Graduating

GRADUATING

By Lady Jane

Chapter Three

Both Harry and Hermione wondered, after all their years at Hogwarts and the many, many trips they'd made to Hogsmeade, why it was that somehow, on this trip, the wizard village seemed so very different. Nothing appeared to have changed on the surface - Zonko's was still full of squeals of laughter - and a few screams! Honeydukes was, as always, packed to the rafters, Hogwarts students were everywhere and the Three Broomsticks... well, it was, without a doubt, the best place in Hogsmeade, decided Harry, dropping his head and burying it in Hermione's hair, breathing in her soft, fresh scent.

Earlier, as they'd walked along the main street, Hermione had joked about going to Madam Puddifoot's; it took Harry a second to realise she was in fact joking and then only after a heartfelt, horrified groan had escaped him. Madam Puddifoot's dredged up only one memory for him - the rather mortifying date he'd had with Cho Chang there on Valentine's Day two years earlier.

'Not funny, Hermione!' he'd cried, trying hard to scowl at her.

Hermione had tugged on their clasped hands, pulling him round to face her. She then threw both her arms around his waist, pulling them together and looking up at him, a wide smile on her face.

'Harry, I'm sorry! I can't help but see the funny side of it now,' she told him.

Harry brought his hands up so that they rested on Hermione's shoulders as he looked down at her.

'Well, I guess it was pretty funny - if you weren't me or Cho!' he told her, but he smiled as he did so. 'How about we go get that table at the Three Broomsticks and have a drink before Ron and Luna arrive?'

'Good idea! Let's go!' agreed Hermione, laughing softly as she gazed up at Harry.

Only they didn't move. Somehow, in that short space of time, the space of a heartbeat, they became intensely aware of each other. The smiles slowly left their faces, their eyes locked and they simply stood there, lost in each other.

Harry's eyes slowly dropped to Hermione's slightly parted lips, causing a soft, small 'oh!' to escape her. Without giving a thought to the passers-by who were either staring at them, glaring at them or smiling fondly at them, Harry's hands went from Hermione's shoulders to gently frame her upturned face, at the same time taking his mouth down to meet hers. Oh, YES! he thought triumphantly, revelling in the amazing softness of her lips. Reluctantly, he drew back, just a little, and gazed into Hermione's shining, soft, brown eyes, unable to speak. Hermione felt as though she was floating on air.

'Harry,' she managed to whisper, 'please do that again.'

She'd barely finished speaking when Harry did just that.

'Oy! You two! Cut that out! You're in public!'

Harry and Hermione turned their heads simultaneously, both still feeling dazed from the intensity of the feelings created by their kiss, only to see Ron and Luna walking towards them, arms around each other. Luna had wanted to go to Dervish and Banges so the two couples had separated, arranging to meet in the Three Broomsticks.

Luna smiled at Harry and Hermione, 'That looked like fun,' she remarked.

Harry, his arms wrapped around Hermione, replied with a rueful smile, 'And it would've been even more fun if Ron hadn't shown his usual, impeccable timing!'

Ron groaned. 'You can do that anytime! C'mon you lot - let's go get a table. Provided there are any left, that is - seeing as you two stood out in the middle of the street snogging instead of doing your job!'

There were still a couple of empty tables ('bloody lucky!' commented Ron) and they were now all seated in the back corner of the pub, their half empty tankards of Butterbeer on the table in front of them. Harry had his right arm around Hermione's shoulders as she leaned into him, her head resting in the crook of his neck and her left hand resting lightly on his knee. She thought she couldn't possibly be happier than she was at that very moment.

Harry and Ron were discussing Gryffindor's win against Hufflepuff as well as rejoicing in the fact that Ravenclaw had beaten Slytherin. This meant that Gryffindor would be playing Ravenclaw for the Quidditch Cup this year and they were both confident that Gryffindor had it in the bag, discussing various strategies that would make it so.

In the meantime, Hermione and Luna were enjoying a light-hearted chat about Ginny's mysterious boyfriend, speculating on who it could be and why she wouldn't tell anyone.

'Maybe', said Luna vaguely, 'there is no boyfriend - she's making it all up because...' She couldn't think of a good reason why anyone would do such a thing.

'Not Ginny,' said Hermione with authority. 'There's definitely someone but she won't give anyone even the tiniest little clue! I told her she was a mean tease and she just laughed! I know she didn't keep up with Dean Thomas because he's been moping around and when I asked him what was wrong, he told me Ginny had broken if off.'

'I wonder what I should wear to the Ball?' Luna said, seemingly to no one in particular. Hermione gave her head a tiny shake, a smile on her lips. You never really knew where you were when talking to Luna, or where you were going next for that matter.

'Speaking of the Ball,' interrupted Harry, looking at Hermione, 'you still haven't told me who it was that invited you first.'

'And I'm not going to Harry. I told you - it really doesn't matter.'

Harry didn't look as though he entirely agreed with that.

Hermione turned to Luna, 'I have my dress,' she said. 'Are you going to buy a new one or do you have some dresses you're going to choose from?' she asked Luna.

'I'm not sure,' said Luna. 'What's your dress like, Hermione?'

'Did you get your dress before or after your first invite to the Ball?' Harry interrupted again. Hermione ignored him, answering Luna, 'Can't tell you with Harry here - I want to surprise him!'

'Won't make any difference - they won't remember what we say anyway - come on, tell me, please!'

'All right,' Hermione relented, 'but not here - let's go to the loo,' she suggested. The two girls reluctantly disentangled themselves and left, telling Harry and Ron they'd be back shortly.

While they were gone, Harry thought it might be a good time to ask Ron something he'd been wondering about for some weeks now. 'Ron,' he said, 'have you ever found out anything from Percy or Charlie or even Bill about the Ball? What do we wear? What happens? I don't recall ever seeing any of the seventh-years getting ready for a Ball. How did you know it was all right to ask Luna when she's a sixth-year?'

Ron leaned forward and leaned on the table. 'Actually, I did ask Charlie about it during last Christmas break. It's a bit like the Yule Ball - only seventh-years can go, but they can take a sixth- year as their partner. I'm not sure the Ball's even held at Hogwarts - he said he didn't want to ruin it for me but he did tell me this - make sure I take a girl I fancy because snogging's actually allowed! I hope he wasn't pulling my leg,' he finished thoughtfully.

Harry smiled to himself. Snogging allowed? Of course, just going with Hermione was enough to make it a wonderful night, but a nice little snogging session - or two - would be like 'icing on the cake'. Yum.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The next few weeks raced by, full of intense study, visits to the library and revision, revision, revision with no time for visits to the Astronomy Tower, so there was very little happening in the way of snogging, much to Ron's dismay.

'You'd think as a matter of self interest she would've put in a little free time so we could maybe sneak up to the Astronomy Tower at least once!' Ron was heard to complain bitterly as he surveyed his revision timetable.

The last Saturday before their NEWTs began saw Harry and Ron in their common room, bent over books, reading and scribbling notes as they went, the only sound being that of their quills as they travelled across their parchments.

'Please, no more!' groaned Ron half an hour later as he dropped his head onto the open Transfiguration book he'd been reading. He and Harry were sitting at one of the small side tables in the common room, books and parchment on the table in front of them and on the floor around them. Harry took off his glasses, closing his eyes and rubbing the spot on his nose where they rested. Hermione had gone to the library, positive there was a book on Arithmancy she'd overlooked, although Harry and Ron were sure that wasn't possible considering Hermione was probably close to having read just about every book in Hogwarts' library!

'You know what?' said Harry, replacing his glasses and looking across the table at Ron. 'I think we deserve a break, don't you?'

Ron pushed up onto his elbows. 'Yes, I do. We've been bloody wonderful. What d'you want to do?'

'I think,' said Harry with a wicked grin, 'that we should get the girls, snaffle some food from the kitchens and go for an afternoon picnic by the lake.'

'Harry, mate, you're a genius!' crowed Ron, standing up and stretching, visions of food and snogging warring for supremacy in his head. 'Let's go!'

They packed their books away and left, Harry heading for the library and Hermione, Ron to the kitchens for provisions and then to find Luna. They agreed to meet in the Entrance Hall in half an hour.

Harry found her in her usual corner, three books open on the table in front of her, oblivious to everything around her as she read. He walked up silently behind her and leaning down, kissed her on the cheek.

Hermione's loud squeal of fright brought Madam Pince scurrying to see who had dared disturb the peace and quiet of her library.

Harry apologised, saying that Hermione had seen a mouse. Madam Pince sniffed, looking as though she couldn't decide which was more dreadful: Hermione squealing in the library, having a mouse in the library or the fact that she didn't believe Harry at all. It must've all been too much as in the end she gave another disdainful sniff and left them to it.

Hermione smiled at Harry and told him he was ridiculous. 'As if I'd squeal at a mouse!' she said indignantly.

Harry just grinned at her. 'Got us off, didn't it?' he said, as he sat down next to her.

Hermione's smile was suddenly replaced with a slight frown. 'What are you doing here anyway? You're supposed to be studying in the common room!'

Harry told her what he and Ron had come up with but she didn't seem too impressed.

'Harry, there's only today and tomorrow left! We shouldn't be wasting any time - especially not on picnics!' saying it as though a picnic was something disgusting.

A determined glint came into Harry's eyes. He looked straight at Hermione and said in a very firm voice, 'We all deserve a break. We need a break! It's only for a couple of hours and if you don't come peacefully, I will kidnap you.'

Hermione stared at Harry for a few seconds, taking in that look in his eyes and wisely deciding she wasn't going to win this one, she simply smiled and said, 'Okay.' Besides, being kidnapped would undoubtedly involve something undignified, she was sure!

'Good! Let's go.' Harry grabbed her hand and pulled her up, not letting go as they walked out of the library and headed for the Entrance Hall. It was still a little while before Ron and Luna were due to arrive so they went to sit in the sun on the front steps. It was a perfect June day and they both leaned back, their elbows on the step behind them, soaking up the warmth of the sun and enjoying the fresh air.

'Well, well, what have we here? Potty and his mudblood,' drawled a familiar voice.

Harry opened his eyes to see Malfoy standing at the bottom of the steps, usual sneer in place. For a change, Crabbe and Goyle weren't in sight. 'Bugger off, Malfoy,' he said placidly, closing his eyes again. Hermione hadn't moved. Like Harry, she didn't intend to let Malfoy ruin even one minute of what promised to be a glorious afternoon.

Another familiar voice sounded from the steps above and behind them, 'Luna, look! It's Malfoy, the amazing bouncing ferret!' exclaimed Ron.

Malfoy shot Ron a filthy look and without another word, ran up the steps and disappeared into the castle, not liking the four-to-one odds.

Luna and Ron sat down behind Harry and Hermione, all four of them laughing heartily; Malfoy hated being reminded of that incident but they loved to remember it!

A little later, they settled themselves under their favourite beech tree. Harry and Ron were sitting, backs against the tree, the girls sitting between their bent legs, leaning back against them. The contents of the picnic basket Dobby had put together for them had been happily demolished - ham and cheese sandwiches, delicious treacle tarts and four bottles of Butterbeer. They were feeling wonderfully relaxed and let all thoughts of the looming examinations drift away.

Harry started playing with tendrils of Hermione's hair and as she turned to look up at him, smiling, he gently stroked her velvety cheek. Hermione twisted a little and slid her left hand behind Harry's neck, bring his head down to hers so that their lips almost, but not quite, met.

'Harry,' she whispered, 'is kissing allowed on the school grounds?'

'Too bad if it isn't,' he whispered back.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The riotous cheering from the Great Hall could be heard as far away as Hagrid's hut on a Friday afternoon two weeks later. The exams were over! They were free! No sooner had their quills been put down and their "History of Magic" exam parchments collected - flying through the air to the command of 'accio!' from Professor McGonagall - than students were streaming through the Entrance Hall and out the main doors into the grounds and the beautiful afternoon sunshine. Harry found Hermione in the crowd and lifting her up, he swung her around, making her laugh with delight.

As Harry put her down, she wrapped her arms around his neck, a huge smile on her face.

'Harry, I simply can't believe it! It's all over! Only one more week of school!'

'Doesn't seem possible, does it?'

'Harry! Hermione!' came a familiar voice. Ron appeared and wrapped a long arm around the shoulders of each of his friends. 'That's it! We're done! In a week - no more school! Life begins!' The three friends hugged each other, rejoicing in the wonderful feeling of relief and freedom. That night would see a serious amount of celebrating in Gryffindor Tower.