# My, How Scandalous!

lil_irish_girl

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 7
Published: 04/08/2007
Last Updated: 19/06/2008
Status: Completed

Rita Skeeter has come to Hogwarts. But only 'cause she got sacked from the Daily Prophet. With Rita's imagination and some quotes from Hermione, Hogwarts has a real scandal on their hands. And guess who's in the middle of it? Harry, of course! Starts out Harry/Ginny, but it so won't end that way! R&R !

## 1. Rita Skeeter Has Come To Hogwarts

Hey you guys! Sorry this took so long, I was just so busy these last couple weeks. After reading the Deathly Hallows I was saddened to realize that J.K. Rowling had a major head injury when she wrote that epilogue. ;D

Anyway, here's the first chapter of “My, How Scandalous!”

Enjoy!

*kisses*

lil_irish_girl

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~ MONDAY ~

“Attention everyone.” Professor McGonagall said to her 7th year Transfiguration class. “Today's lesson is going to be hands-on, so—” she was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. A woman opened it and briskly walked to the front of the room, a Quick Quotes Quill following her. She turned to face the class.

“Hello, students.” Rita Skeeter said, smiling. “I'm Rita Skeeter, and—”

“You write for the Daily Prophet.” the class recited monotonously. Rita's smile widened.

“As it turns out,” she said. “I do not.”

“You got sacked?” a hopeful boy in the back asked.

“No,” Rita glared at the boy. “I just realized that writing for the Daily Prophet wasn't my forte.”

“With all due respect, Ms. Skeeter,” Harry Potter said.

“Please, call me Rita.” Rita interrupted.

“Alright.” Harry started again. “With all due respect, Rita, I'm sure the things that are not your forte would fill several books.”

The laughter that had erupted in the classroom was broken by a loud, tinkling laugh that would have given Umbridge a run for her money.

“Now that we've had our fun,” Rita said, smiling widely. “We can talk about why I came here in the first place. I have been chosen by your headmistress to be the new editor of the Hogwarts Inquirer.”

There was silence, then;

“What the Hogwarts Inquirer?” Lavender asked, leaning forward in her seat.

“The Hogwarts Inquirer is a newspaper.” answered Rita. “Or a magazine, as some would call it. This will inform you of everything going on at Hogwarts, from gossip columns to what you need to bring to class that day.” she glanced at her watch. “I must go now. Lots of classrooms I need to talk to.” and with a smile at Parvati and a wink at Harry, she strode towards the door. Before she closed it behind her, however, Rita poked her head through the door and added,

“And for anyone who would like a job on the paper, feel free to stop by my office, located next to the headmistress'. Don't get your hearts set on front page stories, though. Those are my spots to fill.”

When the door was shut an excited buzz of chatter filled the room. McGonagall settled them down with threats for detention and the classwork began. Half an hour later when the class ended, Harry, Ron and Hermione walked out of the classroom and towards the Great Hall for lunch.

“That Rita Skeeter woman's mental, isn't she?” Ron asked as they sat down and began eating. “I mean, the Hogwarts Inquirer, honestly.”

Neither Harry or Hermione seemed to be listening. Hermione suddenly turned to Harry.

“You have to be careful.” she told him.

“Why?” Harry asked, some food still in his mouth. “There's not much to worry about, right? It's just Rita Skeeter.”

“Well, yeah.” Hermione agreed. “But she's obsessed with you. No doubt half those 'front cover' stories are going to be about you.”

Harry sighed. “I know, Hermione, but—” he was cut off by a red haired witch sneaking up behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders.

“Hey you.” Ginny said, greeting him with a kiss. “Ron, Hermione.” she nodded to each of them in turn. Hermione smiled softly; Ron gave a grunt then continued eating.

“Hey Gin.” said Harry. “Why don't you sit down and eat with us? You haven't got class for a little bit.”

“Actually Harry, I was going to skip lunch today.” Ginny replied. “I've got a big Charms test to study for.”

Harry looked up at her, concern etched on his face. “You've got to eat sometime, Gin.” he said. “I'm worried about you.”

“I know, I know.” said Ginny. “I'll eat something later, alright?” she kissed him again. “I'll see you later. Love you.”

“Love you, too.” Harry watched her walk out of the Great Hall, then turned back to his food.

“I still can't believe you're dating my sister.” Ron said, breaking the silence.

“Believe it, Ronald.” Hermione said quickly. “Back to Skeeter. Just be careful, Harry. She has this way of taking your words and twisting them into some outrageous scandal.”

Just then the doors to the Great Hall opened with a bang!

“Speak of the devil.” Hermione muttered as Rita walked over to where the three were sitting.

“Hello.” she said sweetly. “Pleasure to see you all again. Harry,” she held out her hand. He shook it. “It's been so long! I haven't seen you since the Triwizard Tournament. How've you been?”

“Fine.” Harry mumbled.

“Do you think we could have a little chat?” Rita asked. “Now, perhaps?”

“Uh, yeah. Sure.” he turned to look at Ron and Hermione. “I'll see you in History of Magic, alright?” they both nodded.

“Don't say I didn't warn you.” Hermione whispered after Harry as he and Rita left the Great Hall....

...walked down the corridors and into her office, right next to the headmaster's, as Rita had said. Once inside, she took a seat behind her desk while Harry sat in a wooden chair in front of her. Rita beamed at him.

“Well, Harry.” she said. “First off, d'you mind if I—”

“No.” Harry interrupted. “Go ahead and use your Quick Quotes Quill.”

Rita looked surprised for a moment, but covered it up with a smile as she placed the quill just over the parchment.

“So... Harry.” she began. “How old are you?”

“I'm seventeen.” Harry answered.

“I see, I see...” Rita put her fingertips together. “And I have heard— and read, of course— that you've defeated the Dark Lord, am I correct?”

“Yeah, I killed Voldemort.” said Harry, shrugging. “But I won't be giving you any details about it, so kindly don't push the subject.”

There was a pause. “Tell me, Harry.” Rita finally said. “Do you have a girlfriend?”

“Yes.” Harry said carefully.

“And what's her name?” Rita asked, smiling while the Quick Quotes Quill scribbled furiously.

“Ginny Weasley.” replied Harry.

“You're dating Ginny Weasley.” Rita repeated, twiddling her thumbs. “Charming. For how long?”

“Ever since the war ended.” said Harry. “Voldemort's downfall, you know? So about... three or four weeks.”

“Of course, of course.” murmured Rita. “And are you happy?”

“Extremely.” Harry said, though without a lot of emotion.

Rita looked over Harry's head to see the clock. “Oh dear.” she said, standing up. “You're late for your next class. Stay here a moment,” she reached into her drawer and hastily wrote a note on a piece of parchment. After sealing it, she handed it to Harry.

“There, just give that to your teacher, it explains that you were here talking to me.” Rita said. “Thank you for catching up with me, Harry. Until next time.” with that she nudged Harry out the door. He hurried to Professor Binns classroom for History of Magic. After handing him the note, Harry walked over to his desk.

“There you are.” Ron whispered as Harry sat down. “See 'Mione? I told you that Skeeter woman didn't kill him, didn't I? Didn't I?”

Hermione sighed. “Yes, Ronald. You told me that.” she turned to Harry. “What did you talk to Rita about?”

“Not much,” Harry replied, shrugging. “She was more interested in my love life than anything else.”

Hermione's eyes widened. “I'll tell you again.” she said. “You must be careful what you tell Rita. That imagination of hers could land you in the middle of a scandal that lasts for months.”

“OK, 'Mione.” Ron cut in. “I think he's got it. Don't you, Harry?”

“Yeah, I got it.” Harry said, nodding. “I'll be careful what I say around Rita Skeeter. Now can we please drop the subject?”

After opening her mouth, then closing it, Hermione turned back to face Mr. Binns and continued writing notes. Harry and Ron spent the rest of class playing hangman, receiving glares from Hermione the entire time.

~ Gryffindor Common Room, 10:15 p.m. ~

Harry, Hermione and Ron were the only three left in the common room. Hermione was sitting at one of the tables, studying, Ron was playing a game of wizard's chess against himself, and Harry was lying on the couch, staring angrily at the ceiling. Hermione looked up from her work to see what the boy's were doing.

“Harry, Ron.” she said. “Don't you care at all about your N.E.W.T.s? You're going to fail them if you don't study.”

“Oh, we care about it.” Ron said, not looking up from his game.

“Yeah, we care deeply about it.” Harry muttered, still glaring at the ceiling.

“We just don't show it.” Harry and Ron said in unison.

“Ugh,” Hermione groaned. “You two are hopeless, you know that?”

“Yeah, yeah, we know that.” Ron said, waving a hand in her general direction. “Now could you shush? I'm trying to get out of an entrapment here.”

“Fine.” Hermione said. “I'll talk to Harry then, won't I Harry?”

“Harry's not here right now.” Harry said in a monotone. “Please leave your name, number, and message after the beep and he'll get back to you as soon as he can. Beep.”

Hermione sighed and stood up. “I”m going to bed.” she announced. “G'night Ron. 'Night Harry.”

“Good night, Hermione.” Ron said.

“G'night, 'Mione.” Harry said, watching her go up the stairs.

There was a silence, then;

“Oh, bullocks, I lost.” muttered Ron.

“But doesn't that mean you won?” asked Harry, sitting up.

“...Oh yeah.” Ron said. “I won!”

Harry chuckled, rolling his eyes. “C'mon, Ron. We should probably turn in too.”

Ron agreed. After stumbling upstairs and changing into pajamas, the two boys fell onto their beds and were asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows.

*TUESDAY*

~ Great Hall, 9:35 a.m. ~

The trio were sitting at the table, discussing everything from dreams they had the night before to what strange creature Hagrid would keep as a pet next. Suddenly, Hermione remembered something.

“I have to go.” she told Harry and Ron, who both looked confused. “I'll catch up with you in the common room, alright? Alright. See you.” with that she walked out of the Great Hall and down the corridors, oblivious to the blonde following her.

~*~

Rita leaned in against the door, desperate to hear any part of the conversation. Yet all she could hear was various parts.

“But it could only benefit, and you know you can trust me.”

“I'm sorry, Ms. Granger, but the answer is still no.”

“But— Professor—”

“No. Ms. Granger, my mind is made up. I think it would be best if you left now.”

Hearing footsteps coming closer to the door, Rita backed away quickly and hid behind a pillar just as Hermione walked out. Checking to make sure the hallway was deserted, she slammed the door, then immediately started whispering in rage, jumping up and down angrily as she did so.

“Ooh, I hate her!” Hermione hissed. “I hate her! I hate her! I! Hate! Her!”

Rita stepped out from behind the pillar. “Hate whom, dear?” she asked.

“Professor Gibbs.” Hermione replied, her eyes livid.

“The headmistress?” Rita asked, interested.

“No, my mother.” Hermione said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yes, the headmistress!”

“Why do you hate her?” Rita was trying not to smile.

“Because she is an arrogant, bossy, stuck-up bitch!” just after saying it, Hermione clamped her hands over her mouth, looking disgusted with herself. “I pity the man who would date her.” she said, her voice muffled due to her hands.

Rita's eyes widened slightly. “Well, what did she do?” she asked.

“She won't allow me to stay in the library after-hours to study for my N.E.W.T.s.” Hermione seethed. “She says she 'doesn't trust students unless they give her a reason otherwise.' I mean, honestly, the nerve of that woman! If I were headmistress I'd...” she trailed off, thinking.

“So you think you'd be a better headmistress than Professor Gibbs?” Rita asked, almost desperate for one last thing to complete the scandal that was forming in her head.

“I don't want to sound stuck-up.” Hermione began, looking at Rita. “But some people have the knowledge, compassion, and understanding for these kinds of things. Others don't. I have knowledge, compassion, and understanding for this. She had nothing what so ever. It should be me in that position, not her.”

Rita smiled, then sighed. “Alright then. Don't you have class?”

“You're right, I do!” Hermione exclaimed, then ran down the hall in the direction of the Gryffindor common room.

Rita spun around to face her Quick Quotes Quill, which was still scribbling down the last of the conversation.

“Perfect.” Rita beamed, scanning over what the quill had written. “Hogwarts, you're in for the scandal of a lifetime.”

*LATER THAT DAY*

~ Gryffindor Common Room, 7:20 p.m. ~

“So, Hermione.” Ron said, looking away from the fire to face her. “What was it you just had to do this morning?”

Hermione looked at him through her mountain of textbooks. “I had to speak to Professor Gibbs about extending my curfew in the library so I can study for my N.E.W.T.s longer. She said, however, that she can't trust students.”

“Well, that's a load of sh—” Ron started, but was cut off by Hermione.

“—shoot.” she said through gritted teeth.

“That's a load of shoot?” Ron asked. “D'you know how bloody stupid that sounds?”

“Well, it's better than swearing, isn't it Ronald?”

“Sure, according to Hermione Granger, it is. But seriously, a load of shoot?”

“It makes perfect sense!”

“Yeah. If you're a sodding monkey!”

“A monkey? Honestly—”

“Would you two stop it?” Harry asked from the armchair. “S'Getting rather annoying.”

There was silence following that. Ron broke it.

“On the bright side, there's at least one thing to look forward to tomorrow.”

“What's that, Ron?” Harry asked.

“The first issue of the Hogwarts Inquirer comes out!” Ron said. In response, Hermione chucked a pillow at his head.

“End of discussion.” she announced.

*WEDNESDAY*

~ Girls' Dormitory, 8:13 a.m. ~

Hermione was already up. Normally she would go down to breakfast by herself when it was that early, but today she decided to wait for the boys. Hermione walked out of her room, down the stairs, sat down on the couch, and waited.

At about 8:45 Harry and Ron came downstairs.

“Good morning, you two.” Hermione said, standing up. “Want to head down the breakfast?”

“Sure.” Ron said. He then noticed a large stack of magazines in the corner. “Look!” he exclaimed. “The Hogwarts Inquirer! Let's check it out!”

Ron ran over and picked one up. Ignoring the cover he eagerly scanned the pages. After he had done that he closed the magazine and tossed it at Hermione.

“I'm bored now.” Ron said. “Let's go eat.” and he ran out the portrait hole without waiting for either of them. Chuckling, Hermione looked at the cover of the magazine, then gasped in shock. On the front was a picture of her looking very angry. The headline read:

Green-eyed Granger?

Is Hermione Granger

Jealous of Harry Potter's

New Girlfriend,

Ginny Weasley?

(interview inside, page 3)

“Hermione?”

A deep, half annoyed, half amused voice broke the newfound silence. Hermione spun around to face Harry, who was holding a Hogwarts Inquirer.

“Care to explain?” he asked.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I am a D (uh huh)

I am a D-I (oh yeah)

I am a D-I-E-H-A-R-D-H/Hr

(harmony love)

and I have Harry-Mione love

in my H-E-A-R-T

and I will

Not-Change-My-Obsession-Based-On-J.K. Rowling's-Book! (total copyright!) lol

Review and tell me what you thought of the chapter!

lil_irish_girl

## 2. My, How Scandalous!

'Ello. I'm baaaack! With chapter 2! Just a warning: there's lots of rambling here, cause Harry and 'Mione are both just oh so nervous about everything. So... without further ado... enjoy!

*kisses*

lil_irish_girl

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione opened her mouth, closed it, opened it again, then thought better of it and shut it tight. Instead she tried to communicate with Harry through her eyes. He, unfortunately, didn't get the message.

“OK.” Harry said slowly. “Seeing as you apparently can't talk, I'll read the article out loud and then we'll talk about it, OK?”

Hermione didn't trust any part of her to move for fear of doing something stupid, so she just stood there. Harry stared at her.

“Alright.” he said. “Just nod your head, then.”

Slowly, Hermione jerked her head up, then down. Harry flipped the Hogwarts Inquirer to page three and began reading.

“ 'Yesterday morning I ran into none other than Hermione Granger, the bookworm. She looked very angry about something, so I walked over to her and asked what was wrong. Here's the full interview.

Skeeter (S): What's the matter, dear?

Granger (G): I hate her! I hate her! I hate her!

S: Hate whom?

G: (mumbling) Ginny Weasley.

S: Harry Potter's girlfriend?
G: No, my mother. Yes, Harry's girlfriend!

S: Well why do you hate her?

G: Because she is an arrogant, bossy, stuck-up b*tch! I pity the man who would date her.

S: What did she do?

G: She said I couldn't be friends with Harry anymore. I mean honestly, the nerve of that woman! If I were his girlfriend, I'd...

S: So you think you'd be a better girlfriend than Ginny?

G: Hear me out: I have the knowledge, compassion, and understanding for this. She has nothing what so ever. It should be me in that position, not her.

This is undeniable proof that Hermione Granger is in fact, jealous of Ginny Weasley, current girlfriend of Harry Potter. When more facts reveal themselves I will post them in the Hogwarts Inquirer. Until next time,

~Rita Skeeter ' ”

As Harry finished reading he looked up at Hermione to find her crumpling the magazine in her hands. She chucked it across the room, then rounded on Harry.

“How dare she!” she screamed. “She...she...”

“She what?” Harry asked.

“She twisted my words!” Hermione said. “I didn't say that!”

“You didn't say that?” Harry said, surprising himself by being somewhat disappointed that she wasn't jealous.

“Well, I mean I did say it.” Hermione replied. “But not like that! I was talking about Professor Gibbs.”

“You're jealous of Professor Gibbs?” Harry asked, befuddled.

“No.” Hermione said. “I was angry at Professor Gibbs because she wouldn't let me stay in the library after hours to study for my N.E.W.T.s.”

Comprehension dawned on Harry. “Oh.” he said. “Well, now that that's taken care of, wanna go get breakfast?”

Hermione shook her head. “I'll catch up with you and Ron in a little bit.” she said. “I forgot I have to check on something real quick.”

“OK.” Harry replied, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I'll see you later, then.”

“Bye.” Hermione murmured as she watched Harry walked out of the portrait hole. Once she was sure Harry was gone, she quickly walked over to the couch and fell on it with a sigh.

“What in Merlin's name is the matter with me?!” Hermione asked herself. “Am I jealous of Ginny because she has Harry? No. That's ridiculous. I'm not jealous. I am NOT jealous. I just think Harry deserves better. Yes, that's it. And I don't like Ginny that much. And whenever I see them kissing I feel like ripping Ginny's hair out and.. oh God, I am jealous.”

She sat up. “I'm jealous of Ginny Weasley.” she repeated. “But, this doesn't mean I like Harry. No, no. He's my best friend. I don't like him like that.”

Hermione got up and began pacing the common room. “OK, so I might like Harry that way. But I have to make sure. Yeah, I'll just try to go through today as normally as possible and I'll see if I like him. Oh, God, he's got me rambling.” with that she hurriedly ran out of the portrait hole.

~Great Hall- 9:43 a.m. ~

“Hey 'Mione.” Ron said, his mouth full. “What too— took you so long?” his tone was almost accusatory.

“She had to check on something.” Harry answered for her. “I told you that, Ron. Do you ever listen?” he looked at Hermione. “You OK?” he asked. “It took you awhile, I was getting worried.”

Defends me, and is worried about me. Hermione mentally noted. “I got sidetracked, is all.” she said.

“That's bull-shoot that is.” Ron muttered, glaring at Hermione. She turned to face him.

“Shut up, Ronald.” Hermione half hissed. “I will not have you mocking me.”

“ 'I will not have you mocking me.' ” Ron mimicked in a high-pitched voice. “Give it a rest. You don't need to jump down everyone's throats. Honestly, it was a joke. And if you can't take a joke, you might as well leave.”

Hermione stood up [with a “hmpf” of frustration] and stalked out of the Great Hall. Harry turned and gave Ron an exasperated look.

“...What?” Ron asked as innocently as one can with their mouth full.

“What the hell, Ron?” Harry said, running a hand through his hair. “What's your problem?”

“What?” Ron repeated as soon as he had swallowed. “Oh, come on. Don't tell me you're siding with Hermione.”

“Fine, then I won't tell you.” Harry replied immaturely. “I'm going to find 'Mione.” he added in an undertone before walked out of the Great Hall.

~*~

“Ronald can be so immature!” Hermione murmured to herself as she walked through the library and dropped into her favorite chair. About five minutes later, Harry poked his head through the library door and, upon spotting Hermione, smiled and walked over to her.

“Hey.” he greeted her, sitting in the seat next to her.

“Hi.” she said quietly.

“Ron had no right to say those things.” Harry said, gently placing one of his hands over hers. “But he doesn't mean anything by it.”

Comes and finds me when I stalk away angry. Hermione sighed. “I know.” she said. “But sometimes it just hurts, you know?”

Harry nodded. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, then a thought struck Hermione.

“Harry, what's wrong with me?” she asked.

Harry gave her a look. “Nothing's wrong with you, 'Mione.” he murmured. “You're 17, you're perfect.”

“Then why don't guys like me?”

“Guys like you.” Harry assured her. “Your mind just intimidates them a bit.”

“My mind intimidates people?” Hermione asked.

“Only some.” Harry answered.

“Well, does my mind intimidate you?” Hermione questioned, looking into Harry's emerald eyes.

“Just a bit.” Harry said, putting his thumb and pointer finger a millimeter apart to show her. “But not enough to scare me away.”

“Well that's good.” Hermione replied, smiling. “Because I wouldn't want to scare you away.”

“You couldn't scare me away, 'Mione.” Harry whispered. “No matter how hard you tried.” he glanced at his watch. “I've got to go meet up with Gin.” he told her. “I'll talk to you later, OK?”

Hermione nodded. Harry stood up, gently kissed her forehead, then walked out of the library.

~Gryffindor Common Room- 4:25 p.m. ~

“Where's 'Mione?” Ron whined from his position on the couch. Harry looked up at him from his spot at one of the tables. “She was supposed to be here about twenty minutes ago.”

“Oh, so now you care about her?” he asked sarcastically. “You are so... urgh. Just urgh Ron.”

“What?” Ron asked, looking exasperated. “She's the only one who listened to Snape and his bloody lecture on our homework, which is...”

“A review of Felix Felicis.” answered Harry. “You really didn't listen.”

“No, I didn't.” Ron said. “I told you I wasn't. I wouldn't lie about not listening to Snape's drawl.”

“Well then what were you doing?” Harry asked.

“I was thinking about... things.” Ron replied, not meeting Harry's eye.

“What kind of things?” Harry looked at Ron suspiciously.

“Ummm...” Ron said. “I was thinking about.... magic! Yeah, magic is so awesome, isn't it?”

Harry stared at him for a while, dubious.

“OK, fine!” exclaimed Ron. “I was thinking about Luna.”

“Loony Lovegood?” Harry asked.

“Don't call her that.” Ron said quickly. “She might be somewhat crazy, but she's cute. And smart, in a way. Oh, Harry I think I've fallen for her.”

“That's great, mate.” said Harry enthusiastically. “Now I've got Ginny, you've got Luna, and 'Mione's got...” he trailed off in thought.

“Her books!” Ron suggested, laughing.

“Be nice.” Harry scolded, though he was smiling as well. “Where is she, anyway?”

“Ahh,” Ron said. “Back to the million dollar question. The one I asked in the first place.”

“I hope she's OK.” said Harry, a worried look on his face.

Ron looked expectantly at the blank piece of parchment in his lap, as if hoping it would write itself. After about three minutes of glaring, he sighed and stood up.

“This isn't working. I won't get any work without Hermione here, and it won't write itself so I'm leaving. Later, Harry.”

“See ya.” Harry muttered. His thoughts then traveled back to Hermione.

“Where could she be?” he asked himself. “She's never been this late. She told us she'd meet us here. I hope she's not hurt.”

~*~

“Ms. Granger? Ms.—Ms. Granger!”

“Huh?” Hermione jerked out of her erotic daydream [which, humorously enough, involved Harry and whipped cream] to look up at Madam Pince, who had a scowl on her face. Blushing, Hermione remembered that she was in the library.

“I'm so sorry Madam Pince.” the young witch apologized. “I must have... spaced out.”

“Yes, well kindly space back in.” Madam Pince said. “You're the only one left here, the library should have closed a half hour ago and I need sleep!”

“I'm sorry.” Hermione repeated. Glancing down at the paper she had come in there to do, she was stricken to find that it was only a quarter of the way done. After hurriedly checking out two or three books for her paper, Hermione rushed down the corridors and into the Gryffindor common room, where she found Harry sitting there. His head was in his hands and it looked as though he was about to fall asleep.

Hermione smiled. She quietly walked over to where he was sitting and began whispering in his ear.

“Harry... Harry..” gently she blew in his ear, causing him to shiver slightly and his eyes fluttered open. Blinking a few times, he focused his eyes and noticed Hermione crouched over, still smiling.

“Oh, Hermione.” Harry said, yawning. “When did you come in? I was worried, so I decided to stay here until you came back.”

Stays up to make sure I'm alright. “I sort of spaced out at the library.” she explained. “And I didn't finish my assignment so I think I'll do that right now. You can head up to bed, if you want to. I'll be fine.”

“No, I'll stay up with you.” Harry insisted, shaking his head and sitting up straighter. “I have to finish my essay too.”

Hermione sat down at the chair across from him and began working, occasionally glancing at Harry when she thought he wasn't looking.

~ Gryffindor Common Room- 11:37 p.m. ~

My God, she weighs nothing. Harry thought as he carried Hermione across the common room and set her down on the couch. She subconsciously shifted in her sleep, ending up facing Harry.

“She's beautiful.” Harry breathed. A look of surprise crossed his face. “Did I just say that?” he asked himself.

Are you kidding? A voice in his head asked. She's gorgeous, and you already knew it.

“Yeah, but I have Ginny.”

Who isn't nearly as pretty as Hermione. Or smart. Or deep. Or—

“OK, I get it.”

Well if you get it, why are you still with Ginny?

“Because Hermione doesn't feel that way about me, I know it.”

How do you know?

Harry sighed softly. “Because we're best friends. Nothing more.”

So wait- are you saying that you like Hermione?

“Do I?” he looked again at Hermione. “No. I don't like her like that. I can't.”

Well then you love her.

“I love her?” Harry thought about it a minute, then smiled. “I love her.” he murmured.

Good. You've admitted it. Now what are you going to do about it?

“...Stay with Ginny.”

WHAT?!

“Until I know how 'Mione feels about me. I stay with Ginny until I figure this out.”

Fine. But if everything goes wrong, don't say I didn't warn you.

“Will you just shut up already?”

OK, OK, don't get your knickers in a twist.

“....What?”

Relax. Now I think you might want to wake 'Mione up so she can go to her dorm.

“But she looks so peaceful.” Harry whispered. “I don't want to.”

“You don't want to what?” Hermione breathed, sleep evident in her tone.

“Oh.” Harry said, surprised. He thought she was asleep. “I don't want to... tell you it's past 11:30?”

Hermione jerked up into a sitting position. “Why didn't you wake me?” she asked softly.

“I— you looked so calm, and I really didn't want to wake you seeing as you haven't been getting much sleep lately and you look really really pretty when you sleep and I just couldn't help but watch you which is kind of me acting like a silly boy but that's not exactly the point when—”

Stays awake just to watch me sleep. “Harry?” Hermione asked. “You're rambling.”

“Oh.” Harry repeated, blushing crimson. “Yes. Well, you finished your essay and I finished mine so why don't we head up to bed?”

Hermione gasped, a smile playing on her lips. “Why Harry,” she said, making an obvious attempt to look sexy. “I had no idea you felt this way.”

“I— uh— what I meant was—” Harry stuttered.

Hermione lifted her hand to cup his cheek. “Relax, Harry.” she said. “I knew what you meant. And I think it's a good idea. But you head up, I need a quick walk around the corridors.”

Harry looked at her, concern etched onto his features. “You sure?” he asked. “D'you want my Invisibility Cloak? You could get caught.”

“No, that's alright.” Hermione said, smiling. “I won't get caught, I promise. And it'll only be a few minutes. I swear I'll go right up to my dorm when I get back.”

Harry hesitated. “...OK.” he said slowly. “But you will go to sleep, right?”

“Of course.” she reassured him.

Harry leaned over, gave her a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth [which wasn't exactly where he was aiming,] stood up, and crept up the stairs to his dorm. Hermione rolled her eyes, groaned quietly, then rushed out of the common room and into the empty corridors. Or so she thought. Walking down the halls, Hermione began to talk to herself.

“OK, let's start by reciting that mental list I made.”

Defends me, and is worried about me;

Comes and finds me when I stalk away angry;

Stays up to make sure I'm alright;

and stays awake just to watch me sleep.

Hermione sighed. “Fine. So he's perfect and wonderful and amazing and cute and funny and smart and sweet and oh God he's got me rambling again.” Slowly she turned around and began walking back in the direction of the portrait hole.

“So, what's the verdict?” she asked herself.

“I do believe I've fallen for him.” Hermione answered, whispering as though afraid someone would hear. “I need to sleep on this. Plus, he's got Ginny. I should just be happy for him, even though I can't unless he's with me and did I really just say that?” she sighed. “Apparently I did. Oh well. At least no one can hear me say that I love him, which I do.” with that, she walked into the common room and up to her dorm.

Just outside the portrait hole, none other than Rita Skeeter stood there with just about the ugliest smirk on her face.

“A Potter-Weasley-Granger love triangle?” she asked to no one in particular. “My, how scandalous!”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

So... what didja think? Liked it, hated it, somewhere in between? Please tell me with a pretty little review- I'll love you for it! The third chapter won't take so long, I promise! =D

lil_irish_girl

## 3. My Little Minx

Ohmygod, I'm so sorry guys! I've been running around at a million miles an hour lately and I've just finished this like, right now. Just a quick note- written in a hurry with a rush to upload, so any mistakes you find are all mine. I'm looking for a beta, so if you're interested contact me. Sorry again! Enjoy!

*kisses*

lil_irish_girl

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The Next Wednesday

Outside the Hogwarts castle, just as the sun peeked over the horizon, a little bluebird flew happily. Inside the Gryffindor common room, however, one

particular witch was very, very angry.

“OH MY GOD!” Hermione shrieked, looking at the latest issue of the Hogwarts Inquirer. “Ooh, that Rita Skeeter better learn to sleep with her eyes open!”

“Hey 'Mione.” Harry walked down the staircase and greeted her with a hug from behind. “What was the yelling about? You got me worried.”

“Look at this.” Hermione said, thrusting the paper into Harry's hands.

“ 'Potter-Weasley-Granger love triangle.' ” Harry read. Did Rita find out if 'Mione loves me back? He thought. “What's this about?”

“She thinks we all love each other.” Hermione explained, more to herself than Harry. “Which is why I said she better learn to sleep with her eyes open.”

“I see.” Harry said. “OK, then. So long as we all know it isn't true.”

“Yeah.” Hermione agreed. Even though I wish it were true.

“'Mione!!” Ron yelled, coming down the stairs. “Why the hell were you yelling?!”

“The new issue of the Hogwarts Inquirer is out.” Hermione stated, handing a copy to him.

Ron, after scanning the article, looked up at Harry and Hermione.

“You know I don't love either of you like that, right?” he asked.

“No, you git.” said Harry, shaking his head. “Rita's talking about Ginny.”

“Oh,” Ron said, realization evident on his face. “What a load of bull. I mean, you two don't lurve each other, right?”

“Right.” Hermione said a bit too quickly. “Of course not, how- why would you think that? Best friend love, right Harry?”

“Uh, right.” said Harry, though his mind was elsewhere. She was so quick to say she didn't love me, he thought. Could she be covering up the fact that she does?

Harry sounded unsure in his answer, Hermione thought. Does that mean he loves me too?

“Uh huh... sure.” Ron said, slowly backing away towards the portrait hole. “I'm gonna go get breakfast. You two coming? No? Okay!” with that, Ron clambered out the sprinted to the Great Hall.

Nervously, Harry ran a hand through his uncontrollable hair making it, if possible, even messier. A few parts of his hair stuck out at odd angles. Hermione smiled slightly.

“Here.” she said, moving to face him. “Your hair's sticking up, and it looks funny. Let me fix it.”

Slowly, deliberately, she ran her fingers lightly over his scalp, only half trying to tame his hair.

Oh my God. Wha- ugh- what is 'Mione doing? Harry thought. God, who knew fixing hair could be so damn sexual?

Ending with a gentle shake, Hermione stepped back, surveying her “work.”

“There.” she announced. “All fixed.” in an undertone she added, “Did his hair just get sexier?”

“What was that, 'Mione?” Harry asked.

“Nothing, nothing.” said Hermione. “I'm... gonna go down to the library. I have to research something.”

“What is it?” asked Harry.

If hair can be that sexy, she thought, but what she said was, “It's for Potions. Extra credit. No big deal. I'll see you later, Harry.” Hermione went on tip-toe and gently kissed his cheek, then dashed out the portrait hole.

As soon as Hermione was gone, Ginny came bounding down the stairs and flung herself at her boyfriend.

“Harry!” she shrieked, planting a loud, smacking kiss on his lips.

“Hey Gin.” Harry said somewhat unenthusiastically.

Ginny led him over to the armchair, then she straddled his hips. Leaning over, she gave him a good view of her cleavage (Harry promptly shut his eyes) and began attacking his neck.

“How about-” Ginny murmured between kisses. “tonight- we go down- to the Room of Requirement- and have some fun?- Give that Skeeter woman- something to talk about.”

Harry squirmed a bit. Not because of what Ginny was doing, but because people were beginning to stare.

“Um, Ginny?” Harry said, gently pushing her off his lap. “Not tonight, OK? I've got a big essay I've got to do that's due tomorrow.”

Ginny shrugged, then smiled.

“OK, Harry. Maybe this weekend then.” Before leaving, she bend over towards his ear, adopted a seductive, breathy voice and whispered;

“I'm waiting for you to be my first.”

Once Ginny was out of ear-shot, Harry slouched in the chair.

“You've got nothing on 'Mione, Gin.” he muttered. “She can get me rock-hard just by messing with my hair. You can't even do that.”

Friday- Down by the Slytherin Dungeon- 10:43 pm

“If we were a movie, you'd be the right guy,” Hermione sang under her breath while patrolling the halls. “And I'd be the best friend, that you'd fall in love with in the end, we'd be laughing, watching the sunset fade to black, show the names—”

“Play that happy song.” A deep baritone sang from somewhere around the corner. “Uh-oh. There you go again, talking cinematic.

“Yeah you.” Hermione sang. “You're charming. God everybody star struck.”

“I know,” the mystery voice sang. “How you always seem to go—”

“For the obvious, instead of me,” sang Hermione. “But get a ticket and you'll see—”

“If we were a movie,” the mystery voice sang.

“You'd be the right guy.” Hermione answered.

“And I'd be the best friend—” sang the mystery voice.

“That you'd fall in love with in the end, we'd be— Malfoy?!”

“I believe it's 'laughing.'” Draco quipped, smirking as he leaned casually against a wall.

“I know the words.” said Hermione. “So why do you?”

“Granger, are you kidding me?” Draco asked. “Hannah Montana is one hot blonde.”

“Malfoy, you disgust me.” Hermione scowled. “Why are you out after hours, huh? You do know that i can report you.”

“Ah, but you're not going to.” said Draco.

“And why not?” asked Hermione.

“Cause I know something you don't know.” Draco sounded like a five year old.

“I'd be very excited to learn about it, Malfoy.” Hermione said, intrigued.

“Fine.” Draco said, standing up and gliding over to where Hermione stood. “But only because I love secrets.”

“Spit it out, then.”

“Ginevra isn't a virgin.”

Hermione stood still for a moment.

“Of course Ginny's a virgin,” she said. “She's saving herself for Harry- her boyfriend.”

“That's where you're wrong, Kitten.” Draco cooed. “Potter may be her boyfriend, but I'm her fuck buddy.”

“No.” Hermione said, her eyes wide. “I don't believe you.”

“Well you should, Granger.” said Draco. “She and I have been shagging every night for the past few weeks.” he laughed harshly. “And Harry's still clueless!”

“Harry doesn't know.” Hermione repeated, a look of shock on her face. “Oh, I have to tell him.” she whispered.

“I'm afraid you're not going to do that.” Draco said, blocking her with his muscular body.

“And why not?” Hermione asked, her hands moving to her hips.

“Because then my little minx will stop seeing me.” Draco explained. “And if you tell Potter about this, I will make your life hell. Understand?”

Hermione glared daggers at Draco, but muttered “Yes, I understand.”

“Good.” Draco said, backing away towards the Slytherin common room. “Have a good night's sleep, Kitten.”

“Yeah, have a good night's sleep, you pretentious bastard! Have fun rotting in hell!” Hermione whisper-yelled after him. Turning around to go back to her common room, Hermione began talking to herself. “Oh, I have to tell Harry about this. But how?....... I could- wait, no. That wouldn't work......... Maybe I could.... Yes!.... I'll do that!”

Saturday- Hogsmeade: The Three Broomsticks- Around 1:29 pm

Hermione was almost happily sitting in a back booth all by herself sipping Butterbeer. Being all by herself wasn't as much fun as she had anticipated. But no matter- she had a job to do.

Sit, Sip, Spy. Hermione thought. The three S's. Huh, how odd. The reason I'm in this mess is because of a Slytherin. Oh, how Sorry he will be when I Slip out of his threats and make sure Harry knows what that bastard has been doing. How Sneaky. She mentally smacked herself. Come on, stop that. Too many S's in one thought.

Just then Harry walked through the door, looking around. Hermione noticed, and immediately tried to make herself a bit more noticeable so he would come and sit with her. Harry, however, seemed completely oblivious. Hermione took a deep breath, then sighed just loudly enough for him to hear. He didn't turn around. She tried again, this time just a little bit louder. Again, Harry was totally spacing out.

One last time, Hermione thought, this time “sighing” loud enough for everyone in the pub to hear. This time, he spun around and looked wildly around for whoever had made the noise. Upon seeing Hermione, he jumped a bit.

“Mione!” he said. “I didn't notice you there.”

You wouldn't have noticed a herd of hippogriffs passing in front of your nose, you dolt, she thought slightly bitterly, but what she said was “Well, now that you did, care to sit down?”

Harry hesitated a moment, then sank into the seat opposite of Hermione.

“So what've you done in Hogsmeade so far?” Harry asked conversationally, looking over his shoulder every ten seconds.

“I've gone to Borgin and Burkes to get new books, I went to Madame Milkin's for a new set of robes because mine are getting much too dirty and faded, oh yeah, and I got a tattoo on my ass that says 'Property of Professor Snape.'”

“That's nice.” Harry said, not even listening. “Sounds exciting.”

“Harry.” said Hermione gently, laying a hand on his, which jerked his attention back to hers. He looked into her eyes.

“Yeah?” He asked.

“Who are you waiting for?” asked Hermione. “Because you just completely missed me telling you that I got a tattoo on my ass.”

“What?!” Harry's eyes got as big as saucers. “You got a tattoo where?”

“On my ass.” she said simply. “But you avoided my question; who are you waiting for?”

“Oh, I was supposed to meet Ginny here over an hour ago, but she never showed.” Harry said hurriedly. “Now back to you: you got a tattoo on your ass?”

“Yeah.” Hermione said. “It says 'Property of Professor Snape.' So Ginny didn't show?”

“No, I have no idea where she could be.” Harry made a face. “You're having an affair with Snape?!” he made gagging noises. “Why would you do that?”

Ginny's probably in the bed of a certain Slytherin. “Because his voice is sexy.” said Hermione absent mindedly.

“Umm, how the hell is his voice sexy?” Harry asked in a forced whisper. “I'm not even sure it's a voice. More like a drawl.”

“Harry.” Hermione said. “I was kidding. Relax.”

“Oh...” said Harry. “Well why the devil would you go with a joke that long?”

“I don't know. 'Cause you went with it?”

“..Do you wanna spend the rest of the day with me?”

Hermione took a minute to think about this.

“Okay.” she said, and the two of them walked out of the Three Broomsticks with their arms loosely linked.

~*~

Florian Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor- 2:39 pm

“So how's that strawberry sundae?” Harry asked.

“Good..... Harry, you have something on your nose.” Hermione was trying not to laugh at the fact that Harry had chocolate something-or-other on the tip of his nose. Harry stared cross-eyed.

“I can't see anything.” his expression contradicted his words; a giant grin on his face. I just love Hermione's laugh. Harry thought, watching the young witch stifle giggle after giggle.

“Here, lemme get it.” Hermione reached over the table and used her index finger to wipe the ice cream off his nose. She then licked the chocolate something-or-other in the most sexual way she could muster.

“Gee, you make ice cream hot.” Harry flirted, staring deep into her eyes. Hermione blushed.

“I think that depends on how you're looking at it.”

Then slowly, as if magnetically charged, their lips began moving closer and closer to one another's until they touched. Harry thought it felt like electricity- Hermione couldn't believe that she was actually kissing Harry- her best friend. As soon as both of them realized what they were doing, they pulled apart as though they had been burned. That, and the fact that a bright flash went off that startled them. From behind the giant bush to the right of them, Hermione heard;

“YES!”

“What was that?” Harry asked. “Who's there?”

“Uhh, mice?” the distinct voice of Rita Skeeter said in a high squeaky voice that was not her own. “Oooh, dammit. Mice don't talk!”

Rita and her photographer stepped out from behind the bush- giant smiles on their faces.

“Well, you're caught.” Rita said triumphantly.

“Caught doing what?” Harry asked, feigning confusion.

“Kissing!!” Rita yelled, loud enough to turn heads.

“We didn't kiss...” Hermione said slowly, as if talking to a five year old.

“Yes you did!” Rita exclaimed. “Right there!” she pointed to the table. “And I took a picture of it!”

“Whatever, Rita.” Harry said, standing up and taking Hermione's hand. “Let's go. C'mon Mione, we wouldn't wanna get attacked by mice.” with that, the two walked away in the direction of the castle.

“You think this is over, Harry Potter.” Rita mumbled to herself. “I will ruin your life yet. And I will do it with gossip! 'Does Harry Potter have a cheating heart?' Yes, I rather like that headline....”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Again guys, sooo sorry for the wait I made you go through. I swear that won't be the case next chapter!

lil_irish_girl

## 4. A New Twist

Hi guys... Sorry the update has been really inconsistent. I need to get my act together. Writers block can do things to a person. But, there was a controversy about a fic that I posted...

I am so sorry to everyone who was affected by it. [they should know what I'm talking about].

I came to my friend [who is normally clueless] for birthday smut ideas, and she gave them to me. Now I understand where she got them from. I can only hope that you can forgive me. If you take notice, I did delete the fic. Again- I am really sorry for that. Without further ado, here is the fourth chapter to “My, How Scandalous!” Enjoy. [ps- all typos are mine and mine alone]

*kisses*

lil_irish_girl

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“Harry?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“Oh, I'm sorry Mione. But I don't love you back. Wanna know why? Cause I'm a stupid boy, that's why.”

“OK Harry. I'm in love with you, but you only see me as a friend and I'm totally alright with living with that constant pain.”

Just then, the puppet Hermione jumped on top of the Puppet Harry, attempting to punch every inch of him she could reach. The Human Hermione sighed.

“Let's try that again.” she said, readjusting the puppets on her hands, sitting on her four-poster bed.

“Harry?” the puppet Hermione said in a girly voice.

“Yeah, Mione?” said puppet Harry in a deep voice.

“I love you.” Puppet Hermione said.

“Oh Mione.” Puppet Harry sighed. “I love you too.”

“Kiss me now, you fool.” demanded Puppet Hermione. Puppet Harry moved over next to her.

“Muah! Muah! Muah!” human Hermione said as her puppets made out with each other. Just then a thought struck her that made her drop her puppets as though they were on fire.

“Oh God, I'm pathetic.”

Standing up, she began to pace her room.

“This is ridiculous. I hate Rita Skeeter for making this happen! She's turned so many normal things into a scandal. But I will so get back at her. Oh yes, I will have my revenge.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“What am I doing?”

Harry was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

“I kissed Hermione. I kissed Hermione. I loved kissing Hermione. What's wrong with me?”

He got up and began pacing the room.

“All I can think about is kissing her. I want to do it again. I need to do it again. God, what's happening?..... I blame Rita. I thought of Hermione as my sister and nothing more until she showed up. I have to get my revenge on Rita Skeeter. May Merlin be with her.”

Tuesday- 7th Floor Corridor- 2:35 pm

Hermione snuck down the hallway in the shadows during her free period.

Alright, you obnoxious little bitch. Where are you? She thought. Just then her thoughts were answered- Rita came walking down the hall, softly humming to herself.

Hermione smirked and aimed her wand. Whispering the incantation, and jet of violet light struck Rita in the back, who continued walking- oblivious.

Still Tuesday- 2nd Floor Corridor- 3:38 pm

Harry chuckled as he watched Rita yell at a third year.

She's so stupid. He thought. She has no clue what I'm going to do to her.

Taking careful aim, Harry muttered the incantation and a jet of yellow light hit Rita in the foot. She didn't notice, but the third year did, who looked at Harry and grinned.

“What are you smiling about?” Rita demanded.

“Nothing, Ms. Skeeter.” the boy said. “Nothing.”

Still Tuesday- Gryffindor Common Room- 5:12 pm

Hermione sighed, gazing out the window.

I like Harry, she thought. Oh, for Merlin's sake, I love Harry. Rita was right. But she was driving me insane. God, what am I going to do now? Just then a thought struck our favorite little witch.

“I have a plan!” she half squealed. “And this one will work for sure.”

Wednesday- Great Hall- 9:04 am

“Morning boys.” Hermione greeted Harry and Ron, beaming as she sat down to eat.

“Hey 'Mione.” Harry said. Ron merely grunted, unable to speak due to the food in his mouth.

Hermione began eating. Looking out the window, she commented;

“Doesn't it look like a beautiful day?”

Harry turned to see where she was looking. It was pouring rain outside.

“Mione?” Harry asked, looking concerned. “Are you feeling OK? Why are you so happy?”

She suddenly leaned in, making Harry jump in surprise.

“Can you keep a secret?” she whispered.

“Yeah.” Harry replied, now leaning in as well. “What is it?”

“I cursed Rita!” Hermione squealed, then sat back, giggling.

Hermione Granger curses someone, then giggles about it. Harry thought. What world am I living in?

“Really?” he asked. “Cause, so did I.”

Hermione gasped, grinning.

“Really? That's so cool!”

“Yeah.” Harry said. “So, what does your curse do?”

“Well, you see,” Hermione began. “It's an ancient curse, banned for some odd reason, but it makes the person crave strange foods and beverages. It also makes them laugh uncontrollably at inappropriate times. What does your curse do?”

“Oh. Well—you see—it makes them—”

Just then, Harry was cut off by the doors to the Great Hall banging open and there was Rita; cackling madly and wearing a princess costume.

“Harry—what did you—?” Hermione said, trailing off.

“HELLO, MY ROYAL SERVANTS!” Rita yelled, addressing the entire room. “WHO WANTS TO GROOM MY PONY??”

“Harry!” Hermione said, using her hand to stifle her laughter. “What happened to her?”

“Well...” Harry said, grinning. “My curse makes her act like a five year old.”

Just then, a blood curdling scream filled the air. Everyone turned to look at Rita- who was about to cry.

“Where—” she began. “Where—is—... WHERE'S MY SOY LATTE WITH A MOCHA TWIST AND A HINT OF KIWI?!” to show her anger, Rita stomped up and down; her tiara falling off her head. Just as suddenly, her face contorted to one of amusement. Rita began giggling, which led to her rolling on the ground, holding her sides.

Alarmed by this behavior, Professor McGonagall walked around the Head Table to where Rita was.

“Rita?” she said softly, laying a gentle hand on her shoulder. As soon as Minerva touched her, Rita's eyes flew open. Shrinking away from her, Rita stood up and glared at Minerva- her eyes livid.

“Unhand me, peasant!” Rita yelled, brandishing her princess wand. “Or I shall turn you into a toad!”

“Rita...” Minerva said. “You need to lie down. Don't you think?”

“Back off!” Rita said, jumping up and down excitedly, making her dress rise and fall. “Back off, back off, back off, woman! Or I shall use my magic sticky thing to turn you into something baddd! Because I am RITA SKEETER! Ace photographer and reporter!”

“Well, Rita Skeeter.” said Minerva, placing her hands on her hips. “How old are you?”

Rita rocked back and forth on her heels, attempting to look fairly innocent.

“Twenty-eleven?” she guessed.

“Hardly.” Minerva said, trying to not look amused. “You're five, aren't you?”

“Nuh uh!” Rita said quickly, her voice raising a bit. “Would they let me be a reporter if I was only five? I'm twenty eleven!”

“Rita- I really need you to go lie down. Maybe you hit your head?”

“I didn't hit my head! I want to......” she trailed off in thought. “HARRY POTTER!” she shrieked. “I WANT TO SEE HARRY POTTER!”

Hermione's eyes widened.

“Harry!” she whispered urgently. “Rita has the picture! She has the picture and she's five! What are we going to do?”

“Mione, don't worry.” Harry assured. “It's a picture of two people kissing. She'll probably look at it, say “ewww,” and throw it away.”

“Yes, but what if she doesn't?” Hermione looked fearful.

“She's not going to—”

“He kissed her!!!” Rita yelled at Minerva suddenly, jumping up and down again.

“He kissed who?” Minerva asked.

“HER!” Rita shouted. “AND I GOT A PICTURE OF IT!”

Harry and Hermione shared a look.

“Let's go.” Harry whispered to Hermione. The two of them got up.

“Wha—where are you two going?” Ron asked, watching Rita with amusement. “You're gonna miss the show!”

“Trust me, Ronald. There will be an even more interesting show if we don't leave right now.”

Ron shrugged.

“Suit yourself.” he said. “I wanna see if someone hits someone!”

“Please can I see Harry Potter?!” Rita said, looking at Minerva.

“No.” Minerva said firmly.

“Please?”

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“Please?!”

“No!”

“Pretty please with sugar and frosting and cherries and—can I have a sundae?”

“Can you have a what?” Minerva asked, befuddled.

“A.Sundae.” Rita said slowly. “You know- with ice cream, and pickles, and mashed pataters, and ham, and tapiopa pudding mixed with caramel!”

“You mean tapioca?” Minerva said, trying to remain calm.

“That's what I said! Tapiopa!”

Minerva sighed.

“Rita- why don't you eat something? Maybe that will make you feel more like yourself.”

“I WANT TAPIOPA PUDDING MIXED WITH CARAMEL, WOMAN! ARE YOU DEAF?!”

Still Wednesday- Rita Skeeter's Office- 9:37 am

Harry and Hermione crept down to Rita's office; which wasn't as hard as they expected. There weren't any charms to keep the door locked, no enchantments to curse anyone who tried to come in- nothing. So the two of them opened the door and went in without a problem. Inside they found newspaper articles covering the walls.

“I've heard about 'loving your job,'” Harry commented. “But this is a bit ridiculous.”

“I know.” Hermione agreed. “She is a tad obsessed, isn't she?”

“Yeah.” said Harry. “But forget about her decor, let's find that picture.”

“Right.”

They began rifling through drawers, hoping to find that incriminating picture. After about five minutes of searching, Hermione cried out in triumph.

“Ha!” she said, standing behind Rita's desk and waving the picture in the air. “I found it!”

Harry came up to where she was standing and looked over her shoulder.

“Well what do you know?” he murmured, letting his head rest on her shoulder.

“What?” Hermione asked quietly, turning her head slightly to get a better look at him.

“We take a pretty good picture.” Harry's grin was evident, even from Hermione's angle.

“You're hopeless.” Hermione said, laughing softly.

“Not always.” Harry said.

Hermione laughed softly.

“No.” she said, turning to look at him face-on. He lifted his head off her shoulder to face her. “Not always.”

“Not most of the time?” Harry asked, moving a bit closer to her.

“Don't push it.” Hermione whispered. Harry looked deep into her eyes.

“Hermione—”

“Yes, Harry?” asked Hermione, staring at him with innocent eyes.

Slowly- giving her time to pull away- Harry moved closer to her. When she didn't budge, he gently placed his lips over hers; kissing her. Hermione's eyes fluttered shut momentarily, and when he pulled back she opened her eyes again.

“Did I push it?” Harry asked quietly.

“N-no.” Hermione stammered. “You didn't push it. Best friends forever, right?”

“Yeah. Best friends forever.” said Harry. “And nothing can change that.”

“Nothing...” Hermione trailed off. She then remembered the picture that was still clutched in her hand. “What should we do with this?” she asked, holding it up feebly.

“Do you want to throw it away?” Harry asked quietly.

NO! The voice inside Hermione's head screamed. It's the only proof I have of the fact that Harry and I kissed. I'm keeping it. “Yeah, sure. I'll throw it away.”

“Okay.” said Harry. “I should probably get going. I have to find Ginny.” And get out of here before I seriously push it. “So I'll talk to you later, alright?”

“Alright.” Hermione stayed where she was; watching Harry go. When he shut the door behind him, she looked at the picture in her hands. Over and over again she saw Harry and her kissing.

“Oh yeah.” she murmured to herself. “I am so keeping this.”

Still Wednesday- Great Hall- 10:01 am

“TAPIOPA PUDDING! I WANT IT! I WANT IT! I WANT IT!”

“Can we please stop having this conversation?!” Minerva said angrily. “We don't have any tapiopa— tapioca pudding mixed with caramel! The answer is no!”

Rita started giggling.

“Hehe, you said 'no!' all mad-like.”

“Okay. Well if this is over- I need to start doing something productive.”

“Can I go with you?” Rita asked, eyes lighting up slightly.

“Um, no. Don't you have news to report on?” Minerva looked tired of this “act” now.

“OH YEAH!” Rita yelled. “I have a really really really good piece of news. I saw Harry kissing—”

“Ginny!” Harry yelled, rushing through the doors just in time. “Because she's my girlfriend. And why shouldn't I kiss my girlfriend, right?”

Rita waved her finger at him, swishing her princess dress back and forth.

“Oh no, Mister Harry Potter.” she said, grinning. “I saw you kissing none other than Ms. Hermione Granger!”

The entire Great Hall gasped. Almost everyone's mouths were agape.

“I—Ah—Abu—No!” Harry stammered. “I didn't kiss Hermione. Why would I kiss Hermione?”

“Because you love her!” Rita said. She began cackling hysterically, then a second later her face contorted: she looked like she was going to explode with excitement.

“Do you know what sounds really really good right now?” she asked, bouncing up and down, waving her princess wand like mad. “Pickles and peanut butter!”

While Rita was describing her love of peanut-buttery pickle goodness, Harry turned on his heel and began walking towards the door again; avoiding catching anyone's eye. When his hand was on the door handle, Harry muttered;

“For once, I thank Merlin Ginny doesn't eat breakfast.”

“Don't I, Harry?” a small voice asked from behind him. Harry spun around to face Ginny, whose face was beginning to match her hair.

“Ginny—I—” Harry sputtered.

“I thought I'd eat breakfast with you today.” said Ginny, her voice barely above a whisper. “But instead—” she spread her arms wide, showing him that everyone in the Great Hall was looking at them. “—I get this.”

“Gin, maybe we should talk in the hallway.” Harry suggested.

“Yeah.” Ginny said. “Let's go.”

Once they were out in the corridors, Ginny glared at him slightly, her hands on her hips.

“So, Harry.” she said. “What's this I hear about you kissing Hermione?”

“Look Gin,” said Harry. “I'm not gonna lie to you- I did kiss Hermione.”

“Oh, you did, did you?!”

“Yes. But let me explain.”

“Oh, by all means, Harry. Explain.”

Still Wednesday- Hallway Near Great Hall- 10:17:03 am

“Harry... I noticed that when you kissed me that it wasn't exactly a— no, that sounds so lame.”

Hermione was walking towards the Great Hall- analyzing her kiss with Harry and how it could affect their friendship.

“Harry—I think it would be better if I moved to Germany.” Hermione stopped for a minute. “Germany?? What's wrong with me? If I could be so stupid as to even suggest Germany as an option in a time like this. Why it's improbable, it's unethical, it's—”

“It was a mistake.” Hermione heard Harry say from around the corner. Hermione was about to step out and talk to him when she heard Ginny's voice.

“A mistake?” Ginny asked. “How do you accidentally kiss someone?”

“I don't know, Gin.” Harry said. “It just happened. I felt nothing.”

“Nothing?” Ginny asked, still skeptical.

“Absolutely nothing.” assured Harry. “'Mione's like my sister, Gin. I wouldn't want to kiss my sister.”

“Okay, Harry.” said Ginny in a lighter tone. “I'll see you later, okay?”

Even from around the corner, Hermione could hear Harry and Ginny kissing. When she heard small footsteps walk away, Hermione gathered the courage to step out from behind the wall; and walk almost directly into Harry.

“Oh, 'Mione, hi.” Harry said quickly. “Listen- I need to talk to you about—”

“Save it.” Hermione said shortly. “I heard everything. I heard you talking to her about everything.”

Shit. I lied to Ginny about that part. “'Mione. You have to understand.”

“Oh, I understand.” said Hermione. “I understand perfectly. And it's fine. I'm not going to yell at you, Harry.”

“You're not?”

“No. I'm not.” Hermione leaned in and kissed Harry gently, one hand cupping his cheek. Before Harry could even attempt to deepen it, she pulled away.

“I'm not your sister, Harry,” she whispered. “But I'll try to be.”

When Harry's eyes opened, Hermione was gone.

“Well this is terrific.” Harry muttered. “My girlfriend thinks I'm in love with her- which I'm not. And my best friend thinks I think of her as my sister- which I don't. You just have to love drama.”

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So, what did you lot think? If you leave a little review- I'll be your best friend! I'll seriously try super hard to get the next chapter updated quickly- I've got a good idea in mind for this one.... :]

lil_irish_girl

## 5. Revelations

OMGsh! Guys I am so sorry!
Take a crashed computer + writers’ block and you have me. SO NOT FUN!
Anyway, here’s the next chapter to My, How Scandalous!
(small note: everything in that closet stays PG-13)
Enjoy!

*kisses*

lil_irish_girl

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Ginny Weasley woke to the sound of her alarm clock buzzing. Groaning, she rolled over and hit the ‘snooze’ button.

I don’t wanna get up today, she thought groggily. I really really really do not want to do anything today. I’m too damn tired.

Eventually she stumbled out of bed. Briefly looking at herself in the mirror, she walked out of her dorm room and down the corridors towards the Great Hall. After sitting down and putting some food on her plate, four fifth year girls sat next to her, grinning like mad.

“Hi Ginny!” the blonde one closest to her, named Charlotte, said excitedly.

“Um, hi,” said Ginny, swallowing her eggs.

“What’s it like dating Harry Potter?” a small brunette, Jessica, blurted out.

“It’s… interesting. And fun. Very very fun.” Ginny replied.

“Is he a good kisser?” Charlotte asked.

Not as good as Draco. Ginny thought devilishly. Not anywhere near as good as Draco. Ooh, like that one time when he came up behind me. So forceful, those Slytherins…

“Ginny?” Charlotte asked, snapping Ginny out of her daze.

“Wha?” Ginny said. “Oh! Yes. Harry’s a very good kisser.” Might as well play it up a bit for them- it’s not like they’re going to date him anytime in their lives.

All the girls giggled at this comment.

“Actually,” Ginny said, putting the toast back on her plate. “I’ve got to go find him.”

She stood up and winked at the girls, who collapsed into a fit of giggles again.

“I’ll see you later, girls.” She said, walking away.

“Bye Ginny!” the four of them yelled after her.

Sighing, she walked out of the doors to the Great Hall. Humming tunelessly, she wandered down the corridors. Turning a corner on the sixth floor, she felt someone’s hands on her waist.

“Now, is it really very smart for such a gorgeous girl like yourself to be wandering the corridors alone?” a deep voice whispered in her ear.

“I’m not helpless.” She murmured, leaning into his touch. “I can take care of myself.”

“Care to come with me into this dark dusty broom closet?” he asked.

“Why not?” she said, leading him in. Once they were inside, his mouth came down on hers- claiming her. Tongues battled, and as Ginny broke the kiss with a soft moan, he instead trailed kisses down her neck.

Just outside the broom closet, a few feet away, Ms. Rita Skeeter was inspecting the ceiling.

“There isn’t an infestation of nargles stuck to the ceiling!” she muttered, shaking her head. “Oh, Ms. Granger, you will hear from me.”

“Oh, Draco.” A moan came out of the closet, loud enough for Rita to hear. Looking at the closet questioningly, she moved a bit closer.

“Ginny.” A male voice whispered. After a minute or two, the noises subsided. Rita was about to walk away when…

“I love you.” The male voice said lovingly.

“I love you, too.” Ginny whispered.

“Then why won’t you be my girlfriend?” he asked, his tone turning a bit harsher. “Gin, I love you. You say you love me. Potter’s just a third wheel. Tell me again why you can’t be mine?”

Rita heard Ginny sigh.

“Because,” she said. “Harry loves me. I’m trying to find a way to let him down easy.”

“Let him down easy?” he said incredulously. “How about ‘Gee, Harry. I sure do love you, but I love Draco more!’”

Ginny laughed quietly. “I don’t sound like that, and I can’t just go out and say that!”

Draco sighed. “I guess we’ll just have to keep it a secret then. For now, anyway.”

“I suppose.” More silence. “I do love you, though.”

“I love you, too. But you need to find a way to tell Potter.”

After that last comment, Rita snuck down the hallway. When she was sure she was out of earshot, she began talking to herself.

“Oh, what a turn of events we have here!” she said excitedly. “Draco loves Ginny, Ginny loves Draco but is with Harry, Harry loves Hermione, and Hermione loves Harry! My, my, my. Could things get any more interesting?”

Meanwhile, in the Gryffindor Common Room

“You haven’t finished yet?!”

Harry and Hermione were the only two in the common room at the time- everyone else had either gone down to dinner or was out walking among the grounds. Harry flashed Hermione a grin- that grin. The one that made her go weak in the knees. She smiled softly, still half-glaring at him.

“Honestly, Harry,” she said. “You should have finished this essay days ago!”

“I was busy, Hermione.” He muttered. “I couldn’t finish this essay, let alone anything. I’m not good to anybody when I’m confused and tense.”

“Confused and tense?” Hermione asked. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t know,” Harry said. “It’s just been a rough week.”

Hermione looked at him with sympathetic eyes. Walking around so that she was facing the back of the chair, she began rubbing his shoulders. Harry sighed and tilted his neck.

“What’s happened this week that makes it so hard?” Hermione questioned.

“Oh, the usual. A load of homework that I’ve never gotten around to doing… a little to the left… as the Quidditch captain I have to come up with brilliant plans… not so hard, Mione… and I’m thinking of breaking up with Ginny.”

At that last comment, Hermione abruptly stopped.

“What?” she asked.

“I’ve been thinking of breaking up with Ginny.” Harry repeated.

“Why?”

“Because I don’t think she makes me happy.” Harry answered softly.

“Oh.” Hermione said. “What made you realize that?”

“I think I found someone who does.” Harry said. “Make me happy, that is.”

“Who is it, Harry?”

Harry stood up, walked around the chair- now facing Hermione. Placing his hands on her neck, he gently kissed her; giving her a chance to pull away. But it soon became obvious that she had no intention of doing so. Moving her hands up his chest, she wrapped her arms around his neck. His hands slowly moved to end up around her waist. After a couple minutes, she broke the kiss.

“It’s you, Hermione.” Harry whispered. “It’s always been you.”

“Harry,” she murmured, allowing her eyes to flutter closed. “I don’t understand.”

“Mione, I think I’m in love with you.” His eyes searched hers carefully.

“You think you’re in love… with me?” Hermione’s eyes showed confusion.

“Yes.” He answered simply. “And I don’t know what to do about it because I don’t want to jeopardize our friendship in any way and I was just wondering if you could maybe tell me what you think I should do for this particular problem?”

“You could start by shutting up.” Hermione said, smiling slightly.

“What?”

She responded by leaning in and gently kissing him. Pulling back, Hermione smiled at him.

“I do believe that I’m in love with you, too.” She whispered.

His eyes lit up.

“Really?” he asked.

“You can bet your Firebolt, Mister Potter.” Her smile was wide and playful. “The only question now is- what are you going to do about Ginny?”

“I’m gonna try to find a way to let her down easy.” Harry replied. “But as for right now, I think I should stay with her. Until I figure out how to let her know. Is that okay with you?”

“It’s fine with me.” Hermione said, hugging him slightly. “So long as I know that you’re mine.”

Harry’s smiled widened.

“I’m yours.” He confirmed, placing one small kiss on her lips. “Don’t worry.”

“Should we not tell Ron?” Hermione asked.

“… Let’s not for now.” Harry said. “Let’s just wait to see how things play out. But then again, I don’t want him walking in on us kissing and get him thinking that I’m cheating on his sister with you and—”

“Harry.” Hermione said, effectively stopping him. “I agree with you. We’ll keep this from him for the time being. And Harry?”

“Yes?”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

Next Day- around 6:21 pm

“Can you at least tell me why?”

“I have to do that report for Flitwick.” Harry said, not looking Ginny in the eye. “It’s due tomorrow, and I’d rather not stay up until two in the morning finishing it. Seriously, Gin, why don’t you just stay here and socialize. I’ll go to the library and get some work done, alright?”

“Hmpf.” Ginny pouted. “Okay. Then I guess I’ll talk to you later.”

Gently kissing her cheek, Harry turned around and practically ran out of the Gryffindor common room, leaving Ginny on the couch.

When Harry got to the library, he found Hermione at her usual table. Sneaking up behind her, he nipped her earlobe.

“Hello, love.” He murmured. “Miss me?”

“Of course I did.” She said, smiling. “Sit down, you’ve got to finish that report.”

“It’s always work with you, isn’t it?” Harry asked, moving his chair so that it was right next to hers. “All work and no play makes Ms. Granger—”

“Do you even want to finish that sentence?” Hermione asked, her eyes mischievous.

“No I do not.” Harry said. They began working. After a few minutes, Harry’s hand went underneath the table to rest on her leg. When Hermione didn’t smack him for being so bold, he smiled and moved his head so that he could whisper a few things into her ear. Sweet nothings, really, but they meant so much to Hermione.

Just as Harry was about to move a bit higher on her thigh, someone interrupted their little party.

“My, my, my.” Rita Skeeter said, smirking. “What do we have here?”

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Kay guys. Tell me what you think. I know it's short. And kind-of suckish. And fluffy to boot.

But I’ll love you forever if you just click that pretty little review button and write pretty little words!

:)

## 6. Harry Doesn't Know

Hey you guys. I know, I know; I’ve been really bad about updating lately. So I’m going to try a new method of typing stories up, which will hopefully help me. And so, without further ado, chapter six. (:

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> Hermione turned around in her chair to look Rita in the face.

> “A nosy bitch, that’s what we have here,” said Hermione in a sickly sweet voice. “Say, why do you always suddenly show up wherever Harry is, hmm? Stalking him, or something?”

> “He’s always around when a great story pops up.” Rita answered matter-of-factly. “I can’t help that I have a need for good stories.”

> “You also can’t seem to help noticing the fact that I am a human being.” Harry said, taking his hand off Hermione’s leg and standing up. “And not merely a way to make your life a little less pathetic?”

> “Watch yourself, Mister Potter.” Rita said menacingly. “Whether or not you wish to believe this, I am an authority figure, and I will not be spoken to that way.”

> “Well I just did.” Harry said. “So what exactly do you plan to do about it?”

> Rita gave Harry a piercing glare, then “hmpfed” indignantly.

> “But I’m bigger than you!” she said, half pouting. “You will show me some respect!”

> “What are you, five?” Hermione asked, standing up as well. “Harry has about as much authority as you do, seeing as you don’t seriously work here and he is the ‘Savior of the Wizarding World.’ Now why don’t you run along, and find a better story to report on? I hear the Gobstones Club is missing important items. Contact Flitwick if you have any information about it.”

> “But… I… B-But…” Rita stuttered.

> “I said, run along.” Hermione’s stare could’ve scared anyone out of their wits. Without another word, Rita turned on her heel and practically ran out of the library.

> Harry turned to Hermione.

> “Mione!” he said, as loudly as he dared- they were in a library, after all. “I can’t believe you told Rita off like that! That took some guts.”

> “Well she’s just getting on my nerves.” Hermione said, grinning. “Someone had to tell her off. I figured it might as well be me.”

> “Well now I’ve got her off my back for a while.” Harry was smiling, as well. “She’s probably taken your little ‘Gobstones Club’ thing to heart and is now investigating it.”

> Hermione laughed. “If she honestly is, then I don’t know why she’s here in the first place. A good journalist should know when someone is lying.”

> “Ah, but you’re a very good liar.” Harry said truthfully. “It’s hard to tell when you’re not telling the truth.”

> “Really?” Hermione asked. “Hmm. I’ll have to keep that in mind when I want to throw someone off the right track.”

> “Hey now.” Harry said, a playful smirk on his face. “You better use your powers for good instead of evil.”

> “We’ll see.” Hermione said, winking at him. “But if it turns out I am evil, I’m sure the great Harry Potter— ‘Boy Who Lived’, or whatever— could stop me just like he did to nasty old Voldemort.”

> “You little wench.” Harry said, smiling as he wound his arms around her waist— trapping her.

> “Harry,” said Hermione in mock-annoyance. “Let me go!”

> “Take it back,” He told her.

> “Nope, sorry,” she said, leaning back ever-so slightly into his ‘embrace’. “Can’t do that, it’s against my code.”

> “Then kiss me,” Harry said softly, tilting his head towards the crook of her neck.

> He distinctly heard her intake of breath. “Not here, Harry,” Hermione whispered. “There are too many people who could see us.”

> “But I want a kiss.” Harry pouted, leaning up to look at her.

> Hermione gently tried to pull his hands apart, but to no avail— it seemed as though they were glued together around her middle.

> “Tonight,” she murmured, moving her hand up to caress the side of his face. “Let me go. Tonight.”

> “Fine,” Harry said, discreetly placing a small kiss on her neck. “I get my kiss tonight.”

> Letting go of her waist, he shot her one of his adorable grins, gently kissed her cheek, then practically skipped out of the library.

> Needless to say, Hermione had a smile a mile wide for the next couple of hours.

> Wednesday- Gryffindor Common Room- 11:04 pm

> “I hate bloody potions.” Ron muttered, running a hand through his hair and staring at his half completed essay.

> “You should have done it far before the night before it’s due.” Hermione reprimanded him, not even bothering to look up from her book.

> “I had things to do,” said Ron, glaring at Hermione. “I didn’t have time to do this stupid essay.”

> “And what were you doing that was taking up so much of your time?” Hermione asked, gently setting her book down. “Snogging Ms. Lovegood, right?”

> Ron’s face turned a delicate shade of red, anger flashing in his eyes. “Why you little—”

> “Guys.” Harry said wearily, shifting from his position on the floor and sitting upright. “Can we not start this tonight? The only thing you’ll accomplish is pissing off the rest of Gryffindor House.”

> Harry, Ron and Hermione were the only three left in the common room. Everyone else had gone to sleep, incredibly tired after a long day of lessons.

> “Well she started it,” Ron said, pointing a finger at Hermione. Then under his breath, he added, “It’s not my fault she’s a good kisser…”

> “Hah!” Hermione said, her eyes mischievous. “So you were snogging Ms. Lovegood!”

> “So what if I was?” Ron said defensively. “Do you have a problem with Luna?”

> “No, no, no.” Hermione said quickly, her eyes softening. “I don’t have a problem with her. I’m really happy for you, Ron.”

> Ron smiled slightly. “Thanks, Mione,” he said. “That means a lot to me.”

> The trio sat in silence for a period of time, the only sound being the scratching of Ron and Harry’s quills. Stretching and rubbing his eyes, Ron stood up.

> “I’m gonna head to bed. I can’t get any more work done tonight. I’ll just finish it tomorrow morning. ‘Night, you two.”

> “Night Ron,” Harry said.

> “Goodnight Ronald,” Hermione murmured.

> Harry’s eyes followed Ron’s shadow as he stumbled up the stairs. Once he was sure Ron had made it to their dorm, Harry gently set down his quill and started making his way toward Hermione.

> Not looking up from her book, Hermione smiled and pulled the book up so it covered her face.

> “Oh, no,” Harry said, putting his hands on the top of her book. “I want my kiss.”

> “You do, hmm?” Hermione whispered, peeking her mischievous eyes over her book. “Well, I’m busy. Come back later.”

> Harry chuckled. “I don’t think so, Miss Mione,” he said softly. “I want my kiss, and I’m gonna get it.”

> “Are you?” the witch giggled, setting her book down on the table. “And how do you plan to get it?”

> “By doing this.” Harry murmured, leaning in and gently pecking her lips. He watched her as she opened her eyes slowly.

> “You call that a kiss?” she asked. Hooking her hands around his neck, she pulled him in for another kiss. Harry responded in kind, putting one hand on her neck, the other bracing himself on the arm of the chair. After a moment, Hermione pulled back, smiling.

> “That’s better,” she whispered.

> “Well, you can’t just leave me hanging like that.” Harry stated, leaning for the third, and certainly not final, kiss of the night.

> Gryffindor Common Room- 2:47 am

> All was completely silent in the common room, except for the sound of Hermione’s steady breathing, and Harry’s nearly inaudible one. The two were on the couch, Hermione was asleep and leaning against Harry; his arms around her waist. Try as he might, he just couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked so peaceful when she slept. Bending his head down, Harry slowly started kissing her neck. Hermione jerked awake as he gently nipped at her earlobe.

> “Time.. is.. it… what?” she asked groggily.

> “Nearly three in the morning.” He answered, smiling. “Did you know you’re very cute when you’re disoriented?”

> “No, I didn’t know that.” Hermione muttered. “But I’ll take that as a compliment, thank you very much.”

> “We should probably head up now.” Harry said reluctantly.

> “Hmm… yeah,” responded Hermione, stretching against Harry. “I suppose we should.”

> He gently placed his hang on Hermione’s cheek, turning her face towards him. He softly kissed her.

> “I love you.” He whispered.

> Hermione smiled. “I love you, too,” she said. She got off the couch and walked up the stairs to her dorm. Harry followed shortly after, quietly opening his door so as not to wake his roommates. Turning to his bed, Harry was just about to get in when a light turned on to the side of him- Ron was staring at him- Harry jumped in surprise.

> “Ron!” he said as loudly as he dared. “You scared me. I thought you’d be asleep.”

> “I was,” said Ron. “But then I had a dream about a giant spider in a wedding dress who told me to feed my Gnargle. So I woke up and noticed that you weren’t up here. I figured you’d still be studying with ‘Mione, so I went downstairs.”

> “What’d you see?” Harry asked, masking his apprehension.

> “I saw ‘Mione lying on the floor, and you kneeling above her- kissing her,” said Ron, his stare emotionless.

> “That wasn’t what it looked like,” Harry said hastily. “You see, she just fell over, and—”

> “And what?” asked Ron. “You helped her up with your lips?”

> “I— well— maybe.” Harry stuttered.

> “You’re cheating on Ginny.” It was more of a statement then a question.

> “Not on purpose.” Harry quickly defended himself. “Ginny’s great, but I’m in love with ‘Mione and I know you used to like her which isn’t good and that Ginny’s your sister which isn’t good either and please don’t kill me.”

> To his surprise and shock, Ron began laughing softly.

> “Mate, I’m not mad,” he said. “I find this whole situation rather comical.”

> “How?” Harry asked, perplexed.

> “Well,” Ron began. “I can’t exactly tell you. I was sworn to secrecy by Miss Granger.”

> “’Mione?” asked Harry. “What did ‘Mione tell you?”

> “I already told you, I can’t tell you.” Ron stated again.

> “How about we play charades?” Harry suggested.

> “….What the hell is charades?” Ron looked puzzled.

> “You act things out wordlessly,” Harry explained. “And I guess what you’re talking about.”

> “Okay…” Ron said. “First I’m going to act out a person.”

> Ron puffed out his chest. Moving, or more like strutting, around the room, he used both hands to slick his hair back. He was sneering the entire time. Harry laughed loudly, then quickly covered his mouth to stifle it.

> “Okay, Malfoy. What does Malfoy have to do with anything?” Harry asked.

> “Now I’m going to sing you a song.” Ron answered.

> “Better find a way to do it silently.” Harry reminded him. “Don’t wake Seamus— he’ll murder you for it.”

> That stumped Ron. Sitting on his bed, he took a minute to think it out. Then, jumping up, he grabbed his wand. Muttering a charm, he left it hanging just above his head. He then began playing air guitar, his wand writing words in midair:

> “Harry doesn’t know,

> That Ginevra and me

> Do it in my dorm every Sunday.

> She tells him she’s gotta study,

> But she doesn’t go,

> Still she’s on her knees

> And Harry doesn’t know.”

> “So you mean to tell me,” Harry said, smiling. “That I’ve been cheating on Ginny, and Ginny’s been cheating on me, when we didn’t have to?”

> “Now you see why I found it so comical.” Ron said, grinning.

> “Yeah, I see why,” said Harry. “Boy, would Rita have a story if she got a hold of this scandal.”

> “She’d have a field day.” Ron said, nodding his head. “Well, we’ve got classes pretty early tomorrow morning. You reckon we should turn in?”

> “We probably should.” Harry consented. “Wouldn’t want to be late for Herbology.”

> The two boys stumbled under the covers. Just before turning out the lights, Ron turned to Harry.

> “Hey, Harry,” he said. “What are you gonna do about all of this?”

> “I’m gonna have to talk to Ginny.” Harry sighed. “I mean, we can’t go on like this forever. I just hope we can get through this without Rita finding out.”

> “Good luck, mate. Just be careful, you never know who could work for that paper.” Ron said, turning the light out.

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Just so you lot know, that little song thing didn’t come from me. The technical song is “Scotty Doesn’t Know” by Lustra. I just took the tune and some words. The next, and final chapter is nearly completely done- I should have that up in the next couple weeks. Then I’ve got a new story in mind- so look for it (:

lil_irish_girl

## 7. Hypocrisy

How’s this for a quicker update? This is the last chapter of My, How Scandalous.

I hope you guys like it ! (:

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Hogwarts Library- 7:21 am

Harry woke bright and early- much to his unhappiness- and immediately went on his search to find Miss Ginny Weasley. It didn’t take much looking, however; he found her in the Library with a study group of hers.

“Gin, can I talk to you?” he asked, walking up to the little circle. “In private?” he added as an afterthought.

“Sure, baby.” Ginny cooed, standing up and walking over with him to a remote corner. “What’s up?” she asked.

“I know.” Harry stated simply.

“Know about what, exactly?” inquired Ginny, a puzzled look on her face.

“You and Malfoy.”

Ginny’s expression changed little- her eyes only widened a bit. “Are you mad?” was the only thing she asked.

“Not if you’re happy with him,” he said, smiling. “You see, I’ve kinda been cheating on you with ‘Mione.”

Ginny smiled slightly. “I always knew it’d end up being her,” she said. “Even when we were together, anyone could tell you were in love with her.”

“So you’re not mad?” Harry asked timidly.

“Of course not!” Ginny said. “If I can ask…” she added. “How’d you find out about me and Draco?”

“Ron.” Harry said.

“Ron knows?” Ginny asked incredulously. “I thought he couldn’t stand Draco, I thought he’d totally freak out.”

“I think Ron only wants your happiness,” said Harry softly. “Plus he’s been quite preoccupied with Loony Lovegood.”

“He’s actually with Luna?” Ginny asked, eyes wide. “I thought those were only rumors!”

Harry put his hands up. “It’s the truth, and he’s happy,” he said. “So I’m not questioning it. I’ll let you get back to your study group, Gin.” Putting his arms down, he gently kissed her cheek and walked away.

Gryffindor Common Room- 7:43 am

Harry walked into the common room to find Hermione dutifully studying. Smiling, he walked over to her, tenderly tilted her face up, and kissed her deeply. Slowly standing up, Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck, his hugging her waist.

“I love you so much, ‘Mione.” Harry murmured, pulling back and resting his forehead against hers.

“I love you too, Harry,” she replied, catching the attention of the few early bird Gryffindors who were sitting and chatting. “I take it you talked to Ginny?”

“I did,” said Harry happily, pulling Hermione into a very tight hug. “Now we can be together, love. And everyone can know.”

“Good.” Hermione said, smiling. “Because I don’t think I could have kept it a secret any longer.”

~*~*~

“Professor Flitwick?”

“Yes, Miss Skeeter?”

“You’re the head of the Gobstones club, correct?”

“Why yes. Yes I am.”

“I’d like to have a word with you….”

~*~*~

A WEEK LATER

“All that investigation for nothing!” Rita grumbled as she stomped through the halls on a beautiful Saturday morning. “The Gobstones club wasn’t missing any items at all.”

She stepped outside, walking amongst the students who were enjoying the day. Passing a large tree on the side of the lake, she noticed a couple in a rather heated lip-lock.

“…Ginny Weasley and Draco Malfoy, showing a public display of affection?” Rita whispered to herself. “Oh, I can see the headline: ‘What Has She Been Doing?’”

Continuing her walk, she passed Hagrid’s Hut. Looking more closely, she saw another couple kissing in the middle of the pumpkin patch.

“…Hermione Granger and Harry Potter?” Rita cried in disbelief. “One couple cheating on each other behind the others backs? My, how scandalous!”

Tuesday- Great Hall- 12:11 pm

The students of Hogwarts were eating lunch in peace. That is, until someone came barging through the doors, paper in hand and giant grin on her face.

“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” Rita yelled, practically skipping down the Great Hall, a cart of newspapers in her wake. “The scandal of the decade! Be the first to know!”

There was a small scramble for the stack of newspapers, Ron somewhere in the mess. When everyone had settled, they began reading. After a minute, Ron stood up, annoyed.

“Oi! Miss Skeeter!” he said, marching up to Rita, who was talking to McGonagall. Harry and Hermione were right behind him.

“Yes, young man?” Rita said sweetly. “Is there a problem?”

“Yes,” said Ron. “’Scandal of the decade’ my ass. Everyone already knew this.” He pointed to the headline:

Is Ignorance Truly Bliss?

Harry and Hermione, Ginny and Draco? Say what?

“Ron?” Hermione asked, a smile on her face. “Since when do you care about what Skeeter puts in the Hogwarts Inquirer?”

“Luna got me hooked on it.” Ron mumbled, but he was drowned out by the sudden mini-riot.

See, the newspaper-dependant Fifth Years had finished the article. They, of course, already knew every little detail about what had happened between the two couples. Naturally they were outraged due to lack of new information, so they began chanting, banging their hands on the tables as they did so.

“Rip off! Rip off! Rip off! Rip off!”

Harry caught a glance over at the Slytherin table. He saw amused Slytherins, smirking at the sight before them, and one redhead who didn’t exactly fit the Slytherin persona. She smiled warmly at him, as if they had a secret. He grinned back just as affectionately. Their eye contact was broken by a white blonde boy who was wrapped up in the redhead.

Glancing at the direction she was looking at, he noticed Harry. Nodding to him, the blonde pulled the redhead’s attention to him; pulling her into a fiery kiss. A Second Year sitting across the table from them made a face.

“Ewww!” he said. “You didn’t even brush your teeth yet! Germs!”

Smiling, Harry pulled Hermione to him. They just stood there for a minute, watching the chaos that was ensuing in the Great Hall. But McGonagall, being the controller that she is, couldn’t take much more of it.

“Everyone… quiet down….” She said, making her way in between tables. “Boys and girls, you really need to calm down…” Sighing, she pointed her wand to her neck. “QUIET DOWN!” she yelled.

The Great Hall quieted immediately, except for the poor little Second Year.

“Germs!” he yelled loudly, causing those in the vicinity to laugh.

“That’s better.” McGonagall said, glaring slightly at the boy. “Now, what in Merlin’s name was all that for?”

“Rita lies!” a rather pretty blonde Fifth Year said. “She got us all excited for the scandal of the decade just to show us something that we all learned about a week ago.”

“A week ago?” Rita muttered questioningly. “But that was the week I was running around like an idiot trying to find out information on the Gobstones Club Scandal….”

She turned on her heel to glare at Hermione. “You!” She practically screamed. “You sent me on a wild goose chase!”

“A good reporter should always be able to tell when someone is lying through their teeth.” Hermione said, smiling innocently.

A strange look overcame Rita’s eyes as she started towards Hermione. McGonagall stepped between them.

“Alright, alright, that’s enough.” She said sternly. “Now, let’s talk about this in a calm and rational manner.” McGonagall turned to Rita. “Now, Rita, you posted something in your newspaper that had happened nearly a week ago, is that correct?”

“Apparently so,” Rita huffed. “Unless all the children are trying to make me look bad.”

“No, no.” Harry stepped in. “It happened about a week ago. Trust me.”

“Okay,” McGonagall said. “So Rita Skeeter posted a bit of information that was about a week old…. Hmmm…”

“Hmmmm?” Rita asked. “What hmmmm?”

“Well it’s just a bit amusing.” McGonagall chuckled. “You violated one of the most important rules in your guide to being a good journalist.”

“What?” Rita said incredulously. “I did no such thing!”

“Really, Rita?” Hermione said, pulling a book out of her book bag. “Because this says otherwise.”

She opened “Rita Skeeter’s Guide to Being a Good Journalist.” Flipping through a few pages, Hermione pointed to the section and began reading.

“Rule Number 7, Section 3, Sub-Section B states that to be a good journalist, one must produce fresh news. Information that has been out for at least five days in unacceptable.”

“You carry around Skeeter’s book?” Harry asked.

“It’s a book. Need I say more?” Hermione looked up at him, smiling slightly.

“Well that doesn’t prove anything.” Rita said defiantly.

“As a matter of fact,” McGonagall said. “It does. You see, by not following one of the rules in an instruction book you wrote, you’ve just demonstrated hypocrisy.”

“But—I—Abut—“ Rita stuttered.

“And I will not tolerate hypocrisy at this school.” McGonagall finished. “So, Miss Skeeter, consider this as my statement of—”

“You’re fired!” Harry, Ron, and Hermione said together.

McGonagall chuckled again. “Precisely that.”

Rita looked very confused for a moment, then her face changed to one of complete anger.

“I’m much too good for this school, anyway.” She said, folding her arms over her chest. “I can find another job and it will be so much better.” With that, she stomped out of the Great Hall, slamming the doors as much as she could as she left.

“Rita Skeeter?” Hermione asked.

“Sacked from the job she created?” Harry asked.

“My, how scandalous!”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tell me what you guys think ! I’m working on my new fic, which has yet to be named. Byee for now !

lil_irish_girl