[a/n-1]thefrozenflame21v2 suggested "Harry and Romilda, something involving him going to Slughorn's party with her or him taking one of her love potions on accident."

Harry Does Different DXVa

Love Begins

"Well, just be careful what you drink, because Romilda Vane looked like she meant business." Hermione looked down the corridor at the girl and cautioned her friend.

Harry nudged Ron and giggled "Sheesh! She's just a kid. I think dragons and Voldemort are just a bit more dangerous."

"You-Know-Who and You-Know-Who's daughter." Ron found it just as amusing.

Harry shivered "Eww! Bad mental image mate."

"Grrrr!" Hermione stomped off.

Abcij

"Watch out, she's looking your way again." This was a warning issued a couple days later, during lunch.

Harry followed her eyes and rolled his "Lighten up, Hermione. She's a Gryffindor."

"Let's name some others." The young witch countered "Sirius, that is before we knew the truth. Oh …and Pettigrew. Now why is she going to Ravenclaw?"

Very briefly, Romilda Vane stopped to speak with Luna Lovegood. When she was done, the girls shook hands, even hugging momentarily. They smiled at each other as she departed. Then Romilda returned to Gryffindor, notably, right by the Trio. She placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned down "Harry, I wanted you to know I …well… our group helped me grow up since the Express. I don't know if we're friends, quite, but I apologized to Luna. Don't know if you saw or not. It was the right thing to do."

"That's very nice of you Romilda." Said Harry, patting her hand kindly.

The younger girl smiled broadly and enthused "Thanks Harry!" She kissed mostly his cheek, though a part of his lips and off she skipped.

"Don't drink that!" warned Hermione as he picked up his glass.

He gave a slightly dismissive laugh and took a deep swig "Come off it. And leave my butterbeer alone." There was still some in the mug, which he offered "Here Mione. Have the last mouthful." And laughed with Ron when she turned her nose up, then gulped the last.

"I can NOT believe you KISSED Harry Potter!" Leanne exclaimed in awe at her friend's brazenness.

Romilda gave a happy grin "I feel good about myself. I corrected a wrong and maybe made a couple new friends." She smiled in the direction of a wave from Luna. And ignored the skeptical looks of her yearmates. From there, and with a little proper placing in Dumbledore's Army, things went well for the young Gryffindor. And her plan finally paid off about three weeks after her reconciliation with Luna.

Abcij

"I've been watching you two duel." Harry approached the pair as an Army meeting was being let go in small groups "And while I hate to break up such friends, but you are now too evenly matched. I can barely tell you apart in a fight. Plus you're both good. Spread it around a bit, will ya?"

The girls smiled widely. Romilda was careful to first focus on Luna before Harry. She gave a brief hug to the Ravenclaw then a bit more enthusiastic with her fellow Gryffindor, refraining from a kiss. It wasn't easy.

"Actually, there's something else" he scratched the back of his neck in a nervous gesture "See, last thing I really know about is girls. Well, except Hermione. But… well …there's this party thing Professor Slughorn invited me to. Says bring a date. Luna, my first thought was to invite you, because you're really interesting. And …yes also very pretty…"

Here Romilda fought to keep a neutral face

Harry did not notice the effort, continuing "But, and especially after she apologized to you, Romilda's been real nice …to you, me, everyone …And, I dunno, it's like …well, I dream about you."

"Oh thaaaat's interrrrrrrrrresting." Romilda drew out the words with a grin, knowing that her scheme was working. And she went right on with it "Well, if I may suggest? Perhaps, Harry, if you were to ask both of us you would stand out a bit more in Professor Slughorn's eyes. That is what his club is for, after all. I'm sure we can both have fun. Can't we Luna?"

The Ravenclaw grinned at the Gryffindors "That sounds quite lovely. I do believe, then as your dates, we should expect dances and at least one kiss each."

"D-do you t-two need me here for this?" Harry felt he was in waaaay over his head.

Abcij

"Degrading yourself again, Potter?" while Draco's tone seemed to be of a question, his sneering face said otherwise.

Harry began to surge forward, but his dates both gripped an upper arm. Luna pointed out "I do notice Harry was invited. I wonder at you not being so. A pity since publications of the time document your father as a member."

"Could you have even garnered one date, Draco?" asked Romilda with a fake-sweet smile "Certainly not of a quality to match Harry's two. And don't even try the M word on either of us. It doesn't mean anything, and by your own standards, you're one compared to any of us."

Harry decided to take that up later, but followed their lead "Yes, ladies. Now, please, I believe we have an event we were invited to. I do wonder who Hermione's date is? Did you know, Draco? She will be in attendance as well. Curious that."

"Well well! Mr. Potter! And guest[s] not guest. By all means. Always an extra seat." Professor Slughorn greeted them effusively, taking no particular notice of his own House member. "And so we're all acquainted?"

Harry nodded after a nudge in the ribs from both sides, introduced them "Luna Lovegood, Ravenclaw, and her father owns a newspaper. The Quibbler- -"

"If you can call it that." The boy sitting next to Hermione cut in.

Harry snapped "Your opinion wasn't asked for McLaggen." And he swelled at the grateful squeeze to his bicep.

"Now now gentlemen, this is a festive occasion." Slughorn's scolding was lite-hearted "Harry continue please."

After a scowl continued "This, from the Emerald Isle is Romilda Vane. She's mentioned her family is quite involved with the Leprechaun Bank there. She and Luna are both quite decent duelists."

"For girls." McLaggen offered derisively. Not a single female in the room looked pleased.

Harry rolled his eyes "Cormac, I don't know those twins *pointing to the Carrows* …or her… but any time you want a duel and want to lose a Galleon or ten, feel free. I'm sure Hermione, Ginny, Luna or Romilda would be glad for some target practice."

Ginny looked positively predatory. Hermione glared at her unfortunate choice of date. Luna and Romilda equally cuddled into Harry.

"I do think you're biting off more than you can chew, young Mr. McLaggen. But for safety sake, I'll ask Professor Snape if he might set things up." The host offered, then more lightly "How about we change subjects?"

Hermione held her glare on her friend and asked "Professor, how can you tell if someone is under a love potion?"

"Easy enough, Miss Granger." Replied Slughorn, not thinking anything serious "Such as those Misters Weasley are offering? There are tests for such amateurish concoctions. A wand wave, or even a phial of a harmless mixture that has a rather pleasant taste. There would be nil to doubt."

Staring right back, Harry spoke coolly "Why don't you test me, sir? Just for the fun of it? Should be interesting. Don't ya think Hermione?"

"I wouldn't want your friend to doubt me, Harry." Said Romilda in a kindly tone "Whatever makes you happy."

The host ambled over to a cabinet, fiddled inside for a time, then returned to the group saying "Well, why not. And perhaps we'll do something similar in class. Especially with those redheads running amok. Down the hatch, then, Mr. Potter."

"Better'n most of Pomfrey's stuff." Chuckled Harry "So what's the verdict, sir?"

Speaking more in teacher mode, Slughorn answered "The evidence, children, is visual and indisputable. The presence of any love potion would cause the victim's eyes to glow blue. Even to the irises. It takes a trifle over a minute to get through the body, soooooooooooo. Ahh, no, though apparently you do have a guardian angel of sorts, my boy. Who gave you a love potion purger?"

"Something that would …umm… protect me from them?" asked Harry "Just for clarification, sir? Pretty conclusive I'm not dating under the influence. Huh?"

Hermione blushed a bit and offered "Well, I am just glad to have the matter settled beyond all doubt."

Harry gave her a nod to indicate forgiveness, and the meeting went on.

Abcij

Late the next morning Myrtle Vane received a coded owl from her daughter. Regardless of what was scratched into the parchment, she read it as easily as if it were English.

Dear Mum,

It looks like a complete success. Your Amortentia lipstick worked perfectly. You were right. If Harry just suddenly declared his undying love everyone would be suspicious. The real payoff happened last night with a detection potion. Professor Slughorn tested Harry. Even that pest, Granger, was convinced. Leave out the little detail that the one you had me slip him is ineffective on Amortentia and it's THE perfect alibi.

Only thing, with how I've handled things, I may have to accept Lovegood's permanent presence. I've learned multiple marriage is illegal among Muggles. So probably my best option is to introduce the notion to my husband-to-be gradually. To that matter, I seek your input.

With every success I learn how much more you have to teach me.

Love to Endorra and Paulus, and Father

Romilda