Paris

~ Paris - Chapter Five ~

"Harry Has A Birthday"

Harry woke up the morning of July 31 to find Hermione sitting on the end of his bed. She didn't at first realize he was awake, and for a moment he lay there looking at her through eyes barely open.She had a huge book open on her lap, and for a moment, he thought it must be Hogwarts:A History. Did she ever get tired of reading that book, and was that going to be her birthday greeting? More little known facts? He'd put that thought from her mind right away! As quickly as he could, Harry leapt from the bed , landing just where he'd planned to, his arms sliding neatly around Hermione. (after all, if he could catch a walnut-sized ball, a small girl ought to be easy.)

"So, more facts about Hogwarts?" he asked her with a grin.She turned, kissed him on the cheek and replied, "Good Morning to you too. No, we'll save the information for another day. I wanted to give you this while no one was here." She stood up, and as she put the book on Harry's lap, he could now see that it resembled the book Hagrid had given him at the end of his first year at Hogwarts. This book was also leather bound, in shining blue and covered with stars that Hermione had enchanted to twinkle as if they were real.

"It's beautiful, Hermione. I'm almost afraid to open it though. Is something going to jump out?" he said teasingly. He couldn't resist though, and opened the cover carefully. There he saw a picture of himself, Ron and Hermione, waving sheepishly, and looking almost embarrassingly young. Under the picture was written Year One at Hogwarts. Turning the pages, he found pictures from all four years the three of them had been at Hogwarts. "Where did all of l these come from, I don't remember us having pictures taken?" Harry shook his head, amazed at what he saw. This was a complete record, the good times and the bad, since there was even a picture of the End of Year Feast, when they had all been so sad about Cedric's death.

"McGonagall accidentally let it slip that the school takes pictures magically. It's some tradition that started back when times were more dangerous, so families would always have pictures of their children." She shivered a little, apparently thinking of the possibilities of the dangers. "Most of the pictures are from the Hogwarts files, but a few are from Colin Creevy, a few from Ginny and a few Fred and George got from Filch's file cabinets. Seems you're the only current student, besides them, who has his own drawer. I did cheat a bit though, it isn't just Hogwarts. I've added a section that can be removed with pictures from this summer."

"I like that kind of cheating!" Harry replied, giving her an enthusiastic thank you hug and kiss. "I'd like to see that section grow a lot!" They stayed there, looking through the pictures, laughing, complaining and mimicking on some pages (Professor Snape and Draco Malfoy had been unavoidably included in the pictures) until Ivy came to Harry's door to let them know breakfast had arrived.

"So, Hermione couldn't wait any longer? Harry, she has been so excited about that book." Ivy said, laughing too as she peered over his shoulder, happening to find the picture of Hermione setting fire to Snape's robes. "The biggest miracle, I'd say, is that you three have managed to avoid being expelled.."

"I think all of us have been sure it was going to happen any moment, a lot of times." Harry thought there had probably been at least four or five times a year, every year, but he didn't think Hermione would especially care to have that detail shared with her mother. Anyway, Ivy had other things on her mind.

" The Weasleys are going to be arriving in an hour or so. All of them, even Bill, Charlie and Percy. We should probably move along a little more quickly, I want to be sure the hotel has everything prepared for them.." she told Harry and Hermione. In spite of his excitement at the thoughts of seeing the family that was like his own, Harry couldn't help but worry. He knew the Weasleys didn't have money to spare , and a trip to Paris couldn't have been cheap. Besides he knew they were coming for his birthday!

Ivy noticed Harry's look of mingled happiness and concern immediately. "Don't worry, Harry, the ministry is sending Arthur over on some business, and there's some other exciting news. I would have liked for them to have told you this in person, but you'll just have to pretend to be surprised. Ginny and Molly submitted a series of articles and photographs to Witch Weekly, some of Molly's special recipes, illustrated with Ginny's photographs. The magazine has paid them a sizable amount, and asked Molly to contribute to the magazine on a regular basis. And Ginny's been invited to speak to the people who publish Teen Witch Weekly, to do some work for them. Arthur and Molly felt the family should celebrate their good fortune, and being here for your birthday and a few days beyond is how they all wanted to do it."

Harry felt a lump in his throat, and wasn't sure what had caused it the most, knowing the Weasleys cared for him this much, or from knowing some good things had happened to the people he cared so much about. He felt a little better when he heard a strangled sound from Hermione and saw her laughing, but with a couple of tears that she was trying to wipe hastily away.

"So, we have LOTS to clebrate!" Hermione exclaimed. "Maybe Ginny will be able to help the magazine present a more realistic picture of magical teenagers. All this good fortune for our friends, and Harry is a year older. I guess you'll rub it in now, being fifteen and I'm still only fourteen.!"

"Yeah, for a whole, big month!" answered Harry. "And now, guess what- I think I'm even hungrier at fifteen than I was at fourteen!" Hermione and Ivy laughed, and they all went in to join Chris for breakfast.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The day passed quickly, as all the days had since they had arrived in Paris. Harry and Hermione had been asked to make a trip to the fruit and flower stalls a few streets away, and they bought fresh fruit and flowers to take back for the Weasleys rooms. Ivy had insisted that Mr and Mrs. Weasley's room be the best and she wanted them to have an abundance of goodies. "Everyone will wind up in Arthur and Molly's room, and with all those boys, someone is bound to be hungry all the time. The hotel's room service won't be able to keep up!"

Harry had to agree. The Weasleys were accustomed to eating very frequently, and no one wanted Mrs. Weasley to have to conjure an impromptu kitchen to feed them.. He also had to admit though, that he wouldn't mind having some of her grits and eggs and sausages in the mornings. Well, maybe there'd be time for a visit to the Burrow before term began. He wondered how the Grangers' and the Weasleys' moves to London and Hogwarts would go?

Harry was shaken out of these wonderings by Hermione saying "Hey, I know you're getting old but have you lost your hearing completely? We need to head back to the hotel, things will be happening there, and Mom and Dad are going to kill us." She shifted a huge box of pastries and candy onto her hip while trying to hang onto a bag of fruit and Harry realized he wasn't carrying anything, except some flowers.

"Oh, right." he answered sheepishly. "Want to switch? Here, at least the fruit, because I think we're getting some kind of drinks, aren't we? I'll take those, the flowers definitely would prefer you."

"Yes, Mom said we'd better have something there so George and Fred wouldn't have an excuse to sample the wine! Can you imagine those two, drinking anything stronger than butterbeer? Think they'd play more or less jokes?"

"Probably more, but we'd finally get a chance to play a few back!" then he shuddered, and added, " I don't like to imagine Mrs. Weasley though. You know her saber toothed tiger look? Now imagine it multiplied about seventy-five times," Harry put his arm through Hermione's and they walked down the street a bit further, finding a shop that sold juices and bottled water. The shopkeeper looked mystified when Harry asked for pumpkin juice, and told them he'd never heard of such a thing. He hastily informed the man he'd meant grapefruit, but not before he felt Hermione give him a sharp jab with her elbow.

Finally though, they were on their way back to the hotel, but on the block before they arrived, Hermione suddenly pulled Harry into a small alcove, down three stone steps, put down her parcels and his, Then she looked at him with a mixture of mischief and something he was still trying to figure out when he felt her arms slide around him. His head was pulled down to hers and Hermione proceeded to kiss him in a way that could only be described as complete, thorough, and made him feel he'd become more like seventeen than fifteen.. When she moved away from him a bit, Harry involuntarily and almost painfully found himself sitting on the step closest to him while, Hermione stood there, smiling at him smugly.

"So, just in case there are any unexpected visitors today, that's just a small reminder of what you have to look forward to, Harry Potter!" Harry reached out and pulled her closer again, at least one of her, since he found he was seeing two of everything. One more tug on her arm and Hermione was in his lap and he was doing his most determined best to return the reminder, and possibly even add to it. They had both nearly forgotten where they were, what day it was, and were on the verge of forgetting their names, when Harry heard a muffled squeak above him,. He looked up and groaned as he saw a group of at least seven small boys staring down at them. Hermione, noticing a definite change in Harry's attention, looked up too, and apparently without thinking, muttered "Cabonarum expelliarmus" and one of the bottles of water opened, spraying the little boys and sending them off squealing.

Harry chuckled, and hugged Hermione, then said, reluctantly, "As far as I'm concerned, we could just stay here and let this be my birthday celebration, but...."

"But we won't have a place to go back to, if we don't move fast!" Hermione finshed for him, and they grabbed up their parcels again.

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As they arrived at the hotel, Harry looked up at the walls and said "They're here!"

"Oh?" asked Hermione. "How can you tell? I don't see any of them?"

"I can just tell. It looks different, and there seems to be sort of a hum in the air. Could it be all the energy and static coming from the magic, or is it the tempers, and red hair?"

"Both, I'd say," she answered, trying to look wise but breaking into giggles as they hurried in to the elevator. "I'll bet Mr. Weasley's eyes are popping out of his head, seeing all these muggle inventions. But this elevator seems awfully slow to me"

"That's just because you haven't had a good, hard row with Ron in a while, and you're ready for one. I know I'm a poor substitute, when it comes to arguments...." He grinned at her and added, "....but I'll bet I can top him in any other way, when it comes to you!"

"Cocky git, aren't you? Unfortunately, I'd have to agree with you on both counts. Ron and I DO enjoy our arguments, and at the risk of turning you into a Big Head like Percy, yes, you do pretty much top them all."

They'd finally reached their floor, and turned toward their rooms, when each of them felt a grab at their elbow, and turned to find Ginny and Ron, grinning at them. "Come on, down to our room, everyone wants to see you!" Ginny said, her eyes glowing. "Oh, it's so beautiful here, I think I'd like to stay forever!!!!"

"Ah, Gin, how can you even think that? You'd leave the splendor of the Burrow for this? What have our parents raised, some Material Girl?" Ron tried to sound amused, but Harry could tell Ron was at least as excited as Ginny, though he was, as usual, trying to conceal it. They went into the suite the Weasleys would be occupying, and found Mrs. Weasley, telling Fred and George off for some prank. George was just replying, "But, Mum, we really thought that girl had come in, just to visit with us. We didn't know she wanted to know about towels!"

"Didn't give her a chance, did you. All I do is walk down to the other rooms with Ivy and I walk back in to find you two....oh, Hermione and Harry, so glad you've gotten back! How are you, dears? We've missed you so!" She kissed and hugged both of them, then stepped back to beam at Harry. "Finally, a birthday we can celebrate with you!"

"More celebrations, besides Harry's birthday," said a voice from the other side of the room, and Bill Weasley stood up, and came forward to shake Harry's hand and hug Hermione. "Go ahead and tell them, Mom, Ginny!"

"Oh, it's really nothing, not from me anyway, Ginny did all the work." said Mrs. Weasley, looking embarrassed. "I just had a bit of good luck. and your sister's talent made things happen."

"Come on, Mum!" Ron said impatiently."You're always bragging when any of us does the smallest thing! Harry, Hermione, my mother and sister have entered the world of Wizarding Journalists. They're being published in Witch Weekly!"

"And got a pile of galleons for it too. Bought us men a nice vacation." drawled Fred, as he leaned back on the couch, eating an apple. "Nice to have talented women in the family, to provide the luxuries"

" Get those feet off the couch, young man, or you'll be back degnoming the garden before you can say floo powder." growled Mrs. Weasley, then she looked proudly at Ginny. " It seems Ginny and I have been able to put together some interesting articles on cooking and Ginny took some lovely photographs. The magazine has asked for more, and we thought we'd try."

"Oh, and Hermione, I know you think Teen Witch Weekly is silly,but I may do some work for them. I thought, perhaps if you had time, you'd give me some help or read what I've written? I'd really appreciate it." Ginny looked so sure Hermione would laugh and refuse, Harry felt he'd help her out if Hermione didn't care to. But, thankfully, this wasn't necessary, because Hermione was hugging Ginny and they had already gone off into a corner, whispering and giggling. He felt his face go red, and hoped they weren't going to be discussing any of their fun times in Paris. Surely Hermione wouldn't....."

Before Harry had a chance to get comfortable and begin telling Ron, and the others about their holiday (he was especially keen to tell them about Adrian Malfoy, and the possibiliity of him becoming a keeper for Gryffindor) when the door opened, and Percy bustled in, the ususal look of self-importance on his face.

"Good, Harry, Hermione, you're back. Dad's waiting with the Grangers and we need to ask you some questions.. Come along now, we shouldn't waste time." he said, puffing out his chest. "Dad and I are here on official business, at least partly."

"Aw, let out some of that hot air you're always carrying around." George snapped. "You know you wanted to get over here and see old Penelope. Yes, we found out she's been working as an assistant at Beauxbatons!"

Seeing that Percy was about to deny this, Ron put in helpfully, "Yeah, Fleur told Bill all about it. Said Penelope was a real bore when she first got there, but she's started to lighten up now."

Everyone except Mrs. Weasley dissolved in laughter, at Percy's horrified face. No one knew whether he was horrified at the idea of being discussed by Bill and Fleur, or at the idea of his precious Penelope Lightening!!!! However, Mrs. Weasley looked at them all sternly, and said,"Now, stop your teasing. I'm sure Penelope is a lovely girl, and it's been hard on your brother, missing his friend. Now go on, Harry and Hermione. Arthur does want to talk to both of you, and I can promise you'll find what he says very interesting."

So Harry and Hermione left, hearing the sounds of Ron laughing, and Fred or George saying, mockingly,"Ah, has poor ickle Percy-wercy missed his ickle friend this year?" and the other saying"If we'd only known, what a comfort we could have been! Alas! We didn't investigate thoroughly enough!"

And.from Bill "Won't make that mistake again, will we boys?"

- - - - -

After they had exchanged warm greetings with Mr. Weasley who, as they had expected, was distracted by the sight of so many "muggle artifacts", Harry asked what they were to be questioned about. Ivy spoke up first.

"We wanted to ask you before, but felt we should speak to Arthur first and do some preliminary checking." she began, but Hermione broke in excitedly.

"It's the pendant, isn't it? Did you talk to the man in the shop?" Hermione's eyes were shining, but she also looked a bit guiltily at Harry. "I really wanted to tell you, Harry, but until today, there wasn't much.
to tell."

"Erm, call me slow if you like, but I'm missing something here. Sure, Hermione gave me this pendant, an early hirthday gift. And it does seem to have some connection with my parents. But what does the man in ths shop have to do with you, Mr. Weasley?" Harry had pulled the pendant out from inside his shirt, where he had worn it since the day Hermione bought it. It had surprised him,that he'd felt he had to keep it on, but with the pendant being a gift from Hermione, and somehow a reminder of his parents, he'd stopped thinking about the whys.

Mr.Weasley's eyes widened at the sight of the blue pendant, then he said gently, "Harry, there's a chance, and a fairly good one, that the combination of the pendant and what the man in the shop told Chris and Ivy, could clear Sirius' name."

"Clear Sirius' name?" Harry asked, looking bewildered, and sounding, even to himself, fairly idiotic. Hermione didn't seem to think so though, and she rushed over to him, excitedly.

"The man saw Peter Pettigrew, Harry. He talked to him, he knows he was alive at least within the last year or so. And wait until you hear what he told Mom and Dad, he can describe Wormtail perfectly, down to the missing finger."

"We may actually be able to help Sirius out, Harry." Chris said quietly. "And you know, having him back among us would make everyone who really knows him feel better."

"Did you know Sirius? I never really thought to ask either of you. Everything's happened so quickly, there was so much I didn't know about. It's hard even to know what to ask."

Chris sighed and said, "I knew Sirius, of course, and your parents. It wasn't easy being the lone muggle in the group, but they never made me feel left out. Who would have thought, though, back then, that I'd be the one going to Hogwarts. We used to joke about the KwikSpell courses, but with Voldemort so powerful, it seemed best for me not to attempt anything. We had enough to be concerned with. It was common knowledge your parents were among his targets."

"Sirius and I stayed away from you and your parents during those last months, so that if Voldemort was successful in an attack, someone would be there to look after you, Harry. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way, thanks to Peter Pettigrew, as you know." Ivy looked as angry as if all the events surrounding his parents' death were still as fresh to her as of they had happened the day before. Harry knew Ivy was probably the only person, other than Sirius, who was still alive and knew how much he had missed, losing his parents and the sort of life he could have had away from the Dursleys.

"May I hold the pendant, Harry?" requested Mr. Weasley, and Harry nodded and slipped the chain over his head. It was amazing, he felt as if he was missing something like his glasses, he'd become so accustomed to the feel of the pendant. "This was the pendant that was part of the Fidelius Charm. I've heard it described many times, but everyone thought Sirius had destroyed it. Thank the Sages it has turned up now. Harry,this has given you back the protection that was taken from you earlier this summer when you met You-Know-Who."

At that point there was a knock at the door. "That must be Monsieur Maas," said Ivy. As she went toward the door she told them Monsieur Maas was a respected part of the French wizarding world, and they could all be open and honest with him. "That little collectible shop he runs is merely a sideline. He also has a store in the Rue de Flagron, the equivalent of our Diagon Alley.'

When Ivy brought Monsieur Maas back to join them, Harry took a closer look than he had before in the shop, and realized something about the man made him think of Mr. Ollivander. Maybe it was just because they both dealt in magical objects. Or maybe it was because on their first meeting, Harry had felt the man was just trying to make a larger sale. Monsiuer Maas was also studying Harry much more closely than he had in the shop.

"So, you are the young wizard who has now escaped He Who Must Not Be Named twice. I have heard you fought the Dark Lord valiantly and lived, even though his band of Followers were present." He chuckled and added, "That humiliation didn't give him any affection for you, I'll wager. "

Harry wondered if his face looked as stunned as Hermione's did. The disbelieving attitude of Cornelius Fudge was with them so clearly, it was amazing to find a stranger in a foreign country so accepting of the events of the TriWizard Tournament.

An even stranger tale was to come. Monsieur Maas, it turned out, also was well acquainted with Remus Lupin. In fact, Professor Lupin was presently living with some of Monsieur Maas' wizard friends in Provence. "The poor man looked like a scarecrow when he arrived in France. He has been living the life of a farmer these past months and you probably will not recognize him The wine and the food and the days in the sun have agreed well with him."

"Oh!" said Hermione, happiness shining from her face. "Professor Lupin was the best teacher we had, Is someone here able to help him with his, er, affliction? He had to have help from our potions master, and even then he was often ill."

"He hated the potion Snape made because it was so bitter, but Professor Snape had told him sugar made it useless, and he thought Snape was the only one who could make that particular potion." put in Harry who also looked gratified that Professor Lupin was in a better place.

"Ah, no, none of what Lupin was told is true. Henri's wife Madina is from Italy and has amazing talents in potion making.This Snape appears to be a man of some conceit as well as having sadistic impulses. Madina mixes the wolfsbane with juice from their sweetest grapes, and Remus has not been troubled by the affliction since he arrived."

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A half hour later, a plan had been formulated for Monsieur Maas, accompanied by the French minister of magic to visit England and call upon Cornelius Fudge. Arthur Weasley had pulled his wand from his muggle suit and after giving it a shake something unrolled from it.

""What've you got there, Arthur?" asked Chris. "Something seems familiar about it."

Arthur looked a bit sheepish, but he handed his wand to Chris "This is something I've just invented, more or less. I'm calling it a wand pilot, and it might become very popular for magical business and communication purposes. For the wizard or witch who tends to be forgetful, I've incorporated a sort of Remembrall that stores information. I'm going to use it now to keep our conversation with Monsiuer Maas, so that the minister and Dumbledore can hear it. I've also incorporated a feature that's something like the communication of the head in the fire. Molly's grateful for that. She says she never stops wondering where people are, and worrying about them. I expect all of you children will have one for Christmas, if things continue to go well with their operation. You'll enjoy some of the features, especially the one that allows you to hear any music you choose, and save it too."

"Sounds as if you were inspired by our computer." said Ivy. "And the Weasley family's been busy this summer, haven't you, what with Molly and Ginny's journalistic success and now this. It sounds marvelous Arthur. Now if we can only see that Hermione, and the others use them when they decide to do some of the exploring they don't seem able to resist."

Even though they were happy and interested in Mr. Weasley's invention, Harry and Hermione were disappointed Sirius could not be proved innocent that day. As Ivy told them however, the wheels were in motion. If things went as they hoped, Harry could be spending Christmas with Sirius . He hoped Hermione and her parents would be near, as well as the Weasleys. It had been years since he'd had a Christmas without his friends nearby, They has been good Christmases for him, he thought, grinning to himself as he remembered the Polyjuice Christmas, but sobering as he thought of the Yule Ball last year, with Hermione and Viktor and Cedric and Cho. If there was a Ball this year, he hoped Hermione would teach him how to dance. Harry was picturing himself holding Hermione close and the two of them whirling to music in a darkened room. He was many miles away when he was shaken from these pleasant thoughts by Mr. Weasley's hand on his shoulder.

"You can go back to celebrating your birthday now, Harry," he said. "I imagine the Weasley crowd is wild to hit the streets of Paris, so if Ivy and Chris have no objections, we'll let you go now."

"Be back here by half past four though." said Ivy, attempting to look stern. "And stay aware of your surroundings, remember you aren't at Hogwarts. I'm not sure this city, as large as it is, can hold this group!"

Harry and Hermione said their goodbyes, after thanking Monsieur Maas enthusiastically, and assuring Mr. Weasley and Hermione's parents they would, in fact, attempt to be sensible. Once they were in the hall, Harry quickly pulled Hermione to one of the small alcoves that they both adored the hotel for providing, and kissed her very well and thoroughly.

"Now," he said. "That's what I call a celebration. Oh, Hermione, looks as if things will be better this year than we expected. When I left Hogwarts at the beginning of vacation, I tried to be positive, but it was an act. Now, though, even if Voldemort is a threat, I think we'll all be strong enough to fight. Do you? As long as I have these times with you to look forward to, anyway."

"Things are looking better, Harry ,and I don't want to seem negative, but we'll have to be prepared to fight" She hugged him hard and went on."But yes, we'll make sure these times together happen more and more. Now let's go get the others. I'm sure the twins are driving Mrs. Weasley bonkers, Ginny wants to shop, and Ron wants to check out the French girls."

(Author's Note: A wand pilot, in case this needs clarification, is the wizard's version of the palm pilot.)
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When Harry and Hermione opened the door of the Weasley suite, it was obvious the younger members of the family needed to get outside. George and Ron were loudly teasing Percy about getting to see Penelope again, making guesses about how long it would take to get Penelope alone, and how she had probably now found a French wizard to replace him. Fred and Ginny were arguing loudly over what was left of a bowl of fruit, and where they would go first when they went shopping. Fred insisted they had to find a joke shop before the evening, but Ginny was insistent that she had to have a new dress and shoes to match.

Molly Weasley, meanwhile, was going from group to group of her children, imploring and threatening them to stop their arguments. Bill sat calmly in a corner with what looked like one of Arthur's wand pilots and a set of earphones, occasionally nodding as if in agreement with something. Harry walked over to him, and Bill looked up and said," Fleur says 'Happy Birthday to the champion." He stood up and rolled up the wand pilot, calling to Ginny and Fred, "Stop arguing, we can split into groups. Fleur can go shopping with you, Ginny. Then I'll take these clowns out to look for their joke shop."

"I want to go to some muggle stores though," Ginny whined."I'll bet old Fleur will only take me to the Wizarding street. She's so proud of being part Veela, she won't want to mix with muggles!" Harry wondered whether Ginny was going to become like her father, with his fascination for muggles and muggle items. He could tell she had been shopping recently in some muggle store, because her clothes, a rust and forest green top and a short green skirt were obviously new.

Harry sighed to himself. The muggle shops were Hermione's specialty, he guessed she'd now be gone with Ginny for the afternoon. He'd tag along to the joke shop, but he'd hoped to be with Hermione more. Here it was, his birthday and they'd barely been alone all day! Didn't she even care?

"I can show you a few muggle shops, Ginny," Hermione said quickly. " But Mom also has a little list of errands for me, and Harry promised he'd help me. We can shop a little, then meet Fleur and the boys at the wizard's market. You want to go to the joke shop, I know, Harry. "

"I do, " he answered. "But I also don't want to break a promise. 'No, he thought, and I've promised myself Hermione will know that I'd like to do more than kiss her, if not this afternoon, sometime."

Behind him, Harry heard Ron snicker and whisper loudly,"Ha! Promises? Errands? I can imagine the errands, I suppose you'd like us to come along and help with those errands?"

"No! " exclaimed Hermione and Harry, instantly and in unison, "Er, it's not really necessary, we know exactly where to go," finished Harry as they snorted, smirked or giggled, except Mrs. Weasley.

"Hush, you lot. Leave them alone, they've been here for several days, they will be able to manage without you quite well. Now everyone just stay aware of where you are and who's nearby. Bill, you bring Fleur back with you. Your father and I want to get to know her a bit."

" I'll just bet Dad does, his son dating a part Veela witch," George chuckled. "Giving the old Weasley name a spark of interest down at the Ministry."

At this, Mrs. Weasley made a final disgusted sound, followed by, "Out! Every one of you, before I begin hexing you! The Grangers, your father and I have plans too. Bill, you have a key? Just don't give it to the twins. We may wind up being thrown out before the evening!"
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Finally the group had reached the street below, after dragging Fred, George and Ron from a group of giggling female hotel workers. Hermione asked if they'd like to eat before beginning the day's shopping and sightseeing.

"Do you really need to ask, Hermione?" Ginny said sarcastically. "Not that they haven't been eating nonstop since we checked in. Can't we just leave them ? I've been waiting my whole life to have some money of my own, and now I get to spend it here. I just can't wait any longer!"

"You could spend it on a really huge meal for us," Ron said hopefully. "That would really be uncomplicated, Gin!"

"Yeaaaahhh, you wish!" she replied, giving him a slap across the arm. "OK, if we're going to eat, let's do it and get on with it! But I'm not eating some clunky old sandwich or something. I want to have something that tastes French!."

"That can be arranged." said Harry. "We've had lunch out lots of times and it's the same way with Hermione and me. I'm starving, and she's thinking about how she looks in some of what she just bought. You girls!"

'' 'Us Girls ', as you so elegantly put it, don't want to outgrow our clothes before we get to wear them, that's all." Hermione shrugged and went on, "I've been here before you know. What you think is a simple little meal could make you rival dear Dudley Dursley, if you weren't careful."

Harry shook his head at this, he couldn't imagine thinking there was anything less than perfect about Hermione's size, in fact he......

"Then let's GO!" he heard Ginny say.

_______________________

Soon the group was at an outside cafe and Ginny had a salad and was sharing a small soufflé with Hermione.The boys were eating huge sandwiches and moaning about the lack of pumpkin juice, but making do with muggle Cokes.

"Now, we'll see you in about an hour and a half." said Bill. "There's an ice cream shop that looks a lot like Florean Fortesque's. We'll meet you at one of the tables outside. And Gin, no matter what you think, there are some nice things in the wizards' market. Save some of that money."

"I will," Ginny said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Harry could see Hermione was looking forward to getting into a store or two herself. At least they wouldn't be able to buy more than they could carry, he comforted himself, thinking back on a few times he and Hermione had really loaded up.She wouldn't have him to help this time though.

It didn't take long to reach the Wizard's shopping area. Harry didn't think Hermione and Ginny would have trouble finding their meeting place, it really did look a lot like the ice cream shop on Diagon Alley. It felt a bit odd to be in a place that in a way felt so familiar, and yet he could barely understand what was being said. Bill, though, seemed to have learned to speak French quite comfortably and appeared very much at home. When they found the joke shop, he could see why Fred and George had been so eager to come here. Some of the things were the same as the ones in Zonko's but this shop had not only a much larger section of joke foods, but a place that sold plants that did unusual things. Fred, George Bill and Ron immediately began a conversation with the shop owner, and Harry wandered over to the section marked "Botanica Exotica Magicka" . There were plants that produced miniature loaves of bread, side by side with others that contained flowers with centers of butter, jelly and soft cheese. Another section contained plants that showed shoes and hats sprouting from the plants, looking like blossoms.'Hermione and Ginny would like one of those', he thought, grinning as he pictured their eyes widening at the sight of an unending supply.

Then, over in a guarded section Harry could see something sparkling on the plants growing there. He wandered over and gasped in surprise at what he saw and immediately saw the reason for the guards. These plants seemed to be growing jewels! The leaves were different colors on each plant and he could see a different color jewel on each plant, to match its leaves. He was glad Hermione seemed to enjoy shopping for clothes and fun jewelry, he couldn't see her wanting one of these. The only piece of "nice" jewelry she seemed to really like was the bracelet he had given her. She had told him she loved it because it was really pretty, but mostly because it connected the two of them.

Suddenly behind him, Harry heard whoops of delight and turned around to find Fred, George and Ron slapping each other on the back, and Bill looking very happy too. He hurried over to them and Ron said, "We've done it, Harry! This joke shop bought some of Fred and George's inventions! "

"They especially liked the non - melting ice cream cones, and fried eggs that grow wings and fly off your plate." Ron chortled. "We've gotta be sure to sneak some of those on Crabbe and Goyle's plates when we get back to school. Ought to be pretty funny, seeing them chase their breakfast around the Great Hall."

"And we've decided to cut Ron in on the operation, because he's been a real help with ideas, and has checked out what we should ask for when we went to sell. Little brother's done a lot of research and contacting people for us." George gave Ron a jubilant look, and Ron beamed proudly.

"Yeah, having you do all the legwork really gave us the freedom to come up with ideas, and make them work. But even the best thing we could sell would have come to nothing without our "business manager!" added Fred.

Harry could hardly believe this had happened, but he didn't think he could hold much more happiness. On the other hand, maybe he could - when he looked out the window he saw Hermione and Ginny passing, boxes in their hands, and huge smiles on their faces. He guessed it would soon be "errand time', and he felt his stomach take that now familiar dive, then soar when he thought about time alone with Hermione.

After letting the Weasleys know he'd seen the girls go by, they all left the joke shop, Ron, George and Fred promising to return the next day to finalize their deal, and promising to bring more of their inventions. The shop owner seemed really thrilled, Harry noticed and felt happy all over again for his friends.
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When they arrived at the ice cream shop, Harry and the Weasleys found a surprise! Not only were Hermione and Ginny there but Fleur and Danielle and Adrian as well! He saw Ron, George and Fred's faces darken as they saw Adrian, then he remembered they were probably thinking they were seeing the wrong Malfoy! Quickly he grabbed their arms and stopped them for a moment.

"Hey, that's not Draco," he told them urgently. " He's Draco's cousin, Adrian. He seems like a great guy, and he's been playing quidditch, as keeper, at his school for the last few years. The girl is Hermione's mom's friend's daughter Danielle. Cute. huh? "

"Cute is not quite sufficient Harry, but we'll overlook it since we know your interests lie in another direction. Across the table, to be exact!" Ron was grinning, but he had a look on his face Harry couldn't remember seeing before. "She's as nice looking as Fleur, but somehow I think I could actually talk to her without making a total prat of myself."

"I don't know about the Fleur part," Bill put in, looking at Ron with a huge grin. " I think I've seen that look on another Weasley face before though. My own! Watch it though, she looks sweet, but she may know things you don't."

Harry sort of doubted this from what he knew of Danielle, but he did hope Ron would be able to enjoy finding out. As for Ginny, she was talking to Adrian, and looking at him in a way he vaguely remembered seeing her look at him when she first came to Hogwarts. There was one big difference though...... her face didn't look the color of a sunrise and Adrian was certainly looking back at her, in a way that he never had. This might turn out to be the beginning of some great friendships, if only Danielle turned out to be interested in Ron.

They saw the group who were seated had spotted them, and Harry slid into the chair beside Hermione, managing to give her hand a little squeeze under the table, and feeling really happy to see how glad she looked to see him. Well, they hadn't been apart much this summer, but Hermione was definitely on his mind, whether he was with her, or not.

He stretched and sighed contentedly, looking around at the group of friends chattering happily, and casually draped his arm around Hermione's chair. He didn't doubt that there were some dark times ahead, but it was hard to believe now, sitting in this sunny courtyard with his friends all around. Adrian and Danielle had been introduced and the conversation was jumping rapidly from quidditch to George and Fred's inventions to the dresses Ginny had found and bought.

Harry grinned to himself as he heard Adrian whisper to Ginny, "Ah, I must see the lovely Ginette in her new dress." and thought Adrian could probably teach he and Ron a few things. Ginny was once again blushing but she was also giving Adrian a very flirtatious look. She opened one of her boxes slightly and Harry could see a glimpse of something frothy, that had soft colors of green and peach. Adrian looked at Ginny and nodded appreciativly.

Danielle didn't seem the least bothered by the fact that Adrian seemed so interested in Ginny, and Harry was happy to see Ron wasn't trying to impress her with stories that were at best only partly true. The two of them looked completely relaxed and happy, Danielle was describing her first love, sailing, and Ron was telling Danielle a pretty accurate version of what had happened during the underwater part of the Triwizard Tournament.

"So, I haven't really been all that crazy about water since then," Ron was saying."But I'd like to get over it, you know, if I were, er, with someone who felt comfortable in and near water."

Harry and Hermione exchanged raised eyebrows and amused looks behind their menus. Ron certainly had gotten over being tongue-tied around girls all of a sudden! They smiled even more as they heard Danielle ask Ron whether he would be staying in France long enough to come out for a sail. Ron replied that he would certainly try and Danielle turned to Ginny and Adrian and said "Perhaps you could join us as well? Max has gone to visit friends and will not return for a week. Maman would no doubt prefer I had help with the sails and, oh, it would be fun!"

Harry could see this might be a good time to make an exit so he turned to Hermione and whispered, "Errands now?" She nodded and grinned at him, making his knees go a bit weak as he thought of them being alone finally. They pushed their chairs back and Hermione spoke to the group.

"This is really great, being with all of you, but Harry and I do have a few things to do, or Mom will kill me! You'll all meet us back at the hotel in a while?"

"We'll be there," said Bill from the chair he was sitting in, with Fleur nearly in his lap. Harry wondered whether Bill might have some kind of male version of a veela in him, because Fleur didn't seem to be able to take her eyes, or her hands off him. He remembered how she had been so aloof, and had always had a crowd of boys around her at Hogwarts. Bill had always seemed pretty cool, and Harry wasn't really surprised, "If I can keep them all together, that is."

"Fleur is taking me shopping," Ginny said quickly. "I still need shoes and I want the ones that change colours and glimmer. Mum would never let me have those, she said it was an unnecessary expense, but I think I really need them for these dresses."

Harry and Hermione said good-bye amidst the teasing from Ginny's brothers, mixed with Fleur and Danielle's agreement that glimmering shoes were a must for the truly well dressed witch.

"So much for being missed," Hermione remarked as they walked away. "No arguments from anyone about us leaving. My feelings could be hurt, if I weren't 'sensible Hermione'."

"Oh, not everyone." Harry told her in a soft voice. "I've found you a lot more sensitive than sensible this summer. Your feelings and here." He traced her lips gently with his finger and whispered, "I think there's a lot more sensitive than sensible to you, Hermione."

"What happened to the wizard who turned red everytime a girl looked at him for more than a minute?" Hermione teased, looking pink, but very pleased and obviously with happy anticipation.

"He turned into a wizard who finally found something to look back at," answered Harry smugly. " Now do we really have any errands? Or can we go straight to that little boathouse we found on the pond in the park?"

"Just one quick one," she answered. "And there will be no peeking, you have to promise. You'll see more later."

"No problem," Harry said. " But let's get there fast."

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Within a half hour, Harry was pushing open the creaking door to the old boathouse. He wished in a way that they had a nicer place to go, but at the same time, he knew he'd remember this place all his life. The sounds of the water lapping gently at the shore, the distant sounds of happy people and music from the carousel, the the smells of flowers and grasses mixed with the scent of Hermione that he loved.

They wasted no time spreading the blankets and life vests they'd found stored there. Harry still shook his head at the risk Hermione had taken, when she used a cleansing spell on them, but she had said even the ministry wouldn't want them lying on filthy blankets," Professor Flitwick says you should always use one of those if you have doubts about sanitation, and I've heard Mom and Madame Pomfrey say the same thing! Besides, we have the special permission thing!" she had told him, and he had known there was no use arguing.

"Mmmmm, I could stay here all night, Harry." Hermione said, snuggling close to him and reaching up to pull his head over to hers. He shivered as he felt her softly kiss his neck and then even more softly his ear, and he turned on his side, pulling her close and kissing her insistently.

"I could stay here a couple of weeks," he muttered in her ear, with a soft kiss there in return. " I kind of feel like this is 'our place', Paris, I mean. You know though, I think any place we're able to be together will be 'our place'. How do you feel?"

"Really want to know?" she replied. "I feel like forgetting lots of things my Mom told me young girls need to be careful about, even witches. Does that make you happy? Are you going to make sure I keep forgetting?" Hermione was now so close to him that Harry doubted you could slide a broom straw between them, and he swallowed hard.

"Er, that is a tempting thought and I won't tell you I might not try occasionally. But you know, as great as that sounds, I'm going to vote to go slowly. Getting to know you this way has been something I would have never imagined to be so amazingly exciting and yet feel so right."

"It does feel right," she told him, rubbing her cheek against his. "We know each other pretty well, Harry, I think we can know what's right and when, don't you?"

Harry pretended to groan and said, "I am going to kick myself at least a hundred times over the next few years, but yes. Now, let me kiss you some more and at least ......." Harry began to whisper into Hermione's ear and she answered with a giggle.

(And here I shall leave romance to the imagination of the reader, have it as you wish.).