A/N
December
"God Ginny, clean up your shit." Hermione yelled stomping around the head girls room.
"Someone's PMS." Ginny laughed picking up her clothes from the floor.
"I am not PMS, I'm just angry because you sleep over in my room to get away from messy pigs and become a messy slob yourself." Hermione pointed out.
"Hey." Ginny cried indignantly, "At least I don't look like a messy pig."
"My appearance happens to be perfectly fine. Thank you very much." Hermione walked into the bathroom and slammed the door.
"Mmm Hmm." Ginny rolled her ryes finishing packing and calling to Hermione, "I'll send Harry over to get you once I get back to the tower...love ya."
"By Gin...see you later, love ya." Hermione called putting on her eyeliner.
Hearing the door close Ginny exited the bathroom and made sure Ginny had took everything before putting on her outfit. It was civvies day (civilian day – the students didn't have to wear their uniform) and Hermione had a really cute outfit. She had deep brown tights with a short jean skirt and a brown top. The top was low-cut and had nice detailing on the side. It was matched with black boots and her hair was messily combed to the right side of her head. Exiting her room quickly Hermione stood at the portrait waiting for Harry.
"Hey." Harry came up to her.
"Hey." Hermione looked down before glancing up at him, the last time they had seen each other he had been so sweet.
"I love you." Harry said making sure she knew he had been serious about what he had said.
"I love you too." Hermione looked up and kissed him soundly on the lips.
Just as they pulled apart Ron rounded the corner... "Hey guys." Ron called.
"Hey." Hermione nervously played with a strand of hair.
"You look great today Mione." Ron commented eyeing her.
"Thanks Ron." Hermione gave Harry a look as she saw his eyes flash.
"Doesn't she?" Harry asked.
"I just said yes." Ron pointed out.
"That you did." Harry conceded.
"So..." Hermione said.
"You played a joke on me last week Harry Potter now it's your turn to pay." Was shouted down the hall and all of the sudden Harry's pants dropped.
"Oh shit." Harry struggled to get his pants up but there was an obvious spell on them.
Ron began to laugh and Hermione turned beet red while sneaking a peek and trying to cast a counter-curse at the same time.
"Thanks." Harry blushed looking at Hermione.
"That was bloody hilarious." Ron choked out.
"Of course you'd think that Ron, we all know you like to look at men with their pants down. But be a good boy and pull your own up before someone else notices." Harry cast a spell quickly and began to walk away.
Laughing quietly Hermione ran to catch up and left Ron standing beet red in the middle of the corridor...pants half-way down his ass.
--
Hermione flopped down on the couch beside Harry. The flames of the fire in front of them danced across his face as he studied some notes. Hermione looked at Harry as his green eyes scanned the pages. She smiled to herself before pulling out her notes also. "Boo," she whispered into his ear.
Harry jumped up, his notes flying everywhere. "Hermione!" Harry laughed, "You scared the shit out of me! When did you get here?"
"About five minutes ago," she answered, "You really didn't notice me sit beside you?"
"No, I guess I was concentrating so hard," Harry laughed again.
"That's a first," Hermione joked.
"Oh, you're going to get it," Harry threatened.
"What cha gonna do?" Hermione said, egging him on.
"This," Harry ran towards her and kissed her hard on the lips. Just as they broke apart Ron came into the common room. He looked annoyed and angry. "Hey Ron, what's up?" Hermione asked wiping her mouth.
"I'm not doing so well in Divination," Ron grumbled.
"Then why don't you drop it? I did," Harry remarked.
"I don't know. I was putting it off. But now I think I will," Ron slumped into a chair and began to take out his homework. "By the way, why are there papers all over the floor?"
"Oh," Hermione blushed, remembering what had happened, "I scared Harry and the papers that he was holding went flying.
Ron smiled as he took out his notes. Hermione and Harry quickly picked up his notes and sat back down on the couch facing the fire. "Can you believe that our N.E.W.T.s are this year?" she asked.
"Oh don't start," Harry and Ron said at the same time. As soon as the teachers had begun to talk about the N.E.W.T.s, Hermione had gotten worried and insisted that the trio spent at least and hour a night studying notes in preparation for the tests. Harry and Ron had only agreed to it so that she would stop nagging them. After exactly an hour of studying, Ron said good night and went upstairs to bed. Hermione decided to call it a day too, taking her notes upstairs to study more alone. Harry kissed her good night before he too went up to bed. Hermione walked up to a painting of Godric Gryffindor and said the password, Starry Night. The painting opened and Hermione walked into her room. Hermione was Head Girl and although she had her own room, she sometimes liked to sleep in the girls dormitory. Hermione felt that she wanted to be alone tonight, as her roommates complained when she left her light on, studying till the wee hours of the morning. Hermione flopped onto her bed and thought about how close Ron was too catching her and Harry together. We'll have to tell him soon. Hermione thought. Maybe tomorrow.
Hermione drifted off to sleep as the lights in her room magically dimmed. Tomorrow was another day, with new problems to face.
--
"Hey Gin." Hermione said sitting next to her friend in the common room. It was 10.00pm and Hermione and Harry were supposed to meet once everyone went off to bed. Hermione was so excited…she could hardly wait for later.
"What are you so excited about?" Ginny asked curiously.
"Hmm?" Hermione snapped out of her reverie.
"Oh you must be meeting Harry later." Ginny said understanding.
"So? Are you meeting Draco?" Hermione asked.
"I may be, what's it to you?" Ginny asked defensively.
"Settle girl." Hermione put a hand on Ginny's shoulder.
"I haven't seen him since like two nights ago…I'm so excited."
"When are you meeting him?" Hermione asked quietly.
"Not until 11, in the room of requirements…when are you meeting Harry?" Ginny asked.
"Once everyone goes to bed." Hermione said.
"Well watch out…" Ginny started.
"Ginny I need to talk to you." Colin came up behind Hermione.
"Colin hold on." Ginny said.
"No it's important." Colin walked to her and tugged on her arm.
"Hermione I've got to go but be careful….Ron's." Ginny started as she left through the portrait hole but Hermione missed what the end of her sentence was.
"Hey Mione." Harry sat down next to her.
"I thought we agreed not to meet until after everyone was gone." Hermione whispered.
"I figured it would be less obvious if we were together cause like people always see us like that." Harry shrugged.
"Oh." Hermione said.
"Besides…I couldn't wait to spend time with you." Harry whispered.
"Aww." Hermione smiled, that was the answer se had wanted to hear.
"I'm glad because I was itching to spend time with you too." Hermione said quietly before going back to her book.
Taking out his own book Harry concealed his smiled and began to read waiting for everyone to go to bed so he could finally be with his girl.
"Harry." Hermione said an hour later shaking his arm.
"Hmm…" Harry opened his eyes slowly.
"Go up to bed…everyone else has." Hermione smiled at him sad that he was tired and couldn't be with her.
"No I'm fine…it's our time together." Harry sat up causing his book to fall from his lap.
"If you're tired you can go." Hermione told him.
"I'm fine." Harry reconfirmed.
"Good." Hermione smiled relieved.
"Let me put my stuff away." Harry put his book back in his bag and zipped it up.
"I already put mine away…while you were sleeping." Hermione said suggestively.
"I'm sorry. Can I make it up to you?" Harry asked looking at her with puppy-dog eyes.
"Yes you can." Hermione told him.
"How?" Harry asked impatiently.
"Sit back and close your eyes," Hermione ordered and he did, "Good now I can do this." Hermione sat on his lap and kissed him hard.
"Hmm." Harry said surprised.
The portrait squeaked put both being too caught up to hear it were entirely shocked when they heard the outraged screams of a fellow Gryffindor, "Harry! Hermione!" Ron cried angrily.
--
"Ron wait! Ron stop!" Hermione ran after him as he ran up the stairs to the boys dormitory, "Ron!"
"Hermione, it's no use," Harry took her hand.
"No we have to tell him," Hermione began to walk up the stairs towards Ron's room. Harry followed her as they stepped into his room. "Ron?"
Ron's curtains on his bed were drawn, but Hermione could see his foot sticking out. Hermione sat on Harry's bed which was beside Ron's. "Ron you don't have to talk, but will you at least listen?" Hermione asked.
There was silence but Hermione began. "Ron we were planning on telling you today."
"We were?" Harry whispered. Hermione shot him a look. "Yeah, we were Ron."
"Ron to tell you the truth we have been dating since Halloween. I'm sorry we didn't tell you sooner but we didn't know how to tell you," Hermione looked to the floor, "Ron please say something."
The curtains were pulled back and Ron looked at them angrily. " I thought you liked me."
"Ron I do like you," Hermione went to take his hand but he pulled away, "But Ron, I don't like like you."
Ron too looked to the floor, hurt on his face. "Hey mate, I'm really sorry," Harry said.
"You knew!" Ron looked at him, his face so red it looked like he was going too explode, "You knew and you went for her behind my back!"
"Ron! You would have done the same thing!" Harry was standing up now staring down at Ron.
Ron too got up at looked Harry in the eye, hands balled at his waist. Harry's hands began to form into fists also. Hermione ran and stood between them. "Come on guys, there's no need to fight. Harry you were wrong to go behind Ron's back," Harry looked like he was about to argue but Hermione cut him off, "Ron you have to understand that Harry made the first move."
Ron stilled stared daggers at Harry and Harry back at Ron but there hands were no longer in fists. Ron sat back down and mumbled good night, looking longingly at Hermione. Hermione kissed Ron on the cheek and Harry followed her out of the room. Harry walked Hermione to the portrait of Godric Gryffindor and kissed her good night. Hermione stepped into her room, hoping that Harry and Ron wouldn't kill each other in their sleep.
--
Harry turned the corner walking towards the Gryffindor common room, he bumped into Ginny, "Hey is Hermione in the common room?"
"Umm…Harry I hate to be the one to tell you this but she's with Ron. Ya, they went up to your room something about borrowing your broomstick servicing kit." Ginny put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"They went where to borrow what and do what with a broom?" Harry asked eyes wide.
"Maybe you should talk to them." Ginny suggested continuing on her way.
Harry began to run saying the password quickly and making his way up he dorms amidst the stares of his fellow Gryffindor's.
"RON!" Harry yelled bursting into the room.
Harry woke up sitting up in bed and looked towards Ron's bed, Ron appeared to be sleeping but his curtains were closed. Going quietly to his trunk Harry made sure the broomstick servicing kit Hermione had given him was still in there. Going back to bed he rolled over and screamed, "RON!"
"How could you?" Ron asked calmly.
"I couldn't help how I felt." Harry told him.
"But you didn't have to sneak around." Ron pointed out.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know how to tell you." Harry stood up.
"Are you going to meet Hermione?" Ron asked coldly.
"No, I can't sleep so I though I'd go write to Remus and Tonks or something." Harry told him angrily.
"Don't you need parchment then?" Ron questioned.
"I was getting it." Harry grabbed his stuff and also his kit.
"Why do you need that?" Ron interrogated.
"Umm…no reason." Harry didn't want to take any chance by leaving it where to was easily accessible.
"Fine, night." Ron rolled over and went back to sleep.
"Yep." Harry rolled his eyes making his way down the stairs.
--
Once Harry was sure that Ron was asleep again, he went back up to his room and hid his broom servicing kit under his mattress. Harry tossed and turned all night and kept waking up from dreams of Hermione telling him it was over and leaving him for Ron. Finally at 6am Harry gave up sleeping, changed into his robes and went down to breakfast. Walking down to the Great Hall Harry noticed that a new paper had been put on the bulletin board. It read:
To all Hogwarts students year 3 and up:
The first Hogsmeade visit will be on the 23rd of December. Students will leave the school at 9am the earliest and be back at the school by 9pm the latest. Merry Christmas.
Professor McGonnagal.
Harry continued his walk toward the Great Hall suddenly realising that Christmas was approaching quickly. It was already the 19th and Harry had not even thought about presents. Harry sat at the Gryffindor table trying to think of what to get Hermione when Ron sat across from him. "Morning," Harry mumbled.
"Harry have you seen your broom servicing kit?" Ron asked.
"What?" Harry snapped his head up to look at Ron.
"I said have you seen the notice? For Hogsmeade?" Ron asked again, looking strangely at him.
"Oh yeah," Harry returned to his toast, "I completely forgot that Christmas was so soon."
"Listen Harry," Ron said, "I'm sorry about last night. Hermione was right."
"I'm sorry too Ron. I really should have told you," Harry agreed, "So…what are you getting me for Christmas?"
"Nothing! Why would I get you anything?" Ron joked.
"I'm glad to see that you two are beginning to get along again," Hermione came up behind Harry and sat beside him. Harry kissed her and Hermione's cheeks went very red. Ron looked very interested in his toast as Hermione began to read the paper.
"So have you seen your broom servicing kit?" Hermione asked turning to Harry.
"What?" Harry snapped his head toward Hermione. Ron stifled a laugh.
"I said, have you seen the notice for Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked again rolling her eyes.
"Oh yeah, Ron and I were talking about it," Harry said rubbing his eyes.
"Are you okay?" Hermione asked placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm okay, just a bit tired," Harry answered.
"Were you having dreams again?" Hermione asked concerned.
"Not about You-Know-Who!" Ron looked at Harry, a terrified look on his face.
"No, just a bad night," Harry said brushing them off. He looked at his watch, "We better get going, we have double potions and you know how happy Snape would be if he could take 100 points from Gryffindor."
The trio rushed out of the room, leaving the night worries behind.
--
"Thirty seconds more and you would have been late." Neville warned them.
"Well I guess it's a good thing we arrived when we did." Hermione said boldly.
"Yes it is, but maybe you should take a seat before I do find a reason to take points." Snape ordered.
Hermione glared at him biting her tongue and sat down in her seat next to Harry, he took her hand underneath the table and squeezed it comfortingly. Hermione smiled at him gratefully but pulled away gently before either Snape or Ron caught them. Harry looked at her weirdly and she whispered, "Snape." Carefully not bringing up her worries about Ron so she didn't make Harry mad.
"The instructions are on the board." Snape sat at his desk and waiting expectantly for everyone to start. When no one else moved Hermione stood and went to the ingredient cabinet getting the stuff she didn't have with her own stuff.
"Hmm, what great role model." Snape said icily.
"Leave her alone Snape." Harry stood up.
"It's Professor Snape to you Mr. Potter. And I was not harassing her in any way so you have no need to get over-protective of your muggle-born." Snape explained.
"Why do Slytherins have the need to point out she's muggle-born using any term…offensive or other. I mean she is just the same as anyone else in this room her heritage doesn't matter…Professor." Harry said coldly.
"I'd appreciate you not telling me what to do seeing as I am the teacher and you are the student." Snape stood.
"Well I think we'd all appreciate you not mocking and abusing students in your class because as you said you're a teacher and that's not in the job description." Harry pointed out.
The class snickered, "50 points from Gryffindor." Snape started walking towards Harry.
"That's not fair." Harry protested.
"Don't Harry." Hermione put a hand on his shoulder.
"Yes defend him Mudblood." Snape muttered.
"Don't talk about her like that." Harry yelled whipping out his…wand and holding it up to Snape's face.
"Lower your wand Potter." Snape ordered.
"Don't call her a Mudblood Snape." Harry said and walked away.
Later that night Harry was called down to the headmasters office to speak with Dumbledore and Snape.
"Now I hear you were disrespectful to Professor Snape in class." Dumbledore said as Harry sat.
"I showed him the same respect he showed me." Harry replied coldly.
"Now Mr. Potter." Dumbledore said a smile playing at his lips.
"He called Hermione a Mudblood and he emotionally abuses everyone in that class sir." Harry said…he had gotten that line from Hermione.
"And you did?" Dumbledore asked.
"I threatened him with my wand." Harry said hanging his head.
"Two weeks detention and you may leave now. Professor I'd like to speak to you." Dumbledore dismissed him.
"Thank you sir." Harry left but stayed at the door to listen.
"Professor Dumbledore…" Snape started.
"You are working for the light side I'd like you to consider that Mr. Snape when you are calling students mudbloods. The way you treat students can no longer be accepted in this school, so if you continue this way you will be dismissed…" Dumbledore started.
"You're firing me?" Snape said incredulously.
"Not yet but if it doesn't change in two weeks you're gone. And I'm not firing you I'll give you two weeks more to hand in your resignation." Dumbledore stood and opened the door just in time to hear the door at the bottom snap shut.
"Goodbye." Snape left quickly.
--
"So Snape's on probation?" Hermione asked.
"For two weeks," Harry corrected.
"Can this get any better?" Ron asked smiling, "No homework from potions AND Snape's on probation!"
The trio laughed and settled down in the common room to start on their other homework. Hermione got lost in the world of Ancient Runes as Harry and Ron finished their Transfiguration homework. Hermione had just started Arithmacy when Harry and Ron left to go to the Quidditch pitch for practise. "Can you pull your nose out of your books for one second?" Harry teased.
"But they're the most important thing right now!" Hermione exclaimed smiling.
Harry gave her a funny hurt expression, "How could you?" he said dramatically.
Hermione got up and kissed him, "You better get going or you two will be late."
The boys hurried out the door as Hermione settled down to finish her homework. When the boys came in, Hermione had just finished her homework and was heading off to bed. Harry pulled her aside.
"Eww, I'm not going to kiss you now," Hermione said holding her nose, "You smell."
Harry kissed her. "Thank you," Harry smiled and walked back up to his room. He called down from the stairs, "Will you go to Hogsmeade with me tomorrow?"
"Of course," Hermione called back, "As long as you take a shower!"
She laughed to herself and headed to her room. Dumping her books on her bed, she sat down at her desk and wrote out things to get at Hogsmeade. She was still trying to decide what to get Harry for Christmas. Maybe she would buy him a refill of the broomstick polish. No not enough, Hermione finally decided to give up and went over to her bookcase. She pulled out her favourite book, Hogwarts: A History, changed into her pyjamas and slid into bed. Hermione didn't notice how late it was until the grandfather clock in her room chimed midnight. Placing the book on her night table, Hermione drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
--
"It's Hogsmeade day, get up, get up, get up!" Ginny cried pulling back Hermione's covers.
"Why are you waking me up, I'm going with Harry, he'll probably sleep until noon." Hermione rolled over, "And how did you get in here? And why are you so loud? And won't you please go away?"
"Harry's waiting for you, so get your lazy ass out of bed. I got the password from a couple of nights ago I heard you say it and I'm loud and obnoxious because I grew up with 6 boys. And no I won't leave until you're ready for your second official date." Ginny said.
"Oh my god!" Hermione jumped up and ran into the bathroom deciding to forego a shower she cast a cleaning spell and a teeth brushing spell. Throwing on a pair of black tights with a jean skirt and raspberry fold over shirt she ran back into the main room.
"Gin, what's the spell to curl hair?" Hermione asked frantically.
"Here." Ginny cast the spell and Hermione hair curled slightly, "Just a bit more." She cast it again.
"Pin it up for me?" Hermione asked.
"Sure." Ginny took a small piece and put it in front of her face and then put the rest of her hair into a low clip, brushing the pieces in front of her face back slightly Ginny completed the look.
"Here put on your coat." Ginny handed Hermione her white long coat and her raspberry mittens, hat and scarf.
"Thank you so much, do I look okay?" Hermione asked.
"You look great now go." Ginny pushed Hermione out of her room following close behind.
"Hey, you look great." Harry whispered to Hermione taking her hand and kissing her.
"Good." Ginny sighed. Now she had to get ready while everyone was out she was going to meet Draco by the lake…still hidden but at least outside. And later she was going with Luna into Hogsmeade for shopping.
--
Hermione and Harry walked down the main street of Hogsmeade hand-in-hand. They watched as third years gazed in awe at all the shops and beauty as the snow fell. The couple headed into the Three Broomsticks to warm up. As they sipped their Butterbeers, the two talked about Christmas and what to get Ron for Christmas. "Where is Ron anyway?" Hermione asked curiously.
"I honestly don't know. He said something about stay at the school to study," Harry answered her.
A smile lit Hermione's face. "I'm glad he's starting to get he importance of studying."
Harry laughed as he paid for the Butterbeers and they walked back out into the snow. Harry suggested they head to Zonka's and Honeydukes. They decided to go together on a present for Rona and spent the rest of the deciding what to buy for Ron's gift basket. Once Ron's basket, and their stomachs and Harry's pockets, were filled, Hermione suggested they head back to Hogwarts. As soon as they got in Hermione fled to her room, desperate to hide Ron's gift. Harry continued alone up to his room where he saw Ron sitting on his bed reading a Quidditch book. "Sp how did studying go?" Harry asked startling Ron.
"What? Oh… studying…yeah…it went great," Ron smiled.
"Did you even study at all?" Harry commented.
"No, I couldn't. Instead I went down to the Quidditch pitch and flew around for a bit," Ron answered, "So did you get anything for Hermione?"
"Yeah let me show you," Harry took out a book from his bag. It was a leather book that looked pretty old. Opening it up, the pages revealed pictures of Harry, Ron and Hermione together, some baby pictures, pictures of Hermione's family and on the last page a picture of her at the Yule Ball in fourth year.
"How did you get all of these pictures?" Ron asked.
"Well I owled Hermione's parents and asked around the school. Today when she was occupied in Honeydukes I slipped out and went to an old picture shop. They put it all together in 10 minutes, she didn't even know I was gone," Harry explained.
"Well you better find a good place to hide it cause I think she's coming," Ron said looking toward the door.
Harry lifted his mattress, careful to make sure Ron didn't see his broom servicing kit. He had just lowered the mattress when Hermione came through then door. She was mumbling under her breath, her hair all over the place. Hermione flopped onto Harry's bed. "What's the matter love?" Harry asked sitting beside her.
"Some second years thought it would be funny that while everyone was out at Hogsmeade they would throw Dungbombs all over the common room," Hermione looked at Ron, "Didn't you hear anything about 10 minutes ago?"
"No," Ron's face was turning a bright red, "Harry was just showing me…"
Harry shot Ron a look and Ron immediately closed his mouth. "Oh never mind," Hermione got up from the bed, "I guess I'll just have to do this myself. If anybody asks I'm talking to Dumbledore."
Hermione stormed out of the room. "That was a close one mate," Ron sighed.
"Thanks to you," Harry laughed, "You should learn ton keep your mouth shut."
"Thanks a lot mate. But don't worry I won't tell her a thing," Ron laughed.
"You better not," Harry warned, "Are you hungry? I brought back loads of thing from Honeydukes and somebody has to help me eat it all."
--
"Harry get up." Hermione pulled back his covers, "Oh my god." She threw his covers down.
"Do you like what you see?" Ron laughed smiling at Hermione.
"Oh I can't believe I just did that." Hermione shook her head.
"It's okay Mi, did you open your presents already?" Harry pulled her down to sit beside him.
"Yes. Molly sent me a jumper, see?" Hermione smiled proudly, "And I loved your present." She added in a whisper smiling at him.
"It looks good on you." Harry kissed her.
"Can you leave the mushy, gushy, lovey, dovey shit till I'm gone?" Ron begged.
"Language Ronald." Hermione scolded.
"Well excuse me but..." Ron started.
"No fighting, okay not on Christmas." Harry stopped them.
"Sorry." They both said hanging their heads.
"It's fine." Harry said, "Have you already opened your presents Ron?" Harry asked.
"Yes, mum sent me a jumper too." Ron pulled it on.
"Thanks for waiting." Harry rolled his eyes, he opened the customary Weasley package first and pulled his jumper on. Then he grabbed up a small square package and shook it.
"That's from me." Ron said proudly.
"Awesome." Harry smiled widely ripping it open.
"I was looking for your other one the other day and couldn't find it so I thought I'd get you a new one." Ron said trying to see Harry's reaction.
"Wow." Harry turned beet red looking down at his brand new broomstick servicing kit. 'THE BEST CARE FOR THE BEST, SHINIEST AND BIGGEST BROOM'
--
It always seemed to Harry that Christmas came and went so fast. There were still present scattered all over Harry and Ron's dormitory 5 days later. Tomorrow would be the first day of the new year and all Hermione could do was homework. She scolded Harry and Ron about the stat of their room, but Harry knew hers was just as messy, and that they hadn't even begun their holiday homework. Hermione had already finished all her homework except her Arithmacy, which she was pouring over now. Harry watched as Ron struggled with his Potions homework, grunting every now and then with displeasure. Hermione eventually gave up and snatched Ron's essay from him, reading over it at top speed. Every now and then Hermione would sigh and roll her eyes, crossing out words and putting on others. When she was done, Hermione threw back the essay, hitting Ron in the face, and continued to work on her Arithmacy. Harry stifled a laugh as her went back to his DADA homework. Defence Against the Dark Arts was Harry's favourite class. He was thrilled when Professor Lupin had returned to teach the Gryffindors. Finishing his essay, Harry tucked it into his bag and carefully walked over to Hermione. Harry began to blow in her ear as she tried to swat at him while still looking at her essay. Hermione giggled and turned to stare at him. "Stop it," she whispered, "I'm almost done."
"Fine," It was Harry's turn to roll his eyes and he went back to sit in his chair by the fire. 15 minutes later Hermione put down her quill, rolled up her parchment (but not before reading it over again) and put it into her bag. Harry watched as Hermione walked to her room to dump her stuff. Ron heaved a great sigh of relief, laid back in his chair and announced, "Done!"
Harry smiled as Ron went upstairs to drop off his books. Harry also picked up his bag and brought it upstairs. "Hey Ron," Harry called.
Ron turned around. "What's up?"
"Care to go practise some Quidditch?" Harry asked, continuing up the stairs.
"What about Hermione?" Ron asked.
"She won't mind, she can knit some of her hats and scarves for the elves while she gasps and looks away every time she thinks that we're going to get hurt," Harry said grabbing his Firebolt.
"Okay, let's go," Ron said grabbing his Cleansweep and they headed out the door to the common room. Hermione was sitting on the couch knitting some more hats and scarves for the elves (Harry still didn't have the heart to tell her that Dobby was taking them all). She looked up at them as they entered and frowned when she saw the brooms.
"It's so cold outside, you'll freeze," Hermione warned them.
"I guess you're not coming then?" Harry asked.
"No, I'm going to stay in front of the fire and wait for you to come back in five minutes," Hermione turned back to her knitting.
"Yeah right," Ron scoffed and they walked out the portrait hole. Hermione smiled to herself and began to count down. Sure enough, exactly 4 minutes and 59 seconds later, the boys can running through the portrait hole. Hermione could not help but laugh. The boys were covered from head to toe in snow and their hair was all over the place.
"I told you it was cold," Hermione said, making hot chocolates appear as the boys sat as close as they could to the fire.
"Don't ever suggest such a thing again," Ron whispered to Harry, "Cause Hermione is always right."
"Don't worry, I won't," Harry laughed, teeth chattering as the snow continued to fall outside onto the grounds. When Harry had warmed up and was not wet anymore, Hermione put down her knitting and came down to sit with him, cuddling as close as she could. As the light from the fire began to dim, Harry looked down at Hermione, asleep in his arms. Ron had gone to bed about two hours ago, determined not to interfere with, what he called, their lovey dovey time. A few minutes later Hermione had fallen asleep. Harry picked her up and carried her prefect room. Ginny had given him the password earlier that day so he let himself in quietly and placed her under the covers. Tucking her in, he glanced at the clock beside her bed. It read 12:01. The new year had begun and Harry's eyes were beginning to drupe. To tired to mount the stairs to his bed, Harry slid into the other side of Hermione's bed, making sure that he didn't wake her. Harry was beginning to fall to sleep when he felt Hermione's arm slip over his waist. Finally content Harry fell asleep, hoping that Hermione wouldn't be mad when she awoke.
--