Apart from an uncomfortable prefect meeting where everyone was eyeing Ginny nervously the ride back to Hogwarts went smoothly. Thankfully the pink polka dots had faded to look like severe sunburn but Ginny was still in a tetchy mood. When everyone was sat back in the great hall for dinner they noticed that Fleur was at the teachers' table sat next to Bill and was looking as elegant as ever in velvet robes that revealed the faintest baby bump. Bill had obviously seen them staring and discreetly got Mcgonagalls attention who rolled her eyes and then stood up to the lectern.
"Students I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas with your families, Whether they be by blood or chosen, and are refreshed for the new year. You may notice (and some of our older years may recognise her) Mrs Weasley nee Delacour who participated in the ill-fated Triwizard Tournament four years ago. She is staying at the castle with Professor Weasley until the end of the school year due to her pregnancy. I hope you make her feel welcome. Apparition lessons are open to both sixth and seventh years who are yet to attain a licence." She seemed to glare at the Gryffindor table during that statement and Harry gulped when he realised he has been apparating illegally for the past year and a half, as had Ron. "In conclusion, lessons begin again on Monday and I look forward to it. Now feel free to begin eating".The room exploded with the noise of conversation and Harry joined in. Even Ginny began to relax, especially when Luna came over and began talking about how Harry's head seemed to have fewer Nargles and started asking him how he did it. Eventually, the last morsels of Treacle Tart had been cleared from Harry's plate and he joined the hordes of people heading to bed. After far too many stairs in his opinion, Luna had left to go to Ravenclaw tower and the group of Gryffindors were entering the upper-year common room.
Harry had no idea what had made him feel so tired. The last time he'd felt this kind of tired was the start of his third year with the dementors. Harry shook the idea from his mind and concluded that he was just tired from travelling and the early wake-up call of Ginny falling on top of him while she tried to get her socks on while standing up. Ginny had just gone to shower to try and get more of the splotchy pink off her body when he heard a knock at the door. Harry pulled himself onto his feet to see Hermione and Ron stood there. "Do ya mind if we hang out for a bit? I mean it is only 8"
Harry gestured for them to come in then said "Gins in the shower but take a seat'
"What's it like not having to share a shower with three girls?" Ron asked as he sunk into Harrys desk chair
"Oh I don't know I didn't know how much girls' hair got everywhere. I mean how are they not all bald?"
"I have no idea. I mean and all the different soaps! I can hardly find my toothbrush there are that many creams and stuff next to the sink" Hermione rolled her eyes at this and said
"Well not all of us can wash our faces in just water and have clear skin'
"Still, what is up with all the bottles" Harry just shook his head in sympathy. Harry and Ron dove into a discussion about Quidditch and Hermione pulled out her well worn Hogwarts a History book. A few minutes into her book Hermione spoke up
"Does anyone else find it odd how quiet the years going? I mean we usually have at least one near-death experience before Christmas and apart from the quidditch injuries nothing severe has-" Harry covered her mouth quickly and shushed her
"Please don't jinx us"
"She wasn't about to perform a jinx, Harry?" Ron asked confused
"No, he's talking about a Muggle Jinx Ron. Its the theory if you say something won't happen or 'Things are going well etc' it's bound to happen"
"Well, that's stupid," Ron stated
"I'd rather not risk it as I'm rather enjoying just talking to my friends about normal stuff, spending time with my girlfriend and seeing my Godson while drowning in a pile of revision"
"I must admit it has been harder than I was expecting returning after a year break" Hermione stated quietly
"It's like half the stuff we learnt over the past few years has just fallen out of my head" Ron added
"At least you two can choose jobs based on your results. I have to get good marks because this time next year ill be teaching people only a few years younger than me!" Harry cried
"Oh hush you'll be a defence teacher and the chances of you getting anything less than O's is about as unlikely as me spontaneously turning into a cat" before she could continue Ron added
"I mean you have bef-" He was cut off by Harrys raucous laughter and Hermione's forceful smack.
"Ow 'mione I was just stating the obvious" Harry just laughed harder and almost fell off the bed. He saved himself from hitting the floor then was instantly pushed off by Ron.
"What did I do?" Harry asked as he pulled himself up
"You know exactly what chosen one" Ron bit back
"So anyways what about you guys?" Harry asked faux casually
"I don't think I'm doing enough I mean-"
"Seriously? You've been revising since the first year"
"Yes, well-you never know".
They sunk into a less violent conversation and eventually Ginny came out of the shower with her red hair sleek as always, bellowing down her back
"What on Earth was going on in here" Harry caught Ron's gaze and bit back a grin
"Oh, you know just talking about revision stuff" Ron then winked at him obviously causing him to snort.
When Harry finally went to sleep that night he was pretty sure Hermione had given him a mild concussion with the force of her Hogwarts a History book.
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