Hermione was woken up to Harry knocking on her door.
"Harry its Sunday this better be life or death" she said waving her hand to open the door
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY HERMIONE" Yelled Harry, Ron, George and Ginny
"What" said Hermione sleepily
"How can you forget your own birthday" said George walking in to her room and sitting at the end of the bed
"I've been busy" It had been a crazy first year for the unit
"Well we have presents for you and there is a surprise for you down stairs" said Ginny
"Or 5" said Ron under his breath
Hermione brushed off Ron's comment and got out of bed letting George drag her down stairs to the kitchen. The table was full of delicious breakfast foods. There was a pink table cloth and Purple napkins and white candles and multi-coloured roses.
"Oh sweet Merlin" exclaimed Hermione gasping
"She's here, She's here" came a very excited high pitched voice
"Happiest Birthday Mistress Granger" bounced two little elves
"Mistress Granger what" asked Hermione turning to see her friends standing a little further back then was required a little cough came from inside the kitchen and Hermione tuned to see who gave it, Hermione recognised the elf immediately as the one who saved Draco at the warehouse just a week ago
"Miss Hermione Granger I wish to pledge my services and my child's to you and your bloodline" she said sweetly with a bow
"Oh um well" she started but George stopped her
"If you reject her she will never recover and her children will most likely die" he whispered
"um I have some conditions though" said Hermione uncomfortable by the whole idea
"Make it forceful" whispered George
"Anything you wish" said the mother elf
"OK then
You will call me Hermione
You will accept payment
You will wear any clothing I purchase for you
You and your children must learn how to read I will teach you
And you will take holidays and have Saturdays off "
"Oh Miss Hermione you are much too generous I couldn't possible take payment" she squeaked uncomfortable
"You can its only right" said Hermione kneeling down and holding her hand out for her to shack it
The mother elf looked at her hand and started to cry but shook Hermione's hand
"We's are now Granger elves" yelled the 3 little ones
"Oh, I'm sorry what are all your name's" asked Hermione embarrassed she had hired a family without knowing their names
"My names is Freelie" said the mother Elf
"My name is Sphere" said the tallest little elf
"My name is Shield" said the middle elf
"My name is Love" said the little elf
"And this is Dragon" said Freelie holding out a tiny baby elf
"You didn't have names before the other night did you" asked Hermione totally in shock
"I think they're great names" said Ron entering the kitchen having no idea what they meant
"Me too" said Harry with a suspicious smile
"Us to" said Ginny with George nodding
"Come eats all Miss Hermione Friends" said Freelie happily
They all sat down at the table and ate a feast of pancakes, egg, bacon, sausage, cut fruit and yogurt.
"So, um where did you get your beautiful names from" asked Harry giving Hermione a strange look
"Oh Miss…" Freelie started but Hermione cut her off
"Oh Um Freelie, girls, baby dragon you can't discuss the night we met" said Hermione
"It's ok Miss Hermione, Freelie already went to the Ministry to register the babies I spoke to a lovely wizard called Mr Creevey he gives me your address, I knows everything don't worry" said Freelie obviously very proud.
Harry looked a little disappointed but didn't say anything.
They ate the delicious breakfast laughing at each other and raving about the food, when the table was clear Ginny shouted "Presents" way too excitedly.
Ginny shoved a blue box into Hermione's hands inside were the sexiest pair of Dragon skin stilettoes heels Hermione had ever seen.
"These are beautiful Ginny but they must have cost you a fortune" said Hermione loving them and feeling a little guilty about the dragon
"I've had them on special order they're made from a baby dragon that didn't make the winter, Charlie helped organise them, the proceeds go to towards dragon conservation" She said smiling
"Thank you and thank Charlie I like to make a positive out of a terrible thing" said Hermione
"Ok mine now" Said George passing a small envelope over to Hermione
She opened the envelope to find only a date and time
21st of November 8am
Hermione looked at George curiously
"What is this for" she asked
"That is when the first MeetMe goes on sale" he answered proudly
"What I thought you said next year Christmas….maybe" replied a very shocked Hermione
"I showed it to Percy he helped push it through approval at the Ministry, it's fully registered in your name and trademarked, so no-one can come close to your design and try rip you off" said George with a massive grin.
Hermione hadn't seen that grin since before the war when Fred was still around.
"What's a MeetMe" asked Ron.
"You know the coins I made for the DA" everyone nodded
"Well I made a bit of a next level communication device like that" she said
"Cool do you use it for work" asked Ginny honestly
"No we have other things for that, I first made it for Victor and me when we started sleeping together I needed a way to call him when I needed or change the time in a hurry if I had a mission and then I made more when I added to my roster" blushed Hermione realising she hadn't really discuss this part of her life openly with her friends not because she was ashamed it's just not necessary.
Harry knew because they would come here and sometime be here before she got home. But he was respectful at not discussing her business.
"See look" she said reaching for her handbag on the bench and pulling out her MeetMe.
"Who, Date, time, place" said Hermione pointing to the different sections before she realised it had VK, todays date and 6pm at the mansion.
"Hermione made a beeper for her sex slaves" laughed Harry.
"They are not my sex slaves Harry we just enjoy certain activities together and then go about life" said Hermione.
"Who's are all these initials?" asked Ron looking at it closely
"Never mind that" said Hermione snatching it back and putting it in her purse "Thank you so much George" she said sweetly
"Thank you so much partner" said George winking at Hermione causing Ron to frown
"My turn" said Harry placing a small green box with a black bow in front of her
"Harry what have you done?" said Hermione shocked and suspicious
The box Harry had put in front of Hermione was from Astoria's the most expensive jewellery store in the magical world. Not only were the pieces made with huge diamonds or other precious gems they were all infused with magic. Engagement rings that would stay sparkling like the first day as long as the person who wore it was in love or wedding rings that repelled any untoward advances, lockets that had your true heart's desire inside. Each one made especially to order and each one very expensive.
"Nothing you don't deserve" said Harry a little sneakily
Hermione opened the box inside was a beautiful white gold pendent that when spun it would say Love in diamonds.
"Harry it's beautiful" said Hermione with a tear taking it out of the box.
"You should put it on" he said too eagerly
"Wait a minute...Harry what enchantment did you have put on this" asked looking pointedly at Harry
"I didn't…..Ok it will spin when you're in the presents of your true love" caved Harry feeling the pressure of Hermione's stare
"Harry what happens if I meet this mystery stranger and then my necklace starts going off and he runs away" Hermione asked a little annoyed
"Hermione true love is not at first sight and it's never one way, it can only be true love when you love them and they love you" said Harry subconsciously reaching for Ginny's hand.
"Thank you Harry" said Hermione tearfully but still put it back in the box. She wasn't ready for it to go off or not go off.
"I love you Hermione and you deserve the best, when you're ready and when it goes off I know that man will be deserving of you" said Harry with a smile
"My turn" said Ron handing over a large flat gift
Hermione pulled the wrapping down the front and saw her face. She pulled back the rest of the wrapping and was utterly gob smacked.
"Ron" she whispered tears coming and flowing down her face she lay the large picture frame on the table for everyone to see. The picture frame was full of Hermione, all Ron's memories of her from first year to at least last week. All the times Hermione saved their lives, funny times at school and on holidays together laughing, studying together at Hogwarts, Dancing at Bills wedding, Hermione looking after Ron when chasing horcrux's, Hermione fighting in the battle, their first kiss, Hermione during an arrest where she saved him, Hermione turning his clothes into a tutu, them all playing drinking games last week. All of it was their friendship how Ron had seen her and it was beautiful.
"You're my best friend Hermione, you've made me a better man and I want to thank you for that" said Ron
"You two are the best friends anyone could have" she got up and hugged the both "why so emotional this year usually it's just books and lollies"
"We missed you're last Birthday" said Ginny calmly
"When you came through the Red door and half the Unit was being carried or limping we realised we had greatly underestimated you new job" said Ron
"And we also realised one day Malfoy might be carrying you, so we want you to know how much we love you just in case you need the inspiration to keep fighting" said Harry
"That's a little morbid but…. Thank you" she said smiling
"Excuse me Miss Hermione this was delivered through the fire place" said sphere holding a massive square black box with a black ribbon that was into a bow almost the size of the box.
"Who's that from" Asked Ginny.
"Draco" said Hermione taking the box from sphere "thank you" she said to the little elf.
"How do you know" asked Harry
"It's all black and black is our colour" said Hermione looking at the box suspiciously
"Aren't you going to open it" asked George
"I might wait till later Draco has a odd sense of humour and I'm really not sure what could be in there" said Hermione cautiously
"Oh go on" said Ginny
"How bad could it be" asked Ron
"Ha I've no idea… ok fine" said Hermione a little worried what it could be
When she undid the ribbon and nothing happened she let out a little sigh of relief and took the lid off the box. Inside there was several items individually wrapped she picked up the first that looked like a very thick book and unwrapped it gently when she took the fabric wrapping off the top she suddenly couldn't breath and had to sit down
"What is it" said Ginny urgently.
Harry walked to stand behind Hermione.
"It's Merlins Grimoire" said Harry slowly.
"What edition" asked Ginny casually.
"The Original" said Hermione looking at her like a deer in headlights "his hand written personal unpublished Grimoire" She said shaking
"How did he get that" asked Ron
"The Malfoy family can trace their heritage directly back to him, this must have been passed down for generations" said Hermione quietly looking at the book
They all stared at Hermione in shock to see if she was going to pass out or scream, she did neither. Hermione slowly wrapped the book back in the fabric and placed it back in the box. She took the second package in fabric and unwrapped it. She really was going to pass out now.
"The power sphere" said Harry who seemed to have clicked onto something
"It's his personal notes" said Hermione
"Holly Helena" whispered George clicking onto the same thing
"What else is there" asked Ron having no idea of what exactly Hermione had been given and the meaning behind it.
"A metal silver box and a howler"
Hermione picked up the howler and decided not to open the silver box just yet it could have the hope diamond in to for all she knew
As soon as she opened the front Draco's voice started speaking out of the little mouth
'So by now you opened the books and are probably freaking out
I wouldn't be surprised if Potter has had to pick you up off the ground.
Don't open the silver one until you're alone.
Happy Birthday Granger
Then it tore its self-up and went off like little fireworks.
"Freelie, Sphere, Shield could you please come in here a moment" called Hermione still in a bit of shock
"Sphere and Shield could you please take these to my room" she said pointing to her gifts but keeping the black box on her lap
"Yes pleases we can Miss Hermione" said Sphere happily with Shield beaming behind her
"Freelie can you please add any extra protection there is to the house please" asked Hermione
"Absolutely Miss Hermione" She said turning to leave the kitchen
"Could you and the children meet me in the lounge room in I hour please also?"
"Absolutely we can Miss Hermione" said Freelie proudly
"Why do we need extra protection" asked Harry
"It's for the Books" said Hermione tapping the black box
"Well I best be off" said George giving Hermione a hug and a kiss on the cheek and walking to the fire place
"I have to get….somewhere" said Ron giving Hermione a hug and a kiss on the other cheek before walking to the fire place
"It is ok for the house elves to stay Harry isn't it, I should've asked first I'm sorry" said Hermione
They heard two matching whooshing sounds
"It's your house too Hermione and they're Granger elves now" he said with a smile
"I know but after Kreatcher died I..." Hermione was cut off
"It's really fine Hermione" said Harry smiling.
Hermione got up and hugged him before taking the box up to her room.
She closed the door and put the box on her bed and looked at the silver box inside.
Hermione pulled the silver box out when she opened the lid it let out a moan she closed it quickly and it let out another one. That is what she was waiting for before. She opened the box again and this time it was a little louder. She couldn't help but roller her eyes. Inside was simple thin white gold bracelet that passed through a small diamond that slid up and down the chain. And a note"
Thanks for giving me the best year and half of my whole life.
I couldn't ask for a better partner.
You've saved my soul Hermione
Xx
P.S My favourite sounds
Open is Paris and Close is Moscow
P.P.S It doesn't suck to be married to you sometimes
Hermione opened and closed the box a few times before she got what the sound really was. It was her. When they had kissed on a mission and the kiss had turn into a little bit more then pretending. Hermione wondered if this is Draco's way of bringing up the kissing thing. Or just reminding her he knew he could make her feel things. Either way she wasn't going to think about it now.
She put the silver box on her dresser and the black box with merlins books in her closet but not before protecting the box with every protection she could think of.
Hermione jumped in the shower and as she washed her hair she envisioned the moments she had moaned exactly what Draco was doing and what she wanted him to be doing. She quickly snapped out of it turning the water to cold. Which only gave her flashes of holding Draco in the shower scared he would die. Hermione turned the water off and gave up on the shower idea. She got out and brushed her hair putting it in a twisted bun at the nape of her neck for later, used her wand to removed her body hair silently thanking Molly for teaching that to her at the start of 3rd year not that she used it much back then, then picked out black slim fit jeans with a baggy white off the shoulder t-shirt and ballet flats. Hermione had worn lingerie every day for a year and a half and was getting a little sick of it. It used to be fun but now she was over it of coarse when at work she would wear it because it was charmed to not be taken off by anyone but her and whomever she allows by wandlessly letting the safety off but she doubted she needed to take such 'in case of the worst case scenario' precautions she opted for a cotton bikini brief and no bra. It was her Birthday she could do whatever she wanted.
When Hermione met her little elf family down stairs they were standing proudly in a little line all wearing their pillow cases.
"Ok if you would all like to grab on I shall take us to our first stop" said Hermione holding her wand and holding her other hand out for each of them to grab a finger
"Oh Miss Granger I can takes us all if you would prefer" said Freelie
"And ruin my surprise for you all no way ... come on" she gave the family and smile and Shield ran forward to take a finger
Freelie gave a nod and the others joined
Once they were all hanging on tight Hermione apparated out of the lounge and landed just outside a clothing shop in Diagon Alley.
"Let's go" said Hermione walking towards the shop
"Are you buying a birthday outfit Miss Hermione's" asked Love
"You could say that love" she answered with a smile and pushed the door to the store open.
Hermione walked in to the counter and noticed the family were standing by the door looking very uncomfortable.
"Condition Number 3" said Hermione to Freelie
"For my birthday I want to buy lots of clothes" she said to the three girl elves
"And have cuddles" she tickled dragons belly and he laughed
"Can I help you Miss" asked the store assistant
When Hermione turned around she wasn't expecting the incredibly cute guy that was standing there.
"It's Hermione and I'd like to buy at least 10 day outfits and pyjamas for each elf please"
"Oh No Miss Hermione's that's too generous" said Freelie
"Nonsense think of it as a work perk….ok girls I have a task for you" said Hermione
"Yes Yes please Miss Hermione" they sang all had started bouncing with excitement
"You need to find 10 outfits in your size all different and it has to make you happy"
"Oh oh oh oh" bounced Sphere looking like she was getting ready to run a marathon
"Can I Hold Dragon Freelie while you get the dresses for you" said Hermione opening her arms
"Oh Thanks you Miss Hermione you are so much the lovely" said Freelie passing over dragon who was the size of a can of coke and fit so nicely into Hermione's palm
"Ok.. ready… set…. Go" yelled Hermione
The girl were off there were very serious about their task they could have taught some witches a thing or two about shopping.
"You're their first master" said the cute boy
"I'm their employer" said Hermione sternly
"I'm Eric Hops welcome to the Elf Emporium"
"Hermione Granger it's a nice store, what do you have in the way of furniture" she asked smiling sweetly.
"Come this way" he smiled back.
Hermione looked at the whole range, she got a proper elf size bed for each of girls and a Goblin size for Freelie and a cot for Dragon. She bought linens and pillows and doonas and a dining room table and chairs but only after Eric told her that no matter what she asked or even ordered they would never eat at the table with her. Plus Hermione figured they could do their studies at the table too.
She bought three elf size couches and recliner for the lounge room and wardrobes for their room.
"Ok baby Clothes" she said looking at Dragon who was fast asleep
"He will only need them for about a week and in 4 months he will be full size" he smiled looking at dragon
"Ok maybe just 3-4 and some the next size and I guess we'll be back in few weeks" she laughed
Love came bouncing up with her arms full of Dresses
"I was the fastest I wins" she said bouncing
"I got lost in the hats Miss Hermione we didn't needs the hats do we" said Shield bouncing in a second later
"No you don't need hats if you don't want to have one" said Hermione
"Miss Hermione's are these suitable for yours liking" asked Freelie
"Do they make you happy" asked Hermione
"I think so"answered Freelie
"Are there 10"
"Yes Miss Hermione's 1 for each finger"
"And do they fit you"
"Yes Miss Hermione Freelie might have to try sewing to be perfect but will be respectful" finished Freelie nodding
"Where is Sphere" asked Hermione
"I is here Miss Hermione's they didn't have all the colours that make me happy but close" she said smiling and nodding
"We'll take them all please Eric" said Hermione smiling
Each one of the elves insisted on folding their own clothes and putting them in the bag Eric had ready. What should have taken 5 minutes each took 25 but they were so proud and that made Hermione happy and she put it all in her purse.
After 3 and half hours and 600 Galleons at elf emporium later they were finally going to the ice cream store.
Each of the girls had picked out a new dress to wear that day.
Dragon was in a Gryffindor onesie, Love was in a pink puffy dress with a petty coat and puff sleeves, Shield was in a tutu with a leotard complete with tiara, Sphere was in a purple all in one pant suit and Freelies dress was a Green version of Loves dress. Hermione couldn't help but smile at her new friends who were so happy to be going for ice cream in new dresses.
The three little elves ate their ice-cream cones on a bench in the sun while Hermione went into one of her favourite book stores that had opened 6 months ago. It wasn't much bigger than her office but it had a good selection. When she entered the little store, there was no one at the counter so she just went in and started browsing. Hermione had picked out 3 New books, Complex potion creations, Mystics of mind melding, Basic ABC's and counting. She wanted another book on House Elves so went to the back of the store to see what they had. As she reached the back Hermione heard a sound of movement behind her but before she had a chance to turn around her books were knocked from her hands and she was pushed front first against the book shelf. Strong arms were around her holding one arm above her face that was turned to try look over her shoulder, kisses began to rain down her cheek and neck across her shoulder and down her back.
"You look extra delicious today my sweetness" said the incredibly sexy voice of the bookstore owner Oscar as his hand travelled up the inside of her t-shirt
"Oscar you startled me" said Hermione with a little moan
"I'd like to do a whole lot more than that" He whispered into her ear pressing himself onto her
"Send me a meet time and I will happily oblige you" smirked Hermione
Oscar turned Hermione to face him and brought his lips to hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and his hands trailed up the inside of her t-shirt. Hermione moaned again and wrapped a leg around his waist pulling him in further. His pulled back from her lips and feverishly kissed down her neck causing Hermione's eyes to flutter closed as he covered her breast with one hand and pinned a hand above her head with the other.
"I want you now sweetness" said Oscar "I don't want to wait…"
"Sorry to interrupt" came a smug voice cutting off Oscars word and giving Hermione such a freight she squealed and shoved Oscar
"You didn't lock the door" huffed Hermione looking at Oscar angrily without even looking at the intruder
"Oh, my bad I thought perhaps something untoward was happening as you're normally open at this time of day" Said Draco smugly standing just inside the door
"Oh, Mister Malfoy I'm so sorry for the display" Said Oscar straightening himself and walking to the counter rather fast
"Untoward really" questioned Hermione rudely
"It's Ok Hermione this is Mister Malfoy he is a very good customer" said Oscar giving Hermione please be nice to customers look
"Mister Malfoy this is my….my… um" Oscar struggled
"Sweetness" offered Draco
"Friend" snapped Hermione directing it at Draco
"Hermione Granger" said Oscar
Draco locked eyes with Hermione and walked over to pick up her books and passed them to her standing closer than a stranger should stand.
"Lovely to meet you Miss Granger" He smirked looking her up and down slowly before turning back and taking his book to the counter
"Magical water plants for an exciting inside display" Read Oscar before he placed it in the little paper bag with the store logo on it and handed it to Draco
"Excellent choice Mister Malfoy" said Hermione putting as much enthusiasm she could into the Mister as she walked to the counter and placed her books down
Oscar looked a little confused at the exchange that was going on between the two. But put Hermione's books in her own bag.
"25 galleons Hermione and just 4 galleons Mister Malfoy" said Oscar looking between the two strangers staring at each other angrily
"Please allow me Mister Malfoy after all you were trying to be gallant" said Hermione
Without taking her eyes away from Draco's she put the money required for both of them on the counter and walked out of the store. Draco following with a smirk. Oscar was left wondering what he missed and disappointed his fun was cut short.
Outside the store Hermione stormed over to the elves.
"Let's go" she said shoving the books into her purse and holding out a hand for the elves to grab on
"Mister Draco Mister Draco" bounced Love
"Hello little one" said Draco confused at who this elf was and how she knew his name but more why she was so excited to see him.
"Come on Love" said Hermione and the little elf bounced over and took Hermione's finger
Hermione didn't wait a second long and Apparated straight back home.
"Hermione come see this" called Harry from upstairs a moment after she landed
"And bring the Elves too" called Ginny
Hermione and the elves found Harry and Ginny outside Regulus's old room that was just a junk room now
"We thought you might like this" said Harry opening the door to a now empty clean room
"Its perfect thank you both so much" said Hermione
She walked to the middle of the room and pulled the bags out of her bag and placed all 11 of them on the floor.
"Granger Elf Family I present your room" said Hermione
Freelie walked in holding Dragon and started crying the girls walked in behind her with wide eyes and open mouths.
Hermione started to pull the beds out of one of the bags.
"How much did you buy" Asked Ginny looking at all the bags.
"Lots can you help me with the beds" Smiled Hermione.
Once the girl's beds were set up spread along the back wall each with a wardrobe and Freelie's big goblin bed was set with Dragons cote next to it, it was quarter to five and time to get ready to go see Victor.
Hermione quickly showered being careful not to wet her hair that was nicely dry in the bun. She got out and dried then put a generous amount of Apple Body lotion on and a chose sultry make up page.
After 20 minutes of trying to decide what to wear she decided to wear Draco's bracelet and Ginny's shoes but still couldn't decide on a dress.
After opening the Silver box a shiver ran through her when she heard herself. Hermione was quick to take the bracelet out and close it again causing another shiver. Then todays little episode flashed in her head and she became irritated again. Hermione needed a distraction fast.
She decided to not wear the Bracelet or even a dress. Hermione put on a long sleeve black over coat that buttoned in the front giving her a plunging neck line and just covered her backside grabbing her purse she walked down stairs.
Harry and Ginny were in the lounge when she walked in.
"Wow Hermione are you ok" asked Harry a little concerned.
"Yes fine why" replied Hermione as she used her wand to protect herself from the dirtiness of floo travel
"You're going out half naked" replied Ginny bluntly
"Actually I'm totally naked" said Hermione smiling and undoing her hair while stepping into the fire place
"Krum mansion" she said using her ring to take her to Victor
"Her and Draco better get their shit organised before Hermione goes totally crazy" said Harry
"How do you know it has to do with Draco" asked Ginny
"Love was talking about seeing him today when Hermione went to Oscar's book shop" Laughed Harry
"So Draco in the place where Hermione's Draco distraction is" laughed Ginny
"Did you see her face with the merlins stuff" Asked Harry rhetorically
"6 months I reacon they will hook up" said Ginny
"4 Months" challenged Harry
"10 Galleons" said Ginny
"Deal"