For the rest of the afternoon, Harry did his best to stay occupied. He didn't want to go back to the Quidditch Pitch, so he decided to try and find things to do within the castle. There were a couple of letters that he'd been meaning to send. Things had been pretty hectic lately, so there hadn't been time. Now he just needed anything to keep him from thinking about how badly he'd fucked things up. Not that there'd probably even be any fucking now.

Despite the destruction of Voldemort, Sirius still wasn't off the hook. The Ministry had claimed that not all supporters of Voldemort had been marked, and that Black was still responsible for the murders that he'd supposedly committed. Harry had to admit that, despite the complete wrongness of the Ministry in this case, that was surprisingly good logic for them. Dumbledore had tried to contact Fudge, but it wasn't any use. Since the defeat of Voldemort and the 'solution' for the plague, the Ministry needed good things to do in the public's eye. The loss of a good deal of the population and the disapproval of the new repopulation laws meant that Fudge was in dire need of some sort of success, or at least the air of working for the good of magical society in ways the public approved of. The continued hunt for Black was now more a publicity stunt than anything else, but in many ways that made it even harder for Sirius to be cleared. When people felt threatened by Black, they tended to put more trust in their leader. This helped polls and future election standings immensely and meant that the esteemed Minister would be much less likely to stop the manhunt. As of now, the only way Harry could communicate with his godfather was with the occasional letter.

Harry also wanted to contact Gringotts. The Ministry law had supposedly emancipated both Harry and Hermione, he knew. Harry wasn't sure if being a legal adult changed anything about his vaults, accounts, or access, but if it did he wanted to find out. The new law had shown Harry that he still didn't fully understand the magical world. Sometimes things happened that left him completely befuddled. In his past four years, Harry had just accepted what he learned about the magical world, letting other people tell him what it was like. He had decided, especially since he was a legal adult now, that he should make an effort to teach himself everything he needed to know. Now that Voldemort was no longer trying to ruin his day, he figured he really needed to put more focus on learning to integrate within society and figure out what he wanted to do with his life.

As Harry was walking down the hallway, not really paying attention to where he was going, he suddenly collided with two large obstacles in his path. "Shit!" Harry couldn't help but think as he went down. "That's the second time today!"

Before he hit the floor, though, both his shoulders were grabbed and he was hurled back up to his feet.

"Sorry, Harry!"

"Didn't quite see you there, with all these boxes."

Fred and George were grinning at Harry with identical smiles. Each twin was carrying a couple of large boxes that would indeed obstruct one's view. Harry was surprised that the twins had managed to even keep ahold of the boxes while grabbing him. No one would hear him complaining, though.

"What are you guys doing here?" Harry asked. "Shouldn't you be at the tryouts?"

"Well, the Beater portion is long over"

"Not that they stood a chance against us for the spot"

"but Angelina figured we could use a few reserve or two, especially as my lovely twin and I are graduating after this year!"

"We would have stayed, but because of our little fiasco beforehand"

"We figured it might be best to move our wares to a more secure location."

No matter how much he talked with the twins, Harry always found their disjointed speech quite hard to follow. It would help if they weren't identical. Trying to follow along sometimes made him think he had double vision or had forgotten to put his glasses on.

Looking up at the boxes, Harry couldn't help but be a little curious. "So, these are your wares, huh? This is what you've been doing with the 1,000 Galleons I gave you?" Harry smiled, trying to peer inside one of the boxes. Inside were many small, yellow objects. That was about all he could determine. However, if the twins could make products that turned kids into birds, then it seemed they were doing quite well. These were probably much more than they seemed, he figured. Best not to take lightly.

"Actually, we've been meaning to talk to you about that" Fred remarked, lowering his voice and leaning in. At least, Harry was pretty sure it was Fred. Sort of sure. Maybe 50-50. "We haven't forgotten the start-up loan you gave us." Harry was about to interrupt, saying he didn't want the money back, but George(?) cut him off.

"And we know that you don't want the money back. However, your reimbursement doesn't have to be limited to money. Services, positions of power, you get the idea."

"Why don't you follow us to our storage area, and we'll talk business from there." The twins continued on their way, beckoning with synchronized head nods for him to follow.

Harry nodded, though a bit confused. He wasn't really sure what the twins were suggesting or what he was in for, but they seemed quite eager for him to come with them. Plus he was at this time welcome to about any distraction that came his way. Hell, battling Voldemort for the afternoon sounded preferable to going back up to his room. As they began walking again, the twins leading Harry, Harry noticed a yellow object on the ground.

"Wait, you guys dropped something," Harry bent down to pick up the object, realizing that it was a rubber ducky! Harry was surprised that the twins even knew what these were, since he had assumed that only Muggles used them. Somehow the innocent look of a rubber ducky and the complete absurdity of it all erased all Harry's prior mental notes and warnings that nothing belonging to the twins should be trusted. With instincts like that, it truly was a miracle he wasn't dead. As he picked it up, though, the twins' eyes widened.

"Harry, don't-"

SQUACK!

The duck's rubber beak opened, and it started to wiggle in Harry's hand. The duck seemed to come alive, tucking its head beneath its wing and sticking its feet out. Harry was confused, but grew more alarmed as the duck began changing even more. In less than five seconds, he found himself holding a large, yellow, rubber item that looked just like a penis, completely with some very distinct veins that even seemed to pulse. Harry quickly let go of the duck dick.

SQUACK!

Fred had his wand out, and his spell had hit the vile thing before it hit the floor. The spell seemed to reverse the transformation, also bringing it back toward Fred. By the time the object reached the box, it had changed back into a duck again. Fred carefully dropped it in and closed the lid.

"Ok guys, what the heck did I just-"

"Not now, Harry. Too public. Just follow us, quick!"

The twins picked up the pace, and Harry had to almost jog to keep up. They went through halls, down a corridor, and stopped by a large statue of a frog. Jabbing with his wand, George deftly poked the frog in the eye, which sunk back as if it were made of something like butter. The frog statue slowly began slide over, revealing stairs leading downward. The twins went down, and Harry followed.

Harry and the twins arrived in a small room that looked like a mad scientist's dream lab. There were cauldrons full of smoking potions,curly tubes collecting some of the steam and condensing it into other smaller cauldrons, and vials filled with refined mixtures. Cabinets lined the walls, and there were many logbooks laying out. A stack of crates in a corner appeared to contain materials and finished products. Harry saw a few more of the disturbing rubber ducks, and what looked like a purpose opossum running on a hamster. He decided it was just best to ignore that for the time being.

Harry turned to the twins, gesturing wide with his arms. "Explain."

The twins both took a breath, and Harry quickly elaborated. "One of you, for the sake of my quickly depleting sanity, please explain what in Merlin's name is going on here." The twins looked at each other, grinned, and nodded. Fred, or at least whoever Harry thought to be Fred at the time, picked up his stack of boxes and started walking toward the stack in the corner, leaving George(?) with Harry.

"After you gave us all that money, we started research and experimentation. We were eager to try and turn our ideas into reality, but making stuff like that completely from scratch isn't in any way simple. You have to get your hands on quality ingredients, and you have to figure out correct doses and recipes. Even once you've figured how to make something that can even make your nosebleed, which is a long process of development in and of itself, you can't have a Nosebleed Nougat that never lets you stop bleeding. Or one that goes too much, or too little. Or one that is too variant with different subjects. You get the idea. Anyway, we were trying to make stuff, but we'd hit a sort of roadblock. We weren't making much progress, nothing we tried was working, and some of our main suppliers dropped out on us. We wanted to continue with new prank items, but the plague wasn't making it easy. A lot of prices went up, since places that collected ingredients were losing workers, and we didn't want to risk losing our funding without a clear sign that it'd be worth it."

George nonchalantly shot a spell at opossum, which promptly changed green and let out a strange squeaky noise, before he continued.

"Then the new law came. Initially, we only thought about what it would do to the joke shop. Then we realized that now we had another amazing opportunity. With all this 'repopulation' mumbo jumbo, students would be getting hornier and more active than ever! They'd need an outlet, both in terms of sex and humor. And now, my dear Harry, we'll be able to help with both!"

Fred had returned, and now he continued with the explanation. "First of all, people are going to want things for use in their little acts of naughtiness. Problem is, a lot of the staff don't want people bringing in so-called contraband items like that. For some reason the Ministry still hasn't lifted a lot of banned items that would in all actuality be helping them right now. Regardless, a lot was screened out when people first entered the school. Now we can supply people with whatever their pervy hearts desire! Take the prototype you mishandled on the way here."

"We're calling it a 'Rubber Fuck-Me'! The fuckable duck that'll leave you squeaking!" George added, helpfully. Harry couldn't help but groan.

"Yes, that." Fred agreed. "We're quite proud of that one. Think about all the things students will use those for, both alone and with someone special. Students can even keep them in normal areas, since they look perfectly innocent in duck form. Granted, it's not quite ready for production yet. There are a few kinks to get rid of and a few kinky features to add. Plus a couple less-known kinks to account for. But that type of thing is our first branch of wares! The second part is slightly more for the comical side."

"We know that Muggles use these things called condoms," George continued. "Imagine a magical version. But way better and more fun! One that enlarges you willy to huge lengths or shoots little zaps of lightning. Or, at least that's what you tell your buddy. When he tries it out, though, he'll find that it's actually been charmed is the outside, with a very powerful Sticking Charm, lasting two to eight hours!"

Harry couldn't help but laugh, and he had to admit that the twins might be on to something. There were certainly students who would make use of products like these. He failed to see how that affected him, though. He didn't see himself as a potential customer, at least not yet. When he asked, both the redheads grinned.

"We've decided, Harry, to make you a partner in our little business. You helped start this, and now you can help run it with us to thank you for your generosity! You'll have a say in the things that get sold and the things that we develop. Plus, you'll have access to a good share of the profits and wares, should you want them"

"I don't know…"

"Harry, don't worry, we know this isn't quite your strength. You won't have to do any direct work with the product design, manufacture, or distribution. You can help by giving your opinion, maybe helping with publicity too! We might even be able to make some specific things for you. Plus, keep in mind that we're still doing normal prank stuff, such as the Canary Cream. You'll have access to all those great items as well. Really, we just want to show how much we appreciate what you've done for us! We'd never be anywhere near this level at this point, maybe not even a year after graduation, if you hadn't helped us out like you did! Give us a chance to thank you for it!"

It seemed the twins were quite set on making sure Harry was repaid for his generosity many times over, no matter how much fuss he put up. Eventually, Harry reluctantly agreed, though he still told the twins that he wasn't interested in money. They waved him off, saying if he didn't want to hoard it there were plenty of other things Harry could spend it on, either investing in new stuff or maybe even starting up some sort of charity or way that he could help other people. Eventually, the twins realized they'd kept Harry long enough, but that he'd get a much more in-depth tour and a list of products, both ready and development, at a later date.

Hermione never showed up for dinner. Harry kept waiting for her to come, but he was disappointed. Maybe she hadn't been hungry, but Harry had a feeling that wasn't the real reason. Part of him almost considered sleeping the Common Room again for a night, to give her some space, but he knew that was a bad idea on multiple fronts. It would obviously stir up questions if he suddenly went back there. More importantly, while Harry wasn't by any means experienced with relationships, he knew that he and Hermione needed to talk. As much as his natural instinct was to push awkwardness to one side and hope things would get better, he knew that wouldn't be healthy for even a friendship, much less a romantic relationship. Best to rip the band-aid off, so to speak. Plus, while Harry would fully admit he shouldn't have been snooping around like that in the first place, it was also their shared living area. Accidents were bound to happen, the rational part of his brain knew, when people lived together like that.

Walking up the stairs to their quarters, Harry didn't try and mask his entrance. If he'd learned anything from his last misadventure it was to make his presence known. Walking up the stairs, he didn't hear or see anything abnormal. Finally he reached their quarters and saw Hermione, pajama clad and wrapped in a blanket, sitting in one of the chairs.

Hermione's eyes looked red, as if she had been crying recently. Her hair was a mess, and she looked more vulnerable than he'd ever really seen her. And somehow she looked all the more beautiful in Harry's eyes.

"Harry, I-"

"No, Hermione. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gone in like that. If I had-"

"Harry, it's ok." Those words, to Harry, lifted an enormous weight off his shoulders. Hermione wouldn't hold this against him. This wouldn't ruin their friendship. The rational part of his mind had known it shouldn't, that he and Hermione had been through way worse and way weirder things, but it's not always easy to listen wholeheartedly to the rational side of one's brain and not have any doubts. Hermione's next words, though, shattered those calming thoughts.

"If you don't want continue living here, I perfectly understand. I don't want you to be uncomfortable around me at all...I...I hope we can still be friends."

"Hermione, why-" Harry was shocked. What was she saying? Did she think that...

"Harry, please don't hold what you saw and heard against me! I realize it might make you uncomfortable, but I just can't bear to ... What I did was just so...so..."

"Hermione," Harry interrupted "why in Merlin's name would I not want to be friends with you anymore?"

She looked up at him, unsure if he was being serious. When she saw that his question was genuine, she quietly answered, "You heard what I was saying while I was...you know. I don't want to make you uncomfortable around me. But I know all you want from me is a friend. I saw how scared and uncomfortable you looked when you walked in on me by accident. It's ok. Just because I think...like...that...won't get in the way of our being friends!"

Harry could only stare at Hermione. Was this happening? Was she saying what he thought she was? Did she really think of him in the same way he was thinking of her? And yet, funny enough, it seemed she was just as clueless as he was. It was time to man up and stop being so afraid of speaking his mind. To his immortal shame, Harry muttered to himself, "Gryffindors charge forward" before going in for the kill. Or, rather, for the kiss.

This wasn't some friendly, reassuring peck on the cheek, what might get from a relative or close friend. A kiss that says "I love you friend. Because that's what we are. Friends. Friendship is nice, friend." No, this was an intense, lip on lip, tongue on tongue, full out snog.

At first, Hermione tensed up in both surprise and fright, as if she couldn't grasp what was happening. As she realized that this was indeed happening, she relaxed, opening both her heart and her lips for her former best friend, who was now quickly becoming something much more. For what seemed like an eternity, the two kissed deeply. Neither was much accustomed to kissing someone in such a way, and there was certainly some fumbling as the two became more accustomed to it, but what they lacked in technique they more than made up for in passion and excitement.

Finally, though loving every second, Harry couldn't stand being bent in an awkward position any longer, with him half kneeling down to meet Hermione in her chair. He stood up, breaking the kiss (much to the disappointment of both) and gently helped Hermione to her feet. She stood up and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, leaning into him. Looking into her eyes, Harry felt such a rush of passion and joy, that this just felt so right, and wondered to himself how it had taken this long.

They both went over to the couch, Hermione never letting go. They sat there for a while, silently cuddling and just enjoying the presence of the other. Suddenly, still utterly amazed by how this had gone, Harry started to chuckle, the rising and falling of his chest making Hermione's head bounce up and down slightly.

Hermione mock frowned and lightly slapped him on the cheek. "Prat! How long have you been holding out on me?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "I mean, I wasn't consciously keeping you in the dark. It it just took me longer than it should have to realize what was right in front of me this whole time. Not to mention quite a few of our friends have apparently seen this coming for a while."

"What?" Hermione's eyes widened and then narrowed. "And none of them told me?" They may regret that" she added with mock severity.

Harry smiled before looking down at her and smirking. "So...friends?"

Hermione smiled and blushed, pretending to think about it. "No, I don't think so." She shook her head, smiling. "Friends don't do that."

"Fine," Harry. "How about...um...I don't know...what do you really call it?"

Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes. "Boyfriend and girlfriend, couple, lovers, husband and wife, Ministry-ordered babymakers…"

"Yeah," said Harry, nodding. "Pretty much all of that."

Hermione yawned. "I'm tired."

"Tired?" Harry questioned.

Hermione shrugged, and Harry instantly loved the feeling of holding her close while she did that. "Well, I have had a very emotionally tiring day," she answered meaningfully.

"I suppose I really can't really argue with that," Harry admitted.

Together they walked into the bedroom. Hermione happily slid right under the covers, not even caring to get ready or do anything other than getting into bed. Taking her lead, Harry stripped down to his boxers and climbed into bed as well. He was just getting comfortable when Hermione reached over and touched his shoulder. He turned to face her, and she smiled.

"Don't sleep all the way over there, Harry. Come on, I won't bite. That hard."

Harry laughed as he and Hermione shifted closer together, ending flush up against each other. She buried her head into his chest and wrapped her arms around him, sighing contently.

"Good night, Harry."

"Night."

"Sweet dreams."

Soon Hermione was fast asleep and Harry was left just staring at her. She looked so calm and peaceful when asleep. So happy. Harry breathed in, taking in Hermione's faint scent of vanilla and fresh parchment. Her warm body was snuggled up against him. Harry closed his eyes, and soon he too was asleep, dreaming happily.

/:Note:/ Well, there's another one done! Hope you enjoyed it, brief as it was. So far I've gotten a lot of stuff for Harry/Luna and Draco/Ginny. Please continue to let me know what you think, both for pairing, plot, and the story in general through either PM or Reviews. Thanks!