Ship: H/G, R/Hr

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Being Innocent

We're at the Astronomy Tower. It's midnight, and Hermione's scared some professor's going to catch us. But who cares! Well, if we do get caught, I hope it's not by Filch. That man loathes students even after one of them saved the world.

Oh yes, I finally defeated Voldemort; with help from friends, and Fawkes of course. It was exactly a month ago from today. When we were about to lose, Fawkes appeared and helped me channel my magic through and along with his. We lost many, but my close friends and family are safe, though Neville now sports a scar from his eye to his jaw, Ron has a blister on his shoulder, and Luna has a severe gash on her forehead. You might think I might be selfish after what I just said, but I don't give a damn.

I actually don't want to talk about the War. It makes me sick just to think about it. That's about the only thing I've been talking about for the past year. And now it's another addition to my nightmares. But we won, and that's what matters. I think I was damn lucky, like I'd drunk the Felix Felicis.

Coming back to now. I think I already told we're at the Astronomy Tower. 'We', meaning Ginny, Ron, Hermione and me. Ginny and I are back together again. In fact, she came back to me on Dumbledore's funeral itself. Even I couldn't match her stubbornness or that infamous Weasley temper.

Ginny and Ron are either side of me, and Hermione at the far end to my right. We are talking about… everything; except of course, the War. It's a silent understanding among us. Hermione's ranting about how she never got to complete her NEWTs and how it might affect her career. Ron just remarked about the new girl next door, and how cute she is. All that did was to get him a light punch from Hermione on his shoulder. Oh, I forgot this too… Ron and Hermione are finally, finally together.

Ginny and I are mostly listening, but we add our own tit-bits now and then. I suggested we play a prank, in order to continue the Marauder Era. At first, Hermione was hesitant, but finally gave in. We decided to wait a bit, till all settles down. It's going to be in about six months. That gives us a lot of time to plan. We decided the ideal target would be Remus, so that he would be reminded of his prankhood.

I feel so good, lying here beside my friends, gazing at the stars while not listening to Hermione. This is all I wanted — ever. I'm glad at least something that I wished for came true.

It feels so good, talking about professors, pranks and any such nonsense.

It feels so good, not to worry, for once.

It feels so good… being innocent.


A/N: So, as usual, read, review, blah, blah... actually, i wrote this even before "stolen". hadn't been able to post it. so... pls review.