Disclaimer: I do not own anything Harry Potter, that belongs to JK Rowling. I do own my own characters.


Chapter four

June came with Hermione graduating school and holding a party to celebrate her accomplishment. Zariah was a little hesitant at going since she had not seen or heard from Hermione since the party Audrey had thrown for Christmas. She had not seen Harry either since the Monday after that party, not that it mattered to her one way or the other. She knocked on the door to Hermione's flat and waited to be let in. Audrey answered the door and Zariah walked inside. "I just came by to drop off a little gift for Hermione."

Audrey frowned and took the gift from her while Zariah turned and left. The next day she decided to garden and was outside with her fingers in the dirt when a car pulled up in her driveway. She didn't recognize it, but did recognize the girl that got out of the driver's side. Hermione came walking up the path followed by Audrey. "Always doing dirty work aren't we Zariah. Mum would have a fit if she saw you gardening the Muggle way."

Zariah stood up brushing the dirt off her hands. "Your mum would have a fit over everything I do. So to what do I owe the pleasure of a visit for?"

Hermione said, "We wanted to start discussing some wedding stuff. Harry and Ron are on their way."

"Sure come in we can sit out on the deck since it's such a nice day."

Zariah picked up her tools and led the way inside. She wasn't really looking forward to Harry and Ron coming over. She answered the door when they arrived and led the way to the deck where Audrey and Hermione were set up at the table. She sat down on the other side of Audrey forcing Harry to sit across from her and next to Ron. Hermione started out the conversation with the date of the wedding. "Ron and I were thinking the fourteenth of May next year. Mum wants me to have the wedding at St. Mary's Parish since my aunt goes there for church. We are not sure about anything else and brought a bunch of brochures."

Audrey said, "Sounds wonderful are there any places near the church that can be used as a reception place?"

Hermione rifled through a few of the brochures and handed a little stack to Audrey. Zariah browsed them while Audrey was looking at them. Zariah grabbed one that Audrey had finished looking at and said, "I think this would be a great place to have the reception. The arches are beautiful and everything is so green in the pictures."

Zariah handed the brochure of Slaugham Place to Hermione so she could look at it. "I'm going to go get something to drink anyone want anything?"

Zariah stood up and went inside after waiting to hear what everyone wanted. She was pulling out some butterbeer when the door opened and Harry walked in. She ignored him while pulling out the cups and filling them. Zariah sighed and turned to glance at him. He looked slightly disheveled and there were slightly purple spots under his eyes. He looked tired to her, like he had been up all night for a week. "Can you take these out to everyone; I'll get some cauldron cakes."

He took the drinks on the tray from her without saying a word. She was arranging the cakes on another tray when he came back in. "Where's the bathroom?"

She pointed out of the kitchen and said, "Turn left at the doorway and it's all the way at the end of the hall."

Zariah watched him leave and made her way back to the others. Harry came back out a few minutes later and Hermione got up, gathering her stuff. "I think we made some good progress. We'll get together later for more after I make some phone calls."

Zariah nodded her head and walked everyone to the front door. She was making her way to the kitchen with Maeve when someone knocked at the door. Frowning she turned around to answer it, finding Harry standing on her doorstep. "Yes Mr. Potter can I help you?"

She folded her arms over her chest and waited for him to say something. He handed her a slightly aged photo that had been dog eared at one corner. "I found this in the Black house, figured you would want it."

She looked at the scrawled handwriting that was her name and the name of Sirius and flipped the picture over. She looked at the man that was holding a squirming infant in his arms. He looked rather uncomfortable holding her. Zariah nodded her head and looked back at Harry. "Thank you, I didn't really know him. Bellatrix didn't really discuss Sirius at all, except to say he was a Muggle lover and disowned by the family."

Zariah put the picture on the table by the door and said, "Well thank you for that Mr. Potter, anything else?"

"Do you remember the Animagus spell?"

Zariah frowned at the randomness in his question. "Sure, we learned about it in third year why?"

"Can I come in?"

Zariah nodded her head and followed him into the living room. He stood in front of the fireplace and she sat on the couch waiting for him to elaborate on his question about the Animagus spell. He looked torn about something like he wanted to just walk out of the room. He ran his fingers through his hair, making it stick up in more places. "Can you teach me?"

Zariah's eyes widened at his question. "What makes you think I can actually cast the spell and have it work?"

He gave her the quit playing with me look and she sighed. "Why do you...never mind better if I don't know. It's not an easy thing to learn, but I guess the boy that could cast a full corporeal Patronus by the age of thirteen should be able to grasp the concept and be able to change right? But I am not going to change into anything for you."

"Why?"

"You have the audacity to ask me why, what with you being in the Auror department training to become an Auror. Stupidity does not become you Mr. Potter."

She watched as his green eyes brightened a little as an idea came to him. "You're an unregistered Animagus?"

Zariah rolled her eyes at him and said, "So now what, are you going to write me up and take me to Azkaban?"

Harry shook his head and sat down in the chair at the end of the coffee table. "Are you going to register Potter?"

He looked at her thoughtfully before answering. "No I am not going to register."

Zariah nodded her head and said, "I guess I can try to teach you. I am not making any promises."

"Can I see what you turn into?"

Zariah shrugged and said, "Maybe at some point. I suppose I should get my books on the subject so we can go over them."

Zariah got up and walked out of the room followed by Ash. She went upstairs to the room she had designated as the library and pulled two books from the shelf. She made her way back down to the living room and handed them to Harry. "You can borrow them for a while if you want."

Harry nodded his head and stood up to take them from her. "When did you want to start practicing?"

"Weekends would probably be better what with the shop taking over most of my time during the week. I can have Tomas run the shop on the weekends if need be."

Harry nodded his head and said, "I'll be in touch then."

Zariah walked him to the door and muttered under her breath as she was walking away from the door, "I won't hold my breath for you to contact me."

She did not see or hear from Harry till two days before Hermione's birthday. She had avoided his birthday in July by feigning she was sick. Hermione and she had kept in touch by owl and regular post about the wedding in May. They were supposed to go dress shopping for Hermione and the other girls this Saturday. So when he showed up on her doorstep Friday, she thought something might have been wrong with Hermione. Zariah was at the shop closing up and discussing the few things that needed to be done with Tomas when he showed up. Zariah sighed when she noticed him and thanked Tomas for the help. She noticed that Harry was giving Tomas an appraising look as the other boy left. "Can I help you Potter?"

She tucked the few black curls that had escaped her bun behind her ear as she looked at him with icy blue eyes.

"I started to practice, but training got in the way so I stopped that. I was going to get a hold of you but was busy."

Zariah just nodded her head and watched him. "Are you available this weekend?"

"No Harry I have to go dress shopping with Hermione this weekend and then Sunday is her birthday party."

"I completely forgot about that. She had mentioned shopping for something, but I was talking with Ron and she was chatting with Ginny. Can we try now?"

Zariah sighed and looked at the clock above the door. "I suppose I can close an hour early. Let me get my things from the office and the cats loaded up."

She made her way into the office and packed up the few things she needed to finish some invoices. She gathered the cat carriers and brought everything down to the front of the shop. Maeve and Ash were waiting for her and climbed into their carriers. She handed one of them to Harry and grabbed her bag before stepping outside to lock the door. They walked in silence to her house, letting the cats out as soon as she shut the door. She took off her coat and hung it in the closet while removing her shoes. "Make yourself at home. Did you want anything to drink?"

"No thanks."

"I'll meet you in the room off the kitchen then."

She walked into the kitchen to grab something to drink for herself and entered the room, finding Harry seated on the couch. She sat down on the armchair at the other end of the table by the couch. She had her wand resting on her lap as she put her cup on the table. Picking it up she said, "Alright Harry what have you learned so far?"

"That on first try it did not work out so well, actually it didn't work at all. I've skimmed the books and have an understanding of how it is supposed to work, but it's just not working."

"Alright let's try it."

She watched as he stood up and pulled out his wand and tried to perform the spell. He shrugged as nothing happened. "Maybe you're not meant to be an Animagus."

"How long did it take you to learn the spell?"

"I learned it in two days by necessity Potter, to escape my mother when she escaped Azkaban. If it didn't work for me I would have had to find a different way to escape her."

"They made you a Death Eater didn't they?"

"Of course Potter were you expecting any different from the daughter of Rodolphus and Bellatrix Lestrange. I served him till they attacked Hogwarts just like Draco and his family. Any other questions about my sordid family you'd like to know?"

She watched him blush and duck his head. "Where were you when the fighting happened?"

"When Potter, be more specific. Before you and the Dark Lord began dueling I was on my way to kill Bellatrix and after you started I was running from Rodolphus."

"Where is your father, they never found him?"

"Like I told your head of department I have no idea where he is I have no desire to contact him and I hope he died in a hole somewhere. Let's see anything else I left out? I am no longer a Death Eater and I don't have any contact with any known current Death Eaters. The Malfoy's are reformed and have no desire to restart any activities. I don't avidly practice dark magic but will if threatened or if I find a need."

"Thank you and I am sorry. When did you get a new handle on your wand?"

"When the bottom half broke and was never found I went to Mr. Olivander and he replaced it with Ebony. I think it adds a beautiful effect with the Alder."

Harry nodded his head and Zariah said, "I see you have had yours repaired."

"Yeah I did. Is yours the same core?"

Zariah frowned as she answered. "Yes it is Potter."

"Dragon heart string and phoenix feather, right?"

"I am surprised you remember. Why are we talking about mundane stuff?"

Harry shrugged and Zariah got up to refresh her tea. She noticed that he followed her into the kitchen. She moved past him to get to the cupboard where the tea was and he grabbed her arm. She turned to face him. He reached out and tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. She was glad she was not holding anything since she was sure she would have dropped it. Zariah looked up at him with what she was sure was a puzzled look. He leaned towards her and kissed her. He moved away from her and said, "I should go, see you at Hermione's birthday then."

Zariah just nodded her head and watched him walk away. It took her a moment to realize he was gone and to snap out of the daze she was in. Cursing him under her breath she made her way into the living room to watch some television before heading to bed.

The next morning Zariah pulled a simple long sleeve blue dress out of the closet and put it on in the hopes of making trying on dresses much easier. She was waiting on the porch by ten when Hermione drove up. She got into the back seat and vaguely listened to Ginny and Hermione talk. They stopped to pick up Luna then made their way back to London to shop for dresses. Zariah was very quiet through the whole ordeal she did not really say much unless spoken to. Ginny kept giving her dirty looks and haughty stares. Hermione had them try on at least thirty dresses and visit five shops before they headed to the next one after a quick lunch.

They entered the next dress shop and Zariah sat on one of the couches while Hermione went dress hunting. She came back with five more dresses for each girl to try on. Zariah made her way to the dressing room and hoped that a dress was in here that Hermione absolutely loved. After turning down the first four Hermione finally decided on the fifth dress that Zariah was wearing. It was a full length dark purple chiffon dress with a v-neck and empire waist with a satin bodice and rhinestone buttons down the back. Zariah sat down on the couch next to Hermione after changing clothes while she waited on Luna and Ginny. Hermione frowned at each of the next dresses the two girls came out with and said, "I feel like I am never going to find a dress. Zariah you pick something."

"Sure Hermione."

Zariah got up and hesitantly browsed through the dress racks. She found a pretty purplish red full length chiffon one shoulder dress that had a small flower at the shoulder. Taking it and one other dress to Hermione she sat and waited to see if her ideas would be shot down. Hermione watched as both girls came out wearing one of the dresses and liked the one shoulder purplish red dress that Luna had on best. Ginny looked a little miffed at the dress selection but both girls went to change. Each girl purchased the dress that Hermione wanted and they made their way back to the car. "I figure each girl can do the alterations themselves if need be right?"

"Of course Hermione, when are we shopping for your dress?" said, Zariah.

"I was thinking maybe this following weekend if no one has plans."

Zariah watched as each girl nodded their heads. As Hermione put the car into drive she said, "Well it's after four I suppose we should get everyone back home."

By the time Zariah was dropped off at her house it was after six. She made her way into the bedroom to deposit the dress before making her way downstairs to make herself some dinner. She put a small casserole in the oven to heat up and decided to watch some television to kill the time. Maeve meowed at her and looked towards the front door. Zariah frowned when her doorbell rang. She went to answer it and found Harry standing on her doorstep. "I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by."

Zariah held the door open for him so he could walk in. Locking the door she turned around and noticed he was walking into the room off the kitchen, where she had been a minute ago. The timer on the oven dinged and she sighed as she walked to the kitchen. She took the food out of the oven and set it on the stove. Being polite she asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

"No I haven't."

She took down two plates and spooned out the food. Grabbing two forks she made her way into the room handing Harry a plate as she passed him on the couch. "How was dress shopping?"

"About as much fun as being tortured. So to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

Harry shrugged and pretended to be engrossed by the movie that was showing. "Ron had mentioned that Hermione was going to be over after she dropped you guys off and I figured I didn't really want to be there."

"So you came here, you'll have to excuse the same question but why come here?"

"Figured you'd be home and we can talk right?"

"Sure Potter."

Zariah took her empty plate back to the kitchen and was putting the food away when he came in. She started to fill up the sink with some water to do the few dishes. "Help yourself to anything in the fridge."

He stood on the other side of the sink and watched as she washed dishes. Zariah handed him the wet dishes to dry and showed him where to put them. After they finished she made her way back to the couch. Harry seated himself next to her. She pushed a few strands of curls behind her ear and turned to face him slightly. "So Potter what did you want to talk about?"

"I…well."

He reached over and put his hand against her cheek before leaning towards her. He kissed the corner of her mouth before tilting her head a little bit and kissing her on the lips. He pulled away from her and they sat there looking at each other. She was sure her cheeks were just as pink as his. He stood up suddenly and said, "I have to go."

Zariah watched him leave with a frown on her face. She went to lock the door then made her way to bed, muttering about guys that seemed to like snogging and leaving. The next morning she woke and wrapped the few little gifts she had for Hermione's birthday. At about four in the afternoon she made her way over to Harry and Ron's flat for the party they were having there. Ron let her in and showed her to the living room, where she deposited the gifts on the table and sat in the corner of the room by the window. Ginny and Luna were on one of the couches chatting in whispers. She spotted Harry and Ron in the kitchen. Hermione came from the hallway with Audrey in tow. Audrey waved at her while taking a seat next to Luna. Hermione sat on the other empty loveseat in the room. Harry and Ron came out with plates of food and set them on the table. Zariah was contemplating leaving when Ginny came sauntering over while everyone was getting food. "I don't know what you're playing at but leave Harry alone. He deserves so much better than you."

Zariah narrowed her eyes and was about to respond when Ginny abruptly left to get food. Hermione came over to sit next to Zariah. "What did she say to you?"

"Nothing I and the little twit can't work out. I should go; I'm causing you enough trouble by being here. Have a great birthday Hermione."

Zariah left before Hermione could respond. She made her way to the book shop to do some last minute prep for the inventory when someone knocked at the door. She glanced at the clock and figured it had to be at least two hours since she had left Hermione's party. She parted the curtain at the door and found Harry standing there. She opened the door to let him in. "I brought you some cake."

She nodded her head and frowned as her stomach chose that moment to growl in protest of not eating. "Have you eaten dinner?"

She shook her head and grabbed the list off the counter. "We can go to dinner if you want."

She shook her head again which prompted a sigh from him. Her eyes widened when he grabbed the list from her hand and set it on the counter. He grabbed her hand, locked the door, and apparated them to a restaurant that overlooked the ocean. She leaned against him for a minute before turning to face him. "Are you out of your mind, do you realize you could have killed me?"

He just shrugged his shoulders and led her inside. She was aware of being sorely under dressed for a fancy restaurant. Harry leaned in closer to her as they were led to a table by the window. "Stop looking like you shouldn't be here, people are starring."

"Did you ever think that they might be starring because we are not exactly dressed for a place like this?"

They each took their seats and Zariah glanced over the menu. "Are you sure we can pay?"

He nodded his head and browsed the menu. "Order whatever you want."

They ordered when the waiter came back. Zariah was gazing out the window watching the waves crash on the beach when he took her hand and placed a small box in it. She frowned at him and slowly opened it, revealing a necklace with a sapphire in the middle of a ring of small diamonds. Handing it back to him she shook her head and said, "It's lovely but I can't accept this Harry."

He took the box and removed the necklace before standing up and walking around the table to stand behind her chair. He put the necklace around her neck, leaned down and kissed her cheek before whispering, "Thank you for calling me Harry."

Zariah was flustered by the time the food arrived. They ate in silence for the rest of the meal. When the check came, Zariah tried to pay for her half but he would not let her. They left the restaurant and wandered around the area before finding a secluded spot to apparate. He left her standing near the counter in the book shop. She sighed and made her way home. The rest of the week followed much the same. Harry would stop by on her way home, take her to dinner and then kiss her goodnight. She was sure she was making it all up as Saturday came and she showered and dressed for a day of dress shopping with Hermione.

Zariah arrived at Hermione's place and they went to meet up with the other two girls at the first dress shop. "I haven't heard from you in a while, are things going okay?"

"Things are fine Hermione, I've just been busy that's all."

"New jewelry I see, so who's the new guy?"

Zariah fingered the sapphire around her neck as she contemplated telling Hermione who it was. "I think I can guess with a few clues from Ron, I have decided that you and Harry must be seeing each other."

"How do you figure?"

"Ron says that Harry has been going out every night and coming home late. They are not on a case or doing any training so it has to be a girl. I know you don't wear much in the way of jewelry and by the way you are still wearing the other necklace from Harry with this one I think it must be the same person."

"Hermione…I can…never mind it's complicated."

Hermione smiled at her and said, "So Audrey is planning a birthday party for you."

Zariah groaned as they got out of the car at the first shop. "I suppose I can be tortured by a party. Let's find you a dress."

They entered the shop to find Ginny and Luna browsing the racks. Ginny turned when they entered and handed a small stack of dresses to Hermione to try on. "Here I picked some for you to try on."

Hermione took the dresses and made her way to the dressing room with a sales lady. Luna and Ginny sat down on the couch to wait for Hermione while Zariah wandered the racks browsing.

"I have great news Hermione. Fleur is pregnant; I think she said her due date is around your wedding though."

Hermione peaked her head out of the curtain she was changing behind and frowned. "I hope her and Bill will be able to make it."

Ginny shrugged and Hermione ducked back inside, coming out a few minutes later in a high necked dress with lace sleeves and ruffles down the skirt. Zariah had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing. Ginny looked pleased with her first dress selection. Luna piped up as Hermione stood there looking at herself. "I don't think this is it Hermione, let's try another one."

Hermione went back into the dressing room and came back out a few minutes later in a different dress. This one was plain with slight gathering in the skirt and a boat neckline with long sleeves. Ginny had a smile on her face and said, "Hermione this one is it, just think of how you can accessorize it."

"I don't know Ginny the sleeves are kind of tight and it's just too plain."

Ginny huffed a bit and folded her arms across her chest. "I thought it suited you, it was really pretty."

Hermione ducked her head and went back to the dressing room. Ginny turned to Luna and began to furiously whisper to her. Hermione came back out dressed in her regular clothes and walked through the racks pulling out a few dresses. After a few minutes Hermione was back out in a dress of her choosing. As she was turning to look at herself in the mirror Ginny said, "I think the neckline of the dress is too low. We don't want Ron drooling and incoherent at the wedding. It's a wedding not a dance where you're going to pick up men Hermione."

Hermione sighed and ducked her head and retreated to the dressing room. Zariah was about to say something to Ginny when Hermione came out in her regular clothes. Silently the four girls trooped to the car where Hermione and Ginny had a slightly heated whispered discussion. Zariah got into Hermione's car and waited while Hermione got in a few minutes later. "So where are we all going now?"

"Ginny and Luna are going home. I am determined to find a decent dress I like."

Zariah nodded her head and said, "You shouldn't let her push you around like that. It's your wedding not hers."

"She's my friend, not to mention Ron's little sister."

"So what she wasn't being that supportive of what you wanted."

Hermione pulled up to the next dress shop and they got out of the car. Zariah followed Hermione inside and sat on the couch while Hermione and the sales lady browsed the racks. Hermione came out in her first dress that made her look way too short due to the full skirt. "I don't think so, I want to look tall not short and dumpy."

Hermione laughed a little and went back into the dressing room. It took Hermione an hour in the dressing room before she would come back out. "Zariah close your eyes I want it to be a surprise. I think this one is it."

Zariah closed her eyes and waited as she heard Hermione walk over to the pedestal. "Okay you can look now."

Zariah noticed how Hermione kept looking at herself in the mirror and had a smile on her face before looking at the dress. It was an A-line strapless lace dress that had a crumb-catcher neckline and a corseted back. "I think it is the one Hermione. It was made for you."

Hermione ducked her head and smiled more while admiring herself. Zariah went to the accessory side of the store and found a beautiful black and dark purple net fascinator with black and purple feathers at one side with a rhinestone in the center of the feathers. She brought it to Hermione and placed it in her hair. "I think that completes the look, but I'm unsure of the colors."

"Your colors are purples and greens. I think that ties into the color scheme."

Zariah leaned in closer to whisper in Hermione's ear, "Besides you can always change the colors, I mean you are a witch right."

Hermione nodded her head before going to change. They left the store after paying for the dress and veil. "Ginny's going to be upset that you went shopping without her."

Hermione shrugged and they got into the car. "Shall we see what the boys are up to?"

Zariah just nodded her head knowing Hermione would just drive over there anyway. They dropped her dress off at her place before continuing to Harry and Ron's flat. Ron answered the door when Hermione knocked. "Have you and Harry eaten yet?"

Ron shook his head as he let them in. "Perfect, Zariah be a dear and entertain Harry while Ron and I get some food."

Before Zariah could protest Hermione was pushing Ron out the door. She decided to sit on the couch rather than snoop around the place for Harry. She was standing at the window when someone cleared their throat behind her. She turned around and found Harry in nothing but a pair of pants drying his hair. "I thought I heard talking, where are Ron and Hermione?"

"They...um...went to get food."

"That was probably a good idea since I haven't convinced Ron to go shopping yet."

He left her standing there and disappeared down the hallway. "Did you guys find Hermione a dress?"

She followed him a little ways down the hall so she wouldn't have to yell at him. "Yes we did."

She stood in his doorway watching him rummage for a shirt in the dresser. "It's fine if you come in."

She shook her head and waited for him to finish. He put on a shirt while walking towards her. She backed up a bit as he took her hand pulling her towards him. He kissed her lightly on the lips before leading her back into the living room area. He had her sit down on the couch while he went into the kitchen. "Did you want something to drink?"

"Sure whatever is fine."

The front door opened and Hermione trekked in carrying a few sacks. Ron followed behind her closing the door. "We bought stuff for sandwiches."

Zariah helped Hermione unload everything and get out the plates and utensils. "Make your sandwiches."

Zariah took the soda from Harry and made her way back to the living room to wait for the crowd to die down. When it was just Hermione left in the kitchen she got up and made her sandwich and helped put things away. She sat down next to Harry and watched as Hermione sat next to Ron. "So Ron and I visited the site of the reception and it is absolutely perfect. We decided on orchids for the flowers. The church has our date scheduled. They want us to get together and do a rehearsal of the ceremony so we are familiar with what is going on. There is so much that still needs done however."

Ron had taken Hermione's hand to try to calm her down. "It'll get done 'Mione."

Zariah finished her food and made her way into the kitchen to put her plate in the sink. "Well thank you for lunch I should be going."

She apparated to her house, startling Ash in the process.

Zariah managed to avoid anyone for the next couple of months till her birthday arrived. She was sitting at home reading a book when the doorbell rang. She opened it and found Hermione standing there. "Hermione what a nice surprise can I help you with anything?"

"Oh cut the surprise act Zariah, you knew I was going to be here. Audrey is having that party for you and she wanted me to make sure that you arrived."

Zariah sighed and let Hermione in. "What does the queen wish her royal subject to wear?"

"I believe she said a nice flattering dress."

She trekked upstairs to her bedroom followed by Hermione and they spent the next half hour going through her closet. Hermione pulled out a long black halter style dress and handed it to her. Zariah went into her bathroom to change clothes and apply a little makeup. Coming back out she found Hermione holding Ash. "Shall we go then?"

Hermione nodded her head and Zariah grabbed her bag and cloak before they headed out. They arrived at Audrey's parents' house and were let inside by the house elf. Audrey found them a couple seconds later and hugged Zariah. "Lovely dress Zariah thank you for deciding to come."

She was tugged into the hideous parlor where Draco, Harry, and Ron were all seated. Zariah was promptly seated next to Harry which earned her raised eyebrows from her cousin. "So this is it we'll have dinner in a few minutes, then open gifts, and then watch a movie."

Audrey smiled and took a seat next to Draco. "So Hermione how is the wedding planning going?"

"Great, we have decided on the invitations and what will be served at dinner."

The house elf chose that moment to announce that dinner was ready. They trekked into the informal dining room and were seated. Zariah zoned out through much of dinner vaguely listening to Hermione and Audrey talk about wedding planning. She did happen to catch the eye of Draco who mouthed the words 'I want to talk to you.' She just smiled and pushed the food around her plate. After dinner they made their way to the entertainment room upstairs to hand out gifts. Zariah opened each of them and made the appropriate comments to each person hoping Audrey did not notice she was not paying that much attention. She was seated next to Harry during the movie.

She was vaguely watching the movie when Harry took her hand. He gently traced the few scars on the back of her hand. By the time the movie ended she could not tell what had happened during it. He let go of her hand as Audrey turned on the lights. "So who's ready for dessert?"

"Sounds great Audrey."

After having the house elf bring them dessert Zariah said her good byes and made her way home for the night. She changed into her pajamas and was putting away the few gifts she got when the doorbell rang. Sighing she opened the door to find Draco standing there. "To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit cousin?"

He stepped inside the house as she shut the door. "I just wanted to visit, is that a crime?"

Zariah just nodded her head and entered the living room. "Visiting at eight now I see instead of a decent hour of the day."

"So what's the deal with you and Potter?"

"Why do you ask my dear cousin?"

"I noticed how Audrey kept seating you next to him."

"Maybe she's trying to play matchmaker. I could really care less about where I sit as long as it's not next to Weasley."

Draco nodded his head and said, "I suppose I should go. I'll talk to Audrey about it and tell her you aren't interested in him, you aren't right?"

Zariah shrugged her shoulders and walked him to the front door. "Good night cousin."

She closed and locked the door as he left. No sooner had she sat down on the couch to turn on the television did the doorbell ring again. She got up and found Harry standing there. "Potter, to what do I owe a visit?"

"I wanted to give you your real birthday present. I figured you'd have enough explaining to do to Malfoy that if I gave you this gift you'd have loads more."

Zariah let him in and walked into the living room sitting down on the couch. She folded her legs under her as he sat down next to her. He handed her a small box, inside was a charm bracelet with a dragon and a phoenix on it. "Thank you, it's pretty."

He helped her put it on. "You can add more to it if you like. I should go; I just came over to give that to you."

He stood up to go and she followed him to the door. He turned to face her and took her hand pulling her closer. She looked up at him and he leaned in and kissed her lightly on the lips. "I was thinking we could have dinner tomorrow."

She nodded at him while frowning. "Dinner tomorrow, sure I'm at the book shop till four."

"I'll see you at five then."

Zariah nodded her head and he kissed her again before leaving. Locking up after him she made her way back into the living room with the feeling of butterflies in her stomach. The next morning Zariah showered and made her way to the book shop with her kitties in tow. She was busy cataloging some new books that had come in when Harry entered the shop. Looking at the clock she frowned as it was only four. "Something came up at work and I'll have to take a rain check for dinner."

Zariah nodded her head and watched him leave. She packed up her kitties and made her way home to watch a movie and find her own dinner.


A/N: I hope everyone is enjoying the story. I apologize for the late posting. Sorry for any spelling or grammar errors, that I did not catch.