AN: Ok peeps! You asked for it! dun-dun-dun-da! Don't give me much credit for this chapter. My good friend, "Ron" thought he'd write the next chapter in MY series. But, once you read it, I think you'll see that he's pretty good. "Ron", "Prongs" (Who is also like Ron, but a girl), and I am working on the fourth chapter as you read this, so it should be up soon. Ok. I'm done now. Read the story! Oh, and if you don't review, I might send my "Harry" and "Draco" after you. (And "Prongs" is perfectly capable and willing to perform any of the Unforgivable Curses on you. evil laugh J/K!!)
~ The Magic of Snow ~
~ Chapter 3- The Aftermath ~
After retrieving their bags from the common room the group visited Hagrid during the time they would have had Defense Against the Dark Arts then went back to the castle for lunch. It was a meal like any other, punctuated only by conversation on what they had for the afternoon lessons and a few giggles from Ron and Lavender's side of the table as the two whispered to one another.
"What are you two talking about that is so funny?" Hermione finally asked them when lavender had squealed loudly.
" Nothing," said Ron in response, "just figuring out what were going to do tonight."
"Well you had better hurry up and eat, we have to leave for lessons in a moment," Harry said.
"Ah, yes! An exciting double-dose of potions with our favorite teacher, Snape." Ron exclaimed with extreme sarcasm.
Knowing of course, that potions was with the Slytherins, the four decided to not be holding hands as they turned the corner that led to the potions classroom to avoid harassment by Draco Malfoy and his thick-headed cronies, Crabbe and Goyle. Although these two rarely make any comments, they are always flexing their over-large muscles menacingly at anyone who contradicted Malfoy. As was Snape's nature, when the four entered the room, two minutes late, he gave them each a detention and took twenty points from Gryffindor.
Throughout the lesson, Harry kept slipping his hand around Hermione's causing both of them to smile. And once, while Snape had his back to the class writing the ingredients for that day's potion on the board, Hermione had giggled exceptionally loud when Harry kissed her on the neck. However, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lavender straightened up when Snape turned around and gave them a spiteful look as though he thought giggling should be made illegal as Harry had in the time just before the Yule Ball. And as Snape returned to the blackboard, Harry was suddenly very thankful that Snape did not have a magical eye like that of Professor Moody, their fourth and most recent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. This was because that eye could see through thick hedges, table tops, robes, invisibility cloaks, and even the back of the owner's head. However, Malfoy knew what was going on and had begun to mouth very offensive words at the couples. At this, Harry, imitating the leprechauns at the Quidditch World Cup, took his hand and made a rude signal at Malfoy who, stopping his muted communications, scowled menacingly. Hermione looked as though she was about to scold Harry, but upon reconsideration decided that he had deserved it. Then as Hermione turned back to copying the notes on the board, Harry turned to give Ron a thumb's-up. While Lavender was busy resting her head on his shoulder, Ron returned the gesture smiling and putting his arm further around Lavender's waist.
Several times during dinner and for some time afterward, Hermione would begin to giggle then play fight with Harry as he had "accidentally" tickled her in the side when he put his arm around her waist.
"Stop, please." Hermione said mid-giggle, "No more no more."
"Sorry, Mio, I just never knew you were ticklish before tonight." Harry said as he stopped tickling her and pulled her off his armrest and into his lap, "I won't tickle you again tonight, I promise." He swore, raising his right arm.
And while Harry kept his promise, Ron did not. He ended up tickling both Hermione and Lavender whenever he got the chance.
A little later Ron asked, "Well, now that we've finished our work, I believe you said I could borrow your invisibility cloak, Harry."
"Oh yeah, go ahead. It's in my trunk." Harry said casually not looking away from his girlfriend as he spoke.
"What do you need that for?" Said Lavender.
"What else?" Ron said, stopping at the foot at the foot of the spiral staircase, "It's snowing again isn't it?"
Lavender gave Ron a face, which consisted of a rather mischievous smile and a raised eyebrow. Harry on the other hand was busy thinking of a place where he and Hermione could be alone for a while, a great look of concentration on his face though he was smiling. Hermione, seeing his face said suddenly, "Why not the tunnel behind the statue of the one-eyed witch. You know, the one that leads to Hogsmeade."
"Yeah, why not? Harry repeated approvingly, "Man, we really think alike. It's weird."
Harry then got his Marauder's Map from the dormitory so they could see all the short cuts of the castle. This would let them get there and back much more quickly to avoid Filch or any of the teachers. The boys then walked up their staircase announcing that they were going to bed, and the girls did the same. Once inside the room the cloak was put over both Ron and Harry and they sneaked back downstairs to meet the girls in their dormitory so they could all sneak out under the cloak. Although the group had to walk rather slowly under the cloak because it barely covered all of them, they reached the statue rather quickly and Lavender and Ron departed for their date. Harry opened the hump, helped Hermione into it, and climbed in after her.
"Ow!" Came Hermione's voice.
" What wrong? Are you okay?" Harry's concerned voice followed.
"I fell scraped my elbow." Hermione said clutching her right arm.
"Aww, com'ere, you." Harry said in half-mock sympathy. Harry carefully took Hermione's arm and kissed her hand in comfort. "I know I should save this for a more important injury, but this will help." He said getting a kind of smile that meant he was pleased with some thing had thought of and pulling out a small vile of clear liquid. As he opened it and poured the contents onto Hermione's injury, the pain instantly retreated from her arm. "Thanks, what was that?" she asked.
"Phoenix tears. The last time I was in Professor Dumbledore's office I got a couple from Fawkes in the case of an emergency, but now's as good a time as any." Harry explained.
"Amazing. And thanks again." Hermione said holding out her arm for Harry to help her up. Instead, Harry picked her up and carried her down the passage, Hermione giggling. Harry, finding the softest bit of ground he could, set Hermione on it. "Oh, Harry." Hermione said hugging him and resting her head on his shoulder, " I can't believe it took us over four years to get here." She said at last.
"Well let's make up for lost time," Harry suggested straightening her up.
"Let's," she agreed kissing him.
" Wow!" Both said in amazement, as they broke apart and began laughing again.
"I love you so much." Harry whispered in her ear.
"As do I," Hermione replied hugging him more tightly. Suddenly Hermione broke up laughing and nearly fell over.
"You promised," she shrieked, " 'No more tonight' remember?"
"Yes, but it's been tomorrow for five minutes now." Harry stated holding up his watch to show her 12:05am.
"What? Oh, my! We'd better get back to Gryffindor Tower!" said Hermione, a definite note of panic in her voice.
"But it's Friday and- Okay," Harry said reluctantly.
Once back in Gryffindor common room they exchanged one last hug, bid each other good night, and separated. Harry walked very carefully up the stairs and into the room as not to wake anyone. Although, as he got into bed, he noticed Ron wasn't there.
AN: Well?? Reviews! Reviews! I love reviews! Please review! Am I making myself clear?? "Ron" did a good job, don't you think? Anyway, thanks to all my faithful readers who reviewed my story. Love you all lots!