Let me start by saying I don't own Harry Potter or the character. The credit goes to J.K. Rowling. I own Canal Street... And China Town.

Chapter Seven

Hermione awoke the next morning with a scratchy throat and stuffy nose. Shielding her eyes from the harsh glare of the sun, she felt her hand brush against a piece of parchment. Pulling the note beneath her covers, she opened her eyes and read:

Little Mina-
Here is something to take away your cold. I'm sorry for what happened yesterday and I hope you will join me for a picnic this afternoon.
My regards and my wishes for you to be well.

Gabriel

She smiled at what she read. Searching the bedside table, she found the vial of potion (probably made by Severus) and a cup of mint tea. Drinking them both down, she waited a few moments for my aches to go away. Grinning at her newfound relief, she left her bed to get ready for the day.

Walking over to her bathroom, she drew a steaming bath and added mint and lavender leaves. As the calming scents, combined with the steam in the room, relieved the rest of her tension, she turned on the music player.

The soft strains of Classical music muffled the sound of someone entering her suite. Closing her eyes, she missed the tall figure walking into her bath.

"Hermione, I-"

"Sweet Merlin!" Hermione cried, throwing her sponge at the offending person. Opening her eyes, after summoning her robe, she exclaimed, "Sirius? What in the bleeding hell are you doing in here?"

"I'm sorry," He stuttered, backing up out of the room.

Hermione stepped out of her bath, wand in hand and said, "You didn't answer my question. What are you doing in here?"

"I just came to check on you. When you didn't answer my knock, I came in to make sure you were okay. How are you feeling?"

Sighing, she ran a hand across her face. Tightening her robe she said, "Would you like some tea? There is still some warming by the fireplace. Give me a few moments, so I can get dressed."

Grabbing a pair of jeans and a shirt, Hermione went back into her bath to dress. Returning to the outer room, she took her hair down from her bun and said, "Now, why did you come into my room?"

Sipping his tea, he looked at the young woman and replied, "I wanted to make sure there were no lasting effects from what happened yesterday. I see Severus' potion worked. How do you feel?"

"I'm fine now. I was going to relax in a nice hot tub, but you decided to come for a visit."

The two sat in silence, each drinking the quickly cooling tea. Putting her cup down, Hermione went and answered the knock on her bedroom door.

"Misses Hermione," the small house elf known as Daisy Mae, said with a bow, "Mister Gabriel would like to know of your decision."

"Tell him I said yes. Thank you, Daisy Mae." Closing the door, she turned to gaze at the questioning face of Sirius. "What?"

"Are you going on a date with Lover Boy?" He asked angrily. Putting his cup down with a thunk, he stood up and began to pace around the room.

"What's it to you if I go on a date with Gabriel? At least he is showing some interest. Why do yo care? At least this way I won't have to worry about marrying someone I don't know or even like." Sitting back in her chair, she ignored Sirius' pacing.

"What are you doing, Hermione? Dating a man you hardly know? You deserve better than that."

"You know what, Sirius? You're right. Sorry to say that doesn't go very far when I have, what is it now, two weeks to marry or I lose my magic." Throwing a pillow at him, she spun around and pleaded, "What do you want me to do?"

Walking to the open balcony, she shrugged off the hands Sirius placed on her shoulders. Trying again, he turned her and said, "There are other options. Gabriel isn't the only one who will care for you." Placing a kiss on her forehead, he looked her in the eye and said, "You deserve someone who loves you." Leaving a soft kiss on her lips, he grinned once and left a stunned Hermione touching her lips.

_+_+_+_+_+

"Here, try one of these... It was my favorite snack while growing up," Gabriel placed a strawberry, creme and chocolate filled pastry in Hermione's hand. He grinned as she took a hesitant bite. When she smiled, he said, "See, it's good."

Hermione looked across the lake they were sitting next to and sighed. Laying back on the blanket, she looked at Gabriel and said, "What are we doing? I have two weeks or I lose my magic."

Laying down next to her, Gabriel took her hand and said, "We won't let that happen. You are far too precious for us to lose." Grazing her temple with his lips, he whispered, "If there is no other, I will marry you. We will go to Spain, or stay here, whatever you wish."

Hermione smiled sadly and replied, "I'm very fond of you, but I don't love you. My parents married for love, my friends have married for love. I want the same thing." Sitting up, she wrapped her arms around her knees.

Sitting up with her, he wrapped an arm around her as they sat in silence. Breaking the spell, he looked at her once more and said, "I'd marry you in a heartbeat if you'd have me."

Placing a hand on his cheek, she apologized, "I'm sorry. But I think I love someone else. I'm sorry..." Granting him one last kiss, she stood and ran back to Malfoy Manor.

Gabriel only smiled and shook his head.

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed or alerted or both... Thank you all so much.