Hiya! I know things have been going a bit slowly but it was all necessary build up to what happens in the next few chapters. Compared to the last one this is well short, but there was a natural break. You'll see what I mean with the next one. The next three...four...three are written so updates should come pretty quickly. Hope you like it. Please Read & Review.

Cheers ;)

Step


Chapter 21

When Hermione reached the bar she opened her purse and took a few coins out ready for when it was her turn to be served. She was looking at the bottles stood behind the bar when someone dug her in the ribs and she jumped a few inches off the floor, emitting a shriek as she did so. She turned around to see Cairo's face grinning slyly at her.

'Hi!' he said casually as if nothing had happened.

She mock scowled at him, 'Hello Cairo,' she said, emphasising the use of his full name.

'Uh oh, am I in trouble?'

'Yes you are, as well as making me jump, you made me sound like a weirdo shrieking like that!'

Cairo laughed, 'I'm sorry.'

'That's a lie!'

'I am truly sorry Hermione, let me buy you a drink to show you how much.'

She smiled.

'No it's ok, I'm getting a round in.'

'Well in which case we'll make it my round. What were you getting?'

'Are you sure?'

'Positive.'

'Ok then, I was going to get three Butterbeers and three Firewhiskeys.'

'Ah mixing your drinks to make the beautiful Melted Butter are we?'

'Exactly.'

'Sounds good, I'll get Michaela and Euan one each too.'

'Are you sure you don't want me to pay for some of them?'

Cairo took some money out of his cloak pocket.

'Oh I'm sure, mum and dad left me money for food and stuff whilst they were away.'

'Now Cai really, I doubt this is what your parents had in mind now is it?'

'What they don't know won't hurt them! And anyway, it's only me that suffers if I spend too much isn't it?'

'Yes I suppose it is.'

The wizard behind the bar came over to them and took the order from Cai, luckily the wizard was young and new exactly what 'Melted Butter' was. Hermione doubted the elderly wizard at the other end of the bar would know what they were talking about, it being invented officially – apparently – by students at Hogwarts in Charlie Weasley's time. Their drinks arrived after various wand waves from the wizard and Cairo handed over the money to pay for them.

They made their way back over to Harry and Ginny, Cairo making a detour to Michaela and Euan to give them their drinks (they were talking to some other friends at a different table.)

They sat chatting for a few more minutes before they were asked to take their seats for the meal. Their menus appeared in front of them and they ordered in the normal way – telling their plates exactly what they wanted. As Cairo predicted when he was trying to persuade Hermione to make an appearance at the ball, it was a pretty dull affair. The music didn't get any better, it having been arranged by the older members of the Ministry and those who weren't going to Cairo's after ball party made an early escape.

At half eleven Cairo disappeared to warm up his house and get the music going ready for people to arrive. He found Hermione in the crowd of people skirting around the dance floor.

'I'm off home to get the house ready.'

'Oh, ok, do you need nay help?'

'No, I couldn't let you and everyone else see the state I left the bathroom in, I was running late and didn't have time to tidy up so I'll get that done before everyone arrives. I'll apparate back when everything's ready and then we can go back. That ok?'

'It's your party Cai, do whatever you need to do. I'll see you when you get back.'

'Ok then, later gator.'

Hermione smiled.

'Bye.'

She turned and walked over to Ginny and Harry who had just retaken their seats after having a dance.

'Cairo's just gone home to tidy his house up before we all invade it. He'll be back soon.'

'Harry, Colin's waving you over,' Ginny said pushing him in the back to make him stand and go over.

'Oh,' Harry replied. He stood up and walked to Colin.

'He likes you, you know.'

'Colin?' Hermione exclaimed.

Ginny sighed, 'No not Colin, Cairo.'

'Well we're friends, I'd be concerned if he didn't.'

'You know what I mean Hermione, he likes you a lot.'

Hermione went quiet, not knowing what to say.

'Well…it doesn't matter does it?'

'No it doesn't, not really.'

'Spit it out Gin.'

'What?'

'Say what you want to, you're dying to say something.'

'Just be careful that's all.'

Not knowing exactly what her friend meant, Hermione decided it was just easier to say the words Ginny wanted to hear.

'I will Gin, I'll be careful.'

Cairo arrived back at the ball and told those who were going to the party that they were free to go when they wanted.

Harry, Hermione and Ginny said goodbye to those who weren't joining them at the party, and then apparated to Cairo's house.

When they arrived music blasted in their ears, but luckily it was good music and they instantly felt the need to dance like they hadn't felt inspired to do all night. Apparently most of Cairo's 'provision' money from his parents had already been spent on alcohol, as bottles of Butterbeer covered the main kitchen surface.

Cairo only deepened Ginny's suspicions by continually asking Hermione to dance and offering her drinks he had managed to salvage from the kitchen. Hermione was in need of some fresh air and shouted to Cairo over the music that she was going outside.

'I'LL COME WITH YOU!' he shouted back at her.

They made their way out of the lounge and the volume of the music decreased as they moved through the house.

'Oh wait!' Cairo exclaimed, 'You said you'd tell me whether the rumours I'd heard about your exploits at school were true or not!'

'Ah, so I did!' Hermione replied. 'How many can you think of?'

'Oh I reckon I've got at least five to be going along with.'

'Oh God, this could take a while.'

Cairo smiled and opened the back door for Hermione to walk through. Without her realising he held back slightly and watched her walk out into the night. Are you brave enough Cairo? He thought to himself, he looked down at hisglass in his hand and took a long drink from it. Not yet, he thought, but I'm getting there.