Chapter Three

Where There's a Will There's a Way

"Oh, Harry, this is fabulous news!" exclaimed Hermione as she bounced on his bed.

Ron was about to slip out of his skin in excitement. "So does he talk to us next? He's gonna invite us also, right?"

Harry prepared himself for the coming explosion. "Your mum doesn't want you to join."

Ron's face screwed up and he pounded the mattress of his bed in anger.

"Dumbledore said that you'd have to wait until your birthday." explained Harry.

"But that won't be until March!"

Hermione looked a little disappointed but accepted the rules. "At least you get to join this next term. I have to wait until my seventh year, won't I."

That seemed to alleviate Ron's feeling of being left out of the fun. At least he wouldn't be alone in his misery.

Harry tried to cheer them up. "Look , it won't be like I won't tell you about what's happening or anything. You just won't be able to go to the meetings. Dumbledore said I could tell you most of the stuff that goes on, just not particular assignments."

"Yeah," muttered Ron. "I guess that's better than nothing."

Now came the moment that Harry had dreaded. "Dumbledore wants you to tutor me."

"What? Me?" said a very shocked Ron.

Hermione eyed him when he looked at her. "I think he meant me, Ron."

Harry nodded. "Said he wanted me to be a top student this year."

Hermione grinned. "You already are a top student, but I can make you better." She rummaged around in her school bag, and pulled out her planner. "This will take some major reworking but I think I can fit it in. Did he say if you'd be able to take Potions?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah. Though he wouldn't tell me if Snape had a conniption when he told him to let me in the class. Kept smiling through the whole thing though. Makes me think he did."

That livened up Ron's mood. "Too bad we couldn't have been there to see that one."

Hermione interrupted their banter. "If we start bright and early tomorrow we can get you caught up with me by nightfall and then you can study on my schedule."

Ron looked at her as if she had just sprouted horns. "You're already that far ahead?"

She ignored his jibe and nodded. "Well, I've had half a day yesterday and almost a full day today."

"Almost?" He looked at his watch. "It's almost eight o'clock!"

She looked at her own watch. "Oh my gosh! I've got three more hours of Evocation to do before I go to bed. Come on Harry."

Hermione was up out of the bed and tugging on his sleeve. He looked to Ron for help before they left and was rewarded with an appalled look and a helpless shrug before he gave up and followed her up the stairs to their study.

The night wore on and Harry found he could barely keep his eyes open. He tried rubbing his eyes to relieve the burning sensation, but that just made him want to keep them closed.

"Why don't you go to bed?" offered Hermione. "You can catch up the extra time tomorrow during breakfast or lunch while you're eating.

He gave her a very tired stare. "You're kidding, right?"

She shrugged. "You can always tell Professor Dumbledore that you don't want to be in the Order."

He gave in. "Fine, fine. But I refuse to study during meals. Can we maybe take a ten minute break and go get something to drink?"

She looked at her watch and nodded. "I'll make a deal with you. We go get a drink and I quiz you on the way."

Harry groaned, but thought this was the better than sitting in a chair staring a book.

She smiled and stood up. "Okay, first question: What fields of magic lend their skills to Evocation."

Harry smiled. "Easy one: Transfiguration and the Dark Arts."

He opened the door and they made it halfway down the stairs before the next question. "Why is Evocation considered by some to be a offshoot of the Dark Arts?"

He slowed his pace until he reached the kitchen door. "Um ... because of the ability to tap into the different forms of energy. But I don't buy that because every form of magic can be used to hurt people as well as help. It's what you do with it that determines whether it's good or bad."

Hermione was pleased with his answer. "Very good, Harry!"

He shrugged and pushed open the door to find Ron and Ginny involved in a late night game of Wizard's Chess. Ron looked up and a smiled crossed his face.

"All done then?"

Harry grimaced and shook his head. "We've got another thirty minutes. Just came down for some Butterbeer if there's any left."

Ginny nudged a rook forward. "Mum brought in a couple of cases this afternoon for the meeting. I don't think they've been touched."

Harry opened the pantry and brought out three bottles. "Does anyone want one?"

Both Ron and Ginny raised their hands so he grabbed two more and handled them over to the table. He uncorked one and handed it to Hermione and she smiled her thanks then he just gave Ginny and Ron theirs and opened his for a really long pull.

"What kind of energies can you use?"

Ron looked up. "What?"

Harry shrugged. "It was the only way I could get her down here. I'm being quizzed." Then he turned back to answer. "Natural energies. You can't use magic to power magic."

Ron was covering his ears. "Lalalalalalala."

Harry laughed and finished off the rest of his first bottle. "All right, back upstairs."

The next morning brought a bright sunny day and Hedwig with the morning edition of the Daily Prophet.

Fudge Found Not Very Tasty At All

Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge is on the

outs with the wizarding public as rumors run

rampant that he and his administration withheld

crucial information about the re-appearance of

He Who Must Not Be Named.

Sources inside the Ministry reported that

Fudge ignored repeated attempts from Hogwarts

Headmaster Albus Dumbledore to convince him

of the Dark Lord's return even with an eye witness

and other sundry evidence.

It also needs to be noted that Fudge weighed

heavy on the management and reporters of the

Daily Prophet to produce false information given

to us as reportable fact. This reporter was once

threatened with bodily harm and loss of status

in the community if ...

Hermione folded up the paper and sat it on the table. "It just goes on from there about how Fudge has valued his position as a politician over the welfare of the wizarding community."

Harry was impressed. "Wow, who would have thought, the Prophet actually tells the truth for once."

Hermione sat her glass of orange juice down after taking a sip. "I still wouldn't put much into what they say. They're only letting this article be published because they said so many nasty things about you and Dumbledore last year, and they have to distance themselves from Fudge as fast as they can."

"Wonder who they're gonna replace him with," said Ron.

"What?" asked an astonished Harry.

Hermione gave Harry a very disappointed eye. "Really, Harry. How will you learn anything if you only scan the highlights of the paper," she admonished. "People are outraged that the cover-up has been going for so long and the Ministry hasn't been doing anything worthwhile about searching for Voldemort."

Ron cringed but didn't say anything.

"The most they've done is hand out refresher pamphlets to all the wizarding families about how to perform the Patronus Charm and basic safety procedures. I mean really! they haven't even informed all the Muggle families yet." Hermione was almost enraged by now. "My family almost didn't let me come back to Hogwarts this year when I told them."

"You told your parents?" asked Harry.

"Of course," she answered. "Muggle born families are at the greatest risk, aren't they. Now my dad won't even answer the door without a weapon of some sort."

Harry shrugged like it was a good thing at least that they were taking it so seriously.

"I'll be very glad when the Ministry finally rids themselves of the politicians and elects real leaders."

Ron piped up with some additional news. "Dad says the Prime Minister is visiting the Ministry this week for an inspection and interviews with the department heads."

"Of England?" asked Harry.

Ron nodded, "He's the liaison with the Muggle Government. parents were Wizards; he's a squib."

Harry almost laughed. "The Prime Minster is a squib?"

Hermione nodded. "And his word carries a lot of weight with the Wizengamot. It's they that'll elect the new Minister when the time comes."

Ron finished off his breakfast and sat back, patting his stomach. "I hope it's dad. They've been friends for a while. 'Course the Prime Minister makes it a point to be friends with all the department heads; makes his job that much easier when the time comes to do this sort of thing."

Harry thought about it for a minute. "Probably make the head of the Magical Law Enforcement, Minister. They'll need someone who's used to hunting down dark wizards."

Ron screwed up his face and nodded. "Probably."

"That's Amelia Bones, Susan's aunt."

Harry nodded. "She was at my hearing last year. Seems fair enough. She was impressed with me being able to conjure a 'Corporal Patronus'."

Ron rolled his eyes and Hermione beamed at Harry. the kitchen door almost slammed open with the presence of Mrs. Weasley.

"Ron, grab your cloak and your sister from upstairs we have to do some shopping. He's just got notice of his meeting with the Prime Minister. It's this afternoon and I want the family to look their very best." she looked up at Harry and Hermione. "You dears are welcome to come along if you like."

Hermione was quick to point out at Harry's furious nodding that they had much studying to do today to catch him up. Harry frowned and sat back in his chair.

Mrs. Weasley looked at her watch and back up at them. "Well I suppose you can take care of yourselves for a few hours. I want you two upstairs and your noses in the books right on, after we leave."

Ron passed through the door and started up the stairs when his mother called after. "Hurry up now. We have to stop by the Ministry and pick up your father."

Harry felt incredibly bad for the Weasley's. He knew Ron's father stood little to no chance at all becoming a candidate for Minister and they were going off to spend, probably the last of their money on dress clothes that they'll probably never wear but a few times. He sorely wished that he could do something to help them. But the infamous Weasley pride stood in the way. Even Fred and George wouldn't take the prize money from the Tri-Wizard Tournament until he threatened to throw it down the drain if they didn't.

He looked up at Hermione and saw what was most probably having the same thoughts running through her mind.

"Bye, dears," Mrs. Weasley called as she closed the door.

Hermione looked forlorn. "I wish there was something I could do to help them out. Something like this is going to break them, and Mr. Weasley doesn't stand a chance to be elected. He's very nice, but he's just too far down the Ministry ladder for consideration."

Harry nodded. "I wish Sirius would have left them something in his will instead of just me." The rusty wheels of Harry's mind came to a clamoring halt and he looked up. "That's it!"

Hermione looked at him strangely. "What it? And what's this about Sirius leaving you something in his will?"

Harry jumped up. "Come on!"

He raced upstairs and heard Mrs. Weasley's voice from the living room spouting her destination. "The Ministry of Magic!" It was accompanied by a whoosh of green flames and the last of them were gone.

"Harry! Wait up," chided Hermione. "What are you doing?"

He rushed to the roll top desk, pulled a piece of parchment out and began scribbling furiously. "Hedwig!"

"Harry," Hermione tried once more.

"Hold on and I'll explain."

The snowy-white owl fluttered down and landed on top of the desk, happily hooting for something to do. Harry tied off the letter and took her to the front door.

"Take this to Gringotts as fast as you can girl. You have to beat the Weasley's to the bank."

She hooted encouragingly and nipped at his hand before she took off.

"Okay, so what are you doing, Harry?" insisted Hermione with a murderous look in her eye if he had the gall to not tell her what was going on.

He smiled back at her and motioned for her to come upstairs. She squinted her eyes as if he was continuing to stall but followed him up. When they entered his and Ron's room he opened the his trunk and pulled out the envelope that contained the letter from Sirius.

Hermione got a very somber look about her once she found out who it was from and what the letter contained. About midway through reading it her eyes started pooling and few tears trailed down her cheeks until she reached near the end and suddenly her eyes widened and looked up at Harry then back down as if she didn't want him to see her reaction.

She handed it over after finishing and tried to stay as calm as she could. "He left you everything he had?"

Harry nodded. "Which turned out to be quite a bit not even counting the house." He paused. "That's what I was writing Gringotts about. I wanted them to transfer five hundred Galleons apiece to Ron, Ginny, and each of their parents in Sirius' name. Had them open up accounts for Ron and Ginny too."

She smiled. "That way they won't think of it as charity from you."

Harry nodded. "And they'll have to take it."

She reached over and hugged Harry as tight as she could. He slid a hand on her lower back and another on her neck in return. After a moment she slipped back, but not as far as she normally does after hugging him.

"Harry Potter, you are most likely the sweetest man I know."

She raised up and kissed him lightly on the lips, dropped back down and ran out of the room to her own and closed the door.

Harry stood there in shock, lightly touching his lips where she kissed him only moments before. He swiveled his head toward the door and started to take a step when he remembered he was holding Sirius' letter and went to replace it in the envelope. But something struck him as odd so he unfolded the parchment and followed the note past the halfway mark.

...and believe me when I say they want you to lean on them; especially that Gryffindor girl. She cares about you, Harry. She'd probably make sure I was dead if she found out I was telling you this, but I think it needs to be said and who says I make good choices about when to open my mouth.

His mouth fell open slightly, and he looked back toward the door. "Hermione?"

Harry double-checked for the fifth time that the person Sirius was talking about was his friend and a Gryffindor. And Hermione just kissed him. And called him the sweetest man ...

His legs felt extremely weak as he backed up against the bed and sat down, bouncing lightly on the old springs. "Hermione Granger ... cares about me?"

Things started clicking in his head. Events in the past that led up to this revelation. Her constant attention about every event in his life and her utter courage at being with him even though most girls wouldn't have thought twice of screaming and running away ... much like Cho did last year.

"Cho!" he smacked himself on the forehead. "She knew."

He thought back to his fifth year for any other signs, encountering a number, then back to his fourth year and Hermione kissing him for the first time on the platform back from Hogwarts.

"How long has this been going on, and why am I such a blind prat not to have seen it before?"

His emotions started tearing him back and forth, so much so that he continued talking to himself.

"She's your best friend." He paused. "Does that mean she can't be more?" Another pause. "But what if it doesn't work out and she hates me like Cho." And yet another pause. "But what if it does. I mean she knows me much better than Cho ever did and knows I'm a blithering idiot at times. Much like now when I'm talking to myself."

He stood up and started toward the door for the second time. "Why did she run away?" He paused. "Maybe I didn't kiss her back good enough ... or at all for that matter."

Harry needed to know the answer to far too many questions that were bombarding his mind all at once, and the only way he would get the answers, he decided, was to ask the proper person; namely the girl next door.

He tried to move toward the door for the third time and stopped himself yet again. "Come on, Potter, you're in Gryffindor. You're supposed to be brave."

Thoughts of Ginny Weasley popped into his head and her attraction to him for the first three years at Hogwarts. "What if it's just because I'm famous." He shook his head. "That's stupid. She's probably the only girl that has ever looked at me and not looked at my scar right off."

In fact he couldn't remember a time when she had ever looked at his scar. That in itself should say something; what, he had no idea, but something.

Screwing up as much courage as he could he threw Sirius' letter on his bed and set off for her room. Each step he took became more determined as he reached the landing and turned, taking the last four steps to her door and raising his hand to knock.

"Knock, Harry. Just knock," he whispered to himself.

His knuckles rapped twice almost inaudibly. Then he tried once more with a little more conviction, but before he had a chance to connect with the door, it opened. Hermione cracked the door open only a few inches, but he couldn't see her.

"Hermione," he choked out, feeling angry at himself for not clearing his throat before he came over.

"Yes?" she answered.

"May I come in?"

He heard her voice strain as she answered him. "I -- don't think that would be a good idea right now."

He started to ask why, but stopped before making a total fool of himself.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Harry -- I really ..."

He didn't let her finish. "When did you know?"

He heard her breath catch and a second later she released it, shuddering. "Fourth year."

He nodded to himself.

"Hermione?"

"Harry ... it's okay if you don't feel the same --- I mean ..."

"Hermione?" he tried again.

He heard her take a deep and even breath before she answered. "Yes."

"Can you forgive me for being a total and utter idiot."

She laughed. It had burst out of her in a sob, but she laughed. "No." And she laughed again.

Harry looked down and turned away from the door. "Well then I guess I better go."

He didn't get two steps away before she slammed the door open and grabbed a hold of his arm. "You walk away and I'll never forgive you."

He turned back around with a smile on his face. "See, I knew I could get you to open the door."

Her eyes blazed with fire and she balled up her fist and hit him on the chest ... but not too hard. He just stood there and took it before stepping closer to her.

Hermione's breath caught again when he brought his face closer to hers. She closed her eyes and lifted her heels off the ground in anticipation until he placed his arm close around her and his hand pressed her into him. Then she lost all bodily functions and melted into his arms and his waiting mouth.

Her lips are so soft, he thought as her mouth opened slightly and met his tongue halfway, softly brushing against one another. This was nothing like Cho, Harry decided. It was so much better ... not to mention a lot less wet.

Harry pulled back, not really wanting to end the kiss, but feeling like it was proper. He watched her eyes open slowly with a definite glazed look about them. She blinked very slowly and widely to clear her vision. Eventually she sank her feet back to solid ground and tried to focus.

"We better ... go study," she breathed while almost swaying to one side.

Harry was stone sober and his voice had a deeper edge to it than normal. "I really don't think I can focus on Transfiguration right now."

Hermione blinked up at him and nodded he agreement. "Maybe some pumpkin juice ..."

Harry took her hand and grinned as he started to lead her downstairs. "Good idea."

Two small glasses of juice and many captured glances later Harry broke the silence. "I thought you fancied Ron."

She smirked. "I did for a bit, but we'd never get along and then after Rita Skeeter's articles about me teasing you and Viktor along I thought about what it would be like. Nothing serious, but it planted the idea in my head that it might be quite nice and ... after the Tri-Wizard Tournament I think I finally realized what it would be like without you."

Harry nodded. Death had a funny way of opening your eyes.

"Plus, Ron's been corresponding with Luna Lovegood over the summer."

Harry almost dropped his glass. "Luna?"

Hermione smiled. "I caught him writing a letter to her two days before you arrived."

"I thought he couldn't stand her."

She shrugged. "Once he got passed the obvious weirdness of her attraction I think he found they had lots in common." Then as an afterthought. "Don't say anything to him yet. I think he wants to tell you himself. I mean he didn't swear me to secrecy or anything, but still."

He nodded his acquiescence. "I guess we'll have a lot to talk about then."

Her eyebrows raised. "You're going to tell him about us?"

He looked down at the table swiftly. "Well I wanted him to know, seeing as he's my best friend and all ... I wanted him to know before I ask you to be my girlfriend."

Hermione's hand twitched violently, knocking over her glass. Luckily it was empty. She made a grab for it before it fell to the floor and Harry snatched it upright.

"Sorry," she apologized.

Hermione couldn't meet his eyes anymore and she appeared very nervous. "Don't know why ..."

Harry didn't know what to do. "Don't you want ..." he trailed off as her eyes snapped back up to his.

"Yes!" she answered and covered her mouth immediately before she blurted out anything else. Her eyes pooled up again and threatened to spill over when Harry held his hand out for hers.

"Well then, it's semi-official." Then he added, "After I talk to Ron."

She nodded quickly.

He held her eyes for the longest time, not knowing when he ever felt so good about something. "Come on."

She wiped at her eyes with the heel of her free hand. "Where are we going?"

Harry smiled goofily, "I can't wait. I have to tell Ron now. We're skiving off transfiguration and going to Diagon Alley."

They raced upstairs and changed. Harry donned a Royal Blue button-down with his black slacks and grabbed his cloak on the way out. When he met Hermione downstairs fifteen minutes later she had white linen long-sleeve blouse with a blue and black plaid pleated knee skirt and black flats.

"You look beautiful," admired Harry.

She blushed shyly. "I really like the new look Harry."

He shrugged. "I had help at the clothier."

Hermione smiled. "I wondered where you developed a fashion sense over the summer." She smoothed out the cloak across his shoulders. "I'm glad I get you all to myself this year. I'm sure the girls at Hogwarts will be going green with envy."

Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm still the same person I was last year."

Her face went very serious for a moment and she closed into him. "No ... you're not. This year -- you're mine." And she kissed him lightly on the lips before turning to the fireplace and pinching off a bit of floo powder."

Harry was somewhat surprised to find Diagon Alley as busy as it was that early in the morning. From gathered conversations along the street they were able to tell that a lot of department heads were vying for the position of Minister as well and they also had meetings with the Prime Minister. Everyone was here to look their best.

Hermione trailed behind Harry for protection more than anything else, allowing him to make a pathway through the crowd as she held tightly to his hand. He checked over his shoulder every so often to make sure she was doing okay and had not been jostled too badly.

"Oi! Harry!"

He stopped so suddenly that Hermione bumped into him from behind.

"Sorry," he apologized.

He felt her hand at his back and was reassured that no damage was done.

"Did you hear Ron?" she asked.

Harry nodded trying to search the crowd.

"Over here," yelled Ron as he waved above the heads of passers-by.

They pushed through three or four more people and came to a halt in a very long line outside the Clothier that Harry had visited two days before. Mrs. Weasley looked extremely worried that they weren't going to be able to get their purchases in time for the meeting. The look of impatience shivered all over her body.

Ron shrugged in the direction of the store. "Mum's about to go ballistic."

"Excuse me, please. Oh, hello Harry, Hermione." Ron's dad said as he closed the distance between the rest of them. "Molly, I've convinced the shopkeeper to arrange the customers in order of their meetings. Some people are here for meetings not scheduled until next week."

"What! I never ..."

"Mum, chill out," said Ron.

"Eleven o'clock meeting with the PM. Who's got the eleven o'clock meeting?" the shopkeeper yelled. "Last call."

Harry looked around and nobody stepped forward.

"All right then twelve o'clock!"

Someone from the crowd yelled, "He's eating lunch at twelve ya bleedin' idiot!"

The shopkeeper blushed and mutter to himself, "Oh, right ... um, one o'clock then!"

Harry thought Mrs. Weasley was going to mow the crowd down. "One o'clock right here!"

People made way, stepping to the side as Molly Weasley pushed through followed by an apologetic Mr. Weasley, her family, and Harry and Hermione. Once the shopkeeper caught Harry's eye his face beamed.

"Mr. Potter, fancy seeing you here again."

Harry smiled. "Hello ... um, brought the family with me this time."

"Wonderful, wonderful. Do come in." He ushered the rest of them in and closed the door to the outside effectively shutting out most of the noise; enough so that everyone in the shop heard Ginny gasp in surprise.

Harry followed her eyes to his hand and the fact his fingers were interlaced with Hermione's. Luckily Harry was blocking everyone's view but Ginny's and nobody else saw. Hermione stepped back putting a little distance between herself and her very soon to be boyfriend.

Ginny's eyes were lit up.

"Ginny, dear. What's wrong?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

The youngest Weasley looked over to her mother. "Um ... just looking at Harry's clothes. It's a new outfit. Very nice."

The shopkeeper was pleased. "Purchased at this establishment only two days ago, young miss."

Mr. Weasley was off looking at a rather odd blend of bright purple cloaks when Molly stopped him. "Arthur, we are here to purchase conservative outfits for a very important meeting, not reliving a second childhood."

"The entire family then?" the shopkeeper asked.

Molly frowned. "Afraid we can't afford ..."

Harry laid his hand on her arm. "Mrs. Weasley?" He held up a finger to the shopkeeper. "Be right back."

They took a few steps to the side, out of earshot.

"I know what you are about to offer, Harry and it's very sweet of you, but the Prime Minister will have to accept us for who we ..."

He cut her off before she got on a roll. "Mrs. Weasley, have you checked your Gringotts account within the last couple of days?"

She seemed surprised that Harry of all people would be asking such a question, but he was prepared for that as well.

"The reason I asked is because I just received a note that Sirius left for me in my vault when we were here the other day. "

She almost took him into a hug. "Oh, my dear, I'm so sorry."

He waved it off. "What I'm getting at is that he left me an inheritance and he told me in the letter that he left something for Ron, Ginny, you and Mr. Weasley as well."

She gasped and covered her mouth. "He didn't!" She shook her head. "That should all go to you, dear."

Harry almost laughed. "Mrs. Weasley, he left me more than enough and the house at Grimmauld Place also. Go to Gringotts please. We'll get Mr. Weasley, Ron, and Ginny fitted up."

She looked at him like she didn't know what to believe and then back at her children and her husband. "All right, Harry." She turned to her husband who was looking at some red and yellow striped socks. "Arthur! Listen to the owner. He fitted Harry up nicely. I'll be right back."

Ron looked at Harry with confusion. "What'd you say to my mum?"

Harry smiled. "You'll see in a few minutes." Then he went to the shopkeeper and whispered into his ear to fit them all up properly, he'd make sure everything was paid for.

"You first, sir." the shopkeeper motioned to Mr. Weasley. "Might I suggest something from our distinguished executive collection."

Harry returned to Ron and motioned for him to come over to the other side of the shop so they could talk in private.

"What's going on. All this whispering is playing on my nerves," asked Ron.

Harry looked over to Hermione and Ginny whispering and smiled. "Ron, I'm going to ask Hermione to be my girl."

The red-head's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline in shock. "You're what!" he almost yelled. Harry shushed him.

"Since when?" asked Ron.

"Since right after you left to pick up your dad."

Ron thought it over for a moment. "Yeah I guess I could see that."

Harry smirked. "Thanks, I knew you could," he answered semi-sarcastically.

"You know what I mean."

Harry nodded. "So."

Ron looked on like he was still pondering their relationship. "So."

He tried to give Ron an opening to tell him about Luna, but he wasn't rising to the bait.

"You next, young sir," said the shopkeeper waving Ron over.

From the look on Ginny's face, Hermione was filling her in on the newest happening in her love life and receiving much grinning and many hugs in response. He waited for a break in the girl-talk before he intervened.

"All done then?"

Ginny slapped him on the arm. "It's about time you woke up and smelled the ghoul in the attic. Thought I'd have to sit through another year of her pining away."

Hermione was almost insulted. "I did not pine. There was no pining."

Ginny laughed. "That's not what you said in your sleep last night and in the dormitories, and at lunch in the Great Hall."

Hermione was appalled. "Ginny Weasley I'm never telling you anything ever again."

She snorted. "That's what you said when I told Sirius."

Hermione huffed and was about to offer up another retort when the door to the shop slammed open. "Arthur! Arthur!"

Mr. Weasley rushed out of the dressing room with his billowing clothes hanging off of his body. "Molly, what is it?"

She was wiping away at her eyes with a handkerchief. "That man ... that dear, dear man ..."

Ron stuck his head out. "Oi! What's the ruckus?"

The shopkeeper was right behind Mr. Weasley tapping the clothes and shrinking them to proper proportions.

"Sirius Black has left us money in his will," she sniffed.