When Harry and Hermione had finally woken, the clouds that had earlier covered Hogwarts and the surrounding lands in a veil of darkness, were lifted, revealing a glowing full moon. It was near the time when dinner was normally served. After Madam Pomfrey had given both Harry and Hermione a final quick check up, she deemed them healthy enough to go to dinner. Madam Pomfrey was also quite pleased neither Harry nor Hermione had any sign of frostbite, despite the freezing temperatures.

I knew those new no-freeze cold repelling cloaks we bought would be a good investment! I shall inform the Headmaster at once! Once you two are ready, you may go back up to Gryffindor. Dinner will already be there for you. Harry was about to point out that they nearly well froze to death, and weren't exactly warm and cozy in the cloaks, but a look from Hermione told him he'd better keep his mouth shut. Sighing happily, Madam Pomfrey walked back to her office with a spring in her step. Harry and Hermione gave each other weirded out looks, before heading towards the door.

Harry? Harry is that you? Harry turned to his left, and saw Cho, sitting up in her bed. She looked very pale, and had a steaming bowl of soup on her bedside table. Hermione held fast to Harry's sleeve, bent on keeping Harry away from Cho. Harry pulled his robe free, and walked to the end of Cho's bed, ushering for Hermione to come over. Hermione refused to go another step, and turned her back on Harry. Harry sighed, and looked at Cho, smiling.

Yeah it's me Cho. Wow, its been a while since I last spoke to you. How've you been? Cho smiled back, but started to cough violently. She groped for a handkerchief from the table, and coughed into it. Her coughing seceded after a few minutes, and as she set down the handkerchief back onto her night stand, Harry spotted a red substance seeping through the folds of the white cloth. Harry moved closer to Cho, his face full of worry. Cho... Cho shook her head.

I'm fine, Harry, don't worry about me. Why, I bet I'll be out of this confounded bed in time to see Gryffindor play against Slytherin! Will you be there Hermione? At the sound of her name, Hermione's back stiffened, and Harry could swear he could hear her hissing silently. Hermione? Hermione sighed, and turning around, walked to Harry's side, a smile plastered on her face.

Yes, of course I'll be there! Oh we could sit together! It'd be oh so much fun! Cho gave Hermione a puzzled look.

Is there anything wrong Hermione? You sound annoyed... I'm not annoying you am I? Harry glared at Hermione, who shuffled off out of sight. Harry shook his head, and turned to look at Cho again.

No, it's not you Cho, it's, um, another matter.

Oh... There was a nasty silence, Harry swung his arms awkwardly as Cho sipped her soup. Harry decided to make a last dash at conversation.

You'll be at the Quidditch match, eh? Thats good, be nice for you to get outdoors. Cho nodded, then suddenly burst into tears.

Oh Harry! I, I'm not coming to the match! I lied! I'll never leave this stupid bed! I'll die young, I'll rot away to nothing! Harry what am I going to do? Cho buried her face in her hands, and her shoulders shook. Harry, who wasn't very good with knowing how to deal with crying, looked to Hermione for help, but she was looking out the window, wrapping her hair around her finger. Hermione noticed Harry was looking at her, and she turned around. Harry pleaded silently with Hermione, clasping his hand, and mouthing I love you! Hermione hesitated, sighed then strode quickly over to Cho's bedside.

Hermione put her arm around Cho's shoulder, and hushed her.

Come on now Cho, you mustn't think like that! Why, I bet you will be at the Quidditch Match! Surely Madam Pomfrey'll let you go just this one time! You know what I think, Hermione said, looking Cho right in her tear streaked face, I think you'll get a special visitor soon, but only if you promise to stop this silly talk about rotting away in your bed. You'll get well, I know you will! You can't let down Ravenclaw, and never play a game of Quidditch again! Cho nodded, and sniffed.

Of course, thank you Hermione. I was acting foolishly and childlike. If all hope is given up, the point of life is lost. I'll do my best to get well. Well, I'd best get on with eating, rather drinking my vegetable soup. Nice talking to you two, hope you have a grand week. So long! Harry waved to Cho, and held the door for Hermione, before going out in the hall himself.

Once the door had closed, Hermione took a very deep breath, and clenching her fists, breathed out. She rolled her head from side to side, and dusted off her robe.

Well, glad THAT'S all over with then. Honestly Harry, it's disgusting how she fawns over you! Harry laughed.

Oh come on Hermione, it wasn't that bad! You talked to her without grimacing! See this is progress! And besides, Harry whispered mischievously, a wicked grin on his face, It amuses me highly when you're all jealous and flustered. Hermione turned to Harry with a serious face, at the same time biting her lip to refrain from breaking out into a smile.

Harry Potter! Honestly, must you be so.. Oooohh come on, I'm starving. Getting the better of herself, Hermione smiled, and blushed. Harry grinned, and kissed Hermione on the cheek, before taking Hermione's hand, together walking up the stairs, not a Prefect in sight.
**********
Draco, honestly, we shouldn't be here! What if we get caught? I might not be able to become a Prefect, and Mum and Dad'll be so disappointed.. I really ought to go- Malfoy stopped Ginny by kissing her on the lips. Malfoy drew away, and smirked.

You're always so worried about getting caught, Weasley...I mean, Ginny. Why not just relax? Malfoy and Ginny were together up in the Astronomy Tower, gazing at the stars. Malfoy had just been let off for the night by Madam Pomfrey, and had met Ginny on the seventh floor. Ginny sighed, and put her head on Malfoy's chest.

I suppose you're right...Though, I hope Fred and George, and Ron don't start to worry.. Do you suppose Harry's fine? Malfoy sighed.

Ginny, honestly, I don't give a damn about how Potter is. I don't know if he's still in the Hospital or not... Can't you just think about us? Ginny fell quiet, and they lay in silence, looking up at the night sky. A shooting star fell across the sky, a beautiful fiery red. Malfoy's hand slowly began to creep down to Ginny's robe, his fingers slipping on the buttons. Ginny noticed what Malfoy was doing, and she squirmed free. Standing up, she dusted herself off, speaking frankly, and indignantly.

Draco, I've told you before, I'm not ready for that! I'm only fourteen! We've barely even been dating for a month. Why can't you respect me? I've had enough of this, enough of you, Malfoy, I'm leaving. Ginny gave Malfoy a hard look, and walked briskly for the stairs. Malfoy scrambled to get up, and ran to block Ginny's path.

Ginny please...

No Malfoy, get out of the way! You'll never change! Malfoy seized Ginny's shoulders, and wrestled her down to the ground. Ginny struggled to get free, screaming and kicking.

Get off me!! HELP! Somebody help! Malfoy held down Ginny with one arm, and struck her in the face with the other. Ginny cried out in pain, shrieking even louder but help, but was silenced as Malfoy kissed her. Ginny stopped struggling, her heart racing as she furiously thought of a way to escaped. As soon as Malfoy drew away, and took some weight off her shoulders, she slid out from under Malfoy, kicked him to the ground on his butt and ran as fast as she could to the stairs, her breath ragged, and catching in her throat. Ginny reached the stairs, just as Malfoy called out,
You'll pay for this Weasley! YOU'LL PAY! DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW WHO REALLY POISONED RON WEASLEY?

Ginny, who was on the first stair, came to a sudden halt, and looked back at Malfoy, unable to speak, or shout out any insult. Swallowing hard, Ginny took a shaky breath, as tears that had been threatening to fall, spilled down her cheeks. Her face as red as her hair, Ginny looked like a caged tiger, furious, but unable to do anything. Closing her eyes, she started to cry, as Malfoy came to her, and took Ginny in his arms. Ginny tried to break free, but Malfoy was too strong, and held her fast. Defeated, she put her head on Malfoy's chest. Shaking with rage, and terror, Ginny thought to herself, What have I gotten myself into?
*******
Everyone in Gryffindor had already eaten dinner, and were milling around the Common Room, talking about when classes would resume, carrying on life as usual, with the absence of stress about finishing homework assignments due the very next morning. Having finished his Chocolate Frog, Ron got up and joined Fred and George in a contest of juggling pudding cups. Ron was winning, until Fred charmed all the puddings to dump themselves onto Ron's head.
Suddenly and luckily for Fred, the portrait swung open, and into view, strolled Harry and Hermione.

Pandemonium ensued. Everyone leapt to their feet, and ran over to Harry and Hermione, slapping them on the back, before taking their cloaks, pushing them over to the couch and offering them every sort of food that was spread out on the table. Harry tried to hear everyone speaking to him at once, but it was too difficult. Harry held up his hand.

Thanks for the welcome guys, but I think we can feed ourselves. Harry winked at them, and picked up a goblet of pumpkin juice. Just as he was bringing the cup to his lips, Harry noticed Ron, standing by himself, holding his wand. Harry stood up, and walked toward Ron. The corners of Rons mouth twitched.

You're late. Harry grinned, and getting up, embraced Ron, thumping him soundly on the back. Ron grinned back, and sat down next to Harry. Harry cleared his throat, looking somewhat awkwardly at Ron.

Thanks, for what you did in the Entrance Hall. But, you know, you didn't have to. Did they hurt you at all? Ron laughed.

Well Gloria did. Cor, I couldn't breath for about thirty seconds! And don't mention it. I know you'll repay me. Ron selected a piece of apple cobbler, daubed a bit of whipped cream on the top and dug in with a vengeance. Hermione snorted. Ron, turned to her, and said, Eh, wha' yoo laughin' at?, accidentally spraying Harry with bits of cobbler. Oops, sorry Ron swallowed. What are you laughing at Hermione? Hermione chuckled, grabbing a spoon, scooping up some pudding from Rons hair. Ron looked on in horror as Hermione inspected the pudding, smiled, and put the spoon in her mouth. Harry sputtered, wiping his mouth on a napkin.
Hermione! That puddings been on Rons hair! Who knows what sort of microscopic bacteria, fleas, and other rotten sort of stuff you just put in your mouth! Ron put a finger into the mountain of pudding on top of his head, and licked it.

Snot bad really. Go on everyone, dig in! Better hurry before the pudding starts to melt. Just grab a spoon! Willingly, everyone took up a spoon, and began going at the puddings. Caramel, chocolate, lemon mirangue, vanilla, coconut, and coffee were just some of the flavours that covered Rons flaming red hair. Oops, someone start on the banana, it's starting to drip onto my forehead! Ah, thank you Lavender. Tell me Lavender, does this turn you on at all? Lavender tutted.

Yeah Ron, scooping pudding off of a guy's head is so romantic! Come on, lets go make out right now! Lavender bopped Ron on the head with her spoon, and went upstairs to the Girls dormitories. Ron called after her.

Come on Lavender, where are you going? We haven't heard what happened with Harry and Hermione! Harry looked at Hermione, and Hermione looked at Harry, then Ron.

Ron, I'm not sure we really want to talk about it yet. It was only this afternoon. Maybe another time. Ron looked a little put out, but reached out, and took Hermione's hand. She jumped, and looked at Ron, her face turning a bright pink.

Ron! Harry shot a warning glance towards Ron, but he held on.

I understand Hermione, just whenever you guys are ready to talk. Harry looked about ready to strangle Ron, when Ron have Hermione's hand a final gentle squeeze, and let. Hermione stared hard at her peanut brittle, her face flushed. Harry cracked his knuckles, getting slightly more and more agitated that Ron kept openly flirting with Hermione, acting as though he didn't know they were going out.

After saying hellos to Harry and Hermione, every Gryffindor was ready to whittle away the night gossiping, playing a good game of Gobstones, Wizard Chess or Exploding Snap, or sneaking off to the Astronomy Tower when the Prefects weren't watching. Harry, Ron and Hermione, sat by themselves in a solitary corner. Inside the three companions minds, different thoughts and questions kept arising, as they sat silently in each other's company. Hermione was staring fixedly at her fingernails, sighing with distain at several broken nails. But try as she did to clear her mind of any silly questions of the heart, Hermione couldn't help but wonder to herself,
Why in heavens name did Ron do that? I mean ,you'd think Ron fancies me! Wait, he doesn't does he? No, of course not, he has the pretty,well mannered Lavender to occupy his silly little mind... Hmmm... Meanwhile, in Ron's mind.. Hmmm wonder if Hermione suspects I fancy her... Nahh... Harry scratched his chin, and sighing, glaring at Ron. If that stupid prat lays one more hand on Hermione, I swear I'll... Ooo corn chip!
Grinning, Harry picked up a shard of a corn chip. Apparently, it was well past its expiration date in a matter of speaking: Harry grabbed his jaw and taking out the chip, set it onto a plate with a resounding clink! Harry sighed again, and laid down on the couch, putting his head on Hermione's lap. Absentmindedly, Hermione started to stroke Harry's hair.

If one could read each other's mind, Harry Ron and Hermione would find it both fascinating, intriguing and disturbing (when referring to Hermione reading either Ron or Harry's minds), to find out what either Ron Harry or Hermione was thinking about the mind reader. A great deal could be learned just by slyly listening in to another person's thoughts.
For example, Harry would be delighted that Hermione was thinking of names to call their baby if and when they got married. Then, if Ron knew what Hermione was thinking, Ron would be quite jealous, and in the right mood to punch Harry. Hermione would find it very interesting that Ron was trying to think of ways to get her away from Harry, and also of a possible escape route to New Zealand. Of course, if Harry knew about this, he would most likely try and push Ron down a set of stairs. Both Hermione and Ron would find it very intriguing to know that Harry was thinking of the future, and what if would hold, instead of his current situation. It helped that Harry already knew what he would do if Ron did anything with Hermione... Wait, did he? Oh well...

Suddenly, once again, the portrait door swung open, and no round of applause was given, as a small figure walked in practically unnoticed. Harry hadn't even known someone had walked in until he heard Ron yell.

Ginny! Hey Ginny over here! Harry sat up, and grinned at Ginny, who was looking very tired. Upon seeing Harry, her face cleared, and she broke into a huge smile.

Harry! Hermione! It's wonderful to see you guys again! Oh, hello Ron. Ron scrunched up his face.

Oh hello Ron'? Is that any welcome for your brother who's been worrying about you? Good grief! Ron walked over to Ginny, and picked her up in a giant hug. Ginny made a noise like a dogs squeaky toy and kicked her legs.

Oy Geroff Ron! Ron set her down, and Ginny made her way over to the dinner table. Hermione scooted over on the couch, to make room for Ginny. As Ginny sat down though, Hermione noticed the purple bruise on her cheek.

Ginny! My God are you alright? Your face is bruised! Hermione took Ginny's face in one hand, as she inspected the bruise.

Don't worry about me Hermione, I'm fine! Ginny smiled, but winced as Hermione touched the mark. Just was hit in the face by the portrait as I opened it. It's nothing. Ginny's face was now very pale, the room having fallen silent, a kind of deafening quiet when you can hear the littlest sounds. Ginny prayed to herself that no one could hear her pounding heartbeat, especially Harry, who kept staring at her.
Upon seeing the bruise,Harry had become quite serious, and he looked at Ginny with a concerned expression.

Ginny, where exactly where you? Ron, how long has she been gone?
Ron swallowed, and stroked his chin. His face no longer looked bright and youthful, as it did a few minutes ago. Instead, Ron looked many years older, the candlelight being cast upon his face made shadows under his eyes, making Ron look weary, like he was laden down with the sorrows of the world. Ron looked straight into Ginny's eyes. So intense was his gaze that Ginny could hardly bring herself to gaze back. Hermione looked back and forth, at Ginny and Ron, and recognized the very same stare Ron had given her earlier that day. It was like he was looking into her very soul, Hermione remembered with a slight shiver. There was something so mysterious about Ron, but Hermione didn't know what it could be. How can a person be mysterious if you know everything about them?

Harry cleared his throat, looking at Ron with an eyebrow raised.
Ron? How long has Ginny been gone? Ron snapped out of his hypnotic state, and shook his head.

I never saw her leave. Where'd you go? You could've been hurt! What if a snow spirit got into the castle? You could've been thrown off the seventh floor landing, where you would've fallen all the way down to the fifth floor, onto a statue of Godric the Great. Ginny hung her head.

I- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause any trouble... All I wanted to do was send an owl to Mum and Dad. I mean, this snow storm might make it into the papers, right? Harry looked puzzled.

Why? It's just an ordinary snow storm. Harry protested, but Ginny shook her head.

I've heard that this is the first magical snow storm in forty years. It's bound to be in the Daily Prophet somewhere. Is it alright if I go to bed? I'm really tired. Harry shrugged.

Whatever, I'm not your father. Goodnight Ginny. Ginny said goodnight, before dashing up the stairs. Harry watched her go, until she was out of sight. He sighed and turned around to look at his mates. By the looks on all their faces, Harry could tell they all felt as he did.

Hermione sniffed rather tetchily.

How stupid does she think we are? Huh, hit her cheek on the portrait did she? Been sending an owl has she? We're not idiots! Ron frowned, and cocked his head.

What do you mean Hermione? Everything she said seemed to be truthful. Harry snorted.

You mean you honestly believe Ginny could find an owl willing to venture out into the storm? No sensible creature would leave a warm roosting place to go out into the cold, where you lose all sense of direction! It's like signing your own death warrant! Ron put his head in his hands and moaned.

Can we please stop talking about stuff you have to think about? It's making my bloody head hurt! Harry and Hermione both laughed, and started buffeting Ron with big fluffy pink pillows. Ron bellowed goodhumouredly and returned fire, seizing two pillows, and whirling his arms like windmills, making the Whirl of Death.
The once quiet room was full of laughter, mainly Harry Ron and Hermione's, who stayed up far past when everyone else had gone to sleep.
The embers of the fire turned into glowing coals, which casted little light on the couch, where Ron, Hermione and Harry lay, exhausted. Harry had his arm around Hermione, and Hermione had her head on Harry's chest, Ron, had his feet in Harry's face, and his head on Hermione's legs. Late into the morning they slept, feeling neither awkward, nor weird. They were, of course, students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and were very used to the unusual.
********
Yay! How'd ya like it? :D I know, bit shorter then past chappies, but hey, I'm busy! Don't complain! Be happy I find any time to write at all!! :) This will be my last chapter for a while, since I'm going to Japan over Spring Break, at the end of this week, for 10 days. I'll be jet lagged afterward, so really the chapter won't be done for a bit! But PLEASE REVIEW THIS CHAPTER!! AND KEEP READING!!! :) Thank you to all my reviewers! You're wonderful!
-Irish Lass