In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 15: Innocence Lost
Hermione landed on top of Ron as they returned to Hogwarts, ended up on Ron's four poster bed. Both starkers, his todger between them. Ron dropped the backpack to the floor, wrapped his legs around her, his arms held her tight, and kissed.
"We've got school," Hermione said.
"Can wait," Ron replied, tongue went into her mouth as he kissed.
Both felt his arousal between them. Hermione pulled her head back, Ron's tongue slid out as their mouths separated.
"Shower!" Hermione said.
"Shower it is," Ron said. He wasn't in too much disagreement, if she wanted to do it in the shower, he was happy to oblige.
Hermione got off, Ron left the bed, followed her into the shower. Hermione turned on the water. Ron held her back against the wall, leaned in, as he massaged. Again, Ron kissed.
"I meant take a shower," Hermione said.
"Sure, your fantasy," Ron said.
Ron brought the soap over, began to lather her up. His hands worked through her hair, he washed her face, rinsed, and kissed. Ron's tongue revisited her mouth, he could taste the lingering mint of her toothpaste as his hands moved down. He massaged as he worked her skin.
"Trying," Hermione said.
"Huh—hmph," Ron mumbled, his tongue moved back in, touched hers.
Ron coated his arousal in liquid soap, plied it against her. Ron's hips flexed, worked her, as his hands worked beneath her armpits.
Click!
"Oh, you're not Harry," Colin Creevey said, camera in his hands, aimed at Ron and Hermione.
Ron felt the tension build up in Hermione. Ron decided to ignore Colin, not worry about it, continued. His hands worked her back shoulder blades, his hips kept moving.
"Keep photographing," Harry said, coming up behind Colin.
"Oh," Colin said.
Click!
"Help them remember banging in the shower," Harry said.
Colin took a few more pictures as Ron pulled out his spent todger.
Click!
"You had to!" Hermione snapped at Harry.
"Did you not hire Colin?" Harry asked.
"Of course not," Ron said, coming out, "Colin thought it was you in the shower."
"It won't happen again, Colin!" Harry said, "You'll only catch Ron and Hermione in this shower because you've chased me away from using it!"
"Sorry," Colin said.
"Is Witch Weekly paying your scholarship?" Harry asked.
"No," Colin said.
"How many other Gryffindors have you caught on your camera?" Harry said, "It's not cool to be taking pictures of us all in the shower! Printing them all?"
"Some," Colin admitted.
"Stop it!" Harry said, "I suppose you've got pictures of Seamus? Dean? Neville?"
"Maybe," Colin said.
"Get that camera out of here," Harry said, "I do not want to see it again, understand?"
"Yes," Colin said.
"Bye!" Harry said.
Colin left the dormitory.
"Thank you," Ron said to Harry, "That was getting a bit annoying."
"I'd expect he's developing the film now," Harry said, "Maybe you'll make Witch Weekly, again."
"Great!" Ron stammered as he finished up his shower.
"That's not funny," Hermione said as she came out of the shower.
"No, it's very likely, the truth," Harry said as he grabbed his shirt, slacks, began to dress.
"First Rita Skeeter, now Colin Creevey," Hermione said.
"Welcome to my life," Harry said, "If I'm not on the front page, then I'm the centerfold to a half million witches."
"Sorry," Hermione said.
"Why fret?" Harry said, "You'll make them jealous, you're with a smoking hot wizard there."
"Thank you for that assessment!" Ron quipped as he now stood there.
"You are," Harry said, "Pose for the camera, just like that, you'd have a million witches toying themselves over you. Next centerfold, Ron Weasley, and people will know who you are." He glanced at Hermione. "I'll walk you over."
"Don't have to," Hermione said as she cinched up the towel.
"Go ahead," Ron said.
Harry grabbed his bookbag, walked Hermione out of the dormitory.
"After some of the recent pictures, those were benign," Harry said.
"I was—with Ron!" Hermione said.
"A little refresher to start the day," Harry said as they made it up to the sixth year girls' dormitory.
"Boys!" Hermione snapped.
"Thank you for noticing," Harry said, a grin on his face.
Hermione relaxed, found her clothes, and dressed. Quickly, they went down to the common room where Ron was already waiting, with her bookbag. They left the common room, started to go past the stone wizard halfway along the seventh floor corridor.
"Hail the Faggot Lord Potter!" the statue exclaimed, it held out its arm in a hand salute.
"Okay…" Harry said, slowly, "In case we were wondering what this week had in store."
They passed another statue just before the stairs, the stone girl raised her hand.
"Hail the Faggot Lord Potter!" the stone girl said as they went down the steps.
Statue by statue, this was repeated as Harry walked by, down the steps, to the first floor.
"Excuse us, Professor," Ron said, as he entered Professor McGonagall's office, "We missed breakfast, do you have our schedules?"
"Try to be on time Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall said, handing them over.
"It was a good morning," Ron said, as he took the schedule.
They left the office.
"Charms," Hermione said.
Statue by statue, the salute, the praise was repeated until they came to the third floor, and entered the classroom two steps ahead of Professor Flitwick. Ron held the door open for him.
"Where were you?" Neville asked as Ron sat down, "Ginny tried finding you all weekend."
"Does it matter?" Seamus said, "I'd be careful if I were you, teachers have been known to go missing around them."
"Pardon?" Harry stammered.
"Two teachers for Defense against the Dark Arts, and two last spring!" Seamus said, "Don't think we haven't been watching you …" Seamus paused before he spat "Lord Potter!"
"He's working you up," Ron said.
Harry sat at the table, Hermione to the other side.
"I figured that," Harry said.
"Technically true," Hermione said, "Professor Quirrel didn't make it."
"I know," Harry said, tough to forget the demise of that Professor at his own hands.
Harry walked past the Defense of the Dark Arts classroom just after lunch.
"Where are you going?" Ron asked.
"My schedule's different from yours," Harry said, "See you at practice."
"If he doesn't want to, he doesn't," Hermione said to Ron.
Ron and Hermione handed in their essays at the end of Transfiguration.
"Wish I knew what Harry was up to," Ron said to Hermione.
"Mr. Potter is doing a special assignment for Mr. Wood," Professor McGonagall said.
"He never said," Ron said.
"Mr. Potter has taken an interest in a younger Gryffindor," Professor McGonagall said.
"He's dating!" Ron snapped.
"Not that sort of interest, Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall said, "It might be a good idea to take an interest in helping a younger member of the house yourself. It is quite easy to become lost at Hogwarts if you feel you have no friends."
"Ten points for being late Potter," Professor Snape said as Harry entered the dungeon classroom Tuesday morning.
"Sorry," Harry said, joining the table with Ron and Hermione.
"No, Mr. Longbottom needs…assistance," Professor Snape said.
Harry moved, stood next to Neville.
"Careful Longbottom," Seamus said.
"Ignore him," Neville whispered to Harry.
Neville took the large blade, sliced into the sea cucumber.
"Herbology uses potions," Neville said softly to Harry, "Else I'd drop this class in a heartbeat."
"Me too," Harry replied.
"Don't try to teach him anything!" Seamus said to Neville.
"Watch out!" Ernie warned.
"What's their beef today?" Harry asked.
"It's simple," Neville said, "They think—"
"Why don't you murder Professor Snape too?" Seamus whispered to Harry, "Worked for Trelawney and Madam Hooch."
"Gryffindor stands a much better chance with Oliver Wood at the helm," Ernie said.
"You apparently murdered them," Neville said, "Four teachers, they want you to make it five."
"Deatheaters killed them," Harry said, "Who's number four?"
"Quirrel, Trelawney, Hooch, and Lockhart," Neville siad.
"Lockhart's alive and well," Harry said, "Got released from St. Mungo's, he was just mental, that's all."
"Just three then?" Neville asked.
"Only one," Harry said, "Quirrel tried to kill me, I had to."
"Given how close you came to breaking Seamus' neck—" Neville said.
"That wasn't me!" Harry said.
"Can you at least understand his perspective," Neville said, "It was pretty convincing."
"I know," Harry said, "And they sell costumes, including masks, at Diagon Alley, could have been anybody."
That afternoon, Harry didn't even wait to clear the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, he moved fast up into the office, closed the door, before Professor Tonks opened the door to an empty office. Ron, however, followed Hermione out of the classroom.
"Wood wants to talk with me," Ron said, "Meet up with you in the Library."
Ron gave Hermione a kiss. She made for the fifth floor, while Ron went down to the ground floor.
"Good afternoon Weasley," Oliver Wood said, "On time."
"It concerns Quidditch," Ron said.
"Of course," Oliver Wood said before he let out a brief chuckle. "I apologize if I seemed harsh last week. Understand that though I'd love to favor Gryffindor, as a member of staff, I simply can't. However, given the schedule, you need the practice, right?
"Yeah," Ron said.
"I'm thinking its best to go to one day a week, say Monday, where the field is yours," Oliver Wood said, "Each team gets one day, and after that, they can coordinate with me to share it."
"Oh?" Ron asked.
"It's the fairest way I can think of," Oliver Wood said, "That gives you four days a week; you can still haggle to switch with another team's day, if you wish."
"I guess it's better," Ron said, "Thanks."
"Oh, you'd better lead Gryffindor team to the Quidditch Cup," Oliver Wood said.
Ron belted out a bit of a laugh, started to leave.
"Good luck," Oliver Wood said.
Ron left, went up the stairs, toward the library. A scream came from within. Ron ran fast. More screams. Quickly, the door opened, Parvati was escorted out by Padma, hand to a bloodied handkerchief.
"Out! Out!" yelled Seamus as he shoved Hermione out of the library.
"I'm going!" Hermione shouted.
"Get your fucking hands off her!" Ron yelled as he charged at Seamus.
Seamus, however, closed the library door; Ron ran into it, bounced off.
"Ron!" Hermione said.
Ron stumbled slightly, stood back up.
"What happened?" Ron asked.
"Get you to the Hospital Wing, that cut—" Hermione pointed to her lower lip "—looks nasty."
Ron put his fingers, felt the cut.
"Rather not," Ron said, "Know a good charm?"
They moved away from the Library.
"A simple Healing Charm, you should know it too," Hermione said.
"Afraid it's gone," Ron said, "I'd trust you."
Hermione stood, aimed her wand. Ron felt the cut lessen, dabbed at it, the bleeding had stopped, but it was still tender.
"I'll live," Ron said.
They went up the steps.
"I was just reading when Parvati screamed out," Hermione said, "She accused me of hexing her."
"You wouldn't," Ron said.
"Sure, I do know the charm, but I wouldn't use it," Hermione said, "Bloody nose, very bloody, stains everywhere. Seamus believed her."
"So he did lay a hand on you," Ron said.
"Yes," Hermione said, "Don't go back, don't fight him."
"I'd—I'd otherwise would," Ron said.
"Thank you," Hermione said as they came to the Fat Lady, "But don't stoop to his level."
"It'd feel good," Ron said as they entered the common room, "Upstairs."
Ron and Hermione went up the stairs, entered the boys dormitory.
"Suppose I could study up here," Hermione said. She glanced around, the desks were cluttered, even white briefs on Neville's. Trunks were still left open, though some clothes were neatly folded, the beds made, apparent the House Elfs had already done their rounds.
"Seamus, Seamus," Ron said, "I'll let him know how I feel!"
"Don't pick a fight!" Hermione said.
"Don't have to," Ron said as he dropped his trousers next to Seamus' bed.
"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed.
Ron aimed and began to wet the bed.
"Let him enjoy that!" Ron said.
"That's if he's sleeping there tonight," Hermione said, "It's going to stink up the entire room."
"Oh, right," Ron said, "Um…I've got an idea."
"What?" Hermione asked.
"It's better than you think," Ron said, taking out his Hogwarts pin, "They won't find us in your bedroom."
"My parents bought the codswallop on the weekend pass," Hermione said, "They won't buy this."
"You keep your door closed, right?" Ron asked.
"Yes," Hermione said.
"Then, lets stay quiet," Ron said, "A charm to stay hidden."
"Tempting," Hermione said.
"Got everything?" Ron asked.
Hermione nodded.
"Okay," Ron said, as he activated the Portkey. Hermione held on.
They landed in Gia's bedroom.
"Where are they?" Hermione asked.
"Eating, most likely," Ron said, "Remember what she's doing to tease Harry into eating."
Ron gave a quick stroke to Hedwig's feathers, went out of the bedroom, down the steps.
"Shh!" Hermione said to Snuffles, laying on the sofa.
Ron and Hermione went out of 26 Oak; Hermione led the way, and they made it to her house, went up the stairs, and slid into the bedroom.
"What'd I tell you?" Ron said, as he began to strip, "Much better."
Hermione gave Ron a kiss.
"Good morning," Harry said as Ron and Hermione returned Wednesday morning to Hogwarts.
Harry was already dressed, while Ron quickly dressed.
"Rough day yesterday," Ron said.
"What'd they blame me for?" Harry asked.
"Not you," Ron said, "They blamed Hermione."
"It's not fair!" Hermione said, "I was minding my own business, studying, when…it happened."
"Which means I'm about to hear about it," Harry said.
"Yeah," Ron said as he put his tie on. "Hermione, now you."
Hermione borrowed Ron's cloak, they went out the dormitory. Harry followed. They went down the stairs; Ron and Hermione went up the others, into the girls's side. After they came back down to the common room, Harry was smiling.
"What?" Ron asked.
Harry pointed to the bulletin board, with a notice on it.
"Hogsmeade!" Ron exclaimed, "Saturday, I assume you're bringing Gia?"
"Are you kidding?" Harry said, "Of course!"
Hermione rolled her eyes, and they left, headed down the Great Hall.
"Try to think about something else," Hermione said.
"He's not," Ron said.
After Ron ate the most at breakfast and Harry touched nothing, they left the Great Hall.
"Study hall, I think," Ron said as he consulted his schedule, "Yep, the library."
"Mine too," Harry said, "Well, could be worse, I suppose, you could ask Colin to try to make Witch Weekly, again."
"Yeah, pages two and three," Ron said.
"I don't want to destroy anything," Hermione said, "But Colin's camera must be stopped."
"Hopefully I convinced him to drop it," Harry said.
"Doubtful," Ron said, "He may not be getting a scholarship, but I heard he's making handsomely for all the pictures he's been getting of you."
"Thanks," Harry grumbled.
They entered the library; took seats at a table in the middle. Eyes glared, stared at them, mutterings. Hermione brought a couple of books back from the shelf, sat on the edge of the table, flipped the pages as she read through it. Ron, though, guarded his books, and notes, at the other end of the table. Harry, in the middle, just focused on the essay he was working.
Parvati thumbed a book, skimmed, as she walked past Hermione. She screamed as she fell to the floor, writhed. Eyes went fast onto her. Padma tried to reach Parvati, but joined on the floor, writhing in agony. Both Parvati and Padma convulsed for half a minute.
"Parvati! Padma!" Hermione demanded, "What—?"
"You!" Parvati accused, she shook as she stood, finger pointed right at Hermione, "Thinking you could use me as a guinea pig for your Unforgivable!"
"I didn't," Hermione protested.
"No use denying it now," Padma said.
"Hermione," Ron pleaded, notes and books packed.
"Maybe the Great Hall will be better," Harry stated.
Quickly, Ron, Hermione, and Harry left the library.
"I'll never be able to fly like that," Ash said. He and Harry were on the Quidditch pitch Thursday afternoon.
"Yes you can," Harry said, standing there, "Just put in the effort, that's all. You just started."
"I heard you had talent," Ash said.
"That too," Harry said, "But you can still fly, it still takes practice. Let's try it again."
Harry held the Cleansweep seven as Ash got onto it. It took Ash several minutes of waiting. He began to float, to rise. Harry sat sideways on his Firebolt, rode alongside Ash, watched every twitch.
"You've got the hang of it," Harry said.
"Not like you," Ash said.
"You just started," Harry said, "It'll come."
"You're not going to hit?" Ash asked.
"Why'd I do that?" Harry replied.
"Colbert does," Ash said, "He never got a letter, was glad I left."
"It—it happens," Harry said, "Believe in yourself, alright?"
"I heard others talking," Ash said, "Did you really kill a teacher?"
"He attacked me, but when I touched him, he fell apart," Harry said.
"Termites, it had to've been termites," Ash said, "Those little buggers will eat everything. Colbert put them in my toybox, it had to be burned."
"He was possessed, Voldemort possessed the teacher," Harry said.
"You said—his name!" Ash said, "He's the one who killed—"
"My parents," Harry said, "Never knew my father."
"Thought I saw mine at King's Cross," Ash said, "Just a glimpse, not sure."
"Huh?" Harry asked, surely, this kid knew what his father looked like.
"Mum called him a deadbeat," Ash said, "I don't really remember, some solicitor."
"Sorry," Harry said.
"Whoa!" Ash screamed as he began to fall.
Harry pursued, caught Ash. Ash held on and they moved back down.
"See?" Harry said, "You flew."
Ash smiled as they landed. Ash jumped, arms around Harry's neck, and swung. Harry stumbled, caught Ash, arms beneath Ash's butt. Ash reflected Harry's grin.
"Thank you," Ash said.
"Good afternoon Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said as she approached. Her emerald robes billowed as she walked toward them.
Ash left.
"I'm not doing anything wrong," Harry said, defensively.
"I did not imply that," Professor McGonagall said, as she started to walk Harry back to the castle, "It is merely a noble thing, to be a big brother to a housemate who needs it."
"I'm just teaching him to fly," Harry said.
"That's how it starts," Professor McGonagall said, "Mr. Hurley has not acclimated particularly well to Hogwarts. He had a friend in Hufflepuff, but that seems to have gone ill. You are the only person at Hogwarts he will speak to."
"Really?" Harry asked.
"Really," Professor McGonagall said.
They entered the castle.
"Good day," Professor McGonagall said.
Harry climbed the steps; made it to Gryffindor Tower. He entered the common room, a glint of light drew his eyes. Ash, in the corner, beneath a table, a sullen face, tried to hide his sobs. Harry waved, motioned for Ash to follow. Ash shook his head. Harry went up the stairs, entered the dormitory.
"Another lesson?" Ron asked as Harry slid across the floor.
"Yeah," Harry said, as he rummaged his trunk, "Poor kid, wants to fly, but makes Hermione seem talented."
"Rough," Ron said, "Packing?"
"Figure it'd be good to have an outfit there," Harry said, pulling out a pair of trousers, shirt, "You know, be a bit easier."
"Right," Ron said.
Harry secured his bookbag to his shoulder, with the new clothes stuffed into them. Harry took out his Hogwarts pin as he stood tapped his wand, activated the Portkey. As he waited the several seconds, rapidly approaching footsteps came in from behind. Hands gripped Harry's shoulders as he felt the jerk behind the naval.
Harry realized who it was, Ash. Harry was already committed, the Portkey pulling, however, Ash wasn't touching the Portkey, the fingers were clenched into his shoulders, the nails digging. Harry reached behind him, blindly held Ash's butt and held on as tightly as he could.
They landed, tumbled onto Gia's bed. Harry turned around, faced Ash.
"Harry?" Gia asked.
"I need to get you back," Harry said, "Hold on."
Ash shook his head.
"Mind?" Harry asked Gia.
Gia left the bedroom. Harry closed the door, faced Ash.
"They killed Kermit," Ash said.
"What? Who?" Harry asked.
"Some big Slytherin," Ash said, "Gale tried to stop them, shoved him, us, took Kermit, cut him up. They laughed."
"We're going to see Professor McGonagall," Harry said.
"No," Ash said, "Kermit is dead."
Ash begun to cry a bit more, sunk his head against Harry's chest. Ash held Harry tightly.
"Okay, okay," Harry said, "You can stay the night, we'll go back in the morning. Alright?"
Ash nodded, kept crying.
"I need to talk with Gia, she's my girlfriend," Harry said.
"Oh," Ash said.
"Yeah, got one of those," Harry said, "It's her bedroom. Here Hedwig."
Harry held out his arm, Hedwig flew over, landed on it.
"Owl?" Ash asked.
"Yep," Harry said, "Treat her gently."
Ash stroked a feather, Hedwig flew back.
"Pretty," Ash said.
"I'll be right back, going outside this door for just a minute," Harry said, "Will you be okay for a minute?"
Ash nodded, let Harry go. Harry opened the door, closed it as he left, Gia was on the landing.
"You picked up a stray?" Gia asked.
"You could say that," Harry said, "He's a first year, he's pretty shaken up and terribly shy—won't talk if anybody else is around. I think he just needs the night to calm down."
"I took you in," Gia said.
"Thank you." Harry gave her a kiss.
Harry returned to the bedroom, Ash was curled up on the bed.
"Alright, I'm about to share my very personal life with you," Harry said, "Can you keep it to yourself, keep it a secret?"
"Yes," Ash said.
"She agreed, you can spend the night," Harry said.
"Thank you," Ash said.
"Thank you Mr. Potter for this information," Professor McGonagall said the next morning, "I wish Mr. Hurley had come forward sooner, his frog might have been spared."
"I only learned about it last night," Harry said, standing to the other side of the desk in her office, "Took a bit to get him to trust me."
"Understood," Professor McGonagall said, "Mr. Hurley has a bright mind, his homework…well, he is still a first year, so not perfect, can't say he's the best as Miss. Granger set that bar too high for any other that followed in her footsteps."
Harry smiled.
"Please, keep working with Mr. Hurley, for his sake," Professor McGonagall said, "And yours."
"Mine?" Harry asked.
"To mentor, to teach, is a rewarding endeavor," Professor McGonagall said, "Each student is an individual, worthy of your attention. Curses are frequently hurled at you, but you must perseviere because in the end, they will succeed based on your efforts. It's a worthy profession, paying what you have learned, forward onto the generations to come."
"Thank you Professor," Harry said.
"Good luck," Professor McGonagall said, "I look forward to seeing your girlfriend tomorrow."
"She's eager to come," Harry said.
Harry left the office; he nodded to Ash. Ash smiled. Harry escorted Ash to the third floor, to the Charms classroom.
"Just remember," Harry said, holding out his wand, "You can take on a mountain troll so long as you swish and flick."
Ash went into the classroom. Harry left, went outside to Hagrid's Hut for Care of Magical Creatures.
Saturday morning, Harry and Gia landed in Harry's four poster bed. This time, Harry wore his classic blue striped jumper, blue T–shirt, and blue jeans. Gia wore a sweatshirt and sweatpants, carried her purse from her shoulder. They climbed out of the bed, left the dormitory, went down the stairs, to enter the common room.
"That's him?" Gia asked, pointed to the fireplace.
Harry saw the posture of the back, sitting on the floor, to the other end of the sofa, nearly out of view. Harry walked around, it was Ash.
"Hi," Harry said, "We're off to Hogsmeade—you're too young to go, but I'll come back early, we'll get a bit of flying in, alright?"
Ash nodded, waved as Harry and Gia left.
"He's not too happy," Gia said.
"I'll ask, see if he can tag along," Harry said.
"One night was one thing," Gia said, "This is where he belongs, right?"
"Trying to belong," Harry said, "Not doing too well."
"You'll make it happen," Gia said.
They left the castle, walked the ruts in the road, which brought them down to Hogsmeade.
"Hogsmeade, the best village in all of Britain," Ron said, "Mum used to love coming …" Ron softened. "Visit Madam Rosmerta."
They first went to The Three Broomsticks, entered.
"Hey, show her around," Ron said to Harry.
Harry understood, Ron wanted a bit of time with Hermione. Harry brought Gia out of the pub.
"I was kinda wanting something," Gia said.
"We'll come back," Harry said, "Let you see Honeydukes."
Harry and Gia walked along. Gia moved fast, walked right behind Harry, wrapped her arms around his waist. Harry giggled as Gia played. Harry pushed the handle, but it was already filled with other students as they entered. Harry sank a bit, glanced upward, to watch Gia's eyes as she marveled.
"Like that candy shop from Willy Wonka's and the Chocolate Factory," Gia said, "Just better."
"I think they make the most when Hogwarts lets us out," Harry said, "Get some fudge."
"On the condition we'll share it," Gia said.
"Of course," Harry said, "I wouldn't take it all."
"I know you won't," Gia said, "Don't think they'd make the thing I'd really like to suck on."
Harry smiled. They walked to the counter.
"A double piece of fudge," Harry said.
Harry pulled out his wallet, sorted through the assortment of coins, some pounds, some in francs, some in Deutsche Marks, and some in Galleons and Sickles. He handed over the coins, took the fudge. Harry and Gia left the shop.
"Good spot to eat that?" Gia asked.
"Lets try the Shrieking Shack," Harry said. Harry led the way, up the small path, to the fence that bordered it.
"So," Gia asked, "Is this where we came to last spring?"
"Yep," Harry said.
Gia grabbed the fudge. She put half of the piece into Harry's mouth, moved hers in. Harry understood, latched on. Their tongues teased each other, accepted the dribbles of chocolately goodness, while their hands explored and Gia held Harry tight. Slowly, neither actively worked on the fudge, let it melt in their mouths between their dueling warm breaths. Flavor coated their teeth, while they fixed their eyes onto the ears, as the heads were angled to each other. Both mouths stayed open to each other, their lips sealed, while the molten sweet moved undecided between them, each wave sent a bit more down their gullets. Soon, the treat had disintegrated, vanished, the teeth returned to tasting like teeth, and they separated.
"We'll have to do that again," Gia said.
"Yeah," Harry said, "There's more."
Harry and Gia passed some other students as they returned to Hogsmeade. Harry took Gia into the Post Office.
"So many owls," Gia said.
"Some bite," Harry said, "Not Hedwig, she'll nip a bit if she needs something."
"You've got a lot of charm to you," Gia said, "You'd probably make friends with a snake."
"They talk to me," Harry said, "And I can talk to them."
"Good," Gia said, "A few people at school could do with a scare."
"No, no," Harry said, "Not going to do that, again."
"So it's happened?" Gia asked.
"Yeah," Harry said.
"Suppose there's a lot more to show around here," Gia said, "How soon until the next weekend here?"
"I'd guess the weekend before Halloween," Harry said.
"Lets not take the fun out of that one," Gia said, "Anything else you'd like to show?"
"Um…" Harry's eyes fell onto the storefront to Zonko's Joke Shop, with a large sign.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Free Dungbombs with every purchase of five Sickles or more.
(Limit twelve per customer, cannot be combined with other offers.)
"Oh, you've got to check them out," Harry said.
Gia and Harry walked into Zonko's Joke Shop. Gia lifted a bar of soap.
"That spawns frogs when used," Harry said, "Don't even think about—"
"Richard would love to give this to Ant," Gia said.
"Then how'd we explain away the frogs?" Harry asked.
"It's a nice thought," Gia said.
"I know, I know," Harry said, "They're too nice, lets not."
"We've got to get them something," Gia said, picking up a teacup. It bit her nose, Gia shrieked. Harry caught the cup.
"This—keep this on your dresser," Harry said, "When Ant snatches—she'd get bitten."
"You talked me into it," Gia said.
"Mind you, I think Fred and George do it better," Harry said, "This stuff is good…for filler, you know, for the little things."
Harry grabbed a basket, added a couple of cups, along with some Dungbombs and other goods. He paid, they met up with Ron and Hermione starting to leave themselves.
"Hi," Ron said, "You look well supplied."
"Yeah," Harry said as he quickly shoved the whole lot into Gia's purse.
"I can tweak the purse, later," Hermione said, "Give it a bit more room."
"That'd be nice," Gia replied.
"Hermione wants to get the latest copy of Transfiguration Today," Ron said as he twiddled his finger beside his head, "Bit mental, but it's her."
Hermione pulled on Ron's hand, and all four of them went toward Kildary's and Milton's, next to Dervish and Banges. They entered the bookshop. Hermione worked through the small racks of their books. Ron pulled off a copy of Professional Quidditch Matches, Moves, and Scores, 1995—1996.
"They don't publish the current stuff, just last season's," Ron said, "Not useful for betting. For that, you'd want this." Ron grabbed Quidditch Gazetteer, United Kingdom, 1996—1997. "Lists the players…see…look." Ron showed the listing for Puddlemere United, where Oliver Wood was listed as the primary Keeper. "Hey—those slime, they didn't tell me!" Again, Harry glanced, saw the reserve Beaters listed as Fred and George Weasley. Harry glanced further, saw Katie Bell listed as a reserve Chaser.
"She did reasonably good," Harry said, "Funny, I wonder if Wood's trying to recreate the old Gryffindor team."
"If that's the case, expect a recruitment call," Ron said, "Blimey, if so, could you get me a call with the Chudley Canons? Though, suppose any team would be good—drawback, going up against Kathy Hudson."
"Who?" Harry asked.
"Best curves, tall, and lead Chaser for the Canons," Ron said, "About three years older than us."
"Oh," Gia said, glancing over Ron's shoulder, "Best not to drool over that around Hermione."
"Yeah, right," Ron said as he closed the magazine, "I'm a taken man."
Harry snorted, snickered, when they began to hear screams from outside, multiple shrieks and screams. Ron's hands released the magazine, was in step with Harry, and bolted for the door. Gia and Hermione rushed behind, in their wake. Hands fumbled the door, started to reach for their wands, Harry and Ron, not looking as their feet pounded on the shop porch, moved. Harry tripped first over a person slumped on the steps, Ron tripped. Both Ron and Harry tumbled as the last of some very bloodied people collapsed to the graveled road. Blood splattered everywhere. Harry's hands broke his fall into a cesspool of puddled bile tainted blood. Ron fell onto a body. Gia and Hermione stopped in time to avoid tripping, both saw the Apparating witches and wizards, Aurors who all had their wands drawn.
STUPEFY! STUPEFY! STUPEFY! STUPEFY!
Ron and Harry began to stand up, blood on their clothes and hands, managed to get into the thick web of criss crossing Stunning Curses, curses that also found Gia and Hermione. All four blacked out.
Date: Thu Jan 4 09:53:35 2024