Chapter 4: A Day in Hogsmead
The following day everything seemed to back to normal. Or whatever normal could be since they were in a castle and were wizards after all. Ron and Hermione seemed to be in better spirits at breakfast and Harry gave out a sigh of relief that finally they were back to their old selves. They didn't argue half as much which was another relief for Harry and they talked and even laughed together. The ball was a mere 2 weeks away and already the Great Hall was abuzz with talk about what dress to wear, where to receive the best tux, and who he or she were going to attend the ball with. Everyone was in high spirits. Everyone that is except Harry. Even though things were better with his friends, the nightmares once again plagued him and he thought about the reasoning behind it but could find none. He was also worried about Ginny. Harry wanted to ask her to the ball but was worried about if she still wanted to do that. They weren't together anymore although Harry felt that she still did have feelings for him. Harry knew that he still liked her…a lot. Harry was pulled from his thoughts as he heard a crash.
"RON!" It was Hermione with a look of surprise on her face.
Ron looked guilty and slipped further down the bench. Harry was bewildered. Was there a hint of a smirk on Ron's face? Harry was puzzled.
Hermione saw Harry's looked and said in a whisper so only Harry could hear, " He tried to play footsies with me and I kicked him so he hit the table with his knee and made the goblet of water fall over!"
Harry looked at Ron. Yes…Ron's school garment was soaked but he did look proud of himself. Harry elbowed Ron.
"What?" Ron demanded with the guiltiest look on his face. "I was just testing the waters."
Hermione glared at him. "Testing the waters, huh?" she said under her breath. " Well, I'll be…..Ronald Weasly!" Ron knew that meant trouble. She only ever called him by his whole name when she was absolutely and utterly peeved at him about something. He definitely had crossed the line.
"I'm sorry….um…truce?" He stuck out his hand to her with his best sad puppy face. "Just kidding around, okay?" Hermione tried her best to suppress a smile..
"Alright, but you better not try that again!" Ginny giggled to herself with a smug look on her face. Way to go bro!
Harry, wanting to keep the peace, spoke up, " So what are we going to do today? It is Saturday…."
Ginny's eyes lit up, " I know!" All eyes turned to her. " We could go to Hogsmead!"
"Yeah!" Hermione piped up excitement in her voice, her smile beaming, Ron's incident completely forgotten. "We definitely should! I mean we are 7th years and we are allowed to go by ourselves as long as we have a group and well (she counted)..we are 4.."
"I'm coming too!" Neville had once again been eaves dropping.
"Ok…that makes 5…" Hermione continued. " " Five…ok that is definitely enough people. "
"How are we going to get there?" Ron inquired. "We don't have any form of transportation…" His voice drifted off as he saw the looks on everyone's faces. He felt his ears burning. " Oh right…..Disapparate." Everyone tried their best to suppress a grin. "Okay, now that I feel like a real buffoon…can we please just go!" Ron questioned his friends who were snickering and covering their mouths trying not to laugh. "Oh come on! Everyone makes mistakes!" Ron exclaimed turning bright crimson. With that everyone burst out laughing. Ron turned away and ignored them.
Finally the laughter settled down and Harry spoke up, " Sorry Ron, but you must admit….sometimes you do ask the silliest questions." Ron glanced over at Hermione who was still stifling a laugh. Great I constantly embarrass myself!
"Ok let's get ready and meet in the common room when everyone's ready." Harry said taking charge. "We will meet in about 15 minutes ok?"
Yeses were said from each of the five. They all excused themselves from the rest of the Gryffindors and made their way to the tower.
15 minutes later….
Ron was the first one done so he had made his way down and settled himself in his favorite chair. He hoped that the others wouldn't take too long since he was really eager to go to Hogsmead. It had been sometime that he had been there and last year they only went once since it was too dangerous. It rained that time and was really really cold. A terrible time really. But today it was sunny and absolutely beautiful! Ron wondered if he really should go with them or instead practice some Quidditch. Hermione entered the room and that thought was quickly forgotten.
"Hey Ron. Ready?" Hermione settled herself on the couch across from Ron. "
"Yep."
"I can't wait to get there! I've been looking forward to going for a while. I am so glad Ginny mentioned that at Breakfast!" Hermione was practically bouncing on the couch.
Ron looked at Hermione and she was beaming with excitement.
"remember last year when it was really terrible?" Hermione's smile had faded. Ron nodded
"yea…it was terribly cold and then that girl…what was her name again?"
"I don't remember…" Ron remembered but he did not want to bring that up since he was in a good mood and didn't want to get down.
"Well, I bet I will think of it later." Hermione said. "So where should we go first ?" Hermione still talking but Ron only half heard her. He was too busy deciding on his plan. He would get Hermione to be by herself today and then ask….
"Hey guys!" Harry had come down quickly followed by Ginny and Neville. Ron was launched out of his planning.
"Ready?" Both Ron and Hermione stood up simultaneously.
"Yup!" Then the five left the Hogwarts grounds and then Disasparated to Hogsmead.
Seconds later, they reappeared in the streets of Hogsmeade. It was pretty crowded and some passers by jumped out of the way with shock as the five of them appeared. It seemed that many others had wanted to take advantage of the nice weather to visit the town. The streets we pretty crowded and wizards and witches bustled by wearing caps and different colored hats, either carrying their purchases or having their purchases, under a spell, follow them in mid air. It was quite a scene to behold.
"So where do we go first?" Neville finally said.
"I dunno." Harry replied. "Ginny, did you want to go anywhere specific?" Ginny shrugged.
"No not really…I didn't think that far ahead yet. Hermione? Ron? Any preferences?"
They both shrugged and shook their heads.
Everyone was lost in thought about where they wanted to go first and finally Neville spoke up, " We could go to the Honeydukes Sweetshop first!"
Everyone thought that over for a moment and then decided that would be a good start.
The five, walked to the sweetshop and upon entering were quickly enveloped in an assortment of sweet smells. The store smelt of chocolate and caramel mixed in with a hint of strawberry and other fruity smells. There was a slight hint of coffee in the air also and all in all the whole store made you forget all your worries and feel happy and giddy.
Ambrosius Flume looked up from restocking the display shelf and exclaimed, " Hi Harry….Ron….Hermione….Ginny….Neville!...I see you five are taking advantage of the 7th year privileges!"
All smiled at his comment, " Well, we needed to do something on such a nice day!" Ron said.
"True true! Well, enjoy!" Flume went back to his restocking with a quick wink.
Everyone made their away around the store and Ron decided to buy three chocolate frogs and Neville bought an assortment of new butterfly candies that looked like caterpillars but if you had them long enough they would turn to colorful butterflies. Being satisfied with their purchases they left the store and decided to make their way over to The Three Broomsticks. On their walk there, Harry enjoyed watching the other Wizards and witches that he passed. It was amazing how many there were and it was always a good feeling to be among people of magic. Harry and Ginny were walking upfront laughing and chatting away while holding hands. Ron, Hermione and Neville were walking behind them. Ron felt a pang of jealousy, seeing them so comfortable with each other and secretly hoped that he could have what Harry and Ginny shared at some point. He was distinctly aware of Hermione's presence next to him but they talked like old friends (which they were of course) but not at all as anything more. They reached The Three Broomsticks and entered. Madam Rosemerta was delighted to see them and ushered them to their favorite table in the corner by the window. They ordered a round of Butterbeer and were all in good spirits chatting away. The boys came upon a discussion on Quidditch which made Hermione frown and change the topic.
"So what else should we do today?" Hermione questioned the group deep in some Quidditch discussion. The rest ignored her.
"Are you going to be talking about Quidditch all day?" Hermione demanded with a complaining sort of tone.
"Well, just because you don't understand it doesn't mean we can't talk about it." Ron snapped which made her turn slightly pink.
Ginny punched Ron quite hard in the arm and Ron cringed in pain. "Oh leave her be. You're just jealous that she can perform more spells than you can, Ron!" It was Ron's turn to turn crimson. Harry thought it was smart to stop talking about Quidditch before a fight would break loose. "So..um….what else should we do today." Harry said, taking a sip from his large mug of frothy butter beer. Frankly, he wanted to go back to Hogwarts so he could practice some Quidditch before next week's tournament but he knew that at this moment it would be the worst thing to bring that up. "Want to just take a look around Hogsmead since we haven't been here since last year?" Harry suggested followed by unenthusiastic nods from the group.
"Well, then you come up with something!" Harry exclaimed in frustration.
"Yea..ok we can do that." Muttered Ron.
Everyone drank in silence for a while lost in their own thoughts. Harry was preoccupied thinking about Quidditch. Ginny was worried about finishing her Potions paper even though Hermione had told her she could give her a hand. Neville was counting his candy butterfly larvae and one turned into a butterfly on the table and fluttered around his head with him trying to catch it (he almost elbowed Hermione in the eye trying). Hermione was off wondering about what happened yesterday with Ron and also was thinking about various amounts of homework she needed to finish. Ron was lazily stirring his butter beer with a straw and thinking about Hermione. It so happened that the sunlight in the corner where they were sitting danced brilliantly off her hair making it sparkle in various shades of brown to gold and Ron was admiring it as one would a painting. He really did not have any accurate thoughts streaming through his brain at the moment but some wisps of ideas, anything Hermione related came through. He thought about her surprised expression yesterday when he had told her he was sorry. It was the first time really that he had ever been in the girls' dorm (frankly, he thought grinning to himself, he probably was the only boy ever to have found himself in the girls' dorm). But right now Hermione was lost in thought and Ron could see her mental machinery at work probably about some piece of homework that she was still trying to figure out, even away from her work. He watched her take a sip of her Butter Beer and a little bit of the froth clung right on top of her lips under her nose. Ron's stomach did a flip and he wanted to kiss the froth away and maybe then gently lean her back and run his hands…
"RON!" Hermione snapped him back to reality. "STOP STARING AT ME!" Ron had completely forgotten where he was because of his day dream. It took him a minute to adjust and he saw that both Harry and Ginny were snickering. Ron mumbled an embarrassed sorry.
"Hey I think there is some drool on the table!" Ginny said teasingly causing both Ron and Hermione to turn bright red. Ron glared at his sister. Breaking the uncomfortable silence that followed, Harry got up and said, " Ok mates, want to head out?" Everyone nodded or said yes and then proceeded to drain their last drops of Butter beer and then saying their good-byes to Madame Rosemerta, they headed out once more to the streets of Hogsmead. It was now late afternoon and less people filled the streets. Many probably headed home already to prepare dinner or do whatever wizards and witches do. The group past a few different magic shops and then came across a brand new shop. "Magical Spells No one Sells." Ron read out-loud the wooden sign hanging over the door. "I wonder why no one else sells them. Probably a good idea to stay out of that shop!" Hermione said. " We all know that spells are not something to mess with." She gave Neville an intent look and he slightly blushed. Neville had been prone to many magical accidents in the course of their six years at Hogwarts.
The shop looked like the others besides the assortment of strange and interesting instruments in the window and a large flashing sign saying OPEN in large glittering letters. At closer observation, the open sign was actually made up of many small fairies all flapping their wings really fast and looking extremely exhausted. Hermione opened her mouth with a look of utter disgust on her face but Ginny quickly shushed her. It was no surprise to anyone that Hermione would have something to say about this. In her 4th year she had fought for elvish freedom by forming a special organization called S.P.E.W. Hermione believed that all magical creatures should have equal rights and tended to voice her opinion on the matter frequently. The five had stopped in front of the store and were pondering whether they should enter this strange new store or not. Ron spoke up first. " Well, it wouldn't hurt would it? He said with a look at Harry and the others. "We could just take a look around and then leave." He added matter-of-factly.
"Well, we better not touch anything." Hermione warned in her best motherly voice. Ron just rolled his eyes.
"Alright then." Harry said and turned towards the door followed by Neville, Ginny, Ron, and a very cautious Hermione.
The store was definitely unique to say the least. A various assortment of herbs and weird looking plants hung behind the long counter to the right where they entered. A witch with a purple floppy hat (it was basically hanging right off her head!) was sitting on a wooden stool at the black cash register which looked like something from the 1800's. Her robes were made of dark purple velvet matching her lopsided hat. She didn't look too old but her nose was very pointed and it made her entire face look like that of a rat. The witch wore half moon spectacles similar to Dumbledor's but were also purple. "Looks like someone really likes purple." Ron whispered to Harry. When the witch saw the group come in she looked up from what she was reading over her spectacles and as if shot by a sudden spark sprung to life welcoming them into her store.
"My my my!" she exclaimed. " Five students!" She clapped her hands together and then shook each of their hands so vigorously that they thought their arms would surely come out of their socket.
"Pleased to meet you, Hermione. I am Violet." Hermione tried to give a smile but couldn't because of her arm moving up and down so fast. Violet let go of her hand and Hermione took it and rubbed it. Violet definitely had a good grip. Hermione made a face as to say "Can we please leave?" Ron saw her and shook his head with a grin.
"well, then…." Violets eyes traveled over each of them. " How may I help you? You're from Hogwarts you say?" they nodded. " Wonderful! You must tell Dumbledor I say hello!" Each of them looked at each other very puzzled and Ron mouthed to Harry, "Does she know Dumbledor passed away?" Harry shrugged a response.
"Please! Take a look around! Tell me if you need any help…we have a special on rose hips and pepperwinkle!"
Violet's eyes fell on Hermione's hair. " And for you my dear, I have a new special and improved potion called 'Defrizz Whiz'…should help with your…um…hair." She made a displeased face. Hermione's face went red and she mumbled something about her hair being really really curly not frizzy and that she shouldn't be the one talking as she brushed past Harry and Ron towards the back of the store in a huff. Ginny and Neville had already started to look around at the different instruments and Ron and Harry decided to follow suit.
"What do you s'pose all of this stuff is for?" Ron questioned Harry as they made their way around the store. "I mean why is the store called "Magic Spells that No one sells?"
"I dunno….maybe they are for specific spells and potions….maybe this is a potion specialty store?" Harry said.
Ron's face lit up. "WOW! Could you imagine what we could do with a store like this?" Harry grinned and thought of all the things he could do to his least favorite professor.
Ron started rummaging through different colored bottles. Many had warning symbols on them and an age of usage. "hey Harry, some of these potions are age restricted!" He showed one to Harry that was dark aqua in color and had a star symbol on the side showing that only wizards 19 and up were allowed to use it.
"Why do you think they need age restrictions?" Ron said confused.
"Because these are special potions and only at that specific age does the potion truly work. It is done so youngsters can't mistakenly buy them. The Ministry of Magic has specific rules." Violet was now standing behind them
"Well, we are not that young. We are almost 18!" Ron had piped up.
Harry wasn't really listening to the discussion. He had found a red potion and was now more interested in reading the label. Dragon Breath: One teaspoon will make your lover swoon. The age restriction said 17 on the star label. This potion looked harmless to Harry. Violet dashed off in that instant after hearing a loud crash (Neville had dropped a large bottle of green goo which was now slowly making its way around the store). Harry nudged Ron, "What?" Ron asked.
"Look at this…." Harry handed Ron the bottle with a grin on his face." Do you think what I am thinking?"
"No…..but by the looks of it you are up to something aren't you?"
"Well, Ron….look what the label says…" Harry turned the bottle so that the label which he had just read was on top. "See it?"
Understanding dawned on Ron, " HARRY!" He exclaimed in shock, louder than he meant to so he covered his mouth and then said in a smaller voice, " I can't do that to Hermione! That's just not right!"
"Well, you don't have to do it. But just think…maybe even just for one day you could just add two teaspoons into her pumpkin juice at dinner and see what happens. You just have to make sure you are the first to talk to her otherwise she will like someone else."
"Why is that?" Harry turned the bottle around more for Ron to see. There at the bottom in fine print read, First person the drinker talks to, he or she will fall for.
"Oh….."Ron simply said lost in thought. One side of him said that this was all wrong but the other side of him said to go for it. It couldn't hurt, could it?
"Hey guys! What you got there?" Ron froze. Hermione had approached them. Ron had quickly given the potion to Harry who had hid it behind his back.
"er..um…nothing." Ron said trying not to sound guilty. Hermione was smiling and looked from one to the other. Ron looked pleadingly at Harry since he was at loss for words.
"Er…um.." Harry coughed pretending he had something scratching his throat and while doing so placed the potion on the shelf and took another one. cough cough "er…just looking through the potions." He handed her the bottle and Ron's eyes bugged out. Harry shook his head. Ron held his breath.
Hermione read out loud," Wormstail: Fungus is no more." Hermione made a disgusted face and then asked, " So either of you have fungus?" Ron almost wanted to laugh. "No no!" Ron and Harry both said quickly.
"We were just browsing through that's all." Harry said quickly. Hermione gave them both an odd look and then shrugged and walked away shaking her head. Ron thought he had heard her say boys! as she walked.
"Pheew…close one mate. Where did you put that potion?" Ron asked feeling relieved that Hermione hadn't questioned them further.
Harry looked over the various bottles on the shelf and found the small red bottle which he took off the shelf.
"well, are you going to buy the potion?" Harry asked his friend.
Ron bit his lip thinking hard and then replied with a guilty grin, "Yes?"
"Ok….well, how are we going to go to the cash register without having anyone see us?" Ron thought for a bit then said
"Well, I could go outside with everyone and then you could go and buy the potion!"
"Me? Why me!" Harry blurted out.
"Shhh…." Ron shushed his friend. "Ok..ok…fine I will do it. Just make sure everyone is out of the store." Harry nodded and then proceeded to usher everyone out of the store giving the excuse that he wanted to talk to them about a surprise Birthday Party for Ron. It was the first thing that had come to his mind. Of course everyone was completely excited about the idea and followed him out of the store with out so much as a question.
Ron sighed and went up to the cash register.
"oohhh….a Love potion…dear..dear." Violet said shaking her head. "many young men have bought this before."
"Ok..please let me just purchase it." Ron said almost through clenched teeth.
"Yes of course." Violet gave him an almost pitiful smile. "Are you of age to buy it?"
"Yes of course!" Ron almost wanted to yell but then said instead "yea…I am 17."
Violet looked him over, "Well, take your finger and place it on this pad." She showed him a round black pad on top of the counter. Ron frowned but did as he was told. He felt a small pinch and pulled his finger away .
"Sorry….should have warned you about that." Violet said. "But ok…you are 17."
Violet placed everything in a small brown bag and then with a 'good-bye please tell Dumbledor I say hi!' Ron left the store angry and rubbing his finger.
"That woman is absolutely crazy he grumbled to himself, as he reunited with the others who quickly stopped talking.
"Oh… there you are! All set?" Ginny questioned him. Ron had put his purchase in his pocket so as to not attract attention to it.
"Yea…..want to go back to Hogwarts now?" Ron questioned the group. Everyone agreed. It was getting late and the sun was already setting slowly behind the village hills. Everything had a slight reddish hint from the setting sun and the shadows from the buildings had become longer and more pronounce. Holding hands once again, the group Disasparated from Hogsmead back to their school.
Next Chapter should be out soon! Hope you like the story so far!