A Romanctic Moment Between Hermione And Ron (For Mallika)

The galleon spun in the air for just a moment before landing once more in the palm of Ron's hand. He gripped it tightly, then slid the gold coin into his pocket. With his eyes gazing out of the open window, he wrapped his arm around Hermione and allowed her head to rest on his shoulder. The Burrow was strangely quiet, but it was peaceful. Mrs. Weasley was out picking up groceries for her family and their guest, while Ginny was spending the day at Grimmauld place with Harry. Everyone else was busying themselves at work. 

"I take it business is going well." Hermione said, gesturing to the galleon that now rested in Ron's jeans. 

"As well as it could be." He sighed. 

It was a difficult job, helping George out with the joke shop, but he was there to support his older brother, earning money for both his own living and aiding his family. Ginny occasionally stopped by to volunteer for a few hours a week, but as she was seeking employment elsewhere, it was down to only two Weasley brothers to keep the merchandise leaving the storefront. Just as Ginny did not wish to work the tills for the rest of her life, Ron was also seriously considering an alternative career. He had contemplated telling George about this plan, but his heart wouldn't allow him whenever he saw his brother's face.

"You're doing a good thing, helping George out. He needs you there." Hermione said, resting her hand on his knee and giving it a comforting squeeze. 

"I just hope that he can run the place without me when the time comes." Ron had confided his goals in Hermione, and she understood that Ron wanted to work somewhere other than Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, but would feel deep guilt upon his departure. 

"He has Angelina to help him now, you've done all that you can for him, and more." Hermione said encouragingly. 

"I wish Fred was still around to help. They used to be so funny. It's as though Fred wasn't the only twin to die that day. The George I knew is gone, too." Ron lowered his head and closed his eyes. It had been three years since the battle at Hogwarts, but Fred's passing continued to hover over the Weasleys like a dark cloud. 

"We will never forget him, and he will always be missed. But you'll see. The smile will return to George and your family soon enough. Fred would have wanted you to continue reeking havoc in his absence." Tears slowly trickle down Hermione's face, but she smiled up at Ron and took his hand in her own.

"I didn't think you would approve of that." The corner's of Ron's mouth twitched in a weak smile and Hermione squeezed his knee again.

"Well, I'm full of surprises." Hermione grinned, trying to lighten the mood.

"Like our first kiss."

"Like our only kiss."

"I think you surprised Harry, too."

"I surprised myse…"

Ron suddenly placed his hand under Hermione's chin and raised her head up to face his before planting his lips upon hers. Although his eyes were closed, Hermione's her own in shock. It was her turn for the surprise, now. After the initial moment of spontaneity, Hermione closed her eyes and deepened this kiss. At long last, they broke apart.

"Do you think he would have approved?" Ron asked, and Hermione knew that he was talking about Fred.

"I bet he's cheering us on right now." She said, her eyes gleaming and she kissed Ron again. All of their current troubles were lifted from the world, the rest of their lives were an open book. Little could interrupt their blissful state. Happiness had fallen upon the couple at last.

The Love Confession of Scorpius and Rose (For Ellie)

"It'll be all right, I promise!" Rose held on to the boy's hand tightly as they rose from their seats to exit the Hogwarts Express. Unlike the start and finish of every year, today the train seemed quite empty, apart from themselves and a few other students wishing to spend Christmas with their families. This year, the staff at Hogwarts had organized a special Christmas party, and the majority of students were too excited to miss it. Scorpius Malfoy, however, was not. Despite Rose insisting that he stayed, he wasn't as sociable as she and said he'd much rather spend Christmas with her, and not with his overly excited peers. The only thing he wanted to do less was what he was about to do. 

Scorpius and Rose had held a tight friendship beginning a few months after the start of their first year. On Christmas day, two years later, their attraction for each other was confessed and that was the start of a new relationship. They had spent their free time between lessons meeting in empty classrooms and through secret passageways. Rose wished their relationship didn't have to be kept a secret, but she had very little choice in the matter; her friends did not approve of her mere friendship with 'That Slytherin'. But Rose was strong willed and possessed the courage to stand up to her friends. Yet she held this secret to her. Words circled her memory stronger than anything her friends had warned her against. These were the words of her Father. 

"Granddad Weasley would never forgive you if you married a pure-blood."

Her Father had been known to joke, but although he spoke those words with a happy demeanour, she sensed a seriousness in his tone. True to his obey, she had indeed scored higher than Scorpius during all tests and exams, much to the latter's disappointment, but someone had to carry on the Granger intelligence. So far, Rose's younger brother, Hugo, had not quite gained the mass number of 'O's his sister had. His talents lay on the quiddich pitch. 

Apparently their last match wasn't the first time "Weasley Is Our King" had been sung about a Gryffindor beater. Rose was equally surprised to hear Professor Longbottom begin the chanting, but that was nothing compared to Scorpius following suit, albeit quietly. They were playing against Slytherin at the time, but Rose new that Scorpius would put that aside for her. There were a great deal of things that Scorpius sacrificed for the love interest of Rose, minus enduring a school dance, but meeting her parents was a gift that he was prepared to give her. After all, it was Christmas. Scorpius didn't mind the secrecy of their relationship, but after a whole year of hiding in the corridors, it was time to unveil the truth. 

Rose was almost as nervous as the boy holding her hand as they walked together down the length of the train. The only thing that kept one foot in front of the other was the fact that her Mother might just be on her side with this one.

"What if they don't like me?" Scorpius let this childish fear issue from his lips and Rose kissed him lightly on the cheek. 

"They will." She was trying to convince herself as much as she was Scorpius. 

They reached the side door at last and the couple took a united, deep breath. Rose stretched her free hand out and the door swung open.

"ROSE!" A blur of thick, brown hair streaked passed her as Hermione rushed over to hug her daughter. Rose gripped Scorpius' hand tighter in fear of being bowled over, but at last her mother released her and took a step back to admire her fourth-year girl, a wide grin plastered on her face. Rose smiled weakly back at her before turning to her father, but her face fell at his sight. Ron was looking from Rose to Scorpius with a look of distaste. It was obvious that he didn't approve of his daughter's companion. 

Before he could speak, however, a third figure stepped forward and out of the train's steam.

"Son!" But when Draco Malfoy's eyes moved down to stare at his son's hand gripping Rose', his smile faltered and his eyes narrowed. 

The five of them stood there on the platform, an awkward silence pressing down on the scene before Hermione finally spoke. 

"Have you had a good term so fa--" But her husband interrupted.

"What are you doing with… with him?" He reached out to pull Rose firmly, but without hurting her, by her arm to drag her away from the Slytherin, but Rose continued to hold onto Scorpius' hand as though it was adhered there with a Permanent Sticking Charm. 

"Dad, he's my friend. I wanted to invite him over for Christmas." Tears sprang into Rose' eyes, but just like her aunt, she rarely let them fall. 

"And he most certainly shall not be attending." Draco spat, also reaching out for his child. 

The two teenagers struggled under their parent's grasps until Hermione cut in front of them. "That's enough. Ron, at least let them explain." 

Ron glared and released Rose' arm. "There isn't anything to explain." He muttered under his breath, but ceased his complaints at the look on his wife's face. Hermione had no control over the Malfoys, but just as Ron had done, Draco let go of his son. 

To everyone's surprise, it was Scorpius who spoke first. "Not that blood status makes a difference these days, but Rose is a half-blood, so that's okay, right?" He spoke more to his father than to anyone else, but Draco said nothing. 

"And you married a pure-blood, Mum." Rose turned to her mother, but Ron spoke for her.

"But your Mother wasn't the child of a Death Eater."

Apparently this was the wrong thing to say because the other two men stiffened. The mention of Draco's past had been a tabooed subject in the Malfoy household. 

"I renounced those ways before the fall of The Dark Lord." Draco spoke to the floor, avoiding contact with his fellow adults. 

"You were a coward!" Ron shouted at Draco. 

"Dad, please!" Rose whimpered at her father's fury. Onlookers on the platform had started to stare at the scene before them. 

"He was! He was a two-faced bastard and a true coward. No wonder his son isn't brave enough for Gryffindor!" Ron yelled, not caring who on the platform heard him. Draco said nothing but continued to hang his head in shame, accepting all that Ron said.

"My father wasn't a coward." Scorpius spoke quietly, shaking with both anger and fear as he watched his girlfriend's father insult his dad. Ron stared at him for a moment, forcibly reminded of his best friend. Harry had thought just that. 

"If that's the attitude you have, Dad, then maybe I don't want to be a Gryffindor anymore. I could never be proud of my house if we consider all others to be cowards." Rose' words sent a shockwave through Ron. He had never heard his daughter say such things before. Then again, she had never heard him be so childish and insulting towards the Malfoys. 

"Sir," Scorpius stepped forward to address Ron, still clutching Rose' hand. He was shaking with terror, but he couldn't bare to see their family ripped apart on his account. "I am a pure-blood Slytherin, but I would much rather be a mud… muggleborn Gryffindor. I may not belong in your house, but I do belong in mine. Slytherin's aren't set apart as evil-doers. We are ambitious and tenacious, stopping at no means to gain what our heart desires." He squeezed Rose' hand as he took a break in his speech. "And my heart desires your acceptance. I vow to make my both father and Rose proud of me, and you, Sir, if you'll allow me to continue my friendship with your daughter." Scorpius took a steadying breath to calm himself.

"I think it's more than friendship, am I right?" Draco spoke up, and Rose nodded.

"What are you intentions with my Rose?" Ron asked the boy, very aware of how cheesy this line was, but he needed to know the truth. A bated breath was held amongst the group, waiting for Scorpius' response. 

"Mr. Weasley, I have no intentions. I would never force your daughter to do anything she didn't want to. I only wish to give her all the happiness and support that she deserves."

Hermione and Draco looked rather impressed by his answer, as did Rose. Ron stared at Scorpius, analyzing his statement. 

"My happiness is with him." Rose whispered. 

"It seems as though I have very little choice." Ron said, then he extended his hand. "I don't think I'll welcome you to the family just yet, Scorpius Malfoy, but what I can do is give you permission to have a relationship with my daughter. As long as you continue with your lack of intentions and those wishes you just mentioned."

Scorpius took Ron's hand in his free one with great delight. "Thank you, Sir!" And Hermione bent down to hug both him and Rose, her face beaming. It was good of Ron to make that mature decision without her interfering too much. Draco looked at Rose and nodded his head curtly. 

"So I'll see you in two days time?" Scorpius asked Rose, turning to face her  before they departed.

"I'll send you an owl as soon as I get home!" Rose grinned and hugged Scorpius, then taking hold of her case, she followed her parents off the platform, and Scorpius and Draco stepped in the opposing direction. 

"I can't say I approve of your choice in girls, but I'm glad that you have a good head on your shoulders." Draco said, squeezing his son's shoulder as they walked. 

"Thanks, Dad. I won't let you down."

A Lily and James romance (For Lila Oren-Dahan)

He was rude and arrogant and had little to no respect for those in Slytherin, especially Severus. Yet, he had defended her, albeit, not in the most mature of ways.

Lily Evans gazed at James from across the Gryffindor common room, her eyes just peaking over her textbook. James and Remus were entertaining themselves with a game of exploding snap, a game which frequently irritated her when she was trying to study. The cards began to smoke and she winced, knowing the sound that was about to issue from the pile. Sure enough, the cards flew into the air with a spontaneous bang and James whooped with glee having obviously gained victory over Remus. The latter, having been defeated, sighed and began to collect the fallen cards, announcing that he was tired and off to bed. 

"Just one more game, come on!" James pleaded with his friend, but Remus shook his head.

"And let you win again? I don't think so."

They said their farewells and Remus trumped up the spiralling stairs to the boys dormitories, taking the cards with him. Lily and James were left alone. 

The fire crackled and emitted sparks and the logs within crumbled. Lily stared at them feigning concentration. She didn't want to be caught staring at James. He didn't need the thrill of more attention. 

"Well, it's just you and me." James raised his arms above his head as he stretched, his mouth opening in a yawn like a lion. Lily could almost hear him roar. Despite his attempts to gain her attention, she ignored him and turned back to Hogwarts: A History. She had met the author once previously, a meeting which sparked her interests with the book in her hands, but tonight she could barely concentrate. Still refusing to look at him, she felt James rise from his chair and resettle himself on the adjacent couch, right beside Lily. 

"If you're not going to look at me, can you at least talk to me?" He pouted, flicking the spine of her book and causing her to blink in surprise. 

Lily crossed her legs on the sofa and turned away from him, her book still held high. "If you finish that sentence." She stated curtly. She knew she was toying with him, despite her annoyance. James was quite persistent. 

"Please?"

"No."

"Oh, come on, it's been days! I haven't done anything wrong. The least you could have done was say no, which you did, but I see no crime in asking for a simple date."

"You're acting as though you inquired just once." Lily replied, her eyes shifting to James' face with a glare. "If I said no the first time, what made you think I was going to change my mind the fifth time you asked?"

"My charm and good looks?" James sat up straight and grinned, but seeing Lily fail to smile, he returned to a slouch. "Or my hope that you would eventually give in."

"So you think I'm weak?" Lily dropped the book to her lap and faced James once more, her green eyes gleaming like emeralds in the firelight. James leant back in slight fear.

"N-no." He stammered, but didn't know how to continue. To his relief, Lily sighed and turned away from him. She wasn't looking for a fight. 

"I'm sorry about what I said to Snape yesterday. I just meant it as a laugh, nothing more." James faltered, hoping to gain some sympathy from Lily.

"It was mean, James. You can be such a bully." She folder her arms across her chest. "Besides, it shouldn't be me you're apologizing to."

"I know. I talked to Snape this morning with Sirius." James spoke with his head lowered like a bad dog caught by its master. Lily looked over at him with sudden interest. "He didn't take the apology too well, but I said it either way."

He had apologized to Severus without her demand. This was something she had not expected, but quite admired. Perhaps this was the one sign that her refusals may not continue if he ever was to ask again. However, she thought, it seemed as though James has given up this plight and would cease his questioning, for he raised his head once more and stood up from the couch.

"I'd better go and see if Remus is okay. If Sirius returns with his," James hesitated before continuing with his next word. "Girlfriend, please let him know that I've gone to bed." And with a final nod, he turned around and headed towards the same stairs that Remus had previously ventured up. 

"Wait!" Lily cried, coming to a quick decision that perhaps she had made long before now. Allowing her book to slide onto the floor, she ran over to where James was standing and reached up on her toes to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you for apologizing to Severus. And thank you for being on my side." She smiled at him, her cheeks the tiniest shade of pink as James gaped at her, open mouthed. "And Sirius doesn't have to be the only one with a girlfriend. That is, if you'll have me." 

A sudden grin burst across James' face and he pulled Lily into a tight hug. "You've made me the happiest man at Hogwarts, Lily!" He said into her deep, red hair. "Truly, you have!" And giving her hand a tight squeeze, he kissed the top of her shining head and bounded up the stairs like a small boy at Christmas. 

Lily laughed as she watched him go, feeling sudden elation at the night's events. She turned back to the sofa to retrieve her book from the floor when Sirius slunk in through the portrait hole. 

"Oh, I didn't know you were up." he said, looking very embarrassed that he was caught out so late, but Lily smiled at him and straightened up. 

"I won't be for long." She said, heading towards the girl's dormitories. "Have many pleasant dreams, Sirius. I know I will!" And winking at him, she ran up the stairs with her book leaving Sirius looking deeply confused behind her.

The Romance Of Fred And Hermione (For Nicole Stephenson)

The castle and grounds of Hogwarts were a wreck. The towers stood like ruins against the crisp, morning sky. Dew had no time to settle on the bloodstained grass as many feet had previously disturbed its blades. Glass had fallen and shattered from great heights onto the courtyards and the front steps were ashen. Large stones burnt from curses lay tattered around the base of the castle, some continuing to smoke feebly. The trees that lined The Forbidden Forest were also burnt, bent, and snapped, their many branches splintered. In the distance, Hagrid's hut bellowed smoke, it's walls and capped roof black as soot. Tiny embers still sparked in the doorway and the innards of pumpkins splattered the windows from the neighbouring patch. The sight was fit for nightmares, but no bodies were seen anymore. The dead had been moved to The Great Hall, but Argus Filtch remained, broom in hand, to clean up the mess. 

"It's going to be a long night, my sweet." Filtch muttered to Mrs. Norris as her beady eyes glaring through the door at those who were not helping her master.

Although hundreds were crammed into The Great Hall, all muttering to each other, some rejoicing with companions, some grieving over their losses, the din hummed like angry bees, buzzing against the eerie silence that lay outside the castle. Neville, Luna, Seamus, and Dean sat huddled in a corner, the sword of Gryffindor still clutched in the former's hands. Luna glanced over at Ginny as she walked towards the hero, Harry Potter, and wrapped one arm around his shoulders in comfort. The shock that the night had brought them still hung in the air, no one knowing whether to mourn the dead or feel thanks for those who remained. This confusion fell especially over one man who sat alone at the base of the, now broken, marble staircase.

Fred Weasley ran a forefinger over one of the cracks lining the bottom step. He had come so close to death, staring hell right in the face, but it passed over him, looming like a dark cloud. True, he was indeed grateful to still be able to feel this confusion and the cracked marble beneath his hands, but that didn't cease his wondering thoughts. He could hear his twin laughing in the distance as he hugged Angelina, their futures open and forever bright. He imagined his mother, tears streaming down her kind face, knowing that the battle was over. There were nine family members and not a single one had seen harm, yet so many friends had died by the hands of Voldemort and his followers. 

"Be thankful that you live. Many have died tonight but your soul was spared."

Fred jumped and looked up from the crack his finger had been tracing. It was as though she had known what was on his mind. Hermione smiled and sat down beside Fred, resting her hand on his knee. Fred glowed at her touch, but the moment passed and he hung his head.

"Yes, many have died, but why was I spared? Why did my whole family have to watch others drop in front of us, yet the Weasley's were untouched?" He blinked back tears as he thought of his lost friends, not wanting to show further weakness in front of Hermione.

"I don't think I believe in fate," Hermione said. "But maybe luck wasn't the only reason that you are still here. After all, someone needs to help George with the Skiving Snackboxes."

Fred looked up and stared at his companion curiously. "I thought you didn't approve of my work."

"The world needs encouragement to smile once again, and frankly Peeve's musical renditions just aren't cutting it for me."

Fred grinned at Hermione's joke as he, too, heard the musical chorus of 'Voldy's Gone Mouldy' echoing through the wrecked corridors. It seemed an impossible task to have the school ever be as it once was. 

"We'll manage." She squeezed his knee gently and looked out through the open doors, watching as Filtch grumbled as he cleaned the grounds. 

"I think we all need a reason to smile right now. Everyone in that room feels pain, some of which will last forever." Fred gestured to the Great Hall. 

"Just because one feels pain, doesn't mean they can never smile."

Fred placed his hand over Hermione's and held it gently. "I can think of a reason to smile."

"As can I." she said, turning to face Fred. "Australia calls."

Fred gave her a second quizzical look wondering what Australia had to do with anything.

"I can return my parents' memories and bring them back to England." She stated simply. Fred still didn't understand much of what she had just told him, but he didn't question her and accepted it. Whatever adventures she, his younger brother, and Harry and experienced over the last year he need not pry into. He didn't need to know. On so many occasions he had worried for his brother, hoping against hope that his family would be spared, as it now was. He also worried about Harry, as of course they were friends, but without him, the darkness would never have lifted, for Harry alone could destroy Voldemort, as he mentioned in their enemies final moments. But more than either of those boys, it was Hermione's life which fred had thought most about. he feared to lose her, but understood that she was needed where the other two stepped. They needed her intellect, company, and wise words to guide them on their journey. But Fred has missed seeing her beauty the year that she was gone. 

He gazed into her eyes, seeing into their brown depths. "So you're leaving again."

"Yes." She blinked and turned away. "But I don't have to leave right now. Besides, I'd need someone to join me." She watched as George and Angelina strode, hand in hand, out of the Great Hall and through the main doors together. "For the company." She sighed. 

Fred watched his brother, too. It was as though the battle had never happened. There were many friends to grieve over, but off walked George and his girlfriend as though this was simply a morning stroll before classes. 

"I don't suppose you'd allow me to accompany you, my lady?" Fred winked at hermione and she smiled. 

"It would be my great pleasure." She replied, holding her head high and cavalier. 

"Then again, I might become quite the distraction."

"Oh?" Hermione could think of several reasons as to how Fred could cause her to become distracted, but she let him explain himself.

Fred handed Hermione, what she presumed was his wand, and took it in her free grasp, slightly nervous. Before she could question his actions, the wand gave a small "Pop" and had turned into a delicate bouquet of four pink roses. She laughed as she held onto his trick wand, grateful that it had not transformed into a snake or something of equal distaste. 

"And there are pliantly more of those where that came from." Fred grinned, still holding onto Hermione's free hand. 

Still laughing, Hermione said, "I might need a few distractions on my journey, and I could think of no one better than you to provide them."

 "And if I were to need a distraction? I hear you have quite the talent when it comes to attacking others with birds."

"Oh, I don't think that skill will be used against you. I have the ability to distract in other ways."

"Oh?"

Hermione leaned forward and pressed her lips against Fred's, her eyes closed and she squeezed his hand tighter. Fred's eyes were wide in shock before he calmed and closed them, deepening the kiss between them and placing his empty hand gently on the back of her head, letting her thick hair glide between his fingers. His signature fireworks seemed to dance inside of him, for Hermione Granger was his inspiration for their creation all those years ago. At long last, they broke apart.

"I quite like that distraction." Fred smiled at her and she smiled back, the tiniest of blushes placed on her cheeks. 

"To Australia?"

"To Australia."

A Fred and Luna Romance (For Mary Elizabeth)

It was uncommon to see one without the other as they were so close, but since George had found greater entertainment with Angelina as of late, Fred was left wandering the corridors alone. This didn't upset him as much as onlookers expected, as it was nice to have some time to himself, but he did miss his twin, happy for George though he was. Scaring first-years with fanged frisbees and setting their trade-mark fireworks off behind Peeves wasn't nearly as enjoyable when done alone. Fred's partner in crime had not completely left him, but he did feel a small sense of replacement. 

"Being alone isn't too bad." A voice made him jump, and as Fred looked up from his solo Exploding Snap game, he saw Luna approach him with the strangest of glasses on. They had been cut out of The Quibbler, and Luna was rarely seen without something strange in her possession. "You can use this time to think magical thoughts. But one is never truly alone."

"You mean your mother is still with you really." Fred had heard about Luna's mother from Harry. he never would have guessed that this girl had witnessed such a scene; she was such an optimistic person.

"Oh no," she took off her strange glasses. "You're head is full of Nargles!"

Fred suppressed a giggle, not wanting Luna to have the impression that he was laughing at her, rather than what she had just said, but she didn't' seem to be paying much attention. She was gazing into what looked like clear space to him. "So why are you by yourself this evening?" He asked her, his head tilting to the side.

"I'm not by myself, I'm with you."

Such an obvious answer to which he hadn't expected. This was very true, nargles or not, Fred was no longer alone. George was probably snogging Angelina at this very moment, but he barely cared. Fred was spending time with Luna, and that was more than he could ask for in a friend.

"Something seems to be troubling you." Luna stared at him, then reached into her pocket and brought out a liquorice wand. She snapped it in two and passed one half to Fred, who took it gratefully. 

"Nothing is really on my mind right now." He said, leaning against the wall. "I'm just happy to be in your company." He took a bite out of the sweet and sighed.

"Do you mean like this?" Luna reached her face up to Fred and kissed his cheek softly. He blushed and smiled down at her, and although she was smiling in return, she did not seem the least bit fazed nor concerned about her action. 

"Thank you." He said, indicating both the peck on the cheek and the liquorice wand. He put his arm around Luna and squeezed her. 

"Life is always better with friends by your side." She replied simply. This was most certainly true; friends did make life better. He hadn't lost George as a friend, but he still felt as though he had lost some part of himself. A missing part which was refilled with Luna's company. 

Barely thinking about what he was doing, he cupped Luna's face in his free hand and kissed her firmly on the lips. Their eyes were wide open in alarm, neither of them expecting this to happen. Fred let go of Luna and his face burned with embarrassment. 

"I'm so sorry, I have no idea where that came from!" He spoke hurriedly. 

Luna shrugged. "That was nice." She didn't seem as embarrassed as he. She turned her face up to his and her hand glided softly like silk into his. "Everybody needs someone." She smiled, and he smiled back. 

Maybe his actions weren't a mistake after all.