all the wrong choices // drarry

green

Ron and Hermione seemed to spare Harry the interrogation about what he and Draco had been talking about, choosing instead to ask about Luna.

"What the bloody hell was that hug about?" Ron asked incredulously a few minutes later.

"You know Luna," said Harry, idly watching Draco walk off up the street. "Malfoy had just apologised to her about having her locked up in his cellar, and she forgave him."

"You don't say!" said Ron. Harry turned away from the window and looked at his friends. Hermione was still looking slightly disgruntled.

"So, what'd you get Hermione?" Harry asked brightly in an effort to cheer her up.

"Nothing," Ron muttered bitterly. "She wouldn't let me."

"Don't be ridiculous, Ronald," Hermione rolled her eyes. "He wanted to buy me a book but the shop didn't have any that I wanted. So I suggested he buy me a bar of chocolate instead, but he doesn't seem to think that it's good enough for a birthday present. He thinks I'm trying to spare his feelings."

Harry frowned at her, and she indicated the two Sickles that were still lying - untouched - on the tabletop. Harry understood: Ron's family was not extremely wealthy, and, to Ron, it must have seemed as though Hermione was trying to prevent him from spending an excessive amount on her. Whether or not this was what Hermione was indeed trying to do, Harry did not know.

"It's your nineteenth ," Ron declared. "Excuse me for wanting to get you something decent."

"You don't need to get me anything!" Hermione protested, pushing her forehead into Ron's shoulder, then straightening up again. "And if you must, a bar of Honeydukes' finest chocolate would suffice!"

"I'd just feel lousy if I only bought you a chocolate bar ."

"Well, don't , because I would be perfectly happy with it," Hermione snapped. "I'd also be perfectly happy if you didn't get me anything at all. I have everything I need, Ron. I've got you, and I've got Harry - I'm alright."

Ron finally looked up and met her gaze. "So - so you aren't taking pity on me or anything?"

"No," she said sincerely. "I don't need anything more from you than ... well, you ."

Ron looked at her, his eyes round with affection. He dipped his neck slowly and kissed her softly. Harry looked to the floor boredly. When Ron and Hermione broke apart, Ron's ears were red and Hermione's dark-skinned cheeks had a slightly rosy tint about them. The three of them walked back to Hogwarts shortly after, Hermione between Ron and Harry, with her arms around them each. It really was a lovely day.

*

The Gryffindors and a few students from other Houses threw Hermione a surprise party the following Friday evening after dinner. It was held in the eighth-year common room, which had been decorated with streamers and glittering coloured lights that hung in mid-air all around the room. Naturally, all of the eighth-years were invited, along with some of the younger students with whom Hermione was friends.

Ginny climbed through the hole behind the tapestry and gaped up at the beautifully lit common room. Luna wandered in behind her. Loud, enthusiastic chatter filled the room, which was so full that Harry had to step over chairs to welcome Luna and Ginny.

"Hi!" he said brightly to them, nearly tripping over an empty bottle of Butterbeer. "Blimey, how is that there already..." He waved his wand and muttered "Evanesco."

"Er- there're drinks over there-" he pointed out the food and drinks on the other side of the room. "Enjoy yourselves! Hermione's somewhere near the fire with Ron, I think, if you're looking to wish her a happy birthday."