Don't Smile At Me

Chapter 2: S.P.E.W

"We're going to be late, Ron! Harry could you go see what's taking him so long?" Hermione sighed impatiently as she stood by the door. Harry set off, returning a minute later with Ron.

"Sorry, 'Mione. I just wanted to make sure..." Ron turned a rather violent shade of red that clashed horribly with his already vivid hair. Hermione looked him up and down. He had donned a new jumper, a neat pair of trousers and a brightly colored scarf, all of which were a far cry from his usual plain attire.

"I'm sure Luna will love it," Hermione replied dryly, peering at the bright red radishes stitched into the scarf. Ron's blush increased as he sputtered for an excuse. "Oh Ron, don't be silly. I've known that you fancied her since you started telling Dean off for calling her 'Loony Luna,'" Hermione said. "Now can we please go? I'm sure the others are there already."

"Don't worry, mate. She'll love the radishes," Harry said, failing to keep an entirely straight face.

The three of them set off through the busy streets, again crowded with last minute shoppers. They passed by a lady pulling her child away from a display for the newest line of sports shoes, The Firebolt. "We just got you a pair of Comets two months ago!" An old man slipped his grandchildren some sweets as they walked past Honeydukes. "Don't tell your mother." Raucous laughter drifted out from Zonko's, the joke shop, as kids shot streams of water from flower bouquets at each other and blew through horns that emitted fart noises. Finally, they reached their destination a few blocks later.

The Three Broomsticks was a popular restaurant and bar for casual dining and large groups. Over the years, it had become the go-to spot for Hermione and her group to meet at least once a week and catch up with each other. Harry held open the door for the others as they stepped into the large, warm establishment. Immediately the sound of dishes and the buzz of cheerful conversation enveloped them as the smell of ale and dinner met their noses.

"Over here!" A voice called from their right. They turned to find Ginny already seated at a large booth with Luna and Dean. Ron sat across from Luna with Hermione next to him in the middle facing Dean. Harry and Ginny were on the edge.

"I like your scarf," Luna said in her sing-song voice, and the tips of Ron's ears turned red.

"Thanks," he replied, shifting uncomfortably. "I uh like your radishes I mean earrings, I mean..." Hermione stomped on his foot beneath the table. He was saved from further struggling when a waitress approached their table.

"What can I get you started with, m'dears?" she asked.

"Just a butterbeer please," Hermione replied, with general agreement around the table.

"I'll take tea with an infusion of Gurdyroot," Luna said.

"Er, I'm sorry, Miss, but we don't have that here," the waitress said, a bit bemused.

"Oh. In that case, I'll have peppermint tea."

"Five butterbeers and one peppermint tea," the waitress confirmed before turning and walking away.

"Luna," Hermione asked somewhat reluctantly, "what's a Gurdyroot?"

"It's a plant that wards off malevolent spirits," the blonde girl replied.

"Malevolent spirits?" Harry asked.

"They clog up your ears and cloud your mind. They like cold weather best, so it's very important to protect yourself from them now."

"Right... That makes sense," Dean jumped in, clearly eager to change the subject. He sent a wary glance at Ron before turning to Hermione and asking, "How's your case going?"