When they left, Hermione got her wish, and they headed toward the bookshop. Harry found that he didn't mind the stop as much as he had in the past, given his new taste for reading. He didn't even really need any more books. He still had several books of his own collection he had yet to touch, and the library at Hogwarts held a wealth of knowledge in it. But he wasn't averse to browsing the shelves to see if anything caught his eye. And indeed, a couple books did manage to tickle his fancy: one on wards that he had never seen before, another on battle field healing, and yet another on Legilimency. Harry hadn't really considered studying that art in the past, but he figured it couldn't hurt to at least read about the basics. It might even help him better understand Occlumency by understanding how Legilimency works.
Harry almost pulled out his trunk and stuffed his purchases inside it without thinking. He wasn't sure why he was keeping that particular secret, but he just didn't want to let his friends know about that acquisition, so he settled for carrying everything in bags like everyone else. When they eventually managed to drag Hermione out, their next stop was Zonko's so that Ron could stockpile on dung bombs. Harry didn't understand his friend's fascination with the smelly balls, but every time they went to Hogsmeade, Ron would buy some.
Nobody had anywhere else they needed to go, so the group headed to the Three Broomsticks to get a butterbeer and some lunch. The four friends grabbed a table in the middle of the pub and placed their orders with Madame Rosmerta, who continued to be extra friendly with Harry, much to his amusement. The looks on his friends' faces as the two flirted was priceless.
Their food had just been served when the doors to the pub burst open, revealing a beaming Ginny highlighted by the sunlight filtering in behind her. She glanced around the room, locked her eyes on their table, and bounded her way over to them. She pulled up a chair between Harry and Neville. "Hey guys," she hailed as she reached over to snag some crisps from Harry's as yet untouched plate of food.
"Hey." "Hi Ginny." "Hi." Three voices greeted in return all at once.
"Hey Gin," Harry added. "How's it going?"
She turned and beamed at him. "Great, Harry. How about you?"
"I'm doing pretty well, myself," he replied cheerfully, watching as Ginny grabbed another handful of crisps from his plate. "Little hungry there?"
"A bit," she admitted unrepentantly in between bites.
"Well I'm glad I could be of some help," Harry retorted, arching an eyebrow and grinning at her.
"Good," she returned. "I'm glad you don't mind." She reached over and grabbed some more.
"You shouldn't just snack on crisps," Harry informed her. "You'll want to eat something a little more substantial." Harry glanced over Ginny's shoulder to Madame Rosmerta, whom he noticed had been watching their exchange. He signaled to her to bring him another plate as he slid his own in front of Ginny, knowing that she probably did not have enough money left to buy herself a full meal.
Ginny continued to glow as she gave Harry a smile in thanks. She then began to eat in earnest. Harry took that moment to glance around the table and realized that they were the center of attention. His friends all looked amused. Not a full minute later, Rosmerta was leaning over Harry, one hand on his shoulder, the other placing a fresh plate before him. "There you are, Harry," she said smilingly, giving his shoulder a slight squeeze.
"Thanks Rosie," Harry returned with a lopsided smile. She gave him a wink before turning and tending to another table full of patrons.
"Rosie?" Hermione repeated incredulously. Ron held a pained and almost wistful expression, his eyes remaining on Rosmerta's backside. Neville just looked like he was enjoying a show. Ginny remained eating, showing only a casual interest in what was going on around her.
"What?" Harry asked, as he began eating from his new plate.
"What's with you?" Hermione continued. "If I didn't know better, I'd swear you were just flirting with her."
"And so what if I was?" Harry returned.
"She's old enough to be your mother," she retorted indignantly, waving her hands in front of her face. "She's even older than your mother would be…" she trailed off as she realized what she was saying and clapped a hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry," she hastily apologized. "I shouldn't have said that."
"Probably not," Neville agreed with her.
Harry just shrugged at her. "I'm just having fun," Harry explained himself half heartedly, ignoring the comment about his mother. "It's not like either of us is taking it seriously."
"But you don't flirt," Hermione commented, mostly to herself.
"That's not true," Ginny inserted. She turned and winked at Harry, who laughed at the gesture.
....
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