((A. N. Thank you for the sweet reviews! Here's the next chapter! Preparations and costume buying soon!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything!))

Hermione smiled as the small kitten crawled across the carpeted floor, weaving its way through everyone's legs.

The cat rubbed against Sirius' legs, meowing timidly. If she was a cat person, he could be too.

Sirius reached down and scratched its head softly, causing it to snake its tail around his hand.

"I'm gonna go and get dressed." Lily said, standing.

"Me too." James and Remus said, following suit.

The three of them left and walked out of the room and up to their dormitories, leaving Hermione and Sirius alone for the first time in days.

"You really didn't have to." Hermione said softly, lifting the kitten onto her lap.

"But I did," Sirius smiled "Couldn't let you not have a birthday present, could I?"

She smile at him "Yes, a present. You didn't have to get me a cat, or a necklace. Or a cake. A book would have done just fine."

He shrugged "Seventeen's a big number."

She nodded slightly, wishing she could actually tell her real age.
"But still, thank you." She said, giving him a half hug.

He smiled, wrapping an arm around her shoulder "Happy birthday 'Mione." He smiled.
She smiled and pulled back "Any ideas for the decorations yet?"

"A few." He smirked.

She raised her eyebrows "What make me think that either by 'a few' you mean none, or that you've got a trick."

"You've known me five days and you already know me as we'll as everyone else." He chuckled.

'Yeah... Five days and one and a half years...' She thought, sighing inwardly.

"So," Hermione said, stroking the cat's head "How've practices been going?"

"Good. We are so going to beat them tomorrow." He grinned.

She chuckled softly "Modest as ever."

"You know it." He grinned.

After their first lesson, Herbology, the walked towards Defense Against The Dark Arts.

"When did you get it?" Hermione asked Sirius, looking up at him.

"Get what?"

"The presents."

"Oh. Yesterday, after you told me, actually."

"But-"

"Secret passageways." He grinned.

"Ah." She nodded, smiling.

From behind them, Remus, James and Lily grinned.

"Five Galleons they get together by his birthday." James grinned to Remus.

"You're on." He beamed.

Lily chuckled and they walked into the Defense class.

As class ended, Alphard summoned Sirius over.

"How've things been going then?" He asked, arranging some papers on his desk.

Sirius nodded slightly "I asked her."

Alphard beamed "That's m'boy. What did she say?"

"She said no." He said, giving no sign of disappointment.

"Oh? And you've found someone else?" The older man raised his eyebrows.

He shook his head "I'm gonna ask her again."

"Oh?"

He nodded "It's her birthday today."

Alphard ignored the last comment "Listen, Sirius. You're mother does not have a heart, but it is clear you do. I want you to be careful. I don't want you to get hurt, Sirius."

"I won't get hurt," He said "Because I'll only ask her when the time's right."

He nodded "Good boy. Off you go then, no need to keep you from your friends."

"Bye," He nodded, opening the door "I got her a cat." She said, before leaving, placing a rather confused look on his uncle's face.

'After the dance,' Sirius thought to himself 'That's when I'll do it.'