Disclaimer: All characters and anything familiar from the HP series obviously belong to J.K. Rowling. Only the plot is mine.

Author's note: This chapter is very fluffy towards the end. I'm not a big fan of fluff but the story seemed to flow that way so there you go. I'm not sure I like this chapter very much but I hope you enjoy it. I'm open to using reader's suggestions because I'm a little confused on how I want this story to go. I have bits of it planned out but I need some more inspiration. I hope you all enjoy, and again, please read and review! Thanks :-)

P.S. Does anyone know how I can make a line between the author's note and the story? Please let me know.

It was the day of the first Hogsmeade trip of the year. It was also the day of Hermione's eighteenth birthday. Hermione awoke on that Saturday morning bright and early. She was going to meet Harry and Ron at noon in front of Honeydukes. After Hermione got out of bed and dressed for the day, she stepped out to into the common room to see Draco coming out of his room as well. Their friendship grew a little closer since the night they shared their memory-dreams to each other.

"Morning, Granger," mumbled Draco sleepily as he walked towards the common room. "Why are you so dressed up?" He noticed she wasn't wearing the regular school robes. Hermione was dressed in pearly grey robes that flattered her figure and her hair seemed a little more tamed than usual.

With the faintest hint of a blush, Hermione looked at herself in the mirror. "What do you mean? I don't look that different," she exclaimed.

"I don't know, your hair doesn't seem as frightening as usual," he replied.

"Whatever Malfoy," Hermione said, with a hint of annoyance. Just then, there was a tapping sound on the window. Hermione walked to the window and let the owl come inside. She recognized the owl as Tawny, the owl she bought for her parents so they could keep in touch while she was at school. Grinning, Hermione untied the envelope from the owl and opened the birthday card from her parents. It was a normal birthday card from a Muggle shop. When opened, the Happy Birthday jingle sounded from the card as Hermione read the note from her parents.

To our darling Hermione,

We know you came of age last year in the magical world, but we've been dreading and anticipating your eighteenth birthday since the moment we knew you were coming into our lives. The day our daughter becomes an adult is both exciting and terrifying for us both. We've watched you grow from an infant to the wondrously brave and remarkable woman you have become today. We knew from the beginning that our little Hermione was destined for great things.

From the moment you received your acceptance letter to Hogwarts, you finally found a world you belonged in. You embarked on your journey to the magical world with such optimism and as your parents, knowing that you and your friends shouldered the burden of the fate of the magical world by yourselves, exposed to the horrors of the Dark side, we were helpless because we couldn't help you in any way. Yet, you managed to survive and shape your world to a better place. You are a selfless and courageous young woman and we cannot be anymore proud of you. Please don't forget how wonderful you are as you continue your journey through life, despite what hardships may come your way.

Have a wonderful birthday Hermione. We pray that you have many years of all the love and happiness ahead of you, as you deserve all the happiness in the world.

We love you always,

Hugh and Jane Granger

Hermione brushed away the tears in her eyes as she finished reading the birthday card from her parents. She felt guilty everyday for obliviating her parentsduring the war but it was the only way to protect them. Enclosed in the envelope were a few hundred notes of Muggle money for her birthday present. When she was younger, Hermione was promised a car for her eighteenth birthday but since she discovered she was a witch, a car was hardly necessary as she had her Apparating license.

"Happy birthday Granger, I didn't realize it was your birthday, other wise I would've gotten you something…" said Draco, trailing off a little awkwardly.

"No worries, Malfoy," said Hermione, laughing softly.

"What do you have planned for today," he asked.

"I'm actually meeting Harry and Ron today, I haven't seen them in a month. You're welcome to join us Malfoy, if you want." Hermione offered, but knew what his answer would be.

"Thanks Granger but no thanks. I don't think I could stand Saint Potter and his sidekick, Weasley for the whole day," said Draco.

Rolling her eyes, Hermione left the common room and went out to the Great Hall for breakfast. She sat down with Neville and Ginny at the Gryffindor table and they discussed their plans for the day.

"Happy birthday Hermione! I wasn't sure what to get you so me and Luna decided to split the cost and give you this," said Ginny, while getting up to hug Hermione. Luna came over from the Ravenclaw table and wished her a happy birthday as well.

"We hope you enjoy your present, Hermione." Luna handed Hermione an envelope and they each gave her a birthday card. Opening the envelope, Hermione found a note with what seemed to be a certificate of some sorts. She opened the note and it read:

Happy birthday Hermione!

Luna and I thought you might enjoy a day of pampering and grooming; it's the best treatment a girl can get. We hope you enjoy your gift and get pampered and relax, because you of all people deserve it.

Love,

Ginny and Luna

Hermione smiled at her two friends. She reached over to hug the two and thanked them for the gift. Inside the envelope was a certificate to a full spa day complete with a one-hour full body massage, full use of the steam room, and her choice of a mud or mineral bath. This could be what she needed. Hermione has been getting aches throughout her body as a result of the Cruciatus curse she received the previous year. She intended to see a Healer at St. Mungo's about it but she didn't have much time over the summer.

"So Gin, did Harry tell you he's coming to visit us at Hogsmeade today?" asked Hermione.

A fleeting look of anxiousness passed through Ginny's face but it was so quick Hermione thought she might have imagined it. Ginny's face broke out into a smile and she nodded happily.

"Yeah, he told me they would get here at about noon today. I reckon we should get going then," said Ginny. She turned to look at Luna and Neville, "why don't you two join us today? It could be like a reunion for all of us," she offered.

Blushing lightly, Luna declined. "Thank you Ginny, but Neville asked me to join him today for lunch at the Three Broomsticks."

Ginny and Hermione looked at Neville who smiled bashfully. "Yeah, maybe we'll meet you guys later?" he asked.

"Sounds good," replied Hermione and they all got up to walk towards the line queuing up to get through Filch's inspection.

As they stepped out of the castle and onto the path towards the village, Hermione saw Draco walking with Goyle. They seemed to be getting along well now since the first day of term. Hermione remembered asking Draco about his friendship with Goyle, the previous day.

They were sitting in the common room, in front of the fire as had become their habit lately. Draco turned to Hermione and asked her a question that he had been wondering since their first year.

"You put yourself in danger for Potter all these years and you still stuck with him until the end. Why did you risk your life to help him? I heard even Weasley gave up the dangers of the Horcrux hunt to save his own arse."

"Who else would've helped Harry through all the trouble he got into over the years?" she joked. She looked at Draco and realized he was serious about the question. "Harry and Ron are my two best friends. Ever since they saved me from that troll in first year, we have had each other's backs since then. I didn't follow Ron when he left because I knew Harry needed my help and I couldn't very well leave him in the middle of nowhere by himself. Ron didn't leave because he was afraid of the dangers of living on the run; he left because he was… afraid of the unknown. He thought Harry had a plan but all we had was the cryptic clues Dumbledore left us. The symbol of the Deathly Hallows and the sword were not much to rely upon. The frustration of not having any leads, or accomplishing anything for awhile, got to him," she replied.

"So you stuck around because of your loyalty to Potter? I guess I could understand that," said Draco.

"What do you mean? If Crabbe or Goyle needed you in a situation like that, wouldn't you be there for them too?" asked Hermione.

"That's the difference between the two of us Granger. Your friendship with Potter and Weasley is stronger than my friendship with Goyle or Crabbe could ever be. Even though we have known each other since we were born, we'd probably be figuring out ways to save our own skin should a situation like that happen. You saw how Crabbe was at the Room of Hidden Things; he wanted to take down Potter because he believed the Dark Lo- Voldemort, would value him over anyone else. He cast the Fiendfyre in hopes of catching you three, without thinking about its consequences. I never had a chance to thank you for trying to save our lives," said Draco. He looked Hermione as what he said sank in her mind.

"It was actually Harry's idea. We couldn't leave you there in the fire, helpless. I guess you could say it's a Gryffindor thing," she said, smiling. "You shouldn't shut yourself out from Goyle, Malfoy. He only has you now that Crabbe is gone. I haven't seen him interact with anyone else in Slytherin, since most of them in our year didn't come back to Hogwarts. Maybe you two could help each other get past what happened last year."

"Yeah, I suppose so," said Draco thoughtfully.

"Hermione, Ginny! Over here."

Hermione looked up to see Harry and Ron standing right outside Honeydukes, waving excitedly at them. Grinning, she hugged the two of them as they reached each other. Ginny embraced Ron quickly, then turned to Harry. They stood, looking at each other for a second, and then Ginny pulled Harry in for a strong hug.

"Ginny and I are going to take a walk for a bit, we'll meet you at the Three Broomsticks in, say, an hour's time?" asked Harry.

"Yeah, that's fine," replied Ron. He turned to Hermione and grinned boyishly. He reached over and hugged Hermione a second time. "I've missed you so much," he whispered against her ear.

Blushing, Hermione returned his embrace and they walked through the village. They reached Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. Entering the shop, they found a table and sat down. Hermione looked around the shop and noticed several people staring at them.

She hoped the public's interest in the Golden Trio would die down but that seemed unlikely, as they had saved the wizarding world.

"How have you been Ron? How's Auror training?" asked Hermione. She looked at Ron and noticed he wasn't as lanky as he used to be. She supposed Auror training helped tone his body nicely.

"It's great, Hermione. Kingsley told us we only have to get through the first year of training then we can start working as field Aurors. Most wizards have to train for three years but because of who we are, we don't have to finish the program," he said excitedly. "You wouldn't believe the things we can get away with because of our status as Aurors."

"Ronald, I hope you're not abusing your authority as an Auror. Being an Auror is a serious job. It's not easy enforcing the law and fighting criminals, as I'm sure you remember?" scolded Hermione. She was hoping Ron wouldn't take the job lightly but he seemed to be taken by the glitz and glamour of the job.

Before Ron could answer, Madam Puddifoot came by to take their orders.

"Hello Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger, what can I get you for today?" she asked.

"Hello, I would like the peppermint flavored white chocolate please," said Hermione.

"And I'll have a plain coffee, thanks," said Ron.

Madam Puddifoot took their orders and after about a minute, she came back with their drinks. After she left, Hermione and Ron continued their conversation.

"Don't worry Hermione, I would never abuse my power," said Ron, smiling. "So tell me, how are things up at Hogwarts? I heard from Ginny that Malfoy made Head Boy this year, how is that even possible? Especially after he almost killed Dumbledore and let the Death Eaters in during sixth year," said Ron in a disgusted voice.

Sighing, Hermione knew this would come sooner or later. She vowed to find a way for the two boys to come to an understanding one day. Now that she was friends with Draco, she didn't like Ron talking about him in that way, just like she didn't like Draco making fun or Ron.

"He's actually not that bad this year. And you know as well as I do, Ron, that he was forced to do those things by Voldemort. He and his family would've been killed if he disobeyed Voldemort," said Hermione exasperatingly.

"Since when did you and Malfoy become buddies?" asked Ron, surprised. He didn't expect her to defend Malfoy.

"Malfoy actually apologized for everything and asked for a truce and I've accepted. I think it's time we moved past childish rivalries and make an example for the magical world, so people could see that blood doesn't have to come in the way of friendships," explained Hermione.

"You're too forgiving Hermione, what if it's a trap? What if he is trying to get you to trust him and is planning something. I don't want to happen to you, Hermione," he said, worriedly.

"I wondered that too, but I think I could trust him. Don't worry Ron, I could take care of myself," said Hermione, touched.

Ron took her hand and looked at her in an uncharacteristically serious way. He licked his lips nervously and smiled timidly at Hermione.

"Hermione, I know I haven't always been very, erm, clear about my feelings towards you but I think you know how I feel about you. I love you, Hermione, and not only as my best friend and I'm ready to start a relationship with you, that is, if you want…" he trailed off.

"I love you too, Ron. Yes, I- I'd like that," said Hermione, blushing.

Grinning, Ron leaned over the table and kissed Hermione on the lips. She kissed him back shyly then opened her mouth to deepen the kiss.

They broke apart, blushing, as the patrons in the shop began clapping. She didn't notice the tall, platinum blond haired young man who stopped as he saw her through the window as he passed by the little teashop.

Meanwhile, Harry and Ginny strolled through the village of Hogsmeade, enjoying each other's company. Harry stopped at a bench, sat down, and motioned for Ginny to join him. Ginny sat down on the bench beside Harry and turned to face him.

"Ginny, I know we haven't been able to spend much time together since the war, and I'm sorry but you know I've been busy with training and all," said Harry.

"I know Harry, I understand." Said Ginny softly.

"Gin," he began, "not being able to be with you, not knowing if you were safe, it-it drove me mad. I never want to be away from you again, and I don't know if you've met anyone else, but I-"

Ginny leaned over and kissed him. Harry stilled for a second, surprised, then kissed her back.

Ginny pulled away and looked fiercely at him.

"Harry Potter, I've loved you since the first time I saw you at King's Cross when I was ten years old. There has never been anyone else, except you in my heart but you spent your life fighting Voldemort. How could you know it's me that you want? I think maybe you should see what else is there before you decide you want to be with me," said Ginny softly. She wanted to be with Harry more than anything but she was afraid he would change his mind in the future, for someone else.

"Don't be ridiculous Ginny. I want you and only you, love," said Harry. He stood up and pulled her into a hug and whispered, "I love you Gin," in her ear.

The new couple held hands and walked towards the Three Broomsticks to meet up with their friends.