A/N not my world just my imagination, sorry for the long wait we have no wifi at the moment :(
The Malfoy house was slowly starting to get back together, they had seen the new year in together and where now preparing the departure of Harry and Astoria.
Harry took a stroll with Sirius in the gardens, more of a goodbye privately.
"Are you and Astoria looking forward to the party tonight?" Sirius asked him, trying to start some conversation within his godson.
"Hmmm." Came his reply.
"I know Cissa can be a bit much sometimes but she means well." Harry Just nodded.
"Ok Harry, out with it."
" I'm worried Astoria won't want to marry me after such a time away." Harry stopped and looked at Sirius.
"Oh Harry." Sirius put his hands on his godson. "I know you haven't known Miss Greengrass long but normally, arranged marriages don't know each other well anyway, or in circumstances not at all. From what I have seen of your relationship so far you both have come to care for each other and a year apart will not change that. Maybe speak to her about your fears?"
"I can't she'll think I am doubting everything we have planned or that I am been silly!"
"Ok hears my last bit of advice for you, speak to Hermione, I am sure she can help!"
Harry had found himself back inside and outside the library, taking a breath in, he walked inside. Hermione was curled up on love seat reading a Charles Dickens book.
"Hey Hermione, can I speak to you a moment?"
Hermione looked up from the book and smiled.
"Sure Harry, what's up?"
Harry stuttered and rushed through what he wanted to say to her.
Hermione chuckled and picked up a box next to her bag on the table to her left.
"I was going to gift these to you both tonight, these may help your predicament." She said handing him the box over.
Harry opened the box and inside side by side were two greens stones, with a Gold H and an A intertwined on the front.
"How do these work?" Harry asked stroking the two lettered pattern.
"What ever you emotion, the colour will change and she will see hers change to this colour too and vice versa."
Harry thanke her and went in hunt for his Fiancé. First he approached his room as he had come to learn she found it rather comforting. His room was empty, as he approached hers he could hear a rustling, walking in he found her packing. Harry stood at the door and watched her for a few minutes, only to find she was crying.
"Tori?" He asked walking in.
"Oh Harry!" She turned around and hugged him "I haven't seen you all day and I thought I might not."
"Astoria what do you mean? I've been doing Errands for Lucius, I walked in the gardens with Sirius and now I have just been in the library with Hermione."
"Will we survive a year Harry? It was only 9 months or so ago we even went on our first date!"
Harry chuckled and sat on her bed and perched her on his knee.
"Did you know I have had the exact same thoughts! I spoke to Sirius who made no sense and told me to speak to Hermione, who gave me these. He gave stone to Astoria and straight away they changed a deep scarlet red.
"We can converse through these and the diaries you made for Christmas!"
Astoria cried some more and snuggled into his neck.
With the very private attack on Lucius now made public, Snape has forced Hogwarts to admit that none of young adults needed to attend their Graduation if they not wanted to do so. Lucius was up and walking around with just his cane; to which he heavily relied on. Physio was slowly working.
He stood with his wife and watched the dancing commence between the youngsters.
"Shame I can not twirl you around and show these young ones how to really waltz!" Lucius whispered in his wife's ear.
Narcissa playfully swatted him and watched Sirius talk to Severus.
"It still worries me when they speak alone." She nodded towards the pair.
"Hmm, maybe Sirius is giving Severus the riot act?" Lucius chuckled.
"You know dear, Draco and Hermione were to be wed the up coming spring and both decided it was best if Hermione moved into the manor and roomed with Astoria, I said of course it was a fantastic Idea, no point her travelling between the two worlds everyday and her parents are more than welcome to visit if they so chose."
"Plotting dear is always your strong point."
"I don't know what you mean." Narcissa winked at her husband.
Harry guided Astoria towards the balcony to speak alone for a moment.
"Three weeks ago I proposed here to you."
"I know... I am going to miss you so very much Harry."
"And I you, although you will probably be so busy in Muggle Leeds to even realize your engaged!"
Astoria playfully swatted him and then enveloped him in a big hug, wanting to remember this moment for the next 12 months.
"Cissa says I can room in your room when I am back... at least I think she means until your back too!"
"Ha! Narcissa will tell you when to move back to your room and If I am honest am not sure she will! She has allowed Hermione to move in and 'bunk with you' but you are in Leeds for the next 9-12 months I'm not sure how much bunking she will do with Draco in your absence!" Harry winked and snuggled back up with her, only to be interrupted by Severus.
"Our Portkey activates in 10 minutes, I advise you both go speak with Narcissa and Lucius before you head out."
Harry nodded and helped Astoria up off the bench, offering her his arm they both walked inside.
"I appreciate everything you have both have done for me." Harry spoke to his Mum and Dad.
"Owl often please." Lucius said offering his hand.
Harry shook it and then still went in for a 'man hug'.
"I will, at least once a week!"
"Please try and learn so much, it will be fun too!"
"It will, I am sure! Once I return I will be half way towards a masters in potions." Harry smiled and hugged Narcissa.
He looked over at Hermione and Draco and squeezed them both.
"See you in April for the big day!"
Harry then walked to Astoria and wiped her tears.
"One year, that's all it is, if we are lucky we may be together after 9 months. Plus I will see you for a week in April for their wedding." Astoria nodded trying to keep her emotions in tact. " I promise to write daily and I love you so much Tori!"
"I love you two!"
With that both Severus and Harry touched the Portkey and disappeared.
