"C'mon Mione! Play with us!" called Ron from his position by the hoops.
They had found enough people to play a full game. Ron was the keeper for one team, Angelina, Bill, and Ginny were the chasers, Fred and Justin were the beaters and Draco was the seeker. The other team had Colin at the goal, Katie, Alicia, and Luna as chasers, George and Lee with the bats, and Harry was of course, seeker.
"No, I'm fine, Ron, honestly. I'd rather watch," said Hermione. Or maybe you know you can't play, thought Ron. Nevertheless, he tried again,
"Bollocks! You're just gonna take out some book. Hogwarts, a History perhaps, for old times sake, aye?"
"Ha ha," she replied sarcastically.
"Just play, Ron! She doesn't want to!" Ginny called as she circled his hoops. He saw Fred nod in agreement.
"Besides, then it would be uneven teams. Just play, go ahead." Something told him he should stop and go down to her. Maybe it was the way she tossed her hair back in a way that was just so not…Hermione, or it could have been that her supposed cheerfulness sounded forced. Whatever the reason, no one else seemed to notice, so he figured it wasn't that big of a deal.
"Suit yourself," he said with a shrug. Then he tossed the quaffle to Angelina.
"What's the score?" called Draco from above him.
"Uh," Ron stated as he hit the quaffle towards Ginny, "It's 120 to 100, us. Just find the snitch, would you?" Draco gave him a mock salute and flew off to the other side of the pitch.
"Jeez, Harry, you might wanna tell your team to hurry it up. I'm getting bored down her," Ron called as the black haired man hovered behind his goal. In the one second that he turned around to look at his best friend, Katie came up and scored on him. Harry smirked.
"Yeah, we're really behind, Ron." He flew off in search of the snitch.
"Fuck!" Ron swore. He winced, expecting a scolding, then he remembered he was up in the air and Hermione couldn't hear him. He smiled as he shook his head. Angelina scored within seconds.
Then he saw Harry flying upwards at top speed.
"Damn him." The other team whooped and catcalled when his hand wrapped around the tiny snitch. All the players formed a ring in the center of the pitch.
"Jeez, Harry, what happened to your catch?" George asked. Harry looked confused.
"Yeah, what happened to nearly getting killed trying to catch the little bugger? Usually you end up in the hospital wing – " said Fred.
"Or no bones in your am," finished Lee. They all laughed as Harry shrugged.
"How about another go?" suggested Ron. Most looked hesitant.
"We should get back to the party soon," pointed out Angelina.
"Yeah, it is my party, Ron," said Ginny.
"Fleur'll hurt me if I agree to another game," Bill said with an eye roll. Suddenly, Ron remembered Hermione's behavior earlier and didn't much care if they played again or not. So, he shrugged.
They all flew back to the ground and after Colin and Ron got all the balls back in their set, he went to meet up with Hermione as the graduate went to find Luna. She was waiting for him at the exit of the quidditch pitch.
"Hey," she greeted.
"Hi," Ron replied. He looked at his best friend. Hermione, like him and Harry – and Ginny for that matter – had changed a lot since their 5th year at Hogwarts.
After the tragedies that the Department of Mysteries had brought them, especially the loss of Harry's godfather, Sirius Black, the quartet had matured into a quite popular and good-looking bunch.
Harry has taken on the bad boy/rebel look, which suited him well. His hair, although still messy, added to his style. It normally would fall into his eyes perfectly and the girls loved it. He eyes, however, were still his best feature. The emerald (even though they could change colors depending on the mood he was in) orbs could probably make and girl weak in the knees. He had lost the glasses when he and Ron had started Auror training. Their asshole of a trainer had told him that they were a weakness he couldn't have, so they fixed his eyesight with a special machine. Harry had taken to wearing muggle jeans that were pretty baggy, a t-shirt that usually had a band name (Muggle or Wizard), slogan, or a smartass or funny saying on it, and maybe a dark blue jean jacket.
Ron had decided to go with the mischievous or boyish look. His red hair was somewhat shaggy and was a darker shade of red now. He had perfected his lopsided grin and cocky smirk, which added to his style. Ron's baby blue eyes (that would change different colors with his mood, just like Harry's), although not as intense could have the same effect as Harry's too. They made him look like a little boy again. Ron liked to wear either jeans or the zip-away pants that most Muggle teenage boys liked to wear, a t-shirt much like Harry's, and normally a hooded sweatshirt and a baseball cap (worn either backwards or the right way). He had finally gotten a name for himself – rather than just Harry Potter's sidekick – and had been a Gryffindor hero on the quidditch pitch. Choruses of 'Weasley is our King' would be heard everywhere he went, not that Ron minded.
Ginny had taken on a very fun sort of style. Her once vibrant red hair and turned so dark it was almost brown. It was naturally straight but could be curled within seconds, much like most of the other hairstyles. Her golden eyes were beautiful, with only a speck or two of light blue in them. They too would change colors at any given time. Ginny preferred pastel colors mostly, but occasionally she would pull something out of the wardrobe that was wild, spontaneous, and full of color. She liked to wear tight fitting t-shirts (but not too tight), and either mini skirts or hip hugger pants. Ginny had come across a small fetish while shopping with Hermione in a Muggle store awhile back and couldn't give enough of the shoes called 'etnies'. She never seemed to take off a silver chain with a little H and G connected with a heart that encircled her neck, dangling just on top of her shirts neckline at all times, that Harry had given her the day the war was over. She had become quite a beautiful woman in the past years, and the male population had definitely noticed.
Out of the four, Hermione had changed the most. Although she was still bossy at times, she had learned to have fun and live life to its fullest. She had come to that conclusion when the war had started. Her once very bushy brown hair was now just a lovely wave that could easily be straightened and was streaked with natural highlights. Blonde was the most noticeable but there were also reds that were almost maroon, dark browns, and a beautiful gold color. It now fell down to just below her shoulders in gorgeous waves that could be easily straightened or scrunched into tight ringlets. Her eyes were the same as always; big and brown. There was not once speck of any other color, just chocolate brown. Hermione had taken some fashion tips from Ginny and started wearing mini skirts, tight t-shirts, sweaters, hip hug jeans, khakis, and almost anything else you could imagine a normal teenage girl wearing. She too had finally gotten some attention from the men at Hogwarts when she came for her 7th year. But Head Girl duties had kept her too busy for a boyfriend or anything serious like that.
Today she looked absolutely stunning! Hermione's hair was pulled into a half ponytail; straight. She was wearing a simple khaki skirt with cargo pockets that reached about half way to her knees. Her t-shirt had a Muggle slogan for a – what seemed to be – fake beauty salon and was light pink with tons of glitter. Her sandals were brown with no back to them and they had little hearts cut into the tops of them so you could see a very small amount of the top of her feet. She was also wearing a silver chain with a little H hanging from it.
"Ron?" He blinked. Have I been staring at her this whole time?
"Huh?" Ron replied.
"You were staring," she stated as if reading his mind.
"Sorry. Hermione, is everything okay? You sounded a bit odd before the quidditch game." She waved her hand in dismissal.
"I'm fine, Ron, I just don't like being back here, that's all." He nodded.
"A lot of things happened here, didn't they?" he said as he shoved his hands into his huge sweatshirt pocket and they slowly started walking back to the school.
"Yeah, bad things," she said.
"Hey, some good came out of seven years. We got closer. Harry and Gin finally got together. You were Head Girl," he persuaded.
"Sure, Ron, name all the great things. What about the stone in 1st year? I don't even remember much about 2nd year because of the small fact that I was petrified! We hardly spoke to each other in year 3, Voldemort came back in 4th, and the Department of Mysteries in 5th year was just…horrible. Your own brother, Charlie, disappeared in our 6th year, oh, and not mention the bloody war – that had been growing since the beginning – only ended in our 7th BLOODY YEAR!" Ron was shocked, Hermione never cursed. And she never mentioned anything about what had happened during their time at Hogwarts…after they were done at least.
"Okay, maybe you're right. But that's all in the past, Mione. Everything's alright now," Ron said.
"That's a lie, Ron, and you know it. They are still trying to rebuild Diagon Alley from the bombing. That's why your dad couldn't even come to his own daughter's graduation!"
"I know, Hermione. C'mon, I thought we were past this whole bloody fighting thing. I know, I know, don't swear, Ron," he said before she could say a word.
"Fine, I'm just saying. I don't like it here. There were too many deaths that happened here…Dennis, Dean, Hannah, Snape, Hagrid…being back just brings it – and them – all back." She sounded like she was going to cry. Oh please don't cry, Mione, you know I can't handle it…
"Are you okay?" he asked sincerely.
"Yes," Hermione answered, even as she carefully wiped at her eye, "let's just go and have some fun. I need a drink."
"You do realize George and Fred spiked the punch, right?"
"Exactly," were her words, as she started moving faster towards the school. He raised an eyebrow and rolled his eyes as he jogged after her. What has gotten into her?
They walked into the Great Hall side by side. Ron noticed that Ginny was now dancing with Colin and Harry was talking to Draco as he took a bite from his piece of sandwich that he had obviously gotten from the food table.
Hermione wasted no time in hurrying to the punch bowl. Fred, who was standing close to the entrance, gave him a look that clearly asked, "Is she nutters?" Ron shrugged in reply and made his way to the two 18 year olds.
Ron was the only one who was 19 within their small group of friends. Draco's birthday was in a week and Harry's was at the end of July, on the 31st. Hermione's 19th – and golden birthday – was on September 19th and Ginny had just turned 18 a month ago. Ron's birthday was on March 1st.
"What's going on with Hermione?" asked Draco, nodding towards the brown haired woman who was gulping down the spiked punch like it was pumpkin juice.
"I think it might be that time of month again," answered Ron, "she was fine during the ceremony, wasn't she?"
"Yeah, why?" Draco pushed.
"She was just talking to me about how she hated being back here. Honestly, were did that come from?" Harry shrugged, taking a glance at the girl in question himself.
"Don't ever give Hermy that much time to think. It probably wasn't a good idea to leave her down there by herself while we played." Ron nodded his agreement.
"Got that right, mate," said Draco.
"What's right?" asked Colin as he walked up to the men.
"Hermione," Ron said with a roll of his eyes, and then he slapped Colin on the back, "congratulations! Ginny tells me you'll be working for Quidditch Today."
"That's right."
"Promise me you'll get the Chudley Cannons autographs!" Ron pleaded, "All of them! When you meet them, you know?"
"No can do, Ron. You see, Quidditch Today only focuses on winning teams." Ron scowled.
"Ha ha," he said sarcastically.
"Colin, what's going on with you and Luna?" Harry asked.
"Nothing's going on, we're friends – she hates my guts – but we're still friends," he answered. He looked over at the blonde headed girl who was standing with Ginny talking to some bloke with brown hair.
"Well, what were you doing on the dance floor?" pushed Harry.
"Jeez! Are you that dense, Harry? They were on the dance floor, therefore they were probably dancing," Draco said.
"No, it looked like they'd been dancing – but it looked like a row was in the process –"
"It was nothing, Harry!" Colin practically spat. They other three men looked at him in surprise. Colin Creevey pushing aside Harry Potter; his hero? Wow.... Harry didn't seem to mind though, in fact, he was beginning to chuckle lightly as he put a hand on Colin's shoulder.
"Of course; you don't have to tell me – us – it's your business, not ours. But, if you'd like some advice later on," he glanced at Luna knowingly, "I'd be happy to provide some information."
"Uh," said Colin; uneasily," thanks, I guess." Harry grinned. "I think," the boy continued, pointing his finger towards a group of graduates, "I think I'll just…go over there…now. Bye, uh, Harry. Ron, Draco." Then he scurried off. Harry grinned some more. Ron shook his head. Great, Harry, now you scared him off. Bloody Maniac.
"So," Draco began. He too looked at Harry like he was crazy, "it looks as if Hermione is having fun." Ron glanced around the room and when his eyes stopped at Hermione – bloody hell. She was dancing – more like clinging – to Justin. He was laughing like he couldn't believe this was Hermione Granger in his arms. Ron shook his head.
"That woman is going to be the death of me, I swear!"
"Yeah," Harry pretended to whisper, covering his mouth with his hand. Ron could obviously still hear him though, "especially when they are dancing. She probably gets him all excited, yeah? If you know what I'm saying." Draco chuckled.
"Not true. You heard her, that was strictly to get you back –"
"She has you whipped, Ron. Sure, she said it was that, but you both secretly enjoyed it, on a less…platonic…level," Harry stated.
"Bollocks, I'm going to go rescue Justin."
"Sure," called Draco as Ron moved away from them, "leave, because you're in denial, and know we're right!" The men chuckled. Bloody idiots.
"Hello, Justin," Ron greeted with a nod.
"Hey, Ron, what's going on here?" he gave Hermione a little pat on the waist, where his hand was sitting.
"Uh, just a bit too much to drink, I suppose. You know you could have used a sobering charm."
"Yeah, but I've never seen Hermione drunk. You have to admit, it's pretty funny seeing your uptight, bossy friend so vulnerable." Ron thought a moment.
"You are absolutely right, mate! She needs to live a little." Hermione, who hadn't noticed the redhead until now suddenly asked,
"Would you like to dance?" Her voice was slightly husky, and slurred. She batted her eyelashes playfully and Ron had to bite back a snort. Was she flirting with him? He decided to play along.
"Oh, I don't know, lovely lady," Hermione blushed, "your partner wouldn't want me to steal you away."
"He wouldn't mind," Hermione stated matter-of-factly. Both men raised their eyebrows. Justin shrugged.
"Nah, I don't mind, go on then. See you around," he gave a small wave and walked off.
A slow song came on and Hermione stumbled closer to him. He caught her and she began to laugh. Ron raised an eyebrow.
"Okay, Mione. Calm down. We'll just – whoa there," he remarked as she swayed on her feet and then fell back into him. Hermione looked up at him and said,
"You have beautiful eyes, you know that, Ron?"
"Uh, thanks." But she didn't hear him because she was still rambling.
"Yes, very pretty…all blue…I like blue. I never told you they were gorgeous because I'm too damn stubborn."
"That what I've always said isn't it?" he replied as they started moving to the music. She clung to him like a life line and – even though he didn't do it – he knew that if he were to let go of her, she would fall to the floor.
"Probably, but I never listen to you, not really." Oh thanks, Mione! "I really should though, shouldn't I? You're right sometimes."
"Damn, I should get this on tape," Ron muttered.
Two minutes later, Hermione had settled down quite a bit. She was still leaning against him, but she wasn't wobbly. Her cheek was pressed against Ron's chest, as was her left hand. Her right was wrapped around his wasit. His position looked as if he was giving her a bear hug because his arms were entirely wrapped around her. Hermione's arms were pretty much stuck in their place.
"This is nice, Ron," she said, "I like dancing like this more than how we did before."
"Yeah, at least I'm not stepping on your shoes." Hermione snorted which made Ron chuckle. She was just so different than how she normally was; so open about everything.
"No, at least you don't smell bad," Yeah, Ron thought, open and blunt, "because between you and I, the last guy – before this party – that I danced with smelled disgusting! Way too much cologne or something! I don't know what it was!" He laughed. Almost makes me want to know what she says about me when I'm not around… Hermione kept on talking like it was a normal conversation.
About an hour later – when everyone was tired from dancing and their stomachs were completely satisfied with food and after McGonagall had finished her graduation speech with the few words: "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!" (Inspired by the great, Albus Dumbledore) –everyone was getting ready to leave.
Ron watched as his baby sister (who was not such a baby anymore, he had to keep reminding himself) stood by her two closest friends: Colin Creevey and Luna Lovegood.
They had clearly not gotten over their earlier disagreement because they would not stand less than two feet apart and Luna had her arms crossed. She would flip her long blonde hair whenever she had the chance and Colin scowled at her the whole time.
Ron felt sorry for poor Ginny – it was their last time standing together at Hogwarts as students, after all – and her best friends weren't speaking to one another.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron had decided to let them have their time. The trio was standing an estimated amount of 60 feet away from the other three. They were all pretending to be interested in something else, even though it was obvious they were straining to hear the other's conversation.
Unfortunately, Ginny knew this and had the others talking in whispers so they couldn't hear. They watched as the fiery redhead hugged her friends with tears in her eyes. Ron made out the words 'it won't be long, Gin' coming from Colin. Ginny nodded, hugged them again and then gestured for Harry to come.
"I'll see you," said their friend before he walked away.
"Bye," Hermione and Ron spoke in unison.
"Let's go home, yeah?" they heard Harry ask as his arm draped itself loosely over Ginny's hip. She nodded.
"Yeah, let's go."
Thanks for those who reviewed chapter three!
Kelliethehottie
Natbag
Dementorchic
Ashley
I'm so sorry for the long wait! I was going to put in McGonagall's speech, but the chapter was just getting too long, I was having a major block I think. I just wrote up the ending in the last 5 minutes, so it's kind of cut up a bit. Sorry again for the wait, and I'm not really sure when the next posting will be, I just know its some good Harry/Ginny action!
Anyways, please review, any comments are welcome: You can tell me I suck if you want, I can take it...
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