A/N: Here's my shot at a nice H/Hr fluffy scene.  Nothing important happens, and there's no kissing or exclamations of love.  But it's a nice switch from the previous chapters.  Just the typical friendship-that-hides-a-deeper-love-underneath.

29. Spring Break

Spring break soon arrived, and the students were preparing to go home for the break.  "C'mon Sean," Ron persisted.  "Come with home with me to the Burrows.  Mum would love to see you."

"I'd like to Ron, but it wouldn't be smart.  I can't tell your family who I really am, and it'd be a little weird if you brought home a complete stranger for the week.  They might suspect something."

Ron looked disappointed, but he agreed nonetheless.  Harry smiled at him, and then helped him finish packing.  "What are you going to do, then?" Ron asked.

"I'll be Ok.  It's not like Christmas; there are plenty of students staying to study for NEWTs.  I won't be lonely," Harry said with a smile.  Harry helped Ron carry his things to the carriages that would take the students to Hogsmeade station.  There they met Hermione.  "Where's your stuff, Hermione?  I thought you were going home too?"

"Oh no.  I told my parents I had way too much to study for.  They were happy enough that I went home for winter break," she said, then added with a smile, "Besides, I can't just leave you here alone by yourself."

Harry smiled in response; he was grateful for the company and could definitely use her help to study.  They watched as their classmates filled the train and waved goodbye.  Then they walked side-by-side back to the castle.

******************************

"C'mon Sean, I'm bored!  Let's do something!" Hermione cried, tugging at Harry's sleeve.

Harry looked at her in shock.  It was early morning on the fourth day of Spring break, and he was sitting in the library poring over his History of Magic textbook.  "Who are you and what have you done with my Hermione?" he asked.

Hermione giggled.  "All we've been doing is studying for the past three days!" she whined in a sad little voice.  "It's finally a nice day outside.  Let's go to Hogsmeade or something!"

Harry looked at the pile of books in front of him.  He still had a lot he wanted to do today, but one look at her shining face erased all that.  He found it nearly impossible to say no to her when she got so excited.  Plus, how times did Hermione Granger want to do something other than study?  He grinned.  "Ok, Hermione, let's go do something.  Did you have anything in mind?" 

"Well," she said shyly.  "I've been curious about Harrogate and Boroughbridge ever since you mentioned them.  I'd like to visit the places where you lived last year," she said, her eyes bright with anticipation.

Harry was surprised.  "But, how are we going to get there?  Are we allowed off Hogwarts grounds?"

"Oh Sean," she said patiently.  "We're both of-age wizards now.  We can go wherever we want now.  We can take the floo from the Three Broomsticks over to Diagon Alley, then take a portkey to Harrogate," she said smiling.

Harry laughed.  "You've definitely thought this one out.  Ok, let's go." 

Hermione smiled.  "I'll meet you in the Entrance Hall in ten minutes," she said on her way out of the library.  Harry nodded, and then gathered his books together.  He went up to his room, changed into jeans and a well-worn jumper (it being a little on the cool side), and grabbed his cloak.  He met Hermione downstairs, who was similarly attired.  Hermione gave him a dazzling smile as they headed towards Hogsmeade.

Harry and Hermione had to secure a special floo to Diagon Alley, since travel was strictly controlled to and from Hogsmeade.  They received tokens that would allow them a single round-trip only and flooed to the Leaky Cauldron, brushing each other off when they arrived.  Harry gave his token to Hermione for safekeeping, and then they entered Diagon Alley.  They walked to the portkey station near Gringott's and were dismayed to learn that the next port wasn't due for another hour.

"Well, isn't that predictable," Hermione said, crossing her arms in front of her chest.  "The first time I want to go out instead of studying, and look what happens," she said sulkily.

Harry grinned at her expression.  "Don't worry about it Hermione.  It's only an hour.  I'm sure we can pass the time."  Hermione looked unconvinced.  "C'mon Hermione, I bet I know what'd cheer you up."

Hermione gave him a sidewise look.  "What's that?"

"Why, you're favorite store, of course.  I'm sure the latest, riveting edition of Arithmancy for Dummies is out by now!"

"You're teasing me," she said with a pout, but her eyes were smiling.  Harry laughed and grabbed her wrist, dragging her out of the station.  "It's only an hour," he reminded her.  Together, they headed for Flourish & Blott's.  Harry watched Hermione in what he thought of as her natural environment.  Her face seemed to glow as she perused the stacks, her eyes lighting up whenever she found an interesting book.   Harry, on the other, didn't find the place nearly as exciting.  He browsed through the Quidditch section, but nothing interested him.  He ended up amusing himself by reading several books about himself.

"Oh Sean," Hermione said apologetically, as Harry was reading an account of his adventures at Hogwarts.  "I'm so sorry!  I didn't realize I was taking so long."

Harry smiled.  "That's ok Hermione.  I was busy reading about myself," Harry said, holding up his book.

Hermione laughed.  "C'mon, let's go.  There's nothing I want to buy and we have time for an ice cream before the port."  Harry nodded and followed her to Fortescue's, where they shared an ice cream sundae and watched people pass by.  Finally, they took the portkey to Harrogate.

******************************

"Oh wow!" Hermione exclaimed, her eyes dancing.  "This is amazing!  Why didn't you ever tell me?"

Harry chuckled.  "It's not always like this Hermione.  I'd forgotten; it's the annual wizarding fair this week."  They had arrived at Harrogate and were greeting with a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds upon leaving the portkey station.  The main street in magical Harrogate was filled with various tents and booths.  People packed the streets, and the squeals and laughter of children filled the air.  It was the week of the annual spring fair of Harrogate.  As soon as Harry exiting the station, he remembered the fair from last year; he had been working that day, but he spent his lunch hour touring the fair with Dave, literally open-mouthed at the wizarding version of a fair.  He was pleased that the fair was on; he knew Hermione would enjoy herself immensely.

Harry found that it was Hermione's first time at a wizarding fair, though she had, of course, read about them.  They walked together through the crowd, Hermione oh'ing and ah'ing at the different exhibits and rides.  She shook her head vigorously when Harry suggested taking a ride on the wizarding version of a Ferris Wheel, which was exactly the same as the Muggle version except there was no wheel – riders simply floated on couches high above the air, much too high for Hermione's tastes. 

"Oooh!" Hermione cooed.  "This is so pretty!" she said.  They were at one of the booths, and Hermione's eye had been caught by some object for sale.  Harry looked over and saw that Hermione inspecting a small wizarding bag.  It was about 15 by 15 centimeters (A/N: 6 inches) and enchanted to be able to hold about ten times its normal capacity.  It was tastefully decorated, with "Harrogate" elegantly stitched on the side, and she found one in Gryffindor colors of scarlet and gold.  Hermione was absolutely taken with it and purchased it, explaining excitedly how she could fit all her quills, inkpots, and spare change in the little bag, leaving more room for books.  Harry smiled warmly at her, noting how her face seemed to light up as she talked.  Her first act was to put her money and the floo tokens in the bag before rolling it up and putting it in her pocket.  As the two friends walked through the crowd, Hermione suddenly turned and grabbed Harry by the arm.  "Oh! I just remembered!  You have to show me where you worked!"

Harry smiled at her.  "Sure, it's over this way," and he steered them towards Weir's Weird and Fantastic Items.  The bell tinkled as they walked in, and Dave looked up at the sound.

"Sean, my boy!" he exclaimed, hurrying over and shaking Harry's hand enthusiastically.  Hermione smiled at Dave's excitement.

"Hi Dave," Harry said happily.  "This is my friend, Hermione Granger.  She's Head Girl, y'know," Harry said with a touch of pride in his voice.

"Good to meetcha Hermione," Dave said, shaking her hand.

"Nice to meet you to.  Sean's told me all about this store.  It sounds fascinating!"

Dave chuckled.  "Well, that's the name, after all.  Please feel free to take a look around."   Hermione smiled and left to peruse the aisle.  Dave watched until he was sure she had turned down an aisle, and then whistled at Harry, giving him a thumbs-up.  "Not bad," he said appreciatively as he raised an eyebrow.  "Head Girl too."

Harry flustered.  "Nothing like that Dave," he said.  The two exchanged news for about five minutes until Hermione returned, a quill in hand.  "Find something, Hermione?"

She nodded and displayed the quill excitedly.  "It changes the ink so you can write in any color you want."

Harry smiled and then handed it to Dave.  "Just this, then," he said.

Dave put up his hands, palms out.  "On the house. Just be sure to visit again."  Harry and Hermione smiled, and exchanged farewells as they left the store.  For lunch, the two sampled food from booths set up by several of Harrogate's finest restaurants as they walked.  All of sudden, Hermione felt someone bump forcefully into her as they ran by.  She looked up.

"Sean!" she exclaimed in alarm.  "That man just stole my bag!"

Harry looked at the figure as it ran through the crowd.  Squinting, he could just make out a scarlet and gold bag clutched in his hand.  He groaned.  "Don't worry, Hermione.  We'll get you another one."

"No, you don't understand!" she cried, almost desperately.  "Our floo tokens were in there!"

Harry looked at her a moment, before grabbing her arm.  "C'mon!" he yelled, and dragged her through the crowd after the man.  Fortunately for them, the man had slowed to a walk, hoping to attract less attention.   They managed to keep him in sight, until he turned and saw them heading towards him and took off at a sprint.  "We can't get to him through this crowd," Harry said.  "We have to apparate ahead of him."

Hermione looked worried.  "I-I don't think I can.  I haven't practiced since school started."

"Don't worry, just hold my hand.  We can do it together.  Just concentrate on the intersection ahead, and we'll go on the count of three."  Hermione grabbed his hand and shut her eyes.  Harry concentrated and counted, and together they disappeared with a pop.

They reappeared about ninety-one meters (A/N: 100 yards, an easy sand wedge away) further down the street.  They turned, looking for the man who stole Hermione's bag, and saw him running right towards them.  The man saw them too, and he quickly turned down a side street.  Harry and Hermione took off after him, and they spotted him running down an alleyway.  They turned into the alley and stopped in surprise – it was a dead-end, but it was also empty.  The man had disappeared!  Harry and Hermione looked around wildly.

"Maybe he apparated," Harry said, but Hermione shook her head.

"We would have heard something, and if he could, he probably would have a long time ago."  Harry nodded in agreement.  "He must still be here then, just hiding using magic," she finished.

"Ok then," Harry said, pulling out his wand.  "Let's go looking then. Tickling charm?" he asked, giving Hermione a devilish smile.  Hermione grinned wickedly and pulled out her own wand.  Together, they began crying "Rictusempra!" and sending the charm in all directions, covering every inch of the alleyway.  Finally, they were rewarded with the sound of uncontrollable laughter.  "He must be using a disillusionment charm, incredibly handy for thieves," Harry said dryly.

Hermione followed the sound of laughter and cast the counter-spell for the disillusionment charm.  The figure of the man appeared clearly, rolling on the ground laughing.  Hermione cast another counter-spell, and the man stopped laughing.  He tried to grab his wand, but a quick disarming spell from Harry solved that problem.  The two students pointed their wands at the man as he stood up, fear evident on his face.

"Please don't hurt me!" he cried as he backed up against the wall.

Harry advanced on him menacingly. "Hurt you? Hurt you?" he said.  "You stole from us!"

"I didn't!  I didn't!"

"Liar!" said Hermione said accusingly.  She cursed him with a full-body bind then riffled through his clothes until she found her bag.  "Ah ha!" she cried triumphantly.

Harry released the man from the curse.  "Don't ever try that again!" he said, and then pointed down the alley.  The man needed no further encouragement and sprinted away.

Hermione looked at Harry sternly.  "Shouldn't we have called the Enforcers (A/N: wizarding police, since I figure Aurors are for more evil things then pickpockets)?"

"Probably," Harry agreed.  "But I'd rather spend the rest of the day with you then sitting in an Enforcers station filling out paperwork," he said apologetically.

Hermione's face softened.  "Your probably right.  C'mon, let's go back to the fair," she said brightly.  As they retraced their steps, Hermione suddenly let out a large gasp.

"What is it Hermione?" Harry said alarmed as he drew his wand, searching for a threat.  Hermione only looked at him.  She still held her bag in her right hand, but slowly raised her left hand, holding an identical bag.

"Oh no!" she cried.  "My bag is right here!"

Harry looked at her dumbfounded.  Then he started to laugh.  "You mean," he said when he could draw breath, "that we mugged him?"

Hermione draw herself up, her hands on her hips.  "That is not funny, Sean Harrington!  We just stole from that poor man!"  Harry continued to laugh.  "Why are you laughing?" she demanded.  "We've got to find him and return it!"

Harry regained his composure and reached for the man's bag.  "Give it here.  Maybe there's some identification in it," he said between his chuckles.

"Oh, this is sooo bad!" Hermione said as she handed it over, her face reflecting her panic.  "We're going to get in so much trouble!  What if he tells an Enforcer?  I can never show my face here again! What if they tell Hogwarts?  What if Dumbledore or McGonnagal finds out?"

Harry listened to her ramblings with one ear while he searched through the enchanted bag.  He finally found a wizards' ID card.  "er, Hermione," he said.

"…they'll take away my Head Girl's badge..."

"Hermione."

"…will they let us graduate?  What if they expel us…"

"Hermione," Harry said a little louder.

"…this'll go on our permanent records!  What if we can't get good jobs now?…"

"Hermione!" Harry yelled, finally getting her attention.  She looked at him surprised.  "It wasn't his, look," he said, handing over the ID.  "He didn't lie when he said that he didn't steal from us; he stole from some little old witch instead."

Hermione took the ID and stared at it.  Her face grew indignant.  "Of all the…how dare he steal from some nice old lady!"

Harry chuckled at sudden change in demeanor.  "C'mon, let's return it and get back to the fair."  He grabbed her arm before she could get started again.  Holding hands, they apparated to the address on the ID and returned the bag to a nice young wizard, who assured them that he would return the bag to his grandmother.

"Well, that was nice," Hermione said, as they apparated back to the fair.  They spent the rest of the day at the fair, and somehow Harry managed to convince Hermione to ride the Ferris Wheel at the end of the day.  She clutched at him in fright while they floated high above the ground, Hermione vowing never to let Harry talk her into anything dangerous like this again.  He reminded her that riding a Ferris Wheel was a far cry from infiltrating the Department of Mysteries, but he got no response.

"Look Hermione," he said, pointing to the sky.  Hermione cracked open an eyelid, and gasped at the sight.  It was sunset, and it was truly a beautiful sight from high in the air.  Hermione sighed happily, forgetting for the moment the fact that she was floating one kilometer (A/N: 0.6 miles) in the air, with only thin air below the couch they sat on.  She relaxed her death-grip on Harry's arm, but didn't let go.

 "It's so pretty," she said quietly, as she leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder.  After a while, she straightened and released his arm, meeting Harry's eyes.  "I…I miss the face of my best friend.  Can you be the real you, just for a little bit?"

Harry looked at her and smiled.  He scrunched his face, and his eyes took their green color, his hair turned black, and his scar returned.  They were small changes, but put together they were significant.  Hermione gazed at him a moment, as if memorizing every detail, before leaning back into him and looking at the sunset.  Harry put an arm around her shoulders, and together they watched the sun dip below the horizon.