Ron and Hermione wake up about eleven Monday morning.
Ron asks, "Have a nice night?"
Hermione rips the covers off. She says, "Yes and don't move."
Ron asks, "Why?"
Hermione grabs a book from the shelves. She says, "Mum gave me this book on sex. I want to make sure that I can name each part of your anatomy."
"Can I do the same with you?"
She waves him off with, "Sometime later, maybe."
She sets the book down on the bed next to Ron. Repeatedly, she looks at the book and then at Ron. She mutters, "Penis ... Pubic Hair ... Scrotum"
Ron says irritatedly, "I'm not circumcised by the way."
She says, "I can tell, it's not damaged." She squeezes on Ron's testicle.
"Ow! Don't squeeze!" protests Ron.
She says, "Sorry, now I know."
Ron gives Hermione's right boob a tight squeeze. He says, "See?"
She intentionally squeezes both of Ron's testicles. She warns very sternly, "Do not injure me."
Ron protests, "Squeezing a boob may hurt but it does not injure. Squeezing my balls can injure, permanently. Cousin Tom found that out the hard way."
Harry heard this and was now standing in the open doorway.
"Ahem." says Harry.
Hermione wraps a sheet about her, but rolls off the bed and tangles in the blankets. Harry grabs the book.
"Anatomy, interesting. Lemme guess, Hermione?" says Harry.
"What do you want?" asks Ron.
"I thought I heard you two cat fighting. Guess I was wrong. Gia might be interested in this book." says Harry.
"In case you can't tell, I'm naked right now." says Ron.
"I noticed. Doing a good job Ron. Make sure you use protection." says Harry, grinning.
Hermione snaps, "If the sex police will remove themselves, we need to get dressed."
Ron says, "Hermione, Harry is just trying to play Cupid."
Harry discretely withdraws and closes the door.
Hermione says, "I thought you locked the door last night."
Ron says, "I thought I did. Anyways, we were about to start fighting there. I'm sorry for ... ahem ... squeezing."
Hermione kisses Ron. She says, "I'm sorry too. Anyways, at least I know the names."
Ron says, "Yeah. I'll need to figure yours out too." Ron grabs for the book.
Hermione says, "It is late and we do have work to do today."
Ron and Hermione enter the kitchen. Harry and Gia are already sitting at the kitchen table. Ron pours himself a cup of tea. Hermione grabs an orange. They sit at the table.
Harry says, "Ron, here." He hands Ron a nice leather backpack.
Ron is a bit perplexed and says, "What for?"
"We were at the outdoor shop earlier today. These will be useful for the trip." says Harry.
Ron says, "So you bought one for me?"
Harry says, "No, I bought two. I'm giving one to you. Consider it the birthday gift I forgot to get you."
Ron says, "Gee, thanks."
Gia says, "He didn't get me one."
Harry replies, "You don't need one because I'll be carrying your stuff."
Hermione says, "How thoughtful. I suppose Ron will do the same."
Ron says, "Yes."
Gia jokes, "Hermione, that means we can bring along those industrial strength hair dryers. Wonder how much makeup they could carry?"
Hermione says, "Or packs of condoms? Of course, they'd be dreaming there." Gia giggles.
Harry says, "Well, you two do have backpacks already. So, if you want to carry too much...."
Ron admires the backpack. He says, "Muggles can make fine things."
Hermione says, "Alright, we have an essay for History, right?"
Ron and Harry start scribbling. Hermione starts her usual tidy and tight handwriting. After an hour of frustration, Harry and Ron still don't have much. Hermione has a nice foot.
Gia says, "Can I see?"
Harry pushes her the parchment and book. He says, "If you know anything about the meeting outlawing dragon breeding, you can add it."
Gia looks over the essay shaking her head. She asks, "Don't they teach anything about composition or essays at Hogwarts?"
Hermione replies, "No, it's just 'write this essay'."
Gia grabs Ron's and Hermione's essays. She reads them. She says, "Ron's is similar to Harry's, very poor. Hermione, this would be good for Primary school, but not anymore."
Ron is offended and says, "I put a lot of effort into those!"
Gia says, "It's wasted effort. First, realize what the essay is about. The teachers want to make sure that you understand a point. They don't need the encyclopedia of facts, they can read those elsewhere."
Hermione protests, "i give them enough to demonstrate I know it."
Gia replies, "Hermione, it's not just about memorizing facts. It's about understanding it. That means you should be able to condense it to the desired length without losing the essential facts."
Harry asks, "Gia, what do you suggest?"
Gia says, "Read the damn passage first. Here!" She thrusts the book into Harry's grasp.
Ron and Hermione grab their essays back and continue. Harry reads the passage. Harry finishes the passage after forty minutes.
Gia asks, "Finished? Think you understand?"
Harry replies, "Yeah, think so."
Gia says, "Okay, write an outline."
"Huh?"
Gia says, "Here, write down the main theme of your essay. It should address the question."
Harry jots down, "Intl Conf bans Dragon Breeding."
Gia says, "Okay, what are the major points and reasons? Write them down. You need a foot, so you probably need at least two."
Harry writes down, "Dragons impossible to tame, Muggles would notice."
Gia says, "For each major point, sketch out a bit more detail. List the examples, arguments, or minor points."
Harry does this.
Gia says, "For each point, get the details right. Use the relevant passage and jot down essential details related to each point; dates, names, locations, that sort of thing."
Harry skims the passage and fills in the outline with the details.
Gia says, "Okay, now write the draft. Start with the introduction."
Harry writes down, "The International Confederation of Wizards bans Dragon Breeding."
Gia says, "Alright, now add a sentence for each main topic."
Harry writes, "They did this for two big reasons. First, Dragons are impossible to tame. Second, Dragons are hard to hide from the Muggle community."
Gia says, "Now, work on the first point. A paragraph."
Harry writes a paragraph on dragons being impossible to tame.
Gia says, "Okay, now the second point. Another paragraph."
Harry writes the paragraph on hiding dragons from Muggles.
Gia says, "Alright, you have it. Let's see, that's a bit more than a foot but that's still fine."
Harry lets Gia read the foot and a half essay.
Gia says, "Much improved. See? It's much faster doing it properly. Of course, if you were publishing this, I'd suggest revisions. For a school essay, it's decent."
Harry smiles. Hermione grabs Harry's essay.
Hermione reads the essay. She says, "Yikes, this is much better. Very concise yet it addresses the question."
Gia says, "Hermione, your essays could benefit too by this."
Ron reads it and says, "That's good Harry."
Harry says, "Ron, give it a try. You'll then have a lot of spare time for Hermione."
Hermione rolls her eyes.
Ron smiles and says, "He's right Hermione. If we can write these faster, we will have more time."
Harry kisses Gia. Then he starts working on his Transfiguration essay. Ron and Hermione try Gia's method on their History essays.
Harry finishes his Transfiguration essay.
Harry says, "Done with that."
Gia replies, "Harry, as you gain proficiency, you'll get faster too."
Ron finishes his History essay. Hermione is still writing at two feet.
Ron says, "Hermione, that's not concise."
Hermione says, "I'm still be thorough."
Harry says, "Hermione, writing too much wastes time when your talents can be better used elsewhere."
"Humph!" mumbles Hermione, still writing.
Harry starts on his Charms essay. Ron starts his Transfiguration essay.
Harry finishes his Charms essay. Gia looks this one over.
Gia says, "See, that was way faster. The quality is still very much improved."
Ron says, "Harry, I think your marks will improve."
Gia asks, "So, what's with that?"
Harry says, "You saw the previous quality. I spent a lot time writing you."
Hermione says, "Essentially, he wrote you instead of his essays. His marks have been suffering as a result."
Ron says, "Hence the commuting arrangement."
Gia says, "Aw, so Harry can spend his nights sleeping instead of writing?"
Harry says, "Pretty much. I like it."
Hermione says, "Harry's getting a reward for bad marks."
Ron says, "No, the arrangement is made to help Harry improve his marks."
Harry says, "And I'm going to keep that arrangement."
Hermione says, "Well, we still have Portkeys to make."
Gia asks, "What is a Portkey?"
Harry says, "Magical object that will allow me to commute from Hogwarts to your bedroom daily."
Ron says, "Excellent choice of a destination."
Hermione rolls her eyes and says, "Suppose you'll make it bed to bed in five seconds."
Harry says, "Nice idea. For mine only of course."
Ron asks, "So the others will land on her front porch or something?"
Gia asks, "So, you can set the destination anywhere?"
Harry says, "Almost everywhere. My bed to your bedroom is my idea."
Hermione says, "I presume that Dumbledore's won't lead there."
Ron says, "Of course not, make him use the entry way. Give the love birds some privacy."
Hermione says, "Privacy? What do you think they'll do?"
Ron replies, "Whatever they want to. We'll need to decide about the other Portkeys when we make them."
Gia asks, "How many are you going to give out?"
Harry replies, "There will be a total of four. One for me. One for Ron so he can reach me. One for Dumbledore, our Headmaster. One for Sirius in case you two need to escape something."
Gia says, "Your Headmaster too?"
Harry says, "Gia, he's giving me an extraordinary amount of liberty. I trust him here. He wants to make sure that he can reach me if it's needed."
Hermione says, "Dumbledore is the among most trustworthy of Wizards. Unless Harry really screws up, don't worry about Dumbledore coming."
Ron says, "That would only be if I can't reach either of you."
Harry says, "I've got an essay to work on."
Harry proceeds with his Herbology essay. Ron finishes his Transfiguration and works on Charms.
Hermione exclaims, "Done!" She lays down her history essay.
Ron says, "Hermione, try to work faster. I've finished Transfiguration already."
Hermione snobs, "Just because mine is better gives you no reason to pout."
Gia picks up the History essays. She says, "Hermione, Ron's is better actually. It's much more concise and to the point."
Hermione storms up the stairs.
Ron says, "Don't worry, that's Hermione. She felt humiliated."
Harry says, "Your Charms can wait. She shouldn't."
Ron puts down his quill. He walks up the stairs and to Hermione's room. He enters.
Hermione says, "I didn't give you permission."
Ron says, "You need me."
She whips, "Funny pickup line. Use it often?"
Ron sits onto the bed next to Hermione. He says, "You are upset, maybe I could help?"
"Trying to aggravate it?"
"No, trying calm you."
"You humiliated me down there."
"No, we tried to help you write a better essay."
"So, you're now an expert!"
"No, Gia is an expert compared to me. I don't want you to waste your time on those essays. Do enough to earn top marks and no more."
"Those are hard to balance."
"Well, go for a foot and a half on a one foot assignment. Don't do a roll. Time you waste on essays is time you can spend elsewhere."
"Time on essays is not a waste."
"When you merely address the question, you're right. Spending too much time does not gain you anything. We know that you've read the book in utter detail. Teachers appreciate it but they don't give extra credit."
"Occasionally they do."
"You've already maxed out every mark. Extra credit won't add anything to it. Why spend an extra couple hours for an extra point on a twenty point essay?"
She remains quiet.
Ron asks, "Now, why don't you rejoin us downstairs?"
"Humiliate me again?"
"We did not humiliate you. We suggest improvements."
"Nice spin."
"Well, two options. We can go downstairs or I can explore your anatomy. Where's your book?"
Hermione insinuates, "So now a threat?"
"Hermione, we like you. Harry, Gia, and me like you. I love you. Otherwise we wouldn't spend all this time with you. Now, come and work on another essay with us."
"Will you pester me?"
Ron says, "We will make suggestions to help you write better and faster. We won't pester you about it."
Ron stands. He bows to Hermione and gently grasps her hand. She chuckles. She gets up and lets Ron lead her downstairs to the kitchen.
Ron and Hermione enter the kitchen. Linda Granger is home.
"Hi Mum! You're a bit early." says Hermione.
Linda says, "Sweetie, a patient canceled at the last minute. So, I've got a bit of extra time."
"Dad?" asks Hermione.
Linda says, "Finishing a crown."
Ron says, "And?"
Hermione says, "Crowns take a while."
Hermione and Ron sit back at the kitchen table. Hermione starts on her Transfiguration. Ron works on his Charms. Harry is still working on Herbology.
Linda asks, "Homework?"
Hermione says, "Yes Mum, quite a bit to do."
Gia says, "Yep, quite a bit. We're making short order of it though."
Linda says, "Good. Then you'll like dinner." She starts moving about the kitchen.
Harry finishes his Herbology. He says, "Hermione, should we do Lupin's essay anyways?"
Hermione is a bit perplexed. She says, "Lemme get this straight. Lupin exempts you from an essay, but you intend to write it anyways?"
Harry says, "Sure, to keep you company while you finish your other essays."
Harry begins his Potions essay.
Ron says, "That'll take a while, even with the faster method."
Linda overhears this. She says, "I hope you aren't thinking of cheating."
Gia says, "No, I just showed these fellows how to write quality essays the honest way."
Ron says, "Quite useful. They really don't teach that at Hogwarts like they ought to."
Gia says, "Actually, they don't teach it well anywhere. Since I'm a bit more into English and Drama, I pick up on it."
Harry gives Gia a kiss.
Hermione says, "Gia is well rewarded for her advice."
Linda says, "I can see that."
Ron says, "It also will allow Harry more time with her."
Gia says, "Ample reward."
After several hours, Harry finishes his Potions essay. Ron and Hermione were having fun on a sofa in the living room.
Linda says, "Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes. Charles should be home by then."
Harry starts to pick up his stuff from the table.
Linda says, "Harry, just leave it if you want to. We'll use the dining table for dinner. It rarely gets used anymore."
Harry walks into the living room. Gia is sitting on a chair reading Harry's A History of Magic. Ron and Hermione are on a sofa tickling each other. Harry joins in and starts tickling Hermione.
Hermione protests, "That's not fair."
Harry replies, "Life is rarely fair."
Hermione and Ron grab Harry and start tickling him.
"Ack!" exclaims Harry.
The sofa grows tentacles and start tickling Hermione and Ron.
Ron says, "That's definitely not fair."
Gia chuckles and says, "Having fun?"
Harry says, "Hermione, I think your Dad might be pulling up."
Hermione and Ron quickly smarten up. They hear a door open in the kitchen.
Charles says, "Hi honey. I assume the kids are here."
Linda says, "Yes, they're in the living room. Dinner any moment."
Harry and Ron help Linda put the dinner onto the dining table. They all sit around and eat it.
Ron finishes and says, "Mrs. Granger, this was delicious. Thank you."
Charles says, "Linda, a polite future son-in-law."
Ron's ears go a tinge pink.
Harry says, "Congratulations Ron. Will I be your best man?"
Hermione says, "Sure Harry. I just need a maid of honor."
Ron says, "Well, it has to be after we graduate from Hogwarts. You've got two years to find one. Ginny might consent."
Harry says, "Mrs. Granger, that was delicious."
Charles says, "Sweetie, at least you found some courteous friends. Now, the lady and I are going to enjoy the hot tub. You're welcome to join us."
Ron says, "We've ... ahem ... got plans."
Linda says, "We'll deal with the dishes later."
Charles and Linda exit and go up to their bedroom. Harry, Gia, Ron, and Hermione get up. Harry and Gia quickly reach for the coat closet. Hermione pulls Ron aside.
Hermione says, "Ron, I won't be coming to the nightclub tonight. Have a nice time."
Ron says, "What? I thought you wanted to go."
"I do, but Mum and Dad are home tonight. I don't get that much of chance to talk to them."
Ron says, "Okay. Have fun my darling Hermione."
Hermione looks at him menacing. Ron, Harry, and Gia exit the house along with Snuffles.
Hermione goes up to her room. She changes into her two-piece swimsuit. She goes downstairs, out the back and gets into the hot tub with her parents.
Linda says, "Sweetie, I thought you fellows were going out."
Hermione replies, "They are. I just don't get much of an opportunity to be with you."
Charles says, "That's nice. So, now you have a boyfriend."
Hermione says, "Yes. Does that make you feel old?"
Linda says, "It reminds us, that's all. Seems like yesterday we were worrying about ballet lessons."
Hermione rolls her eyes.
Charles says, "Sweetie, it's not just about what you liked. As parents, we were obliged to expose you to many things. We made you try them until you were certain you didn't like it."
Linda says, "So, has it helped with Ron?"
Hermione says, "Gives him blackmail material."
Charles says, "So, he's an extortionist?"
Hermione replies, "Not really. They just like to see my reactions to their threats."
Linda says, "Charles, I observed them from the station. They might as well be her brothers."
Charles says, "Must make life interesting."
Hermione says, "Yes. They do tease me a bit, but they don't tolerate anyone else doing it."
Linda says, "I think the occasional humiliation is good for you. You didn't have real siblings. Your Dad and I always worried about that."
Hermione says, "You did?"
Charles says, "Being an only child can lead to certain unfavorable traits. We just couldn't cope with more kids."
Linda says, "Those boys seem to be providing needed support for you."
Charles asks, "So, do they protect well?"
Hermione says, "Yes. They've rescued me before."
Linda asks, "Rescue?"
Hermione replies, "Did I tell you about the troll?"
Charles eyes grow a bit wide and asks, "Troll?"
Hermione says, "During our first year, Ron and Harry rescued me from a troll that was loose in the castle."
Linda says, "Why was a troll there in the first place?"
Hermione replies, "A wicked teacher let one in. That teacher was later terminated."
Charles says, "That's good."
Linda says, "Sweetie, since you're home this week, we'll make an effort to clear our schedules."
Hermione says, "You don't have to do that. I have Ron to keep me busy."
Charles says, "We know. But still, since you're around, we do like seeing you."
They continue chatting about various topics. Shortly before midnight, Linda and Charles head back inside the house.
Linda says, "Sweetie, don't stay in too much longer."
Hermione says, "Just until they get back."
Linda enters the house.
Hermione sits there in the hot tub and relaxes.
Harry, Gia, and me are walking to the nightclub. Snuffles is following a short distance behind us. Harry is wearing the cowboy hat Gia gave him. I think it looks a bit funny on him.
"Isn't Hermione coming?" Harry asks.
I says, "No, she wanted to talk to her parents. Guess they don't do that often."
He replies, "Whatever."
I ask, "We'll still have fun. Got that ID? Gia?"
"Yep." says Harry. Snuffles looks at us like we're naughty or something.
I ask, "So Gia, do you love Harry?"
Harry is a bit embarrassed by my question.
Gia responds, "Yep. He's cute and handsome. Has that rebel streak in him too."
I chuckle. "Rebel. There's probably not a single school rule he hasn't broken."
Harry says, "That goes for you too."
I reply, "Yes, but we're talking about you."
We reach the Flaming Blue nightclub. We get into the line. Snuffles growls at use.
Harry says, "We are going in. You can hang around or head back to Hermione's."
We're pretty much quiet. A pair of teenager boys ahead of us start talking.
"Glad Dad sent me to Durmstrang. Imagine going to Hogwarts. I pity Malfoy." says one.
The other one says, "Yes Macnair. He writes complaining about Potter. Glad your Granddad insisted on Durmstrang. Of course he is the Ministry's executioner."
Harry and I exchange looks. They seem to be Junior Death Eaters.
Macnair says, "Brooks, we might have more fun later. Heard that young Malfoy was caught during his first. If he can't do that properly, Hogwarts must be bad."
The bouncer at the door lets Harry, Gia, and me in. I must remember to thank my brothers for these IDs.
We buy some drinks and sit at a table. Harry looks over my shoulder, then points. I look over and see the biggest kid I've ever seen. He's about the size of a killer whale sitting at a table behind us.
Then I realize, it's Harry's cousin Dudley. It looks like he's talking to a friend seated behind me.
I stare at Dudley and asks Harry, "What's he doing here?"
Harry says, "Smeltings must be nearby. Suppose my Aunt and Uncle aren't aware of this."
Dudley sees us. He's very startled and looks very alarmed. He says, "Who'd want to be friends with you?"
Harry points at me and says, "Dudley, this is Ron Weasley." Harry then points to Gia and says, "This is my girlfriend, Gia." Harry turns to Gia and says, "Gia, that is my cousin, Dudley."
Gia looks in disgust. She asks, "How'd a kid get that big?"
Harry says, "Overeating and a lack of parental control."
Dudley says, "You shouldn't be here. I'll tell Mum and Dad."
I ask, "How could you see us here? You aren't supposed to be here as well. Whose your friend here?"
Dudley says, "Oh, this is Piers." I can see that Piers is not as fat as Dudley, only about half a killer whale.
Harry says, "Dudley, we didn't see each other here and we'll avoid you. Agreed?"
"Sure." says Dudley.
I add, "Have fun you two."
Gia is almost laughing. Then, Gia says, "Well, at least I know their names for the next gym class."
"What?" asks Harry.
She says, "Smeltings is like next door to my school. Anyways, our gym classes are about the same time so the teachers like to pit us against each other. Those tubs hardly do anything."
We get up and move to the dance floor.
Gia asks me, "Care to dance Ron?"
Harry looks almost horrified. Harry and I exchange looks. He seems relieved.
Gian and I start a slow dance. She asks me, "Love Hermione?"
"Sure." I reply.
"Suppose I'm making Harry a bit jealous."
"Yep. Though I think he'll calm down."
"Ron, you two are a packaged affair. Gotta test him a bit." She winks at me.
"Wish Hermione was here."
"Don't worry. Besides, Harry mentions you enough. Thought I'd judge what Hermione sees in you."
"That's her plan now?" I ask.
"Only part of it. She did want to talk to her Mum. Find me interesting?"
"Yep, but my heart is on Hermione. She's fascinating."
"Ron, I wanted to ask you, how honest is Harry? I mean, I trust him, but sometimes it's like he's not telling me everything."
"Hmm, depends on what it's about. Usually, he's honest."
"Emotions? How much?"
"There he usually keeps a tight lid. What he's admitting to you is probably a small fraction of the truth. He's probably told you that he loves you, right?"
"Yes."
"Then he loves you many more times than he'll admit to. Probably the same about any emotion."
"Why the deception?"
"Gia, it's him. He's had many painful experiences. You're helping him in some way."
"I am?"
"Yeps I don't know how. While Harry loves you, he also needs you."
"Thanks."
When the dance ends, Harry motions for me to come aside with him.
"What was that about?" Harry demands with a mean look.
I reply, "Nothing serious, we talked. Harry, we're best friends, which means that you can trust me with your girlfriend. She's not my type, but she is yours. Go dance with her."
Either Harry realizes that I'm right or that he should dance. He walks over to Gia and they dance.
I look around and can feel the floor really swaying. Dudley is dancing with some really drunk girl that I don't recognize. I didn't realize that a killer whale could shake concrete that much. While some dancers notice, most don't care.
I wander about a bit. Some pretty girls seem interested in me. One particular girl, Charlotte takes to me. We dance a bit.
"Where are you from" she asks.
"Catchpole. But I'm attending a boarding school."
"What school?"
I use Hermione's line and say, "St. Mary's. It's in Scotland. I'm visiting a friend's for the holiday."
"Is it interesting? Get into trouble?"
"Yep, very interesting. I've broken most of the rulebook at some point."
"A troublemaker. Must be interesting. What do you learn there?"
"Usual things. A bit of zoology, history, botany, those sort things."
"Do you make many friends there?"
"Some including my girlfriend Hermione."
"You've got a girlfriend? Hermione of all people?" she asks. She looks very alarmed.
"Yes, but she couldn't come tonight. Don't let that spoil our fun."
She laughs, "You like to live dangerously."
"Yep, risked my neck numerous times. Of course, stealing the family car and driving it to school wasn't a bright idea."
"You drove a car there? Didn't the police catch you?"
"The teachers were furious after we crashed into a tree on the grounds. We didn't use the motorways. Harry and I were nearly expelled for it, but fortunately the Headmaster seems to be a fan of us."
"Crashing a car on the grounds? Why'd you drive there? Wouldn't your parents take you or something?"
"Normally we take the train. But Harry and I panicked when we missed the train, so we stole my parents' car and drove it. We were starting our second year and so worried about not being able to show up."
"Whose Harry?"
"My best friend. We met on the train at the beginning of our first year. We've been friends ever since."
She points out Dudley and says, "Look at that pig. Didn't realize they came in that size. From his attire, he must go to Smeltings. It's across the street from my public school."
"Harry says he's more like a killer whale. Lost the pig-in-a-wig title years ago. That's Harry's overweight cousin, Dudley."
"Dudley, sounds boring. Seems to only attract really drunk girls."
I chuckle. "About right. His dad is big as well, but somehow managed to find Harry's aunt. Maybe there's somebody who likes fat guys. You know, get more pounds of boyfriend or something."
"Not me, that's for sure. Most girls are included."
"He only has to find one who likes him. Guess he's looking at nightclubs. Wonder how many he'll need to visit before he finds that girl."
Charlotte says, "Dunno. It'll be a expensive catch, that's for sure."
Dudley seems to wander off a bit disappointed. Harry and Gia wander over to us.
"Having fun Ron?" asks Harry.
"Yep, this is Charlotte." I say.
Charlotte says, "Hi! Oh, hello Gia. Is this your boyfriend you've been talking about?"
Gia replies, "Yes, this is Harry."
"It's probably about time Gia and I take off." says Harry.
"Charlotte, I hope you had fun tonight, nice meeting you." I say.
"Nice meeting you. Your girlfriend is lucky." she says.
Charlotte gives me a hug.
Harry, Gia, and Ron take off and leave the Flaming Blue. Snuffles is a fair distance behind us.
Harry asks, "Have a nice evening Ron?"
Ron replies, "Yes, much dancing. Can't believe Dudley was there."
Harry replies, "What are you going to tell Hermione?"
Ron says, "That's between me and her. Besides, I can like other girls without it affecting my passions for Hermione."
Harry says, "Yeah, let's see you smooth this one over."
Gia says, "It's perfectly fine for Ron to dance with other girls. Hermione won't care."
Harry asks, "So I could've danced with Charlotte and you wouldn't have a problem?"
Gia says, "Harry, I trust you to manage yourself. I don't own you. If you want to be nice to other girls, I don't have a problem with it."
They stop talking. Voices come from around the corner.
"A Muggle, we can scare him first." says Macnair Jr.
"But what should we do?" asks Brooks Jr..
Macnair says, "I know."
They round the corner to find Dudley facing the pair.
Brooks says, "Oh great, three more!"
Macnair points a wand and shouts "Mamba Serpensortia!"
A mamba snake, among the world's most deadly, erupts from the wand and heads toward Dudley, quickly closing the distance.
Harry, sees this. To Macnair's surprise, Harry approaches the snake. He speaks Parseltongue to the snake. The snake subsides but then heads toward Ron. Ron grabs his wand and magic the snake away. Harry and Ron advance to a very stunned pair of teenage wizards.
Ron says to the pair, "How dare you! Revealing yourself to a Muggle and violating the decree against underage Wizardry."
Harry warns, "You will not cross our paths again."
The pair seem to retreat.
Brooks says, "Don't turn your back to us, we might kill you."
Harry says, "Voldemort tried, do you think you can do better?"
Ron says to Macnair and Brooks, "You two will leave us." They retreat.
Harry turns his attention to Dudley.
He says, "Dudley, are you alright? Did they harm you? Where's Piers?"
Dudley seemed too afraid to talk.
Ron says, "Dudley, we are not going to harm you. We're going to escort you back to Smeltings and ensure you get there safely."
Snuffles catches up and this seems to calm Dudley somehow. Snuffles seems to be trying to get Dudley to pet him.
Dudley says, "Piers Piers, went went to take a girl home. Me safe. You come." Dudley clearly didn't like the thought of this.
They walk along. Ron asks, "Dudley, any luck with the ladies?"
Dudley says, "Yeah, a number danced with me. Can't remember their names."
"Any sober?" asks Harry.
"I should pound you flat for that." says Dudley.
"How would you explain that to Sirius?" asks Harry.
"He's not around to catch me." says Dudley.
"Are you sure? He be might following us." says Harry. Snuffles growls at this.
"Potter, didn't know you had a dog in addition to that stupid owl. Mum and Dad will never let you bring him into their house." says Dudley.
Harry says, "This is Snuffles. He is very protective of me. I never intend to return to that house if I can avoid it." Harry turns to Gia and says, "Summer holiday take me might you in?"
"Yes." says Gia.
They arrive at Smeltings. Ron tells Dudley flatly, "Dudley, you could stand to lose some weight. You might attract more girls if you do."
Dudley didn't want to hear this and quickly sneaks back into the school.
We walk along, away from the schools. I say to Harry, "Smeltings must not have much discipline. Hearing a killer whale thrash about should be easy."
Harry snickers. "Maybe they're wannabes all killer whale. Can't tell the difference going to the bathroom between one escaping and one."
We laugh. Harry is stumbling. Guess with that incident, I didn't realize how drunk he's gotten. That alcohol's is taking its affect.
"Harry, you're drunk. I'll give you a lift." I say.
Harry says, "Ron, loved me like didn't this know you. Got should let a girlfriend you I've already know."
Harry is stumbling. He must be using magic to stand. There's no other way. I know I've got a slight buzz, but he seems much worse.
I say, "Harry, you can hardly walk. You need a lift. How many did he drink, Gia?"
She replies, "Oh, dunno. After two or three, the drinks just seemed to keep on coming to him."
Harry protests, "Fine me am. Drunk not as I am you think."
Harry drops his pants and briefs. He pees over the bench at this bus stop. He manages to pull the briefs up. He is still peeing. He walks forward, trips and stumbles. He keeps walking and peeing his briefs. He leaves his pants behind. Snuffles picks up the pants. Harry stumbles into me. I remove his wand and place it next to mine. Snuffles catches up to me me and seems to agree.
Harry says, "Play with wand my wanna?"
I say, "Gia, perhaps we should switch tonight. You can sleep with Hermione."
Harry says, "What? Myself handle I can."
Harry stumbles and walks along, pee is dripping from his briefs. He pukes over the adjacent fire hydrant.
Harry says, ""Warm bit, thin are pants yours."
Gia grabs Harry's cell phone. It's in the jacket she's now carrying. She punches in some numbers. She says, "Dad? ... I'm alright. Just let you know I'm going to stay at Hermione's tonight. ... You're Welcome, night."
Gia punches in some more numbers and says, "Hermione? ... We're coming home. ... Very interesting. ... Say, can you keep your parents out of the way when we come back? ... When you see us, you'll know why. ... Let's just say a certain somebody had too much to drink. ... See ya."
Harry says, "Drink me. many not."
Harry continues to stumble along slowly. He pees and pukes on everything along the way. He covers phone booths, hedges, walls, and other things including my feet.
We arrive at the Grangers. Harry seems to have stopped peeing. Hermione was waiting for us outside. She's got a jacket over her nice swimsuit. She comes over.
"Interesting, see what you mean." says Hermione.
I say, "Hermione, Gia is not sleeping with him tonight, I won't permit it. I'm going to watch him."
Harry says, "That far didn't realize want you. Hermione what about?"
We start dragging Harry in and upstairs.
Hermione asks, "Does he need to use the bathroom first?"
I say, "Probably not, he took care of that all the way here."
Hermione says, "I don't want to know."
Gia says, "I still want to stay with him tonight."
I say, "No. He's really too drunk to risk that with you. Gia, he'd be out of control for you. He'll likely do something we'll regret. I'm staying in here tonight, I can manage him."
Hermione and Gia both kiss me. They head toward Hermione's room. I close the door.
Harry's clothes mysteriously vanish and he collapses onto his bed. I strip I strip to my T-shirt and underwear. I turn off the Muggle switch to the lights. Harry seems to be magically playing with the lights. I climb into the bed and am next to Harry.
He says, "Gia clothes remove." He seems to have magicked my T-shirt and underwear off.
Harry says, "Gia, I love you. Want some?" After an hour or two, fall asleep.
