"Not forest green like hers, but chocolate brown like hers"

Chapter 9

Ron soared through the air, his broomstick slicing effortlessly through the crisp spring breeze as he approached Harry, who sat perched atop his broom, his gaze fixed intently on the Quidditch pitch below. The sun cast long shadows across the emerald-green grass as the Gryffindor team practiced fervently for their upcoming match, the final showdown of the season.

"Why the intense glare, Harry?"

Harry tore his gaze away from the players below, his expression a mixture of determination and frustration. "I'm trying to uncover who Mione's dating," he muttered, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized each member of the team as they flew past. His brows furrowed with concentration, his lips pressed into a thin line of determination. "She said he's in Gryffindor, older than us, and plays Quidditch. I'm on a mission to find out who he is."

"I'm trying to find out who Mione is dating," Harry muttered, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized each player that flew past. His brows furrowed with concentration, his lips pressed into a thin line of determination.

Ron's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his broomstick hovering in mid-air as he processed his best friend's words. "You mean to say you don't know?"

A shadow passed over Harry's face, and from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of his sister Ginny flying towards them. Her expression, a mix of amusement and secrecy, silently answered his question. She shook her head almost imperceptibly, a conspiratorial smile playing on her lips.

"And what's got you grounded instead of playing?" she chimed in, her voice carrying a hint of teasing.

"Harry here is trying to find out who his precious Hermione is dating," Ron replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm

"You could lend a hand instead of making jokes. She's your friend too, you know."

His smirk widened, and he couldn't resist poking fun at his best friend. "Oh, I'm aware of that, dear Harry. But unlike you, I know who she's dating," he taunted, sticking his tongue out playfully. "The fact that you're clueless is both baffling and unsurprising. No wonder they say we'd be lost without Hermione. With you, we'd probably still be trying to figure out who Nicholas Flamel is."

Ginny's laughter bubbled up at her brother's quip, and she blushed as she glanced at her boyfriend. Ron joined in the laughter, thoroughly enjoying teasing Harry. Suddenly, a piercing scream cut through the air, causing the three of them to snap their heads towards the source.

"HARRY JAMES POTTER, GET DOWN FROM THAT BROOM THIS INSTANT!" Hermione's voice rang out, laced with unmistakable fury.

The Weasleys exchanged impressed looks, while Harry appeared torn between disbelief and apprehension. "What on earth have you done now, Harry?" Ron chortled, barely able to contain his amusement.

"I didn't do anything. Maybe it was you."

"Last time I checked, my name wasn't Harry James Potter."

"HARRY, IF YOU DON'T LAND THAT BROOM RIGHT NOW, I SWEAR I'LL MAKE SURE YOU REGRET IT!"

Ron laughed heartily, and Ginny joined in, her voice teasing. "Babe, you might want to comply. We wouldn't want our savior flying around with a broomstick where it doesn't belong during our match against Slytherin."

"You lot are dreadful friends, just so you know," Harry scowled as he reluctantly descended from his broomstick, his feet touching the ground with a thud. A split second later, a strong tug on his ear caused him to yelp in pain.

"OUCH, HERMIONE, THAT HURTS! LET GO OF MY EAR!"

Ignoring his protests, she marched forward, dragging him along by his ear. His face twisted in discomfort with each tug, his discomfort evident as they made their way through the corridors. Their classmates and teachers glanced at them with surprise and amusement, and Harry wished he could shrink into the shadows to escape his embarrassment, but it paled in comparison to the dread of Hermione's wrath. It was fun when her wand wasn't aimed at you; when it was, well, Merlin help you.