Rune stone path

Wrackspurts

"I feel like this would be more pleasant if it wasn't freezing," Harry mumbled through the scarf wrapped around his neck. He and Hermione were walking through Hogsmeade heading towards the Three Broomsticks. He was thanking his lucky stars that she hadn't wanted to go to Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. The older boys in the dorm had told horror stories about that building. It sounded worse than facing Voldemort.

"Well it is February, Harry," Hermione chuckled beside him. At least he thought she chuckled. Her scarf was also muffling sounds. "And this is fine. We can't exactly have a picnic with the temperature, the snow and the Dementors. There is no need to make this date awkward after all. Dementors really aren't conducive to a nice date atmosphere."

Harry laughed. Trust Hermione to make a joke about the evil soul sucking abominations. He held the door to the pub open for her and stepped in after stomping off the snow before they headed to a table.

"I'm really glad that Neville was okay with us…you know…dating…" Harry said.

"Harry," Hermione smiled and shook her head, "Neville told me earlier he had thought we were already dating and just hadn't realized it yet. It was rather entertaining though when he started to go with Daphne and Tracey and they also said they were going on a date."

"Yeah, especially when he got that scary smile and said it looked like it was time to ask Susan," Harry paused and ran a hand through his hair. "You know I thought Hannah liked him actually…"

Hermione peered around the area, nodded at the lack of people close by and leaned in. "I actually asked them already. They both apparently like him and they want to try to convince him to switch off between the both of them by the end of next year."

Harry's jaw dropped. "What?" He was incredibly thankful they hadn't gotten butterbeers yet.

"That was my first reaction as well." Hermione shrugged. "I looked it up afterward though. Apparently – while not often used – there is precedent for Heirs to take consorts if the women involved are the last of their line. I think it's rather horribly outdated – even if I can understand wanting to preserve the family name of old houses. I admit these sorts of things are beginning to frustrate me far less than they would have initially. I'm not certain whether it's a good thing or not that I'm starting to become immune to the fact that the wizarding world appears stuck in the Middle Ages in several areas."

"Didn't Tori mention something like that to us over the holidays?"

"I really don't remember. I was a bit preoccupied with her trying to set us up with her sister honestly," Hermione snorted. "As long as everyone involved finds it acceptable I suppose it's not really my place to dictate their lives. After all if it makes them happy, they might as well go for it."

"You think Nev would go along with it?" Harry asked.

Hermione just reached over and patted his hand. "It's cute that you think the boys have a choice in these matters, Harry."

"Err…" Harry was saved from replying by Madam Rosemerta dropping off two butterbeers. Snuffles bounded up behind her and promptly licked Harry's hand before sitting down beside the boy and presenting his ear. "Nice to see you too, Snuffles." Harry shook his head giving a rueful grin to the dog as he scratched the giant's ears. When the matron had moved on Harry turned back to his girlfriend. "So, um, I'm uh…what do we…err…"

Hermione raised her eyebrows at him and let him stumble along for a minute before bursting out laughing. "Harry, it's a date. You don't need to fumble for what to do or say." Snuffles perked up and peered between Hermione and Harry. He gave a delighted sounding woof and promptly moved over to lick her hand and sit beside her. "Apparently we have Snuffles' approval. Seriously, Harry, just act normally. We promised to be friends first, remember?"