Chapter 6

"Well, Hermione," whispered Harry in her ear affectionately. "What would you like to do today?" The couple was heading towards the tower with the owls. Hermione had to send some letters off to her relatives, thanking them for their gifts. "Well, I thought that you had already planned today," she replied. "May I use Hedwig?" "Sure," answered Harry. "I have no one to write."

While Hermione was tying her message to the owl's leg, Harry slowly wrapped his arms around her waist, placing his head on her shoulder. She continued her work, sending the owl through the window. The pair stood there, watching the bird's wings reflecting the brilliant sunlight. Then, all at once, all the owls lifted themselves off of their perches, taking flight after Hedwig. The sight was wonderful, watching the birds leave and soar over the Dark Forest, searching for their meals.

Not wanting to stay when the animals returned with their kills, Hermione urged Harry down the stairs towards the common room. Once there, the two gladly took up the couch, Hermione's head tucked comfortably under Harry's. "I asked Dumbledore if the students were allowed to go to Hogsmade today," Harry said, caressing Hermione's hair. "He agreed that we could, but he kept saying to be careful." "Why," asked Hermione, rethinking of going if Dumbledore thought it was dangerous. "He just said," replied Harry, no sense of fear in his steady voice, "that we should be cautious because of Voldemort." Hermione thought about this and concluded that she should trust her boyfriend's judgment. She nodded her head in agreement. "Well," said Harry, getting up slightly. "Knowing you, you probably need some time to get ready. Should we meet back here in, let's say, an hour?" "Plenty of time," answered Hermione, rising from the couch and sprinting up the stairs. Harry smiled after her and turned to get himself ready.

When Harry entered the fifth year boy's dormitory, Ron was already there, looking at himself rather close to the mirror. He turned from his reflection to face Harry. "So," he said, grabbing his comb out of his trunk and returning to the mirror. "What are you and Hermione up to today?" Harry walked over to his side and slumped down on his bed, staring into space. "We are going to the village." Ron raised his eyebrows in approval and began to shave his chin. "Well, have fun," he replied, spreading the shaving lather over his face. "Lavender is over in her dormitory, prepping up. I recon Hermione is too?" Harry nodded and turned to the window, staring at the beautiful sun. The owls were coming back, dead mice hanging from their beaks. Seeing that reminded Harry of something. "Have you heard anything about Pettigrew from your dad?" Ron had told Harry that he had told his father of Scabber's true identity and asked to look for him. "None," replied Ron, flinching from the cut he had just received from his razor. Harry laughed as Ron cursed under his breath. "That's why I did mine last night."

Meanwhile, over in the girl's dormitory.

"Seeing the village would be great," exclaimed Lavender as she pinned up Hermione's hair. "Especially at this time of year," she continued. "Hogsmade at Christmas." Lavender briefly stopped pining the hair, only to stare off into space with a smile spreading on her face. She resumed her job of hair doing as Hermione starred into the mirror. "I heard what you and Ron are doing," Hermione said to Lavender. "Sounds like you are going to have fun as well." "Oh, yeah," returned Lavender. "A rock concert at Christmas, how romantic. Oh, well. It's still pretty cool." The two girls giggled and continued to try to make themselves look as good as possible to please their dates.

An hour later, the couples met back in the common room. Together, the four looked slightly odd. Ron and Lavender were wearing clothes that were fit, for well. a rock concert. Harry had dressed in his best robes and his winter coat had been washed well. Hermione's hair was pinned up delicately, thanks to Lavender, and she was wearing an outfit fit for church with her winter coat over it.

The group went down to the entrance hall, where many other students were waiting for carriages to carry them to their destinations. Among the students were Crabbe, Goyle, and, of course, Draco Malfoy. Draco grinned at the sight of Hermione, not forgetting their meeting last night and began to approach her. He stopped abruptly when he spotted Harry. He remembered that Hermione was still dating Harry and resumed his evil look and backed up slowly. Hermione noticed Draco and looked at him, afraid of what she would see. Even though he had replaced his smile with an emotionless line for a mouth, she could still see a glint of searching hope in his eye, staring at her, waiting to see what she would do. She gripped Harry's hand tightly as he led her to the carriage in front of them. Draco wasn't disappointed though. He knew that Hermione was now 'addicted' to him and would soon find her way into his arms. He grinned as her carriage went down the road towards the village and he stepped into the next carriage heading towards Hogsmade.