Always

10

"Well, Ms. Granger, it seems that you may leave," Madame Pomfrey said, checking over her notes one last time. Hermione and Ron stood before her. Ron held Hermione's hand for support. "But if you feel anything coming on, come back here immediately. I've sent notice to all of your teachers and Dumbledore, of course. I suggest you tell your closest friends or the people you are with most of the time about some warnings that an attack might be coming on. Alright, I think you are free to go. Have a lovely rest of they day." Madame Pomfrey said, checking over her notes one last time.

"Thank you, Madame Pomfrey," Hermione said. "C'mon Ron, let's go cheer on Harry." The corridors were extremely busy. A lot of people knew Hermione had been in the hospital wing, but no one exactly knew why. Most people just assumed that she had a bit of the flu that was going around. Some people nodded her way. An occasional how are you feeling? was tossed at her. Ron led her through the halls of Hogwarts and out to the quidditch pitch. They were immediately hit by a cold gust of wind. Hermione shivered. She was wearing nothing put jeans and a sweater.

"Oh here!" Ron said, giving Hermione his sweatshirt, noticing that she was cold. Hermione smiled at him.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Oh yeah, no problem. I don't get cold very easily, actually," Ron said.

"No, I mean thank you for staying with me. It means a lot to me. I was wrong about you. You don't have the emotional range of a teaspoon," Hermione said, leaning up to give him a kiss on the cheek. 

"Yeah. My emotions range a few tablespoons," Ron blushed. They climbed the stairs to the Gryffindor stands to watch Harry. Ron held Hermione close to him. She rested her head on his shoulders. Harry was flying by when he saw them.

"Hermione!" Harry exclaimed, looking over his shoulder at them. The problem was, he was still flying and he wasn't looking where he was going. Hermione jumped up.

"Harry! Watch-" Harry crashed into the Ravenclaw stands. "out," Hermione sighed and sat back down.

"I'm okay!" Harry yelled across the field, giving a thumbs up. His glasses were broken again, but that could be easily fixed. Oliver blew his whistle and the team flew to the ground. Ron and Hermione couldn't hear what he was saying, but he was talking to Harry.

"Potter, it looks like you are a bit distracted today with Hermione and all, and it is clear it has become a hazard to your health," Oliver started. The team laughed. "So, why don't you take the rest of today off."

"Really? You mean it?" Harry asked, dumbfounded. Oliver nodded. Harry ran off the field and up to the stands where Hermione and Ron were waiting. "Oliver let me skip today. Apparently ramming into the Ravenclaw stands is hazardous to my health." The three of them laughed and headed back to the common room. "The sweatshirt looks better on you that it did on Ron by the way, Hermione," Harry said casually. Hermione and Ron both blushed.

"So listen, guys," Ron said once they were inside. "My mum wanted to know that since they ball was moved until after break if you guys wanted to all come over for Christmas Eve and then on Christmas?"

"I don't know," Harry said. "My parents really like it when I come home from school. Oh wait," Harry laughed. "I'll be there Ron."

"What about you, Hermione?" Ron asked.

"I wish I could, but I can't. I was going to tell you, but then the attack and everything happened. I'm going home over break. My mum and dad wanted me to come home. They wanted to spend some time with me. Just in case, you know... They are also worried about me, too. I might be able to drop by on Christmas Day, though." Hermione explained.