The first Hogsmeade weekend ended just like that.
On the way back, Neville and Su Er walked together again, trailing behind Hannah and Hermione. The scene seemed familiar.
The difference was that the two of them were also carrying several gift bags filled with all sorts of sweets bought in Hogsmeade.
Oh, and there was Ron, who had finally come to join them after disappearing for an entire day.
"What did you do? Hermione looks like she's in a terrible mood," Neville asked quietly.
"You noticed?" Su Er was a little surprised by Neville's sensitivity to emotions. On the surface, Hermione had been chatting and laughing with Hannah all along. "It's all right. Girls at this age tend to be a little sentimental."
"But I didn't expect you to actually manage to ask Hannah out to Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. Impressive." Su Er gave Neville a thumbs-up.
"I didn't expect Hannah to agree either." Neville scratched his head with a smile. "I just tried asking her if she wanted to come in for something to drink and warm up."
"Your gran would be proud if she knew." Su Er nodded and patted Neville's arm. "Once there's a first time, there'll be a second."
"What first time? What second time? What are you talking about?" Ron came over, holding a bag of sweets. "Want to try some new milk fudge? It's a new product from Honeydukes. I bought a big bag to take back for Harry."
"No thanks, Ron. I've already been to Honeydukes." Su Er glanced at the thoroughly confused Ron. "Need me to carry some of that for you?"
"That'd be great. George and Fred dumped their things on me too, then disappeared off somewhere." Muttering, Ron handed several bags to Su Er.
"You're welcome. Is Scabbers still there?"