Chapter Five – The Mall

The next day, it seemed that nothing had ever happened the night before. Breakfast went very well. No one let out a loud burp, or fought over the food or spit out a beverage all over the table.

"So," Mrs. Granger said as she cleaned up. "What've you got planned today kids?"

Hermione glanced at Harry. What happened last night was still fresh on her mind. She looked away going a bit pink.

"Well, I figured Harry and I could go to the mall," Hermione said not looking at him.

"Yeah, I need some stuff," Harry, piped up. Then he remembered he had no money. "On second thought…"

Hermione, as if reading his mind, said, "Don't worry."

Harry looked at Hermione to ask what she'd meant by it, but she was gone. When she came back, she was already dressed. Soon, they were in the car with Mr. Granger. Harry had never really been to the mall before. The Dursleys never thought to bring him when they went.

"So Harry, what're you going to get?" Hermione asked.

"A toothbrush and some extra clothes," he replied. "But I haven't got any money to—"

"Like I said," Hermione smiled. "Don't worry about it."

"No, Hermione, you haven't—"

"Harry," she turned to him and gave him a smile. "Don't worry about it."

Sighing with frustration, Harry crossed his arms across his chest and slumped down onto his seat.

"There's no winning with you," he muttered.

Despite their argument in the car, Harry couldn't stay mad. He was just glad he was alone with her. They got Harry a toothbrush, some clothes and were now walking around.

"I've never really been to the mall before," he confessed.

Hermione shook her head. "You're relatives are so terrible!" she said angrily. "They deserve to be cursed!"

Harry laughed. "I love it when you get all steamed up about things." Realizing what he'd just said, he quickly avoided her eyes.

Hermione smiled and looked at her shoes. His comment seemed to make her quite giddy. She looked up just in time to see one of those photo booths. She quickly took Harry's hand and dragged him towards it.

"What— Hermione," Harry said. He frowned at the booth. "What's this?"

"Oh honestly! The way you're acting, it seems you're not even from here!" she replied. She pushed him in.

"But Hermione, there's only room for—" he was staring at her. She'd gone and sat on his lap. He couldn't help but blush. He remained silent as she put coins in the slots.

"Don't forget to smile!" she said as she struck a pose and a flash went off.

Harry didn't post at all as three other flashes went off. He was too shocked. Hermione slid off his lap, pulling him out. Their pictures emerged and Hermione took a look. Harry was staring at Hermione like he'd never seen her before. He knew she was quite out going but she was doing so many things that didn't seem like her he didn't know what to think.

"Tsk tsk," Hermione shook her head. "You're not smiling in any of these."

Harry didn't reply. He was startled when she pushed him in again and sat back down on his lap. As awkward as it was, Harry didn't really mind. In fact, he quite enjoyed this. This time, he actually struck poses with her and managed to make one or two funny faces. They out of the booth and took a look at the pictures.

In one picture, both of them were sticking out their tongues. The next one, they were both laughing hysterically. The third photo, they were leaning their heads against each other and smiling. The last photo, Hermione had her arms wrapped around him and she was kissing him on the cheek. They both looked a little pink in the face.

"Well, much better. Oh look, another copy… I must've accidentally asked for two," she murmured. She took the second print of photos and gave them to Harry. "There you go. Your own copy."

"Thanks," Harry grinned.

Next, Harry was dragged to a store, consisting of nothing but women's clothing. Harry was forced to sit on a chair as Hermione tried on endless varieties of clothes. Harry had never felt so bored. He completely forgot how bored he was when Hermione emerged from the fitting room.

She was wearing a rather silky emerald green dress. To Harry, she looked quite stunning. She looked so beautiful he began to choke on air because he'd forgotten how to breathe properly.

"Are you alright Harry?" Hermione asked.

He could only manage to nod. After another hour of looking at clothes, they finally decided to head home.

Just as they stepped out of the entrance doors, a young girl met them who was just about their age.

"Hermione! Wow, it's been a while," she said as she gave Hermione a hug. Her eyes fell on Harry. "Ooh, is this your boyfriend?"

Hermione tried to surprise a giggle. "No, just a friend." She gestured to Harry. "This is Harry. Harry, this is Millie."

Harry shook Millie's hand. Hermione explained that Millie was an old friend.

"So, I was going to call, but I'm glad I caught you," she said. "Are you coming camping with us this year?"

Hermione looked surprised. "Oh, I completely forgot about that," she glanced at Harry, biting her lip. "Well… I… I don't know."

Harry looked around. "You should go. I can—"

"What? You're coming too!" millie said. "Hermione hasn't brought a guest ever! Come on, come along."

"I shouldn't—"

"Please Harry," she had taken his arm.

Harry smiled. "Well, okay. I suppose—"

"Great! See ya in a week!" Millie said. "Gotta run!"

Mr. Granger's honking car told them to come along and Hermione, still holding his arm, got into the car.

Author's Note: Ooh, I updated this one too. This one's gunna be awhile because I'm still working on it, while my other one I've finished and only need one more chapter for it haha so yesh be patient, thanks for reading and don't forget to review!

MarauderWormtail89