Disclaimer: I still own nothing but my own insanity.
A/N; I wrote all these 3 chapters at one time, so if
something was suggested in a review and I haven't replied or
whatever, thats why.
Part Three: The young DE, That evening, in the Slytherin common room, Malfoy sent Crabbe and Goyle away, telling them that apparently everything on the third floor had been transformed into chocolate, and that they shouldn't be fooled by its seemingly normal appearance, and that they indeed should go right ahead and bite chunks out of the banisters. Being the complete idiots they were, they raced for the portait hole, and scarpered away. Charlotte couldn't keep herself from laughing at Malfoy's stroke of brilliance, and it was a good few minutes before she was ready to talk again.
"So, whats this brilliant plan of your father's to get rid of Potter for good?" she asked.
"Patience," said Malfoy, "Lets go over here, I don't want to be overheard..." He took Charlottes hand and led her over to two overstuffed green chairs in a corner.
'He has my hand!!!!! Remember, its for the good of the wizarding world... Don't get caught up in complications of your mission!' she told herself fiercely. Her face was rapt with attention.
"Now, whats going to happen is that father is sending another death eater to Hogwarts undercover. He hasn't even told me who it is yet... He was ever so dissapointed after the last plan failed, we should've known that that idiot Crabbe couldn't handle something as important as that... Anyway, the undercover person is going to be our age. So if someone comes to the school soon, we'll know who it is," Malfoy told her quietly.
"How does he plan on getting Potter out of the castle? And what is going too happen to him when he is?" asked Charlotte eagerly.
"Hmmm... I've told you, I don't know everything about the plan, but he will be taken out of the castle somehow, and when he is, Voldemort is going to force the Dark Mark on him. I've been told that Potter is a very powerful wizard, and he may grow to be more powerful than the Dark Lord himself... I highly doubt that, but eh, they want Potter on the Dark side. If it were up to me, I'd just skewer 'im right through that stupid scar of his, and be done with it," he said dissmisively.
"Oh, of course you're right Draco, the world would be so much better without stupid Potter and his friends in it. But speaking of his friends, how do you suppose this undercover person will be able to wrench their way into the 'Dynamic Trio'? They're inseperable!" said Charlotte,
"I suppose you're right, but hey, we can play on Potter's weaknesses I guess," said Malfoy.
"That is supposing he has any," added Charlotte.
********************
Harry, Ron and Hermione had given up on trying to get Charlotte to admit she was there to protect Harry, and soon forgot about it with Christmas on the way. It was mid December, and the three of them went down to the Great Hall for dinner after a rather long and gruelling Care of Magical Creatures lesson (Hagrid insisted on them digging through the snow to recover the burrowing dragon-snaps that Neville had accidentally set loose). Tired and hungry, they trudged into the Great Hall expecting the plates already to be full, as they were late having to change out of their snow soaked robes, only to find the golden plates still empty, and Dumbledore standing up at the head table. They hurried to their seats just as Dumbledore started speaking.
"Taking into account the appeal of last year's Yule Ball, we have decided to host another one this year, in light of all the happenings relating to the rise of Voldemort. This year, all those in fourth year and above are allowed, but you may invite a younger student if you wish,"
Excited murmurs started to get louder, but Dumbledore waved his hand for silence again.
"Also, this year we have a special treat. The teachers will not be doing the decorating, but the students will be. A commitee will be established, made up of fourth and fifth year students, and a theme chosen, which may or may not have to do with Christmas. A student from the Wizard's School of Art and Design has come to volunteer her expertise and to head the operation. Please allow me to introduce, Miss Maxine Battersby!"
A girl of fifteen entered through the side door. She had Dark hair with blue streaks in it, fair skin and hazel eyes (A/N; I don't know where she came from, she isn't based on anyone if you're wondering). She was wearing robes of deep blue. Polite applause arose from the students.
"Now Miss Battersby, we hope to show you a good time here at Hogwarts. There is boarding space in each of the houses, so you may choose which one to stay in by sitting at a table," said Dumbledore waving her forward. She paused for a moment, surveying the tables, then chose the one furthest away from her, which just so happened to be Gryffindor. They applauded again, and Maxine sat down gracefully at the far end of the table, right next to Harry.
"Hi," she said cheerfully.
"Hi," answered Harry.
"So, Maxine-" interjected Hermione
"Call me Max," she said looking at Hermione.
"Alright, Max, I've heard a lot about your school, it sounds fascinating. Is it true that you cannot choose to go there, but you have to be chosen?" asked Hermione looking interested.
"Yes, you have to be born with certain talents, although you can turn down the invitation and choose to go to Hogwarts. Our school is only for those people interested in a career in art and design." she answered patiently.
"So Max," said Ron, "Do you have any ideas so far about the ball? I mean I'll be satisfied with whatever, s'long as its got nothing to do with pink..." he finished uncertainly.
Max laughed a little and said, "Don't worry, I hate pink. By the way, I didn't happen to catch your names..."
"I'm Hermione Granger," said Hermione, "And this is Ron weasley," she said beckoning to Ron, "And Harry Potter," she finished waving toward Harry.
"Well I look froward to seeing you all on the list of people signing up," said Max sternly.
Before the three were given time to object, the glittering plates filled with food, and everyone started eating.
*****************
The next morning in the Great Hall there was a notice accompanied by a blank sheet of parchment. The notice wass there telling all students in fourth and fifth year who wished to participate in the ball preparations to put their names down, and it was on a first come first serve basis so those who wish to sign up should do so quickly. Ron, being the tallest of the three, noticed the parchment first, and they all walked over to it.
"I reckon we should sign up... Max already expects us to," said Ron.
"Might be fun, " added Harry.
"I don't know," said Hermione, "We really should be using that extra time for revision, the O.W.L.'s are coming up!"
"Oh come on Hermione, at least come to the meeting today, then we'll decide," said Ron putting his name down.
"And look," said Harry, "The meeting's scheduled for right smack in the middle of double potions this afternoon." (A/N; I know they seem a little OOC here, but lets pretend for the sake of the story that they really want to help with this stupid ball thingy) The three of them put their names down, and proceeded to the Great Hall for breakfast.
At the Slytherin table, Malfoy was watching Potter, Weasley and Granger with a bit of a smirk on his face.
"I really didn't expect them to fall for it this easily," he said to Charlotte who was sitting beside him.
"I know," said Charlotte, "So this Max girl... She's not really from that design school?"
"Oh yes she is, how else do you suppose she could've pulled one over on Dumbledore? She just so happens to be the daughter of Jonathan Battersby, he's a high ranking Death Eater.... Even higher than Father," said Malfoy.
"You know Draco, I think we should sign up too, to keep an eye on the plan... Maybe even help it along a little bit," Charlotte said mischeviously.' And so I can keep an eye on Potter, make sure he doesn't do anything stupid'... she thought.
"Ball decorating? Me?" said Malfoy incredulously," I don't think so... You go right on ahead though. It might be a help for me to keep Father posted directly on the situation. You can be my spy."
"Alright then, I'll sign up on our way out," said Charlotte helping herself to some bacon.
The meeting was set for 3:30pm, so very reluctantly, Professor Snape reluctantly let those students who signed up, to leave and go to the meeting being held in the Great Hall at the Gryffindor table.
"First order of business," said Max looking at her sheet, "Anyone not willing to give up some evenings should leave now. Exceptions include only quidditch and evening Astronomy classes."
Twelve people got up and left.
"Also," she continued, "Anyone colour-blind or dyslexic should also leave now."
One person got up and left.
"And finally, anyone who is afraid of heights should leave now," said Max.
Neville got up and left.
After the first order of business, there were 14 people sitting at the table;
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Charlotte, Lavender, Parvati, Dean, Seamus, Ginny, Colin Creevey, Emily, Laura(A/N;Those two are people I made up to be in fourth year), and Max.
"Well, not a bad turnout," said Max, "Although I have to say, I expected more people to come. I've got to wonder why only Gryffindors and one Slytherin showed up."
"Maybe we aren't a very design-oriented school," offered Seamus.
Max reached into a bag beside her chair and pulled out some swatches. She placed these in the center of the table, "These are some ideas for colours I had... But first we need to decide on a theme. Has anyone got any ideas?" she asked.
The table remained silent.
"Nothing?..." inquired Max, "Well then, umm, everyone think of their favourite thing in the world,a and tell me what it is."
"Rabbits," said Lavender.
"Pictures," said Colin.
"Leather trousers," said Charlotte. Everyone gave her an incredulous look.
"What? You'd be saying that too if you'd seen Draco in them," she continued indignantly(A/N;Thank you, Cassandra Claire).
Everyone burst out laughing. When it all had subsided, Max continued,
"Anyway... Does anyone else have any ideas?"
"Quidditch," said Harry. A murmur of interest rose at the table.
"That's actually a really great idea, I can see that working," said Max, "So, if no one else has any further suggestions, I say we go full steam ahead with the quidditch theme."
No one spoke.
"It's settled then," said Max happily, "We'll use Harry's quidditch idea, and that will be all for today. I'll post a meeting notice soon, and I'll see everyone in about a week."
"This could be fun," said Hermione as they were heading back up to Gryffindor tower.
"Hmm, I didn't think you'd like to have a go at the quidditch theme," said Ron.
"Yes, but it's no use in arguing with the majority, besides, it could be educational," continued Hermione.
"Tuh," said Harry, "I'm more interested in whether or not we can pull it off before Christmas."
********************
On the morning of Hallowe'en the first quidditch match of the season was to be played between Gryffindor and Slytherin, and all attention was on the notice board which would be posted with the new keeper for Gryffindor's name. Many peple had tried out for the position including Ron, who was not eating a thing.
"It'll be fine," said Hermione soothingly," You were easily the best one of the lot, you'll get the position for sure."
Still, Ron refused to eat anything.
At quarter past eight, Angelina Johnson, the newly appointed Gryffindor team captain strode into the Great Hall clutching a roll of parchment.
"Can you guys go and check for me? I can't bear it," said Ron, turning away from the notice board.
"Sure," said Harry, as he and Hermione got up from the table.
They walked over to the notice board, but before they could get there, Charlotte jumped in front of them.
"A word, Potter?" she said dragging him away from Hermione.
Before he could even say a word, she turned to him and said, "Look, I know I've been a little all over the place with all this junk about me and my purpose for being here and stuff, but you've got to listen to me when I say that you musn't leave the grounds unless you're with me."
Harry gave her a look that suggested she was insane.
"You have to understand that I'm doing this for your own safety, and I cannot tell you anything else for fear of upsetting the school," she continued quickly.
" Uh huh, right, and why exactly should I believe you?" asked Harry.
"Because you're likely to die if you don't," she answered without skipping a beat.
"Whatever Charlotte," he said, and rejoined Hermione who was bobbing on her feet above a small group of people in front of the notice board.
"He got it!" she said excitedly, "Harry, Ron's the new Keeper!"
"Thats fantastic!" said Harry happily, "Lets go tell him!"
They hurried back to where Ron was sitting to find him looking anxious.
"Ro-on," said Hermione giddily, "Guess who's the new keeper for Gryffindor?"
"It's Finnigan isn't it? Damnit! Why didn't I practise more over the summer?" said Ron angrily.
"No, Ron" laughed Hermione, "It's not Seamus... It's you!"
Ron jerked his head up from where it was resting on his arms.
"What?" he asked.
"She's telling the truth, mate," said Harry.
Ron jumped up from the table, "This is brilliant! I could kiss you guys!"
He got up from the table and started to do a jig, then pulled Hermione up with him and started spinning around with her. Then, quite unexpectedly, he grabbed her shoulders and kissed her right on the mouth. It was quick, and he was still smiling when he let go of her, then his facial expression changed quickly after he realized what he had done. His face went from ecstatic, to a sort of blind horror, then he went the colour of Gryffindor's scarlet quidditch robes. Hermione had suddenly gone very red too, as people started sniggering and talking, having noticed what just happened.
Hermione and Ron both looked at eachother, and Ron muttered a barely audible, "Blimey," then sat down slowly. Hermione touched her lips with her fingers, daring to believe what had just occured, then she too, sat down very slowly.
Not a word was spoken as they all finished breakfast, the silence was sporadically broken by Harry's stifled laughter.
When it was time to head down to the pitch, Hermione quietly bade them goodbye, pointedly avoiding Ron's eyes.
"What the bloody hell was I thinking?" said Ron shrilly as he and Harry headed to the change room, "What could bloody well possibly compel me to do that?"
"Caught in the moment I guess," said Harry smirking.
"Oi, you wipe that smirk off your face," said Ron.
"Sorry, I just can't help thinking about the quidditch match with my best friend as new Keeper," said Harry unconvincingly, then doubling over in laughter.
Ron seemed to have gotten over what happened, as he regained his composure and made 3 spectacular saves, making the score 40-20 for Gryffindor.
"Gryffindor in posession now, as Katie Bell shoots across the pitch, pass to Alicia Spinnet-- nice swerve there-- come on Alicia, use your elbows!" commented the twin's friend Lee Jordan, "Alicia shoots... She SCORES!! Game now 50- 20 for Gryffindor!
"Slytherin in posession now, as Pucey streaks up the pitch... Weasley hits a bludger toward him, but oh no! Missed im'. Pucey prepares to shoot-- Excellent save there by Ron Weasley Gryffindors brand new Keeper. Of course he's no stranger to a good performance," he snickered, "Wasn't even expecting something to follow the common room incident, but there he goes, outdoing himself with this mornings show stopper!"
"Jordan, whatever are you talking about? Please keep the commentating to the game," said Professor McGonagall.
"Sorry professor, sorry," said Lee, "Anywho, Slytherin in possesion again-- Wait a second, I think Potter's seen the snitch! Yes, there he goes, closely followed by Malfoy. Come on Harry push that Firebolt! YES! YES! Coming out of a spectacular dive, Potter's done it again, he's got the snitch! Malfoy doesn't look too happy... That's right Malfoy go sulk in a corner."
"Jordan....," said McGonagall angrily.
"Sorry, sorry, so anyway, final score 200-20 for Gryffindor!"
Part Three: The young DE, That evening, in the Slytherin common room, Malfoy sent Crabbe and Goyle away, telling them that apparently everything on the third floor had been transformed into chocolate, and that they shouldn't be fooled by its seemingly normal appearance, and that they indeed should go right ahead and bite chunks out of the banisters. Being the complete idiots they were, they raced for the portait hole, and scarpered away. Charlotte couldn't keep herself from laughing at Malfoy's stroke of brilliance, and it was a good few minutes before she was ready to talk again.
"So, whats this brilliant plan of your father's to get rid of Potter for good?" she asked.
"Patience," said Malfoy, "Lets go over here, I don't want to be overheard..." He took Charlottes hand and led her over to two overstuffed green chairs in a corner.
'He has my hand!!!!! Remember, its for the good of the wizarding world... Don't get caught up in complications of your mission!' she told herself fiercely. Her face was rapt with attention.
"Now, whats going to happen is that father is sending another death eater to Hogwarts undercover. He hasn't even told me who it is yet... He was ever so dissapointed after the last plan failed, we should've known that that idiot Crabbe couldn't handle something as important as that... Anyway, the undercover person is going to be our age. So if someone comes to the school soon, we'll know who it is," Malfoy told her quietly.
"How does he plan on getting Potter out of the castle? And what is going too happen to him when he is?" asked Charlotte eagerly.
"Hmmm... I've told you, I don't know everything about the plan, but he will be taken out of the castle somehow, and when he is, Voldemort is going to force the Dark Mark on him. I've been told that Potter is a very powerful wizard, and he may grow to be more powerful than the Dark Lord himself... I highly doubt that, but eh, they want Potter on the Dark side. If it were up to me, I'd just skewer 'im right through that stupid scar of his, and be done with it," he said dissmisively.
"Oh, of course you're right Draco, the world would be so much better without stupid Potter and his friends in it. But speaking of his friends, how do you suppose this undercover person will be able to wrench their way into the 'Dynamic Trio'? They're inseperable!" said Charlotte,
"I suppose you're right, but hey, we can play on Potter's weaknesses I guess," said Malfoy.
"That is supposing he has any," added Charlotte.
********************
Harry, Ron and Hermione had given up on trying to get Charlotte to admit she was there to protect Harry, and soon forgot about it with Christmas on the way. It was mid December, and the three of them went down to the Great Hall for dinner after a rather long and gruelling Care of Magical Creatures lesson (Hagrid insisted on them digging through the snow to recover the burrowing dragon-snaps that Neville had accidentally set loose). Tired and hungry, they trudged into the Great Hall expecting the plates already to be full, as they were late having to change out of their snow soaked robes, only to find the golden plates still empty, and Dumbledore standing up at the head table. They hurried to their seats just as Dumbledore started speaking.
"Taking into account the appeal of last year's Yule Ball, we have decided to host another one this year, in light of all the happenings relating to the rise of Voldemort. This year, all those in fourth year and above are allowed, but you may invite a younger student if you wish,"
Excited murmurs started to get louder, but Dumbledore waved his hand for silence again.
"Also, this year we have a special treat. The teachers will not be doing the decorating, but the students will be. A commitee will be established, made up of fourth and fifth year students, and a theme chosen, which may or may not have to do with Christmas. A student from the Wizard's School of Art and Design has come to volunteer her expertise and to head the operation. Please allow me to introduce, Miss Maxine Battersby!"
A girl of fifteen entered through the side door. She had Dark hair with blue streaks in it, fair skin and hazel eyes (A/N; I don't know where she came from, she isn't based on anyone if you're wondering). She was wearing robes of deep blue. Polite applause arose from the students.
"Now Miss Battersby, we hope to show you a good time here at Hogwarts. There is boarding space in each of the houses, so you may choose which one to stay in by sitting at a table," said Dumbledore waving her forward. She paused for a moment, surveying the tables, then chose the one furthest away from her, which just so happened to be Gryffindor. They applauded again, and Maxine sat down gracefully at the far end of the table, right next to Harry.
"Hi," she said cheerfully.
"Hi," answered Harry.
"So, Maxine-" interjected Hermione
"Call me Max," she said looking at Hermione.
"Alright, Max, I've heard a lot about your school, it sounds fascinating. Is it true that you cannot choose to go there, but you have to be chosen?" asked Hermione looking interested.
"Yes, you have to be born with certain talents, although you can turn down the invitation and choose to go to Hogwarts. Our school is only for those people interested in a career in art and design." she answered patiently.
"So Max," said Ron, "Do you have any ideas so far about the ball? I mean I'll be satisfied with whatever, s'long as its got nothing to do with pink..." he finished uncertainly.
Max laughed a little and said, "Don't worry, I hate pink. By the way, I didn't happen to catch your names..."
"I'm Hermione Granger," said Hermione, "And this is Ron weasley," she said beckoning to Ron, "And Harry Potter," she finished waving toward Harry.
"Well I look froward to seeing you all on the list of people signing up," said Max sternly.
Before the three were given time to object, the glittering plates filled with food, and everyone started eating.
*****************
The next morning in the Great Hall there was a notice accompanied by a blank sheet of parchment. The notice wass there telling all students in fourth and fifth year who wished to participate in the ball preparations to put their names down, and it was on a first come first serve basis so those who wish to sign up should do so quickly. Ron, being the tallest of the three, noticed the parchment first, and they all walked over to it.
"I reckon we should sign up... Max already expects us to," said Ron.
"Might be fun, " added Harry.
"I don't know," said Hermione, "We really should be using that extra time for revision, the O.W.L.'s are coming up!"
"Oh come on Hermione, at least come to the meeting today, then we'll decide," said Ron putting his name down.
"And look," said Harry, "The meeting's scheduled for right smack in the middle of double potions this afternoon." (A/N; I know they seem a little OOC here, but lets pretend for the sake of the story that they really want to help with this stupid ball thingy) The three of them put their names down, and proceeded to the Great Hall for breakfast.
At the Slytherin table, Malfoy was watching Potter, Weasley and Granger with a bit of a smirk on his face.
"I really didn't expect them to fall for it this easily," he said to Charlotte who was sitting beside him.
"I know," said Charlotte, "So this Max girl... She's not really from that design school?"
"Oh yes she is, how else do you suppose she could've pulled one over on Dumbledore? She just so happens to be the daughter of Jonathan Battersby, he's a high ranking Death Eater.... Even higher than Father," said Malfoy.
"You know Draco, I think we should sign up too, to keep an eye on the plan... Maybe even help it along a little bit," Charlotte said mischeviously.' And so I can keep an eye on Potter, make sure he doesn't do anything stupid'... she thought.
"Ball decorating? Me?" said Malfoy incredulously," I don't think so... You go right on ahead though. It might be a help for me to keep Father posted directly on the situation. You can be my spy."
"Alright then, I'll sign up on our way out," said Charlotte helping herself to some bacon.
The meeting was set for 3:30pm, so very reluctantly, Professor Snape reluctantly let those students who signed up, to leave and go to the meeting being held in the Great Hall at the Gryffindor table.
"First order of business," said Max looking at her sheet, "Anyone not willing to give up some evenings should leave now. Exceptions include only quidditch and evening Astronomy classes."
Twelve people got up and left.
"Also," she continued, "Anyone colour-blind or dyslexic should also leave now."
One person got up and left.
"And finally, anyone who is afraid of heights should leave now," said Max.
Neville got up and left.
After the first order of business, there were 14 people sitting at the table;
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Charlotte, Lavender, Parvati, Dean, Seamus, Ginny, Colin Creevey, Emily, Laura(A/N;Those two are people I made up to be in fourth year), and Max.
"Well, not a bad turnout," said Max, "Although I have to say, I expected more people to come. I've got to wonder why only Gryffindors and one Slytherin showed up."
"Maybe we aren't a very design-oriented school," offered Seamus.
Max reached into a bag beside her chair and pulled out some swatches. She placed these in the center of the table, "These are some ideas for colours I had... But first we need to decide on a theme. Has anyone got any ideas?" she asked.
The table remained silent.
"Nothing?..." inquired Max, "Well then, umm, everyone think of their favourite thing in the world,a and tell me what it is."
"Rabbits," said Lavender.
"Pictures," said Colin.
"Leather trousers," said Charlotte. Everyone gave her an incredulous look.
"What? You'd be saying that too if you'd seen Draco in them," she continued indignantly(A/N;Thank you, Cassandra Claire).
Everyone burst out laughing. When it all had subsided, Max continued,
"Anyway... Does anyone else have any ideas?"
"Quidditch," said Harry. A murmur of interest rose at the table.
"That's actually a really great idea, I can see that working," said Max, "So, if no one else has any further suggestions, I say we go full steam ahead with the quidditch theme."
No one spoke.
"It's settled then," said Max happily, "We'll use Harry's quidditch idea, and that will be all for today. I'll post a meeting notice soon, and I'll see everyone in about a week."
"This could be fun," said Hermione as they were heading back up to Gryffindor tower.
"Hmm, I didn't think you'd like to have a go at the quidditch theme," said Ron.
"Yes, but it's no use in arguing with the majority, besides, it could be educational," continued Hermione.
"Tuh," said Harry, "I'm more interested in whether or not we can pull it off before Christmas."
********************
On the morning of Hallowe'en the first quidditch match of the season was to be played between Gryffindor and Slytherin, and all attention was on the notice board which would be posted with the new keeper for Gryffindor's name. Many peple had tried out for the position including Ron, who was not eating a thing.
"It'll be fine," said Hermione soothingly," You were easily the best one of the lot, you'll get the position for sure."
Still, Ron refused to eat anything.
At quarter past eight, Angelina Johnson, the newly appointed Gryffindor team captain strode into the Great Hall clutching a roll of parchment.
"Can you guys go and check for me? I can't bear it," said Ron, turning away from the notice board.
"Sure," said Harry, as he and Hermione got up from the table.
They walked over to the notice board, but before they could get there, Charlotte jumped in front of them.
"A word, Potter?" she said dragging him away from Hermione.
Before he could even say a word, she turned to him and said, "Look, I know I've been a little all over the place with all this junk about me and my purpose for being here and stuff, but you've got to listen to me when I say that you musn't leave the grounds unless you're with me."
Harry gave her a look that suggested she was insane.
"You have to understand that I'm doing this for your own safety, and I cannot tell you anything else for fear of upsetting the school," she continued quickly.
" Uh huh, right, and why exactly should I believe you?" asked Harry.
"Because you're likely to die if you don't," she answered without skipping a beat.
"Whatever Charlotte," he said, and rejoined Hermione who was bobbing on her feet above a small group of people in front of the notice board.
"He got it!" she said excitedly, "Harry, Ron's the new Keeper!"
"Thats fantastic!" said Harry happily, "Lets go tell him!"
They hurried back to where Ron was sitting to find him looking anxious.
"Ro-on," said Hermione giddily, "Guess who's the new keeper for Gryffindor?"
"It's Finnigan isn't it? Damnit! Why didn't I practise more over the summer?" said Ron angrily.
"No, Ron" laughed Hermione, "It's not Seamus... It's you!"
Ron jerked his head up from where it was resting on his arms.
"What?" he asked.
"She's telling the truth, mate," said Harry.
Ron jumped up from the table, "This is brilliant! I could kiss you guys!"
He got up from the table and started to do a jig, then pulled Hermione up with him and started spinning around with her. Then, quite unexpectedly, he grabbed her shoulders and kissed her right on the mouth. It was quick, and he was still smiling when he let go of her, then his facial expression changed quickly after he realized what he had done. His face went from ecstatic, to a sort of blind horror, then he went the colour of Gryffindor's scarlet quidditch robes. Hermione had suddenly gone very red too, as people started sniggering and talking, having noticed what just happened.
Hermione and Ron both looked at eachother, and Ron muttered a barely audible, "Blimey," then sat down slowly. Hermione touched her lips with her fingers, daring to believe what had just occured, then she too, sat down very slowly.
Not a word was spoken as they all finished breakfast, the silence was sporadically broken by Harry's stifled laughter.
When it was time to head down to the pitch, Hermione quietly bade them goodbye, pointedly avoiding Ron's eyes.
"What the bloody hell was I thinking?" said Ron shrilly as he and Harry headed to the change room, "What could bloody well possibly compel me to do that?"
"Caught in the moment I guess," said Harry smirking.
"Oi, you wipe that smirk off your face," said Ron.
"Sorry, I just can't help thinking about the quidditch match with my best friend as new Keeper," said Harry unconvincingly, then doubling over in laughter.
Ron seemed to have gotten over what happened, as he regained his composure and made 3 spectacular saves, making the score 40-20 for Gryffindor.
"Gryffindor in posession now, as Katie Bell shoots across the pitch, pass to Alicia Spinnet-- nice swerve there-- come on Alicia, use your elbows!" commented the twin's friend Lee Jordan, "Alicia shoots... She SCORES!! Game now 50- 20 for Gryffindor!
"Slytherin in posession now, as Pucey streaks up the pitch... Weasley hits a bludger toward him, but oh no! Missed im'. Pucey prepares to shoot-- Excellent save there by Ron Weasley Gryffindors brand new Keeper. Of course he's no stranger to a good performance," he snickered, "Wasn't even expecting something to follow the common room incident, but there he goes, outdoing himself with this mornings show stopper!"
"Jordan, whatever are you talking about? Please keep the commentating to the game," said Professor McGonagall.
"Sorry professor, sorry," said Lee, "Anywho, Slytherin in possesion again-- Wait a second, I think Potter's seen the snitch! Yes, there he goes, closely followed by Malfoy. Come on Harry push that Firebolt! YES! YES! Coming out of a spectacular dive, Potter's done it again, he's got the snitch! Malfoy doesn't look too happy... That's right Malfoy go sulk in a corner."
"Jordan....," said McGonagall angrily.
"Sorry, sorry, so anyway, final score 200-20 for Gryffindor!"