Bright and early the next morning, Mrs. Weasley woke Harry, Ron, and Hermione up with the arrival of their school lists and O.W.L. results. They stayed in Ron and Harry’s room to open their letters before heading down to breakfast.
“Ok.” Ron sat down on his bed and took his O.W.L. results out. “Ready?”
“Yup,” Hermione said before ripping the letter open.
They each took in their own results then passed them to the other.
“Just as I suspected: eleven Outstandings for Hermione; just once I want to see you get a bad mark,” Ron exclaimed as he past her results to Harry.
“Thank you, Ronald, for that heart felt congratulations,” Hermione replied sarcastically. Looking over Harry’s results she was surprised to see that he had received three Outstandings in Charms, Transfiguration, and Defence Against the Dark Arts (though, no surprise there). Actually the only subjects he did horrible in were History of Magic and Divination (as expected). “Harry, you did brilliant, you even managed an E in Potions.” She handed his results back and hugged him.
He pulled away and nervously looked at Ron’s results. He did quite well himself, though he only had one Outstanding in Defence Against the Dark Arts and, just like Harry, the only two subjects he had failed were History of Magic and Divination. “Well, needless to say your mum’s going to be thrilled. You did better than Fred and George put together.”
Ron looked rather glum though, “Yeah, but they weren’t really trying now, were they? I mean if they could come up with the stuff they put in their shop, they have to be good at this sort of stuff.”
“Ron, don’t put yourself down like that. You did brilliant and should be happy,” Hermione encouraged him and kissed his cheek.
“Thanks Hermione.” He stood up and left the room.
Harry slumped down on his bed and sighed. “Well, I can kiss being an Auror goodbye.”
Hermione knew what he was talking about. “You never know, Snape might make an exception.”
“Not for me,” he assumed glumly.
“Don’t presume anything, Harry.”
He looked at her, glad she was his friend, “thanks Mione.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek.
As Harry moved away from her he caught the look in her eyes but before he could make anything of it Mrs. Weasley called them down to breakfast.
“Harry wait we need to talk…”
“We have to go, Hermione,” he interrupted her, stood and left.
~*~*~*~*~
Down in the kitchen, Mrs. Weasley was preparing breakfast when Mr. Weasley slowly came through the door followed by Viera. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at her glum visage. Immediately everybody knew that the court hearing hadn’t gone well.
Harry couldn’t take the deafening silence any longer. “So how’d court go?” he asked hopefully.
Viera cleared her throat before speaking. “Got you,” the look of confusion on everyone’s face was enough to make anyone snicker a bit. “Well, it was a little shaky in the beginning, but eventually I had won every vote I could in favour of Sirius’s innocence.” Everyone stared at her in anticipation. “In the end the council asked me to pass Sirius the message that the charges against him have been dropped and he’s free to any job he’ll like within the ministry,” she finished gleefully.
Cheering ensued the announcement of Sirius’s innocence.
“Ooh Sirius, I’m so glad for you,” Mrs. Weasley pulled him into a bone crushing hug.
“Thanks Molly, but I think Viera’s the one who deserves this hug,” Sirius said, panting.
“That’s right; after all she is the one who got you acquitted.” Just as she did the night before, Mrs. Weasley crushed Viera in her embrace.
“Molly I kind of need oxygen now, I’m getting a little faint.”
“Sorry dear, I’m just so happy.” Mrs. Weasley released her hold on Viera. “Well, this calls for a celebration. I think we should have a little get-together tonight…”
“Hear, hear,” Ron cut in.
“So, who will be invited to this get-together?” Mrs. Weasley asked.
“Well, all members of the Order, of course,” Mrs. Weasley answered. “And Viera, I hope you can make it.”
“Actually, I don’t think I can. I have a few loose ends to tie up for the Order before I start planning for Hogwarts.”
“Now Viera, I’m sure whatever you have to do can wait for one night,” Lupin commented.
“Actually, I can only get to where I’m going tonight so I really can’t.” She saw the disappointed looks on Mrs. Weasley’s and Remus’s faces. “You know what? It shouldn’t take me all that long; I’ll try to come if I can.”
“Good, now I won’t take no for an answer: this time you are staying for breakfast you’re far too thin.”
“Well, I don’t plan on going anywhere until we’ve taken Harry and Hermione to Diagon Alley,” she said taking a seat next too Sirius.
“You’re going?” Hermione asked.
“I’ve been asked by Dumbledore and Alaster to accompany you,” Viera explained.
“Why?” Hermione asked.
“Well, last night Lucius Malfoy decided to pay me a visit…”
“Are you okay dear?” Mrs. Weasley interrupted.
“I’m fine; I could take on Malfoy any day, with or without a wand…”
“Does he do this often? Just pop in on you?” Remus cut in.
“Only when he could find me. Death Eaters have been aware of my duties for Dumbledore for years know. It’s not uncommon I run into a few every now and then.”
“And that doesn’t scare you?” Harry asked.
“I’ve only ever been scared a few times in my life and they were when I knew I was going to loose someone I loved,” her eyes rested on Sirius for a few moments before looking back to Harry with a smile.
“Anyway, back to Malfoy. He made it perfectly clear that he wants both Hermione and Sirius dead.”
“But why? He didn’t even care about his wife,” Hermione inquired curiously.
“Apparently Sirius was going to be the next one Voldemort would have sacrificed. Then if he didn’t work, you’d be…”
“But…”
“I know Hermione, but Voldemort doesn’t care about that…”
“About what?” Harry asked.
Viera and Hermione looked at each other as if they were trying to agree on something. Finally, when Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes Viera started to explain: “We’re not exactly clear as to why Voldemort wants to sacrifice someone. All we know is that the people he has tried to sacrifice have been pure bloods. And the night I saw him last he took blood from both Hermione and me. The only explanation he gave was ‘for when I need a mudblood.’ It was strange because in all of the years I’ve known Voldemort he never admitted he needed a muggle born before.”
She looked at Hermione who began explaining her side: “You see Voldemort had taken blood from me before he used it in a potion but somehow it backfired and he punished me. That’s why I don’t understand why he would use me as a sacrifice.”
“But you said last night he wasn’t using you because you were providing him valuable information on Harry and the Order,” Ron commented.
“I didn’t want anybody to know that he punished me.” She looked down at the plate of food Mrs. Weasley had just set down in front of her. “Everybody was already worried enough about me I didn’t want anymore attention.”
“We only worry because we care. Why didn’t you just explain how you felt?” Mrs. Weasley asked sympathetically.
“I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.”
“Next time just tell us.” Mrs. Weasley said in a soothing voice. “Well that’s enough of this dark talk. We’re in a kitchen for a reason so everyone eat. There’s plenty.”
They all began to eat and picked up a light conversation about Quidditch.
“Harry? Hermione? May I speak to you both in the hall?” Viera asked when everybody was preoccupied with the arrival of Mad-Eye Moody.
When they reached the hall, Viera turned to them with a happy expression. “Harry, Dumbledore wanted me to give you this.” She handed him an envelope and a badge.
“But Ron and Hermione are the Prefects,” Harry said confused.
“Yes I’m aware of that. I think you need to take a closer look at that badge.”
Harry looked at the badge closely and his face lit up. “Quidditch Captain!”
“Yes, in that envelope are all the duties you have and the privileges including access to the prefects’ bathroom.” She simply beamed when she saw how happy he was. “Your father looked the same way when he was made captain. You know that same year was when Lily started to pay closer attention to him. You better look out girls will be lining up for you.”
“Thanks!” Harry said turning a bright shade of red.
“You can go back into the kitchen now I need to speak to Hermione in private.”
Once Harry had disappeared through the door, Viera’s expression became more serious. “Hermione, I need too see the arm where Malfoy cut you.”
Hermione looked at her confused but obliged and rolled up the sleeve of her jumper. Viera took off the bandage and … the wound had vanished. Hermione examined every inch of her arm and couldn’t understand what had happened to it. She looked up at Viera to see concern in her eyes.
“Where did it go?” Hermione asked feeling stupid.
“I mentioned yesterday that the knife Malfoy used close to your neck appeared to be a Kadiva blade, didn’t I?”
Hermione nodded in agreement. “Well this proves it.”
“So a cut by a Kadiva blade only lasts for a day?”
“A Kadiva blades cut lasts until the person who gave it to you is dead…”
“But…” Hermione pointed to her arm bewildered.
“The cut is internal now. It won’t appear until Malfoy is close to you and the closer he is the more apparent it becomes. Which can be a good thing as well as a bad,” she looked to Hermione who was starring at her like she was crazy. “If Malfoy tries anything at least you’d be prepared but I have to warn you if he gets close enough the wound will reopen and blood will pore freely and there is no medical way too stop the bleeding.”
“But what about a magical way?” Hermione inquired, now very concerned.
“I have developed a spell that will stop the bleeding for a few minutes, but only long enough for you to get away from your attacker.”
Hermione shook her head in understanding, “But what happens if I’m not able to get away?”
“The blood will come again. So it’s extremely important that you tell someone when you feel the wound reappear.”
“Okay,” Hermione agreed and they both rejoined the table.
“So Hermione, Ron tells us that you received perfect O.W.L. results!” Bill Weasley said, sounding very pleased, just arriving with their money from Gringgots, when they entered the kitchen.
“Yes, I’m sure my parents will be happy,” Hermione answered modestly.
“And I thought Viera here would be the only person I’d know to do that.” Sirius put his arm around her.
“Now I wasn’t the only one. Lily received perfect O.W.L.’s as well,” she said humbly.
“That’s true but you were taking more classes than her,” Sirius responded.
“Why does more classes matter? We both did perfectly and that’s all we cared about.” She looked at all of the eyes that were on her, when she landed on Bill’s she noticed how many different colours they’re were. “I have always been told I have the most unusual eyes, but you have both your mother’s and your father’s eyes in both of them, they’re amazing.
“Why thank you,” he said appreciatively. “I don’t believe we’ve met.” He stood up to shake her hand.
“We’ve met. Grated you were only an hour old and I was twelve at the time but it is good to see you again, Bill.” She smiled at him and shook his hand. “I’m Viera Heath.”
“You’re the one my dad said I’d should marry one day.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“But it’s true. I always thought you two were perfect for each other,” Mr. Weasley agreed.
“Even though she’s twelve years older than him?” Sirius asked snidely.
“Well love doesn’t recognize age, Sirius.” Viera looked at him knowingly.
“Wait, you’re only thirty-one?” Harry asked curiously.
“Yes, why?”
“But how did you graduate with my parents if you’re two years younger than Sirius and Remus?” It was the first time Harry had ever used Lupin’s first name and it felt weird.
“When I began second year I had already mastered many spells and potions, so when I surpassed what the professors were teaching me Dumbledore thought it best to promote me a year. And when he discovered that I had exceeded magic beyond a third year, he advanced me to fourth year. He thought I belonged there with my best friend…”
“My mom,” Harry interrupted.
She smiled at him brilliantly. “My dad always told me I was very mature for my age so when I met Lily in first year she assumed that I was older and befriended me. I will always be thankful for her, she was my only friend before I started to date Remus…”
“You two dated?” Tonks asked shocked, she had arrived a short time before.
“Yes, Viera was the first girl I ever told I was a werewolf and accepted me the way I am.” The smiled he gave her conveyed all of the feelings of friendship and understanding he had for her.
“Why didn’t things work out for you two?” Harry asked, becoming more interested than he might have thought.
“I think Sirius should explain that, don’t you Viera?” Remus suggested.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea Remus.” They both turned to look at Sirius who had been sinking in his seat.
“Fine, I’ll explain exactly what happened.”
*Flashback*
“Well, you’re going to have to put up with her, Sirius, because she’s my girlfriend and she accepts me,” Remus shouted at one of his best friends in the middle of the hall.
“But Remus, she’s so annoying, she’d a know-it-all and she’s not even supposed to be in fifth year. She’s only thirteen. It’s like you’re robbing the cradle.
“Look Sirius, I know she can be a bit of a…”
“Know-it-all,” Sirius interrupted.
“Yes, but Sirius I’m not like you. I can’t just walk into a room and have girls all over me. Plus with the fact that I’m a werewolf and act strange because of it, girls don’t even bother to acknowledge me. But Viera did. And I happen to think she’s great.”
Sirius became annoyed by this. “It will take some getting use to having her around but I think that you two will be really good friends.”
“I don’t think so,” Sirius replied dully.
“Well, why not?” Remus asked raising his voice.
“Because … Remus, I can’t stand to see you two together all lovey dovey…”
“Well, get use to it because I really like her and…”
“I know you really like her but Remus think about it she’s so young and bossy just think about how she’ll be when you two really get to know each other. If you know what I mean,” Sirius said nudging him with his elbow.
“Please Sirius we only started to date I’m not even thinking about that, plus she’s thirteen I doubt she even expects that.”
“She’s awfully mature for thirteen already and she’s in fifth year fitting in quite well if you ask me.”
“But I didn’t and I don’t want to talk about this anymore you don’t act this way with James and Lily.”
“Yes, but James isn’t dating Lily.”
“Still James is infatuated with Lily always talking about her and how he’s going to get her to date him. It positively annoying.”
“The difference is that I don’t feel for Lily the way I feel for Viera.” He looked at the carpet in shame. “The only reason I’m so annoyed by you two is because I know I can’t have her the way you do.” He looked up and saw the anger in his friend’s face. “Remus, I’m sor…”
Remus couldn’t withstand the anger; he had to let it out so he did the only thing he could think of: he hit him. Sirius was sent to the floor by the blow to his jaw, blood started to pour from is mouth when he saw her running towards him.
“Sirius, are you alright?” Viera knelt beside him, examining his face. “Remus, how could you hit him?”
“Of all the girls … why her? Why Viera?” Remus looked at his chum with distain and stalked off.
Viera turned back to Sirius, confused. “What did he mean by that?”
Sirius stumbled to get up and eventually succeeded with help from Viera. “Nothing he didn’t mean anything. He was just ranting. I think I’ll go to the Hospital Wing and pay Madam Pomfrey a visit.”
He turned away from her but she quickly blocked his path. “You’re not going anywhere until you explain to me why Remus hit you and why he’s so upset.”
“Why don’t you ask him?” Sirius pointed in behind her towards Remus.
She turned around and her heart broke, he was kissing another girl and not just any girl but her best friend. Tears formed in her eyes and when she turned back to Sirius she was crying freely. “Why would he do this to me?”
“Because men don’t really realize what they want until a friend has it.”
She stared up at him with confused eyes until he moved his hands around her waist and pulled her close to him. “And because we’d do anything for a friend.” He captured her lips in what would become one of the most memorable kisses either had ever had.
*End Flashback*
“So you stole Viera from Remus?” Harry asked surprised.
“No, not really. If Remus hadn’t kissed your mother in front of her than I never would have had a chance with her.” Sirius finished explaining.
“But you socked him. Why did you go and screw things up with her?” Ron questioned.
“I saw Viera coming when I punched Sirius. I knew what kind of person she was and that she’d come running when she saw someone hurt. Further, I knew Sirius wouldn’t want to explain what I meant and he’d try to use the Hospital as an excuse to avoid her and I also knew Viera was too stubborn to let it go…” Viera sent him a death glare.
“Come on Viera, you know you’re stubborn. So I grabbed the closest girl and kissed her hoping that she wouldn’t knee me. It turned out to be Lily and then I had to worry about what James was going to do to me. It turned out James was fine after we explained everything. The rest is history.”
By that time they all had been sitting at the table for nearly two hours and Mr. Weasley had to get back to work and the rest of them to Diagon Alley.
As they were preparing to leave Hermione asked Viera: “So, how long did you two last?”
“We had some rough fights in school but other than that we stayed together until he was sent to Azkaban.”
“You’re the girl he was taking about yesterday, the one that almost got away?” Harry inquired.
“That would be her,” Sirius jumped into the conversation as they walked down the streets of Muggle London.
“So are you two still in love?” Ginny broke into the discussion.
They looked at each other embarrassed and smiled. “We haven’t figured that out yet,” Sirius said looking into her eyes.
For the rest of the journey to the Leaky Cauldron, Viera and Sirius stayed behind everyone talking close to one another. Harry looked back and saw a certain bounce in Sirius step that hadn’t never there before.
“He used to walk like that in school when he was trying to get a girl’s attention,” Remus explained when he noticed where Harry was staring.
“I think it’s romantic, Sirius is obviously still in love with her. Look at how he’s staring at her,” Hermione said walking along side them.
“Will you all keep a look out?” Moody shouted from the front.
They arrived at the deserted Leaky Cauldron a few minutes later.
“Viera, Tonks, I want you two to check the ladies loo and I’ll check the men’s.” Moody thought it best to check for any surprise visitors.
“All clear. Nobody’s in the lady’s room,” Tonks reported back to Moody as they all finished inspecting the restrooms.
“Where’s Viera?” Sirius asked noticing she hadn’t come out of the bathroom.
“She received a letter from Dumbledore and had to leave but she’ll be back in thirty minutes. She said to get as much shopping done as we can.”
Once the were all inside of Diagon Alley they decided it best to split up, Tonks, Mrs. Weasley and Bill took Hermione and Ginny to the Apothecary store and to get the school books, while Mad-Eye, Remus and Sirius took Harry and Ron to Eyelops and to get new school robes as they had both grown out of theirs. They decided to visit Fred and George in an hour, then they would head back to Muggle London to shop for new clothes.
Viera had met up with the girls at Flourish and Blotts more than forty-five minutes later and together they headed to Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes.
As soon as they arrived at the shop they saw the boys trying out all of the products. Viera had left the girls to find Moody as she needed to fill him in on what Dumbledore had told her. Just as she made her way through the crowd to the corner that Moody stood in observing everything, the lights went out and they heard a piercing scream.
In the few moments that passed before the light came on both Viera and Moody were able too round everyone up and usher them all outside.
“What happened? Who screamed?” Viera asked, concerned.
“It was me,” Mrs. Weasley said breathlessly. “Sirius grabbed my arm from behind and startled me.”
Just then a loud crash was heard in a nearby alley and the sky was lit green. Chaos spread quickly and the streets cleared even faster.
“Who could it have been?” Ginny questioned, scared.
“Malfoy,” Hermione said in a hushed voice.
Viera turned too where Hermione was standing and noticed a few drops of blood running down her arm. “When did this start?” she grabbed her arm and examined the gash.
“Just now,” Hermione answered warily.
“Malfoy’s in Diagon Alley and to close for comfort. We need to get out of here before she really starts to bleed.”
Mad-Eye nodded in agreement and started to bark out orders: “We have to stay together I want the kids in the middle and wands out everyone, underage or not.”
The older wizards formed a circle around Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny as they moved slowly down the street. Nobody spoke a word; the only sounds were their foot steps on the stone ground. Eyes were darting in every direction, at the slightest noise their reflexes shot spells that way; most of the time it turned out too be a stray cat or mouse.
“STOP!” Hermione shouted when the pain in her arm became unbearable. “We’re getting closer to Malfoy. It hurts!” She grabbed the cut which was bleeding freely now.
Viera rushed to her and mumbled a few words that stopped the flow of blood. They heard a scramble in the alley next to them; Viera illuminated the path to find Lucius Malfoy staring at her maliciously
“Ahh, Viera. How fortunate that we meet again.” He began moving closer. “I quite enjoyed hearing your screams the last time we duelled. I can only hope this meeting will be just as enjoyable.” A cold sneer crossed his lips before he sent a spell her way.
Viera put her hand up and sent the spell hurdling back toward him. Malfoy blocked it and retaliated with a more powerful spell. Viera blocked it again with out so much as a hair out of place.
“You need to get Hermione away from him in the next three minutes or her wound will reopen and begin to flow more rapidly.” She said as she turned to Moody. “I can handle him, get them out of here.”
Moody nodded, “Lets get moving now,” he growled.
“You’re just going to leave her?” Sirius asked, upset.
“She’ll be fine,” Remus responded.
“But…”
“Sirius, I’ll be fine I’ll see you all tonight I promise.” Viera smiled at him as she headed toward the alley and vanished.
They made it out and into the bright streets of Muggle London. Hermione sat down on the curb clutching her arm. “Do you think she’ll be okay?” Hermione asked Harry who took a seat next too her.
“I think so…are you okay?” Harry asked in concern.
“It still hurts a little bit, but yeah I’ll be fine.” She smiled at him appreciative for his concern. “But I don’t think Sirius feels the same way.”
Sirius was arguing with Moody for leaving Viera alone with that lunatic. “You heard what he said! The last time they faced he made her scream!”
“She’s a big girl Sirius. She doesn’t need you to protect her anymore.” Remus interrupted their argument. “Viera blocked those two spells without even moving a muscle.”
“Fine but if she doesn’t come tonight then it’s on your heads.” Sirius concluded angrily.
“Well I think we should head back to the house.” Mrs. Weasley said exhausted.
“No, Molly we came to shop for clothes and that what we’re going to do.” Moody insisted.
“Hermione, you think you’re up for it?” Tonks looked at her pale form.
“I’ll be fine. I want to get some new clothes anyway.”
Two hours later they arrived back at Grimmauld Place weighted down with bags. Although Hermione and Ginny didn’t need any clothing they carried the most bags. Mrs. Weasley ordered them upstairs to pack their new school things and to wash up for lunch. They were going to have lunch at a muggle diner but some guys started to flirt with Ginny and Hermione so Moody put a stop to it by pulling them all out.
Once they had their things packed and the girls had changed into some of their new summer clothes, they made their way down to the kitchen for lunch. Mrs. Weasley prepared a mountain of sandwiches and stared to make dinner for the party they were having later that evening. Tonks and Moody left after lunch with the promise that they’d be back for the party. Bill stayed to help the teens clean the lounge where they would be throwing the party.
Sirius disappeared to his room before lunch was ready so Harry decided to bring him a few sandwiches and to check on him.
When he opened the door to Sirius’s room he was met with a surprise. “No wonder you disappeared so quickly.” Harry grinned at his now clean shaven Godfather. “Nice hair.”
Sirius rolled his eyes at him in annoyance, “I thought it was time for a cut.”
“And a brush,” Harry commented in amusement.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Sirius pulled on a new shirt he got earlier.
“You do?” Harry smirked a Sirius’s nervous state.
“Yes, you think I did all of this for her.”
“For who exactly?”
“For who? For Viera who else?”
“Well I think she likes you…Don’t worry about it. Just calm down and eat something.” He slid the plate of sandwiches toward him.
“Not hungry. How did it go with Hermione?” Sirius asked changing the subject.
“It went fine.” Harry lied.
Sirius saw right through him. “You didn’t tell her.”
Harry sighed and fell in the closest chair. “I was all set to confess everything…”
“Then why didn’t you?” Sirius interrupted.
“I can’t do this with her. I don’t want to hurt her or be the reason she aches.”
“Or maybe you still think Voldemort will go after her.” Sirius knew Harry better than he thought.
“Well he will…”
“He’d probably go after her anyway.” Sirius caught Harry’s annoyed sigh. “Look Harry, Hermione is already very close to you and he knows that. It’s not going to make a difference to him what she is to you as long as he can hurt you with her.”
Harry knew he was right and it irritated him because he had already botched things with Hermione and he didn’t think he could fix them. “So what do I do now? I already told her she’s like a sister to me.”
A smug grin spread across Sirius face, “Then show her she’s not.”
~*~*~*~*~
The guests started to arrive at eight and the party was off to a great start. Many of the Order members that Harry had yet to meet were there. Even Dumbledore joined in the festivities. Mrs. Weasley had out did herself with dinner. Four tables were filled with all kinds of food including all of Sirius’s favourites.
Everyone was surprised by Sirius’s clean appearance and he was teased by Remus, Charlie and Bill for doing it for Viera, even though he’d never admit to doing it for her. Harry was glad to see his Godfather having a good time. He felt like Sirius was finally going back to being the person he once had been.
The only guests that were missing were Viera and Hermione. Harry could tell Sirius was getting worried by this. “She’ll be here.” Remus kept telling him, but Sirius was still concerned.
Harry had joined Fred, George, and Ron in the hall to discus various Quidditch plays he should try in the next year. They were just talking about a play the Irish made against the British that won them there game when Hermione came down the stairs in a beautiful spaghetti-strapped turquoise dress that flowed freely and came three-quarters for the way down her thigh.
Fred and George went to the stairs and offered her their hands. “May we help you,” they said in unison.
Hermione blushed and looked between the two boys for a second before deciding to offer both one of her hands. “Thank you.”
“Why don’t I go get you a drink,” George offered.
“Thank you.”
On his way past Harry he stopped and whispered in his ear. “Close your mouth you’re starting to drool.”
Harry’s mouth snapped shut; try as he might, he couldn’t take his eyes off of her since he spotted her at the top of the stairs. He felt a pang of jealousy when Fred and George started to flirt with her. When her eyes finally met his they were the only ones left in the hall.
“I never thought I would get so much attention wearing this…” Hermione said shyly, gesturing hesitantly towards her dress, “So…what do you think?”
“You look amazing.” Harry said, a shy smile playing on his lips.
“Thank you. Actually, Ginny talked me into buying it. I personally thought the colour was a bit out there.” Hermione said, having trouble keeping eye contact with Harry.
“Well, I’m glad Ginny did…the dress suits your body perfectly.” Harry replied blushing when he realized what slipped out.
“I didn’t know you paid such close attention to my body.” she said blushing.
“Well how could he not? You’ve grown up so much since he first met you.” George remerged with drinks in his hands. He handed one to her and offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
She gave Harry a small smile and accepted George’s arm, letting him escort her into the lounge leaving Harry alone to answer the knock on the door. He opened it and Viera stood there in a sleeveless black dress that came down just past her knee.
“Hi Harry, I hope I’m not late.” She said kindly to him.
“You’re fine; people have been popping in anytime they want.” Harry said in a friendly tone.
He paused for a moment and then asked seriously, “How did it go with Malfoy?”
She seemed a little put off by the question but recovered quickly. “Well I followed him as far as I could before loosing track of him just outside of Wails. Did Sirius worry much?”
“Almost went through the roof.” Harry replied with an amused little smirk.
They went into the lounge and much to Harry’s dismay George was speak softly into Hermione’s ear causing her to laugh loudly. He left Viera and made his way toward them.
“What’s so funny guys?” He asked, trying to keep the jealousy out of his voice.
“Oh nothing George was just telling me the funniest joke,” she answered between laughs. “I’ll be right back, I need another drink.”
“I’ll get it for you,” George took her cup and headed too the tables.
“So are you having a good time?” Harry asked her.
“Yes, George is being awfully nice to me; I guess I never realized how funny he is.”
“Yeah well he’s only being nice to you because your dress is so short.” He said jealously.
He instantly regretted saying that.
She looked at him with hurt in her eyes. “I can’t believe you just said that.”
“Mione, I didn’t mean…”
“Don’t ‘Mione’ me Harry Potter. You said you liked this dress…”
“I do…”
“Then why would you say such a horrible thing?” She questioned him upset.
“Come on, has George ever paid attention to you before this?”
“As a matter of fact, yes…”
“What? When?” Harry inquired both shocked and surprised.
“Well if you must know both of them asked me out on more then one occasion last year…”
“Really?” Harry asked with more surprise than he intended.
This question struck a chord in her.
“Why do you sound so surprised?” She asked, hurt and insulted, “Whether you personally think so or not, boys actually do notice much more in me than you and Ron seem to.”
George picked this moment to slide over with three glasses filled with pumpkin juice. “Did you guys miss me?” George asked playfully. When neither answered him, he realized both of them were looking at him with a disgruntled look. “Uhh…Obviously I have interrupted something. I’ll just be off.” He turned to leave, but stopped when Hermione grabbed his arm.
“George wait. You should stay.” She turned her focus toward Harry and spitefully said, “Harry should be the one to leave. After all, he’s the one who interrupted us.”
His mouth dropped at her callousness, “But, Hermione…”
“No Harry, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. If we do I fear I might say something we’ll both regret.”
He opened his mouth to argue but quickly closed it. He looked at George who seemed to be just as stunned as he was. “I’m sorry for what I said, I hope I didn’t ruin your evening.” With that he shuffled away from them with his head down.
Hermione felt ghastly for the way she treated him, but he had been so horrid that she couldn’t stand to be around him. The rest of the party was ruined for her. Even George, who was telling as many jokes as he could, couldn’t change her mood. She simply couldn’t have any fun for the rest of the night if she didn’t find Harry and set things right. She excused herself from George’s company and began to scan the room for Harry. When she didn’t find him she figured he might have gone too his room.
Just as she suspected there he was lying on his bed gazing at the night sky through is window. “Is there room for one more star gazer?”
He sat up and turned to her. “Always.”
She smiled and took a seat beside him, “Look Harry I’m really sorry for being so rude to you. It’s just when you suggested that George was only paying attention to me because of my dress it really hurt, because it made me think that you thought that the only reason anyone would ever notice me would be for what I was wearing and not for who I am…”
“‘Mione that’s so far from what I think that…” He looked into her eyes with all of the feelings he had developed for her and melted.
“That what?” She asked him in a hushed voice.
“That…that…” Harry struggled to finish the sentence as Hermione intoxicated his senses.
They brought their faces closer together until their lips were almost touching. Suddenly they were interrupted by a loud knock at the door.
“Sorry guys. Didn’t mean to interrupt but I need to speak with you both.” Viera said as she came into the room.
“What is it?” Hermione inquired, concerned.
“Well I reported what happened this morning in Diagon Alley to Dumbledore and he doesn’t want something like that to happen again…”
“We don’t have to go there anymore…if we need something we can shop in Muggle London.” Harry concluded.
“It’s not that simple Harry. If Malfoy can get to Hermione in a village full of wizards imagine what he can do surrounded by muggles. We can’t risk exposing Hermione to him again or you for that matter…”
“What do I have to do with it?” Harry cut in.
“Even though Malfoy has been instructed not to kill you he still wants revenge…”
“Revenge for what?”
“For exposing him as a Death Eater and ruining his name in wizarding society. Lucius has always prided himself on his reputation now that it’s shattered he has nothing to loose.” She explained.
“What about Draco?” Hermione asked.
“Draco has moved in with grandfather Abraxas and will continue to attend Hogwarts. But that doesn’t concern you right now. Dumbledore wants to relocate you two and Ron for the remainder of the summer…”
“But where?” Hermione broken in.
“That we’re not going to tell you, all I will tell you is that it’s far enough away from here that Lucius won’t find you.”
“When are we leaving?” Harry asked.
“As soon at the guests leave. We have a portkey ready for the three of you, and Ginny if she wants, set to leave at eleven so I suggest you get packing.” She turned too leave put Harry stopped her.
“But what about Ron?”
“His mother is speaking to both him and Ginny now I’m sure he’ll be up in a few minutes.”
“Where do you suppose we’re going?” he asked Hermione once she left.
“I don’t know but if we’re to leave at eleven I should go pack.” With that she left him with his thoughts.
~*~*~*~*~
At eleven o’clock sharp the four for them stood around a brightly coloured umbrella with their trunks ready to go.
“So remember when you get there don’t go out until Dumbledore contacts you and says it’s safe. After that you may only go within the town itself. Dumbledore has informed me he left a map of the village in the kitchen so that you know your boundaries. After that one of us will be coming to stay with you every weekend.” Viera explained. “Okay get ready to grab the umbrella. On the count of three...One…two…three.”
They all grabbed the umbrella at the same time. Harry felt the familiar put on his body and shut his eyes. When he opened them again the sight he saw left him breathless and excited.