About ten minutes later the boys were in the middle of a ferocious argument, unsurprisingly about Hermione, and they had failed to notice the portrait hole opening and Hermione entering.

Parvati then came down the stairs and pulled Harry away from the mêlée.

"Ginny Weasley's not in her bed either. She and Hermione are missing." Parvati hissed before glancing up at the portrait hole and seeing Hermione. She nudged Harry and he kicked Ron, who poked Fred, who slapped George, who slapped Ron.

"Hey! I poked Fred!" Ron said indignantly. "No need to get me twice!"

By now everyone had stopped shouting at each other. All eyes went to the portrait hole and Hermione looked around guiltily.

"How come you're back so late?" Ron asked her accusingly.

"Um, I was studying in the library and forgot the time. You know what I'm like." she stammered.

Harry performed silent legimency on her and knew that she was lying to them. He also saw the real reason she was so late back. His mouth fell open. Soundlessly he walked past her and out of the portrait hole where he found Ginny about to enter.

Of course she hadn't been in the library. Madame Pince had closed the library at least three hours ago and even Hermione wasn't allowed to stay in the library after closing time. Harry knew this because she had tried it several times.

He had to admit that he was incredibly shocked at the actual motive.

After a brief talk with Ginny they returned to the common room where Hermione was having an argument with Ron. Harry didn't know what it was about and frankly he didn't care.

Since Hermione looked like she was going to slap Ron and he responding likewise, Harry motioned to Dean and Seamus to grab Ron while Parvati and himself forced Hermione backwards and into a chair.

"Parvati, will you and Ginny take Hermione upstairs and make sure she's calmed down. If she won't, I have a bottle of Calming Draft somewhere so come and find me and I'll give you some to give to her. Guys, I suggest you get to bed. My dorm, lets get Ron upstairs, shall we? Oh, before you go Parvati, I want to see you privately in the morning. It's about the thing we talked about earlier. Ginny, not a word to anyone, right?" Harry finished.

As it happened neither needed the potion and all went to bed peacefully enough although Parvati wondered what Harry could have to say to her and therefore couldn't get to sleep for ages.

Due to the incredibly late night none of them could possibly be expected to wake up early. Therefore it was fortunate for them that the day was Sunday.

At around nine o'clock Parvati came down the stairs to find Neville sitting on the edge of the sofa with a piece of parchment clasped in his hand.

"Harry told me to give you this." He said simply handing it to her.

It was a simple request to join Harry in breakfast. She grinned and sped down to the Great Hall.

Harry was sitting at the near end of the table, slightly separate from the rest of his house.

She seated herself opposite him and he looked up at her and smiled.

"Good morning. I have two things to discuss with you. Firstly there is no need to find out from Ginny who she shall pick. I already know. I will tell you later who she will pick, when it is a little more private."

"It must be good if you have to tell me in private. Let me guess, is it Oliver?"

"I'm not saying a word."

"It wouldn't be you or you'd want everyone to know."

"No it isn't me, and how dare you? Anyway. The other ting I wanted to discuss is more of a question."

"Which is?"

"I'm getting there. Patience girl! Would you consider going out with me?"

Parvati spat out some of her pumpkin juice in surprise. Harry patently cleaned it off with a wave of his wand.

"Well?" he said gently.

"Yes I would definitely consider it. Why? Are you asking me out? Because that's what it sounds like from my point of view."

"I'm glad that's what it's sounding like, because it is."

"Oh Harry, you are a charmer aren't you?"

"Is it working?" he asked grinning.

He suddenly became aware that she was playing footsies with him under the table. He smirked in a way that made him resemble Draco Malfoy. Well, Draco Malfoy with black hair.

"A most characteristic way to ask a girl out, but nevertheless effective. You can consider yourself as having recently acquired a girlfriend, Mr Potter."