Chapter 3
The Burrow was chaos incarnate. It had been three days since events (and Fred and George) had transpired to get Harry and Ginny to talk to one another, and in those three days, they had exchanged approximately three words. This aggravated the twins and Hermione to no end, but today was the day they were going to Diagon Alley. The twins had a plan, and it all hinged on Ron. He was, of course, clueless to the "Get Harry and Ginny Together" conspiracy, but he still played an important part in their scheme.
Hermione had just finished breakfast, and was heading upstairs to tell Ron and Harry that it was time to leave when she felt a pair of hands grab her, one around her waist, and the other around her mouth to keep her from making any noise. The hands let her go, so she turned around and was about to yell at whoever had dared do such a thing to Hermione, prefect of Gryffindor, when she was shushed by one of the twins.
"All right, we have our plan. But we need you to distract Ron for awhile."
"We need an hour at least. Any time over would be bonus, probably for you two as well as Harry, Ginny, and ourselves."
Hermione was indignant, yet again. "I do not need you two making fun of my life. I get enough of that from Harry and Ron. What are you planning?"
"Sorry, our secret. But I can tell you, you'll most definitely like it. What are you going to do about the trip up?"
"I'm just going to invite Ginny to ride with us. She'll probably accept, as she hasn't really seemed to connect with any of her classmates. Poor girl, that Chamber of Secrets really did a lot to hurt her, didn't it?"
George looked unusually serious. "That it did. I always wished that that slimy Malfoy had chosen someone else to get that diary."
"Well, since I'm here, I'll tell you that you are to go downstairs right now, as it's time to go. Now, if you'll excuse me." Hermione left, continuing on her previous task.
* * * * * Amazingly enough, the trip to Diagon Alley was uneventful. Even Harry managed to use the Floo Powder correctly this time. The group first made their way to Gringotts. Next, they all went together to get their books at Flourish and Blotts, and then moved on to Madam Malkin's. Ron had outgrown all the old robes in the family, and so he needed some new ones. Madam Malkin took his measurements, and handed him his robes. It was at this time the twins began their plan. First they signaled to Hermione, who nodded to show her understanding. Then they went and started a hushed conversation with Harry.
"Okay, Harry, we're going to get him his robes now, while Madam Malkin still has his measurements. No one else knows, so why don't you clear everyone out to give us our opportunity?"
Harry nodded. "OK, I can handle that. I'll get it going." He turned to address the group as a whole. "I need some potions ingredients, so I'm-"
Ron, who had been whispering to Hermione at the same time, had spoken aloud at the same time. "I'm going over to Quality Quidditch-" They laughed at themselves, then looked at each other, trying to figure this out. Luckily for them, Hermione asserted herself.
"Look, I want to go with Ron to Quality Quidditch Supplies. Ginny, why don't you go over with Harry to get his potions ingredients. He could use some company." At this, Harry and Ginny shared an uneasy smile. They had different reasons, though. Harry thought this was just Hermione's chance to get some more time alone with Ron. Ginny on the other hand, had been avoiding Harry since their aborted conversation, and was quite embarrassed at the thought of so much time alone with him. Neither was willing to cross Hermione when she was wearing the expression she was now, though, so they went along with the plan. The group, including the twins, decided to meet at Florean Fortescue's after they were done.
* * * * * Ron and Hermione meandered towards the Quidditch stop, talking and laughing along the way. Unusually for them, though, Ron was the one who seemed somewhat pensive. He came to a decision and spoke.
"Why are you coming with me Hermione? You've never cared about Quidditch before, so why start now?"
Hermione smiled indulgently. "Well, I've never had a boyfriend on the team before, have I?"
Ron stopped and put his hands out, speaking slowly, "Umm, Hermione, I hate to break this to you, but there's only one spot open, and there's bound to be a lot of competition. I probably won't make it."
"Yes you will. I've watched you play this summer. You're very good," Hermione replied sternly. "Now, I want to get to the shop and see what broom you're going to get."
Ron was visibly stunned by this remark. "How'd you know that that was why I was going to the Quidditch shop? I haven't told anyone that I've been saving up for a broom."
Hermione laughed at him. "Oh Ron, You're just so obvious. Every time you got your hands on two knuts, you would dash up to your room, muttering about having so much saved. That, and your comment when George got that goal barely past your hand about waiting and seeing what you could do on a real broom."
Ron looked embarrassed. "I didn't think anyone heard that. Oh well. Wait a second."
"What is it Ron?" Hermione asked impatiently. "We need to get going so we can finish up and meet the others."
Ron just stayed put, smiled a rather self -satisfied smile. "What was that you said before?"
"Do you mean about you making the team?" inquired Hermione.
"No, before that. I think you called me your boyfriend."
Hermione looked pensive. "You're right, I did." She then smiled. "You know why I did that?"
"No. Why?" asked a confused Ron.
"So I could do this." With that, Hermione pulled Ron into a long juicy kiss in the middle of Diagon Alley.
* * * * * Meanwhile, Harry and Ginny's excursion wasn't going nearly so well. Ginny was too embarrassed to start a conversation, and Harry was too busy brooding to notice. Thus, they walked in silence, until they ran into a Professor outside the apothecary. This was unwelcome, because it happened to be Professor Snape.
"Potter, Miss Weasley," Professor Snape sneered. "I do hope you plan on paying attention in my class this year rather than daydreaming about each other. Your marks already are in enough trouble without the further distraction. Especially yours, Potter. Good day."
For his part, Harry just stood there throughout Snape's monologue, though Ginny noticed his fists had clenched and the hair on the back of his neck had stood up. Finally, once Snape had passed by on his way, he spoke.
"That smarmy git. What does he think he's playing at? 'Your marks are in enough trouble, indeed.' My marks are good, why else would they have made me a prefect?"
"Don't worry about it, Harry," Ginny said soothingly. "He's just trying to get under your skin. You'll be fine." Ginny was too busy praying that Harry didn't notice her cheeks flushing and her breath growing ragged at the mere thought of Harry daydreaming about her in class that she completely missed the fact that Harry was looking at her in a manner she had never seen from him.
"Yeah I guess. Come on, let's hurry up and finish our business in there."
Ginny wrinkled her nose. "Yes, please. I can't stand the smell of that place for very long."
* * * * * As it turned out, they were the first pair to get finished. The incident with Snape had apparently broken the ice, because when Fred and George got to Florean Fortescue's, they were talking and laughing like old friends. Harry was busy telling her about the day of his first Quidditch match.
"It would have been incredibly funny if I hadn't been so nervous at the time. Wood kept trying to do his pre-game speech, but he was always interrupted by Fred and George."
Ginny was leaning back in her chair laughing so hard tears were beginning to show in the corners of her eyes. "I can see them doing that easily. They always do the same thing to Mum when she's telling them off."
Fred slipped into the chair beside Ginny. "What's this I hear? Yet another tale of the daring exploits of Gred and Forge?"
George sat on the other side of Harry. "Defying angry mums and Quidditch Captains alike in their never-ending pursuit of humor, tarts, and the socks stolen from them by their darling little sister."
Harry looked at Ginny. "Do you really steal their socks?"
Ginny giggled as she answered. "Yup. I steal socks from all of my brothers. They're just so warm and comfy. I can't get enough of them."
Harry thought this over. "Well, I guess I better keep my socks under lock and key from now on."
Ginny punched him lightly on the arm. "You aren't my brother, silly."
Harry turned to George. "You get the robes?"
"Yes, we did. Dark blue, not a trace of lace."
Ginny looked confused. "What are you two talking about? What dark blue robes with no lace?"
"They're for Ron," Fred explained. "His robes last year were awful, and we made enough money from Weasley Wizarding Wheezes that we were able to get him some new ones. After all, he has a girlfriend now."
"Speaking of those two," George continued, "Where are they? It's been too long."
Harry and Ginny looked at each other and started giggling. Harry spoke first. "Last we saw, they were by the outside wall of Quality Quidditch. Ron had a broom in one arm and Hermione in the other."
"Hermione had Ron in both arms," added Ginny in between giggles, "and they both appeared to be enjoying snogging in plain view of the general public."
Fred and George looked at each other, then nodded appreciatively. George spoke up first. "That's much more like it. Ron is a true Weasley male now. This deserves a present."
"I know what you mean. It's time he inherits the symbol of honor that all Weasley men get at such a time."
Harry and Ginny were confused. "What symbol?" asked Harry.
Fred and George just looked impassive. "You'll see on the train tomorrow."
Ron and Hermione chose this moment to arrive at the table, looking considerably more disheveled than when they had last been seen. Hermione surveyed the amused looks on the four faces in front of her. "What's so funny?" she asked.
At this, all four burst into laughter. "Nothing, Hermione," Harry gasped. "Just join us for some ice cream."
Ron looked at the package by Fred with some interest. "What's in there?" he asked.
Fred just looked at him with incredulity etched on his features. "In where? What are you talking about?"
Ron gestured. "In that package."
George answered him. "That? Oh, that's nothing. At least, nothing that concerns you."
"OK. . ." Ron was clearly suspicious, but he seemed not to be bothered by it. "Now, how about that ice cream?"
* * * * * Dinner that night was in the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone present seemed more relaxed than usual, especially Harry and Ginny. They were sitting across from each other, having an easy conversation, when George, who was sitting next to Harry, nudged him in the ribs and gestured at Fred, who was sitting in between Ginny, who was watching him intently as well, and Ron. Ron was deep in conversation with Hermione, who was on the other side of him, and therefore not paying attention to his food. Looking around, seemingly satisfied that he now had an appreciative audience, Fred leaned over and dumped some beetles in Ron's soup. At this, all four of them started shaking with silent laughter as they waited. They didn't have to wait long, as Ron, not even looking at his bowl, dipped his spoon it, and took a bite. Everyone around the table heard a loud CRUNCH as he bit down into a beetle. Fred, George, Harry, and Ginny finally got to laugh out loud, and they laughed even harder when Ron looked at his bowl, saw what was in it, and started spitting out the soup/beetle combination. Fred finally caught his breath and spoke.
"You know, that's the second brother we've been able to do that to. We need to get Percy next."
George nodded, "It seems that our younger brother is enjoying it though." He gestured at Ron, who was busy being soothed by Hermione. "That takes some of the fun out of it."
Harry finally got himself under control. "It was still funny. Maybe you guys can try that on McGonagall."
George pondered this. "You know, that's a good idea. Maybe a prank worthy of the Marauders."
Harry stifled a chuckle at this. "You do it, and I'll see whether it is worthy of them." He was think about writing Sirius, and this would be a funny, light-hearted thing to ask him among all the darkness.
The group finished supper, and headed for their respective rooms. The twins were together, Ginny and Hermione were sharing a room, and so were Harry and Ron. Harry went to his trunk to get his sleeping garments, and noticed his prefect badge was missing. He went to bed, thinking only of what it was going to look like once Fred and George were done with it.
The Burrow was chaos incarnate. It had been three days since events (and Fred and George) had transpired to get Harry and Ginny to talk to one another, and in those three days, they had exchanged approximately three words. This aggravated the twins and Hermione to no end, but today was the day they were going to Diagon Alley. The twins had a plan, and it all hinged on Ron. He was, of course, clueless to the "Get Harry and Ginny Together" conspiracy, but he still played an important part in their scheme.
Hermione had just finished breakfast, and was heading upstairs to tell Ron and Harry that it was time to leave when she felt a pair of hands grab her, one around her waist, and the other around her mouth to keep her from making any noise. The hands let her go, so she turned around and was about to yell at whoever had dared do such a thing to Hermione, prefect of Gryffindor, when she was shushed by one of the twins.
"All right, we have our plan. But we need you to distract Ron for awhile."
"We need an hour at least. Any time over would be bonus, probably for you two as well as Harry, Ginny, and ourselves."
Hermione was indignant, yet again. "I do not need you two making fun of my life. I get enough of that from Harry and Ron. What are you planning?"
"Sorry, our secret. But I can tell you, you'll most definitely like it. What are you going to do about the trip up?"
"I'm just going to invite Ginny to ride with us. She'll probably accept, as she hasn't really seemed to connect with any of her classmates. Poor girl, that Chamber of Secrets really did a lot to hurt her, didn't it?"
George looked unusually serious. "That it did. I always wished that that slimy Malfoy had chosen someone else to get that diary."
"Well, since I'm here, I'll tell you that you are to go downstairs right now, as it's time to go. Now, if you'll excuse me." Hermione left, continuing on her previous task.
* * * * * Amazingly enough, the trip to Diagon Alley was uneventful. Even Harry managed to use the Floo Powder correctly this time. The group first made their way to Gringotts. Next, they all went together to get their books at Flourish and Blotts, and then moved on to Madam Malkin's. Ron had outgrown all the old robes in the family, and so he needed some new ones. Madam Malkin took his measurements, and handed him his robes. It was at this time the twins began their plan. First they signaled to Hermione, who nodded to show her understanding. Then they went and started a hushed conversation with Harry.
"Okay, Harry, we're going to get him his robes now, while Madam Malkin still has his measurements. No one else knows, so why don't you clear everyone out to give us our opportunity?"
Harry nodded. "OK, I can handle that. I'll get it going." He turned to address the group as a whole. "I need some potions ingredients, so I'm-"
Ron, who had been whispering to Hermione at the same time, had spoken aloud at the same time. "I'm going over to Quality Quidditch-" They laughed at themselves, then looked at each other, trying to figure this out. Luckily for them, Hermione asserted herself.
"Look, I want to go with Ron to Quality Quidditch Supplies. Ginny, why don't you go over with Harry to get his potions ingredients. He could use some company." At this, Harry and Ginny shared an uneasy smile. They had different reasons, though. Harry thought this was just Hermione's chance to get some more time alone with Ron. Ginny on the other hand, had been avoiding Harry since their aborted conversation, and was quite embarrassed at the thought of so much time alone with him. Neither was willing to cross Hermione when she was wearing the expression she was now, though, so they went along with the plan. The group, including the twins, decided to meet at Florean Fortescue's after they were done.
* * * * * Ron and Hermione meandered towards the Quidditch stop, talking and laughing along the way. Unusually for them, though, Ron was the one who seemed somewhat pensive. He came to a decision and spoke.
"Why are you coming with me Hermione? You've never cared about Quidditch before, so why start now?"
Hermione smiled indulgently. "Well, I've never had a boyfriend on the team before, have I?"
Ron stopped and put his hands out, speaking slowly, "Umm, Hermione, I hate to break this to you, but there's only one spot open, and there's bound to be a lot of competition. I probably won't make it."
"Yes you will. I've watched you play this summer. You're very good," Hermione replied sternly. "Now, I want to get to the shop and see what broom you're going to get."
Ron was visibly stunned by this remark. "How'd you know that that was why I was going to the Quidditch shop? I haven't told anyone that I've been saving up for a broom."
Hermione laughed at him. "Oh Ron, You're just so obvious. Every time you got your hands on two knuts, you would dash up to your room, muttering about having so much saved. That, and your comment when George got that goal barely past your hand about waiting and seeing what you could do on a real broom."
Ron looked embarrassed. "I didn't think anyone heard that. Oh well. Wait a second."
"What is it Ron?" Hermione asked impatiently. "We need to get going so we can finish up and meet the others."
Ron just stayed put, smiled a rather self -satisfied smile. "What was that you said before?"
"Do you mean about you making the team?" inquired Hermione.
"No, before that. I think you called me your boyfriend."
Hermione looked pensive. "You're right, I did." She then smiled. "You know why I did that?"
"No. Why?" asked a confused Ron.
"So I could do this." With that, Hermione pulled Ron into a long juicy kiss in the middle of Diagon Alley.
* * * * * Meanwhile, Harry and Ginny's excursion wasn't going nearly so well. Ginny was too embarrassed to start a conversation, and Harry was too busy brooding to notice. Thus, they walked in silence, until they ran into a Professor outside the apothecary. This was unwelcome, because it happened to be Professor Snape.
"Potter, Miss Weasley," Professor Snape sneered. "I do hope you plan on paying attention in my class this year rather than daydreaming about each other. Your marks already are in enough trouble without the further distraction. Especially yours, Potter. Good day."
For his part, Harry just stood there throughout Snape's monologue, though Ginny noticed his fists had clenched and the hair on the back of his neck had stood up. Finally, once Snape had passed by on his way, he spoke.
"That smarmy git. What does he think he's playing at? 'Your marks are in enough trouble, indeed.' My marks are good, why else would they have made me a prefect?"
"Don't worry about it, Harry," Ginny said soothingly. "He's just trying to get under your skin. You'll be fine." Ginny was too busy praying that Harry didn't notice her cheeks flushing and her breath growing ragged at the mere thought of Harry daydreaming about her in class that she completely missed the fact that Harry was looking at her in a manner she had never seen from him.
"Yeah I guess. Come on, let's hurry up and finish our business in there."
Ginny wrinkled her nose. "Yes, please. I can't stand the smell of that place for very long."
* * * * * As it turned out, they were the first pair to get finished. The incident with Snape had apparently broken the ice, because when Fred and George got to Florean Fortescue's, they were talking and laughing like old friends. Harry was busy telling her about the day of his first Quidditch match.
"It would have been incredibly funny if I hadn't been so nervous at the time. Wood kept trying to do his pre-game speech, but he was always interrupted by Fred and George."
Ginny was leaning back in her chair laughing so hard tears were beginning to show in the corners of her eyes. "I can see them doing that easily. They always do the same thing to Mum when she's telling them off."
Fred slipped into the chair beside Ginny. "What's this I hear? Yet another tale of the daring exploits of Gred and Forge?"
George sat on the other side of Harry. "Defying angry mums and Quidditch Captains alike in their never-ending pursuit of humor, tarts, and the socks stolen from them by their darling little sister."
Harry looked at Ginny. "Do you really steal their socks?"
Ginny giggled as she answered. "Yup. I steal socks from all of my brothers. They're just so warm and comfy. I can't get enough of them."
Harry thought this over. "Well, I guess I better keep my socks under lock and key from now on."
Ginny punched him lightly on the arm. "You aren't my brother, silly."
Harry turned to George. "You get the robes?"
"Yes, we did. Dark blue, not a trace of lace."
Ginny looked confused. "What are you two talking about? What dark blue robes with no lace?"
"They're for Ron," Fred explained. "His robes last year were awful, and we made enough money from Weasley Wizarding Wheezes that we were able to get him some new ones. After all, he has a girlfriend now."
"Speaking of those two," George continued, "Where are they? It's been too long."
Harry and Ginny looked at each other and started giggling. Harry spoke first. "Last we saw, they were by the outside wall of Quality Quidditch. Ron had a broom in one arm and Hermione in the other."
"Hermione had Ron in both arms," added Ginny in between giggles, "and they both appeared to be enjoying snogging in plain view of the general public."
Fred and George looked at each other, then nodded appreciatively. George spoke up first. "That's much more like it. Ron is a true Weasley male now. This deserves a present."
"I know what you mean. It's time he inherits the symbol of honor that all Weasley men get at such a time."
Harry and Ginny were confused. "What symbol?" asked Harry.
Fred and George just looked impassive. "You'll see on the train tomorrow."
Ron and Hermione chose this moment to arrive at the table, looking considerably more disheveled than when they had last been seen. Hermione surveyed the amused looks on the four faces in front of her. "What's so funny?" she asked.
At this, all four burst into laughter. "Nothing, Hermione," Harry gasped. "Just join us for some ice cream."
Ron looked at the package by Fred with some interest. "What's in there?" he asked.
Fred just looked at him with incredulity etched on his features. "In where? What are you talking about?"
Ron gestured. "In that package."
George answered him. "That? Oh, that's nothing. At least, nothing that concerns you."
"OK. . ." Ron was clearly suspicious, but he seemed not to be bothered by it. "Now, how about that ice cream?"
* * * * * Dinner that night was in the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone present seemed more relaxed than usual, especially Harry and Ginny. They were sitting across from each other, having an easy conversation, when George, who was sitting next to Harry, nudged him in the ribs and gestured at Fred, who was sitting in between Ginny, who was watching him intently as well, and Ron. Ron was deep in conversation with Hermione, who was on the other side of him, and therefore not paying attention to his food. Looking around, seemingly satisfied that he now had an appreciative audience, Fred leaned over and dumped some beetles in Ron's soup. At this, all four of them started shaking with silent laughter as they waited. They didn't have to wait long, as Ron, not even looking at his bowl, dipped his spoon it, and took a bite. Everyone around the table heard a loud CRUNCH as he bit down into a beetle. Fred, George, Harry, and Ginny finally got to laugh out loud, and they laughed even harder when Ron looked at his bowl, saw what was in it, and started spitting out the soup/beetle combination. Fred finally caught his breath and spoke.
"You know, that's the second brother we've been able to do that to. We need to get Percy next."
George nodded, "It seems that our younger brother is enjoying it though." He gestured at Ron, who was busy being soothed by Hermione. "That takes some of the fun out of it."
Harry finally got himself under control. "It was still funny. Maybe you guys can try that on McGonagall."
George pondered this. "You know, that's a good idea. Maybe a prank worthy of the Marauders."
Harry stifled a chuckle at this. "You do it, and I'll see whether it is worthy of them." He was think about writing Sirius, and this would be a funny, light-hearted thing to ask him among all the darkness.
The group finished supper, and headed for their respective rooms. The twins were together, Ginny and Hermione were sharing a room, and so were Harry and Ron. Harry went to his trunk to get his sleeping garments, and noticed his prefect badge was missing. He went to bed, thinking only of what it was going to look like once Fred and George were done with it.
