The Aftermath

Title: The Aftermath

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CHAPTER 8: Fred And George

Harry still couldn't believe that he had another fight with Ron. The last one they had had been after the champions of the Triwizard Tournament were announced. He and Ginny reached the bottom of the steps where Fred and George were waiting.

"See you around, Harry. I have to go and talk to Hermione," Ginny said as she sprinted upstairs.

"Oi, I thought we were going to have to wait for you for hours," George said.

"But I told him that you would be getting out of the kitchen soon, since Hermione already went out and you were left with Ginny in there," Fred added.

"Err... What do you guys want to talk to me about," Harry asked.

"Let's go to the study where it's private," Fred said and they all went up to second floor landing, and then made their way to the old, Black study room.

They reached the second floor landing and made their way to the room.

"We're here to give a financial report on your investments," George started.

"I thought I told you guys that it's not a loan, and I gave you guys the money to get you started," Harry reasoned.

"We can't take money for Charity. It's your investment in our business, and it is only right for you to get your profit. You get 20% of our gains, and we send it to your Gringotts account. We sent 200 hundred galleons this week to your account. We're also planning on expanding. We hope to build a shop in Hogsmeade and you, as our business partner, should also be consulted. So Harry what do you think?" Fred explained.

"I think putting a shop in Hogsmeade is brilliant," Harry agreed. There was no point in arguing with the twins.

"With that affirmation, the business shall commence. Now to advertise our shop we have to get the attention of our customers," George said slyly.

Fred paced around the room with a very serious look on his face. "You see Harry, we need people to know that our products indeed really work, so we have to throw in samples for the people to see," he commenced.

"And what does it have to do with me?" Harry asked. He realized just where the twins were going with this. It was actually a nice thought. He could throw pranks at people and hopefully not getting caught doing so.

"You will be our secret prankster. I was thinking of offering Ron the job, but he's a prefect. Ginny's a girl, and she still has a lot to learn, and by the way she's a prefect too," Fred explained.

"So, Harry, are you up for the challenge? You are, after all, our business partner. We have to test our products to see if they are indeed effective, and we know you can go about doing anything and get off the hook easily. Sometimes we even ponder on the possibility of you being a lost brother, because you surely have the makings of a true blue Weasley twin," George stated.

"Or could that be Weasley triplet?" Fred added.

"Okay, no need for flattery. I accept the job. It will get my mind off things, and I can cause Malfoy some major damage this year," Harry said, his mischievous side running wild. Hermione's voice echoed in his head, 'You do know you could get expelled?' he was thinking whether it was Hermione using Legilimency while he was conversing with the twins, or if it was just his conscience reminding him of last years events when he almost got expelled.

"It's a secret that not even Ron knows about it and we're still thinking whether we should tell him or not," Fred said.

"I don't think Ron should know; it will upset him even more," Harry replied.

"Our ickle Ronniekins is starting to remind me of Percy, with that I'll-get-what-I-want attitude regardless-of-what-the-cost, don't you think?" George said.

"I believe so but I think Harry and Hermione can sort things out for him," Fred replied. "Do forgive Ron for his silly insinuations; he'll get over it, eventually," he added.

"I sure hope so," Harry muttered to himself. 'I don't want to lose a best friend,' he thought to himself. "I'll be off to see where Hermione is," he said before leaving.

"Sure Romeo, perhaps your Juliet awaits your return," Fred snickered.

George mimicked a pout and pretended to cover his face with his hand.

"Oh stop it you two. I don't think of her that way," Harry said as he opened the door. He was about to get out when Hermione's face stood just in front of him.

"Think of who what way?" Hermione asked curiously.

"Er...Cho. They were asking me about her and I told them I don't think of her that way anymore," Harry babbled.

Fred and George almost rolled on the floor with laughter.

Ginny was snickering from behind Hermione.

"Let's look for Ron. We couldn't find him anywhere. I'm worried," Hermione said.

A pang of jealousy hit Harry. He thought it wasn't fair that he was begrudging Ron for worrying Hermione when in fact he was the usual cause of her anxiety. "Okay, let's go find him, but I have to warn you, he doesn't want to talk to me," he said.

"Don't worry Harry, I'll talk to him or maybe Ginny could," Hermione replied.

"You three should be going now. Fred and I need to convince some people tonight, and we have to get our act together," George said, as he shooed Harry, Hermione and Ginny out of the study.

"Where to?" Ginny asked.

"I'm guessing in Buckbeak's room," Harry said.

The two girls nodded in agreement, and they went up to see if Ron was with Buckbeak. They made their way to the topmost level of the house where Buckbeak's room was located. True enough, Ron was seated near the door.

"I think I should be the one to talk to my brother. Hermione, you and Harry should wait a while, okay?" Ginny said, and made her way inside the room before either Hermione or Harry had the chance to protest.

"I guess we should leave them then," Harry said, and he and Hermione went to Hermione's room.

"I can't believe Ron is upset with both of us," Hermione started. "What did he say to you that even you didn't agree with him? It must be really bad. You don't usually fight with Ron, " Hermione commented.

"Let's not talk about it okay? We just didn't agree with something. I hope you don't mind me keeping what Ron and I talked about a secret," Harry said.

"Well, I don't want to be labeled nosey like Rita Skeeter even if I do really want to know," Hermione reluctantly agreed.

"Did you know that Ginny is also a prefect?" Harry said.

"Yes, she told me the good news. I just wish you were made a prefect too. I mean, I'm not undermining Ron or anything but I really thought you would become a prefect. I thought Dumbledore was being unreasonable, but Ron is doing fairly well, and hopefully, with the twins away he'll be more focused on his duties," Hermione replied.

"I hope you're right, Hermione. But I have to give Ron some credit; he is a good prefect in his own, unique way," Harry said jokingly.

Hermione just laughed and handed a book to Harry.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" Harry asked.

"I'm sure you're not that thick. You're supposed to read it. It's a book on ancient Runes. It will help you keep up with class, and by the way, I told mom to send me my notes, so you can study them too," Hermione said cheerfully. She was truly in her element when talking about school.

"This is probably the nth book you've lent me but thanks anyway. I don't know what I would do without you," Harry muttered.

"No wonder Cho was jealous. You shouldn't make comments like that about me when you're with her. Well, I guess the advice is a little too late because you aren't together anymore," Hermione muttered.

"I don't know why this Cho topic came up, but to tell you the truth, I don't need to say your name to get her jealous. I have a feeling that even the thought of you makes her jealous," Harry said.

Hermione sighed. "I wonder, if you weren't friends with me, would you two still be together?" she asked.

"That's the silliest question I have ever heard, Hermione. I doubt any girl can stand me as much as you do. You're, the only one who actually sees me for who I am and can outright deal with it and not be judgmental. I'd rather not have met Cho than have missed the opportunity of meeting you, or being friends with you. I know that now," Harry said with conviction.

Hermione gave Harry a hug. "That was the sweetest thing I have ever heard. No one has ever made me feel that special before," she admitted.

'I should have told you long ago; if I hadn't been to dunce to notice my own actions,' Harry thought.

"Now, I wish Ron would be nice enough to stop this silly tantrum and join us and I have a feeling that he isn't done with his home work yet," Hermione said.

As if on cue, Ginny knocked on Hermione's door.

"Harry, someone wants to talk to you," Ginny said as Ron came inside the room with a sorry look on his face. Ginny motioned Hermione to go with her and left the two boys in her room.

"Err... Harry, I... I want to apologize for how I acted a while back," Ron started.

"I guess you were just upset because you must have planned a big scheme while you were at Fred and George's and when I didn't agree with you, your plans were screwed," Harry said.

"I just thought if Hermione and I could spend more time together, maybe she'd realize that I like her. You do know that I like her, don't you?" Ron said hesitantly, as he paced around the room.

"I sort of noticed a few things, but I never really made any conclusions. Well, I guess you do like her," Harry said, trying to keep a neutral tone in his voice. 'Ron likes Hermione, what do I do now?' he asked himself.

"I also asked Ginny before I asked you. I was thinking if you started dating her, you'd leave Hermione and me for some precious quality time, not that I didn't want you around. It's just that I want to make Hermione realize my feelings for her. I know she has Krum already, but I really like her," Ron explained.

Harry was awfully quiet. He was digesting all that Ron was telling him. He had already admitted to Harry that he liked Hermione, and it made Harry's situation a lot worse. Harry had started to have these new feelings towards her and the new developments had made this whole ordeal too much for him to handle. Harry was surprised that he still hadn't snapped.

"Ginny told me it was not for me to decide who should date who and I have to say she's right, and I'm awfully stupid. I hope you forgive me," Ron asked.

"Sure, I forgive you Ron, but--" Harry paused. "If you really do like Hermione, then the only way to find out if she likes you back is to ask her out. I wouldn't mind if you did," Harry had difficulty saying those words, but he eventually did. He thought Ron asking Hermione isn't a problem. The one that would truly bother him is the idea of Hermione accepting the invitation. He was willing to face whether she would accept or decline. But deep in his heart he wished for her to decline.

"I'll ask her in the first Hogsmeade weekend. You can go and ask Cho if you like," Ron exclaimed. He was delighted that Harry agreed with him in asking Hermione out.

"I have no plans of asking her at all. I have learned my lessons, and I'm not stupid enough to make the same mistake again," Harry replied.

"I'm glad we're okay now," Ron muttered.

"Me too," Harry said.

"Have you any idea who will be teaching DADA this year?" Ron asked him.

"I definitely hope we've seen the last of Umbridge," Harry answered. "Err... Ron, I'll go to my room now and see you and Hermione later at dinner," Harry said, and both he and Ron went out of Hermione's room. Harry went straight to his room, while Ron made his way to the kitchen.

"I hope we'll still have the DA. Meet you later Harry," Ron said, before departing from Harry's sight.

In the quiet of Harry's room the sun was setting at his small window. Only a few more days until he'd be back at Hogwarts. He dreaded the thought of the first Hogsmeade weekend. He imagined Ron and Hermione walking hand in hand as they entered The Three Broomsticks. He was utterly depressed by the idea.

"You know, I doubt those two will have a great time together without you," the young man in the portrait in front of his bed spoke.

"You don't know Occlumency by any chance, do you?" Harry asked the young Sirius Black.

"No, I don't and portraits don't look into people's minds. I can read your facial expressions though and I heard some of the things you and your best friend talked about," the young man replied.

"You were eavesdropping then," Harry concluded.

"I guess I was, but the point is, I would bet all my Gringotts money that your two best friends wouldn't make it as a good couple. I think Hermione is smart enough to know that," the portrait said.

"Hey, you don't have any Gringotts money, and how do you know all these things?" Harry asked, as he stared out the small window.

"You're not the only person I talk to you know. I know things about Hermione that you don't and some about the Weasley girl too. Let's just say I'm not just your confidant, but Hermione's too," the young Sirius said.

"Can you tell me if she has a relationship with Krum and if she likes Ron?" Harry asked.

"She's friends with Krum like she always tells you, and no, she doesn't like Ron the way your other friend does. She likes someone else, but I'm not in the position to mention names. Your father and I usually talk about girls. He's specifically fond of Lily Evans, your mum," the portrait said.

"They fought a lot like Ron and Hermione do," Harry said.

"They did fight, but not a lot, and not like your two friends. Lily and James had a lot of things in common. Lily didn't like your father when he acted like a prat but Lily brought out the best in James," the portrait sighed.

"Hermione brings out the best in me. I wish I could tell her that, but I'm scared of her possible reaction. If she doesn't like Ron, I doubt if she will ever like me; not after all that I said to her back in our fifth year," Harry said.

"You two are doing just fine right now. I don't see the events from last year putting any strains between the both of you. I think you two have grown closer together," the portrait commented.

Harry smiled. "Maybe you're right but how do you know all this, and the events in school?" he asked.

"I do talk to Remus too, and just as Hermione is, he's also worried about you. Remus is a very good person and I assure you he'll always be there for you," the portrait said.

"It's almost like being with Sirius when I talk to you," Harry said to the portrait.

"In case you haven't noticed, I am Sirius," the portrait replied and they both laughed. "I will miss talking to you, you know. This room will be empty, and I will probably be covered again."

"You can visit me in Hogwarts if you like," Harry said remembering the fact that images from portraits can move from one place to the other.

"I just might visit you then," the portrait agreed.

Harry spent the rest of his time seated at the edge of his bed staring at the darkening sky.

"I'm going down for dinner now," Harry said and he left the room.

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The whole, lengthy table was crowded. Harry found a seat reserved for him between Hermione and Ron. Members of the Order made up the crowd. Tonks, Lupin, Moody, and Kingsley Shacklebolt were seated across from them. Mrs. Weasley, Ginny, the twins, Charlie, Bill, and Mr. Weasley were by Ron's side. Other members of the Order like Dedalus Diggle and Hestia Jones, and Professor McGonagall was seated beside Hermione.

"Good evening Professor, is Professor Dumbledore coming tonight?" Harry asked, as he took his seat.

"He will be here Mr. Potter, after dinner I suppose. He has to handle some business with Professor Snape. The both of them will be here later for the meeting," Professor McGonagall replied. "I believe you have some outstanding O.W.Ls results. Ms. Granger here has been telling me that you are progressing well in Ancient Runes and that you can probably even keep up with the advanced classes."

"Err... I really don't know professor. I guess I'm just lucky that's all," Harry replied, almost turning red while Hermione was looking at him with pride.

"I think it's not just luck Mr. Potter. I think you will do just fine if you set your mind straight in achieving your goals. I will not be surprised if you become Head Boy, that is if you work extra hard," Professor McGonagall said.

"Err...I hope Harry's back on the team this year," Ron interjected.

"Of course he is. And this year the team is also in search of new players and a captain," Professor McGonagall said as he eyed Harry on her last comment.

After a very hearty meal Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny were ushered out of the kitchen. The twins were left inside with the members of the Order.

"Do you reckon, Fred and George will be accepted as members of the Order tonight?" Ron asked Harry.

"I think they desperately want to be members so I guess they will be admitted," Harry replied.

"Mum really didn't want them here tonight," Ginny said. "I have the extendable ears with me." She handed each one of them a piece.

They each took one and tried to eaves drop when someone from behind tapped Harry's shoulder.

"I do not think it is appropriate to eavesdrop on people's conversations, and even more so, secret meetings such as these," Snape's cold voice startled them.

"Professor Snape, we were just--," they all said and each gave a different excuse.

"Enough, you're all lucky we're not in Hogwarts, for if we were all of you would be punished," Snape threatened.

"Well, we're not and so I guess you can't do anything about it," Harry blurted.

"All brave and courageous, eh Potter? Just like your proud father," Snape commented.

Harry was about to answer when Dumbledore appeared.

"I believe we're late for the meeting, Severus?" Dumbledore's gentle voice filled the place.

"I caught them--," Snape tried to say but Dumbledore motioned him to enter the kitchen.

"Professor, we were just--," Harry tried to say.

"We'll talk later. All of you should go upstairs and take your rest," Dumbledore ordered and all of them made their way to the stairs, and the headmaster went inside the kitchen.