Snakes And Lions Chapter 8: Dates and Howlers

[mystiemerys]

The following morning came quickly. Pansy had barely managed to sleep a wink. She'd been too excited and nervous to sleep. As soon as she saw sunlight, she rushed into the bathroom and took a hot shower, washed her hair, and brushed her teeth (twice) with extra care before picking out her clothes for the day. She wanted to dress to impress Hermione but she had no idea what to do. This was Hermione Granger, not some random girl. She wanted the other witch to gawk and want her; she wanted Hermione to know she was dressed for her but she didn’t want to overdo it so that she gave the wrong impression of herself. Pansy stood in front of her full length mirror, holding up shirt after skirt after dress, not at all happy with what she had to choose from.

Hermione had the same idea, but she was having better luck with Ginny at her side as an assistant. The redhead had gotten up early and decided to raid the brunette's closet for something sexy for her to wear, which had scared the jellybeans out of Hermione. The witch had woken up thinking there was a beast rampaging in her closet with all the noise Ginny made as she dug through her wardrobe. Once she knew what was happening she made Ginny promise it couldn’t be to something that it make her look like a slut or anything as bad before she jumped into the shower. Ginny had agreed reluctantly, but a mischievous grin spread across her face as she reached in a pulled out the outfit she'd chosen for her. When Hermione returned in just a towel, she found the redhead waiting with an outfit on her bed; Ginny turned and wiggled her eyebrows as Hermione spied the outfit and visibly blushed from her wet curls down to her toes. Ginny smiled and gave her a wink before leaving.

Ginny was dressed in jeans and a Tibi short-sleeved lace top, her hair tied in a comfortable ponytail with a curled end, she bounced down the stairs into the common room balancing a box in her arms. Harry and Dean were playing a game of Wizards Chess while Ron waited on the side to play the winner, Lavender Brown sat comfortably in his lap. All four glanced up as Ginny came in. Dean gave a short whistle.

“Where are you going?” Ron asked, glancing sideways at his sister. Ginny rolled her eyes.

“To the Owlery,” she held up the box for Ron to see, “mum sent me some clothes but they don’t fit properly.”

“How do you mean they don’t fit properly?" Ron narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “Plus you look too dressed up to just mail something.” Ron crossed his arms and stared at her, acting the part of the overly protective brother.

“If you must know Ronald, they don’t fit because I’ve ‘filled out more’ if you know what I mean.” The last part made Ron blush fiercely. Dean gave another whistle. “And Luna and I have a date later today. We're going to hang out with Hermione before then. Not that you needed to know.” Ginny continued matter-of-factly. As she made her way past, she looked down at the chess game and moved Harry’s knight up, where it landed and cut through the pawn as it stole its square.

“Hey!” Dean cried out. Harry laughed.

“Where is Hermione anyway? I haven’t seen her in days.” Harry said, running up behind her after calling a timeout with Dean. The way his voice dropped as he asked made him seem like a lost child. She knew that Hermione, Harry, and Ron were almost like brothers and sister having spent so many years and gone through so much together. And with Ron now finding better company with Lavender, the two had become even closer to each other.

“She’ll be down in a bit. I’ll be back in a jiffy or however muggles say it.” Ginny smiled leaving Harry as she headed out the portrait hole. She passed Luna on the way out, she told her girlfriend to wait inside before making her way down the enchanted staircase.

“Hello everyone.”  Luna said as she walked into the Gryffindor commons room. She received a few greetings in return. The Ravenclaw witch wore a light blue dress with matching leggings, a similarly blue sweater folded neatly in her arms. She leaned over and kissed Harry on the top of his head, as she’d often do to her friends, while he stared at the chessboard. Then she did the same to Dean and gave a brief wave to both Ron and Lavender.

“How are you Luna?” Harry asked distracted as Dean took lead of their game again.

“I’m fine thank you.” She said reaching idly over, she placed his pawn forward where it cleaved Dean's knight.

“Oh come on!” Dean hissed throwing his hands up. Harry grinned again.

“Looking forward to your date?” Harry asked as Dean planned his next move. Luna smiled distractedly and nodded.

“Yes, I think it will be quite fun, we’re going to hang out with Hermione before then. The poor girl needs to get out of this dreadful castle. I’m sorry we didn’t invite you Harry. Seeing as it’s a girls' day I thought you might feel… A bit out of place.” Harry smiled and waved it off.

“No, no. It’s ok, you three go out have fun. I’m glad 'Mione’s getting out, she needs it. She spends far too much time at the library.”

“Had I not, you Harry Potter wouldn't have seen your second year, much less survived these last six.” Hermione remarked calmly as she walked down the stairs slowly,  one of Mrs. Weasley's handmade sweaters was folded over her arm. The witch was dressed in a short-sleeved frilled shirt that only reached to above her midriff, with a bow tied to the collar and a modest ruffled miniskirt. On her bruised arm was a band that fit remarkably well with the outfit. No one would notice what was underneath it.  The clothes hugged her body clearly showing off her curves and accentuating her subtly-shown cleavage. The bottom of the shirt framed her toned flat stomach and her lovely curved hips that swayed with each step as the miniskirt fluttered softly from the fabric brushing against itself. Her hair had it’s natural curl plus a little help so that it framed her face and shoulders perfectly, bringing out her cheekbones and face. There were several audible gulps, the loudest seemed to come from Ronald himself.

“Bloody Hell Hermione! You look great!” Harry exclaimed, getting the same greeting from her as he had received from Luna; Hermione then moved towards Dean who gawked, speechless as she approached. Leaning over with her back facing Ron, she leaned down to plant a kiss on Dean's forehead and Ron could have sworn he caught a glimpse of blacked lacey knickers under the skirt. Luckily his flushed faced went unnoticed by his girlfriend, who sat like the rest gawking at Hermione, too stunned to be jealous right away.

“Thanks Harry.” She smiled looking around the room before sitting down on an armchair, her legs carefully folded to accommodate her mid-thigh length skirt. “Where's Ginny?”

“She’s gone to mail a package. She says I’m supposed to wait for you and then we can head down to the gates to Hogsmeade.” Luna beamed at something no one but her could see; she was the only one in the room who wasn't openly scanning Hermione  from head to toe. She nodded.

“Hell, Hermione! I hope you don’t think this is too sudden but... can I take you on a date sometime?” Seamus asked as he entered the room from the boys' stairwell, his jaw dropping at the sight of her. The way he stared as he waited for the answer, Hermione saw that he was plainly eating her up with his eyes. At this, both Harry and Ron glared at the boy but he was too preoccupied to notice. Hermione just chuckled at this turn of events.

“I’m sorry Seamus, Harry’s the only man I need in my life right now.” She smiled and Harry beamed like a child who’d just gotten the toy he wanted for Christmas. He winked at her as Seamus's head dropped in disappointment. “Ready then Luna?” She asked, just as quickly dropping the flirty routine, the blonde nodded mutely with a smile. Hermione furrowed her brows a moment in a thought before reaching over and moving one of Harry's rooks forward, watching it barrel forward and smash Dean's queen when she let go.

“Are you serious!?” Dean snarled, flipping the board and scattering the surprised pieces. Harry and Hermione shared a laugh before she apologized to Dean and kissed his cheek, then Harry’s before taking Luna's arm. Both girls said their goodbyes as they left the Gryffindor common room and headed down towards the Great Hall folded sweaters in their arms.

“Pansy's going to drool at the sight of you Hermione.” Luna remarked absentmindedly as they walked the empty halls, most of the students having gone in the first groups to Hogsmeade. Hermione smiled with a blush, unaccustomed to wearing a skirt after so many robes and jeans.

“I hope so! Ginny practically forced this on me. I just hope it has the same effect on her as it did the boys.” She chuckled, “If only Harry knew how true it is that he’s the only boy in my life at the moment, unless of course you count Neville, Dean, Seamus, Hagrid.. Fred, George..." Hermione rattled off the names of all the male friends they both knew, but they were all just casual friends. Both knew that none of them meant the same to her as Pansy did. She sighed dreamily as she finished her list, Luna letting out a similar sigh as her own red-haired beauty came to mind. "But I really do hope Pansy approves of this get up." The brunette added smiling brightly.

Hermione continued chatting idly with Luna, who only half listened as she explored her own world, when they rounded the corner towards Hogsmeade.  She’d stooped suddenly once she'd sighted a couple of figures standing against the gate. Her smile grew broader as she recognized who the figures were. Quickening her pace as she got closer, she couldn’t help but throw herself into the other girl's arms. Pansy giggled, wrapping her arms around Hermione she returned the smile.  Pansy wore a pair of dark jeans and a shirt that fit her oddly, Hermione was sure it was a male's dress shirt. The sleeves had been rolled up just a bit and it seemed to hug the girl's form loosely. To top it off, much to Hermione's enjoyment, Pansy wore a tie. Hermione always thought tie’s were rather sexy, and seeing one on Pansy only made it better for her.

“Were you two waiting long?” Hermione asked as Ginny embraced her own girlfriend.

“Nope I just got here, and you look absolutely fantastic Hermione!” Ginny squealed, happy that she'd had a hand in picking it out. Hermione blushed at the compliment.

“You should have seen the boys eyeing her like she was a piece of candy. I think Ronald looked like he'd seen a veela for a second.” Luna said with a lopsided smile as she leant absently against Ginny. Pansy smiled down at her girlfriend, picturing that red-headed pig drooling over her. His lose, her victory.

"Ah, they can look all they want. But she's my girlfriend." Pansy said snidely, bringing a blush from her and Hermione. 'Girlfriend… I like the sound of that.' Pansy thought to herself, grinning on the inside to match the grin she wore.

“You look amazing, Hermione. Really.” Pansy said. Hermione beamed, the praise meaning so much more coming from her.

“You look pretty amazing yourself Pansy, especially in that tie.” Hermione reached up and grasped the cloth, nearly purring as she tugged on it gently. Pansy turned as red as a tomato.

“Aren't they lovely together?” Luna said.

“If I’d known Hermione could be sexy like this, I would have made a move a long time ago.” Ginny giggled, stopping when she noticed Luna's slight frown.

“I don’t think I like that thought.” She said almost sounding depressed, which was something Ginny had yet to see from her. Ginny rolled her eyes and kissed her girlfriend's cheeks reminding her that she was all Luna’s and Luna’s alone.

With that, the four of them headed out of the gate, stopping only for Ginny to summon her own handmade sweater from her mother, and made their way to Hogsmeade.

The four of them chatted about anything that came to mind to keep up conversation, each holding their respective girlfriend's hand. Pansy delighted in finding how perfect Hermione's hand fit in her own as their fingers intertwined.

-Hogsmeade-

The two pairs of lovers made their way to the Hog's Head as soon as they arrived in the village. The snow was driving as hard as it always did and there was nothing better than getting out of the cold. Hermione was surprisingly warm considering how she was dressed; Pansy’s arms around her helped. All four girls' faces were flushed red, a combination of the weather and the large amounts of giggling and laughing during their trip. A few of the people inside looked up, but they paid the four no mind. It was well known that Hogwarts was letting its students have a holiday and these girls were just more to add the crowd. Pansy took the lead, pulling Hermione, Ginny, and Luna into an empty booth near the back where no stray Slytherins or Gryffindor’s could spot them. With all the chaos of students clamoring for food and drinks a witch waitress somehow spotted them and took their order, reappearing with several mugs of Butterbeers inhumanly fast.

Hermione leaned lightly against Pansy, sipping her mug lightly and enjoying the feeling of just being near the other witch. Across from her Ginny and Luna sat hand in hand, the redhead eagerly downing her mug before turning her attention to her girlfriend's unattended one.

“There's a lot of students here, aren't there Pans?" The brunette asked idly taking sips of her drink. “Pansy?” Hermione repeated herself when she didn't get an answer, looking up to see her girlfriend sitting straight-backed, eyeing the crowd of people nervously. “Pansy,” the witch reached up and snapped her fingers in front of the other's face, drawing her attention,  “is something the matter?”

Pansy turned and rubbed her cheek against Hermione's hair, enjoying being this close as much as Hermione did. "Nothing, just nervous. There's so many students here and they could spot us." Hermione grasped Pansy's hands, giving them a soft squeeze.

“We can go somewhere more private." She whispered soft enough so that Ginny and Luna couldn’t hear.

"Honeydukes?” Pansy whispered her reply, taking a few sips of her own mug.

“Too many people there too, everyone loves their sweets." Hermione shifted so that she could lay her head in Pansy's lap. "We should get some too, I'll share some with you." Hermione stared up at Pansy, giving her a quick wink and a broad smile that made the Slytherin blush.

"The Shrieking Shack." Hermione said it so simply it was like she was stating a fact. Pansy didn't quite understand at first.

"What?"

"We can go to the Shrieking Shack." Hermione repeated. She knew the secret behind its ghastly name and legend that was none other than Remus Lupin. And it was nowhere close to a full moon so they'd have it all to themselves.

"If you're sure 'Mione'." Pansy tried the name that she'd heard Potter refer to her by, it sounded a little awkward when she said it and drew a funny look from Hermione who tried her best not to giggle. "Don't even, I know how stupid I sounded." Pansy warned with a mock-threatening look, Hermione could only turn away so she wouldn't see her grin.

"What about the two lovebirds?" Pansy motioned across the table where Ginny had liberated most of Luna's Butterbeer as well, the Ravenclaw looked over her shoulder staring at something no one could even begin to guess what it was.

“Let's just leave them, they can have their own date.” Hermione's answer was short as she put enough coins on the table to pay for all their drinks, her mind made up. They snuck out of the booth while Ginny had gone to the restroom, dragging Luna with her.

When the Ginny and Luna came back, they saw that the two older witches had gone, but that the drinks had been paid for.

"The rotten sneaks!" Ginny cried out, disappointed that she wouldn't have a front row seat to Hermione's date like she had planned. Luna didn't react as much as her girlfriend did, taking her spot in the booth and picking up her now-empty mug.

“They drank my Butterbeer too." the blonde remarked, giving Ginny a little pout which only drove the redhead into a fit of giggles as she collapsed in the seat across the table from Luna.

-Fifteen Minutes Later-

Pansy looked on at the house's gloomy outline against the sky as she let Hermione lead her onto an old trail from Hogsmeade. Ever since she'd heard of Hogsmeade, there had been stories about that house; one of the most common being how there was a witch who had died of a horrible miscast spell and how she was a ghost that wandered through it, letting out bone-chilling screams on some nights. No student who went up there had ever seen anything of the ghost. Those that claimed they did usually only saw the shadows and overreacted. The screams were real though, they were hard to miss if one was around during the night. And Hermione wanted to go there?! Pansy would have stopped at the mention of the shack if it had been anyone but Hermione Granger. The other witch showed no sign of fear; she might even have looked excited!

“We're almost there, Pansy. Oh I can't wait until you see it.” Hermione said, looking back at her. “What's wrong?”

Pansy couldn't believe it, Hermione was mad. She WAS excited to go up there! Her adventuring had driven her off the deep end; her Gryffindor lover went out looking for trouble. Pansy's face frowned a little in dismay as she drew that conclusion.

“Are you scared? Pansy Parkinson, are you scared of the…” Hermione stopped and hugged her, leaning close and whispering softly, “Shrieking Shack?” The other witch laughed softly as Pansy unconsciously nodded, blushing at just admitting it.

“Don't worry, Pans.” Hermione rubbed her shoulder softly. “I know the secret of the Shrieking Shack.” Hermione was back to whispering playfully again, Pansy could almost feel the smirk on Hermione's face but she knew it was meant well.
“Come on Pans.” Pansy felt Hermione tugging on her gently, still eager to go. Swallowing her fear, she decided she trusted the other witch more than she was afraid of the legends.

"All right, all right Herm--" Pansy turned to face Hermione, only to meet her lips with her own. The kiss was awkward and the two broke away quickly, but Pansy found that she wished it had went on a little bit more. Both girls blushed fiercely and had trouble meeting each other's eyes for a while until Hermione cleared her throat and pulled her to her feet.

"Come on, it’s frightfully cold out here!"

After Several minutes of silently walking towards the shack Hermione flung a Bombardia Charm at the wall, making Pansy flinch as a hole was blow into the side of the two-story house. Pansy squeezed the other witch's hand, still afraid something horrible would happen despite her girlfriend's assurance. When nothing did, Pansy breathed out a shakily breath she had’nt known she'd been holding as Hermione pulled her in and rebuilt the wall with another charm

“Isn't it grand? No one comes up here. No one can really get in.” Hermione gave her a light wink as she led her further in.

“I wonder why Hermione. Because it's supposed to be haunted?”

“Oh honestly Pansy.” Hermione hugged her close, enjoying the warmth and closeness. “That's just a rumor, it was all for Professor Lupin.”

“Lupin? The Dark Arts teacher in third year?” Hermione looked up at her girlfriend, as if thinking something over in her mind.

“If I tell you, you must not tell anyone. Ever." Pansy knew the brunette was serious by the tone of her voice and nodded, this didn't sound like a joke.

“Professor Lupin...is a werewolf,. He came here to transform if he was close enough, but now he doesn't need it all the time so we, Harry and I...and Ron, can come here all we want. Pansy could only stare back at the brunette; sure there were rumors that Lupin was a monster, but to hear it was entirely different.

Hermione was watching her, waiting for a reaction; but it was a few minutes before Pansy could form one. Instead of saying anything, she just leaned down and kissed Hermione on the cheek, which delighted the other witch as she pulled her into the next room and into an easy chair. Pansy found herself sat down on the chair and her lover sitting practically on her as they watched the fire together, trading soft kisses on the cheek or close the lips.

Pansy spent several minutes like this, happy that she could have this time, but something was nagging at her. She pulled the brunette closer, her arms around the Gryffindor's waist.

"It's nice and warm here, isn't it Pans?" Hermione's question made it all click. Pansy didn't remember Hermione lighting a fire when they sat down; and they were sitting in a fairly new easy chair, In fact the entire room looked fairly new.

"No one's supposed to be here except maybe that professor, right?"

"Yes, why?" Hermione shifted so that her back pressed on Pansy.

"There's a new chair... and this room is pretty fancied up. A-and a fire." Pansy felt the other witch freeze as realization dawned on her as well. The sound a wall being blown in made them both jump.

"Merlin's beard! Whoever it is, they're back or someone's tearing the place down!" Pansy nearly yelled, fearful that some stranger would find them soon; or for all they knew they would be caught by a stray spell as it took down a supposedly-abandoned house.

"Quick, this way!" Hermione took the lead again, pulling Pansy out another doorway and down the stairs, their steps sounding extremely loud in the emptiness of the shack. Hermione led them to an empty full-portrait with a classical scene of flowers as if out of a garden. Pansy didn't know how it would help until Hermione pulled out her wand and cast a spell she couldn't quite make out, revealing her second surprise of the day: a tunnel hidden behind the portrait, just big enough for someone to walk through. Too scared to say anything, Pansy silently followed her girlfriend as she ducked into the tunnel, lighting her wand as the portrait swung closed behind them.
The tunnel seemed to go on for ages, but Hermione was confident and Pansy followed her judgment. Eventually she felt the incline and soon after, there was light from an opening ahead. Pansy looked around in wonder as they emerged from a gap in the roots of the Whomping Willow.

"How do we get out? It'll smash us as soon as we move away." Pansy was grateful to be away from whoever it was back there, but this was nearly the same. Instead of being worried, her girlfriend just pushed an odd-looking knob on one of the roots nearby and walked out. Pansy quickly followed, gaping in amazement that the wild willow wasn't living up to its name and turning them into matchsticks.

The two decided they would take a detour after making it safely way from the Whomping Willow. Pansy found herself holding Hermione close as they walked along the Lake. The two chatted, giggling about things the other said and the earlier events. Pansy soon found that Hermione was rather ticklish and took full advantage of it. As the brunette tried to escape her girlfriend's assault the two collapsed in a fit of giggles. The snow had let up and was now just gently falling.

“Pansy, stop I'm begging you!” Hermione roared with laughter. Pansy had straddled her lap to keep her from escaping as she continued her mercifulness attacks. After a moment she gave into the pleas and smiled down at her girlfriend. “You’re an animal... You know that don’t you?” Hermione giggled, panting after giggling so much.

“Only for you, baby.” Pansy winked, crawling off her girlfriend and pulling the brunette to her feet. Hermione blushed and rolled her eyes as they resumed their walking.

The two made their way into the castle, hugging each other tight and red-faced from their tickling escapades. Pansy stopped Hermione just past the doors and looked around. Seeing no one in sight, she kissed the other witch full on the lips and held the kiss for several seconds. Hermione pressed closer to her, eyes closed and a full blush on her face. Pansy felt her heart swell as her lips melted against Hermione’s. She certainly never felt this way about Draco whenever he kissed her during the time the two had dated. It had been the same for Hermione toward Ron. Their lips tingled every time they met the other's, and the two had kissed A LOT today. But it always felt like a first and both witches loved it. When they finally pulled away, both girls were speechless, panting softly and staring at each other shyly.

“Thank you for the adventure Hermione.” Pansy spoke softly playing with a strand of loose hair. “I‘ll see you at dinner?” Hermione  nodded and kissed Pansy one last time before she hurried into the dungeons, thankful that everyone would still be at Hogsmeade. Because anyone who saw her blushing would ask questions.

-Great Hall, Dinner-

Hermione was positively glowing by the time it was dinner. Her first date with Pansy had gone so perfectly well that not even Voldemort showing up right then could ruin her mood, and it wasn't unnoticed either. As she took her seat between Harry and Ginny, she kissed both their cheeks in greeting she even gave a welcoming smile to Ron  who sat across the table with Lavender on his arm per usual.

“'Mione, what’s got you in such a good mood? I take it you girls had a good day then?” Harry asked, happy to see her actually filling her plate with food.

“It was..” she let out a dreamy sigh and her eyes flickered briefly towards the Slytherin’s table at Pansy, who was in a similar state. “It was positively and absolutely wonderful! I can’t wait for another one.” Hermione smiled like a schoolgirl and Ginny grinned; the redhead had an idea of what happened by the way Hermione was behaving. She took a bite of chicken and turned her attention to the raven haired boy to find him staring, or rather glaring, at Malfoy.

“What is it now Harry?” She asked, though she knew what he was going to say.  Harry sighed and whispered to both girls.

“I’m telling you, Malfoy is up to something. We’ve hardly seen him around except for classes, and I don’t know how he’s doing it but he’s been disappearing off the Marauder's Map every night. And I’m positive he cursed Katie.  He’s a Death Eater, I know it!”

“Honestly Harry, Do you really think that Malfoy could be a Death Eater?” Hermione whispered, only loud enough for the raven haired-boy and red-head girl to hear.

“Hermione I told you, it makes sense! His father is a Deatheater and I bet his mother is too. Why wouldn’t he be one? If only I knew where he was going.” Harry grumbled. Knowing nothing would persuade him otherwise at this point, Hermione merely squeezed his hand and took a neutral stance on the matter.

It was then that the sound of an owl screeching caught everyone’s attention. Mail wasn't supposed to come until the morning. The Great Gray Owl that resembled a molting feather duster soared into the Great Hall, flying low towards the Gryffindor table. It was soon obvious that it was little too low as the Weasley family owl, Errol, flew into a dish of chicken and sent pieces everywhere before it flipped over in front of Ginny. The Great Hall erupted in laughter. The bird flipped back up awkwardly, shaking its feathers as it made its way towards Ron with a letter. There was another screech and Pig flew in joining the near-blind Errol in front of Ron. Five more owls came along one after the other, the last being trailed by a dragon hatchling. Now there was a crowd of wings in front of Ron. Besides Errol were two identical, barred owls, known to Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Ron as Tweedledee which belonged to George, and Larry which belonged to Fred. Hermione smiled as she remembered her conversation earlier in the year with the twins about their new owls.

“What lovely Owls! And they’re twins?” Hermione exclaimed, when Fred and George came down from their rooms, each with cages in hand. Both shared an identical grin, proud that they'd saved enough to have their own owls.

“This one here is Tweedledee,” George said as the owl flew out and shortly perched onto his arm. Hermione smiled, recognizing the joke in the name.

“Is its brother named Tweedledum?” The brunette joked lightly only to have Fred give her a strange look.

“No, mine goes by Larry. Tweedledum's just silly.” Fred said rolling his eyes half-mockingly.

There was a screech, besides the twins owls was Spotted Barn owl named Thomas, it belonged to Bill. It was by far the largest owl in the set and it looked even bigger as it ruffled its feathers and hopped over to join the feathery semi-circle. There was also a beautiful, well maintained snow-white owl that belonged to Fleur; It’s name was Lumiere if the others remembered correctly. Following them was another barn owl, not nearly as large as Thomas, named Philip who belonged to Percy. Finally the small horned dragon, which no doubt belonged to their oldest brother Charlie. If memory served her, it went by the name of Ernie and it looked outright odd as it completed the gathering of owls.

Ginny smirked as each winged-courier deposited their envelopes before Ron.

“Bloody hell,” Ron smiled, “Look who’s popular?” Ron turned the letters in his hand, opening the first. As he drew out a familiar red envelop from the first he visibly paled. “Oh no!” He squeaked as the delivery creatures immediately took their leave. Once the first howler was exposed, the others slid themselves out of their deceptively white envelopes, revealing eight Howlers in all. Ron flinched at the memory of getting his first Howler during second year when his mother found out that he and Harry had stolen his father magical car. It had only been one back then, now there were eight! With shaky hands he opened the first one. If he didn’t, they'd explode in his face, that much he knew. The first one took the shape of a pair of lips and as if on cue, the others followed suit on their own. Each letter hovering around him as if his family members were there.

“RONALD WEASLY!” eight voices yelled at once, one of them with a thick french accent.

“RONALD WEASLEY! HOW DARE YOU TREAT HERMIONE IN SUCH A SHAMEFUL WAY! I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED!” Molly Weasley’s voice roared at him above the rest, the howler inching closer. Hermione visibly paled at the volume her name had been screamed.

“NEVER IN ALL MY LIFE HAVE I EVER BEEN SO..SO OUTRAGED!” The next voice was Arthur Weasley's, the older wizard was using a tone that neither Harry or Hermione had ever heard him use.

"RONALD! RONALD WEASLEY! HOW DARE YOU?! HOW. DARE. YOU?! I KNOW I RAISED YOU BETTER!" Molly’s Howler continued while two other identical envelope-lips almost seemed to...grin?

"N-now dea-" Arthur's voice had lost its ferocity after Molly's explosive shout, Hermione guessed these were a new kind of howler since they seemed to interact with each other instead of echoing the words written on them.

"I DON'T CARE WHAT HAPPENED! YOU ARE NEVER TO SAY THAT WORD! EVEN TO KNOW THE DEFINITION OF IT!"

"Please w-"

"I FORBID YOU TO KNOW HOW TO SPELL IT! AND OF ALL PEOPLE, HERMIONE?! I SHOULD GROUND YOU FOR LIFE! I SHOULD COME AND DRAG YOU HOME STRAIGHT AWAY! I SHOULD- I SHOULD..."

"Moll-" Arthur Weasley's howler seemed to take on the exhausted expression Hermione would have expected to see out of the older man. While Mrs. Weasley’s Howler seemed to huff and float back and forth as if pacing.

"HARRY SHOULD HAVE GIVEN YOU A FULL LICKING, NOT JUST A SINGLE PUNCH!” The voice belonged to Bill, whose howler had snuck up behind Ron until it was inches from his face.

“I WILL CURSE YOU INTO OBLIVION ZE INSTANT I SEE YOU! YOU-- YOU--” The rest of the message was in outraged French. Ron had never been so thankful to not know French as Fleur's howler floated on the opposite side of his head, the red envelope folded too delicately to match the ferocious words it now echoed. Veela’s were foul and scary creatures when angry and it didn’t matter how much veela blood they had in them, and Bill's future wife was no exception as the students who knew french blushed at some of the phrases uttered. Across the room Hermione made out Sheridan's figure; she looked amused with whatever Fleur had been saying as the howler conveyed her rant.

“--SHUT THAT MOUTH UP. FOR. GOOD!" Bill's voice could be heard as Fleur's took a breather,  "I HAVE A RIGHT MIND TO FLOO OVER THERE! YOU BETTER HOPE I DON’T!” Bill snarled, “Fleur please calm down, where are you goin- no you can't go to Hogwarts right now--” Bill’s voice faded as his howler hovered-followed after the other.

“Oi, ickle-fickle Ronnie-kins.” One of the howlers who'd been silent to this point piped up, “if we ever hear--”

“That you’ve put a hand on our dear Hermione again. Freddie and I might just be at the foot of your bed tonight, Mate.” George’s howler finished. Hermione choked.

“Right you are Georgie, who knew the specky little git was violet with women?” The pair of identical howlers now swayed as if strolling.

“HOW DARE YOU LAY EVEN A SINGLE FINGER ON A LADY, RONALD WEASLEY!” Ron could almost see the disgusted look Percy would have worn as his howler now finally got a word in. “YOU ARE THE MOST LOATHSOME AND MOST DISGUSTING BEING I HAVE EVER HAD THE DISPLEASURE OF CALLING A BROTHER.” Even the now-graduated Weasley's howlers were terse it seemed, as it promptly blew Ron a sloppy raspberry and tore itself to shreds. Hermione looked over to Ginny who gave a guilty shrug, a sly smile on her face, as Molly’s Howler spoke up again howling at Ron. She then peeked over at Harry who was slowly piecing together what was going on, and finally to Pansy, who looked about to murder Ron once the howler-round-robin was finished. Slowly Bill, Fleur, Fred and Georges’ howlers either stiffened and fell to the floor or tore themselves up, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's and Charlie’s.

"RONALD, IF I HEAR YOU’VE PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE…” Charlie’s howler spoke. "the next howler comes courtesy of Ernie's mother." Charlie's howler merely spoke the words, but the threat of a dragon was worth more than even Molly Weasley's best shouting voice.

Pansy clenched her fists, shaking in her seat with anger. The pig had the nerve to lay a finger on her girlfriend?! She didn't know if she was more angry with that arse for what he did or herself for not knowing. She glanced back over at where Hermione had been sitting only to find the spot empty. Casting her glace towards the door she, caught the edge of the brunette's hair as she the other witch ducked out the doorway and vanished.

-A few minutes later-

“Hermione wait!” Pansy called, as Hermione quickly ascended the stairs toward Gryffindor Tower. Taking two to three steps at a time she quickly caught up with the brunette, grabbed her and spun her to face her. “Why didn’t you tell me that freckled pig laid a hand on you!? Where? Let me see!” Pansy demanded, Hermione trembled, lifting her sleeves to reveal the bruise. Pansy's eyes shrunk and her nostrils flared as she turned to descend the stairs, stopped only by Hermione's hastily wrapped arms around her waist.

“Please Pansy, don’t…”  Hermione whispered, “ please? There’s already been enough yelling for one night.” Pansy took a deep breath, fighting back the anger that had welled up when she'd heard Ron's latest transgression. She turned and wrapped her arms around Hermione tightly and protectively.

“Come on, you’ll stay with me tonight. I don’t trust that red-headed buffoon.” Pansy said tugging Hermione back down the stairs.

“But Pansy! W-we can't.. I mean I can't just go waltzing into your common room. Everyone would know!” Hermione protested as she pulled back. Pansy smiled. Being stronger then the other girl, picked Hermione up and carried her down despite her protests.

“Who said anything about the common rooms?”  It then dawned on Hermione as she found they were approaching the seventh floor empty corridor.  Closing her eyes Pansy thought;

"I need a safe room for Hermione and I , I need a safe room for Hermione and I, I need a safe room for Hermione and I!”

When she opened her eyes the door to the Room of Requirements had appeared in front of the two witches. Pansy opened the door to find a luxurious bedchamber right out of a sultan's castle.  It taken the form of both Hermione and Pansy private rooms melded as one with their posters and decorations tastefully arranged together. In one end of the room there was a cozy fire place facing an enormous queen-sized double that dominated the center of the room.

Hermione smiled and stretched on the soft sheets and mattress as Pansy set her down on the bed, Pansy giggled as she watched Hermione soak in the comfort. Hermione then rolled over, gracing Pansy with a smile as she patted the spot beside her, inviting Pansy to get on as well.

“How’s your arm? Does it hurt?” Pansy asked softly as she got on the bed and laid on her stomach beside Hermione. Hermione shook her head.

“It’s alright.” Pansy nodded silently as she wrapped her arms around Hermione and pulled her closer. Both silently enjoyed the other's presence, Hermione having felt tired after the dinner incident, soon  closed her eyes and fell asleep in Pansy's arms. Pansy smiled and pulled the covers over the both of them, making sure the Gryffindor witch was comfortable. It wasn’t long until she drifted off as well, her sleep full of dreams of her brunette Gryffindor.