OOO

Working carefully in the dark, Draco and the two girls hung the pictures up to dry and develop in the dim room. Finished, they eagerly cleaned up and returned via the floo port to the Weasley's burrow where Mrs. Weasley was setting the pot roast she had prepared out on the table. As they grabbed chairs and got drinks, Draco inhaled deeply and smiled at Mrs. Weasley.

"Smells fantastic!"

"Why thank you dear!"

"Mum makes the best pot roast ever," Fred told Draco as he passed Ginny a cup of apple juice.

"She does," George agreed. "Used to be Ron's…" He bit his tongue before saying the word favorite, seeing the look that came over his mothers face. "Well, anyway, it's really good," he finished with a shrug.

"So what did you get up to today?" Mr. Weasley abruptly changed the subject and started serving the roast.

"All sorts of things," Draco grinned.

"We went to Diagon Alley and checked out the broom sticks and some of the joke shops and got ice cream," Ginny told her father as she scooped carrots onto her plate. "Gilderoy Lockheart's going to be doing a signing later on this summer you know, right before school."

"Fantastic," Theodore groaned. "That's all Flourish and Blott's needs – that idiot drawing attention to himself. I don't even know why they sell his books. I didn't notice anything about a book signing when we were there, though."

"That's because your head is always buried in a book; you never notice what's around you when you're in there," Draco informed him as he took the bowl of mashed potatoes that George was handing him. "Although I'd have to say that I agree with you about the Lockheart thing."

"What?" Ginny teased. "You don't think he's handsome?" She rolled her eyes and giggled.

"I think he's a prat," Draco replied, passing the potatoes on to Luna.

"I agree," Harry nodded. "That smile of his is downright creepy."

"That's an award-winning smile that is," Ginny smirked.

"Well it's still creepy."

"Aren't you girls supposed to be crazy about him?" Theodore quirked an eyebrow at Ginny from across the table.

"Nobody with half a brain would be." She buttered a roll. "I mean, all the stuff he claims he's done – I don't really buy it."

"Well it's good to know that some people still have brains." Theo declared.

"After we went to Diagon Alley we went into Muggle London and spent some time around there. We took a few pictures too that we can show you, when they're ready," Ginny went on.

"We took turned snapping them so that we would all be in some of them," Harry explained.

"While we were there, we got to mess about on the couches at Harrods," Draco grinned.

"That was fun!" Luna laughed next to Draco. "Oh! And we went to Kensington gardens and saw the faeries – the real ones and the ones that were only statues. I think Kensington gardens might be the loveliest place in London."

"Well we certainly had a time getting you and Draco to leave," Theo laughed. "If it were up to you we wouldn't have gone anywhere else!"

"I think I should like to spend a very long time there," Draco retorted defensively. "I could spend forever in Kensington gardens!"

"I'm sure you could, but I think it would drive the rest of us spare. Following the gardens we went to Madame Tussauds wax museum." Theo informed them.

"Theo got a picture with Shakespeare," Ginny smiled.

"Yeah, even though we technically weren't supposed to be using cameras at that point in the tour." Harry shot Theo a grin. "He almost got us kicked out."

"Well you almost got us kicked out when you and Draco were bouncing on the furniture at Harrods!" Theo shot back.

Mrs. Weasley laughed. "Well it sounds as though you've all had a very busy day. And you're planning to go and picnic again tomorrow?"

Ginny nodded. "Yes, if the weather holds. Now that the grill is built and we have the coal and everything, we should be all set. Just a few side dishes to prepare tomorrow morning and we'll be good."

"What made you think of an American picnic anyway?" Harry asked through a mouthful of roast.

Nott shrugged. "Oh, I don't know for sure. It was just something that came to mind. I've been reading a lot of American fiction of late and I thought it might be fun to try something like that."

"I remember – that book you showed me, one of your mum's… that was American, wasn't it? What was it again? Something about birds?"

"To Kill a Mockingbird. And yes, it's an American novel."

"Theo's very well read," George told Mrs. Weasley in a sardonic tone. "Best watch out Percy, I think you might have some competition for the swottiest person in the house."

"Oh leave him be," Ginny kicked at her brother from under the table.

"Maybe if you two read more you would get better grades," Mrs. Weasley admonished. "Although it's good to see that you balance your reading with spending time outside and being sociable."

Theo blushed as he took a second helping. "You really can't help spending time outside, not if you're a friend of Draco's."

"I don't see why people spend so much time inside," Draco replied with a shrug, giving Dragon some of his roast. "Most days there's so much to see and do, so much that's lovely happening around them, and they're inside poring over something pointless."

"Most people miss a lot of beauty around them," Luna observed with a nod. "It really is a shame."

"I'll admit, it's pleasant to study outside every now and again. But I could do without rain and snow," Theo told them.

"Or bugs," Harry groaned. "When I did lawn work for the Dursleys, I hated it when there were wasps and beetles everywhere."

"Besides," Theo added, "If you were outside all the time how would you watch TV?"

Draco laughed. "Good point. Still – most people don't spend near enough time outside."

"Speaking of spending time outside," Mr. Weasley looked over to the twins, "did you two de-gnome the garden like you promised?"

Fred shot George a look. "Well, um…"

"Mostly?" George offered with a hopeful grin. "Does that count?"

"You'll finish tomorrow," Mrs. Weasley told them.

"But we're supposed to be meeting Lee!" Fred protested.

"Well then I suppose you'd better work and finish quickly," she told them firmly.

Fred groaned and rolled his eyes but George said nothing; instead he shot a look at Nott, who nodded briefly. George smiled and then returned to his dinner. It was good having somebody around like Nott, someone you could really count on.

OOO

Carefully, Ron unfolded his napkin and spread it out on his lap. By now he was well versed in what utensils to use when, so he no longer fretted at the table about which fork he ought to eat the salad with or which side his water glass was on. The house elves brought out a variety of dishes, including a steaming bœuf bourguignon which he eyed hungrily.

"So did you two have an enjoyable day?" Mrs. Parkinson asked as she served salad.

"It was lovely, mother," Pansy replied. "We went outside for a walk and did a set of sketches by the shore. And then we practiced our flying so that Ronald can make a spot on the team next year."

"Think you'll be good enough to help Slytherin on to victory?" Mr. Parkinson smiled at him.

"I hope so sir," he replied earnestly.

"Ronald will be an excellent Keeper, I think," Pansy told her parents. "He stopped nearly every quaffle that I tossed him today!"

"Well, nearly isn't quite there yet," Mr. Parkinson winked at Ron, who blushed. "A little more practice and nothing will get past you, I'm sure."

"Well it's good to see that you two are getting something accomplished." Mrs. Parkinson sipper her wine. "Although you two do spend an awful lot of time alone together."

"I… I'm not doing… I mean…" Ron blushed and stammered.

"Oh, I wasn't implying anything," she laughed. "Only observing that you two might benefit from more social gatherings. Social networking does make the world go around."

"What would you suggest, mother?"

"Well, I was thinking of a formal garden party. Serve tea, pastries – perhaps we could even arrange for some entertainment like a string quartet. And you could invite some of your fellow Slytherins over."

"Really mother?" Pansy gasped. "Could I use the good china?"

"But of course. If it's to be a party, you wouldn't be having your guests use your quotidian fare, would you?"

"And I could get a new dress too?"

"You would both get new outfits," Mrs. Parkinson assured her daughter. "After all, the host and hostess must look their absolute best in order to impress their guests."

The prospect of new clothes caused Pansy to grin. "Doesn't it sound lovely, Ron?"

"Oh! Um, yeah," he nodded enthusiastically. "Sure."

Mr. Parkinson laughed and clapped Ron on the back. "Don't worry, boy. It's something you have to learn to do, but I'm not surprised you'd be reluctant. In fact, I'd be a bit worried if you weren't reluctant to host a tea party."

Unsure of how to respond, Ron looked at the food on his plate and prodded it with his fork before swallowing a bite.

"We'll have it catered, of course," Mrs. Parkinson went on. "There's a new French pastry place that's been getting rave reviews. I shall test it before hand to make sure it's up to standard, but it should do for the spread you'll be serving. And there will be official invitations to send out. A tent to reserve, in case of inclement weather…"

"I have to invite Daphne of course, and Crabbe and Goyle too I suppose, though I shall include strict instructions for the way they are to dress and behave. Blaise will be there, naturally, another first year, although Millicent we can leave off the list…"

As the two females went on, Mr. Parkinson shot Ron a sympathetic look.

"Budge up," he whispered to the boy. "You're going to have to get used to this if you want to be part of the quality. And really, after a while, it isn't so bad."

Numbly, Ron nodded went back to eating the French dish. It wasn't altogether unlike the pot roast that his mother made, although the flavors in this dish were more subtle and nuanced. Again, as he found himself doing so often of late, he had to admit that it was better compared to what he got at home.

Noticing his silence, Pansy stopped and smiled at him.

"We're boring you dreadfully, aren't we?" She asked. Before he could protest, she laughed. "No, that's alright. I understand – boys. Well, to make up for it, since you'll be helping me host a garden party, do you think we could get tickets to a Quidditch game for Ron, daddy?"

"I'm sure we could," Mr. Parkinson replied. "That sounds like a fair trade to me, don't you think so Ron?"

"Yes, sir," he replied, but this time with a sincere smile spreading across his face and a blush going up to the tips of his ears.

Again, he thought. Better.

OOO

That evening, after everybody else had gone home, Theo and Ginny stood by the sink, up to their elbows in suds, washing the dishes. Ginny sighed as she scrubbed and rinsed off another plate.

"This is the worst part of dinner," she grumbled.

"It's not so bad," Theo shrugged. "At least not compared to the time I had to scrub cauldrons out in detention."

Ginny laughed. "What detention was this?'

"I got it for… well… it's a bit embarrassing," he blushed.

"Oh come on, you can tell me. It can't be any worse than some of the things Fred and George have done, blowing up toilets and the like. Unless they're rubbing off on you that much."

"No it was nothing like that. It… it was stupid is what it was."

"That's still not telling," she smiled.

"Alright, fine," he sighed. "I got into a bit of a row with Hermione Granger."

"Who's she?"

"Another Gryffindor, probably the smartest girl in our year. It was the first day of class with Professor Flitwick and we were learning the wingardium leviosa charm. I was paired with Neville and would have gladly helped him out, but she saw fit to intrude and offer advice instead." He grimaced at the recollection. "We both got into a bit of a levitating fight after that. And it ended… well…"

"Yes? Come on," Ginny cajoled.

"It end with us levitating and shattering Flitwick's desk," he replied, face fully red. "We got a detention with Snape scrubbing out cauldrons for that incident."

Ginny laughed so hard she had to stop washing for a moment. Gasping for breath and wiping her eyes with the back of a damp hand, she looked at Theo in disbelief.

"Are you serious?" She grinned.

"Yes," He rolled his eyes. "Unfortunately. It was quite embarrassing."

"This Hermione – she sounds like a bit of a know-it-all."

"She's not so bad, once you get to know her," Theo shrugged.

"Why hasn't she hung out with you more this summer? I mean, I suppose she's welcome if you're friendly with her – and if you promise not to break anything."

"Funny," he elbowed her. "Hermione's a muggle born so she doesn't really frequent a lot of the places we do, like Diagon Alley. I could owl her, I suppose, but I'm not sure if she would be very comfortable with us. I do like to discuss literature with her, though."

"Just a thought," Ginny shrugged. "Although you can discuss literature with us too, you know. Even if we don't always understand, we'll catch up. Speaking of which, do you know what you'll be reading for tomorrow?"

"Another book of the Iliad, I think, and then maybe some poetry by Dickenson or Whitman; in keeping with the American theme of the day you know."

"Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be lovely as always," Ginny smiled and Theo blushed.

"If you say so," he murmured.

They rinsed in silence for a few moments, and then Ginny turned to grab the towels to dry the dishes with.

"Draco's birthday is coming up shortly," she observed, wiping out a glass.

"Indeed."

"Do you know what you're going to get him yet?"

"I haven't really given it much thought. Probably something related to animals or something Muggle like a video that he would enjoy. I'll have to consider what he might like."

"I should too. I mean, he'll probably like anything, but I want to put some effort into it, you know?"

Theo nodded. "We'll have to go shopping on a day when Draco's not with us."

"Well, he did mention that he was going to be spending one of the next few days with his Hufflepuff housemates," she pointed out. "That would probably be our best opportunity. We should probably let Harry and Luna know too; I'm sure they'll want to come along. And maybe we could pool our resources and get him something from all of us."

"That would work."

The lapsed into silence again, drying and stacking the dishes. Finally finished they leaned against the sink and Ginny sighed.

"Say, Theo?"

"Yes?"

"What made you become a Gryffindor?" She studied his face.

Nott shrugged. "I don't know, precisely. Well, I suppose I do. I mean, I asked the hat to do so."

"Well then why'd you ask the hat?"

"Oh, lots of reasons, I guess," he replied as they made their way up the steps. "It was going between Slytherin and Ravenclaw and I requested that it split the difference, so to speak. I didn't want to be in Slytherin – Pansy Parkinson made sure of that – and I didn't know anybody in Ravenclaw. But Harry was already sorted into Gryffindor and… well, I suppose I thought that it would be better if we both had a friend than if we were all three of us in separate houses."

She nodded. "No offense, but you do seem like more of a Ravenclaw to me."

"Perhaps. Then again, Hermione is probably the smartest girl in our class and she's a Gryffindor as well."

"If that's true," Ginny observed, "it makes me wonder how reliable the hat is. I mean, what's it really looking for if it doesn't put people in houses that represent their qualities?"

"I think it does," Theo pointed out. "It can be convinced or persuaded a bit. But a person seldom has one set of defining qualities. While some might consider one trait to be the most obvious there can be things inside a person that matter more. Besides," he smiled. "I have to admit that, surprising as it was, the hat knew what it was about with Draco."

"Really?" She laughed. "I know he had a hard time of it at first."

"He did," Nott admitted. "And I'm sorry to say that I shared in a lot of the misapprehensions and stereotypes about Hufflepuffs." Opening the door to his room, he let Ginny walk in first then sat one the bed with her. "But when we needed help in confronting Quirrell, they didn't hesitate to step up and help out a friend."

"Still," Ginny frowned, "I'm not sure that I'd want to be a Hufflepuff."

"Thinking about your sorting already?"

"It is coming up rather quickly," she sighed. "A few short months and Luna and I will be in Hogwarts with you guys." She grinned. "Then we can all get into trouble and have detention together!"

Theo laughed. "I suppose I should resign myself to it; I'm never going to be Head Boy at this rate, though."

"You want to be head boy?" She looked at him, eyes sparkling.

"Maybe," he smirked. "Anyway, I wouldn't worry about sorting too much. I doubt very much that you would ever suffer anything like Ron did; from what I understand, he asked as well. It was no random accident that he ended up in Slytherin, more like the persuasion of the Parkinson girl. Which, oddly enough, demonstrates my point."

"That is…?"

"I wanted to be in Gryffindor, not just because of its reputation, but because Harry was there. Draco had a rough time in Hufflepuff until he got to know Susan and Ernie and Cedric and Hannah, and now he loves his house. Ron was bothered by Draco and by myself, not to mention the twins, but managed to somehow make a connection with Pansy that first day.

"Your house is where your talents can shine and where your friends or people of a like mind are. Strike a good balance between the two, or even better, see if the two match up, and you'll be fine."

"Well then," she said, idly fluffing up a pillow, "I suppose I know where I'll be headed."

"Oh?" He looked at her skeptically. "Telling the future now are we?"

"I'm not afraid of anything," she declared proudly. "And you and Harry are some of the best friends I've ever made." She stood up and went to the door. "I'll see you tomorrow, Theo."

"Good night, Ginny," he replied, shutting the door behind her before preparing himself to go to bed.

OOO

A/N: Fun times those children have. :) Things are moving rather day to day at the moment, but the plot will be picking up soon – and they'll be at Hogwarts before you know it! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and will look forward to the next – it'll be out shortly, I promise. ;)