DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER

CHAPTER 3: ESCAPE FROM STUDYING

The first month of school passed by quickly for Harry and he was thankful that he had Quidditch practices and Hermione's N.E.W.T's study sessions to keep his mind occupied. Malfoy didn't make another attempt at him since the train ride but he did manage to throw insults at him at every opportunity he got. Harry really did try to just ignore him but his patience was running dangerously low.

Harry, Hermione and Ron were in their common room sitting in front of the open fire. As October came it brought along a colder than normal air and it was agreed that they'd be better off inside reviewing their homework. Well Hermione decided they were better off, Harry loved flying through the cold air and he longed to be on his Firebolt right now.

The common room door swung open allowing Ginny to walk right in. Harry looked up and his eyes lit up once he saw the smile on her face. "Hey guys, the first Hogsmeade weekend is next week. I can't wait to go and see the twins and their latest products." She dropped herself on Harry's lap and kissed him quickly.

"Ginny, don't you think we should use all of our free time studying? I mean you have your O.W.L.'s and Harry, Ron and myself must prepare for our N.E.W.T's. The work is not easy and we have to be on top of everything if we want to get top grades." Everyone stared at Hermione, not knowing if she was serious. Well of course she was serious, she's Hermione after all but there was that slimmest of chances and they were going to hope for it.

"Hermione, I think we all appreciate your efforts here but skipping a Hogsmeade weekend? It's just one day and I for one need a break from this place." Harry looked at Ron and Ginny both nodding in agreement. "Besides, Gin and I have hardly had any time to ourselves and I'm sure she would like to spend one day with her boyfriend because I know her boyfriend wants to spend one day alone with her."

Ron started to gag and cough, "Do you mind? You're bringing up my dinner!"

Hermione just rolled her eyes at him and ignored him. "Honestly, you'll all thank me for this once you've earned top grades and have excellent jobs after we graduate."

At this point Harry had enough. "Hermione, I appreciate all your help but I'm not even guaranteed tomorrow. If you've forgotten, there is a not-so-straight-in-the-head-with-his knickers-in-a-knot-madman looking to do me in. So, if you don't mind you and Ron can continue studying but I'm going to take the opportunity to enjoy some time away from this reality I like to call my life." He stopped to take a deep breath, "Ginny, I really do want to spend the day with you but if you want to stay here and study it's ok with me."

She looked at him and smiled sweetly at him. "As if you think you're going to leave me behind Mr. Potter." Harry smiled at her and leaned in for a proper kiss that he had been waiting to give her all day.

"OH IT BURNS! NO…NO…NO…SOMEONE….UGGH…NO! I DON'T WANNA SEE!" A bright yellow light hit Ron and it stopped his rambling for a moment. His whining at seeing his sister and his best mate kissing was replaced with screams and his failed attempts at chasing away the gooey, greenish yellow bats that were now attacking him.

Hermione looked at Ginny and shook her head, "Honestly, don't you think that's a bit too much Ginny?"

"Nope." Harry and Ginny just laughed as they continued to watch Ron run around the common room.

The week leading up to the Hogsmeade weekend went by too slowly for Harry's taste. He endured every taunt the Slytherins would throw at him just so that he wouldn't receive detention. Thinking about spending an entire day alone with Ginny, no Ron or Hermione, made all the taunts he endured absolutely worth it.

Harry woke up early that Saturday and waited for Ginny in the common room. He sat in front of the fire flipping through his worn copy of Quidditch Through The Ages when he heard someone coming down the steps. He turned and smiled as Ginny descended the steps and walked towards him. She was dressed in a pair of denim jeans and an ivory sweater and her hair was up in a sleek pony tail. 'She looks beautiful today.' He thought to himself. 'But then again, when does she not look beautiful.' Harry chuckled at the conversation his inner self was having.

"Hi Harry. Have you been up long?" Ginny put her arms around him and embraced him.

He put his forehead on hers and looked into her eyes. "Only about 2 hours. You know I can't sleep in late." He smiled and kissed her before she could make any further comments.

"So, shall we head down to breakfast and then leave right after? I thought that we could head over and see your brothers. You know, get their teasing and that twin thing they do out of the way first and then the rest of the day will be just for us."

Ginny loved to see Harry smile and it warmed her to see him doing it more and more. Officially this day was for them but she was going to make sure that Harry absolutely enjoyed himself and she would go along with anything he wanted to do today. "Sure Harry, that sounds perfect."

Harry and Ginny enjoyed eating breakfast together. "Gin, you ever noticed how much better the food tastes when there is no one sitting next to you or in front of you arguing about some silly thing?"

"Harry, I grew up with six brothers. There's always someone arguing at the table but I learned to ignore them and enjoy mum's cooking. But, I sort of understand what you mean. It is rather nice to be able to sit and eat in peace."

The minute she finished her sentence they were able to hear the melodic tones of Ron and Hermione in another one of their infamous arguments. "What do you think they're fighting about now?" Harry turned around to look at the pair. "I don't know Gin but I'm not staying to find out. Are you finished with breakfast?" She nodded yes to him. "Great. Come on, let's go before they involve us."

He took her hand in his and they walked quickly to the doors of the Great Hall. As they neared the bickering couple he noticed that Hermione was about to say something to them and whatever it was he knew he had no interest in. "Sorry Hermione, gotta go. Have fun!" Harry and Ginny continued walking quickly until they were outside of the castle where they finally let go of the laughter they tried so hard to hold back.