Harry Potter and the Year After

Chapter Nineteen: Never Have I Ever

Chapter 19: Never Have I Ever

Hermione and Harry Apparated to Hogsmeade. Automatically, Harry glanced up at the hillside beyond. Hogwarts glowed there warmly.

"Hermione," Harry said, tearing his gaze away from the castle, "Please, let's talk."

"Not now. Come on," Hermione said. She pulled him by his forearm toward the Three Broomsticks.

When she entered, there was a general outcry of happiness. Harry trailed in after her. The outcry of happiness sounded again when he appeared.

"'Mione!" Ron said, hurrying forward. He kissed her. A fair number of people wolf-whistled. As he watched them, Harry felt like someone had grabbed hold of his heart and squeezed it. He couldn't look away from them. Ron finally released Hermione.

He reached an arm out to Harry and tapped his shoulder a few times.

"All we'd have to do is have your parents come and you could have the wedding here and now," Harry said, glancing around at the crowd. He could feel Hermione's worried gaze on him. He couldn't look at her.

"Nah," Ron said shaking his head as though this had been a real option. He took Hermione's hand in his and led her over to a group of tables filled with their friends and acquaintances. Harry trailed after them.

Neville poured Hermione a butterbeer from a pitcher and passed it to her. Then, he poured one for Harry too. George pulled Hermione's arm so she'd come talk to him and Angelina Johnson.

Harry slid into a vacant seat. He was next to Luna.

"Hello, Harry," Luna said smiling over at him. Neville's arm was hooked around her but he was turned away in their curved booth. He was talking to Dean and Seamus. Ginny was across the room. She stood by Hermione but was talking to the Patils.

"Hi Luna. How are you?"

"Fine. You?" Harry took a gulp of his butterbeer.

"Quite well. Did you find Neville's gift?"

"So those were left intentionally. Ron found them, actually."

"Oh. Did he see any interesting visions?"

"He mentioned marrying you, actually. You had twins named Lorcan and Lysander."

"Oooooh. I like those names."

"I'm not surprised."

"I'd marry Ron. He's gotten a lot nicer since his brother died. Quieter though." Luna and Harry both looked over at Ron and Hermione. They were kissing again.

"I think he's been set on Hermione ever since he realized girls existed, actually."

"Mmm. But what about you? Did you ever tell Ron about that kiss?"

"What kiss?" Harry asked. He only wasn't sure at first what she was referring to. "Oh the one at the party? No."

"What other one could I mean, Harry?"

"I was just erm, right of course."

"So it didn't mean anything? That's probably good," Luna said, nodding.

"Alright there, Harry?" Neville asked loudly, leaning over Luna. She didn't seem to mind Neville's close proximity.

"Yup," Harry said, nodding once. He lifted his drink to Neville. "Cheers."

"Cheers, Harry!" Neville said. They clanked glasses and drank. "Want to play a drinking game with us?"

"Oh, I better not. I've already had a few at home and I have to go to training in the morning."