I enjoyed writing this one; it's been something that I've wanted to put in since the beginning. I just didn't know when I should put it in; now seemed like the right time.

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'When are you going to tell Ron?' Hermione asked Harry casually down in the Great Hall. Harry was sitting next to Ginny who was eating breakfast with a type of apatite he didn't know she had. She chocked halfway on a bagel when Hermione popped the question out of thin air, Harry looked concerned for a moment but she brushed his help away. Sitting up straight again she looked at Hermione in shock. 'Why does Harry have to tell him? Ron would bloody kill him. Again!' She gaped.

'Harry doesn't have to tell him alone.' She smirked. 'And I hardly think he would kill Harry. Considering how coolly he's been about leaving you two together in the same room. Alone.' She pointed out.

'Yes, well he's still under the impression that I'm ignoring Harry.' Ginny stated.

'Well the more you two hang out with each other, I doubt he won't get the message.'

'Well then he can just figure it out for himself.' Ginny said, closing the conversation by biting into her bagel again, more fiercely this time.

Harry looked at Ginny and stole the end of her bagel, chewing on it before she could react. She poked her tongue out at him when he grinned in triumph.

Hermione sighed and pulled her book up her face that she was reading; blocking Harry and Ginny from view.

The flapping of their wings was heard before the hundreds of owls appeared, swooping down to their owners with parcels and envelopes in their beaks. Harry watched as a tiny grey owl swooped down to Hermione, landing on the top of her book which she still had in her hands. She lowered it and the owl hopped down onto the table. She grabbed the envelope from its beak and it flew away.

She looked at the front of it and smiled, turning it around and breaking the seal. Taking the letter from inside she began to read it, her cheeks getting redder as she got further and further into it.

Harry realized that there were two pages but Hermione lowered it and tried to hide it after only reading the first page.

It appeared Ginny too had noticed because she leaned forward across the table and took it from Hermione's grasp, her Quidditch skills to quick for Hermione.

Hermione made an attack for the letter, her face as bright as Ginny's hair, if possible brighter, but missed.

Ginny looked smug at her victory but as she began to read it she too lowered it and began to flush slightly. 'Can I please have it back?' Hermione asked quietly, but politely.

Ginny reached across the table to give it to Hermione but Harry was curious to see what they were both blushing about. It appeared to be embarrassing and he couldn't help himself. Snatching it from Ginny who was handing it to Hermione, Harry turned his back on Ginny who had tried to grab it back. Hermione was mega blushing and muttering under her breath, 'No, no, no. Damn. Shit.'

Dear Hermione,

Your father's been muttering around the house about you being his "little girl" still. But I've told him time and time again that you aren't that "little girl" anymore, you've grown up into one beautiful, smart young woman, whom I am proud to call my daughter.

Your father has also been worrying about your Ronald. He does believe that he is good for you, considering you've spent years with him at school and have done dangerous things together; showing true commitment and trust. But your father is complaining about how close you two actually are. He knows you are legal to do what you please and that he can trust your judgment, even if it means following Harry on another death quest, (which seems to occur quiet frequently) or if it means sleeping with Ronald.

Okay, I've babbled enough, really your father is worried about what you told us earlier this year. He still thinks you're too young to sleep with Ron, (I say different). He also thinks he's too young to be a grandparent if you end up pregnant because you did something wrong (which I highly doubt will happen). But just to be on the safe side he made me attach the spare parchment . . .

Harry stopped reading there and looked up too Hermione's already red face, He handed her the letter. 'Sorry.' He apologized.

Hermione shrugged and stuffed the letter into her robes. 'You were eventually going to find out sooner or later.' She mumbled, not meeting his stare.

There was an awkward silence which was filled by most of the people eating in the Great Hall; including Ginny who was trying not to even be there at all. 'I suppose maybe that was what Ron wanted to tell me the other week . . .' Harry said, breaking the silence. 'He wasn't sure though that you would agree with his decision.'

'Harry, just stop trying to make small talk okay?' Hermione eventually said, pulling the book once again up to her face.

Harry sighed and faced Ginny who was looking at her plate, deep in thought.

'Well how do you think we should tell Ron about us?' Harry asked, wrapping an arm around Ginny's waist.

'We're not going to tell him.' She said determined to stick to her opinion.

'How about . . . our first win in Quidditch? In the common room, where everyone can see us. We'll see if Ron can figure it out then?' He winked.

Ginny laughed and swatted his arm. 'Just like in your sixth year?' She asked.

Harry pretended to think for a moment, stroking his chin like he had an evil beard and grinning, 'How about more exaggerated?'

'Suits me.' She smiled.

'Argh!' Hermione groaned in frustration, slamming her book shut and getting out of her seat, she treaded heavily down the Hall and exited the door, turning into the Entrance Hall and going towards the Grand Staircase.

'She can't avoid us all day.' Harry said.

'I don't know about that. Hermione's pretty good at avoiding people; she knows a lot of hidden places in the library that not many people know about.' Ginny stated.

'I don't disagree with that.' He said fairly, 'It's just that I could stalk her on the Marauder's Map.' He grinned.

'Just let her cool down. She didn't want you to know about that letter obviously.'

'Hey, you don't get out so easily too, you took the letter off her first.' He teased.

'Fine, then.' She smiled, chucking at bagel at him.

XX

Ron, Ginny, Luna and Harry were all down near the lake, Ginny and Luna were skipping pebbles across the lakes black surface and Harry and Ron were both leaning against a tree trunk. They weren't having a conversation, just listening to the girls throw their pebbles. From what Harry could hear; Luna and Neville were having trouble with their relationship. Apparently they were having a dispute about Nefrons. Whatever they were.

'Hermione got a letter this morning.' Harry began, disrupting their silence.

'Mmm.' Ron replied, his eyes closed, bathing in the last remaining sun of autumn. The clouds had begun to roll in and Harry could tell that the rains and storms were just beginning.

'It was from her parents.' He continued slowly, watching Ron's reaction.

'Mmm.' He repeated.

'They mentioned you.'

'Mmm.'

'And Hermione.'

Ron tsk-ed, 'They're her parents, 'course they'd mention her.'

'They mentioned how much they trust you with their "little girl".'

'Mmm.'

Harry paused, and then decided he should just say it. 'They mentioned what you and Hermione have planned.'

Ron's eyebrows furrowed but his eyes remained closed. 'Planned? I never told her parent's about her surprised birthday party.'

Harry mentally sighed. He knew Ron was trying to avert the conversation, though the mention of Hermione's birthday reminded him to get her a present. 'Ron, just give up trying to make out that you don't know what I'm talking about. I know you and Hermione are planning on sleeping together.'

Ron's eyes snapped open, he looked uncomfortable. 'I wouldn't say "sleeping", more like . . . heavy . . . snogging?' he seemed to be lost for words and yet tumbling over them at the same time. He kept blinking really fast and avoiding Harry's eyes.

'Oh come off it! I read the letter myself and even though her parent's didn't specifically say "sex", it was quite clear when they kept repeating "sleep". Though she'll probably tell you herself about the letter later on.' Harry said matter-of-factly.

Ron harrumphed and closed his eyes again, after about ten minutes he muttered something that sounded like "It's probably not going to happen".

'What makes you say that?' Harry asked, keeping his eyes on Ginny, who looked incredibly stunning in the sun.

'Well I know Hermione loves me and all, but why should she waste her virginity on me?'

'What makes you think she's a virgin?' Harry teased.

Ron's eyes snapped open and he looked at Harry worried. 'You think she isn't?' There was a slight nerve in his words.

'Ron, relax. Even though I honestly don't want to be thinking about my best friend and her virginity, I have no hesitation in saying that she has not slept with anyone.'

'Not even Krum?' he mumbled.

'Not even Krum.' Harry raised an eyebrow at Ron, 'If it makes you feel any better I could ask Ginny, Hermione tells her everything.'

Ron hesitated, 'Oh, alright. Don't make it look too obvious.'

'Ron honestly! Why would she tell her parents if she wasn't still a virgin?'

He contemplated this for a moment. 'I think your right about that one.'

'Exactly! But why would you be worrying about her "wasting" it on you?'

'Well maybe we won't work out and . . . and . . . she . . .'

'You're nervous aren't you?' Harry chuckled.

Ron flushed a brilliant red, answering Harry's question. Harry began to laugh, curling in on himself and clutching his stomach.

Ron stood his ground for a moment before smacking Harry hard across the head.

'Ow! Why'd you –'

'It's not funny!'

'Okay!'

'I'm more scared than nervous actually . . .' Ron admitted.

'Scared? Of what exactly? Sharing the same bed and loosing an argument with her then getting hexed into the next generation?' Harry smiled at his joke.

'Ha. Ha.' Ron said sarcastically. 'I'm actually scared of screwing up.'

'Okay, maybe I'm not the best at giving this sort of advice; maybe you should . . . ask a brother? You have plenty to choose from.' Harry said hurriedly.

'Not bloody likely! They'll laugh like a bloody pack of hyenas at me.'

'Alright then! That plan is out.' Harry watched as Luna and Ginny now sat at the edge of the lake, their feet bare and feeling the green grass.

Ron and Harry were quiet for a moment, watching the clouds roll in above their heads.

'Do your parents know?' Harry finally asked.

'Not really.' He mused, 'Though I doubt they don't see it coming soon.'

Harry nodded his head once.

Changing the topic after a moment of silence which, was filled by the girls giggles, Harry began to ask Ron about assignments and homework which they had left to pile up.

Professor Pierce was by far the slackest teacher in giving them homework and essays. He had told them that he didn't like them wasting their youth on unnecessary stuff; so in return of not giving them assignments and essays, he had told them that they all better pay better attention and ace the class.

Hermione was unstable the first couple of days, going through her pile of homework and freaking out when she thought she had lost her homework. It took her a couple of days to get use to the lack of homework, Harry and Ron actually thought it was kind of brilliant.

'When's the next Quidditch practise?' Ron asked from one side of the tree.

'Um, Wednesday I think. I don't know, I haven't thought much about it actually.' Truth be told, all he had been thinking about was Ginny. As he looked down at her from a branch in the tree, his mind wandered to the other day in the Gryffindor Locker room.

'Do you know where Hermione is?' Ron asked.

'Yeah, in the library, farthest right corner in the restricted section.' Harry said nonchalantly.

Ron cocked an eyebrow in question. Harry waved him the Maruanders Map from the other side of the tree. Ron chuckled, 'What is she doing there?'

'Avoiding me.' Harry replied with a lopsided grin.

'Why?'

'Because I read the letter from her parents.'

'What'd' you read it for then?'

'Well it's not like I knew what was on it! Hermione was blushing when she was reading it so Ginny snatched it from her, and then my curiosity got the best of me and I took it from Ginny.'

Ron groaned, 'Oh, that's just brilliant! Ginny knows? Now my parents are definitely going to know!'

'I know what?' Ginny pipped up, grabbing a branch and pulling herself up into the tree.

'That you're a pain in the rear end.' Ron grumbled.

'Hello Harry, Ron.' Luna said, pulling herself too up into the tree. The tree was now becoming crowded.

'Hello Luna.' Harry replied politely.

'Hey.' Ron said not as friendly.

'What's got your knickers in a twist?' Ginny said irritably at Ron.

Ron didn't say anything but crossed his arms across his chest childishly.

'The letter.' Harry answered, earning him a dagger look from Ron.

There was an awkward silence, which Luna filled in with humming quietly to herself while looking at a leaf, 'What letter?'

Everyone's muscles froze and when no one answered she finally turned away from the leaf and looked at them. 'Oh, if you don't want to tell me that's fine; I wouldn't want to intrude.'

Ginny smiled softly at Harry for a moment before dropping gracefully from the tree, 'Come on Luna, let's go see if there is any food left in the Hall to eat.'

Luna waved to Harry and Ron before dropping from the tree just as gracefully and skipping up the trail towards the castle, Ginny following.

'Did you notice she didn't have her cupcake earrings in?' Ron said after a moment.

'Maybe they were hurting her ears?' Harry tried to reason.

'Not likely, maybe the thing between her and Neville is a lot bigger. Like what the hell is a Nefron!'

'I'm not sure. Maybe you should ask her.' Harry smirked.

'I think I'll stick with having no clue.'

XX

Harry was pinning up the notice for when the next Quidditch practise would be up on the notice board when Liam came in and sat on the couch mumbling about vile first year Slytherin's.

'What'd they do this time?' Harry asked Liam curiously.

'What?' He spun around, 'Oh, they're all nutters they are! I was walking down one of the corridors near the second floor and they were all fighting, shooting spells at each other. So I tried to break it up and then Professor Flitwick came and saw us and we lost twenty house points because he thought I was fighting against them! Talk about misunderstanding!' He exasperated.

'Did they mention what they were fighting over?' Harry asked.

'I don't know, but they kept on mentioning failing something, and then another one would yell to the other one that they would of done it better.' He shrugged. 'Probably about homework or an assignment, you know how tough it was first year.'

Harry nodded his head in understanding. He liked Liam; Liam treated him like any other person, no special treatment. Liam tilted his head up a bit, getting a view of the notice board. 'When's the next practise?'

'Wednesday.'

'Great!' Liam exclaimed, dragging out a stack of books and his quill, his back towards Harry.

Harry laughed then tried to cover it up with a cough. Liam looked at Harry again, the question readable in his eyes.

'Did of any of the spells hit you?'

'No . . . Yeah, I think one. Why?'

'Oh, it's just that you have a burnt patch on the back of your head.' Harry chuckled.

Liam reached his hand through the back of his hair brown and stopped when he got to the thinned out part. 'Those Slytherin's! I swear . . .' He left the threat open. 'Merlin, and they just left me to walk through the school like this! Geez, I even walked past . . .' Liam's eyes widened and his cheeks seemed to redden a little.

Harry had the feeling that Liam must have had a crush on someone. Chuckling, Harry walked past and patted him on the shoulder, 'It's just hair mate.' He grinned, 'Are you a wizard or not? A simple spell can fix it.'

Liam began to mumble incoherently, looking at his homework, his eyebrows furrowed. 'Hey, Harry, could you help me with this one.' He motioned towards his parchment.

Harry came over and helped Liam till dinner, going up to his room only to retrieve his own homework before joining Liam again.

Harry and Liam walked into the Great Hall, hungry for some dinner. Harry noticed that Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Neville all were sitting down at the Gryffindor table, Harry slid down next to Ginny, who grasped his hand under the table. Keeping up the façade of ignoring Harry; Ginny continued her conversation with Neville.

Ginny's hand felt nice in Harry's, they were warm and soft. One time Harry thought he saw the corner of Ginny's mouth twitch into a smile while he was using his thumb to massage the back of her hand, but she frowned and composed her "I'm mad at Harry" poker-face.

'And it was like "boom!" and they all like, scampered away.' Neville described.

'Where do you think they all went?' Harry asked.

'I don't know; probably back to their Slytherin dungeon.'

'Ruddy Slytherin's! They're like everywhere they are. Hufflepuff's as well, you can't turn a corner of this castle without running into a dozen of them. I would have liked to have seen some new Gryffindor's this year, we only got three. Three!' Liam cried out.

'I know it was weird wasn't it? I checked the library; it's never happened before. The lowest there has been was fifteen, and that was for Ravenclaw.' Hermione stated.

'Hufflepuff got most of them though didn't they?' Ron asked.

'Yes, then obviously Slytherin.' Hermione said.

In Harry's head he mulled this over. If he could remember right – Slytherin were for the cunning students, meaning all the new Slytherin's (and there were a lot) were going to cause some trouble.

McGonagall stood up to the podium, her eyes gazing over the students. Slowly the hall quietened down and Harry felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. McGonagall had a look in her eye that meant trouble. 'Now, I don't want to end this day with something as ridiculous as this, but it's beginning to get out of hand.' She drew in a visible deep breath, 'No magic in the hallways. That means no fighting or duelling or what so ever! I can't stress this out any further, it's absurd that you think that just because you're at a school where you can learn magic it means that you can go blow something up!' Her eyes darted towards the Slytherin table but she tried to cover it up by making them continue across the hall to each other table.

'At the rate some of you first years are going, none of you will be seeing your second year! Going around the castle and picking fights with each other, blowing it up when it's just been re-built.' Her eyes meet Harry's. 'Some of us gave up everything just so that you can have a future,' she looked back at the Slytherin table, 'And by blowing it up is a poor way of repaying us.' Her stiff posture slumped a bit, meaning the worst was over. 'Any more students caught using magic in the corridors will have detention.' Her lips became tight. 'For a month.'

She waved her wand once in the air and the food began to pile up on the gold plates. Harry tucked into some chicken, watching Ginny out of the corner of his eye the whole time.

'Slytherin's will never change . . .'

Harry nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw Sir Nicholas sitting next to him, eyeing the Slytherin table.

'Hello Sir Nicholas.' Harry smiled.

'Hello Harry. Enjoying your meal?' He smiled politely back.

'Yes. How are you Sir Nicholas?'

'Good my boy, although Peeves has been quiet maddening, zooming about the third floor wreaking havoc as per usual.'

Harry chuckled.

'How about you? Coming back to Hogwarts unannounced like that; must be frustrating when you don't have a choice either.' Sir Nicholas asked tilting his head to the side slightly; careful not to tip his head too far as to make it slide off.

'It's endurable; just have to know how to make it more fun, that's the key.'

'Great to hear that you're making the most out of it.' He replied, 'Now if you excuse me, I want to have a word with Professor McGonagall before dinner is over.' And with that he got up and hovered his way down to McGonagall.

With their bellies full, everyone in the Great Hall made their way towards their dorms. Harry's hand empty and cold without Ginny's in it, he didn't know when the next time he would be able to hold it again would be but he hoped it would be soon.

Another Chapter complete! Yay! I even published it early :D

Okay, now the good stuff is going to happen :) hold onto your broomsticks or wands or . . . hats? It's going to be a bumpy ride!

Story of the Week: The Best Friend You Never Know You Had By Choices HP.