Hermione was sitting at the front desk of the Hogwarts Library discharging books students had brought back. Since her implementation of fines on overdue books, the students became a lot more responsible about getting their materials back on time. It wasn't like the fine money went to her salary. She used it to buy new books and she even hired a part time 7th year to help with the shelving and cleaning.

Well, at least most of the students returned their books on time. There were, of course, a few slackers still around.

Surprisingly, the only books today that were returned late and had a fine were books from Severus Snape. Hermione had mixed feelings on the subject. On one hand, she was terrified to have to tell him he owed her a sickle. But, on the other, she had made it clear in the faculty meeting at the beginning of term that this applied to everyone, not just students. She even charged members of the wizarding community who traveled to Hogwarts to check books out of the extensive library when they returned them late. So, therefore, he was not exempt, no matter how scared she might be.

She didn't have too long to wait to test her nerves. When she was almost through the stack, a shadow loomed over her. She looked up and wasn't terrible surprised to find Severus Snape standing there. All students were in class right now, but he must have had a free period while Ginny taught younger students.

"Miss Granger, if I could check out these books, please," Professor Snape stated politely.

She pulled up his file so it at least didn't appear that she knew off the top of her head that he owed her money. After faking looking at the magical screen, she turned to him and stated, "You had some overdue books, Professor. You do owe me a sickle before you can check these out."

And with that short statement, Severus Snape's face began to turn red. With a surprising amount of calm he replied, "I beg your pardon, Miss Granger?"

She pretended to check the file again. "You turned in 'Hogwarts, a History, 1800 edition' and the dissertation of Libatius Borage a week late."

"And your point," he sneered at her.

At this, Hermione began to lose a bit of her temper. "I made it quite clear at the faculty meeting at the beginning of the fall term that I would be imposing fines on late books to encourage materials to be returned on time. I further stated that it would apply to everyone."

And, he stormed out, but returned twenty minutes later. He harshly placed a sickle on the desk counter. In silence, she checked out the books to him, and he stalked off again without a word. Curious, she thought to herself.

It wasn't until later that night at dinner did she find out what those twenty minutes were all about.

She had just finished chatting amiably with Professor Sprout when Professor McGonagall spoke up, "Hermione, what did you do to Professor Snape this afternoon?"

Hermione looked up in surprise. "What do you mean, Minerva?"

"He marched into my office earlier this afternoon demanding that I do something about your overdue policy. He was quite irate over it, but I told him that it was well within your rights to do so. He proceeded to try to argue with me that it shouldn't apply to faculty as well, but I reminded him that you made it clear at the beginning of term. He then stormed off in a rage."

Hermione chuckled, "He came right back to the library. I assume he wanted the books more than he wanted to prove a point to me, because he slammed a sickle onto the counter and checked out new books without a word."

Minerva smiled, "You obviously had him in quite the tantrum. I found it rather . . . amusing . . ."

Hermione raised an eyebrow at Minerva finding it amusing, but laughed with her until they felt the icy glare of their subject piercing through them. They weren't sure if he knew what they were talking about or not, but shut up just in case.

Later that night, Hermione couldn't help but thinking about the dark Potions Master and blamed the dreams that followed on the days' events.

XOX

Harry Potter headed home after a long day at work. There was a false sighting of a stray death eater that caused a lot of panic for the public and paperwork for Harry. Honestly, Harry didn't think there really could be that many death eaters left. The majority of them were rounded up right after that final battle. There had been a few more trickle in during the last year, but surely they were close to being finished with this business.

But his mind hadn't been there all day. Harry had finally made up his mind to talk to Draco about something really important. They had been in their official civil partnership for a little over a year now, and Harry was ready for something more. He wanted to adopt.

He had always wanted to raise a son. Perhaps it was to make up for his own abysmal childhood with his aunt and uncle. Perhaps it was to have a new purpose in life. Either way, it was a new adventure that Harry wanted to share with Draco.

To soften the blow, Harry ran by a bakery on the way home and picked up Draco's favorite cake, red velvet with cream cheese icing.

He appeared in the living room with a 'pop' and immediately smelled the delicious aroma of Thai food coming from the kitchen. He followed his nose to find Draco Malfoy hovering over the stove putting the last touches on the curry he had made for dinner.

Harry would have never expected to end up here five years ago, but looking back, he wouldn't have had it any other way. He attempted to sneak up on Draco.

"Nice try, but I know you're there, Harry." Draco turned around, smirked at his boyfriend, and pecked him on the cheek. "Set the table."

Harry did as he was asked. "How was your day, Draco?"

"It was alright. Took care of some business at the office and came home early. Didn't really do much it seems. The business seems to run itself sometimes."

"Lucky you," Harry snorted.

"Hard day at work, love?"

"More like a long day." Harry walked over to the counter and put down the cake with as much nonchalance as he could muster. "I picked up some dessert on the way home. I'm going to change; I'll be right back." Harry rushed out of the kitchen a little too quickly to not be suspicious.

Draco opened the cake and immediately saw that it was his favorite. He raised an eyebrow. Was there some occasion he had forgotten about? Their anniversary was a few months ago as was Harry's birthday. His own birthday wasn't for a few more months. What else could it be?

It hit Draco when Harry came back into the kitchen with a nervous look on his face. Harry obviously had something important to talk to him about and was softening him up with his favorite cake. He quickly tried to dismiss the thought that Harry was going to leave him. Their relationship had been stronger than ever as far as Draco was concerned, but the little pessimistic voice in the back of his head annoyed him all through supper.

Draco began clearing the table after a mostly quiet supper with only the vaguest conversation between the two of them. He soon brought the cake in with a couple of plates and began slicing it while noticing that Harry was fidgeting even more than usual. He handed a slice of cake to Harry. "So, Harry, I couldn't help but notice that you brought my favorite cake. Thank you very much. . . . Any special reason?"

"I wanted to talk to you, Draco," Harry began.

". . . I assumed as much. What is this about?" Draco prompted.

"Well," Harry started. And then it all came out at once, really fast. "Iwannaadoptababywithyou."

Draco blinked and paused for one of the longest minutes of Harry's life. "What?"

Harry took in a deep breath. "Look, I've been thinking about this for awhile. I've always wanted a son. I guess, in some way I want to raise a son correctly to make up for the abysmal way my uncle treated me. I feel like if I raise a child with you, I won't have to worry about losing control with you around. I trust you and I want to adopt a baby with you."

Draco stared.

XOX

Ginny Weasley was not a patient person. Furthermore, she had a very short temper. She knew that both were faults of hers that she ought to work to fix, but sometimes the worse just came out in her. And it was in this particular instance that she regretted it. She had thought tonight was the night.

It had all been completely perfect. Blaise had told her yesterday to get fancied up tonight for a date. She had spent the better part of the afternoon picking out a dress and curling her hair. Even Hermione had come down to her rooms for awhile to help out. Ginny was giddy with anticipation. Even Hermione couldn't deny that it seemed like this was it.

The evening was beautiful. Blaise took her to an upscale restaurant in London, then dancing at their favorite club. When they were tired from dancing, they apparated to a park and just walked around for awhile. This is it, Ginny thought to herself.

But it wasn't. Blaise apparated home with her and kissed her before popping out again. Ginny stood on the outskirts of Hogwarts completely flabbergasted. What had gone wrong? This was supposed to be it! She wasn't about to let this go, so less than a minute later she was outside Blaise's apartment.

She knocked briskly and he answered a minute later. "Ginny . . . what are you doing here?" he stammered, obviously nervous.

"What the hell, Blaise? Why have you not proposed to me yet? Haven't we talked about getting married for forever now? Did I do something wrong do you not want to marry me anymore?" Ginny was now yelling and crying.

Blaise didn't do well with crying women. It was one reason he and Ginny got along so well; Ginny didn't cry too often. "Honey, that's not it at all . . . I just . . . I didn't know . . ."

"Stop with your blabber. It's obvious you don't want to marry me anymore. I'll just go." And she popped away leaving Blaise standing there utterly confused.