A/N: First off, welcome back. Second, Beta's done a dissappearing act once more, so no beta again. Anyone up to do it instead, PM me.

Harry watched all three girls closely the next morning. They were all excited about something, and their excitement was only getting stronger as the morning went on. Even Hermione was visibly excited, breaking out into short bursts of giggles. This had him worried: Hermione never giggled like this before.

They finished their Charms work before eleven. Another thing that worried Harry was that Hermione didn't push for them to start on the next bit of work, but instead suggested they head upstairs for bit. When he saw all three of them go into her room with cheeky smiles on their faces however, he grew very worried indeed.

'Surely she's not up to something... right?' He wondered as he stepped into the study, now his bedroom while he stayed here. Despite having to share the space, Harry felt far more welcome at the Grangers than he ever had at the Dursleys, or even the Burrow. Seeing that Hedwig was awake, he smiled as he walked over to her. "Much nicer here than Privett, right?"

His owl snapped her beak at him, clearly agreeing. As he gently stroked the back of her head, he thought about how she had the freedom to fly here, not be cooped up like she would at Privett Drive.

Thinking about her flying reminded Harry of his other friends, those not staying here. Deciding to use the time he had free, he pulled out a few sheets of parchment and a pen.

Neville,

How are things going with you? Your gran okay about your wand? Things have been very nice here with Hermione and her family. Not to mention Susan and Daphne. I can see how they became friends with Hermione. They both are good people.

Harry considered for a moment asking if Neville had heard from Hannah, since the two of them appeared to be getting along very well on the train, but decided not pry. It was Neville's business, to share if he chose to.

Harry wrote for a couple minutes more, asking about Neville's holiday plans, as well as thanking him for risking his life at the Department of Mysteries. He apologised for leading him into the trap. Thinking ahead, Harry enquired if Neville would step up and help him run the DA again next year. Although unspoken nor written, it was clear that Ron was no longer part of the group.

Smiling now, Harry decided to share his new closeness with Hermione.

Just to let you know Hermione and I are now a couple. We had a talk the other morning, and have decided to see if we can take things further. He paused, considering, before writing again with some trepidation. I'm not sure what she meant by it, but Hermione talked about our relationship including Daphne and Susan as well. Please keep this to yourself, as you know what the rest of the school would think. Can you picture Ron's reaction?

Once again, thanks for being such a good friend Neville.

Harry

Looking up as he rolled up the parchment, he saw Hedwig's eyes were fixed on the letter, as if she'd been watching him write. "Hey girl, fancy a flight?" He asked softly.

Hedwig answered with a positive shuffling-bark, prompt a smile to form on Harry's face. After attaching the letter to her leg, he looked her in the eye. "That's for Neville Hedwig. I don't know if he has access to owls himself, so could you stay there for a reply?"

Another positive shuffling noise, and Hedwig launched herself out the window. Harry watched her wing into the distance.

"Harry!"

Susan's panicked voice snapped his gaze round to see her stood in the doorway, eyes slightly wide.

"What is it?"

"It's Hermione. She just got a letter..."

In an instant Harry moved quickly forwards, moving past Susan towards Hermione's bedroom. Even from across the hall he could hear her muttering curses and insults... as well as the rapid fluttering of wings...

He paused as he stepped into her room, shaking his head at the sight. Hermione was pacing, a scowl set on her face. Daphne appeared to have crawled half up the bed, her back to the headboard.

And flying around like some overgrown snitch was Pigewigeon, Ron's hyperactive Scoops Owl.

Harry's groan appeared to have cut through Hermione's anger, as she paused and looked at him, one eyebrow raised. In reply he gestured to the still circling owl. "Ron being himself again?"

For a moment it looked like Hermione would resume her rant, but then she just seemed to fold in on herself and sat on the end of the bed. Wordlessly she passed a letter to him.

Hey Hermry,

Whats up with Harry? The gits acting weird, hanging with snakes and duffers, even if they are lookers. Must be using his fame to get the girls. Were going to have to rein him in. Cant have him go all dark on us, which if he starts haging around those snakes he will. Gin Mum'll keep him in li on the straight and narrow.

When you coming round here? We can have loads of fun sh. You must be eager to get away from those dreadfully dull muggles, back into our world. We shouldn't mix with them, you know? Their too stupid to understand. You really ought to spend the summer with m us all the time. Youre not gonig to need much; mumll fix every thing. She also made you the cakes. They brillent! You must have them! See yu very soon

Ron

Harry looked up at Hermione, then to the small basket that was resting on the other side of the bed. The cover was still intact. He looked back at her, concern clear in his eyes. "You think..." he began, trailing off.

"I don't want to..." Hermione said quietly. "...But I do. She's been hinting that we should get together ever since the end of Third year. Same with you and Ginny. Remember what she did at... Headquarters?"

Harry nodded, thinking back to all the cleaning tasks Mrs Weasley had foisted onto them, to keep them away while the Order met. She had paired them as such, or as a group. Never had he been set on a task with Hermione alone.

"So what set you off?"

Hermione scowled. "The way he spoke about my parents. 'Too stupid to understand'? 'Dreadfully dull'? He hasn't even met them! How can he..."

"It's Ron. That's enough." Harry cut her off gently.

Hermione stopped, before relaxing with a sigh.

Harry looked again at the letter, noting the crossings out. Just what had Ron been thinking when he wrote this? At a gesture from Daphne, he passed the letter to her after Hermione nodded. Susan leaned in to read it with the blonde. After a couple of minutes, in which both girls has visibly tensed, Daphne lowered the letter looking thoughtful. Over at the desk Hermione was just finishing off a letter in reply. As she folded it up she glanced at the still flying owl. "Harry..." She began.

"Sorry, I just sent a letter to Neville." Harry apologised, his eyes fixed on the tiny swooping owl.

"That's okay." Hermione replied before holding the letter she'd just written up. "Pig?" she called hopefully, trying to entice the little owl down.

Pig either didn't hear or didn't care, as he continued to flap around, blissfully ignorant of Hermione's increasingly frustrated attempts. Finally Harry jumped up and grabbed the owl mid-flight, his hand coming down over Pigs' back and pinning his wings to his side. A little shocked at how well he'd done, Harry brought Pig over to Hermione, who was looking at him with a mixture of awe and desire.

"Here, I'll hold him." Harry told her, using his free hand to hold Pigs' frantically kicking legs still. The little owl didn't appear distressed in any way, just incapable of holding still. Once she'd attached the letter and the shrunken, unopened pack of cakes to his leg Hermione bent over the little owl, using her hand to hold his head so she could look into his eyes.

"Go to Ron. Back to Ronald Weasley."

Pig emitted one high-pitched screech, before Harry stepped to the window and let go. Screeching once more, the tiny owl rocketed off, nearly crashing into a tree in his excitement. Shaking his head at the owl, Harry turned back to meet Hermione's gaze. She was looking at him with desire in her eyes again.

"Thank you Harry. I really struggle with that owl." She said softly before stepping closer and leaning in. Harry responded almost by automatic, his head tilting slightly so that their lips met. As the kiss deepened Harry wrapped his arms around her slighter body, drawing Hermione in closer. He felt her tongue brush against his lips, and his mouth opened in reflex. He could feel her clinging to him, her arms around his shoulders holding her up. She seemed to be trying to mould herself to him, if the way she pressing herself against him was anything to go by. Most of his higher brain functions had ceased the instant she'd pressed her lips against his, and he had no complaints at all. It wasn't their first kiss in the last couple of days, but it was the most intense.

On the bed Daphne watched the two of them with a warm smile on her face, a small part of her wishing that Harry was kissing her in the same way. A tingling in her lips prompted her to brush her fingertips over them, a slight frown marring her forehead.

Slowly Harry and Hermione drew back, her heels coming to rest on the floor once more from where she'd had to rise a little to make up the half-inch disparity in their heights. After refocusing his eyes, Harry smiled broadly at the slightly dazed, deliriously happy expression on her face. Both her eyes were still closed, but he knew that they had been open her hazel-chocolate eyes would have been sparkling.

Another hand rested on his shoulder. "May I?" Susan's softly spoken, almost plaintive question prompted Hermione to open her eyes to look at the red-head. Stilling smiling, she nodded to the former Hufflepuff, stepping back to allow Harry room to turn to face her. A quick look at Harry's face showed that he was still not quite sure about all of this, but another nod reassured him.

Susan was a very similar height to Hermione, but built in a different way. Broader in the shoulder and hip, with a heavier bust. Harry could feel the heavy fullness of her breasts pressed against him as Susan leaned in for her kiss. He flushed a little, but then their lips touched and he lost most conscious thought. Instead he revealed in the sensations his mind was receiving.

While both their lips were wondrously soft and silky, there were differences between the two of them. Hermione had a taste of cinnamon, of ink and parchment. Susan was more earthen, bark and stone. There was a solidness to her frame that hinted at what kind of person she was.

Right now though Susan appeared to have not a solid bone in her body, as Harry was having to provide all the support to her via his arms around her waist and back. Both her hands were running through his hair, a not unpleasant sensation. He felt her tongue almost force its way – gently – into his mouth, while a leg ran sensuously up the outside of his.

"Minx." Hermione called out from the side, her tone humorous.

"Shush you." Susan answered once she released her lip lock with Harry to wink saucily at her. "You had your turn."

Over her head Harry saw Daphne sat on the edge of the bed, looking a little forlorn. "Speaking of turns..." He said slowly, unwrapping his arms from around Susan before stepping towards the third witch in their group.

Daphne looked up with a little surprise and joy when he stopped before her. Holding out his hand, he gently pulled her to her feet when she placed her hand in it. Sensing her fragility, Harry leaned in slowly, giving her time to adjust, his hands resting gently on her hips, reassuring and supportive.

Daphne was different again to Hermione and Susan. She was fractionally taller than him, with a slender figure that made her seem taller. Her features were more delicate, finer and softer than the other two. Her lips tasted sweeter too, a subtle blend that Harry had not the experience to fully decipher. He held her close, letting her relax into the embrace, trailing a hand slowly up her spine to gently brush the tips of her shoulder length hair. Her own hand was in his hair as well, and she appeared to be almost melting into his arms.

After a few more moments he slowly drew back, to see her smile softly, eyes closed. He smiled at the sight. Daphne, so often in Hogwarts, had a cold scowl or disinterested expression on her face. He had come to learn over the last couple of days that that was a mask, behind which she could protect herself.

He shut down that line of thought: he knew that if he stopped to consider what he knew of the Death Eater Juniors actions, he'd start wondering just how far they go, and his blood would start boiling. But then a thought came to him, prompting a frown to form.

"Hermione?"

"Yes Harry?" she replied, still sounding rather mellow and pleased.

Harry sighed as he turned to sit on the bed besides Daphne: he really didn't want to break the mood. "I just thought of something. That curse Malfoy used on me..." He could see that all three girls stiffened and tensed. "...Why haven't we heard of it before? Or seen it cast before? It's got to be as bad as the Unforgivables, right? I can't see Draco not using it more often."

Hermione sighed as she sank into a chair: she'd been expecting this for a bit. "It's complicated Harry." She started. "It's one of those curses that really has limited use."

Harry's eyebrow rose, but he kept quiet.

"I'm not sure how much you noticed, but Malfoy was very quiet the next couple of days, not doing any magic. The spell drains a considerable amount of power from the caster. I'm surprised Malfoy even could summon enough to cast it..." Hermione nibbled her lip.

"He spent most of the next two days sleeping." Daphne spoke up before turning her head towards Harry. "It's not classed with the Unforgivables because of the usual Wizard double-standards. Some truly nasty wizards with influence like it too much."

"And that's part of the first main flaw with it Harry." Hermione leaned in again. "Anyone of us..." Her hand waved around to include them all. "Could speak the words and wave our wands, but there is a crucial mental element that is needed to actually make it work."

"And that is?" Harry asked with trepidation.

"You have to have the mental mindset of a rapist." Hermione answered him bluntly. "Be someone who would rape someone else on a whim. Most people don't have that kind of brazen disregard for others in them. Murder and torture come a lot easier. It's a lot like the Unforgivables in that way. You have to want the target to become a rapist, while at the same time be one yourself."

Harry gulped, nodding slowly. "And the second flaw?"

Hermione smiled, surprising him. "Harry... who is most likely to use a curse like that?"

"Death Eaters." Harry's reply was almost instantaneous.

"Correct. Now, who do they prey on the most?"

Harry frowned, not sure where these questions were going, but trusted her to answer, assuming she had a point to make. "Muggleborns and their families, as well as other muggles."

"Exactly. Now, the curse uses the cursed persons own magic to power it. What if it was cast on a muggle, who has no innate magic?"

Harry's jaw dropped in shock. "It'd have no effect."

"That's it. It needs to be cast on a magical person to take effect. The most a muggle felt was a bit randy for about half an hour. As such, the curse fell out of favour almost two hundred years ago, in favour of other dark curses that did affect muggles."

"Harry, that book has been sat at the back of the Slytherin's private library for who knows how long." Daphne spoke again. "I'm not sure how Malfoy found out about it, because I was the last person to look at it before him."

The other three looked at her sharply.

"What? I used to hide in there to avoid them when they starting getting... frisky. I got bored and started browsing." She shivered. "Though sometimes I wish I hadn't."

Harry's face became one of concern, and he looped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a hug. She smiled as her head rested on his shoulder.

Before anything more could be said, the tender moment was broken by the sounds of the front door opening. Harry was quickly up and heading down, to assist with lunch. He'd insisted on at least doing some things for their meals. As he stepped out of the room, Hermione grinned broadly.

"Okay, what's tickled you?" Susan asked good naturedly.

"Harry. Until recently, he's never initiated either a hug or a kiss." Both the other two were stunned at this at first, but then saw what Hermione was saying. They too smiled warmly.

Hermione couldn't help it; she had to laugh at the look on his face. They had just told Harry what they had in store for this afternoon. The others were just as bad. Susan had one hand over her mouth, while Daphne grinned cheekily.

"Now Harry, it's not just for you to get new clothes." Emma said soothingly, throwing a look at her daughter that was a mixture of amusement and disapproval. "I do our weekly shopping on a Wednesday anyway. This is just a chance for you to get some decent clothing aside from your School stuff."

Harry finally regained the power of speech, if only barely. "But... I mean... I can make do... I don't have any suitable money..."

"Harry!" Emma cut him off sharply. "You are staying in our house, and I will not have anyone being forced to dress in rags." Then she continued in a softer, kinder tone. "You deserve better than what you're relatives did to you. And as for money, we'll pay for your purchases, and you'll pay for anything Hermione wants from the magical side? We can work out an exchange rate later."

Harry stood for a moment, absently plucking at a loose thread on his threadbare trousers before nodding slowly, agreeing to the compromise she had suggested. As he moved to head upstairs to change into his neatest clothes Hermione turned to face her mother.

"Why'd you make that deal?"

"Because without it he'd feel like he was taking advantage of us, or accepting charity. Both of which he's not going to be comfortable with, with his upbringing."

Hermione's mouth opened into a 'O' of understanding.

Once they were down the town centre Emma looked at the three of them closely. Hermione had carefully guided both Susan and Daphne into more 'normal' clothes so that they wouldn't stand out. Harry still looked a little rough, but at least his clothes almost fitted and were not patched. "Now then, let's be at it." And with she headed towards the shops, the four teens close behind her.

Both Daphne and Susan mentally compared what they saw with Diagon Alley. The brighter, more vibrant colours and all glass frontages drew the eye, as was the wide range of shops. Despite the crowds, Emma clearly knew where she wanted them to go, and they threaded their way between other shoppers to reach a clothing store.

The next two hours Harry found a trial, but surprisingly enjoyable. All four women worked together to build him a complete wardrobe, from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Shoes, socks, trousers, underpants– Harry blushed mightily as the girls giggled when Emma asked which he preferred – and tops of various types. Shirts, T-shirts, sweat-shirts, polo-shirts, a couple of jumpers... the list seemed endless. Even in the trousers they got a wide range: Shorts, formal, casual, tracksuit... he'd never before considered the range of differences between clothing before. Heck, they even picked out a range of sunglasses and hats for him to chose from.

The only point where he'd been left alone was when they moved to a section containing feminine articles. Harry had been oblivious to the change until Emma had held him back, asking him to wait for a bit. When he'd looked around, he'd found himself surrounded by lacy bras and skimpy knickers. His face turned bright red... but he couldn't help but sneak glances at Hermione, Susan and Daphne as they looked over and examined various bras. When they came to pay at that store Harry couldn't help but look at the pile of lace that they had brought over, all three bright red.

It wasn't just him though. All three needed new clothing to take into account their new figures and growth, as well as clothing suitable for exercise. Daphne and Susan were equally as amazed as he was, though for them it was the ranges of both colour and style. Both had had little contact with the muggle fashion world, and were a little stunned at the options offered. Daphne fell in love with the slinky dresses and knee length boots, while Susan hovered over the dress shirts. Hermione displayed a feminine side that Harry hadn't known of, purchasing a few tight fit jeans and lightweight tops.

The male shop assistants were always eager to assist them, as all three were highly attractive teenaged women. Harry was sure a few of them had done so to sneak looks at them, but he couldn't call them on it. Except once, when the one was clearly ogling Susan's cleavage. A cleared throat and a glare sent the spotty youth backing hastily away. Susan rewarded him with a long kiss afterwards.

When they passed a jewellery store they had paused to window shop. Emma explained that she always paused to see what new small sculptures they had. The slightly comical, amusing dragons prompted a laugh from Harry. He found the one of a dragon wearing a motorcycle jacket riding what looked like a vintage Harley particularly funny.

The girls however were looking at the other, more formal jewellery and necklaces. Both magical raised witches were amazed at the craftsmanship displayed before them. "How do they make these without magic?" Daphne had asked, staring at an intricately woven pendent and necklace.

"Practice. Lots and lots of practice." Had been Hermione's answer. A small frown creased her forehead. "Does the workmanship not affect things on the magical side?"

"Oh, it does." Susan answered. "The more finely made items can be enchanted to a much higher degree – though the exact reason for that is unknown - but most wizards can't work metal very well. That's why goblin made items are so special: they're the only ones who can work metal to the required detail and precision."

Hermione looked once more at the jewellery in the display. "So... how does this compare?"

Daphne had looked at her, awe clear in her eyes. "On a level with the best goblins." She stated with conviction.

Harry, having heard most of the conversation, now stepped in. "So we could get some of this enchanted? How so?"

Daphne nodded, her eyes drifting over the items. "All kinds of enchantments. Protection, detection... it all depends on the quality and the workmanship of both the items and the runes that would need to be etched into them."

Harry looked thoughtful. "Would they work on a muggle?"

"The magic would be in the item. Having a wizard or witch wear one would recharge it over time, but a muggle would have the protection till the magic ran down."

Harry nodded, apparently satisfied. "Okay, each of you get a few things. You too, Mrs Granger, and pick out something for your husband. I'll cover this cost, and the cost of getting them enchanted to the best possible standard." He held his hand up when Hermione started to protest. "No, I will pay. There is no price on you or your families safety."

He got a big hug and kiss from all three after that, while Emma smiled fondly.

In the end, each one picked out two necklaces – one formal, one more casual – with matching earrings, each with their birthstones, a suggestion from Emma, as the centrepiece. Hermione added a silver set Sapphire choker, with two small emeralds bracketing it. Susan flicked between a Ruby pendent with an opal surmounting it, and a finely wrought silver bracelet for a bit before settling for the bracelet. Daphne stared at an elaborate choker, made of vertical shards of Blue Topaz set in gold, but despite the clear longing in her eyes didn't pick it. Harry however noticed her attention, and made a note of the choker. He thought it would look stunning on her. Emma also selected a manly signet ring for her husband, along with a set of cufflinks. After they had paid Harry lingered for a moment, motioning to the assistant for a word. Having sold nearly twenty-four hundred pounds of jewellery in one go, the assistant was more than happy to place both the Blue Topaz choker and the Ruby pendent in reserve for Harry to collect at a later date. He also added a delicate, formal tiara that Hermione had looked at a few times, again with a modest sapphire suspended at the point. Emma, having seen his motion, made sure the girls didn't see him talking with the assistant, touched as she was by his clear intent.

After an exhaustive run through the supermarket, itself a voyage of discovery for the magically raised witches, they returned to the Discovery, both shopping trolleys loaded with bags: one with the food, the other with all their other purchases. Daphne despaired that they'd never get all of the bags in the car with them. Emma proved however that she had knack for packing, as she got almost all the bags in the boot-space, with only the lighter, clothing filled bags on the passengers laps.

It was nearly five when they were finally able to sit down in the lounge at the Grangers home. It had been a novel, if slightly unwelcome, experience for Susan and Daphne to move all the purchases themselves without the aid of magic.

"We really, really underestimate muggles, don't we?" Daphne commented lightly to Susan.

"I know. Auntie's done some research now and again in the muggle world, and what would happen if the magical was exposed." She shivered.

"That bad?" Daphne asked.

Susan frowned. "Depends on how it was revealed. Peacefully, helpfully, not that badly now. A hundred years ago, not so. But if the Death Eaters were the ones to expose us..." She trailed off, looking ashen.

Halfway across England Neville Longbottom relaxed into a soft armchair, his eyes on the fireplace before him but not seeing it. Instead he played the day just past over in his mind. A smile was on his face as he recalled the pleasantly surprising visitor he'd received. His gran had been most surprised; it appeared that she was still having trouble accepting the changes that had come over him this past year.

He'd paid her scant mind though, focusing instead on his guest. She'd explained that with her normal summer friend currently unavailable, she'd been at a loose end, and was it alright if she came here? He'd enthusiastically welcomed her, and granted her leave to visit anytime. His gran, in shock, had confirmed his words.

They'd spent the day together, mostly talking, both about their Hogwarts years and their lives outside of the school. He'd begged her forgiveness when it came for him to tend to his greenhouse, a daily task during the summer months. To his joy she had waved his apologies off, and instead followed him out and assisted him, something he was really grateful for.

They had lunched on the patio, while his gran had – lightly – grilled her about her family and views. Although Neville understood why she did it, he was still a little annoyed with his gran for doing that. However he was pleased when he saw the subtle signs on his grans' face that their guest had passed the light examination... a fact he relayed to her afterwards when she voiced the fear that his gran didn't like her. Her happy, bashful smile had lifted him up into the clouds.

As the afternoon had gone on the talk had led to Harry Potter. Neville was able to let her know about the real Harry Potter, not the attention seeking, deranged manic as portrayed in the Daily Prophet. To her credit she admitted that she had not been able to relate the Harry she knew and saw in the castle with the one depicted in the papers. Between them, they had both agreed to support Harry in whatever he did. House Longbottom had long been allies of House Potter, and Neville intended to continue that proud tradition.

A short while ago it had been time for her to return home, and the two of had been reluctant to part. As they had stood there, face to face before the fire, Neville had summoned his courage. Her answer had caused his pulse to race, but it was her lips on his that calmed his mind. It hadn't been a long kiss, certainly not a lovers snog, but there was a strong hint of better things to come.

Now he sat in the same armchair he'd almost floated into after she'd left, his smile still fixed to his face. Not even thoughts about his grans reaction could possibly break that.

"Neville?" As if summoned by his thoughts, her voice came from across the sitting room. Turning his head he looked at her.

"Yes Gran?"

She looked at him searchingly, holding his gaze for a long moment. In the past such a look would have made him feel small and worthless, and would have him fidgeting and bowing his head. Not this time though. He held her gaze, the smile still on his lips. He would prove worthy of his name.

After a few more seconds, she smiled slightly. Just the barest twitch at the corner of her mouth, but it was enough. "I approve of the match. A nice girl, sensible. Should I contact the Lord Abbot about a betrothal contract?"

Neville's heart leapt into cartwheels at her words, but he managed to keep his voice steady. "If tradition demands... But isn't it a bit early for that?"

"It is the done thing, Neville." Augusta softly told him. "As for the contract, it can be worded to allow for the feelings to grow between the intended naturally. If they do not, the contract can be voided without any repercussions."

"... then by all means, do so. My only concern is her happiness." He hesitated for a moment, then allowed a little emotion to leak through. "Thank you gran."

Madam Augusta Longbottom looked at her only Grandson warmly. He'd done so much growing and maturing in the last year, it still seemed unreal to her. Gone was the bumbling, clumsy lad who'd had no real prospects – or ability - to continue the family name and honour. His association with one Harry Potter had galvanised him, transformed him into an heir she could, and was, proud of. She nodded slowly before backing out.

Neville waited until he heard the door to her study close before allowing the whoop of joy freedom. He was really on a roll today! Girlfriend – who would hopefully soon be his betrothed – and his grans respect all in one day? That was better than any of his dreams to date! Take that Malfoy! And you too Ronald! He'd never let on that he'd heard Ron insult him in passing in the past, when he was not aware of either himself or Harry's presence. Intellectually he knew Ron had not been aware of what he'd been saying; his habit of speaking without thinking was legendary within Hogwarts. But his words still hurt, deeply.

Only way to top things now was getting a matching wand!

Or his parents back.

That thought put a damper on his spirit, and he lowered his arm from where he'd thrust it into the air. The aching loneliness of his parents loss still hurt. He couldn't miss them; he'd been barely fifteen months when the attack happened. But he'd never felt that warmth of parental approval.

That was something he had to tell Hannah about, and soon. His parents.

In some ways, he envied Harry. While he too had lost his parents, they were dead. He could move on, seeing them in photos as the people they had been. He, however, saw they as they had become; frail, broken things. Ruthlessly he shoved that thought aside. That was the path Ron took, and he was dammed if he ever went the same way as that berk.

Tapping on the window drew him out of his thoughts, and he looked to see a white form there. Hurrying over, he opened the window to reveal Harry's owl.

"Hello Hedwig. Letter from Harry?"

The Snowy Owl clicked her beak at him before extending a leg. After he'd released the letter she took to the air over his head and glided to the table by the chair. Shrugging to himself, he closed the window before returning to his chair to read the letter. He was smiling once more when he reached the end, especially at the last paragraph. It was about time those two got together! Almost the whole of Gryffindor house expected them to, with the notable exceptions of the youngest two Weasleys. The twins had been running a pool on when Harry and Hermione started dating officially... they had already been dating unofficially for three to five years now, depending on who you asked.

The mention of Susan and Daphne also being in the relationship had him chuckling a little enviously, but Neville was aware of enough of Harry's life to date to feel that if anyone deserved a harem, it was Harry.

Bursting to share his own news, Neville quickly stood to find parchment and quill.

A/N: Just to let you know, the spelling mistakes in Ron's letter are deliberate. And don't pelt me with rotten fruit (or insulting reviews). I have a explaination for his degrading behaviour. The first clue was in chapter 11 in fact.