Lunch at Grimmauld (5th June)

[book_cleverness]

Hermione watched as the ever familiar presence of Grimmauld Place shifted into view. Amazing how something that had been so familiar to her for an entire summer would have been gone forever had Neville not trusted and believed in her. Well, them, really; but she had done the majority of the talking in the end

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[chessmate]

Well, there it was. Grimmauld, just as he remembered it. Bleak and dreary. He couldn't imagine Harry rattling around inside all alone, just like Sirius had done. Ron's expression hardened. Maybe he could convince Harry to come live at the Burrow. At least then he'd be surrounded by people, right?

He shook his head. "I don't know. I reckon Harry would rather us barge in than wake that horrible old bat up, don't you? I mean, it's not like he's going to be doing anything he won't want us to help with. Think the door's unlocked, though?"

[book_cleverness]

Hermione glanced at Ron, almost raising an eyebrow at him. Was he a man or a Wizard? Had he not learned anything in six years of training? Hermione paused in her mental tirade. Some things were better left not asked or questioned. The boy most likely would have begged her to continue studying for him all through seventh year too -- no wonder he was still as dumb as...

"Well, I for one do not fancy hearing... her, screaming," Hermione said, leaving out any further explatives to describe Mrs Black. "And if the door is locked, are you a Wizard or not, Mr Weasley? There are spells you know."

Then again, there were some doors that always remained locked. Well, best not bring that up; though she was sure Ron would take any opportunity to prove her wrong. Blast.

[chessmate]

"Yes, Professor Granger, I know there are spells," Ron said, rolling his eyes. "I also know that some doors don't open with a simple alohomora. Didn't it mention that anywhere in 'Hogwarts, a History?'"

He eyed the door. "Best just to head in, do you think? I don't fancy hearing her screaming either, the stupid cow."

[book_cleverness]

Hermione huffed and just glared at Ron. Oh honestly. Couldn't a person work in generalities anymore? When dealing with Ronald, the answer was clear: apparently not.

"Oh, don't bother me about the book," she said, reaching for the door knob. "If you would have spent more time doing classwork and even reading for pleasure, you might have learned a thing or two." Hermione broke off her slight tirade and entered the house. No sense waking up Mrs Black before it was absolutely necessary.

"Where should we look for Harry?" she whispered, casting a wary glance at the currently covered portrait. "Downstairs or up?"

[his_own_man]

Harry was tightening his belt around his waist, heading for the stairs, when he heard voices in the looming hallway downstairs. Just in case, he put one hand on his wand pocket. Even though he'd opened the house to Order members, and intruders weren't likely to be bickering so, er, loudly in his front hall, it never hurt to be prepared.

He leaned over the top railing, and broke into a smile. "Ron! Hermione!"

[chessmate]

Ron shot a quick look at the curtained portrait, but Mrs Black kept silent. He grinned widely at Harry and waved.

"We saw Neville, as you can guess," he said in a stage whisper to Harry, walking toward the stairs. "Kind of weird to go back to Hogwarts. Weird to be here, too. How're you holding up, mate?"

[his_own_man]

Harry rolled his eyes, and started down the stairs, trying not to betray anything about the last few days to Ginny's brother. "Well, Snape's still breathing, so not perfect, but all right otherwise." He smiled at Hermione. "But I'm really glad to see you. Both."

[book_cleverness]

"Well, eventually life may be perfect," Hermione said, popping out from behind Ron. "One could only hope anyway." Her smile widened. "It's good to see you as well. At least, on better circumstances than the last few times."