Ron and Hermione sat at the
lakeside, the Giant Squid catching Twisties wrappers with it's
tentacles, then throwing them straight into the nearby garbage bin
[for those who couldn't do vanishing charms yet] after realising
they weren't food. Many students were watching in amusement, eating
chocolate frogs or licking an every-flavour bean in apprehension and
giggling when they realised what it was.
Ron and Hermione weren't
like these students, though they were too using their tongues. Ron
wrapped his arm around Hermione and stared deeply into her
eyes.
"What are you doing?"
"I...I'm trying to be
romantic!"
"Well, stop it! You can be romantic some other
time." Hermione smiled at the bemused Ron, pressing her lips to his
in a fluid movement.
"I don't know what that Sparkler is
thinking, letting Bella fight with you. She's...well, be gentle.
They're just Sparklers, after all." Ron had gotten unbelievably
soft in his time with Hermione. She thought it was quite an
accomplishment. Hermione had also changed – it seemed they both had
for the other, and were now just as opposite as before.
"Ah,
see. We've got to go. Let's go join Harry in the library, eh?
We've gotta study to beat the Sparklers – though I think we can
beat them already pretty much –"
"Ooh, the library! Let's."
They moved through the grounds of the well-worn Hogwarts castle,
amongst those who were also practising their moves for the upcoming
event, or else enjoying the warm spring day. Spring, thought
Hermione in surprise. Usually it's at the end of the year for a
nice big build up and Harry angst-ing. Oh well.
"Dudley!" Screamed Uncle
Vernon, in one of his rants again. Dudley sighed. He had just taken
home a wrestling trophy, but the world was in a frenzy, so no one
noticed. "Move that blasted pointy, gold, shiny thing! We're
bloody going to fight with...with some of their lot."
"Vern
– on," said Aunt Petunia, pouting. "Must we? The Andrels
are coming and you know we owe them for last week's
dinner."
"Petunia." Uncle Vernon's lips quivered. "Do
you want those damned glitter freaks to win this?"
"N-no, of
course not – "
"Do you want this world to disappear
under a world of GLORIOUS AND DAZZLING – "
"And dazzlingly
glorious," intercepted Dudley quietly.
" - SPARKLY VAMPIRES?!
NO! I refuse to lose to those...those creatures, even if it means
having to socialise with their lot – "
"I realise
that, Vernon." Petunia snapped straight back. "But I already made
a pot roast, I didn't think we'd actually go – "
"Pot
roast? I could do with some pot roast." Dudley licked his
lips.
"Oh, sweetie! Of course you can have some. It's in the
kitchen. Use the mits."
"Use the mits?" said Dudley
indignantly. "I just won first place!"
"Sorry, dear."
Apologised Aunt Petunia, rushing to get the pot roast out. "I was
caught up." She cut the roast and slipped a thick helping onto a
plate. She passed the plate to Vernon and pushed the tray to Dudley.
"Eat up, duddiekins! I hope it's enough."
"Damn
Meyerpires," growled Uncle Vernon woefully.
