On the second day of confinement, life was standing still at Gryffindor Tower. Bodies were strewn all over the Common Room, napping and dreaming away the days filled with nothingness.
Ron was lying on the floor, a river of drool running from the corner of his mouth, down off his robe, and onto the red carpet, where there was a small puddle forming. Harry was on the couch, cleaning his fingernails. Everything they could think of doing had been done. Harry had taken quite enough of being defeated by Ron in every single game of Wizards Chess, as Ron grew bored of Harry putting no effort into losing.
Neville suddenly sat up, looking quite scared.
What day is it? Please, does anyone know? I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT DAY IT IS!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!! Seamus reached up and slapped Neville smartly across the face.
It's Wednesday you dumb ass. Why does it matter anyways? A day is like any other day when you're cooped up in here. Neville sat back down, and the entire room sighed as a whole.

Just then the portrait door slammed open with a bang. Everyone jumped, and Harry fall off the couch. Hermione, who had taken an uncomfortable position laying across the top of the couch, rolled onto the couch, bouncing slightly as she settled into the couch Harry had warmed up for her. Hermione looked under the couch, where Harry was emerging, covered in dust bunnies. Harry blew a large fluffy one at Hermione, who sneezed and hit Harry with a pillow. Harry held Hermione back because Angelina and Professor McGonagall were standing infront of the fireplace. Angelina was very fidgety, holding a package behind her back, but settled down when Professor McGonagall gave her the evil eye.

Straightening her shoulders, Prof McGonagall clapped her hands,
Come on! Pay attention! This will provide some entertainment, trust me! So unless you immensely enjoy following light reflected off your watches around the room, I suggest you listen up. Having every persons eyes on her, Professor McGonagall nodded at Angelina, who drew forth from behind her back a lumpy long package. She peered around the room, and smirked when she spotted Ron, whose eyes were wide open and staring at the package.

Ron Weasley, will you come up here? Ron heaved himself off the floor with some considerable effort, but dusted himself off and swaggered his way up to the front of the room, taking his place as instructed by Professor McGonagall by Angelina. Angelina took a deep breath, trying to contain the smile spreading across her face.
Ron, as you know, you were chosen out of many, to be the new Gryffindor Keeper! One of the conditions of becoming a Gryffindor Keeper is that you receive a new broom. This, Angelina brought the package out from behind her back, and handed it to Ron carefully as though it were a razor sharp double edged sword, Is your new broom. Without hesitating to ask if he could open it or not, Ron began ripping off the brown paper, which littered the floor around him. Around, and around, and around did the brown paper wrap Ron's new broom. Wizards were muttering and craning their necks to get a clear view of the package.
The last scrap of paper fell to the floor. ......................
Ron grinned, and held the broom aloft.
It's a Firebolt! The room exploded with gasps of shock, mutters and triumphant yells, and everyone moved in closer to get a better view of the Firebolt. Ron looked at Harry, and smiled.
You know, holding a Firebolt is so much better when you know it's yours! I mean, I knew the Keeper was getting one, but I never expected it to be this wonderful! Harry laughed.
Well, it's a lot better when you're actually riding the broom Ron! Angelina came over and put her arms over Harry and Ron's shoulders, looking very pleased.
Excellent! We'll nail Slytherin Friday no doubt! Excellent! Two Firebolts on the Gryffindor team ... never thought I'd see the day... Anyways, truly excellent! Spread the word around we'll be practicing out on the Quidditch field at 3 o' clock today sharp! No doubt people will want to see you in action Ron! Oh and of course you Harry, said Angelina, winking at Harry, who pecked Angelina on the check.
Oh you may jest, but I know the true meaning of your actions, and your feelings for me, so very deep, deep, deep down inside. Fred hit Harry on the back.
Potter, keep your lips to yourself, and Hermione, and off of my girlfriend, or I'll just have to seal them shut.... Fred looked deadly serious at Harry for a moment, who looked wary, before bursting out laughing.
Only joking mate. I know Hermione would deck me if I did that! Ron sighed irritably and turned to Angelina.
How can we go outside and practice if it's still a bloody snowstorm outside? Angelina looked quizzically at Ron.
You mean you guys didn't get the news? Harry's ears perked up, as did Hermiones, who came over to Harry's side.
What news Angelina? Angelina strode over to the shut gold and red velvet curtains, and drew them back, showing a wonderfully sunny day. The clouds had finally parted, showing a beautiful blue sky, and the grounds of Hogwarts covered with sparkling white snow as far as the eye could see.
It stopped snowing! We can go outside now, and all wands will be handed back at the end of the day! Once more the Common Room exploded, with whoops, cheers and whistles; people danced around, and Neville actually grabbed the nearest person to him, and started cutting a rug. The poor girl afterward needed to be revived with smelling salts. Hermione kissed Harry happily, who smiled at her.
Want to come to practice with me? Hermione nodded.
If you asked me to travel to the Sahara desert I'd go just to get out of this damn room!
Ron showed up behind them with Lavender, and suggested they go to lunch, as everyone was going down. They made their way downstairs in a huge group, talking and chatting merrily, Ron still holding the Firebolt close to him. Gryffindor's were joined by other houses, everyone ecstatic to be free from the confines of their respective Common Rooms.
The Prefects, who all looked very weary from lack of sleep and strained to the breaking point from keeping students in their Common rooms, were perhaps the happiest. They could once more patrol the halls leisurely, instead of running after Fred and George trying to escape out into the wild. They chatted amongst themselves, a snotty pack at the top of the Grand staircase, apparently so engrossed in their own tragic details of the previous two nights, that they didn't notice Fred and George sliding down the staircase, mooning them with, Resist Prefects painted on their bums in green glowing paint. They jumped off at the bottom, pulling up their pants, running quickly into the Great Hall, under the watchful eye of Professor Dumbledore.
'Scuse us Professor Dumbledore! Must be going to erm, go eat! Fred doffed an imaginary cap, and strolled to the Gryffindor table.
Growing boys need their nutrition! Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he looked after the fleeing miscreants, chuckling at the sight of the green paint seeping through their trousers. Sighing, he turned and walked into the Great Hall, to take his place at the Head Table.
The Great Hall was considerably more grand then usual. Purple drapes graced the stone walls, and live tapestries of the Houses growled, snarled, hissed and glowered down at the students gathering at the tables below them. The floating candles were a frosty blue, the flame itself standing frozen on the wick, still providing light. Thank god they didn't turn the whole hall into an Igloo, Harry thought to himself, as he sat down on the now cushioned benches every house had to sit down upon. At every place were the usual gold plate and goblet, but then there were candies and party favours, usually given out at Christmas time. Harry chuckled as he picked up a party favour and fondly remembered the stuffed vulture witches hat that had popped out of Snape's party favour in third year.
Dumbledore was calling for silence as students found their seats and looked up at their headmaster. Spreading his arms, Dumbledore called out,
Welcome back dear students! The Hall exploded with cheers, cat calling and applause. Holding up his hands, Dumbledore waited once more for quiet. I am sure many of you are restless to stretch your legs, and breath fresh air, and soon you will be able to do that. After breakfast, the doors will be unlocked, and as a special treat, you will be able to go to Hogsmeade! Not all of you though, quite sorry, only those who have written consent from their parental or guardian units. Now, dig in!
Food appeared, and students started talking again, around mouthful of eggs, strawberry pancakes, cresants, yogurt, miso soup, rice, bacon, sausage, and for some odd reason, peppermint humbugs. Dumbledore himself sat back down, and drank deeply from his cup, before turning to talk to Professor McGonagall.

Harry looked to Hermione. What do you want to do? Christmas shopping wouldn't hurt to start. I hate how busy it gets nearer to the holidays. Hermione ran her tongue across her teeth, thinking.
If we could make it to the Gryffindor Quidditch practice in time, I love to get started! I have a list a mile long... Hermione finished her oatmeal quickly, and grabbed Harry's arm. We'd better go now, come on! Harry tried to eat another forkful of eggs, but they fell onto his plate, and all his food disappeared to the kitchen below. Sighing, and clutching his stomach, Harry walked out with Hermione. Ron was pulled away from his bacon and eggs omelette by Lavender, and looked back at his plate with tears in his eyes as the omelette disappeared.
Good bye sweet artery clogging omelette, I hardly knew you.
Lavender, you owe me breakfast by the way.
At the door, were many more people eagerly waiting for the clock to strike 9:30, and for the doors to open. Harry gazed at his watch. 9:29... Any second now... There was a sudden click, followed by three loud booms. And slowly, but surely, Harry saw the two enormous doors swing open. Everyone in the Great Hall stood still, hardly breathing as the sunlight shone brightly in their eyes. Squinting, Harry saw... Trees! Honest to goodness live lush green trees. He could smell the pine, and the wonderful fresh air. The whole room breathed as one, sighing as they closed their eyes, remembering previous times outside. Even Fred and George couldn't find anything to say at the beauty that was before them.
BOOM. The doors stopped, and Harry blinked. Taking one step forward with Hermione, he walked slowly towards the door. Others started walking too, like people unsure of where they were and what they were seeing.
Harry started to walk faster, then he started running, Hermione right at his side. He ran until he heard the crunch of the powder snow under his feet. Harry turned around, and looked at the others running outside, and let out a whoop. Everyone cheered as they ran outside, throwing hats into the air, rolling around in the snow, chasing each other in the snow, and behaving like normal teenagers.
Harry lifted Hermione up, and spun her around, as she laughed, throwing back her head, and looking up at the sky. Harry started laughing too, and they laughed, until Harry stopped spinning, and put her down, holding her close to him, breathing heavily. Hermione looked into Harry's face with those big hazel eyes, and smiled. Harry smiled back, and bent down to kiss Hermione. Just at that moment however, Ron bounded jubilantly over with Lavender, face already flushed, and robes matted with snow.
What're you wasting time eating each other's faces? Let's GO already! Come on Lavender, I'll buy you some sweets from Honeydukes. Lavender jumped onto Ron's back and wrapped her legs around his waist, nearly knocking him to the ground, but Ron got his balance, laughing, he began running through the snow, very unsteadily, wobbling and teetering left and right like Hagrid after a few too many pints of mulled mead. Harry took Hermione's hand, and they walked very calmly through the snow. After they had passed the castle, Hermione bit her lip, and looked expectantly up at Harry. Harry sighed, and got down on one knee.
Alright, go ahead if you must. Hermione squealed, took a running start and jumped up onto Harry's back, who took a hold of Hermione's legs, and launched himself from his position on the ground like an Olympic runner.
Snow flew behind him as the hill grew steeper, and Harry saw the gateway leading to Hogsmeade. Hermione tightened her grip around Harry's neck as they gained speed. She yelled into his ear,
HARRY! DON'T YOU THINK WE OUGHT TO SLOW DOWN? Harry blinked snow out of his eye, and swerved to avoid a pine, ignoring Hermione. He could see Ron and Lavender troddling through the gate, guarded by wizards in black fur coats, and top hats. They saw Harry, looked at each other, back at Harry, then at each other, and quickly hurried to open the gate. Harry could feel his heart in his throat as they neared the wooden gates. He was choking for air, Harry could feel himself losing control as he ran faster then his feet could hit the ground. Hermione screamed as she saw the closed gates.
Sweet Mother Mary help us!
At the last second, the doormen pushed open the doors, turning smartly to attention as Harry went speeding past them.
Harry! Hermione's eyes widened, then she quickly shut them tight, burying her head in Harry's shoulder. Harry couldn't stop. Just at moment, Harry slipped on the icy pavement, and fell face forward onto the cold ground. Hermione's death grip saved her from too much harm, keeping on top of Harry. The two slid down the street, sending wizards to the sidewalk, and a few school boys and girls chased after them, whooping, along with adults yelling and shaking fists. Harry lifted his numb face up from the ground as much as he could. Through the wisps of Hermione's hair, Harry could see they were heading straight for Honeydukes, and also saw a familiar pair of legs infront of them. Harry managed to croakily yell out,
Ron! Get out of the way! Ron's capability to hear may have been impaired upon because of Lavender talking into his ear. That being said, it is quite understandable that Ron did not hear Harry and Harry and Hermione, who continued to hurtle uncontrollably down the walkway, knocked Ron and Lavender to the ground.
Ron landed with an oof! on Harry, and Lavender landed on Hermione, and the two clung to Harry and each other for dear life.
All four of the petrified students were stopped at the Honeydukes door, by a platform, which by sliding into it catapulted them into the 'Unusual Tastes' part of the store. Cockroach Clusters, Blood Pops and other odd sweets rained down on them. Harry spit out a Cockroach Cluster, and turned to look for where Hermione was.

Ron was on top of Hermione, the pair frozen in terror of the position they were in. Ron swallowed, and started to move slowly closer to Hermione's lips, as if mesmerized. Harry stepped forward, and pushed Ron off of Hermione, and pulled Hermione to her feet. His hands were shaking, and his breath was shaky with rage.
You-
Harry, I didn't mean to, it was an accident- Hermione stepped in between the pair, looking desperately at Harry.
Calm down Harry, you're causing a scene! You know right well it was an accident! Let's go someplace else, alright? Harry made no sign he even had heard Hermione, but allowed himself to be lead out of the shop. Hermione looked nervously up at Harry. Harry cleared his throat and with a great struggle, said,
I'm sorry for how I reacted Hermione, I didn't mean to embarrass you. Harry sighed bitterly, and shoved his hands into his pockets. Hermione made a small noise under her breath, and looked quite happy, therefore being happy with Harry being a man and apologizing right away without sulking.
That's better now, isn't it? Come on, we still have four hours! Oooh look, Galdrags is having a holiday sale! I could get mum a new cloak, hers has been looking threadbare for ages now. Insisting she's alright, Hermione clucked her tongue. Like I haven't seen her put on five layers before going out to the grocery store! Maybe you could find some Christmas presents too, eh Harry? Harry nodded glumly, and found himself being pulled like a stubborn donkey into the wizarding shop.
Harry blinked several times until his eyes got adjusted to the light shining seemingly from every article of clothing, and from all corners of the shop. Hermione was undaunted, and charmed her eyes so she could see properly. She was browsing when Harry spotted something he thought Ron would like; a dark red cloak, hemmed with silver, with the emblem of what appeared to be a broomstick and a wand.
Ah, I see you have found the cloak of Sir Quindle Forthrite the Third. Yes, yes, a very famous official in the world of airborne sports! God rest his soul. Yes, quite an item, but it will come at a price! Harry was inspecting the cloak further.
Mind if I put it on? And before the shopkeeper could stop him, Harry had put his arms in the impressive sleeves, and thrown the cloak over his shoulders. The shop around him dissolved, and Harry was sent spinning to the ground.

Opening his eyes, Harry looked wildly around. He was no longer in Galdrags, but in the middle of a Quidditch field. Looking around even further, he saw that he, Harry was sitting upon a broomstick, wearing no longer Sir Quindle Forthrite the Third's cloak, but England Quidditch robes! Harry heard a whistle, and not knowing what he was doing at all, and without any clue how he was doing it, soared high into the air. At his side, were two other people in robes, a man and a fiery headed woman. The Quaffle was thrown into the air, and Harry, automatically caught it. He was facing the Ireland Quidditch team chasers, and heard the yells of the crowd all around him.
Harry looked down at the ball in his hand, and threw it quickly to the Chaser below him, who ducked Bludgers sent from the Irish Beaters, and threw the Quaffle blindingly into the goal. The England supporters in the crowd cheered wildly. The chaser, the thin looking man, called out to Harry.
Nice pass Forthrite! Be a little quicker with your reaction next time!
It dawned on Harry; he was Sir Forthrite the Third! And this must be... Harry looked around, and spotted the scoreboard. It read, Three hundred and twenty second Quidditch World Cup. Ireland 0 England 10
Harry soared around the pitch happily. This Quidditch match had occurred exactly one hundred years before the one he saw with Ron last year!
Forthrite! Be alert! Harry was abruptly brought back to the living memory, as a Quaffle hit him hard in the chest. Seeing no one to pass to, Harry sped for the goal, before something irresistibly pulled him to the left; Forthrite's memory. Harry wasn't in control of what he did on the broom. Everything was going to happen as it did happen that day.. What had the shop keeper said? God rest his soul...
Harry's stomach lurched. He had a nasty feeling that Forthrite died in the match, and he, Harry had no desire to stay any longer. He flew down to the ground, and leapt off the broom. Harry took off the Quidditch robes, and the world around him dissolved once more. He was standing in Galdrags, and the shopkeeper stepped towards him.
No, no sir, it's best if you leave that cloak on the rack. I couldn't sell such a cloak to someone so young. Harry handed back the cloak to the elderly shopkeeper, and wiped his brow.
Thanks for the favour. Harry turned to Hermione.
Hermione.. you'll never believe what just happened to me! I was sent back, to a memory of sorts, like ones I've been in before, and it was a Quidditch match! One hundred years before the match we saw! And I was a Chaser, and they told me Spot on! and Great job!. But then I realized the man died in that match, and I didn't want to find out if I would die too, so I came back! Harry said all this in a rush, and was quite surprised to see Hermione still looking through clothes. Hermione? Did you hear me? I was in a memory! Hermione turned to Harry, and smiled.
Of course you were Harry, I believe you. Harry threw up his hands.
Good! I thought you'd just call me insane. Hermione sighed.
Harry, it's a wizard clothing store. How out of place would a time traveling memory lock cloak be? Now, hold this. Hermione thrust several shirts, and robes at Harry, who gave a furtive look at them, but accepted them. Harry wished Hermione could actually tell he was still in a foul mood, and he really was not sorry for how he had acted. Rather, Harry wished he had punched Ron's lights out. There was time for that up in the Dormitory, Harry decided, as his hands were quite full, aiding Hermione in holding all her Christmas gifts.
A good hour later, Harry was amazed to find every last one of Hermione's purchases had fit into a normal sized shopping bag. He continually had to keep checking into the bag just to assure himself nothing was missing. They went back to Honeydukes, seeing as they had not had the opportunity to buy anything earlier. Harry still hadn't forgiven Ron for what he accidentally did, so he was quite glad Ron had retreated somewhere with Lavender.
The seams of his pockets bursting, and clutching two more bags, Harry gave the suggestion that they head back to the castle. Hermione looked scandalized that Harry even thought of going back to the castle.
Now?! With all these bargains? Harry, we've only scratched the surface of shopping! I want to go to five more shops at least. Heave ho! Then it's off to do O.W.L. homework, and Quidditch practice! Harry sighed, and went off sullenly with Hermione.
Harry's mood however, changed as the afternoon went on. Hermione's perky mood was so infectious, that Harry couldn't help but smile. After Hermione had visited every shop she wanted, Hermione beamed at Harry.
Thank you so much Harry! You've been an absolute dear this afternoon! I never thought you'd be able to put up with it! In fact, I'll do anything you ask me to, as a favour. Not anything and you know what I am talking about. Harry thought about it for a minute, then opened his mouth to speak. Before he could get a single word out, Hermione sighed.
Alright, no O.W.L. homework for right now, and we could go on a broomstick ride before practice if you'd like. Come on, we can go back now! Harry closed his mouth, and bent down to kiss Hermione. She put her arms around his neck, and their lips met. Hermione blushed happily, and took Harry's hand. Together they walked back up to the castle, unaware Ron had seen everything that occurred in the past few minutes.
Ron turned to Lavender. Lets go back up to the castle too, alright? It's getting nippy out here. Lavender nodded, and linked arms with Ron.
Let's take a carriage ride first, be a nice way to wake up, and see the grounds again! Ron smiled, and kissed Lavender.
Anything you say, my dear. Lavender grinned happily at Ron, and became quite interested in her shopping back. Seeing that Lavender was distracted, Ron looked up, and glared at Harry and Hermione's backs up ahead. He was frightened and a little ashamed to admit it, but seeing them so happy together made something stir from inside him. Ron's lips moved almost soundlessly, as he continued to glare.
I will win her, Harry, you wait and see. Ron whispered, throwing caution to the winds. Lavender looked up at him, still smiling, and Ron forced his grimace back into a smile. They started walking to where the horses where kept, laughter and cheerful voices fading behind them.

********
Hello all! yes, a bit of time since I last updated!! School was horrible, even in the last weeks!! So I'll try and write more! What was odd, is I started ideas for a new story, and before I had read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. A lot of the things I thought up, sort of happened! Odd huh? O.o Please PLEASE REVIEW!! I want 10 sparkling new reviews! Is that so hard to ask, since I did go to the trouble of writing this? Oh who am I kidding, I love writing! REVIEW ANYWAYS!! ;)