The Hollow Beneath Hogwarts

48. Kiss Me

"Well, that went well, I think."

Blaise shoved his hands into his pockets as they exited the castle and stepped out onto the grounds.

The afternoon sun hung low enough to cast long shadows across the lawns, bathing Hogwarts in a warm golden glow. After spending hours trapped inside discussing policy, safety proposals and the numerous ways Hogwarts had nearly killed them over the years, fresh air felt wonderful.

The group headed down the stone steps towards the lake. Dinner wasn't for another hour or so.

Classes still had another fifteen minutes before finishing. For once, they had absolutely nothing they needed to do.

"Hopefully," Hermione said with a shrug. "I mean, we said everything that needed to be said." She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "We presented evidence." Another shrug. "We backed up our arguments."

Another. "We offered solutions."

"You've been rehearsing that speech in your head for the last three hours, haven't you?" Ron asked.

Hermione looked offended. "I have not."

"You absolutely have."

"I have not."

"You even used the same hand gestures." Harry snorted.

Hermione glared at both boys. "I hate you."

"No you don't."

"No, I don't."

Ron grinned triumphantly. "See?"

"Ron is right, though," Luna said dreamily.

She spun once as she walked, causing several nearby Ravenclaws to jump out of the way. "Whatever will be, will be."

"Que sera, sera," Hermione said with a smile.

Sloane's head snapped around so fast she nearly gave herself whiplash.

"¡Ah! ¿Tú hablas español?"

Hermione blinked. Then immediately blushed. "Un poco," she admitted.

Sloane looked delighted. Hermione continued cautiously. "Mi tía vive en Cadaqués. Admito que no soy muy buena."

Sloane gasped dramatically. Draco rolled his eyes. "Oh no."

"What?" Hermione asked.

"You made a mistake." Hermione's eyes widened.

"I did?"

Sloane pointed accusingly. "You've been hiding this from me."

"What?"

"You speak Spanish!"

"Not very well!"

"You literally just proved otherwise."

Hermione groaned. "I don't."

"You do."

"I don't."

"You do."

Harry looked between them. "You just said something was good."

The group turned towards him. "Or...not good." A pause. "Possibly both."

Sloane burst out laughing. Hermione covered her face. Harry looked proud of himself.

Draco sighed. "She said her aunt lives in Cadaqués and that her Spanish isn't very good."

Harry blinked. "Oh." Another pause. "Was it?"

Hermione nodded. Harry frowned. "Well that's annoying."