," Susan said, "So... when you traveled through time, you were eighteen, he was seventeen. Correct?"
"Yes," Hermione said.
"Do you consider yourself eighteen?" Susan asked, "Does he consider himself to be seventeen?"
Hermione bit her lip. "That is an excellent question. Well, I can't speak for Harry, but I guess my answer would be 'no'. I look at myself in a mirror every day and recognize my fourteen year, nearly fifteen year old self. Body-wise I was fairly different than I am now. More beautiful, I suppose."
"I'm sure Harry thinks you're beautiful right now, Hermione," Susan said, blushing slightly.
Hermione merely shrugged. "I consider myself fourteen at the moment. Albeit a far more mature fourteen year old, who has a great deal more magical knowledge and a bit more life experience. I'm not sure what Harry thinks though."
"I am only asking because – well – I'm fourteen," Susan said, "As is Daphne. Luna's thirteen."
"You're worried about age difference?" Hermione asked.
Susan nodded shyly. "I mean, yes, Harry's technically thirteen, almost fourteen, and he looks it. I'm just worried he'll think it creepy to be in a relationship with me because we're younger I suppose than he truly is. And in a way, I'm worried for Daphne and Luna too."
"It is complicated," Hermione said, "My advice is to ask him what he thinks. Then if you're happy with his answer, simply let the relationship progress normally. Forget the Betrothal Contract at the moment. Okay, so you'll be married to him in a few years. How would you see that relationship progress if you weren't Betrothed but your goal was marriage?"
"Well," Susan said, "Dating, I suppose. And maybe be his girlfriend. But -"
"But what?" Hermione asked.
"You're his girlfriend, right?" Susan asked.
"He sees me as his girlfriend," Hermione said, "And he, my boyfriend. But we're also officially Betrothed. Oh, I see... you believe Harry is already claimed. That is true. He is claimed, Susan."
"Oh," Susan said, frowning, as she looked at her feet.
"By four girls," Hermione added.
Susan looked back up at Hermione, a confused expression on her face.
"Harry's Betrothed to four girls, Susan," Hermione said, smiling, "He'll be married to four girls."
At least, four, Hermione said to herself, Possibly more, but I won't mention that yet.
"Are you saying you want Harry's relationship to progress with all of us naturally as if we'll be married to him?" Susan asked, raising an eyebrow skeptically.
"Yes," Hermione said, "Well, mostly. Daphne's a bit more complicated."
"She's involved with Tracey Davis," Susan said; she grinned when Hermione looked shocked that she knew. "Come on, Hermione. Neither of us are dumb. Daphne was basically hanging all over her on the Hogwarts Express. I'm surprised she didn't kiss her in front of us. They're girlfriends, in a relationship, yes?"
"Yeah," Hermione said, "To a point where they've already discussed the possibility of Tracey being her mistress when she marries Harry. And possibly Harry being the father to Tracey's children if she wants any."
"If it makes them happy, I'm all for it," Susan said, "Mistresses are not a rarity in our society. Witches outnumber wizards. A wizard isn't going to be lonely just cause Harry will marry four of us, maybe more if things happen with Tracey. So... basically you would be okay if I became Harry's girlfriend too?"
"Yes," Hermione said, simply.
"Why?" Susan asked, "It has to be for more reasons than simply because he'll be married to four girls. You're his girlfriend. You were his girlfriend before you discovered you were Betrothed to him. You have him to yourself. Why are you okay with him being latched onto other girls?"
Hermione sighed and looked at Harry. "Because he deserves all the love he can get. He deserves whatever family he can get. I'll let Harry explain it if he chooses to, but he didn't exactly grow up in a loving family. You are lucky your Aunt loves you, Susan."
"So... his Muggle relatives... don't love him?" Susan asked, frowning.
"That's putting it very kindly," Hermione said.
Susan nodded. Obviously she could read between the lines. "I see. You don't think one girl is enough for him?"
"I don't know," Hermione said, "Would one girl have been enough? If Harry simply married me, I would be happy to think I'd be enough for him. For several years, he never knew love. I think, deep down, he's come to accept it if more than one girl loves him. Yes, he's Betrothed to four girls. But what about Tracey's situation? He could stop at four girls and refuse Tracey, if she says she wants him to father her children."
"But he won't," Susan said. "Because that isn't Harry."
"No, it isn't," Hermione said. "Don't worry about me, Susan. Fall in love with him. Snog him to your heart's content. I know he'll come back to me. He's capable of loving more than one person and I am willing to accept it. Because I love him."
"Are you giving me permission to snog him today if it comes to it?" Susan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"If it comes to it," Hermione echoed.
"You'll make an excellent First Wife, Hermione," Susan said, "You're already practicing."
Hermione's eyes widened. "Me? But I'm – well -"
"Muggleborn?" Susan asked, "Socially considered lower than Harry's other future wives? Pardon my French, but fuck that."
Hermione giggled at Susan's unexpected swear. Normally, she'd scowl or scold, but it was just shocking coming from Susan.
"You were Harry's girlfriend first before his Betrothed," Susan said, "I can see he loves you. He doesn't have to love me, Daphne or Luna. We're just contractually obligated to marry him because our parents wanted it, and it benefits our Houses. He could put a baby in our bellies, and if we bear a son, a proper Heir, then he could send us to a different bedroom for the rest of our lives and watch us raise his Heirs while being part of a loveless marriage where the only sex we have with him is something he wants for his jollies."
Hermione's jaw dropped. "He'd never –!"
Susan's stare silenced her. "Of course he wouldn't. Because he is a good person. But it has happened before in our society. You, Hermione. He loves you. He could treat me, Daphne and Luna like that, but he wouldn't choose to treat you like that. You're his first love in his mind, so you're his First Wife. Daphne and Luna will likely agree with me."
Hermione smiled. "Thanks."
"You're a smart witch, Hermione," Susan said, "But your knowledge is lax when it comes to our society. It isn't an insult. Just the truth. Obvious to tell because you were shocked by a hypothetical statement regarding unfortunately common marriages in our society."
Hermione frowned. She knew Susan was right. She just never thought to read up on stuff like that. She never considered it something she'd need to know. Now she regret that.
"It is alright, Hermione," Susan said, obviously noting Hermione's dismay, "On our way into his Manor, Harry asked me if I would teach him, and you, the ways of the proper pureblood in our society. So that the two of you will look and act more respectable at social gatherings and inside the Wizengamot Council. You may not have a seat on the Council, but you will be the future wife of someone who has a seat there, and the future mother of your firstborn Heir who will take Harry's seat when it is time. You must learn to act like it, at least in the public face."
Hermione nodded. She was always eager to learn. While she didn't like that she had to mold herself into something she wasn't, just to be respected in society, she knew it was necessary.
"I'll visit a few times between now and Harry's planned social dinner," Susan said, "And I'll teach both of you how I was taught."
"I look forward to you teaching us," Hermione said. "Now, if that is all, please go and hang out with our future husband. I'm sure he's eagerly waiting. And... don't be afraid to kiss him – or accept a kiss – if you feel the moment is right. I will not mind."
"Thanks, Hermione," Susan said, "You're a good friend, and future sister-wife."
Hermione smiled. Susan turned and walked back over to Harry. Hermione exhaled a breath she didn't know she had been holding. She glanced at Harry, who caught her eye and smiled when he looked her in the eyes. She smiled amorously back, silently giving him her blessing to have fun with Susan, then turned and made her way back to the Manor. She would be in the library waiting for him to return. And he would. She always knew he'd come back for her. That is one reason she loved him and why she allowed other girls – whom she approved of – to love him as well. Because she knew that he could marry several girls, but she was first in his heart.
Harry briefly watched Hermione walk away, before he looked back at Susan. He stood at attention when she returned to him.
"My Lady," he said, bowing comically.
"My Lord," Susan said, grinning, as she curtsied.
"It appears we are alone," Harry said, "Where shall we go?"
"The hedge maze looks inviting," Susan said, as she gazed at the ten-foot-tall hedge walls.
"It does," Harry agreed.
"You haven't explored it yet?" Susan asked.
"No," Harry said, "No better time than the present. I'll warn you though. We may get lost."
"Oh, how horrible," Susan said, grinning, "Promise to keep me company?"
Harry offered his hand and she took it, blushing lightly. "I will not let go until we are out of the maze. And maybe not even then."
Susan grinned and squeezed his hand gently. Harry led her down the sidewalk, and toward the entrance of the maze. As they entered the maze, Harry decided it was already far more inviting than the maze for the third task of the Triwizard Tournament. No vicious magical creatures ready to kill him. Always a good thing.
"I suppose we have a lot to talk about," Harry said, as they started off through the maze.
"Yes," Susan said, "For starters, I am very pleased that you and Hermione are knowledgeable in Occlumency. Otherwise that would have been something I would have taught you."
"Why?" Harry asked.
"Because it is proper in our society, especially since you are the Head of House," Susan said, "Any Legilimens could snatch the secrets of your House away from you if you did not know Occlumency. House secrets are a goldmine in and of itself. As you stated earlier, Dumbledore wants your Grimoire. He wants the knowledge of your House. The Potter House is ancient, and that isn't simply just a title. The Potter bloodline goes back to one of the original families."
"The Peverells," Harry said.
"Yes, and through them, the Potters," Susan said, "A few other families as well, but the Potters were the first highborn they married into, and the Potters are whom they trusted with their family's magic. So only those born a Potter, or marrying a Potter can inherit the name of Peverell. Your family's magic is old magic. Powerful. Take the wards around your Manor for instance. They've survived many, many years, even though the Manor was barren of even house-elves who power the Wards. Very few dwellings could do that. Hogwarts, probably. Maybe the Ministry of Magic."
"The Ministry houses elves?" Harry asked.
"Several," Susan said, Though they don't have the same Master. Anyway, back to your Grimoire. It likely holds magic that very few people know about because it is considered secret."
"They're aware my family has old, rare magic, but nobody knows exactly what it is," Susan said.
"Outside your family," Susan said, "You shouldn't even allow others aside from yourself to look at the Grimoire, unless you completely trust them. Technically, you shouldn't let Hermione, or myself,or your other Betrothed see it until we're married to you, and have taken the magical vows that assure we wouldn't give up your family's secrets."
Harry nodded. He trusted Hermione with the information.
"So people like Dumbledore and, yes, several Dark families," Susan continued, "would want to steal it from you. You're very lucky that Duels of Satisfaction have mostly been barred from our society. Oh, they still exist, but one must gain permission from not only the Minister of Magic, but also the majority of the Wizengamot before they can challenge anyone for a Duel of Satisfaction. If this wasn't so, you might have been challenged in a duel for much of what you own, on the day you turned seventeen. Emancipation wouldn't interfere with that."
"So Occlumency is commonly known by witches and wizards our age?" Harry said.
"If they're part of important Houses in our society," Susan said, "It is common to teach the children before they go to Hogwarts."
"Do you think Daphne and Luna know Occlumency?" Harry asked.
"Daphne, quite likely," Susan said, "Luna, possibly. Though if anyone is a Natural, she is."
"A Natural?" Harry asked, confused with the term.
"Some witches and wizards are born with the talent of a naturally Occluded mind," Susan said. "Their minds are impenetrable to Legilimens."
"Luna seems like the type," Harry said, nodding. "Anyway, I am glad to know they might already know Occlumency. Makes it much easier. I didn't want to tell them about my secret unless they could guard it."
"What about me?" Susan asked.
"Let's just put it this way," Harry said, "I'm relieved you know Occlumency. Hermione and I had no choice but to tell you when we decided to tell Amelia. We couldn't just keep you from it. You'd be suspicious."
Susan grinned. "Definitely."
"Are you happy you know?" Harry asked.
Susan sighed. "Tough question. And it brings us to the discussion I had with Hermione. My main issue when you told me and Auntie was that – well – you said you were seventeen. Do you feel seventeen, or thirteen, almost fourteen?"
Harry remained silent for a few moments, pondering this, as they continued to walk through the hedge maze. After they reached their first dead end, then turned to go down another path, he finally answered.
"I suppose I feel both at times," he said, "Yes, I have a bit more knowledge about the future and magic than I would have as a normal near-fourteen year old. I look at myself and I am the age of thirteen, almost fourteen. But I consider myself more mature than I was really at this age. Mature enough to feel older, I suppose. But if I look at myself in a mirror, and say 'okay, you're seventeen', even though I look three, four years younger, I'm going to go mental. Does that make sense?"
"I suppose," Susan said. "Hermione told me roughly the same thing. She told me to ask you how you felt. And I'll admit the same thing I admitted to her. I'm more concerned about... age difference than anything. I'm worried you might look at me, or Daphne, or Luna, and feel like a total creep when thinking of us as a love interest. That you're more suited for someone like Hermione, or... Tonks, even. Some a bit older than me."
"What if I told you you're right about all of it?" Harry asked, "Aside from the 'total creep' part, of course."
Susan studied him for a moment. "You fancy Tonks, don't you?"
Harry shrugged and blushed.
Susan sighed. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Hermione is usually right."
"She told you I fancy Tonks?" Harry asked.
"No," Susan said, shaking her head. "She said you're capable of falling in love with more than one girl. More than four it seems."
"Oh," Harry said, "I don't know. I mean, I'm Betrothed to four girls. And then Daphne said something about Tracey Davis..."
"Hermione explained that to me," Susan said.
"So even if I don't marry Tracey, I could still end up fathering her children," Harry said, "And – well – I don't know what I feel about Tonks. In the other timeline, she married someone else and had a son, my godson. But, as Hermione told me, her situation has already changed. Changing the future has likely changed her future as well. Hermione said Tonks might fancy me too."
"And if you end up marrying her – poof – no more godson?" Susan guessed.
"Yeah," Harry said.
"My advice is just let whatever happen, happen," Susan said, "What if she did fall in love with this same person and marry them? It would be a rare chance they'd have the same baby you knew as your godson."
"I never actually met him," Harry said, "But the thought of him being my godson was enough."
"I'm sure you'd feel the same if you had children of your own from her," Susan said.
Harry shrugged. "Be honest. Would you be alright if Tonks was part of our family?"
"Well... if she didn't know your secret, I'd call it creepy since you say she apparently fancies you," Susan said, "But it sort of makes sense. You're very fanciable, Harry."
Harry snorted. "Heard that one before. Not sure I believe it."
"Well, you should," Susan said, "I certainly fancy you."
Harry blushed. "Really? You're not just saying that because you're Betrothed to me."
"Do you think all Betrothed women fall in love with their husbands?" Susan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No," Harry said, shaking his head.
"No, they do not," Susan said, "I am contractually obligated to marry you. If I didn't fancy you, if I don't fall in love with you, I'd bed you until I became pregnant and gave birth to the proper heir – usually a son – needed for the future of my House, then I wouldn't be in your bedroom again, unless on rare and special occasion. I'd sleep in another bedroom, and raise our child myself. But I like to think our marriage will be far better than that. I do fancy you, Harry. Not because we're Betrothed. Not because you're the Boy-Who-Lived, like most girls fancy you for."
Harry raised an eyebrow.
Susan blushed. "Well, not anymore at least. I was a fan-girl when I first saw you. Thankfully I got over that before too long. And it turned into a real fancy. And if you get me out of this maze, I may reward you with a kiss."
Harry grinned at the thought of kissing her. "We could go back the way we came..."
Susan playfully glared at him causing both of them to laugh.
"Some gentleman you are," Susan said, with a light snort, "I will not reward you with a kiss unless the journey is worth it."
"Noted," Harry said. "Hermione told you that you could kiss me, didn't she?"
"Yes," Susan said, "Even if you weren't Betrothed to her, I'd advise you hold on to her. Forever."
"Forever and a day," Harry said, smiling.
"Cheesy, but also romantic," Susan said, grinning. "I'll make it my personal goal to be loved by you as much as you love Hermione Granger. Or maybe half as much. I might be able to handle that much."
"Now who is the cheesy one?" Harry asked, with a chortle.
Susan shoved him playfully. "Prat. I'd make you chase me, but I'd likely get more lost."
"Be glad you don't have to take part in the maze in the third task," Harry said, with a snort.
"The Triwizard Tournament?" Susan asked, raising her eyebrows. "Are you saying you'll be a part of it?"
"Yes," Harry said, "As the unexpected fourth champion. Last time it wasn't my choice. This time, it must happen, because it ends with me defeating Voldemort. Promise me you won't hate me when I'm chosen."
"Why would I hate you?" Susan asked.
"Because most of Hogwarts will," Harry said, "They'll see it as me taking the glory from the true Hogwarts Champion. Worse, when it comes to you, because it is a Hufflepuff."
"And we Hufflepuff rarely ever get the glory," Susan said, "Ouch. Yeah, I could see how you might think I'd hate you. Did my other self hate you?"
"Hard to say," Harry said. "Especially if she fancied me like you do. Safe to say that Hufflepuffs weren't happy with me in general."
Susan sighed. "Is it weird that I feel I need to apologize for that other me? In case she did hold the opinion of her house."
"It is weird, but thanks," Harry said, "It makes me feel better that you won't hate me."
Susan smiled. "I promise to do my best to make Hufflepuff see that you mean us no harm. Hopefully it doesn't back fire. We Hufflepuff are very loyal after all. I am loyal to them, but I have decided my loyalty is with you more now as it benefits my future."
"Thanks," Harry said. "That sounded almost Slytherin of you, you know."
Susan playfully glared at him again.
"I take it back," Harry said, "One Slytherin Betrothed to me is enough."
Susan snorted. "Be thankful you have one of the good ones as a future wife."
"Definitely," Harry said, "I shudder to think if it was Pansy. Oh, I forgot! I wanted to invite you to stay at the Lord's Quarters with me, Hermione, Daphne and Luna. And maybe Tracey. I have permission for Hermione, Daphne and Luna. I need to ask Amelia for that permission for you though. If you accept, that is."
"I accept your invitation," Susan said, "Though Hannah may be upset. Ah well, I can hang out with her when I'm not with you. She understands my new position anyway. She's happy for me."
"I would hate to interfere with your friendship with her," Harry said, "I likely won't be able to get her into the Lord's Quarters. Tracey is a special case, because she might be at risk."
"Cause of her relationship with Daphne," Susan said, nodding, "I understand. It will be okay. Anyway, we can ask Auntie when we return to the Manor."
Their discussion was halted as both realized they were getting officially lost. So they concentrated on working together to find the exit. Nearly ten minutes after they entered, they finally found the exit.
"We made it!" Susan said, cheerfully. "That was fun. I think you should take all your dates in there. Working together to find the exit, while having a chat seems like an excellent date."
"If it was anything like with you, then I must agree," Harry said.
Susan smiled, blushing lightly. "I believe I owe you something, Lord Potter."
Then she leaned wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Even though he expected it, Harry froze momentarily against her lips before he began to return to kiss. After about thirty seconds of closed mouth kissing, Susan backed away.
"Mmm," Susan said, "I hope all my kisses with you are like my first."
"That was your first?" Harry asked.
"Oh, yes," Susan said, "And I wouldn't have it any other way. I might have to steal another one before I leave. But now I wish for you to give me the rest of the tour."
Harry granted her wish, and they started to roam the rest of the grounds, chatting happily about innocent things. They spoke of their lives and things they liked to do. Harry didn't tell her anything about his life with the Dursleys yet, and she didn't ask. Perhaps if she suspected, she was waiting so that he would only have to tell her, Daphne and Luna once. If this was so, Harry was grateful.
When Susan first caught sight of the Quidditch Pitch, she was absolutely astounded. She did admit that she didn't fly much, but would allow him to take her up on a broom during a future visit. He accepted that, heartily, thinking it would be an excellent date.
By the time their tour ended nearly two hours later, in which they mostly slowly roamed around the Grounds, and often sat down and talked more, Susan had stolen two more kisses. Harry discovered he really liked kissing Susan Bones.
Yes, I decided to end it there, which means I didn't get all of what I promised in this chapter AGAIN! I decided to dedicate it solely to the discussions with Susan.
Hopefully this chapter gave you some insight into how Hermione and Susan feel about the whole multiple witches thing.
Next chapter: Possibly Tonks in the Ministry (if it doesn't cause writer's block that interferes with writing the rest of the chapter) and DEFINITELY some assassination missions. I promise!
Hope you liked this chapter!