Week 28

Harry stared at Hermione's legs. Sirius snickered beside him, making him jerk and look away. He stared at his own attire: jeans, a loose t-shirt, and trainers.

But Hermione was wearing boots, shorts (shorter than he was used to), and a loose white top.

"Do you have boots or a pair of wellies?" She shifted her foot forward, showing off her own. "It might be muddy."

"Uh, yeah. I'll go get them." Harry scrambled back up to his room and searched the cupboard for his boots. He switched shoes and hurried back downstairs.

"You look cute, Hermione," said Sirius.

"Thanks, Sirius. I'll make sure to bring Harry back at a reasonable time," she teased.

Sirius laughed. He pulled her into a tight hug. "You two have fun." He let her go in time to bring Harry into his arms. "Have a good day, Harry. Happy Birthday."

Harry hugged his godfather back. "Thanks, Sirius."

Sirius pushed Harry toward the front door. "Don't do anything I would."

Hermione laughed out the door.

Harry followed Hermione closely. Her hand found his as she led him to the security checkpoint. "It's going to be crowded," she told him. "If you need some space or feel overwhelmed, just let me know."

They passed through security and the ticket checkpoint with ease. Once fully inside the festival grounds, it seemed as if they entered a different world. It was louder and busier, with people walking about and pushing past them and music coming from all around.

"Is that a Ferris wheel?" Harry blinked at the ride in the distance.

Hermione laughed beside him. "Sure is. Should we get something to drink and then walk around?"

Hermione had pushed a cup of strawberry lemonade into his hands and began chattering about the festival lineup.

"It's all different kinds of music. Rock. Pop. R&B. You'll find something you'll like. I'm sure of it." She led them down a row of stalls crowded with food and goods for purchase. "So what did Sirius get you for your birthday?"

He held back a laugh. "You're going to think it's typical."

"I won't."

He glanced at the shirts laid out on a display table. "He got me tickets to the Quidditch Club World Cup Finals."

She gasped. "That's brilliant! Are you and Sirius going to go? Where is it hosted this year?"

"It's in Japan."

She nudged his shoulder. "Harry, that sounds so exciting. You two are going to have so much fun."

Harry shrugged. "We've never done something like this before."

"An even greater reason to start. It's good to try and do new things."

"I guess."

Hermione laughed under breath. "The first set I want to see starts around eleven. Let's go look for the stage."

They walked past the stalls with food and merchandise, moving around small stages with performers and the crowds of people formed around them, until they came up to a medium-sized stage with an already growing amount of people waiting in front of it.

The people on stage were readying the instruments and going over final sound checks.

"So," Hermione said, "what's new with you?"

"Nothing really. Just a year older."

She leaned her head on his arm. "How's Astrid?"

Harry took a sip of his lemonade. "I don't know."

She straightened up. "What do you mean?"

"I'm pretty sure it's over between us. I haven't talked or seen her in two weeks."

"What happened?"

He turned, meeting her concerned eyes. "I was a complete arse. That's what happened."

She scoffed. "That's hard to believe."

He shook his head. "That's reassuring, Hermione, but it's the truth. I was a bad boyfriend. Honestly, she deserves better."

"I'm sorry, Harry."

"Me too."

People began to fill in the spaces around them, clapping and cheering at the empty stage.

Suddenly, the crowd began to cheer loudly and scream. A group of five walked on to the stage, taking up positions at their instruments and the microphone.

The lead singer greeted them, made a brief comment on the beautiful day they were having, and then signaled for their bandmates to begin.

This pattern was repeated frequently throughout the day, as Hermione led him from stage to stage - singing and dancing along with the performers.

He tossed away the only beer he had for the day and let Hermione drag him to yet another stage. The sun had set a while ago and the only light they could see by was from the stages or from the little lights strung up around the grounds.

Bodies pressed around them, sweat tinged forms carrying the scent of spilled beer and smoke.

"Are you okay?" Hermione said over the buzz.

He found her hand and tugged softly.

The large stage far in front of them lit up as someone began to walk up to the microphone, the starting chords of the song following them. Their voice echoed across the expanse and the crowd around them cheered.

They began to sing and in unison, the crowd sang along. Harry whipped his head around. His eyes widened at the sight of Hermione beside him, swaying and singing along.

"Let me hear you!" The singer called out, holding the microphone out to the crowd.

Harry was sure it was over a thousand people, singing in rhythm, transcending anything he'd ever heard or experienced.

He felt his spine tingle and his skin prickle. This person's voice and the energy of the crowd literally made his body tremble.

He joined in the clapping and grinned as Hermione joined in with the singing or dancing or jumping. He didn't think he'd ever seen her this loose or elated.

It was almost like feeling the lightness of alcohol without having the actual drink. It was invigorating and exciting. And loud. So loud.

He found himself wishing it would never end.

Harry tried to relax against the seat. Hermione warmly tucked into his side. Thankfully they didn't have to share their car, considering how small it was. It barely fit the two of them. He rested his arms behind Hermione and watched as the ground grew further and further away.

"My feet hurt so much," Hermione whined.

"Mine too, but I haven't been prancing about as you have."

She rested her head on his chest. "Did you have a good time, Harry?"

He squeezed her shoulder, pulling her further into his chest. He kissed the top of her head. "The best, Mai. Thank you."

The Ferris Wheel stilled, their car crested over the top.

"Happy Birthday, Harry."

He stared out into the night sky, feeling the lightest he's felt in a long time.