A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
-oOo-
Chapter 2
-oOo-
August 9, 1996
London, England
The shopping district of Diagon Alley was relatively busy today. They had all gotten their Hogwarts letters a few days ago. Mrs. Weasley, finally smiling for the first time since Harry had moved into the Burrow, had been very happy with Ginny for getting a Prefect badge. Except for the twins, all her children had.
Harry was surprised to see the Quidditch Captain's badge fall into his lap. Ron had made a quip of trading badges, but he was just as pleased as the others. Ginny had given him a big hug and kiss on his cheek. Harry had blushed. Since the day they had gotten their letters, she had been flirting with him. Actually, that had been the second time she had kissed him on the cheek. The first being his birthday.
Harry hadn't really flirted back yet.
Walking into the Alley, Harry noticed a few things.
First, there was an Auror presence. They walked in teams of two with their burgundy-coloured leather robes. Every hundred yards or so there was another pair. Maybe a half-dozen were visible in one glance in each direction. It was the first time Harry could ever remember seeing Aurors in the street.
Second, there were a few empty shop fronts, mostly places Harry had never paid attention to before. All the places they needed their supplies from were open, as was Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, Eyelops Owl Emporium, and, most importantly, Quality Quidditch Supplies. Harry was looking into the window, wanting to go in when Ron suddenly pulled on his shoulder.
"Wicked," Ron said. Harry turned to see his brothers' shop.
It was on the corner of an alley by Gringotts. The man holding a top hat kept taking it off his head and a rabbit would run out of the hat and behind the man. Harry laughed at the sign for Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes as it cycled through a few colours and then shot out fireworks every once in a while.
"Awesome," Harry agreed.
"Harry, why don't you go with Arthur to Gringotts. Ron and Ginny, we can get you fitted for your uniforms while we wait for Harry," Mrs. Weasley ordered.
"Sure," Harry agreed.
The goblins still looked to be on edge, even though it had been a month and a half now since Voldemort had been defeated. Ten fully armed goblins were on each side of the steps, and more were seen in the bank lobby. When he took a ride down to his vault, Harry noticed they went deeper this time. "Vault fifty-three," the goblin stated.
"I thought I was six-hundred and thirteen?"
"All items were moved to the Black vaults. This included all Lestrange moneys and heirlooms, as well as the dowery for the Malfoys," the goblin stated.
Harry looked perplexed. "What do you mean the Lestrange and Malfoy moneys," Harry asked.
"As part of the Regent Black's will, it was determined the original marriage contracts were violated and reparations were collected," the goblin replied as though this was standard practice.
"Uhm, sure," Harry said, not sure he wanted anything related to those people.
When Harry opened the vault with his key, his eyes bulged. There were piled of coins, weapons, armor pieces, gems, jewelry, books and other things. There was far more in here than he thought he would have. "This is all mine?"
"The goblins keep their contracts. Only eight percent of the coinage was seized for care, transport and security," the goblin replied, as though its honour had been questioned.
"I never meant that. I thought I had a little over four-hundred thousand galleons. It this that?" There looked like more.
The goblin, looking annoyed now, took out a ledger from his vest. He thumbed through it. "One million, two-hundred seventy-four thousand, four-hundred and twenty-two galleon, twelve sickles and eight knuts, not including the heirloom items."
His eyes bulged. He wasn't sure he would ever have to find a normal job. After his shock, he put as much into his normal pouch as he could. On his way out, he converted some for a few hundred quid. When he met up with Mr. Weasley again, the man took him to get his robes and they caught up with the others in Flourish and Blotts. Mrs. Weasley was just paying for three stacks of books.
"We were able to get you your books this year, Harry. Pay us back when we get home," Mrs. Weasley told him. "It's all thanks to Arthur's new position. Head of Muggle Relations," she said proudly.
That had been Mr. Weasley's big news this week.
"Can I pay you back now? How much was it?" Harry offered.
"Don't worry about it right now. Let's go get the potion ingredients you all need," Mr. Weasley assured him.
It was a short time later they made it to the twins' shop and Harry smiled at everything. He had barely walked through the door of the busy shop when he heard a, "Harry!" and a mop of curly brown hair was in his face and her arms were hugging him tight.
Harry wrapped his arms around her, for once happy to have his other best mate wrapped around him. "What is going on? I go away for three weeks, and the world turns upside down?" Hermione questioned him.
"Not here. Are you coming to the Burrow soon?" He pulled away and she grabbed Ron just as tight.
"Mum and dad said I can go back with you tonight. I only picked up a Daily Prophet today. I had to hide it. They almost didn't come back to England after what happened at the Ministry, but I told them I would be seventeen next month so they couldn't stop me," she said rather fiercely.
"I'm glad to see you better," Harry told her and she hugged him again.
"What, he gets two?" Ron whinged good naturedly. Hermione rolled her eyes and did the same to Ron.
"At least she noticed you," Ginny snarked from behind them, a smile on her face. Hermione laughed. "I didn't miss you," she said, hugging Ginny.
"So, is there anything good in here?" Harry asked when they were done with their greetings.
"I hate to admit it, but there is some really brilliant stuff in here," Hermione begrudgingly admitted.
"Why thank you, Ms. Granger. I think we can let you walk out of here with one small product for that endorsement," Fred said, coming up to them.
"It's like Merlin complimenting his apprentice," George said in an affected tone.
"Oh, such heavenly praise," Fred agreed.
"You prats," Hermione said with a grin.
They all laughed. "So, what do you recommend?" Harry asked. "I have a pocket full of galleons just waiting to be spent."
Both twins looked affronted. "You dare spend a single knut here and we will throw you out. As our silent partner, you never spend a thing here. Now, these boxes of goodies over here..." George said, pulling Harry away.
It was later that night that found Hermione, Ron and Harry in Ron's room. Ginny was over Luna's tonight.
Hermione's intense stare made Ron shift uncomfortably. "You are telling me that you both need to find a girl or have the Ministry appoint one for you by the time we leave for Christmas Break? And then you both have to marry within a year of turning seventeen?"
"That about sums it up," Harry replied bitterly. "Though, it could be more than one girl."
"What do you mean more than one girl?" she asked.
"I am the head of two 'important' lines. I could have a wife for each," Harry told her.
"That's awful. I thought the remaining Wizengamot members and Minister Bones were good people? How could they support this?" she asked horrified.
"They don't, on the whole," Ron answered her. "Most want this to go away and are trying, but dad said the only way to totally reverse this is to break the covenants that established the Wizard's Council and then the Ministry."
"Oh, god. That would destroy everything," she said scared.
"Yeah, that is pretty much what the general opinion is," Harry agreed.
"Can... can I help? If either of you... you, know... need me? I will be seventeen next month..." Hermione said, looking towards Harry first.
Ron let out a sad sigh. "Hermione, you can't. You are lucky. You can still do whatever you want."
"Why can't I?" she snapped at Ron.
Ron screwed his face, looking really stricken. Harry had to answer, "Because you are a Muggleborn."
"Why does that have anything to do with this!" she said hotly.
"The Wizarding Council and original Wizengamot were more concerned with preserving blood lines that showed they could support magic for many generations," Ron replied.
"You have to have at least three generations of magic in your line," Harry told her.
"This is so unfair and stupid," she shouted, jumping off Ron's bed and pacing the short room. "So, what does this mean? You have no choice?"
Harry sighed this time. "We can try to find someone that is compatible and enter a betrothal or get married by Christmas. Either way, we need to get married next year."
Hermione stopped, tears now threatening to fall. She was going through the full gambit of emotions they all had that first day. "Oh, Harry. Ron. How many others are affected?"
"My entire family," Ron told her.
"Ginny thinks about half the students at Hogwarts. It affects everyone from fifteen on up," Harry expanded.
Hermione had a tear run down her cheek. "When you mean your entire family? I know Madam Pomfrey said witches can still have children into their seventies..."
"Mum turns forty-nine in a few months. Dad in two weeks. He says they are trying to register all those of Hogwarts age before we go back. Mum and dad are scheduled to go into St. Mungo's in September. I go tomorrow and Ginny is scheduled for next week. Charlie is being called back from Romania next month. He has to come if he still wants British citizenship. Bill is going to marry Fleur Delacour, maybe at Christmas. We have no idea about the twins. If mum and dad can, they will be required to have another kid too. If not..." Ron trailed off.
"If not, then what?" Hermione asked, not sounding like she really wanted the answer for once.
"If either of them are still fertile, they will have to have a child with someone else," Harry told her.
"You mean the ministry will force them to divorce?" Hermione said disgusted.
"No. They can't. Dad would either have to take on a second wife or allow mum someone," Ron said disturbed.
"Bloody hell," Hermione exclaimed, flopping onto the bed next to Harry. "What are you going to do?"
"Lavender asked to sit with us on the Express, maybe even get together next week," Harry told her.
"Is that what that letter was earlier today? Ron queried.
"Yeah," Harry replied. "She had her appointment at St. Mungo's just before I did. We got to talk for a few minutes and have sent a letter back and forth."
Ron nodded. "She's cute. Better than you and Ginny," Ron remarked.
Harry shrugged. "I don't think she is my type, but she seems nice."
Hermione just watched them, her mouth open and her eyes showing how her brain was working.
"She is a bit of a gossiper," Ron told him. "Damn, she is cute. If you are already getting someone, guess I need to too. Just leave some for us lesser blokes."
Harry laughed. "What are you talking about? I'm just lucky she is talking with me, and like I said, I don't think she is my type."
"Lavender doesn't gossip as much as everyone thinks," Hermione said, sounding miles away.
"You can't deny she is rather hot," Ron said again, ignoring Hermione. "Bloody hell. Lavender Brown." This time his voice was a little wistful.
"If we don't like each other, I'll mention you," Harry said.
"Maybe," Ron agreed.
"How are you two so calm about this?" Hermione put to them.
"I'm not, Hermione, but what choice do we have? We have four months before any choice we have is taken away. Ginny has already asked me, but I am unsure about that," Harry told her.
She looked at him for a moment. "Why?"
"I don't know. I've thought about it, and she's attractive and nice, but I almost feel she is more my sister," Harry answered her.
Ron made a face before leveling out. "You know Ginny has had a crush on you for years?" Ron queried.
Harry made a face. "Yeah, but I feel like I would I be doing it more to protect her, than that I really like her. If things don't work out, and she doesn't find anyone, then maybe. She has a whole extra year. Maybe this will blow over by then."
"Maybe," said Ron.
"How many at school are affected? Do you have a list of names?" Hermione asked.
"Just what we have talked about," Ron commented.
"What are you thinking, Hermione?" Harry queried.
When her eyes met Harry's, he was sure he saw hurt in them before she looked thoughtful. "I'm not sure yet. I want a list. Do you mind if I come along to talk with Lavender next week?"
Harry's mouth curled up into an unsure smirk. "Uhm, if this is supposed to be some type of date, you remember what happened with Cho when I said I was going to meet you?"
Ron cringed. "Yeah. Even I realize that was not cool," Ron commented.
"You said the date wasn't going that well to begin with," Hermione put to him.
"Not really, but I really don't want to repeat that again," Harry expressed to her.
"I will disappear quickly, but Lavender would know everyone, and she would be the perfect person to get word around the school," she said, going over to Ron's desk and sitting. She pulled some parchment to her and started to write with a pencil.
"Hermione, what is going on in that head of yours?" Ron queried.
"I am going to help you," she told them.
Harry and Ron shared a look with each other. Harry could tell Hermione wasn't happy with all this, but she was willing to stand by their side. Harry was feeling like he was missing out on something that could have been very good. Ron looked like he had similar thoughts.
-oOo-
August 13, 1996
London, England
Harry, Ron and Hermione walked out into Diagon Alley. After last year, it felt odd to be able to just leave the Burrow without a guard and not really fear being out.
Lavender was sitting at a table outside of Fortescue's. Harry had the thought that he may not have dressed up enough when he saw her. She was in a red sundress with white floral designs that came just above her knees when she sat. White knee-high stockings covered her legs. What caught his eyes was that the dress was cut a little low, giving a hint of her larger chest. It hugged her chest a little more than he was used to seeing. She started to bounce her leg and he followed the shapely curves of her calves.
Harry had on a new pair of jeans and a nice shirt. He didn't realize that he had filled out some after having a year and summer of good meals, workouts and having a group to help him deal with loosing Sirius and others. He was looking better than he ever had.
When she saw him, a smile came over her face, then dropped a little to see Ron and Hermione.
Harry had a feeling he was already bollocksing this up.
"Afternoon, Harry. I didn't realize this was a friend thing," she said, a little disappointment in her voice. Being a little closer, he found he appreciated the nice red lipstick she had on. He preferred the more natural look, but it complimented her dress today.
"We won't be staying long," Hermione said, taking the seat across from Lavender. Lavender gave Harry a questioning look.
"Afternoon, Lavender. Hermione wanted to talk about something for a few, then I was hoping we could get some ice cream or something?" Harry suggested.
She nodded and smiled. "I would like that."
"Now, after talking with Ron and Harry, I have some ideas for this year and I think you can help," Hermione started right in.
"This couldn't wait until we go back to Hogwarts?" Lavender asked, sounding a little put out.
Hermione shook her head and placed a half dozen parchments on the table. "I don't think it can. I know about what you, Ron, Harry and others need to do. I have talked with Mr. Weasley, and he has explained to me that there is nothing that can change the law and covenant, but you and others do have a chance to find someone. We have gotten a list together of everyone we know affected by the Proliferation Law. I was thinking we write to Headmistress McGonagall and organize some socials or dances or outings for all those affected by the laws. Give you all a chance to get to know each other, maybe find someone that you like," Hermione said to her dormmate.
Lavender opened her mouth to say something, and Hermione plowed on. "If you could look over the list and the ideas we have gotten together, maybe add your own or check the names, we could all work together. Find you all a match you like before Christmas. Maybe there will be some miracle that will be found to be some big joke, and I am going to be researching the laws when we get back, but if there isn't, I think this is the best way. It at least gives you all a chance at happiness."
Hermione opened her mouth again and Harry put a hand on her shoulder. "Hermione, let her talk."
Hermione stopped, and then bit her lip.
Lavender looked at Hermione. After a moment, she let out a long breath. "Harry and Ron, would you mind giving Hermione and me a few minutes? I promise I am all yours after that, Harry."
Harry gave her a smile that was meant to say, 'sorry'. She smiled back, accepting his apology.
-oOo-
Lavender watched the two boys walk away, heading towards the other side of the street. Harry wasn't the tallest guy, but he had this hard look to him that many found attractive. Lavender had to admit she did too, and after getting to know Harry better in the D.A. last year, she had found he was a really nice guy. His lean body, without an ounce of extra fat on him, was getting muscular. He also had this slight bad boy vibe, especially with how his black hair was always messy and his piercing green eyes. She only wished that she had known they were running off to the Ministry last spring to have made a better impression on him. Most of the D.A. would have gone along.
Next to Harry, Ron wasn't bad looking either. He was tall, almost a head over Harry. Willowy, but starting to add some weight. She didn't care for how he ate, but the fact he had run off and been part of the group to defeat Voldemort, and the way his smile had this goofball, up-to-no-good feel, she could see herself with him also.
Out of all the boys she had realized would be in the same mess she was, they were her top picks. Now, Hermione was here, interfering in her first date with Harry, and it had her a little perturbed. Obviously, the girl had to realize that they had only a few months and Lavender was not going to waste it. As much as she liked Hermione, the girl could be a busy body when it came to the two boys she was eyeing.
"Hermione, we have been dormmates for five years. In all that time, you never really showed Parvati and me that you cared so much about us. Why are you doing this? It can't be just because you suddenly care? It's all about Harry and Ron? Isn't it? You like one of them? Don't you?" Lavender queried. That was one nice thing about being dormmates over the last five years. The three of them had come to an agreement that they wouldn't parse words with each other.
"I care about them," Hermione said, emotions playing in the girl's eyes. "I don't want to see them hurt. I don't want to see you hurt, or anyone else, but again, the Wizarding world is doing all it can to make everyone's lives miserable."
Lavender sighed. She could never fault Hermione for having a big heart. Since the first year, she had seen that, just many didn't give her the time to find out. She let out a sigh. "I'm sorry. I'm not trying to steal them from you. I'm scared, Hermione."
Hermione eyes showed her compassion. "They are too. They won't really say it, but I see it."
Lavender looked over to the boys. They were talking and Ron chuckled at something. They looked easy going, but she could see the tension in them. As much as she hated the title, Lavender hadn't become the resident Gossip Queen of Gryffindor by missing the tells others showed that many missed. "You said you have gotten a list together?"
Hermione slid the stack of parchments over to her. "I was hoping Parvati and you could both look this over. Ron and Harry need to find someone they will like and get along with. They have to have the chance at happiness. I want you to have that chance too," Hermione told her.
Lavender took up the parchments, scanning through the top sheet. She recognized most of the names and it looked far more comprehensive than she thought it might. "You missed Ritchie Coote from Gryffindor, the Galston sisters and Wayne Hopkin from Hufflepuff, Lisa Turpin is only a second generation. She won't qualify. Hazel Stickney and Marcus Belby from Ravenclaw do though. I'm not so sure about most of the fifth or fourth years," Lavender stated.
"This is why I need your help, Lav. Most everyone on the list will turn seventeen within the next year, or already are. Right now, there are seven more girls than boys on the list who are sixteen or older already. There are seven girls and three boys who will be fifth years this year, so they will all be fifteen when school starts. I don't know how many fourth years will turn fifteen before December twentieth or how many more girls than boys there are who graduated in the last three years," Hermione told her.
Lavender pursed her lips. This could mean real competition for the boys. Lavender wanted what Hermione was trying to sell her. She wanted happiness. She wanted a husband that would love her. She had four months to land one before the first matching. All girls sixteen and up would be included in the Ministry matches this year. Parvati was besides herself right now. Even with how bad that night at the Yule Ball was, she was still a little smitten with Harry, and if Parvati couldn't have him, then she wanted Lavender too. Lavender wasn't sure she was totally sold on the idea, but he was a far better catch than many of the names on this list, and she felt he would love anyone he fell for.
After perusing the names, she looked at the other two sheets. They outlined a few ideas. Most would only include people affected by the law. Ice Cream Socials. Extra weekends into Hogsmeade. Extended curfews. A solicitor available on site to draw up any documents that they might need.
Lavender agreed she liked the ideas. What caught her eyes were two all school events: A dance for Halloween and the first weekend in December.
When she looked up to Hermione, the girl was worrying her bottom lip. "What do you think?" Hermione asked.
Lavender let out a little chuckle. "I never thought you had this in you."
Hermione gave her a shy smile. "Five years of listening to you and Parvati made an impact, I guess."
Lavender gave Hermione a big smile. "I suppose not having to worry about Death Eaters and You-Know-Who makes a difference too?"
"You have no idea."
Lavender was starting to get one. The Daily Prophet had totally changed its tune on Harry Potter and his friends. Stories she had only heard rumors of were making more sense after the D.A. and reading about what happened at the Ministry. "No, maybe I don't. Which one?"
Hermione's expressive brown eyes met Lavender's. She could see the heartbreak in her friend's eyes. "It doesn't matter anymore. I just want to see them happy."
Reaching a hand out, Lavender took Hermione's hand. "I swear I will do nothing to hurt either one."
Hermione squeezed her hand and nodded. "If you need me to knock some sense into them, let me know."
Lavender chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind. I will see what Parvati is up to tomorrow and get this back to you as soon as we can."
"Thank you," Hermione said. "Oh, and to do all that best friend thing, if you do hurt either one, we will have words."
"At the tip of your wand. Yeah, I get it," Lavender replied. Hermione nodded and got up. As she did, Lavender said, "I know it's Harry. I'm truly sorry."
Hermione looked down, her face looking like it was going to crack before she straightened it out. "He has had so little in his life to make him happy. Just... make him happy if he chooses you. That is all I want. Just make him happy."
"I promise I will," Lavender promised.
Hermione nodded and shortly Harry was walking back over to her, and Ron and Hermione went up the street towards the new joke shop. She watched Harry as he came over and felt a smug satisfaction at the way he looked her up and down. It wasn't the hungry, 'I want to get into your knickers right now', look. It was shy, yet appreciative. She didn't miss he spent a little more time on her chest than other places. She liked it. She liked it more at the slight guilty feeling in his eyes when he met her eyes. She felt no guilt, having done her own looking.
The new clothes he had on fit him well. The jeans looked good on his back side. It was obvious he was lean but getting muscular. Again, his disheveled hair and green eyes were large turn-ons. When he sat, he ran a hand through his hair. "So... hi."
She liked this side of him. She had never seen him look so shy. "Hi," she replied, for once not feeling like she had to talk.
After a moment, he said, "How has your summer been?"
"Good, actually. I've been helping my mum in her store. We went to the dragon preserve in Ireland last weekend. Besides that, it's been quiet. You?"
Harry shrugged. "I moved in with the Weasley's. It's been... a rough summer, but good too. I've been able to fly my Firebolt almost every day," he said with a smile.
She gave him a sad smile and reached her hand out. He tensed but relaxed quickly when she put hers on his. "I was sorry to hear about Sirius Black and Percy. I didn't know he was innocent or your godfather."
Harry nodded, a shadow crossing his face. "Yeah. Not many did."
She knew she had to turn this around quickly. "So, you've been flying most days?"
His face brightened. "Yeah. The Weasley's have an orchard behind the house. Ron, Ginny and I go out there most days. I picked up a few snitches so I can practice."
She smiled at him. Harry was an excellent flyer and seeker. "So, I assume I'll be cheering you on for another catch this year?"
He smiled back. "I hope so, especially since I'll be Captain. I can't let you all down."
"Really? That should be great," she said enthusiastically. Possibly dating the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain would be a good thing.
"I hope so. I'm no Wood or Johnson, but I like to think I learned a few things," he replied.
"I think you will be great."
At that moment, a waiter came over. "Afternoon, Lavender. I assume this is who you were waiting for?"
Her smile hadn't left her face. "Hello, David. Yes, this is Harry Potter. Harry, one of my family friends, David Longshore."
David held out his hand. "Are you really Harry Potter? Blimey, they are calling you a hero. All the papers have been talking about it."
She noticed Harry back away a little and not look very comfortable. She had always noticed he shied away from attention. "You were going to take our order, David?"
"Oh. Oh. Right. My job. What can I get for you?"
When David walked away, Harry looked very uncomfortable. She wasn't sure to address it or let it go for now. She wasn't a Gryffindor for nothing, though, and if they were to have a chance, they didn't have long to get to know each other. "You don't like all the attention, do you?"
He let a quick burst of air out through his nose. "Is it that obvious?"
"If you look for it," she replied.
He ran his hand through his hair again. "Can I tell you something?" She leaned in, putting her elbows on the small round table and indicated for him to go on. His eyes dipped to follow the change in her dress. He still looked guilty about looking at the way the material shifted. It was cute. Harry said, "I hate being the boy-who-lived, and now getting some credit for defeating Voldemort. I just want to be left alone to be normal."
She rose an eyebrow at him. Thinking back through the last few years, she realized he had never actively flouted his fame or achievements. Following his eyes, which were now darting around the tables as other people started to whisper and look at him, she could see how uncomfortable he was. "Can I tell you a secret too?" she countered, hoping to make him more at ease. He looked back at her, his eyes meeting her once more. A small smirk came over her face. Most boys would be eyeing her assets, not her eyes. "I don't like a lot of attention either. Do you want to stay for the ice cream or go somewhere else?"
It wasn't exactly true, but you found out more and could people's reactions if you were on the side of the room, instead of the middle.
"Where?"
"My mother and I live in the Muggle world. There is a shopping mall with a decent food court not too far away from here. Or a movie theater?"
She was born a pureblood, but after her father had disappeared, her mother had to find a way to survive. What most didn't know was that she found she loved Muggle music while trying to find a place to hide from the Death Eaters at the end of the last war. She now ran a music store and fret shop just outside of Diagon Alley.
Harry rose an eyebrow at her. "Really?"
"Really."
The smile came back onto his face, and he put a few galleons on the table. What they had just ordered should have cost less than a galleon. She was pleasantly surprised when he held out his hand to help her up. "I like your idea better than the one I had."
She took his hand, realizing it had more strength in it than she thought he might have, and let herself be pulled up. She took the cloak off the back of the chair she had taken with her and looked at him. "What was your idea?"
"Going to the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes and then maybe whatever other store you wanted here. There isn't as much to do in Diagon Alley as the rest of London," he informed her.
She giggled. "Yeah, not exactly the type of date that would sweep a girl off her feet," she teased.
He gave an uncertain smirk that she had never seen on him before. Merlin! Did he look good like that! "No. Not exactly. I suppose. To tell you the truth, I really have no clue what I am doing. I've never really gone on a date before."
She giggled again and moved over to take his arm in hers. "Well, let me lead you right for today. After this, you are on your own."
He laughed as they walked away towards the Leaky Cauldron. "I'm not sure to thank you or beg for more lessons."
Lavender had never seen this side of Harry before. Had she just missed it, or had he relaxed and learned how to have a little fun? "How about we see how this goes today and then I can decide how hopeless you are?"
He laughed again. It was a joyful, hearty laugh that she really liked. "I think you will find me pretty hopeless. Do you have any Muggle money?"
She hadn't thought about that. "A little."
He nodded. "Don't worry. I made sure I had some this summer just in case. Everything today is my treat."
"Well, you don't need any lessons in how to treat a girl right," she teased, holding his arm just a little tighter.
He gave her that unsure, but 'up-to-no-good' smirk again. "I'm not totally clueless. Just mostly."
She giggled again. Maybe today was going to be better than she thought. Parvati had the right of it. All she needed to do was be herself.
-oOo-
Later that night...
Ottery St. Catchpole, England
After getting a small admonishment from Mrs. Weasley for getting back so late, Harry trundled up to Ron's room. He was starting to think he should find his own room, but he didn't trust the twins' room with all those boxes and prank contraptions that were half finished, and no one dared bring up Percy's room.
It was half-past nine when he opened the door to find Ginny, Ron and Hermione all talking. He had thought he would be back by dinner, but Lavender had actually been fun to hang out with. They had decided on a movie, then she had taken him to her mother's shop. Her mother insisted he stay for dinner, and they had order more Indian food than he had ever seen. Before he knew, it was seven, he was asked to stay to play some cards or a board game, and by quarter-past nine, he realized he should get going before Mrs. Weasley sent the Aurors out looking for him. Though, truthfully, he really didn't want to leave yet.
He had to admit, he shared the look Lavender gave him, as though she was sad to see him leave. They didn't kiss or anything, but Harry couldn't deny he had thought about it. He was happy though they had plans for Sunday. He found himself wishing that she wore something like she had today. He never really appreciated, or even noticed, how curvy the girl was, or that her hazel-blue eyes where so expressive. He knew it wasn't just her body that enticed him today, but he couldn't deny that he looked when he thought she wasn't paying attention.
Stepping into the room, he met three different expressions. Hermione was looking at him rather hopefully. Ron had a hint of jealousy to his curiosity. Ginny didn't look pleased.
"So, how was it? You're grinning from ear to ear," Hermione asked after he sat on his bed.
"I'm going to see her again on Sunday," he told them, sitting on his cot next to Ginny. She looked rather disgruntled now.
"The way you are grinning I assume she put out? I've heard what Lavender Brown does on dates," Ginny huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Ginny!" Hermione hissed.
Harry gave her an odd look. "No. We didn't kiss or anything. We went to see a movie and then we ended up at her mother's store and I ate dinner with her and her mother. Don't play checkers with her though. Lavender was awful," he chuckled at Ron's expression. "It was actually a really fun day after we got out of Diagon Alley."
Ginny pursed her lips. Ron looked curious. "What is a movie?"
"It's like a play, but it's a moving picture with sound. What did you see?"
"Mulholland Falls. It was an odd thing about some American police in the 1930's. Lavender really liked it though, and it had a decent plot," Harry told them.
Ron looked confused. "I still don't get it."
"Maybe we can take you and Ginny to one before we go back to Hogwarts," Hermione offered. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."
"I am too," Harry agreed.
Ginny let out a breath. "Does that mean she is your girlfriend now?"
"No clue. I think Hermione had a few good points. Maybe we should date around a little. I don't want to see anyone I may not like, but we only have a few months to figure this out," Harry said.
Ginny's sour face let up some. Ron nodded his head. "I think having these special dances and what not will help. I really don't want to be paired with Pansy Parkinson or Millicent Bulstrode," he said. Everyone shivered.
"I really think you should," Hermione told them. Again, Harry noticed the pinched eyes as she said it.
"If you are going out on dates, maybe we should try one?" Ginny offered.
Harry was still torn on her, but she was right. "Maybe. Would your mother mind?"
"Oi! If you are going to date my sister, you better take this seriously. I will beat you if I have too," Ron warned.
Ginny shot an angry glare to Ron before answering, "I've told you before. You have no say in who I date, and mum has said I can date anyone I want, as long as its someone that will meet the requirements."
Ron met Harry's eyes and Harry nodded. He understood the threat and Harry didn't want to lose the only people that had ever treated him as family.
Hermione frowned. "Just be careful. All of you."
"I told Lavender I may try to date a few other girls, and she said she may do the same. I don't like the idea of dating around though," Harry spoke up.
"I think its not a bad idea. I just want you all to find someone you like," Hermione spoke up.
Harry shrugged. "If you want, Ginny, I will talk to your parents and maybe we can go out Saturday," Harry suggested.
She smiled, jumped onto her knees and before he knew what was happening, she planted a kiss on his cheek and was out the room, yelling behind her, "I'll go talk to them now."
Harry looked out the door, a hand going to his cheek. Feeling even more unsure. He didn't feel anything special when she did that. "Did I just do the right thing?" he asked softly as Hermione chuckled at him and Ron glared at him.
When he lay down that night, it wasn't long before the gentle snores of Ron could be heard. Harry's brain was whirling too much to sleep.
He had had a very nice day with Lavender. Much better than he ever expected. She had also given him many tips on how to act on dates and what to do. He wasn't sure if she was trying to train him for herself or just in general. Either way, he enjoyed it. He also enjoyed her arms around his, the way she pressed her body against him when she did that, and the times they held hands. He wasn't brave enough yet to kiss her. He wasn't sure he liked her that way yet, but he had thought about it. He was sure he would think about her all night. It was such a different day than when he went on his one and only date with Cho.
Then there was Ginny.
She was Ron's little sister. She wasn't as little anymore. He just wasn't totally sure how he felt about that yet.
Either way, Harry now had two possible options to avoid the match in December. He just wished he could figure out if he really liked the two girls or if he was just trying to find a way to have a choice in how his life would go?
At some point he was aware of Lavender bouncing around his head, her dress showing more than it really had today...