Late Thursday morning, Harry uses a Portkey and lands onto the sofa in the living room. He climbs up the stairs to Hermione's room.

* * * Confessions * * *

Harry enters Hermione's room. He sees Ron and Hermione laying on the bed. Ron is naked. Hermione is almost naked with the exception of her panties partially covering her crotch. The bed covers lie on the floor. Stains are on the sheets near Ron. Last night's activities are easy to guess.

Harry shakes Ron and says, "Ron ... Ron."

Ron stirs a bit and says, "What?"

Harry replies, "It's late and there's some more stuff to study."

Ron says, "Hermione, we've got all weekend."

Hermione starts to stir and says, "Hermione?"

Ron says, "Just kidding, I know it's Harry."

Hermione says, "What's Harry doing here? I mean, we're naked."

Harry says, "Nice to see that you two are having fun. Make use of those condoms?"

Hermione exclaims, "What? We never got that far!"

Harry says, "Hard to tell."

Hermione asks, "Did you fuck Gia the other night?"

Harry admits, "No."

Ron asks, "Pervert, where is Gia?" asks Ron.

Hermione says, "You are a pervert Harry."

Harry protests, "I'm not a pervert."

Ron says, "Don't screw yourself into a deep hole. Where is Gia?"

Harry says, "Working on a group project with her classmates. She's at Celeste's by now."

Ron gets up. Ron and Harry exit Hermione's bedroom and enter the bathroom.

Harry says, "You get close but don't fuck?"

"Yeah, why you care?"

"The girls are playing with us a bit."

"Figured as much. They seem to have concern about passions."

"They want to know if we're serious. You seem to be."

"With that ring, you certainly are."

"A ring is not as important to you and Hermione. I gave the ring to Gia so see can see our world. I want to share everything with her."

Ron says, "I'm not ready to fuck. You probably aren't either." At the word 'fuck', Ron gets horny.

"I'm not. There are alternatives until we're ready. Maybe we should get more control over our anatomy." Harry winks.

"I agree with you. Are you absolutely certain about not wanting Hermione?"

"Hermione is yours. I'm after Gia."

Ron gets into the shower. He leaves the curtains ajar to talk. He says, "You seem to be aroused by Hermione's naked boobs."

Harry closes the lid to the toilet and sits on it. He says, "Ron, the fact is, we are aroused by both of them. To me, Hermione is a sister and I love her as such. She is warm and friendly. Fun to tease her."

"Gia?"

"As a girlfriend. Her personality ... I love it. She finds me sensitive to her and she loves me for that. She lost her Mum at the age of five, did I tell you?"

"Hermione might have mentioned it. So, Gia can relate to you?"

"Yes. It's so much more."

"I figure you can tell the love is genuine."

"Yes. You figured that?"

Ron says, "Yeah. Suppose you dated Ginny, you would wonder if she loved your fame or you."

"I'm not interested in Ginny that way, but I get your point. I've told Gia as much."

"If you were an ordinary wizard, say a Joe Thomas or something. Would you pursue Hermione?"

"I don't know. Maybe yes. I'd have to spend time with her before I found her pretty."

"Yeah, she had to grow on me."

"You dating Hermione, it still takes me a moment."

"It does? You have a problem with that?"

"No, just, well strange. A year ago, I never would have seen this."

"Funny how life changes. Gia is a new one for you too."

Harry says, "You and Hermione forced me to think. Some of my letters with Gia were about this. She put it in a better light. I consider Hermione like a sister and treat her as such."

"That's obvious. Her Mum picked up on that."

"She helped me realize that Hermione will fall in love with someone."

Ron says, "Apparent by now."

"The question I needed to answer was who. I can trust you to take care of Hermione properly. Of all the guys she could date, I know that you would protect her and not hurt her."

"That's thoughtful of you."

Harry says, "Have you thought about Ginny?"

"Yes. She's chasing Colin Creevy right now."

"Colin Creevy? Oh no, a fan club will form."

Ron says, "Thing is, I don't know enough about Colin to be certain he's a good man for her."

"That worries you?"

"Yes it does. I mean, she's been in danger before and she needs protecting. If you had seriously pursued her ..."

"I am not pursuing your sister."

Ron says, "No, but it was possible. You would be about to protect her properly. You demonstrated that before. After some adjustment, I would have accepted it."

"Thanks. Gia's getting me, not Ginny."

Ron steps out of the shower. He says, "I considered it possible before I really understood you. Ginny is a fan and you won't really date a fan."

"You seem to be a fan."

"No, I'm your friend. There's a big difference."

"You make a distinction?"

"Yes. A fan worships you; like your fame, your legend, or your parents. A fan thinks 'Harry Potter, the boy who lived.' Hagrid, Lupin, Dumbledore, Ginny, Mum, and many witches are fans."

"I do consider you my best friend."

"Likewise. A friend knows you as Harry, that piece of flesh underneath your clothes including your personality. Me and Hermione are probably your only Witch and Wizard friends."

"Sirius?"

"Some are both of course. Hagrid, Dumbledore, Lupin, and the twins. Sirius is part friend and part fan. Though for him, its the loyalty he had to your father."

Harry says, "You seem to have been studying me."

"Of course I have. I've been your friend since we first met. You've been studying me as well."

"No I haven't."

"I didn't sit down and decide to. It just happens as a part of being friends. Take Gia for instance. You try to figure out what she means, you try to read her, and you try to understand her. That is a study. For you its women studies and Muggle studies."

Harry snickers. He says, "Guess you're right there."

Ron says, "Suppose the girls are finding a way to conspire."

"Probably. That's despite the fact that Gia is at Celeste's."

They exit the bathroom. Ron heads to his guest bedroom. Harry heads downstairs.

* * * Spring Cleaning * * *

That afternoon, Hermione, Ron, and Harry are walking to the Granger's office.

Harry asks, "Are you sure Gia will meet us there? Does she know where it is?"

Hermione says, "Of course she knows. She sees them every six months."

Ron asks, "Why do I have to come there?"

Hermione says, "We are meeting my parents at their office. We go to dinner from there."

Harry says, "And that nightclub after that."

Hermione dashes him a look. She says, "You're not serious? After earlier this week?"

Harry and Ron smile.

They enter the waiting room of the Grangers Dental Office, DDS.

The receptionist says, "Hi Hermione. Your parents will be a while. Would your friends be interested in a tour?"

Hermione says, "Hi Jill. Yes they would."

Ron protests, "'Mione!"

Jill says, "That must be your boyfriend. The three of you, follow me."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione follow Jill.

Jill first shows them the lab. Harry and Ron find this a bit interesting. Jill then shows them an empty dentist chair.

Ron picks up a pick and says, "This looks like a torture instrument. Where's Harry?"

Hermione says, "She's in the next chair over. I assume they're snogging by now."

Getting suspicious, Ron asks, "Why?"

Hermione says, "Sit. Try the chair."

Ron looks penetrating into Hermione's eyes. He asks, "What are you up to?"

Hermione says, "Sit." She places her hands onto Ron's shoulders. She pushes Ron backward into the chair. He sits. Hermione pulls up a task chair. She sits and faces Ron. She stares into his eyes.

They hear Harry from the next booth over. Harry exclaims, "What?!"

Ron's eyes go wide and starts to get up. Hermione puts her hand onto Ron's shoulder and makes him stay put. Charles Granger walks into Ron's view.

Charles says, "Hello Ron. I insist upon clean teeth for Hermione's boyfriend, you."

Ron shoots a shrewd look at Hermione. He says to her, "You tricked me!"

Hermione says, "Do you want yellow teeth like Malfoy?"

Ron says, "But this will hurt!"

Hermione says, "I'll be watching."

Charles says, "Ron, you are dating my daughter. You will have nice teeth."

Ron relents and says, "Okay."

Charles starts with the cleaning.

* * * Da Evening * * *

Around midnight, Harry and I enter my bedroom. Harry closes the door.

I say, "You seem sober compared to last time."

He places his wand and glasses onto my desk. He says, "Yeah Gia, kinda limited my beer this time."

I say, "I noticed. Lemonades mostly, right?"

He dumps his clothes into a heap. He says, "Yep, except for that beer before we left."

He climbs naked onto my bed. I dump my clothes on top of his. I climb onto the bed. He smiles at my lace panties. I lay down. He lays down with his head on my chest.

I ask, "So did that help during that bar fight?"

"Maybe. That bartender sucked."

"Well, who was that? Flint? Who gave him the black eye?"

"Yes. Don't know if he recognized me."

I ask, "Is that important?"

"Yes. Too much recognition would endanger you."

He gets aroused so I start massaging.

He says, "You don't have to do that."

I ask, "What do you mean?"

"You tensed up when you started. Do you really want to do that now?"

I admit, "Not really. You just seemed interested."

He responds, "I'll seem interested every time I see you naked."

I say, "I'm not naked."

He responds, "You're close enough to being naked. I don't have complete control over my dick yet."

"So?"

"Gia, let me put it this way. I like being naked for you. Sexual encounters are not required if you don't want to. I like being with you. Sex should never be a daily requirement."

My god, he is turning down a hand job? I ask, "Are you certain?"

"Gia, you should never feel compelled to do anything. That include sexual favors. If you want to give me a hand job now, do so. If you don't really want to give it, then don't."

I ask, "Are you sure?"

"Yes. I do need to gain better control over it before we're ready to fuck."

He's got me there. I just start massaging his shoulders instead.

He says, "See? You're a bit more relaxed with that."

I mutter, "I can't believe you turned that down."

He replies, "I want our relationship to last. There is no reason to rush."

I reply, "You're sweet, but what about you?"

He turns over and crawls up to look into my eyes. He says, "When I'm ready to want sex, I will be able to put you into the mood to want it. What really matters to me is spending the time with you. Nudity and sex are not compulsory."

I ask, "Do you want sexual favors? Sex?"

He says, "Sexual favors require you wanting to. Real sex requires both of us being ready for it."

He starts rubbing my sides along my ribs.

I say, "So, you care?"

He says, "Of course I care. I will not take unfair advantage of you. You are beautiful to me and I love you. A part of that is the caring."

"It's fairly dark."

"I know. I feel your beauty. I see the radiant glow from your eyes."

"Glow?"

"Enough light is present."

He pulls the covers over us. He turns over again. He rests his head on my shoulder.

I ask, "Are you happy right now?"

"Yes. Ron's even noticed."

"Ron is not here."

"No, but he made a comment earlier. He said I seem happier after sleeping with you."

I say, "You aren't disappointed about not getting a hand job?" Strange, most guys at school boast about this, as if it's a ritual.

"No. Are you demanding to give me one?"

I reply, "No. You're different from what people expect at school. Celeste mentioned it earlier."

"Yeah, probably am. How?"

"Well, Celeste's dated a number of guys. Nearly all of them seemed interested in sex on the first date. Most girls who had relationships mention this. Some consent figuring they won't ever get sex otherwise."

"Sounds like Seamus."

"Who?"

"Another boy in my year. He dates a different girl every week. I hope he's using protection."

"That bad?"

"Yes. As to us fucking, don't think now or never. We will have plenty of opportunities."

I kiss him on the cheek. We fall asleep.

* * * Might Trip * * *

Late Friday evening, Ron enters Hermione's room. Ron is still wearing the briefs he used for the hot tub. Hermione is on the bed with her tank top and panties.

Hermione says, "Those things are wet!"

Ron says, "Yeah, but I didn't think to bring swim wear."

"They leave little to the imagination."

"They're black!"

"Still, my parents were in there!"

"So?"

Hermione rolls her eyes.

She says, "Those wet things will not touch my bed!"

Ron says, "Fine."

Ron lets his briefs drop to the floor. Now naked, he climbs onto the bed.

Hermione asks, "How was that soccer game?"

Ron says, "Boring. Doesn't seem very challenging."

"Took you a while to get back."

"You didn't see the lines at the station. We took a while in a Muggle bookshop."

"Did you get anything?"

"Harry picked up some maps and travel brochures."

"Is he serious about that trip?"

"I think so."

"There are dragons in this country."

"I don't think the dragons are the point."

"'Go see dragons', seems like the point to me."

Ron says, "A two month trip with his girlfriend."

"Yet he invites us along."

"That would give me two months with you." Ron grins mischievously.

In an incriminating manner, Hermione says, "To have your way with me, no doubt!"

Ron replies in an innocent tone, "If you want that, yes."

In frustration, Hermione says, "Prat, you're a pervert!" She pulls the covers and falls asleep.

* * * Need Room * * *

Saturday morning, Harry and Gia arrive at the Grangers and enter through the back door. Linda Granger is there.

Linda says, "Harry, Gia, we are hosting a social tonight with many people. First, the kitchen table will need to be cleared of your Wizardry things. Second, some people will be staying the night so we'll need all the guest rooms for them."

Harry says, "Alright, we'll figure something out."

Linda says, "Thanks. I've got errands to run." Linda exits the house.

Harry turns to Gia, "Well, I'm spending tonight in your bedroom."

Ron enters the kitchen from the stairs. He says, "Harry, that is not a good idea. You know how we are when we leave for the train. We won't have time to pick you up."

Gia says, "The Grangers need your guest rooms."

Ron says, "She already spoke with me and Hermione. So, that leaves the question of where to spend the night."

Harry says, "Need I guess where you will sleep?"

Gia says, "Lemme guess, nice view right?"

Ron says, "Yes. She's already consented."

Hermione enters from the stairs. She says, "I have not."

Harry says, "To Ron spending the night in your bed?"

Ron says, "You did earlier."

Hermione says, "I said no such thing."

Ron says, "Funny, I thought you flashing your boobs was a yes."

Harry says, "Definitely a yes."

Hermione says, "Boys!"

Gia says, "Um, we do have a problem though. As Ron pointed out, having Harry spend tonight at my place is not a good idea."

Ron says, "Hermione, you do have a fairly big bed. Would it accommodate?"

Gia says, "It's king size, of course it would fit the four of us."

Hermione says, "You're not suggesting...."

Harry says, "Yes. Hermione, may we spend the night with you and Ron?"

Ron says, "Yes she'll accept."

Harry says, "Ron, it's Hermione's bed, not yours. We can debate later. Ron and I will be in your library."

Hermione says, "Whatever. Could you gather your stuff first?"

Ron says, "Sure."

* * * Images * * *

Ron closes the door to the study. Harry is already sitting on the sofa. The TV on the mantle is already on, sound is muted.

Ron says, "What's up?"

Harry holds up some video cassettes. Ron grabs one and looks at it.

With a malevolent grin, Harry says, "Can you figure what these are for?"

Ron scratches his head. He says, "No, this one is labeled Ballet 1988."

Harry says, "Muggle moving pictures with sound. Guess who."

Ron's face brightens up with a malevolent grin. He asks, "You know how to see them?"

Harry says, "Yes, with a VCR and TV. The Grangers have this TV and VCR here in the library."

Ron says, "Should we get the girls now?"

Harry says, "Not yet. We need to find the best parts first. Then we can show those to them."

Ron asks, "Is there a way we could convert these tapes to a Wizard photo?"

Harry says, "Not that I'm aware of. One of these books might have it. I'm not in a mood for studying today."

Harry and Ron watch the tape labeled Ballet/Piano Spring 1987. They watch the tape labeled Horse Competition Summer 1990. Harry loads in the tape labeled Primary School Spring Play 1991 into the VCR.

Hermione and Gia enter the library.

Hermione says, "We were wondering where you two had gotten .... What are you doing?" She now sees the pile of tapes that Ron is sorting through.

Harry replies with an innocent voice, "Demonstrating the VCR to Ron."

Hermione asks, "With those tapes?"

Ron says, "Plenty of interesting material on them."

Harry says, "What puzzles me is you not liking to ride a broom. You seem pretty good on a horse."

Gia asks, "Harry, you're studying Hermione?"

Harry replies, "She's my friend, I need blackmail material. This next one might have you Gia."

Hermione glares at Harry. Harry presses play on the remote.

Hermione says, "I should destroy these bloody tapes."

Harry says, "What? I don't think your parents would like you doing that to precious family moments."

Ron says, "Will you two stop bickering? I'm trying to watch!"

Gia says, "Hermione, I think this is that King Arthur play that we did."

Harry points to a blond haired girl and says, "That must be you Gia."

Gia says, "Good, at least my boyfriend can recognize my ten year old self."

Ron says, "See? There's Hermione."

Hermione rolls her eyes and groans. Ron grabs Hermione and pulls her onto the sofa with him.

"Hey!" protests Hermione.

Ron says, "I find these tapes interesting."

"Good" says Linda, entering the library.

"Mum!" exclaims Hermione.

"It's nice to see someone actually watching one of those." says Linda.

"But Mum, they'll blackmail me with it!" says Hermione.

Linda says, "People will start arriving in an hour. I suggest you smarten yourselves up."

* * * Buzzing Social * * *

That evening, Harry and Ron are standing in the alcove of the living room. They take the martinis offered by Linda.

"You two look nice." remarks Linda.

"Thanks." says Harry.

Eric Miller, standing nearby, says, "Nice party."

"Why thank you Eric." says Linda. Linda wanders off a bit.

Hermione walks over to Ron.

Ron says, "Hermione, I've got one of those tapes cued for that big screen television."

Hermione darts Ron a mean look. She says, "You wouldn't ..."

Charles suggest, "Sweetie, if you aren't too busy, you might want to play the piano in a bit."

Charles trots toward Linda.

Ron suggests, "Hermione, let's stroll out back."

Hermione gives Ron a quick kiss on the cheek. The two of them walk out the back door.

Hermione says, "Thanks for getting me out of that."

They enter the grove of trees surrounding the small creek behind the house.

Ron says, "Bit too crowded for my tastes."

The light of the rising but waning crescent is not enough to illuminate the path by the creek. However, Ron and Hermione start walking along it.

"They were about to embarrass me. I thought you'd like that."

Ron says, "Not like that."

"Thanks."

They continue walking along the path. They hear the trickling of slow moving water. After a few minutes, they come across a small pond.

Hermione whispers, "Isn't this just scenic?"

Ron just shrugs.

The loud chirping of the crickets echos from the houses several hundred yards away. The evergreen bushes and thick trees obscure the lights from the neighboring houses.

Ron whispers, "This may be our last private moment for the year."

Ron pulls Hermione into an embrace.

Hermione puts her arms around Ron's torso.

Ron looks up and sees a dark shape approaching really fast. Ron pulls Hermione. They fall onto a nearby soft embankment. Harry and Gia zoom past on a Firebolt. A trail of sparks is streaming from Harry's wand.

Ron exclaims, "Blimey!"

Harry chuckles and Gia giggles. Harry buzzes Ron and Hermione a second time.

Hermione says, "He shouldn't!"

Ron says, "I agree. It had one good effect."

Ron quietly slides his hands under the waist of Hermione's shirt.

Hermione whispers, "Will Harry do that again?"

Ron whispers, "Maybe."

Ron pulls Hermione a bit tighter. Hermione moves her hands up Ron's torso along the skin. Ron's midriff is exposed. Hermione runs her hands across Ron's chest and to his sides. She strokes downward.

Ron's shirts spontaneously move themselves a half meter to Ron's left. Hermione's shirt and bra follow.

Ron and Hermione continue this for a couple of hours. They become covered in dirt.

They become aware of a light and voices coming down the path. Quickly, they put their clothes back on.

Ron and Hermione embrace again and kiss.

* * * Rock and Roll * * *

Voices are now intelligible.

Eric says, "They may be down here?"

Linda says, "Hermione came down here often before she left for St. Mary's."

Eric says, "With a boyfriend...."

Ron is now aware of a big dark shadow loitering overhead. The object looks like a really overgrown potato about ten feet in diameter. The object is hovering some ninety to a hundred feed above the pond.

Ron mutters, "Uh-oh."

Hermione says, "I know, Mum."

Ron says, "Not that."

The object starts to fall.

Hermione starts to say, "What else could ..."

The dark object falls into the middle of the pond. The sound of the splash is loud. The fast moving water soaks Ron and Hermione. Golden sparks trail a fast moving shadow.

Ron yells, "THAT PRAT!"

Ron and Hermione start shivering. Eric reaches them.

Eric says, "You're SOAKED!"

Eric hands his jacket to Ron. Linda comes over. She lends her jacket to Hermione.

Linda says, "Thank heaven you two are alright. Where's Harry and Gia?"

Ron grumbles as he says, "They were headed back to the house."

Eric asks, "When did he get that Firebolt?"

Hermione says, "Couple of years ago. The Whomping Willow got his Nimbus."

They make their way to the house and enter. Ron and Hermione return the jackets.

Harry asks, "Hey, did you two fall in?"

Ron says, "Why that!" He chases Harry up the stairs.

Hermione rolls her eyes. She says, "Boys! Sorry Mum."

Linda says, "Sweetie, it's interesting watching those two."

Hermione climbs the stairs and heads for her bedroom.

She enters her bedroom and closes the door. Harry and Ron are fighting on her bed. Gia is trying to break it up.

Hermione shouts, "BOYS! STOP THIS NOW!"

Harry and Ron continue to fight.

Hermione grabs her wand and points it at the two. She says, "Stop fighting!"

Reluctantly, Harry and Ron stop fighting. They are still entangled.

Ron says, "Harry soaked us!"

Hermione says, "Right now, I don't care. This is my bedroom. Therefore if you two want to sleep in here, you do as I say."

Gia says, "If you two want to sleep with us, listen."

Hermione says, "Gia and I will take showers. Then you two will. You will sleep in at least your underwear and T-shirts. Do I make myself clear?"

Harry says, "Perfectly."

Hermione says, "Good. Your other option is the roof or that pond. Keep that in mind."

Hermione and Gia grab towels and head for the showers.