" Nothing like Hogsmeade to brighten up a cold Saturday, eh? " Ron said enthusiastically.
Harry grinned. " You're in high spirits today aren't you? "
" Why shouldn't I be? It's miraculous that Snape didn't stuff our arses with homework for the weekend! "
Hermione frowned. " It's not miraculous, its strange, actually. "
" Hermione please! " Ron groaned. " Let me enjoy will you? If you're so stuffed up about not having homework, I'm not! "
Hermione looked at Harry and laughed. " Oh Ron. "
Harry arrived first at the three broomsticks and opened the door for Hermione.
" Why, thank you Harry, " she said in a very feminine voice accompanied with a wink.
Harry could feel his cheeks burn. He laughed it off. " I just remembered that our best friend is a girl, naturally I had to open the door. "
Hermione pouted and laughed afterwards. They sat on some high stools by the pub and ordered butterbeer.
" Don't you just love butterbeer? " Hermione said with a dreamy smile, tracing the edges of the glass with one finger.
Harry stared at her lips and the smile she gave. " Why Hermione? Why does it have to be you? How can I win you? Wait a minute! What the bloody fart am I saying? I'm not supposed to be thinking about this! Hermione is your best friend, YOUR BEST FRIEND, not anything else! Damn it Hermione! It's you! Everything is about you! " he thought with a frown.
" Harry! " a voice said loudly.
Harry shook his head.
Hermione cocked her head. " Are you alright? It seems that you're a million miles away from me. "
" More than you think," Harry thought. And he could feel his cheeks burn but he gave a smile.
" Butterbeer, " he replied.
Ron laughed. " Would you like something else then? Something tougher? 'Manlier'? "
Harry was about to reply when a voice interrupted. Malfoy.
" Something 'manlier' for Harry Potter? I say you'd rather have milk straight from a cow's mammary glands. " And he laughed along with his cronies, Crabbe and Goyle.
Harry glared at him. " How about drinking your own piss, Malfoy? I bet it would suit your sallow face just right. "
Hermione, Ron and the rest of those who had heard the spat laughed loudly. Harry couldn't contain his smile. Malfoy gave one haughty look (with both eyes focused sideways to Hermione) and left the pub as Crabbe and Goyle lumbered behind him.
" What an arse. " Ron frowned and gulped his butterbeer.
Hermione laughed. " Ron, you use such polite terms. " She groped inside the pockets of her cloak. Then she gasped.
" What's wrong? " Harry asked, immediately concerned.
" My-I've lost my organizer. " She frowned. " I'm sure I've placed it in my pocket. " She stood up form her seat. " I'll be back in a bit. "
" Want me to accompany you? " Harry asked. Ron was busy stuffing himself with chips but he looked up and nodded as Harry told her.
" No, no, " she said a little distracted. " Stay here. It's probably outside or something. " She began looking at the floor and traced her path towards the outside of The Three Broomsticks.
As she stepped outside, a chilling air blasted into her face, making her squint her eyes. "Oh blighty, " she muttered. " I'm sure I've- "
A pair of well polished shoes stepped in front of her eyes. She didn't dare look up.
Masculine yet beautiful hands held a little black notebook. " I believe this is yours. "
She finally looked up.
" Thank you, " she said quietly. She made no effort to grab her organizer.
He held it out, waiting for her to grab it. And still she did nothing.
" Take it, " he finally said. " I won't bite. "
She nodded and slowly reached for her organizer.
" Watch out! " he suddenly yelled lunging for her. Her eyes widened, then she gave a scream.
TBC...