Unraveled

Chapter Thirty-Six: The Astronomy Tower

            The days passed as quickly as a blink of an eye.  The other students still couldn't get over Harry being king, but he was learning to ignore the fuss.  He and Draco regularly dueled against each other in the Quidditch field during the afternoons.  The thing that bothered Harry the most was the lack of time alone he got to spend with Fiona.  Avalon had given them a chance to get to know each other more.

            It didn't help that someone was always there and he was being pulled into different directions the entire time.  Fiona wasn't as busy as he was, but she wasn't the king.  All he wanted to do was spend some time with her, but he really didn't want to voice it out loud.  Ron and Hermione knew about this, so they were busy hatching a plan to help him out.  This involved recruiting Fred, George, and Ginny.  So, the five of them got together in one corner of the library.

            "Harry's too shy to ask Fiona just to spend some time with him," said Ginny quietly.  "So, maybe we could just pass notes for them."

            "It's not as simple as that, Ginny.  Harry said that her father won't let him take her out until her birthday.  That's months away," said Ron.  "Sirius Black isn't stupid enough to let his daughter out of his sight for very long.  There are too many people watching Harry and Fiona."

            "Hmm…with the Marauders' Map, we could plan some kind of getaway," said Fred thoughtfully.  "I'm getting pretty sick of Harry being so touchy every time she goes off with Malfoy."

            "No good.  Sirius Black and Remus Lupin know all the secret passages marked on it.  They were the ones who made the map," said Hermione, not realizing she had revealed some vital trouble making history.

            "Wait!  You mean we have those two to thank for all the wonderful things we've had?" asked George loudly.

            "Quiet, George," said Ginny.  They were the only students in the library, so they weren't disturbing anyone.

            "Yes, they're two of the four Marauders on the map," said Ron with a grin.

            "Which ones?" asked Fred.

            "Padfoot and Moony.  Prongs was James Potter.  And Wormtail isn't worth mentioning," answered Ron.

            "Padfoot?  That's Sirius Black because Moony would have to be Professor Lupin.  But that nickname doesn't really work anymore for him.  He's not a werewolf anymore," said George thoughtfully.

            "And Sirius Black turns into a large dog.  I get it," said Ginny brightly.

            "But why was James Potter called 'Prongs?'" asked Fred.

            "He was an Anigamus, too.  He turned into a stag," answered Hermione.  "Maybe, Harry should work on being one.  It would make him more well rounded."

            "Speaking of Harry, what are we going to do?" asked Ron.

            "We could invite both parties to one location and leave them," said Ginny thoughtfully.  "Yes, that might just work."

            "That's too simple," scoffed George.

            "No, it isn't.  We just have to plan some distractions," said Hermione, agreeing with Ginny's plan.

            "But where?" asked Fred, mentally recalling the layout of the castle.  "They can't disappear for too long otherwise everyone else will be up in arms.  But we need a location that's private enough."

            "Not too private," said Ginny.

            "All the classrooms are pretty much empty since we moved the lessons to the common rooms of the houses," said Hermione thoughtfully.

            "But, even if we figure out where they could go, who's to say they'll play along?" asked Ron.

            "That's why we need to invite them separately.  I'll just ask Fiona to come with me, while you and Hermione ask Harry to come with you.  Then Fred and George will distract everyone else for a while," replied Ginny.  Her eyes were sparkling as she smiled. 

            "Then, we quickly disappear once we get them to a place," continued Ron.  "I like it."

            "So, do I," agreed Fred.

            "But, we still don't know where they should go," said Hermione.

            "And what do you mean by 'distract', Ginny?" asked George.

            "I don't know.  That's why we'll just leave it up to you guys," answered Ginny with a shrug.

            "But, Mum and Dad are here.  Not to mention Percy.  There's no way we can get away with it for very long," said George doubtfully.

            "Oh come now, George, since when have you been afraid to take on a challenge?" asked Fred with a laugh as his eyes began to sparkle like their sister's.

            "When should we do this?" asked Hermione.  She was still doubtful, even though George was giving an approving look.  She had a feeling she was going to have to get used to planning things with the Weasleys.  She looked at her boyfriend for the answer.

            "We'll have to pick a time when both of them aren't busy," said Ron thoughtfully.

            Suddenly, Fred snapped his fingers.  "You know when you could do it?  How about during dinner?  George and I could put on a fireworks display in the Great Hall.  All we have to do is clear it with Professor Dumbledore.  We've got enough fireworks to make it last a while."

            "Yes!  We could do that," exclaimed George.  "And it wouldn't be very suspicious."

            "We could have the house elves set up a dinner somewhere else for them," said Ginny excitedly. 

            "What about Draco Malfoy?" asked Hermione.  He was the one thing that they weren't planning for.

            "We'll just full body bind him," replied Ron.  "Please let me, Hermione."

            "No.  We can't do that.  We'll have to come up with something else to keep him distracted.  He's going to notice Harry and Fiona leaving at the same time.  He might tell her father," disagreed Hermione.

            "It's really all in how I get Fiona to leave with me.  He knows that Harry's just going to leave with you two.  That's normal," said Ginny.

            "But, we still need to pick a place," said Fred.

            "I got it.  Why don't we just use one of the classrooms?" asked George.  "I know.  The Astronomy Tower.  It's private enough."

            "We could fix it up," said Ginny.  "Yes, Hermione and I could fix it up."

            "The house elves will do whatever we say and deliver up there.  After all Harry's the king," said Fred.

            "Don't be so mean.  We could just put the food up there ourselves," said Hermione in defense of the house elves.

            "Hermione, it doesn't make much of a difference.  If we bring the food with us, then they'll get suspicious.  It's better just to let the elves take care of it for us," said Ron, trying his best not to anger her.

            She looked at him for a moment and sighed.  "You're right, but Ginny and I will still set it up," she agreed reluctantly.

            "Okay, now all we need is the right time," said Fred.  "I think we'll just talk to Professor Dumbledore and that's when we'll execute this plan."

            "Agreed," said everyone else.

*

            Fiona was concentrating hard on the ball that rested on the table.  She was practicing her air magic.  Avalonian magic was very natural to her, but that came as no surprise to anyone.  She was able to make the ball float off the table.

            "Show off," scoffed Draco.  He wasn't doing as well as she was, but he wasn't as naturally inclined as her. 

            "Very good," complimented Sensei Ran.

            "Is that it for today?" pleaded Fiona.  She was getting tired.

            "Hmm…I suppose you deserve some time off.  So, I'll let you go fifteen minutes early," said Sensei Ran.  "Now, both of you, scat."

            Draco and Fiona left the classroom quickly because they were afraid Sensei Ran might change his mind.  He let out a laugh as soon as they managed to escape him.  He shook his head.  What interesting students he had.

            "Where are you headed?" asked Draco.

            "To Gryffindor Tower," answered Fiona.

            "Again?"

            "Yes, again.  What's your problem?"

            "All those Gryffindors can't be a good influence on you."

            "May I remind you that I'm a Gryffindor?"

            "I mean prolonged expose to other Gryffindors can't be good for you."

            "My father is."

            "But, you're half Slytherin."

            "And I carry on the proud tradition of whatever it is a Slytherin does."

            "Very funny."

            "What's your real problem, Draco?  You can come with me, if you want."

            "No, I can't."

            "Why not?  It doesn't matter any more."

            "I don't want to hang out with Gryffindors.  I haven't gone that far down in the world."

            "Excuse me?"

            "I'm not talking about you.  You are really dense.  You know that."

            "I'm dense?"

            "You are.  I hate Potter.  I really don't want to be in the same room with him if I can avoid it."
            That was enough to make Fiona shut up.  She pouted slightly.  She wished Draco would make more of an effort to get along with Harry.  He wasn't a bad person.  She just wanted them to get along better.

            "Come on, Draco," said Fiona as she grabbed his arm.

            "Where are you taking me?" he demanded.

            "To Gryffindor Tower," she answered as she pulled him along.

            "What?  I said I didn't want to go.  What's wrong with you?  Let me go," said Draco as he wrenched his arm free.

            "Please?" asked Fiona.  "I don't ask for very much, Draco.  Pretty please with sugar on top?" She made her eyes water for effect.

            Draco looked away.  "Okay, okay.  I'll go with you.  Just stop that thing with your eyes.  It's freaking me out," he muttered.

            "Yippee!" she exclaimed. 

            "I just don't think I can stomach Potter for the afternoon."

            "You don't have to stay very long if you don't want to.  It's your choice when you get to leave.  I'm not going to force you to stay if you don't want to," said Fiona.

            "But, you're going to do that weird thing with your eyes again, aren't you?" asked Draco.

            "Maybe," said Fiona with a smile.

            "I have no idea what he sees in you," mumbled Draco under his breath.

            "What was that?" she asked.

            "Nothing," he replied as they stopped in front of the Fat Lady.

            "Password?" asked the Fat Lady.

            "Butterbeer," answered Fiona.  The password had changed recently, but since Fiona belonged in Gryffindor she was told the password.  The Fat Lady opened up and allowed them inside.  Harry was sitting at one of the tables with Percy and Mr. Weasley.

            "What's going on?" asked Fiona to Ron.

            "Harry's got to respond to the letters from the ministers of magic from around the world," answered Ron.  "His workload's really increased since yesterday.  I can't help, but feel a little sorry for him."

            Percy and Mr. Weasley were helping Harry handle some of the more day-to-day business dealings of being royal.  Percy was writing down notes as Harry said things.  He wasn't really sure what he was doing, but he needed someone to organize.  Mr. Weasley was doing more observing because Percy and Harry were working well together.

            "Minister Fudge wrote that the new Minister of Magic for France has been elected.  His name is Pierre Maurice.  He hasn't sent a note to Minister Fudge yet," said Percy.

            "How many more have arrived?" asked Harry.  "I don't think Hedwig can handle delivering all these messages."

            "We can use the school's owls, Harry, "answered Percy.  Harry's only real request from Percy was not to call him anything else but Harry.

            "I think it's time for a break, Harry," said Mr. Weasley.

            Percy looked up at his father.  "We still haven't looked at the rest of the letters yet, Dad."

            "I think Harry will want to take care of that later," said Mr. Weasley as he smiled towards Fiona.  Harry put his quill down and pushed the papers away.

            "I'm taking a break.  Just um…I don't know…" he trailed off.

            "Busy?" asked Fiona as he walked up to them.  He gave them a nod.

            Draco didn't say anything because he was looking around the common room.  "It's so red in here," he observed.

            "What is he doing here?" asked Harry suspiciously.

            "I invited him," answered Fiona brightly.

            "Oh," he said.

            "Hi Hermione.  Ginny," said Fiona as she walked up to them.  Harry and Draco indulged themselves by glaring at each other behind her back.  It wasn't enough that they were sparring with each other regularly.  Harry was seeing more of Draco than he was of Fiona.  Fred and George snickered at them. 

            "What are you doing?" she asked as she sat down.

            "Nothing really.  Are you done for the day?" asked Ginny as she moved to allow her to have a seat. 

            "Yep.  Sensei Ran let us go fifteen minutes early," answered Fiona. 

            "Everyone's been so busy lately.  We were thinking that we should plan a little celebration.  A pre-battle rally, if you will," said Hermione.  "The Twins are going to ask Professor Dumbledore if they can do an indoor fireworks display."

            "Why don't you join them?" asked Fred as he gave a meaningful glance towards his sister and the other girls.

            "Why would I do that?" asked Harry.  Fred started shoving him towards Fiona.  Draco stepped forward, but George caught him.  Draco glared at him. 

            "I really need to get out of this place," he muttered as he shook his head.

            "Let's show Malfoy around," said George as he and Fred surrounded him on either side.  "Come now, you don't have any hard feelings about that whole pranking thing, do you?"

            "What 'pranking thing'?" asked Mrs. Weasley suspiciously.

            "Nothing," chorused the twins.

            "I'll answer.  Before we went to Avalon, these two pulled pranks on me.  I haven't even seen anything like it.  I won't go into the details.  I also know who's responsible for it," said Draco as he looked towards where Harry was sitting, next to Fiona.

            "Come on, like Fiona would do anything to you," said Ron quickly.

            "Hey!" exclaimed Fiona as Harry started laughing.

            "How did you manage to do this?" asked Mrs. Weasley the twins.  "I thought that we discussed it.  Your pocket money is to be saved in the vault."

            "They have a backer," said Draco shrewdly.  "Tell us Potter."

            "I have no idea what you're talking about," said Harry calmly.  Fiona opened her mouth to say something, but he rested his hand on top of hers.  It was enough for her to keep quiet.

            "Those attacks were unprovoked and you know it.  What I can't still figure out is how they got the money for it, but I'm sure you know, Potter," said Draco.

            "How dare you go accusing your king of things," said Neville bravely.

            "Shut up, Longbottom," said Draco with a dismissive wave.

            "Draco, stop.  You're in the wrong place with that attitude," said Fiona as she shook Harry's hand free from hers and stood up.  "Just sit down.  Please."

            "Fine.  Whatever.  I only came because you made me, so this whole thing is entirely your fault, Fin."

            Harry didn't like the fact that Draco got to call Fiona by her nickname like that.  He still hadn't gotten to that yet.  He knew her better than he did.  On top of that with all the work Harry had to do, Draco was getting to know Fiona even more.  He didn't like it.  Before he could say anything, Sirius and Remus walked in.

            "What's going on?" asked Sirius as he looked at the Draco, then he looked at Harry.  "It looks like a showdown."

            "Dad, thank goodness you're here," said Fiona as she walked up to him.  She kissed him on the cheek.

            Remus was grinning.  This was very funny.  Fiona was so relieved when her father walked in because his presence quickly diffused the situation.  Harry was looking away from him, but Sirius' eyes twinkled with amusement.  He knew what was going on. 

            "Professor Lupin, when are you expecting that essay on vampires?" asked Hermione to break the silence.

            "Tomorrow, Hermione," answered Remus.

            "Is it okay if it's a little over?" she asked. 

            "That depends."

            "I went one parchment over."

            Ron shook his head.  "You work too hard," he muttered.  He smiled a little, but walked to Harry.  "I'm the only one who wants to have fun anymore, Harry."

            "I would like some time off, but that's not going to happen anytime soon.  Maybe we should just take a trip to Hogsmeade," said Harry thoughtfully.

            "Yeah!  I need more chocolate frogs," said Fiona. 

            "She really does have a sweet tooth," said Mrs. Weasley with a laugh.

            "I believe that's what makes her so sweet," Sirius told her.  "Okay, we'll go this weekend,  but only if you're good."

            "That's not fair," said Fiona with a pout.  "I'm always good."

            Her father gave her an exasperated "Yeah, right" look.  "I know all the tricks before you pull them.  Don't test me."  He looked over at Harry and Ron.  "I also know what kind of equipment you have, so don't try it."

            "I like the sound of that challenge, don't you, Harry?" asked Ron.  Mr. and Mrs. Weasley both gasped.

            "Yes, I do," agreed Harry. 

            Sirius and Remus looked at each other.  "This should be interesting," murmured Remus.

            "How could they get to Hogsmeade?" asked Mr. Weasley.

            "Ron, I expressly forbid you from sneaking out of the school," said Mrs. Weasley.

            Fiona started to giggle.  "We have to go back to our quarters now.  Come, Fiona.  We might as well rescue you, too, Draco.  Harry, try to behave," said Sirius.

            "Just edit your essay and take out the irrelevant parts, Hermione," said Remus.  "You really shouldn't over work yourself.  The O.W.L.s have been postponed until further notice anyway."

            They left the common room.  "We have to go and ask Professor Dumbledore, if he'll let us put on the fireworks display tonight," announced Fred.

            "Yes, that's a good idea," agreed George.

            "Tonight?" asked Hermione nervously.

            "That doesn't leave much time for—" started Ginny.

            "It will be enough," interrupted Ron.

            "What are you doing?" asked Harry.

            "Nothing," chorused the twins, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny. 

            "Why don't you go back to work?  We've got things to do," said Ginny hurriedly.

            "Where are you girls going?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

            "To the kitchen.  Let's get some snacks," said Hermione as she and Ginny made a hasty exit.

            "I've got homework to do, but I need to get my book," said Ron quickly as he left. 

            Harry was left utterly perplexed.  He knew they were up to something, but Percy was frantically trying to get his attention to get back to work.  He sighed and decided he'd take care of whatever it was they were planning later.  There were more pressing things on his mind.

            Ron went into the room and went to Harry's trunk looking for the cloak and the map.  He mentally asked Harry to forgive him.  The sword was placed somewhere else at Rufus' suggestion for safe keeping.  Not that Ron would even think of touching it.  Harry would probably forgive him later. 

            Meanwhile, the girls were able to convince a very excited Dobby to arrange the dinner at the Astronomy tower.  They chose the level just below the very top.  It was perfect for star gazing.  Hermione and Ginny quickly came back with the snacks for everyone.  The twins came back after talking to Professor Dumbledore, who was kind enough to allow them to do the fireworks display.  After that, the group trooped off to the library for some last minute planning, but it was getting a little suspicious.

*

            Several hours later, everyone gathered at the Great Hall.  Hermione thought it was too soon to do it, but she was vetoed by the whole group.  She shook her head.  That was what she got for dealing with the Weasleys.  She looked at her unreasonable boyfriend who gave a smile that made her heart skip a beat.  Harry was sitting with them while Fiona was sitting with her father.  He looked at her periodically.  Hermione sighed.  It was as good a time as any.  She didn't like seeing him sad. 

            "I just remembered I forgot my bag," said Hermione, executing the plan.  Ron looked at her, but said, "You can get it later."

            "No, I need to get it now," she insisted.  This was part of the plan.

            "Okay, okay.  Let's go and get.  Harry, come with us," said Ron as he stood up.

            "Why?" asked Harry.

            "Just come with us.  Don't ask why," said Ron with a roll of his eyes.  Harry stood up because his curiosity was getting the better of him, so he followed them.

            The twins started the fireworks display and there was more than enough to last for a good half hour.  Ginny stood up when they had started.  She walked up to Fiona and said, "Fiona, could you come with me?"

            "Why?" asked Fiona.

            "I need your help on something," answered Ginny.

            "What?" asked Draco.  Sirius was paying attention to the fireworks, but he kept his ear open to the conversation. 

            "It's a secret," said Ginny with a mischievous wink.  "Come, Fiona."

            "O-okay…" agreed Fiona reluctantly as Ginny practically pulled her to her feet.

            "Where are you going?" asked Draco.

            "Don't worry about it, Ferret.  We're going to have some girl talk that's all," said Ginny.  "You know what that means, right?"

            Draco scowled at being called Ferret, but he had a feeling he really didn't want to know what Ginny meant by "girl talk."  Still he was rather suspicious.  "Come back soon," he told Fiona as she left.

            Fiona walked down one of the corridors with Ginny. She was wondering what was going on.  "Where are we going?" asked Fiona.  "What did you need me to help you with?"

            "We're going to the Astronomy Tower.  There's a rare constellation.  I thought you might be able to identify it.  I heard from Harry that you liked to star gaze," answered Ginny.

            "But, why did we have to leave dinner right away to go?" asked Fiona.

            "It's only available during this time," answered Ginny.

            "Really?" asked Fiona.

            "Really," insisted Ginny.  She really was happy for her and Harry.  She would have done anything to make sure that Harry was happy and he was happiest when he was around Fiona.  Ginny couldn't really be jealous of Fiona.  It was like Harry was waiting for her.  It couldn't be helped.  "Fiona, I really meant it when I said I was sorry before.  It wasn't just you being his granddaughter.  It was something else."

            "What?"

            "You are so clueless.  You'll figure it out as soon as you see the constellation."

            They finally met up with Ron and Hermione.  They were standing outside the door, looking rather proud of themselves like cats who had just swallowed canaries.  Fiona didn't like the feeling she was having.  It was like walking into a trap.  "Weren't you with Harry?" she asked.

            "We were," said Ron.  "Okay, let's get this over with, shall we?"

            "What?" asked Fiona as Ginny and Hermione came up on either side.  "What's going on?"

            Before she knew it, Ron had opened the door and the girls had pushed her inside.  The door slammed shut behind her.  "Hey!  Let me out!" she shouted as she pounded against the door. 

            "Stop.  It won't work.  They put a spell, locking us on the inside," said Harry in a causal voice.  Fiona stopped cold and slowly turned around.  "They even took my wand."

            "What are you doing here?" asked Fiona.

            "I have no idea.  What about you?" asked Harry. 

            "I don't know."

            She looked around.  There was a dinner set up on a table with some white roses as a center piece.  There was a telescope near the window.  There were sofas that were pushed against the wall to make room for the table and the chairs.  Fiona realized what was happening.  She started pounding on the door again.  "LET US OUT OF HERE!  SO HELP ME I'LL HEX YOU!" she shouted at the top of her lungs.

            Outside the door, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny looked at each other briefly before shrugging.  "There's nothing you can do about it.  We'll be back to get you guys out later," assured Ron.

            "OPEN THIS DOOR, RON!  HERMIONE!  GINNY!" ordered Fiona.

            "Calm down," said Harry as he stood up.  Fiona pressed herself against the door.  There was no where to run.  It was just him and her locked in a room for an undetermined period of time.

            The trio outside decided they could leave when she stopped shouting.  "Let's go and get something to eat.  We'll just eat in the common room while checking the map every once in a while," said Ron.

            "I'm starving," agreed Ginny.  "Hermione, what do you feel like having?"

            "I don't know.  I really don't care," replied Hermione as they walked off.

            Fiona stared up at Harry as he walked up to her.  "How long are you going to stand there?" he asked with a smile.

            "Um…I can't believe I was stupid enough to get tricked," she mumbled. 

            "I let them.  I figured they were up to something, so I thought I'd play along.  I actually walked in here by myself," admitted Harry.  "Of course, if they had just told me what they were planning, they wouldn't have to trick me at all.  I would have gone along with it."

            "And you call these people your friends?" asked Fiona.

            "Yes," he said.  He walked over to the table and took a seat.  It looked like he had surrendered to the situation pretty easily.  And why shouldn't he?  He was with her and there were no other annoying distractions like paperwork and ferrets.  Harry didn't even break his word to Sirius, which made it even better. 

            "What are you doing?" she asked in disbelief.

            "Having a bite to eat.  It would be a shame to waste it.  Have something to eat.  You're tiny."

            True enough, Harry was more than a head taller than she.  He had muscle because of all the Quidditch practices.  Fiona did martial arts, but she was still very petite.  He was physically stronger than her.  Fiona took a seat.  "I can't help it.  I'm overdue for a growth spurt.  My parents are pretty tall," she said.

            "My mother wasn't," said Harry.  "My father was as tall as your father.  I think."

            "So, you're going to be a giant, too, aren't you?" asked Fiona.

            "I don't know.  Either way, you should eat something more substantial than sugar," Harry told her.

            Fiona slowly started to eat.  She watched him across the roses.  She wondered how he could keep so calm under the circumstances.  Of course, she had no idea that he was just as nervous as she was.  He was trying not do spill or drop anything.

            "I wonder what's going on now.  How long do you think we'll be here?" asked Fiona.

            "I don't know.  I should have known something was up.  Whenever the twins are involved, there's something up."

            "I'll try to remember that."

            Harry looked at her.  He wondered why she was so desperate to leave.  "Fiona, do you even like me just the slightest bit?" he asked.

            Fiona looked at him.  "Um…why do you ask?"

            "Because you don't like being around me.  You're trying to get away from me."

            "I just don't feel very comfortable.  I'm sorry.  I've been trying to figure things out."

            "What's there for you to figure out?"

            "Things are changing so fast.  Draco's serious.  He's leaving for Avalon.  I can't stop him," said Fiona with a sigh.

            "Why does that bother you so much?  It's just Malfoy," snapped Harry.  He couldn't stand it any longer.  "Malfoy doesn't care as much about you.  I can guarantee that."

            "He's my best friend," said Fiona angrily.

            "You don't need him."

            "Why wouldn't I?  He's my best friend.  He has always been there for me.  You just can't trust him because of the past.  Fine.  I understand.  I'm not asking you to be his friend."

            "But, why do you need him, when you have me?"

            "What?  Are you jealous?!"  She couldn't believe it.  She hadn't done anything wrong.  It was pretty clear to everyone else that Draco and her were just friends.  They had discussed their engagement.  Draco said it would have been too weird if they had gotten married.  He wouldn't have been able to stand it.  If everyone else knew better, then why didn't Harry?  What was wrong with him?

            Harry angrily said, "No.  I'm just saying you shouldn't spend all your time with him.  Even your free time."

            "You moron!  You're jealous!" she exclaimed.

            "Don't flatter yourself!" he shouted back.  His cheeks were turning pink.  This wasn't going well at all.  "I don't care how you spend your time." 

            "Fine.  I'll do what I want."

            "Fine.  Do that."

            "I will."

            "You're impossible!" they said in unison.  They looked away from each other.  Another minute past before Harry said, "I haven't seen you around much."  His voice was quiet. 

            "You're busy.  I didn't want to bother you.  Everyone else does more for you than I could anyway.  At least, Draco needs me.  When he leaves, I'll be alone again.  He's the only friend I've got."

            Harry opened his mouth then shut it.  "I didn't think of that.  I didn't know you'd be lonely.  You're not alone.  I'm here.  I will always be here for you.  Even if you don't love me back, I'll be here."  What he said made his chest hurt.  He couldn't stand to see her sad. 

            She stood up and walked to the window where the telescope was.  He stood up and joined her.  "Thanks, Harry," she gave him a smile.

            "I am jealous.  Are you happy to hear that?  I don't like it when you spend so much time with him.  I don't get to see you at all.  Your father lets him spend time with you.  I got lectured," said Harry.

            "What?  What did my dad say?" asked Fiona.

            "I can't force you into anything.  I can't even ask you out until after your birthday," answered Harry.

            "Really?  There's something else I'm wondering about," said Fiona thoughtfully.

            "What about?" he asked.

            "That fight that I broke up between you and Draco.  He wouldn't tell me what it was about.  Was it about me?"

            Harry gave her a slight nod.  "He told me I wasn't good enough for you.  He said that you were above the both of us.  I guess he's right."

            Fiona gave a laugh.  "I am far from perfect."

            Harry stood next to her.  She looked more than beautiful next to the moonlight.  He caught her chin and traced his thumb along her jaw line.  Fiona looked straight into his eyes.  "Harry—" she started to say.  Before, she could say anything more he kissed her.  He lifted his head.

            "You're too short," he told her.

            "Well, I'm sorry.  Maybe in the few months, I'll grow up a few inches more to your liking," said Fiona sarcastically as she rolled her eyes at him. 

            Harry allowed to let what she had just said sink in.  He broke into a smile.  "You're serious?"

            "Maybe."

            They smiled at each other.  He took her hand, which she clutched back.  He marveled at how lucky he was.  At that moment, he was sure that he could face off with Voldemort and he could even be a king.  With Fiona by his side, Harry could take on anything.

AN:  I thought I'd give my couple a little break.  I had to find a way around what I set up for Sirius.  Of course, the next chapter will be very serious as we move forward into the final battle.  The next part should be funny when people start to miss Harry and Fiona.  ^^

Once again school has gotten in the way.  I've edited this part and put it up for your enjoyment.  I have to finish two papers and study for two quizzes.  So, please sit tight.  For further updates (excuses for not working), please go to http://remyelf.livejournal.com.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.  I own this story.  ^^