XxTHxX

"You're going to regret ever believing that you were good enough to yield a wand." Bellatrix hissed, sliding her knife teasingly down Hermione's arm.

"I n-never believed it." Hermione whispered in reply.

Bellatrix cracked a smile, the knife gleaming from the chandelier's light. "What was that dearie?"

Hermione took a deep breath. "I never b-believed it, I knew it."

Bellatrix cackled, pressing her knife into Hermione's skin. "I can't believe that you out-smarted my nephew."

Hermione winced at the slight pain in her arm. "I still can't believe that you have such a horrid voice."

Bellatrix's eyes darkened and narrowed as she clamped a hand over Hermione's mouth. "You filthy mudblood, I'll make you regret your words!"

Hermione forced back a scream as Bellatrix began to carve into her like a Jack O' Lantern. Tears sprang free from Hermione's eyes as the pain overwhelmed her. She felt her blood run down her arm and onto the cold floor.

"Tell me that you're a filthy mudblood." Bellatrix demanded, finally pulling the knife away from her skin and removing her mouth.

Hermione shook her head furiously, her arm throbbing painfully.

Bellatrix smacked her. "Say it!"

"N-No!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Crucio!" Bellatrix screeched in anger.

Hermione bit her lip as pain coursed through her veins and drilled into her bones. She arched her back, trying to find relief.

"Say it!" Bellatrix repeated when Hermione finally calmed down and was gasping for breath.

"Never." Hermione whispered with all her strength.

"Stupid vermin! Crucio!" Bellatrix shrieked, waving her wand.

Hermione shut her eyes and her hands buried themselves in the carpet as another round of torture began on her body. Her teeth tore into her lip as she forced back her screams.

Hermione rolled to the left side of her bed; she moved her pillow closer to her face and cuddled deeper into her soft pillow. She wiped her face with her sleeve, removing any trace of tears. Over and over, she'd watched that damned scene and it made her sick. It sickened her that it still affected her so, that she kept cringing just a little at dinner when Ron would tear into his steak with gusto and she would be brought back to that day at Malfoy Manor where she was the steak.

Her wand vibrated, letting her know that it was six in the morning. She touched it twice, turning it off. She blinked, forcing her negative thoughts aside. No, she wasn't going to dread on the past – she was going to face the day headstrong. With that thought, Hermione jumped up from her bed. She saw that the other girls were still asleep so she headed to the bathroom. She quickly brushed her teeth and used her deodorant.

Typically, Hermione would then hurry to wake up Ron and Harry for breakfast and then head to Hogsmead like they did every Sunday…but today she took a long look in the mirror and brushed away her crazy morning bed-hair. She started making faces in the mirror before she could stop herself. She mentally scolded herself for acting silly.

"Are you trying to look good for Ron?" Parvati asked sleepily, moving to stand beside her to turn on the faucet.

"N-I mean yes." Hermione quickly corrected herself, forcing the image of James and Sirius out of her mind.

Parvati smiled at her. "That's sweet; I always thought that you both would end up together. You make a cute couple!"

Hermione forced a smile back, suddenly feeling nauseous. "Thanks, it's nice to hear that coming from you."

Parvati nodded and started to brush her teeth. Hermione ruffled her hair, loosing up her tight curls and turned on her heels and left the room. She walked out of the room and headed to the Boys' Dormitory. When she faced the door, she thought about knocking, just in case, but she quickly dismissed the idea. Ron and Harry would expect her…and James and Sirius would just have to deal.

Her gaze zoned in on the only beds filled. She carefully walked to the one near her. She moved her feet around all the junk on the floor, being careful to not make a noise. She got right beside the mattress' frame and pounced on the unknowing victim.

"Hermione!" Harry shrieked in a high pitched tone as he scrambled off his bed.

"Morning 'Arry" Hermione mumbled, closing her eyes at the feel of his warm bed.

Harry shook his head and pulled her up. "There's no way in hell that you get to go back to sleep after that effing stunt."

Hermione smiled and gave him a hug which he automatically returned. She loved hugging Harry, platonically of course. He was the only thing that kept her from shrinking into a ball of self-loathing. His warmth anchored her and reminded her that she'd move on eventually – that the dreams would become less real and perhaps even less painful. Harry had gone through so much in his short life and taken it in stride, even when she knew that he was scared shitless.

"What the hell are you wearing?" a deep voice questioned.

Hermione tensed and turned around, seeing James and Sirius…naked...mostly. Her mouth went dry as she surveyed them. Sirius was standing next to the door, toweling his hair as small drops of water cascaded down his developed chest. A small towel hung around his waist, tied carelessly and Hermione wondered if it would hold…and she secretly wished that it wouldn't. His dark eyes were focused on her, well to be more exact – on her body. Heat flooded her body at the emotion held in his orbs, one that she couldn't identify but made her skin prickle and her body ache. However, he wasn't the one who spoke.

Her gaze went to his companion and to her surprise and utter astonishment – her body kept reacting. It wasn't fair that those two were allowed to be that gorgeous and to be near each other – they were like a wet dream rolled into reality. Sirius was slightly tanner than James and his muscles were more defined, but James held his own. His hair was down and dried, but his body was still wet and the contrast was mind-melting. James had a nice body that was kept into shape with enough muscles to make a girl go insane, but not too much to be a turn-off. His skin glistened and she had the urge to lick him, the thought forced her to blush prettily.

"Whatta mean? She's wearing pajamas." Harry responded, looking down at Hermione's clothes.

Hermione's gaze followed Harry's. She was wearing pajamas, one of her favorites as well. It wasn't exactly modest, but Harry and Ron had seen her in worse. They'd been on the run together and because of that, they were comfortable around each other when wearing anything or even nothing really.

Hermione wore a V-neck top that used to be loose on her, but recently she'd grown into it and it showed some of her cleavage – though it was modest compared to other girls' pjs. She wore boy shorts that showed off her leg muscles that she'd received during the War, but they reached the middle of her thighs.

"Prongs, that's what girls wear now-a-days." Sirius commented, his gaze still on Hermione's outfit.

James shook his head, but returned to grabbing some clothes out of Harry's trunk.

"You forgot Ron, Mione." Harry stated, rubbing his head.

Hermione's eyes grew with shock. She brushed past James and Sirius, ignoring the tingling feeling when she touched them, and headed for the remaining bed. Loud snores emitted from a deep red curtain that hid Ron's bed and at that moment, Ron as well. Hermione pulled back the curtains to reveal Ron snuggled deep in his covers. Her gaze went straight to where the snores were loudest. She pulled back his covers slowly, normally she'd wake Ron up with a quick snog – short only because of his morning breath…but today she found it hard to consider doing it.

She blinked and shamefully brought up the image of James and Sirius with their naked torsos and her body clenched in ecstasy, instantly aching for release. Her mouth quickly descended on Ron's. Ron shot up in response, not breaking their kiss and pulled her down onto his bed, his feet moving the curtain back into its' normal place. He pushed her underneath him and began to grab at her body, roughly. Her hands searched his figure, mostly familiar with his build.

The image of James and Sirius was faded and so was her need. Her hands went underneath Ron's shirt – feeling ashamed of her little secret and wanting to be turned on by her boyfriend and not her best friend's father and godfather. She'd always loved the feel of Ron's small abs and how they felt against her. They weren't flashy and sexy like theirs, but they made her blood boil and made it harder for her to resist Ron and his advances. Her hands met his warm skin and were shocked to feel…a sort of softness. While she could still feel the hint of abs underneath, something soft covered it.

"Will you two stop? It's only six in the bloody morning!" Harry yelled from outside the curtain.

Ron groaned, but pulled himself off of her and got up while she laid there thinking. Was she imagining things? Last night, Ron had pulled her aside for a last moment snog and he had felt and looked normal – if not in more shape than usual because of Quidditch practice. Hermione shook her head; she probably just wanted to find a reason to stop the intense make-out session.

"I'm going to go take a shower; I'll meet you guys at breakfast." Ron announced as Hermione pulled the curtains back and stood beside Harry.

"Yeah, whatever." Harry responded as he decked on a random t-shirt.

Ron grabbed a towel and quickly sped off. Hermione sat on Harry's bed and quietly waited for the others to get dressed.

"What about you then?" Sirius asked suddenly.

"Hm?" Hermione half-heartedly asked.

"Clothes! Are you going to bloody wear that in front of everyone?" James huffed as he ran his hand through his hair.

Harry glanced at his father in wonder while Hermione pulled out her wand and used it to tap her pants. Her shorts became jeans that had holes in the knee-caps due to her using them constantly. They were a bit loose on her, but she really didn't care.

"What about your shirt?" Sirius asked, his eyes dark and cloudy as they stared at her…breasts?

Harry looked at the shirt in question. "Looks fine, actually looks good on you Mione."

Hermione beamed. "Why thank you Harry."

"It's not appropriate!" James hissed, his eyes burrowing into hers.

Hermione broke eye contact and chuckled. "You'll be surprised, Mr. Potter, by everyone's normal outfits when we enter the Great Hall."

James scowled, but dropped the subject though they could hear him muttering to himself. "We'll be able to get you both supplies today at Hogsmead after breakfast." Harry commented as he quickly wiped one of his lenses with a purple cloth.

"Sounds good, even I like to wear my own underwear." Sirius replied thoughtfully.

James snorted and Sirius turned to glance at his friend. "Got something to say Prongs?"

James smirked and replied. "Nothing you'd want to hear Padfoot."

Sirius frowned and began to whine. "Man, we agreed that we'd never keep secrets from each other!" His mind went to his kept secret, but brushed the thought aside.

Harry smiled at his dad. "Sharing is caring, you know."

James grinned at his son. "Let's just say that I've walked in on Padfoot here, while he was wearing a different type of underwear – less comfortable than yours and owned by the opposite sex; it looked like you enjoyed it Padfoot."

"What do you m-"Harry began before it dawned on him. Harry threw his head back laughing with his father joining in and Sirius huffing in the background

Hermione forced back a laugh and pushed her hair back and started to head for the door. "We'd better go eat breakfast then so we can get to Hogsmead before it's too crowded."

"Go on Mione. We'll meet you down there." Harry told her, sitting down on his bed and putting on his shoes.

Hermione nodded and left the room. James and Sirius shuffled around the room, grabbing a pair of extra shoes from Harry's trunk.

"So, what's up with you both?" Harry asked suddenly, his eyes piercing them both.

James smiled and came over to sit by his son. "What do you mean?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "You're both acting strange…especially with Hermione."

Sirius thought about telling Harry about what Helga told him, but refrained – he'd keep it a secret for now. "I'm not sure what you're talking about."

Harry frowned. "Stop it, I'm not stupid and I'm not blind either."

James sighed and made up an excuse. "It's just a little weird being here with everything new and all. We're probably just taking it out on Hermione, because she's the only person other than you that's been around us."

Harry, who had heard many lies in his eighteen years of life, could easily detect James' lie. It hurt a little that his father could lie to him so effortlessly, but instead of continuing to pester them – he dropped it. He figured that eventually the truth would come out in the end.

Harry nodded. "Let's go join the others then; big day ahead of us and all."

The three boys exited the room. Two of them were guilty from hiding secrets from their last living relative (a mental and physical one!) and from each other. One was wondering about the spoken lie…what were the others hiding? And why did it involve Hermione?

XxTHxX

"Won-Won!" Lavender screeched, her nails digging into Ron's milky back.

Ron continued to grip her hips tightly as he entered her hard and fast, her shrieking was starting to bother him, but he was so close to release…only a few moments longer.

Lavender moaned, crying out his name – finally his birth given name and not that awful nickname. He didn't know if he was hurting her…and honestly he really didn't care at all. He pictured Hermione beneath him, moaning softly – maybe even screaming out his name…but in a less shrill voice. The thought made him tense and erupt inside Lavender. He pulled out and grabbed his bath towel and started to clean himself.

Lavender crawled over to him and kissed him aggressively. "One more round before you go?"

Ron shook his head. "I have too much to do today, maybe later tonight?" He barely paid attention to her frown, he'd gotten what he wanted from her and he really couldn't stand to be near her right now.

"Are you going to be with Hermione?" Lavender asked, twirling a strand of her hair.

"Course I am, it's a Hogsmead day. I'll probably end up taking her out on a short date or something." Ron announced, grabbing his button up shirt off of a chair.

"Why are you still with her?" Lavender whined.

Ron rolled his eyes. "She's my girlfriend, Lavender."

Lavender stood up and walked over to him. "Then why are you sleeping with me? Why not dump her and then we could go out and be able to screw around anytime and anywhere, without watching our backs."

"Lavender, we've talked about this, once everything calms down – I'll break up with her." Ron lied effortlessly, truthfully whenever Hermione finally gave into him, he'd dump Lavender.

Lavender frowned, but grabbed her clothes and left. Ron started to button his shirt, not noticing that his once loose shirt was tight around his stomach.

XxTHxX

James sat next to Sirius at the long table; they both were filling their plates up eagerly. He couldn't help but send jealous looks at Hermione and Harry, who were whispering softly to each while being close to each other – too close for his comfort honestly. He tried to brush those thoughts aside, this was his son for God's sake! Anyway, Harry wasn't the threat…it was that Ronald boy. A picture of the red-headed weasel entered his mind and rage flooded throughout his body. The boy didn't deserve Hermione, especially since James knew completely that the weasel was cheating on Hermione. The only question was why didn't Hermione notice all the obvious signs?

Sirius stabbed his scrambled eggs and shoved them into his mouth. It felt like he hadn't eaten in years, though he only realized how hungry he was when he was surrounded by all this delicious food. Even though he was feeding himself, the void inside him was still unsatisfied and craving something…something else. A soft giggle interrupted his thoughts and brought his attention to the mystery sitting across from him. She was laughing at something that Harry said apparently; he felt the rush of jealously surge through his body and his hand instantly gripped his fork tighter. He shouldn't be feeling this – he'd never acted this way around Hermione when he was…alive. He did have to admit that he didn't actually spend much time with her, even though he'd always had a soft spot for the girl…but he continuously contributed that to her saving him from the dementers. He hungrily bit into his toast, but knew that this wouldn't fill him…only she could.

James tried to catch his son's attention. "Harry?"

Harry's head shot up and gave his attention solely to his father. "Yes?"

James cleared his throat. "When do you think we can head down to Hogsmead?"

Sirius quickly joined in. "I'm almost done actually, what about you guys?"

Harry grinned. "Hermione and I were just talking about that. We're going to head down to the shops after Ron joins us."

Instead of smiling, James and Sirius both forced back a frown. They'd both really just wanted to spend the day with Harry…..and Hermione of course.

Hermione graced them with a tentative smile. "Ron will be here soon then we'll start the day. Did you need anything Harry?"

Harry rubbed his chin in thought. "Not really, though I'll probably head to the Quidditch shop and check out the new equipment."

Hermione nodded in understanding. "I'll grab some ink and parchment to refill our supplies."

Harry nudged her in the ribs as Ginny walked towards them, wearing her Quidditch practice uniform. "Hiya, Harry!"

Harry softly blushed and smiled at her. "What's up Ginny? What's with the uniform?"

Ginny's eyes went wide. "Don't tell me that Ron forgot to tell you!"

Harry frowned slightly. "He might have. What was he supposed to tell me?"

"We need to practice today to get Seamus into shape for our game next week!" Ginny exclaimed.

"I-I can't do it today, I need to help them." Harry gestured to James and Sirius.

Ginny looked at the two boys and her eyes clouded with confusion. "Who are they?"

Hermione shook her head. "Might want to sit down for this one Gin."

Ginny followed Hermione's advice and sat next to Harry. "What's going on?"

Harry took of his glasses and started to clean them. "Ginny, meet my dad. You already know Sirius."

"What? How is that possible?" Ginny asked in shock.

"It's hard to explain really-"Hermione began, but was interrupted.

"They're a gift." Luna said, coming up and sitting by Hermione.

Harry's eyes brightened when they saw her, but they quickly returned to Ginny. Harry chuckled softly. "That's the short version, they were sent to me – but I'm not sure why really."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Maybe because you saved the world." Harry blushed.

"No they're not." Luna stated, putting some bacon on Hermione's plate, while Hermione tried to put them on Luna's.

"What do you mean?" Ginny asked, pursing her lips – her dislike for the girl showing.

"They're not here for Harry." Luna stated like it was common knowledge.

"Now, Hermione eat some of this or you'll get sick again." Luna demanded, looking Hermione in the eyes with a serious expression.

"Honestly, Luna." Hermione moaned, wrinkling her nose at the unwanted food.

"Luna, you didn't answer." Harry reminded her, fully curious.

Ginny eyes hardened and tried to bring Harry's attention back to her. "Honestly, don't act like you know everything Luna!"

James and Sirius remained silent, they were also quite curious to see how much Luna knew and how much she would reveal. However, both of their stomachs clenched in anxiety – they might be ratted out….then what would happen? How would Harry react? H-How would Hermione react?

Luna's gaze drifted and landed on the two boys across from her. Sirius gulped while James steeled himself. Luna gave them a small smile. "Why should I ruin the surprise?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and took a bite out of her toast. Harry scratched his head in confusion while Ginny huffed angrily. Sirius took a sip of his pumpkin juice while James tapped his fork against his empty plate.

"Where's Ronald?" Luna asked Hermione.

"Huh?" Hermione questioned, her mind elsewhere as she watched James' arms flex as he gripped his fork more and more causing an annoying racket to erupt from his plate.

"Your boyfriend and current love of your life, you know?" Ginny teased, clearly amused and noticing where Hermione's attention was at. Hermione blinked and looked up, a sweet smile filling her face.

"Right here, babe." Ron announced, giving Hermione a tender kiss that made Sirius and James tenser if that was possible.

Ginny frowned. "You forgot to tell Harry, Ron."

Ron scrunched up his nose. "Tell him what? That you're single again?"

Harry blushed and Ginny's face turned red with anger. Only Hermione noticed Luna's hurt look.

"You buffoon! I meant about the urgent practice!" Ginny screeched then turned around and stormed off.

"That's today?" Ron asked, piling up his plate with everything that was close to him.

"Apparently, I guess we'll have to take you both later then." Harry sighed disappointedly.

"That's alright sport, there is always next time." Sirius told him with a grin.

"Yeah, go be Captain and all." James told him proudly.

"Hermione and I could take them." Luna announced out of nowhere.

"What?" Ron asked surprised, a bit of eggs spilling out of his open mouth.

"Close your mouth Ronald." Hermione scolded, disgusted by her boyfriend's habits.

"Would you mind Hermione?" Harry begged.

Hermione shook her head. "It'd be no bother at all."

"B-But what about you going to our practice? You're my personal cheerleader Mione!" Ron whined.

Hermione patted Ron's shoulder. "I'll make it up to you later, yeah?"

"She'll be okay, we'll protect her – won't we Prongs?" Sirius joked – desperately wanting to spend time with Hermione, maybe even get to touch her during their trip.

"A friend of Harry's is a friend of mine." James states slyly, feeling intensely jealous of Ron.

"Are you sure Mione?" Ron pleaded…something in his gut told him that he shouldn't – no that he couldn't leave his girlfriend with those two.

Hermione smiled and kissed his cheek. "Of course, it'll only take a few minutes to grab their clothes and head back. We might even get back in time to watch some of your practice; you can show me that ultra-secret move that you've been working on."

Harry snickered and began to tease his friend. "That's if Ron's broom can hold him up anymore. Might want to slow down on the grub."

Ron laughed and patted his stomach, not feeling how tight the fabric was stretched on his growing form though it didn't help that Ron had begun to wear extremely tight shirts to show off his recent Quidditch figure. "I'm in the best shape on my life!"

Hermione got up and grabbed her handbag. "We might as well head off so we can get back in time. Good luck Harry!"

James and Sirius followed her after saying their good-byes, but Luna remained. "I'll be there in a moment!"

Ron huffed and wiped his greasy face. "I need to grab my uniform, I'll go ahead and snatch yours as well Harry. I'll meet you in the locker room."

Harry couldn't help but feel a little jealous of Hermione. He'd just got back his family and wanted to spend quality time with them, especially with James since he hadn't had a chance to know him or anything about him. He brushed those feelings aside, he'd get to spend time with both of them – they had the rest of their lives to know each other….though it hurt that neither of them were bothered that he couldn't go with them to Hogsmead, instead they looked a little relieved and - dare he say it? – Glad?

"Harry?"

Harry snapped his head in Luna's direction. "Yes?"

Luna smiled and placed her hand on his. "I'm jealous."

Harry blinked in misunderstanding. "What?"

Luna inclined her head and tried to explain. "Hermione is one of my few friends and a very recent one as well."

"How is that rele-"Harry started.

"There are moments where I have to remember that I have to share her with others – namely you and Ron. Hermione is actually quite social and I get jealous when I can't spend as much time as I want to with her. It's not her fault either; she doesn't see that I like to have her all to myself sometimes." Luna explained

"They're my family Luna and I can't help but feel unimportant in their eyes right now." Harry confessed, looking into his empty goblet.

"It's different for them, they don't see that. James is still adjusting to you not being a baby, he was only twenty when he died and barely adjusting to being a dad….and Sirius doesn't register that he has been dead for the past two-almost three years." Luna continued, squeezing his hand in comfort.

"You're right, as always." Harry joked, smiling up at her.

"Don't you forget that Mr. Potter." Luna replied with a small grin.

"Watch after her today, will you?" Harry asked, worry clouding in his green eyes.

"You mean Hermione?" Luna looked up at him as she grabbed her own bag.

"Yeah, she's been acting rather odd these past few days." Harry confided.

Luna frowned. "I thought she was doing better."

Harry shook her head. "I-It's hard to explain really, but she's been distant with Ron and even me at times and she looks so tired and worn out."

Luna got off the bench. "I think she's been having nightmares."

Harry shrugged. "She hasn't mentioned it me."

Luna looked at him with a serious expression. "She doesn't like to bother others with her problems. You know that more than anymore."

Harry got up and walked with Luna to the double doors. "Just-will you watch out for her?"

Luna bit her lip. "Who says I haven't been?"

XxTHxX

"Will Luna know where we are?" Sirius asked Hermione as they sat in Maulkin's Extravagant Clothing store, waiting for James to finish trying on his selection of clothes.

Hermione reached down deep into her handbag. "Sure she will. I've brought my necklace with me."

Sirius smiled at her, not understanding a bit. "How does that help?"

"It's a friendship necklace that tells both wearers where each other are." Hermione stated quickly, pulling out a silver chain that held a small onion on it.

Sirius bent down to look at it. "That's a rather odd looking necklace."

Hermione chuckled. "It's exactly Luna's taste. She likes random things and loves to wear them. This is actually low-key for her."

Sirius scrunched up an eye. "You don't say?"

Hermione smirked. "I think you heard me Mister Black."

"It's Sirius." He whispered; his face close to hers.

Hermione's eyes darted to his lips and back up to his captivating eyes. Her tongue darted out and moisturized her own lips. Sirius mentally moaned at her action. He'd never wanted to kiss a girl this much. Hell! He ached to hold her….to caress her golden skin that called to him in seductive whispers.

"What's serious?" She replied breathily like she'd ran a mile within seconds. Her blood pounding in her ears…her only thought was if he tasted as good as he looked.

"He's Sirius." James drawled, entering the room – carrying his numerous clothes.

Hermione's head jerked away from Sirius's. "Did everything fit?"

James glared at Sirius before turning to look at Hermione. "Nothing that I can't fix myself."

Hermione smiled, though James noticed that it didn't reach her eyes fully. "That's great! What else do you guys need here?"

Sirius rubbed his chin for a moment. "I think we're done here. What about you Prongs?"

James nodded in agreement. "I'll go ahead and pay for this."

Hermione stopped him. "I'll pay for Sirius and your things. Why don't you both go ahead and check out the Quidditch store? I'll stop by the bookstore before I meet up with you all there."

Sirius and James frowned. "I can't let you pay for my things." James remarked stubbornly.

Hermione huffed. "Neither of you have any money on you right now. It's the least I can do for you guys. "

Sirius tried to pull his stuff away from her. "It's not going to happen. James and I can wait for the bank to open next week and buy these then."

Hermione took a deep breath. "If it bothers you both so much, then you can pay me back next week then. Seriously, this won't take a tiny dent out of my savings." James and Sirius both refused and all three continued to fight.

"You know that by fighting with Hermione over this matter, you'll miss out on watching Harry in action." Luna interrupted.

James and Sirius looked at each other and reluctantly agreed. "We're paying you back as soon as we can." James stated, reminding her.

"Of course." Hermione replied.

"Head down to the shop without us." Luna told the boys.

Sirius and James left, not wanting to have to fight with Luna or Hermione again.

Hermione turned to her friend with gratitude in her eyes. "Thanks."

Luna patted her hand and grabbed some of the clothes. "No problem."

"They were starting to drive me crazy." Hermione explained while heading to the front of the store.

"I would be surprised if they didn't get on your nerves. Did I miss anything?" Luna asked, walking beside Hermione.

Hermione instantly blushed, thinking about her almost kiss with Sirius. "Um…"

"Now you have to spill." Luna exclaimed, noticing her friend's blush.

They reached the counter and laid out all their purchases. The assistant owner smiled at them and began calculating the total.

"Come on!" Luna encouraged, smiling happily at her friend.

"IthinkIalmostkissedSirius!"Hermione muttered, speaking as fast as she could.

"You didn't!" Luna gasped.

"You understood me?" Hermione asked, taken back.

"Don't change the subject!" Luna rebuked.

Hermione ducked her head down and whispered. "James interrupted before it happened….Oh God! I almost cheated on Ron! I wanted to cheat on Ron!"

"All that matters is that you didn't." Luna replied quietly.

"Luna…I still want to cheat on him with Sirius….or James." Hermione told her friend.

Before Luna could answer, the man announced the price. "That'll be fifty galleons and seventeen knuts."

Hermione quickly pulled out her wallet and handed the change to the man. Hermione grabbed the bags and exited the store with Luna alongside her.

"I think that's a normal reaction." Luna concluded, looking at her friend in concern.

"Not for me it isn't." Hermione frowned. "I almost cheated on-on the love of my life!"

"Are you sure?" Luna asked, not believing Hermione.

"O-Of course!" Hermione hesitated, but recovered quickly.

"It's not your fault. James and Sirius are both extremely attractive men." Luna clarified.

"Yeah…I'll just have to control myself until I get used to them and their appearances." Hermione stated, already making a plan to distance herself from the overly attractive males.

"Good, now can we get that new book on Gnarles and their mating rituals?" Luna begged, her eyes twinkling with her newfound knowledge.

"Are you sure that they wrote a book about Gnarles?" Hermione asked uncertainly.

"Definitely, daddy helped write it." Luna enlightened her.

XxTHxX

"Don't do that." James demanded, holding back his anger from before.

"Do what? Look at the equipment? You'd have to kill me Prongs." Sirius grinned at him and then looked back at the different broom models.

"Don't act cute Padfoot. Don't flirt with Harry's friend." James drawled out slowly.

"I'm not flirting, I'm just being friendly." Sirius defended himself.

"I don't see you being that friendly to that Luna girl." James remarked.

"Hermione and I got history." Sirius stated, trying to refocus on the brooms.

"What do you mean?" James growled, upset and extremely jealous. Hermione WAS his!

"Calm down, what's your problem man?" Sirius exclaimed, annoyed at James' behavior.

James quickly thought of a lie. "I just don't want Hermione getting hurt and causing Harry to get hurt by that and him being mad at us!"

Sirius shook his head. "I won't hurt her, trust me." After all, Hermione was his soul-mate.

"You better not Padfoot." James told him before storming off to a different part of the store.

James found himself by the Quidditch gloves and calmed himself down by looking at the different types. He searched through the stacks and looked at the numerous 'custom' features that went with certain gloves; there was one that could withstand any temperature, one that could help lengthen your hand through the course of a year, and there was even a funny one that would change the wearer's hand color from their mood.

He wondered if Harry used gloves and if so – what type did he prefer? He'd have to ask and surprise him with a new pair next week.

"Harry needs new gloves." Hermione stated, standing oh so close to him. He could feel her body heat dance around on his arm.

"He does?" James asked slowly.

"Yeah, he's been talking about getting some dragon leather gloves so they'll last longer than his usual griffin gloves." Hermione explained, edging closer to James. James realized that if he only inched his hand a tad to the side, he'd be able to touch her porcelain skin.

"Really? I don't see any of those." James recalled; his gaze on the numerous pairs…but his mind on her body.

"They're really popular right now, but there's a box right there." Hermione reached past him to grab the lone container.

She grasped the square box, moving closer towards him. When she straightened her spine after grabbing the object, she accidently bumped into him. He knew it was going to happen, but the thought of it didn't compare to the real deal. Her warm skin heated up his naturally cold body.

"Oops, sorry!" Hermione excused herself as she looked up at him with a small smile on her face.

Her face was so close to his that his body wouldn't listen to his brain anymore. He shoved her against the racks and pressed himself into her. His body molded into hers. Where he was hard, she was soft and he couldn't help but wish to bury himself in her warm cocoon. His head went to the curve of her neck and he inhaled her sweet, innocent smell. She smelled of home and he'd never admit it to anyone but it brought tears to his eyes. She was HIS and he wouldn't deny it anymore.

He lifted his head and looked at her shocked face, he bent down and tried to capture her plump lips and taste her….maybe she'd taste like home as well. Small hands halted him from tasting her – tasting perfection.

"Mr. Potter, I think this is hardly appropriate." Hermione forced out, her heart racing and her body aching to meet his lips halfway.

"My name." He whispered softly, looking into her eyes.

"Wha-a?" Hermione faltered, heat creeping up her body from seeing the desire in his depths.

"My name." He growled, pressing himself against her.

"James….I have a b-boyfriend…and I'm not a replacement for your wife." Hermione whispered, feeling his hard-on and yearning to satisfy his needs and hers at the same time.

"Hermione?" Luna called out from somewhere in the store.

"I'm here!" Hermione yelled, pushing James aside and heading to the direction of her friend's voice.

"It seems that I'm not the one we have to worry about Prongs." Sirius barked, coming up beside James.

"You were acting the same before." James reminded him.

"No, Hermione and I were whispering to each other. You had her up against the wall and as close as possible to her. There is a vast difference, my friend." Sirius whispered angrily, trying not to attract attention.

"You would've done the same if it was you in my position Padfoot." James rationalized calmly.

"You might get Harry mad by doing that to his friend….his taken friend." Sirius told him seriously before stomping off.

James sighed and rubbed his head, trying his best to get Hermione out of his mind.

Sirius stormed off to find Hermione, feeling obsessively jealous of James. Dammit! He was Hermione's soul-mate, not James! She should be all over him, not James! However, she'd rejected James and not him. He'd have to proceed carefully and get her to make the move first before seizing her as his for good.

XxTHxX

"Good job, guys! Let's meet back here this Friday!" Harry called out to his fellow companions. Harry left to go change and to take a long, warm shower to soothe his aching muscles.

"Hey!" Ginny called out, running up to catch him.

"Hey to yourself as well." Harry grinned, slowing down his pace to fit hers.

"It's true by the way." Ginny announced shyly.

"What's true?" Harry asked confused.

"I am single and I am interested." Ginny replied quickly.

"Oh? I-Interested in w-what?" Harry stuttered.

"You of course….that is if you're not interested in Luna." Ginny stated, stopping Harry with her hand.

"L-Luna? Why would you think that? I'm interested in you!" Harry exclaimed.

"Good. I'll see you later then? We can hang out….and stuff." Ginny explained, beginning to walk away.

"Wait does that mean that we're together?" Harry yelled out worriedly.

"Duh!" Ginny yelled back, turning to glance behind at him.

Harry grinned with happiness…but something tugged at his heart. His mind flooded with pictures of a blond-haired girl that had been haunting his dreams since school had restarted.

XxTHxX

"It's time for lunch; do you think they'll have enough pudding Hermione?" Luna asked, radiating with excitement.

"Sure and if they don't then we'll steal Ron's." Hermione teased, swinging her friend's hand back and forth as they walked or rather skipped to the Grand Hall. James and Sirius followed slightly behind them; ignoring each other and trying to catch Hermione's eye.

"I'm sure Ron won't mind, the Ragones say that he'll be generous with the pudding." Luna chatted eagerly.

Hermione nodded. "If I have to, I'll encourage him to share."

Luna smirked. "I'm sure that he'd enjoy that. Do you guys like pudding?"

James replied automatically. "Can't say that I hate it, but I do enjoy the occasional bite."

Sirius nodded. "It's a nice end to a good meal."

Luna elbowed Hermione. "You might have to convince them to share as well."

Hermione laughed. "You can starve then without your precious pudding."

Luna frowned. "Oh come on! Not even a tad bit funny!"

Hermione stuck out her tongue. "It's my mouth that you're whoring out for pudding."

Luna rolled her eyes. "It's not my fault that nobody enjoys my lips as much as yours."

Hermione hummed. "They say my lip-gloss is cool."

Luna huffed. "This is not the time to make a muggle reference."

"You guys go ahead. I'm going to go clean up the dorm room." Hermione told them and headed for the stairs.

"Don't die!" Luna yelled.

"I can't promise anything!" Hermione replied.

Luna laughed and continued on her way to the Great Hall with James and Sirius following her.

"She's not happy." Luna randomly announced, a dreamy look to her eyes as both boys glanced at her.

"Why do you say that?" Sirius questioned her.

"I know her and I know that she's shielding her true emotions." Luna answered.

"Why haven't you done anything to help her then?" James probed.

"How can you help someone that won't admit that they're not happy to themselves?" Luna asked them back.

XxTHxX

Hermione finished making up Harry's side of the room and discarded all of his dirty clothes into the magical hamper that sent them to the house elves to clean. She mentally yelled at herself for using them for her own gain like this, but she'd make it up by helping them later tonight and tomorrow.

Hermione braced herself for cleaning up Ron's side, but she might as well bite the bullet. She made his bed first and threw away all the random piles of trash that surrounded his bed and even underneath it. She grabbed up all of his worn clothes and threw them into the hamper. She sat down on Ron's bed for a moment before noticing a shirt sticking out of one of Ron's drawers.

Hermione pulled it out and saw that it had a few grass stains on the back of the mostly white dress shirt. She walked towards the hamper and was about to dump the top inside it as well, when a purple mark caught her attention. It was a lipstick stain on the collar. Her eyes widened dramatically as she thought of all the possibilities.

She crumpled the top up and threw it in the hamper….she must have made the stain on one of the midnight strolls that Ron took her on. She must have gotten carried away and left that mark on his collar without realizing it. However, a voice nagged at her…..because she had never owned purple lipstick or even wore it once.

XxTHxX

"She's not doing anything?" Helga yelled outraged.

"Calm down." Rowena reminded her.

"She just ignored proof that the weasel is cheating on her!" Helga continued, smashing an unused candle against the opposite wall.

"Helga, calm down." Rowena raised her voice slightly.

"How can you watch this? Watch our little girl ignore all the signs that point out the weasel? He's going to hurt her!" Helga yelled out, throwing her hands around the place – knocking over a few objects as well.

"She'll see it soon or someone will bring it to her attention…namely Harry or Luna." Rowena announced softly.

"He deserves to pay for the pain he's going to bring her!" Helga screeched.

"He will, Helga. He will, just continue to watch with me." Rowena told her friend, as the screen flickered over to Hermione joining the others at lunch; acting normally but a small frown playing at her lips as she looked at her boyfriend.