Hi all! Thanks for the reviews! Enjoy this chapter... As usual, I'll update as soon as I can.

Chapter 4

This time you know just what I'm saying
But you could never give a damn or so it seems
It's a fine line with this game that you're playing
You could always turn around, go running for home
Alibis, little lies, procrastination...
(Alibis – Asia)

..."How are you both feeling?" She asked tentatively, her eyes on the back of Ron's head.
"Fine," said Harry, who was concentrating on handing Ron a glass of pumpkin juice.
"There you go, Ron. Drink up." Ron had just raised the glass to his lips when Hermione spoke sharply.
"Don't drink that, Ron!" Both Harry and Ron looked up at her.
"Why not." said Ron.
Hermione was now staring at Harry as though she could not believe her eyes.
"You just put something in that drink."
"Excuse me?" said Harry.
"You heard me. I saw you. You just tipped something into Ron's drink. You've got the bottle in your hand right now!"
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Harry, stowing the little bottle hastily in his pocket.
"Ron, I warn you, don't drink it!" Hermione said again, alarmed, but Ron picked up the glass, drained it in one gulp, and said, "Stop bossing me around, Hermione."
She looked scandalized. Bending low so that only Harry could hear her, she hissed, "You should be expelled for that. I'd never have believed it of you, Harry!"
"Look who's talking," he whispered back. "Confunded anyone lately?" She stormed up the table away from them. Harry watched her go without regret. Hermione had never really understood what a serious business Quidditch was.

As Hermione re-entered the kitchen, she sat down at the table again, lost in thought. Harry had never meant to deceive her about their 'date' to the Three Broomsticks, she reasoned. She had presumed it would be just the two of them. The whole Felix Felicis fiasco back in their fifth year flooded her mind. Harry had lied to her then, but it was for a good cause... In a heartbeat, she decided she would just have to play it cool around Harry, no matter how hard that was. She would have to wait and see what happened. She sighed as Luna's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Is it time to go?"
Harry looked at his watch. "Oh yes." He downed the last of his beer, and Ron did the same. "I reserved us a table, so there should be one ready for us." Harry held out his arm to Hermione, "Shall we, my lady?" Despite all that had happened, she couldn't help but smile and take Harry's arm. Harry smiled at Luna and Ron, "See you in a sec," and the four friends disapparated to Hogsmeade.

When they entered the Three Broomsticks, a small trio called 'Gurdyroot' were playing folk music. Luna beamed excitedly and Ron sighed; live music meant dancing. Hermione, Ron and Luna found their reserved circular booth, while Harry went to buy drinks. Rosmerta came over to him.
"Hi Harry. How are you, lovely?"
"Very well, Rosmerta. You?"
"Getting along, thanks. The others ok?" She smiled over at the others, who waved back at her.
"Yeah, they're all fine. This band are good, by the way."
"Oh, glad you think so. They'll be trying to get you all up to dance soon!" She laughed. "What'll it be Harry?"
"A redcurrant rum with an umbrella and a cherry for Luna, and Hermione wanted a Quintin Black and Ginger Ale. A bottle of Simison for Ron, please, with a White Rat chaser. And I'll have a pint of Spiced mead. Thanks."
"Can't I tempt you with a chaser too Harry?" Rosmerta smiled, placing the bottles and glasses on a tray.
"Ok, go on then, but Ogden's please. Oh, and can you put a wedge of lime in Hermione's, I know that's how she likes it." Rosmerta smiled at the clueless young man before her.
"There we are. That's 3 galleons, 14 Sickles and 3 Knuts, please Harry." Harry handed her 4 gold galleons.
"Keep the change, Rosmerta. What time are you serving food until today?"
"10 o'clock tonight, Harry. Just let me know when you've decided."
Harry thanked her again and carried the tray over to his waiting friends.
"Booze time!" He announced as he set down the drinks and sidled into his seat. Everyone grabbed their drinks and Ron made a toast.
"To good friends, good drinks, good food and good times!"
"Cheers!" They all clinked their glasses and drank heartily.

After pondering the menu, and Ron changing his mind about four times, they were finally ready to order.
"You can go and order the food, Ron." Harry said, leaning back in his seat. "I don't want to get up again. Put it on a tab."
"Ok!" Ron got to his feet. "I haven't spoken to Rosmerta for ages!" And he was off towards the bar. Harry looked at Hermione and they both laughed.
"Do you think he still has a crush on her?" Harry smiled and nudged Hermione.
"I hope not!" Luna said sharply. Harry and Hermione continued to laugh while watching Ron across the room.
He came back a few minutes later, the remains of a blush on his cheeks and his ears. Harry, Hermione, and Luna all fell about laughing.
"What?" he asked, pouting. "Don't laugh at me, guys..." But their laughter continued. "Ok, fine! Rosmerta is still treating me like a 13 year old with a crush...it's not cool!" Luna kissed his cheek, and he grinned.
The time they were waiting for their food was taken up by Luna telling them about her painting, as Ron looked at her fondly, and Hermione telling them about the books she was currently proof-reading, while Harry watched her, listening intently and catching her eye at every opportunity. When the food came, Harry, Ron, and Luna tucked in, but Hermione picked at her plate. She couldn't understand why she was suddenly feeling nervous around Harry. 'Because you've spent years wanting him to notice you,' her mind reminded her. 'You would have done anything to get him to pay attention, and now that he is, it's weird...'

Neville arrived early and sat at the small table in The Welsh Green, excitedly waiting for Hannah. He ordered a bottle of wine, and fiddled with his tie as he waited. She arrived right on time, beaming at him as he stood up to greet her. Hannah was dressed in a pretty floral dress, with pale pink ballerina pumps, and her blonde hair framing her delicate heart shaped face; Neville thought she was stunning.
"Hi."She said, kissing him. "Have you been waiting long?" She looked at her watch anxiously.
"Oh, don't worry. You're right on time; I was early." Neville pulled out her chair for her and she sat down gracefully. "You look lovely." He kissed her cheek, before sitting back down opposite her and pouring out the wine. "How was your week?" She asked, "Are the children impatient for the summer?"
"Oh, god yes. But then again so am I!" Neville said, picking up his wine glass for a toast. "To us, Hannah. And to summer." She smiled and tapped her glass to his. "How was your week?"
Hannah smiled. "It was really good actually! I got a letter from the Daily Prophet saying that they'd like to interview me about the new Wolfsbane." Like Neville, Hannah was a skilled herbologist, and also potioneer. She was currently working for St Mungo's, developing new potions. "It's a breakthrough, so naturally they want to have the exclusive."
"Amazing. I'm so proud of you, Hann!" Neville took her hand across the table. "I love you."

When Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Luna had finished eating, and had started another round of drinks, the band announced that they wanted people to get up and dance. Ron groaned, and Luna stroked his hand.
"Don't worry Ron. I won't force you to dance with me..."
Ron smiled at her. "If you want to dance then we can, but I need to be drunk first!"
Harry glanced at Hermione as she laughed at the pair of them. Once again, Harry found himself with the urge to take Hermione's hand; to pull her close to him, hold her tight and not let go. He shook his head slightly and tried to ignore what was whizzing in his mind.
'So you're in love with her are you?' His mind sneered. 'Well, Potter? Are you? You keep thinking about her...' Then Harry's conscience joined in, and it always spoke in Hermione's voice.
'Harry, if you're in love with me, you better tell me! Do you really think you are? What other explanations are there for how you've been feeling, and acting, and staring? Let's make a list...'
Harry closed his eyes and sighed deeply.
"Easy there, mate." Ron said, thinking Harry was feeling drunk. "The night is still young!"
Luna played with the umbrella in her drink, and hummed along to the song the band were playing. Hermione had begun to tap her foot in time with the beat, and nod her head slightly. Under the table, her foot grazed against Harry's calf and he felt the hair on the back of his neck rise. That was the final straw.
"Mione, how about a dance?" He asked, attracting her attention by touching her hand.
"Oh, not right now Harry..." 'Why is he playing these games with me?' she thought. She held up her glass and swirled the ice cubes. "Maybe later, when I've had a few more of these."
"OK, sure." He would hold her to that.
"I'll dance!" Luna piped up, and Hermione nodded her approval.
"Great." Harry smiled, took Luna's hand and led her to the dance floor, winking at Ron over the top of her head. They began to dance together to a swinging number, Harry twirling Luna by the hand, both of them laughing. When the dance had slowed slightly, Luna leaned into Harry's shoulder.
"Luna," he whispered. "Has Hermione said anything to you?"
"Why?"
Harry looked down at her and saw the concern in her eyes; he sighed.
"I don't know, Luna. She's been a little strained lately...I'm starting to worry."
"How long has she been like this?"
"A few weeks. I know she hasn't been sleeping properly."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. She pretends she's fine, but I know her, Luna."
"Ok, well don't worry Harry. I'll try and speak to her later."
"Thanks Luna." Harry spun her around under his arm, and they both laughed.

"They look like they're having fun." Ron said as he stood up to go to the bar. "You fancy another drink Hermione?"
"Huh?" Hermione said, still not taking her eyes off Luna and Harry.
"I said, do you fancy another?"
"What? Who do I fancy?" Hermione asked sharply, glaring at him.
"Whoa! A drink! I asked if you fancied another drink!" Ron said defensively.
"Oh, I'm sorry Ron. I must have heard you wrongly. I'm ok for now, thanks."
Ron smirked and left her, heading over to the bar. He high fived Harry as he passed them.
Harry sat back down next to Hermione. "Well, Mione, how was our dancing?"
"Fine. Luna was good; you, not so much."
"Thanks, Mione." Luna laughed.
Harry shrugged, "Oh well, you can't teach an old dog new tricks."
"I think you can." Luna said, "You just need a good teacher." She looked deliberately at Hermione.
"Oh, Luna..." Hermione laughed.
"C'mon Hermione, dance with me. Please?" Harry gave her his best puppy-dog eyes. "It'll be fun."
"Ok then." Hermione conceded. Harry beamed and stood up from the table, offering her his hand, which she took without hesitation. Harry gently led the way out on to the dance floor as the band started up a jazzy new song.
"Ok, look! It's Harry Potter!" A witch hissed to the wizard she was dancing with, both of them staring at Harry and Hermione. "And Hermione Granger!"
Harry tried to ignore them, and stared at Hermione as he took both of her hands and they began to dance to the beat. Harry twirled Hermione under his arm, and soon their inhibitions had faded away, their arms now around each other and wide smiles gracing their faces. At the end of the number, Harry took Hermione by surprise and dipped her back. She stared into his eyes and felt the heat rise in her cheeks. He beamed down at her, before pulling her upright again.
"There...dancing wasn't so bad, was it?" Harry said. "Do you want to sit back down?"
"No." Hermione said sincerely, and wrapped her arms around Harry's shoulders. "No. I'm enjoying this."
Spurred on by her words and the feeling of her hands on his shoulders, Harry laced his hands around the small of her back. Right on cue, the band began to play a slower song. They swayed together, Hermione coming to lean her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes for a moment and remembered how Harry had danced with her in the tent all those years ago. She had walked away from him, and the look he gave her as she pulled away had never left her; disappointment and loneliness. She wouldn't walk away this time. She felt and heard Harry chuckle to himself and she looked up at him. He was watching her with a tender smile on his face, and in his eyes she couldn't help but see the small, hopeful boy she had first met on her very first day on the Hogwarts Express; her first, and truest, friend. Harry took in Hermione's face as she looked at him and, without thinking, he placed a kiss to her forehead. She hugged him tighter and kissed his cheek. Harry felt his heart beginning to race, and closed his eyes; this was getting serious. Neither of them spoke, both remembering all the times they had communicated without words.

Ron sat down with Luna, and handed her a drink.
"Look at those two!" Luna said. "Why are they still tip-toeing around each other?"
Ron shrugged. "They can both be a bit naive sometimes."
"A bit naive?" Luna snorted, "It's obvious that Hermione wants to jump Harry's bones! And he's just as subtle when it comes to how much he fancies her!"
Ron smiled knowingly and kissed her cheek. "What are you thinking, Loony?"
"I'm going to talk to Hermione, and you can drop Harry a few hints. And if that doesn't work, we are going to hold an intervention. Deal?"
"Deal." And they sealed it with another kiss.

Ginny arrived at the office of the Daily Prophet fashionably late. She made her way up to the large room they were using for the party, where the sound of loud music and chattering met her ears. The room was decked out with banners, balloons, and even a disco ball. Ginny smiled happily. Everyone greeted her when they noticed her arrive; all of her female colleagues complimented her dress, so did the male ones.
After collecting a drink from the bar, Ginny looked around for a good person to chat to. To her delight she spotted Dean Thomas in a corner, talking to one of the interns.
"Dean!" She beamed, walking over to him. "Long time no see!"
Dean, now working as a Muggle Liaison officer for the Ministry, and Muggle advisor to the Prophet, looked at her, his face lighting up. "Ginny! Wow, you look amazing! How about a dance?"

When Harry and Hermione had finished dancing, Hermione headed up to the bar to get drinks. Harry sat back down with Ron and Luna, both of them smiling at him.
"What?" Harry asked. "What's up with you two?"
"Oh nothing..." said Luna, nonchalantly.
"You looked like you were having a good time out there." Ron grinned, nodding his head towards the dance floor. Harry nodded, and looked over to the bar to see where Hermione had got to. A tall blond wizard was leaning on the bar, speaking to her in hushed tones.
"Ooh," squealed Luna. "Looks like Hermione might be getting lucky!"
Harry clenched his jaw and raked a hand though his hair. The wizard leaned over and whispered in Hermione's ear; Hermione laughed. Harry opened and closed his fist on the table, and cracked his knuckles agitatedly. Hermione smiled and touched the wizards shoulder, shaking her head. He tipped his head to the side, and spoke again. Harry tried to read his lips; "Are you sure?" he asked.
Harry watched as Hermione nodded, picked up the tray of drinks and made her way back over to them. Seething, Harry stood up sharply and, for a moment, Ron and Luna thought he was going to confront the blond wizard, but instead he hurried away to the bathroom.
"Who was that guy?" Luna asked, as Hermione sat down at the table.
"He said his name was Luke... He asked me out." Hermione smiled shyly.
"Oh really?" Luna raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"And I said no." Hermione sipped her drink.
"Why's that?" Ron asked, picking up his beer bottle from the tray.
"Not my type." Hermione said simply.

Harry washed his face in cold water, and took several deep breaths. He had to admit to himself that the jealousy he had just felt was nothing like he had felt before. Not when Hermione had been going out with Krum, not even when she and Ron had been together. Harry sighed, dried his face, and stared into the mirror at his face. "Mirror, mirror, on the wall..." he muttered, and tried in vain to flatten his hair. He had denied what he was feeling for too long, and now that he could no longer deny it to himself he was afraid. 'But you're the Boy-Who-Lived! You're the big hero!' His mind sneered once more. 'Surely you're not afraid of your best friend?'
"Oh shut up!" Harry growled and rinsed his face once more.
"Harry." Ron said, coming through the door of the bathroom. "You alright? Can I have a word with you?"
"Yeah." Harry dried his hands on a paper towel and turned to Ron. "What's up, mate?"
"It's Hermione." Harry's heart rose and fell in one awful motion. He swallowed hard. "What about her, Ron?"
"Well, I'm your friend Harry and I need to say this."
"What?" Harry frowned at Ron.
"I've seen how you look at her." Ron said, without a hint of awkwardness.
Harry's stomach flipped. "What?"
"Come on Harry. I'm not an idiot! I know you like her." Ron smiled. "Why don't you make a move? Don't be scared, mate. I think she wants you to! You must have seen how she acts around you."
"Ron, I..."
"Don't deny it Harry. I know you both well enough to see what's going on." Ron spoke calmly.
"Alright, fine!" Harry barked. "Yes, I am in love with her..."

"So," Luna said to Hermione once they were alone. "Harry eh?"
"What, Luna?" Hermione asked, raising one eyebrow.
"Harry. You. You and Harry."
"What about us?" Hermione said, the pitch of her voice rising slightly.
"Come on Hermione. I can see the way you are with each other. Why don't you make a move? What's the problem?"
Hermione looked down at her lap. "Luna, can I tell you a secret?"
"Of course. That's why I'm here, and I swear on my dirigible plum tree that I will take the secret to the grave!"
"Ok." Hermione opened her bag and took out the shard of mirror. "This is the problem." She handed the piece of glass to Luna. "It's a piece of the Mirror of Erised."
Luna's eyes widened, and she avoided looking into the mirror. "Really? Wow."
Hermione nodded. "Harry gave it to me the other night, and ever since I looked into it, I..."
"What did you see?" Luna asked, inspecting the piece of glass.
"Harry and I...well, use your imagination." Hermione took a gulp of her drink.
"Oh!" Luna said with a smile, "I see..."
"Yep, and now I can't deny how I feel. It's right there." She gestured to the mirror in Luna's hand.
"Well, like I said, why don't you tell him how you feel?" Luna placed her hand on top of Hermione's.
"But, what if he doesn't feel the same?" Hermione whispered, her old insecurities flaring up again.
"Are you kidding?" Luna laughed, "Have you seen how he looks at you? Hermione!"
"Are you sure, Luna?" Hermione couldn't hide the hope in her voice or her eyes.
"Yes." Luna answered simply and sincerely. "Come on...say something to him. Tonight."
Hermione nodded, and finished the rest of her drink with a large swig. "Alright. You're on, Luna."
"That's the spirit! I'll make sure Ron is out of your way..." She squeezed Hermione's hand reassuringly. "It'll be fine. Trust me."

"See mate! That wasn't so hard was it?" Ron said, after Harry's confession.
"Actually, Ron, you don't know how difficult and scary that was." Harry's voice wobbled. "I don't know why I'm so scared of actually telling her."
"Harry, you're the Boy-Who-Lived..."
"Don't you start too!" Harry smiled. "So, you think I should tell her?"
"Yes. Tonight." Ron patted Harry on the shoulder. "No time like the present!"
Harry nodded. "Ok...I'll need at least one more drink."
Ron laughed before leading the way back into the bar. "I'll take Luna home later, that'll give you guys some time alone."

Dean and Ginny had spent the whole evening together; chatting, dancing, flirting, just like old times. Ginny had forgotten how attracted she was to him, and he to her. She seemed to forget all her worries and problems when she was with him. She even forgot about Harry. Dean was fun to be around, kind, very handsome, and he still really liked her. Dean was thrilled to see Ginny again. He had hardly stopped thinking about her since Hogwarts and now, since there seemed like no way she would be getting back together with Harry, there was nothing he wanted more than to pick up where they had left off all those years ago. On the way back to the bar for another round, Ginny grabbed Dean's arm and turned him to face her. She leaned up and kissed him.
"Gin?" He whispered, when he pulled back.
"Can we get out of here?" she asked. Dean nodded, and together they left the party to apparate back to his place.

After seeing Hannah home safely, and kissing her goodnight, Neville returned to Hogwarts. He smiled as he got ready for bed; he and Hannah were really good together. He was so proud of her, and so in love with her. He opened his nightstand drawer and pulled out an old ring box. He stared at the diamond ring his grandmother had left him in her will, and he knew that Hannah was the one he wanted to give it to. He put it back carefully and climbed into bed, already planning how he was going to ask her.

Harry and Ron rejoined Luna and Hermione at the table. Harry was staring into his glass of Ogden's, wondering how the hell he was going to say something to Hermione. Words and feelings had never been his strong suit.
Hermione, whose courage had been boosted by Luna's little pep talk, placed her hand on Harry's arm.
"Knut for your thoughts, Harry." She said gently, seeking out his eyes. He looked at her hand on his arm, and swallowed hard. Sensing what was going on, Luna spoke up.
"Are you drunk enough to dance yet, Ron?" She nudged his leg with her foot under the table.
"Wha- - oh, yeah." They stood up and went out onto the dance floor, hand in hand.
"Harry?" Hermione asked, stroking his arm now. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Harry mumbled, his courage failing him. He noticed that looked disappointed, and he felt his heart squeeze. "Really, Hermione. I'm just tired."
"Okay." With a sigh, she removed her hand from his arm, picked up her drink, and stared at Ron and Luna out on the dance floor. Now that her hand was no longer on his arm, Harry suddenly felt empty and alone. He'd missed a perfect opportunity, and his mind had no qualms about telling him so; 'You're an idiot, Potter! Why is this so hard? What's so scary?' Harry stood up sharply and went to the bar to pay the tab. 'Stop wasting both your time and hers! You want her to want you, and she does!'