Summer

~ Summer- Chapter Eight ~

After an awkward evening and night of trying to act as if Ron wasn't furious, Harry went down to help Chris with some updates in the patients' information on the computer. He was about halfway finished when Hermione and Ginny appeared. "We're going to Diagon Alley with my Mom and Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said breathlessly."Do you want to come along?"

Harry looked at Chris, and Chris immediately said, "Sure, go ahead. You can finish this afternoon. Unless you think Ron or one of the twins would want to stay and finish?"

"Don't even offer to let George or Fred come near your computer, Dr. Granger!" Ginny exclaimed. "You'd probably have to toss out your entire computer system."

"And Ron has said he wants to go along. I've never seen him so eager to get there." Hermine had a puzzled look on her face as she continued. " He didn't seem to even want to wait for us to come fetch you, Harry. I asked him what he was so anxious to see, but he wouldn't tell me. Something to do with Quidditch, I'm sure!"

Harry wasn't sure what to say to this, especially when he noticed Ginny struggling not to laugh. He felt his face going pink, and he muttered, "Meet you out front - gotta get money." and he took the back stairs two at a time, wondering what and why Ron had said anything to Ginny.

And here was Hermione, usually cleverer about things than anyone should be, acting as if she hadn't noticed he and Ron were barely speaking. Maybe Privet Drive wasn't such a bad place to be, he reasoned with himself. Then Harry remembered - Viktor Krum and his family would arrive in London today, and he, Harry wasn't leaving, Ron or no Ron, he'd been at the Grangers first.

Grabbing his money bag, he hurried down to meet the others. " All ready, dear?" Mrs. Weasley said brightly. "You needn't have hurried, Ron can wait."

They went out the front door and began climbing into the Grangers' green Range Rover, which Harry noticed was now considerably larger than it had been when he last rode in it.. "Ginny, you and Hermione sit back here," Ron said.

"Huh, all these years of trying to get rid of me," Ginny giggled." Now you want to sit with me, and be so charming."

"Maybe it's not just you, Ginny, ever think of that?" Fred snorted " Anyway, I think we'd better sit back here............." " .... and keep an eye on the Muggles behind us. Any chance of Fred or I taking a turn behind the wheel later?" George asked hopefully.

" You'll ask your father before anyone allows either of you to drive in this London traffic. Mercy, Ivy, how can you do this?" Mrs. Weasley gasped, as Ivy steered the car through some amazingly small passages.

Harry knew Hermione's Mom was an expert driver, but he couldn't help wishing the trip could be a little less smooth, and a bit more like the trip through Gringott's. Hermione was sitting beside him, and not once had she even bumped into his arm.

At least Ron wouldn't have that to be angry about, he told himself. It wasn't helping yet though. Ron was still sitting in the back seat looking as if a thunder cloud had taken up residence on his head "All right everyone," Ivy called over her shoulder. Gather up your things, nearly there."

At this Ron brightened considerably, and Hermione and Ginny leaned across Harry and began discussing the new dress robes they hoped to buy. When they came to a stop, he had to admit, being alone with Hermione was very different than being with her and another girl.

After they parked the Range Rover, it was decided that they would all meet back at Florian Fortesque's in an hour and a half. Ginny and Hermione were eager to visit Madame Malkin's, and all of the guys were anxious to see whether there were any new prototypes in Quality Quidditch Supplies.

"Besides I need some polishing fluid for the Firebolt," said Harry." I've nearly used all of what you gave me for my birthday, Hermione." He knew this hadn't been a tactful remark, as soon as he said it, but Hermione just nodded, and she and Ginny turned and walked off toward the Robes shop.

"Just can't wait to get. in there and pretty up, can they?" Ron growled.in Harry's direction." What's on Hermione's mind, you or Krum. She used to be so sensible,and I complained about her nose being in a book. Girls!"

Fred and George looked at each other and grinned," So Ickle Ronnie Kins is getting irritated because his friend has gotten interested in something besides studying. Don't take it out on Harry, all he's doing is trying to steer clear of those muggles he lives with." Fred exclaimed.

"Yeah, sure," said Ron, but he looked at Harry muttered "Guess they're right though. With Viktor Krum on the way, we need to stick together." Harry felt a bit guilty as he remembered the kiss in the kitchen, and the one in the garden on Privet Drive. Still, neither he or Ron wanted Krum around any longer than necessary.So he decided to jump right in.

"As a matter of fact, I was going to ask you guys whether you had brought along any of those Ton Tongue toffees - or maybe you've come up with something new? " he added hopefully.

"Sure, we haven't been just sitting home , listening to Percy wailing about Mr. Crouch being gone." George said with a derisive laugh. "What did you have in mind?"

"Um, maybe something to make sure Hermione doesn't want to go to Bulgaria for a visit." replied Harry, his face feeling hot and red. What had he started here?

"We needn't tamper with his looks, the poor guy already has enough problems there. So what does Hermione most love. .. aside from you brave laddies that is?"George asked, his eyes twinkling.

Harry and Ron looked at each other and said together, "Crookshanks!"

"If she can't take Crookshanks, she won't go anyplace, " Ron went on.

"And she probably wouldn't be interested if she thought the Krum's didn't like her parents," added Harry. "If Hermione's anything,she's loyal."

So with the their heads together planning, the four boys headed toward the Apothecary for the ingredients Fred & George needed.. As they came out of the Apothecary, Harry said, "Let's see what the girls are doing, maybe we can sneak up on them. "

The others nodded, and they stealthily made their way to Madame Malkin's and looked in the window. No sign of either Ginny or Hermione.

Then Fred said " I can't imagine they would go there, but let's check Glad Rags."

"Why would they go there? It's the most expensive place on Diagon Alley!" exclaimed Ron. "Have they lost their minds?"

Harry vaguely remembered seeing the sign for GladRags Wizards' Wear at the World Cup. He also remember the 1000 galleons he'd given Fred and George at the end of the year. He looked questioningly at them and Fred winked back.

"Anyway, we can check it out," he answered casually. So they walked into the shop, and all of them at once wondered what they had walked into. This was no ordinary shop. Trays of sandwiches, jugs of pumpkin juice, and stacks of Cauldron cakes floated through the air, stopping at strategic spots in front of customers. They saw Ginny and Hermione at the back of the store, heads together, giggling over a couple of velvet robes.

"Oh, look, there are the boys!" called Hermione. "Come over here, Ron we have something great picked out for you."

"Sure!" scoffed Ron. "As if I could afford a piece of material."

Ginny looked at Fred and George and said quickly, "Oh,but Ron, it's on sale! Just try it okay?"

Ron looked doubtful, but went in and slipped on the brown velvet robe. When he came back out, they were all amazed at the change. Maybe Ron had never had anything picked out especially for him, thought Harry. Even his hair looked less flaming.

"Wow!" said Hermione. "That is definitely your color Ron! You're going to get it, aren't you?"

Harry was really pleased to see Ron looking so comfortable and happy again. Now he focused on Hermione for the first time. What a change there too. Her robe was a peach color, that looked as if it had slipped off her shoulders. He fought the temptation to pull it back up and looked at Ginny, who was looking great too in a sea green robe of some floaty stuff..

"We have to get back and meet our Moms. " said Hermione. "I'll be right back" She Ginny and Ron all disappeared into separate rooms and came back out, looking quite smug..

After all of the purchases had been paid for, they made their way back to Florean Fortesque's where Mrs. Weasley and Ivy were sitting, Mrs.. Weasly with her feet propped on a chair. When she saw the bags in their hands she looked as if she would faint.

"No, no, Mom! Don't worry, we found some great bargains!" Ginny said reassuringly. "And you know Ron couldn't wear those moldy old things again."

They all sat down and ordered ice cream sundaes, and some of the new whipped cream Florean had been advertising, guaranteed to change flavors three times while they were eating it. Harry's changed from blueberry to strawberry to banana..He was feeling quite breathless by the time he finished.

.The great feeling of seeing Ron looking so good and happy was still with him though, and he had a feeling it would be there for awhile..

"All right, kids," said Ivy."Time to head back. The Krums should be there in a few hours." All four boys exchanged looks and grinned, knowing that Viktor Krum's visit would probably not turn out exactly as HE had hoped.

_______________________

When they arrived at the Grangers' again, everyone hurried upstairs to put away their purchases. After the door had closed, Fred turned to Ron and Harry. "Okay, boys, ready to put this plan into action?"

Harry and Ron looked at each other and grinned, then Ron said,"Yeah, I hope you've got some good - or bad stuff in mind."

"We've been looking for an excuse to try some of this out," said George."Seems kind of bad to do this to a Quidditch star, but then, he's no part of any team I'm for! Maybe we can even keep him out of the next World Cup."

Harry had a slightly uneasy feeling.' Karma' he thought. This had better not backfire on him! But then a picture of Hermione in those peach coloured robes, with her hair on her bare shoulders came back to him. And he realized it had been a long time since he'd seen any signs of the old bushy hair Hermione had always complained about. He thought he could spend some time with his hands in that silky hair she had now. But what was Ron saying?

"I don't feel anything but glad about playing some tricks on "Vicky" and his family. He's got his own school in Bulgaria, why can't he stick with his friends over there. Hermione's our, um, friend."

Fred and George hooted at this, and George said, " Ooh, has Ickle Ronnie-kins got a runaway friend? Hermione's changed, guys. You might as well face facts. One of those is that if there were a year less in the age difference, I might be asking her out. Wanna fight about it?"

At least now Ron could be furious with George, instead of him, thought Harry, as he watched Ron's face turn maroon.He'd better step in before there was a fight, and George and Fred refused to help them at all. "C'mon, Ron," he said. "Let's see whether the girls, or your mom and Ivy need any help."

Ron scowled at George, but nodded, and followed Harry from the room, leaving Gred and Forge bent over a canvas bag. "Don't let 'em get to you, Ron, they're just trying to make you mad. Are you really that interested in Hermoine as a girlfriend? All the two of you do is fight."

Ron shook his head. "I dunno, Harry. She's the only girl I've ever really spent a lot of time with. Sure we fight, but at least we talk. I haven't had the best experiences with girls, you know. The Yule Ball was a disaster, and I made a total fool of myself with Fleur Delacour. You've got to admit, Hermoine is looking pretty good these days, even if you are still thinking about Cho. She doesn't seem quite as bossy as she was, but maybe that's just being away from school."

Harry wasn't sure how much of this he could listen to.He thought back to the days when he and Ron weren't speaking in their fourth year. It had been one of the worst times in his life, that he did have to admit. Still, he and Ron were best friends..... how could he keep, well, not lying, but being less than truthful. It was no fun being with Ron and having to consider every word he said, Things were becoming strained.

" Fred and George were right though, Ron. Hermione isn't really the same. And I, erm, haven't been thinking about Cho for quite a while. It's been the first summer I've ever had any fun, and Ron, Hermione's mostly the reason for it." Well, he'd said it, thought Harry. He guessed he'd see pretty quickly how things would be with he and Ron.

With a confused look on his face, Ron asked, "You mean, you're thinking about Hermione as a girlfriend? After all the trouble you two had last year with Rita Skeeter? And you never acted like you cared about her that way."

Harry took a deep breath and replied, "So, things have happened. It's just been different, Ron. I don't know what else to say. I mean, we both knew last year Hermione was tired of us treating her like another guy."

Ron nodded reluctantly at this, and Harry continued, "At first I was just relieved to be away from the Dursleys some of the time. And Ivy's made me feel safer than I have anyplace away from Hogwarts. But Ron, I..I think there's been more between Hermione and me than I ever wanted to admit. I'm not saying she's my girlfriend, and no one wants things not to change between the three of us more than me. I. just want to be straight with you.I don't know how things will go, that's all."

Ron looked at Harry silently for a moment, then said in the most serious and sober voice Harry had ever heard him use, "You're right, this is no time for secrets, and no time for jealousy. I may not like it, but I'm not going off half -cocked again, if you and Hermione want to be together." Then he brightened slightly."Say, remember what Fleur Delacourt said before we left. She's going to try to come back. Maybe if I stop spending so much time fighting with Hermione, she'll help me know what I should say to a girl without sounding like an idiot."

Harry laughed, and said "Maybe so. Hermione knows a lot more about being a girl than I'd have expected a few weeks ago. I also never expected to have so much fun finding out one of my best friends loves music and has hair than smells like a summer breeze, all flowery and fruity."

'Now why had he said that? ' Harry asked himself, feeling his face flame. But strangely, Ron was looking at him with something like...understanding? sympathy?

" 's OK Harry, I got you. Let's leave it at this, but I will say, I think you may be right about you and Hermione. Can't honestly say I ever paid much attention to what her hair smells like. All I was noticing was that she wasn't paying attention to me."

They both laughed with a kind of relief, and went downstairs, where there was no end of confusion. Hermione was attempting to coach her dad on some last minute Quidditch talk, but Harry knew she was having trouble when he heard her mention the "wonky faint", and he saw Ron flinch. "Erm, Dr. Granger, maybe we could chat a bit about Quidditch," said Ron, quickly striding over to where Hermione sat on the arm of her dad's chair.

Hermione had a look of relief on her face, but all she said was "Thanks, Ron." giving him a grateful look. Harry was amused to see Ron take a deep sniff as he walked over to sit in a chair near Chris.and Hermione. Even more amusing was the look of puzzlement he gave Harry as he shrugged his shoulders. Apparently Ron had been right, Hermione was just a best friend he felt comfortable with.

She came across the room to where he was standing and laid her hand on his arm. "Come help me a moment?" she asked in a low voice. Harry nodded and followed her into the dining room,where she went to her parents sideboard, taking out cutlery and napkins.

"A bit heavy for you to carry alone?" Harry asked her, in what he hoped was a light, teasing voice

.She continued to count spoons and napkins for a moment, then turned to him. "I .. just don't know about all this, Harry. I'm hoping we will have fun, but I just don't know. I mean Dumbledore did say it's more important now than ever for us to - what was it, show the bonds of friendship and understanding? But it seems to only be making things strange between you, me and Ron. How can we be strong if we aren't together the way we've always been?"

Harry was alarmed to hear a slight quiver in Hermione's voice. Was she going to burst into tears? Hastily he turned her to look at him, and said, "It's okay, Hermione. Ron and I talked, and he's okay. I, um, I kind of told him things were a bit different between us, but that I never wanted the three of us to have secrets, or be separated."

Hermione's look of tension seemed to evaporate.To his amazement she reached up and took his face between her hands, and kissed him on both cheeks, then tenderly on his lips, Resting her head against his chest, she said softly "Then everything is right. I can face anything if we're all on the same side. And I know I can count on you to help me out with the Krums. I mean, Viktor at Hogwarts was one thing,But I'm not at all sure how any of us will like each other in a regular, so recently all - muggle household. It might be a long couple of days."

As Harry stood there inhaling the wonderful smell that was Hermione, and trying to will his knees to regrow their bones, he muttered, as much to himself as to Hermione,"Maybe not as long as you think."

To Be Continued........