"You're just saying that to be nice."
"Suit yourself, firecracker," Harry replied with a shrug.
"If you're so knowledgeable, then why haven't I bled yet?" Astoria asked crossly.
"It never happens at the same time for every girl," Harry told her. "Some girls bleed at ten, others at fourteen, most of them somewhere in between. Besides, why are you in such a hurry to experience bloating, cramps, and a sour mood for a few days every month?"
Astoria looked at him with an odd expression.
"Granger?" she asked, and Harry snorted.
"Nah, your sister. Sometimes she gets cramps that last all day. A pain potion helps a little, but it's almost like she's oversensitive to contact and doesn't like for me to touch her. She's even snapped at me to leave her be once or twice. That's why on those days I usually bring her a small gift and stay nearby without pressuring her to do anything in particular. A flower is usually enough to raise her mood."
"You gave her a flower yesterday."
"And what does that tell you?" he asked her, and Astoria laughed. "My point is, don't be in too much of a hurry to grow up. In no time at all boys will be chasing you around, and I'll have to play the part of the intimidating older brother."
Astoria giggled.
"Thanks Harry," she said as she rose from the couch. "You make a fine big brother, even if it's a little creepy you know so much about girls."
"Hey, it never hurts to be prepared," Harry remarked, then noticed look of surprise on Astoria's face when she looked back at him.
"Daphne's behind us, isn't she?" he asked.
"Yup," Daphne replied from behind him, to the sound of giggles.
"And you're not alone."
"Nope."
"I see... Astoria, does Daphne have that look she gets when she's angry?"
"The one that says, 'I will cut you into little pieces if I catch you'?"
"I was thinking more along the lines of, 'I will make you regret you were ever born', but that works too."
"Then, no."
"No?" he asked, somewhat surprised.
"No, she's smiling," Astoria replied, and Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Look at me, you idiot."
Harry turned to see his girlfriend smiling down at him. Tracey, Millie, and Pansy were with her wearing smug expressions, while Theo, Blaise, Greg, and Vince were trying to fade into the background.
"Hi," he said, and Daphne reached down to cup his face and kiss him deeply.
"How is it he always gets away with everything?" Blaise asked no one in particular. In response, Daphne slid over the chair and into Harry's lap, all without breaking the kiss.
"Oi, that's enough, lovebirds," Pansy said. "Save your snogging for later, unless you want us to leave you behind."
"Go ahead," Daphne replied without looking back. "We'll meet you there."
Theo snorted and they left them in the chair.
"What is it?" he asked, and Daphne smiled at him and shook her head.
"Nothing. That was just very sweet advice you gave my sister, and I think you should be rewarded."
"In that case, I have more advice to share..." he said with a wink, making Daphne giggle.