Chapter Two – Aiobhne

That Saturday was a Hogsmeade weekend and Harry planned to spend it with Ron and Hermione. They hadn't spent much time together during the week as Harry had being helping Draco with his patronus (which he could now produce).

On their way to the Great Hall that morning, Hermione asked, "Did you see the sign about those students coming to Hogsmeade?"

"Yeah," replied Ron. "They're from a foreign school, right?"

"Apparently so," Hermione said.

They carried on their convosation walking through the doors to the Great Hall and to their seats, but Harry wasn't listening. He was looking for Draco.

And found him. He was talking to some first years, but looked up and smiled straight at Harry. Harry grinned back, waved and followed Ron and Hermione to the Gryffindor table, who were now arguing about which foreign school was visiting Hogsmeade.

He wished they'd hurry up and start dating. But even Ron and Hermione's squabbling couldn't annoy him today.

"Pass the bacon," he said happily.


"Where shall we go first?" Ron asked as they walked through Hogsmeade.

"I need some more parchment and ink." Hermione said faintly.

"Well I've ran out of Sugar Quills. Snape confiscated my last lot for having them during our practice NEWT paper." Ron scowled.

"What about you, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"I don't need to buy anything but I'm meeting Drake at one," he replied.

"Malfoy?" Ron said quickly, sounding disgusted.

"Ron!" warned Hermione. "Where are you meeting him, Harry?"

Harry hadn't understood his feelings straight away, and had gone to Hermione for help. She had already known for weeks, and had being waiting for him to figure it out himself. She had accepted him and wasn't surprised when he'd told her about Draco.

Ron however, had acted differently. He'd broken almost every chair in the common room the night Harry and Hermione had told him. But he'd apologised hours later and seemed more prepared when Harry explained about Draco. He'd figured Hermione must have spoken to him.

"In the Three Broomsticks." Harry replied, bringing himself back to the future.

"Okay, we'll go and see Ginny and Luna around that time too." Hermione offered and Harry nodded.

Ron said, "Do you want to catch up with us after your 'meeting', or will you be going back to school with …" Hermione gave him a sharp look and he said, somewhat painfully, "… Draco?"

"I'll meet you." Harry said. "Around half two. At the Shrieking Shack? Kay?"

"Sure," replied Hermione. "Let's go to Honeydukes for Ron, then I'll get my stuff."

Ron spent a total forty-five minutes milling around in Honey dukes. Should he buy the Quills? Or maybe a Galleons worth of Pepper Imps? Or perhaps some Chocolate Frogs? On and on …

He finally decided on the Quills, then they had to wait fifteen minutes in the queue as it was so long. Harry was glad to escape out into the cold air outside, the sweet shop had been musty and hot.

As they began to walk down the street to go to the shop Hermione needed, Harry saw a group of girls around the same age as himself, sightseeing. Harry figured they must be from the foreign school Ron and Hermione had being arguing about.

"Oh, Aoibhne!" one of the girls giggled, slapping the tallest one on her arm. Harry glanced at her and had to do a double take.

She had long, feather like, raven coloured hair, the light reflecting off its glossiness into all the shades of the rainbow. Her eyes were wide, almond shaped, vivid green, like the colour of ocean, and her dark, yet pale skin made them seem more alive.

Nevertheless, Harry wasn't staring at her because of her beauty – which she undoubtedly had – no, he was staring so hard because she looked exactly like … himself.

"What is it, Harry?" Hermione asked. He heard her gasp and realised she must have followed his gaze.

"Whoa …" Ron said, sounding awestruck. He looked disbelievingly from the girl – Aiobhne? – to Harry. "You sure you ain't got a twin, mate?" he asked.

"I – I don't think so …" Harry muttered faintly.

"Of course he hasn't!" Hermione snapped, returning to her usual, brisk manner. "It's a mere coincidence, that's all. Come on, I need my ink and parchment and if you carry on staring you're going to be late for Draco."

That certainly made Ron put his eyes back in. A disgusted look came over his face and he said. "I don't know who she is, but bloody hell, she's really fit!"