AN: I am sorry people for not updating for like a year almost…had a rough year Anyway I totally forgot about this fanfiction … I wrote that chapter and never posted it…I will be updating this story on regular basis now. For fluff btw wait for another two chapters…its gonna happen but after …not gonna give out the plot now ;)

Chapter 18

Small Arguments

Quite a few days passed – Harry, Hermione and Ron continued to practice the jinxes, counter jinxes and was moving on to healing spells. They have still not tried out the darker spells with the fear of causing some sort of havoc or harming each other. They tried the apparition practice whenever all three of the Dursleys were out. They were rude to Hermione and Ron every now and then but they kept their cool to keep Harry out of trouble, they offered to help Aunt Petunia around the house, which she accepted without any appreciation. Her attitude towards their help was something that she deserved since she had given them a place to live and was feeding them.

One afternoon Ron and Harry were cleaning the kitchen sink, well mostly it was Harry since Ron couldn't understand the working of a muggle sink, and Hermione was working on making salad while Aunt Petunia was working on some flower arrangements. The Dursleys were expecting some guests for dinner and wanted everything to be perfect. Dudley was nowhere around, and Harry was thankful for that. He hated the way he stared at Hermione and sometime made rude comments about Ron's red hair or for that matter Hermione's bushy hair. He was really patient this time with his so called family because he knew this would be the last time they will hear from him and he promised Dumbledore that he would stay here and behave so as not to get kicked out of the house.

Harry's uncle wanted the three freaks out of the house for he remembered the disaster with Harry and the cake; he mentioned his worries to his wife about three of Harry's type in the house when they were having guests over for dinner. Aunt Petunia approached the subject with Harry once she saw Ron and Hermione leaving for Harry's room; she gave them an arrogant look which from nowhere meant any sort of thanks for their help…

"Harry listen your uncle doesn't want any problems with tonight's dinner…we still remember what happened the last time, so if its possible the three of you should go out and be back by 10 pm or you can stay quietly up in your rooms – but that's something your uncle is not in favor of, so its up to you…now I know that Dumbledore fellow asked me to not let you go outside the house but this is important so you can always go to Mrs. Figg and I think you should do that, after all you owe us some sort of courtesy since we are doing so much for you and your friends…." Aunt Petunia said all this in a very business like manner – as if she meant business and no nonsense was to be expected.

Harry listened to her quietly and finally answered, "I will discuss the two so called options with my friends. And Aunt Petunia I hardly doubt that I owe you any kind of courtesy coz all my friends and I have done is help you with your chores when your fat son was out somewhere, we have so far caused no trouble at all, so if you want to talk about courtesy then I would suggest you to do that and show some appreciation for my friends and their help…anyway we'll be out of your face, its not like we are dying to be part of your stupid dinner"…with this said he dashed upstairs for his room while Aunt Petunia just stood there … her nostrils flaring with anger and finally left for the kitchen.

When Harry entered his room, he saw his two best friends hunched over the window with their backs towards him. Ron had one of his arms over Hermione's shoulders and other on the window's edge while Hermione seemed to have both her hands on the window sill to lean forward. Both seemed to be snickering about something and didn't even notice the Harry enter. He went near them quietly when he heard Ron say "NO WAY" and he just pulled Hermione's hair a little as a joke…and she started laughing whole heartedly…that's when she turned around and saw Harry…

"Hey Harry…come see a movie featuring Won won and Lav lav in muggle world"

This time Ron gave her shoulder a tight squeeze and laughed…

"What's going on? " Harry asked with his eyes still on Ron's arm over Hermione's shoulder. Harry for a second was actually scared that Ron and Hermione decided to date, he didn't know why that thought occurred all of a sudden in his mind and why is he scared to even think about some sort of relationship between the two; he ignored all this and broke them apart by settling himself by force between the two.

"There is a muggle girl and boy, who are snogging like there is no tomorrow, And Hermione thinks that they look just like how Lavender and I looked …." Ron explained

"Well you were worse than them …." Muttered Hermione thinking she wasn't heard.

"No I WAS NOT", Ron sounded really annoyed now. Harry meanwhile was busy trying to figure out where the couple was …

"Where is that snogging couple…I can't see them"

Hermione pointed her finger in the direction and turned Harry more towards left so he could spot the couple…while Ron kept throwing dirty looks at Hermione.

"Ohhhh Ron … hmm I gotta agree with Hermione on this one" Harry said jokingly and earned himself a punch on his arm…

"Whatever guys … atleast I got some heavy snogging last year, and I think that's the only thing I kinda miss having a girlfriend for" Ron said this with a sigh

Hermione looked really annoyed at this comment…"What? Girlfriends for snogging only…that's really cheap Ron…I mean you don't have a relationship just to snog you know"

Before Ron could say something Harry started speaking out his own chain of thoughts …

"Well I enjoy snogging as much as you do Ron…I get what you mean…I kind of miss having a girlfriend" (seeing the look on Ron's face, he realized he was talking about his sister)… "I mean not only snogging, I miss talking as well, when I was with Ginny, I was relaxed, I first time realized how good it is to have a girl around who is there to support you and I really had fun, it was not always studies or homework or voldermort stuff that we were discussing…and yes then definitely the kisses…they were amazing…." Harry started daydreaming and missed the annoyed look on Hermione's face.

Both Ron and Harry seemed to have gotten involved with their chain of thoughts and totally missing out the expression on Hermione's face.

"Its not like I am jealous of their relationships or kissing sessions…ok I am…but I AM A GIRL and I CAN BE FUN TOO, I SUPPORT YOU TOO … What is it to get noticed around here, I am not asking for a snog with either of you, may be yes with Ron I've wanted it but I don't think I want that anymore…but its rude to think that with me they only talk business while they go around having fun with others…" These thoughts were burning up inside of Hermione and she wasn't sure whether she was upset, sad or angry but she was irritated by it. Hermione once again leaned on the window and stared outside but was not looking at the couple "May be I am over thinking all this, It probably was nothing...I should be used to all this … they don't mean to hurt me or embarrass me…" Hermione was interrupted from her thoughts when she saw an owl coming towards herself.

"By the way guys…Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon wants the three of us freaks out of the house before the guests come…I know they won't be convinced with the keeping it low up here coz of that whole dobby thingie…so what do you think we should do?...Aunt Petunia suggested we go over to Mrs. Figg's house as she doesn't really want trouble with soooo…." Harry turned his head towards Hermione who still had her back towards him as if the final word was suppose to be Hermione's. He walked over towards her and saw the owl as well.

Finally it entered and it was the Weasleys' family owl Errol, he brought two letters one addressed to Harry from Lupin and other to Ron from Mrs. Weasley.

"Hi Harry,

Hope the three of you are having a good time and playing safe. Listen the reason I am writing is quite serious; there have been some attacks on muggle areas. Dark Lord is probably getting hints about your whereabouts. He still doesn't know your exact location, but please stay inside the house, if you want to send any mails, be careful. Our mails are sent to you through the Burrow or another Order location. We make sure that they are not intercepted but still one can never be too sure. Have you had any dreams or visions Harry? Don't take any action…Hermione mentioned that you never really mastered occlumency so I want you to start up your lessons once again as Dumbledore insisted upon it, I have arranged for a tutor who will help you with it and its none other than Moody, he doesn't have much time on his hands but he agreed to do it for he knows the importance of you being trained in every aspect. Snape was the best Occlumens but now that we can't trust him so we are going with the second best.

I want you to inform me if you have any weird visions or feelings for that matter. Stay inside the house, coz these deatheaters I think plan to find out where you live in muggle world. We still have guards around your house and I am not going to mention their IDs but still some caution on your part is advised.

Say hello to both Hermione and Ron for me. Ask Hermione if she needs to see a healer. Tonks has volunteered to take her. Take care of her Harry…you are extremely lucky to have friends like her and Ron. Trust them with your heart and you must look after eachother.

Sincerely,

Remus Lupin.

p.s. Ron might be going over to Burrow, let him tell you the news why + Moody might come over later tonight. Meet him at Figg's place for the lessons; I don't think your aunt and uncle will like Moody much if you know what I mean

Harry read the letter and was obviously troubled, first because of the attacks on muggles and Voldermort looking for him in muggle part of the world, and then he read the last few lines again, it seemed like Remus shared the same theory about Ron and Hermione as did Dumbledore and he was indeed PROUD to have them by his side. He wouldn't have it any other way.

"What's in the letter Harry?" asked Hermione carefully for there might be some bad news.

"Hey guys, Bill and Fleur are having a baby….well not right away but yes Fleur just found out she is expecting … Man that's weird, its been what like almost a month since they got married? " Ron said all this excitedly and forgot to ask Harry about his letter.

"Wow…Congratulations Ron" – Harry and Hermione said this together and then laughed over it.

"Jeez…poor kid…imagine having Ron as an uncle…" mocked Hermione,

"Hey shut it bookworm, he'll enjoy the company of his uncle Ron…wow that sounds old … anyway Mum is having a small celebration at the burrow for only family, you two are ofcourse invited but Mum knows that Harry can't leave so Hermione you can either come with me or stay here with Harry. Mum wants Harry safe and according lupin its better if he stays back…Sorry mate…" asked Ron.

Harry was a bit saddened by the news but not much. He was not really in the mood of being part of some sort of party; he just wanted to distance himself from everyone with the exception of Ron and Hermione.

" No problem Ron…I just received a letter from Lupin and he apparently suggested the same thing …STAYING HOME all the time. There've been couple of attacks on muggles, he thinks that deatheaters are trying to find out where I live in muggle world so it would be safer for me to stay home and here instead of wizarding world for the time being…" Harry explained and answered both Ron and Hermione.

"I think I'll stay with Harry here Ron…Tell Bill and Fleur that I am happy for them and congratulate them as well…" Hermione was cut off by Harry on this …

"Hey don't miss out on a chance to enjoy yourself by keeping me company here Hermione…its only a day or two … not a big deal" Harry said this with some doubt.

"Its ok Harry…I don't want to apparate or floo with my current wounds (well other reason being snappy attitude from Ginny's…Hermione didn't think she could take any more of her attitude of late)..So I will stay here with you"

"Ok then … it's only me who will be leaving later this evening…Charlie and Dad are coming over to pick me…Imagine me…an Uncle" Ron told them – still not over the shock over Bill's news.

Harry felt a bit happy over this news, he was happy to have Hermione with him. He didn't want to be alone and he thought it will give him more time to talk to Hermione openly and get to know more about her. Harry was quite excited at the prospect of spending time alone with Hermione, he wasn't quite sure why himself but he loved the idea altogether.

Finally once all the news were digested and all…the three of them decided to go over to Figg's house, Hermione advised Harry to get under the invisibility cloak for they mustn't risk him being seen. Harry got his invisibility cloak out, and then he informed his aunt about their plan to leave for the old lady's house. Once they were outside, Harry got under his cloak while Hermione and Ron stayed out…Harry hated the idea but did as Hermione suggested. He was more careful about taking risks now that he was determined to finish off Voldermort. He knew by risking his life at such an early stage when they have horcruxes to look for – was not really a brilliant idea.

Mrs. Figg was surprised to see Ron and Hermione at her door step and let them in once Harry showed her a glimpse of himself…

"Hello boy…so you are here with your friends…come on in…now hurry up; what are you waiting for…dementors???" She hushed them in.

"Hi…these are my friends from Hogwarts Mrs. Figg, this is Hermione Granger and this fool here is Ron Weasley…my aunt wanted us out of the house so we came here… you see…" Harry tried to explain the reason while she was eyeing both Ron and Hermione… who gave her a smile and greeted her politely.

"I know … I know… I've been informed and you did the right thing. I will be seeing more of you now that you will be having your lessons here with Auror Moody…Now since you kids are here…why don't you help me clean up the up the attic so Harry can have his lessons there…you know I am a squib so you kids can do a good job with magic" said Mrs. Figg

After hearing the word WORK … Ron and Harry both groaned while Hermione seemed anxious to get started. Seeing this Mrs. Figg told them to relax and that they don't have to start right away. She went inside to make them some snacks and tea…Hermione went after her to help her out, and she saw quite a few cats…she tried to pat them but she still had trouble bending down coz of her stomach.

Ron seeing this went over to her … "ohhh Hermione you found yourself something you love … not one cat but quite a few cats…you want me to pick one up for you?"

"Yeah thanks … I would love that" then she held the cat that Ron picked up for her … Harry meanwhile noticed this and also took hold of one cat … he was just patting the cat and looking at how Hermione was cuddling the cat. At that moment he realized that he's been noticing Hermione's actions a lot lately…little things that she did, he noticed how she behaves or things that she says and how she acts around Ron…though his doubts from last year about them getting together were still there but now as of late … things seemed different, he still wasn't sure whether Hermione fancied Ron or not but as far as Ron was concerned he knew that his best friend was not sure about his feelings. Harry feared that maybe he was developing a crush on Hermione as well … either it's a crush or its just a guilt trip that's making me take more notice of her.

Harry was interrupted from his thoughts when the cat jumped off his lap, he saw the spot where he was staring at Hermione … the spot was now empty, he looked around and saw Ron trying to turn on the TV…but couldn't figure out how to. So he got up and helped him turn it on. The four of them spent a quiet evening; Mrs. Figg went in to her room after a while, leaving them along for rest of the evening.

Hermione was sitting with Harry while Ron was lying on the floor in front of the Tv…

"What are you thinking?" Hermione asked when she noticed how quiet Harry was and seemed like he was some place else.

Harry turned to look at her and just shook his head, telling her with his actions that there was nothing to tell…but when she kept looking at him with questioning look … he hesitated a bit, stared at Ron's head and finally talked…"I don't know really what I am thinking about Hermione…I keep thinking about how slow we are moving, we should be out there fighting or looking for horcruxes, then all of a sudden I am thinking about my relationship with Ginny, I felt free then…that part of my life was like something I wanted to keep away from everybody and it seemed normal…then I was thinking a huge weight lift up from my shoulders when I ended things with her…and here I thought I was free and it was the only normal thing…" he sighed…Hermione knew he wasn't finished as yet…"Then Hermione, my thoughts keep turn towards Ron…seemed like the two of us were actually enjoying something that normally people do…something I thought was never possible…I mean we've always been up against some problem but last year I was happy for Ron and I was happy for myself as well but then things took a turn for the worst, Ron was almost killed – I still get nightmares, Dumbledore died…Hogwarts is not safe…Voldermort is stronger than ever…I don't know Hermione … I just don't know … too many things come and go out of my mind…" Harry and Hermione didn't realize that Ron had become part of the conversation as well…he heard them talking and then turned his attention towards them all of a sudden…both Ron and Hermione were touched by what Harry was saying … Hermione gave a sideways hug to Harry…

"Yes Harry I understand, these last few years has been really hard on you. You have seen more and experienced more than anybody that I know…but you've faced everything bravely. You are a brave person Harry and its normal to be confused or agitated…but you must remember that Ron and I will always be with you. As far as normalcy part is concerned…you can always have that once all this is over…and you deserve to be happy more than anybody in this world. I am sure Ginny would wait up for you…"

Over hearing this Harry just appreciate Hermione's words but wasn't sure about the last part…though he didn't say it out loud for Ron's sake but he wasn't sure if he wanted to be with Ginny. She had been different ever since the break up…

"Hey mate nothing's stopping you from having short flings now…I mean you can always get girls to snog but without getting in to a relationship…I do plan to do that if we go to Hogwarts this year…I will ofcourse be there with u through and through but yeah a fling here and there I won't mind…." Over this both Harry and Ron laughed.

Hermione didn't find it funny … "Why can't you be more respectful of girls Ron, don't you think you'll hurt a lot of girls if you are using them for a time pass only…that's wrong and Harry I would suggest that you do nothing of the sort…"

Ron fumed over this a little…"Listen Hermione…stop being so bossy ok…we never said anything when you were off snogging Krum or yes McLaggen last year … its not like you were serious with either of them…and please don't try to deny the fact that you were using McLaggen coz I have the facts straight…Ginny and yeah Harry too…so you don't really get to lecture us. You said it yourself that Harry needs fun so let him decide for himself" …

After this little speech, Hermione just stared at Harry as if he betrayed her and her anger was also directed towards Ginny for disclosing this small thing and also snogging krum part for it was only her who knew about that…

She kept staring at Harry who apparently was red in face and had slipped down a little out of embarrassment …"First of all Ron, I never snogged McLaggen, I wasn't using him, I just asked him out as I had no other choice. Victor gave me a peck or two but it was never something like what you and Harry shared with your girlfriends…as both of you soooo often and blatantly remind me of the fact that who in their right mind would want to date me or be interested in me…so here it is … why I never really had one of those thingies with any of the boys I went out with…" Hermione's eyes were shining with tears now but she controlled them…she picked up one of the cats and moved towards the kitchen…Ron and Harry both were stunned and before Harry could say anything, they heard the door bell.

Mrs. Figg came out running from her room, went to open the door. It was Arthur Weasley along with Charlie to pick up Ron. They came inside and exchanged greetings. Charlie asked for Hermione... Harry told him where she was … Charlie went in that direction but Hermione came out hearing all the voices…she smiled and gave Charlie a hug…"Hey you never replied my mail?" Charlie asked Hermione…

Hermione had totally forgotten about it and told him how she forgot all about it. Finally after a cup of tea, all the three Weasleys left. This left only Harry, Hermione and Mrs. Figg. Harry and Hermione sat quietly and kept watching TV.

This was not how Harry expected his alone time to start with Hermione…he knew he had to apologize somehow and make amends but wasn't sure how he would approach the subject. So he patiently awaited Moody's arrival with high hopes and kept stealing glances at Hermione who refused to look at him.

Later that evening when it was dark outside, they heard a knock outside and it was Charlie Weasley along with his dad.