Kitty Trouble

Chapter 16

Harry was so glad that Ron and Hermione were there to celebrate his birthday, but like all good things, it must come to an end. It came time for them to leave.

"Aw! I don't want them to go," Harry whined.

"I know you don't, but no doubt their parents are worried about them. And school is going to start soon. I doubt Hermione wants to miss that," Tom said writing whatever it was that he was working on.

Harry grinned slightly then sighed, "I know, but I still don't want them to go."

"Well, tell you what," Tom said putting his quill down, "When they leave, I have another surprise for you."

Harry's ears went up, "Another one? What else can you possibly give me?" he asked fingering his engagement ring.

"Yes another one. Not as...exciting. Well, maybe it is depending on how you look at it."

"But it's a good one?"

"Yes, very good."

"Okay. I'm going to help Ron and Hermione pack then," Harry said and left the room.

xxx

When Harry arrived at Ron's room, Hermione was in there with him, "Hey."

"Hi Harry," Hermione said folding a shirt and putting it into Ron's trunk.

"Are you already packed?"

"Yes. Even though I tried going as slowly as I could," she sighed, "Can't deny the inevitable."

"Yeah I know," Harry said settling himself on the bed.

"I don't want to go back to school," Ron whined stuffing more clothes into his trunk while Hermione pulled them back out and folded them neatly.

Harry laughed, "That was actually one of Tom's reason's for sending you back," Harry straightened his back and put on a patronizing tone, "One's education is very important," he giggled.

"Tom is right. It is important. But what about you?" Hermione asked.

"Tom has been teaching me and if not him then Sevvie or Lucius."

"Oh I see."

"Yeah. They are pretty good teachers if they are not wishing my death with every breath."

Ron laughed, "No kidding. I think I like Snape a little bit more now. Not a lot, mind you, just a little."

They laughed again, "Yeah. I think he's just misunderstood," Harry said, "Then again he doesn't do anything to impress us either."

"Harry?" Came a voice from down the hall and they all turned toward the door, "Ah. There you are."

"Right here Ray," Harry said happily from his position on the bed.

"Good. You guys packed?" Ray asked Ron and Hermione.

"Yeah," Ron said snapping his trunk closed.

"Regrettably," Hermione added.

Ray laughed, "Who would have thought. You don't want to leave the Dark Lord's house."

"Yeah I know. But Tom's a nice guy," Ron said.

"And we trust him to take care of Harry," Hermione said.

"Aw, you guys," Harry said flattening his ears and flipping his tail side to side. In return Hermione scratched his ears.

"Well, if you're done I'll take your stuff down and you can say your good byes," Ray said and taking Ron's trunk, he left.

"Time goes by so fast when you're having fun, huh. Well shall we?" Hermione asked.