After reading the story from start to what I have so far, I feel the need to apologize. I have to apologize to all my readers who've kept me on their favorites, or kept track of this story within the span of these 9 years. (Notice: the publish date is June 9, 2003) My grammar, spelling, and overall typos should've banned me from writing and continuing this story. I can't believe how horrible my writing can be. However, beyond that there were plot highlights. I laughed at portions of what I read and I thought to myself…'That was good …or damn, that sucked…that could've been phrased in a different way…why does my spelling and grammar suck so bad?'

Anyway, I am going to take the time to make the rest of the story better than before and try to go back and edit/revise.

Note:

So I went through and I realized I messed up my timeline in the story, from taking all those yearlong breaks. Obviously, I didn't see the problems until I read through again. Why didn't anyone say something? In a previous chapter, I wrote, Halloween for the Talent Show…and Christmas for a Ball…Obviously, I mention it being September, the month going by. Hermione awakening her gift…should've happened around the beginning of October by my writing…and I wrote that Draco and Blaise were scheduled to receive marks on Halloween and I wrote a flashback that it happened…so I'm going to say…It's sometime in November (week before US Thanksgiving) right now…Show was postpone because of Hermione's health…I really do want to have a Ball for Christmas.

Chapter 36

Blaise Zabini was content with the way things were turning out in his life. He was beginning to cherish every moment of happiness that seem to come his way. He just wished things could be simpler overall. Every action, person and thing seemed to react in a tug of war fashion. One side or the other was always pulling at something. He never liked to be on the fence on any matter. Being neutral seemed to be the safe place. So, why did he care so much about Draco and Hermione's relationship when his own might just get him killed? The answer was simple. It was that he wanted them to be happy.

'I need those two to be happy. My best mates,' he thought to himself. If you had asked him a few years ago if he considered anyone to be a good friend, you would've discovered that Zabinis don't make friends, you make useful relations. Overtime, his constant interaction with Draco and Hershey had chipped away at the barrier that had been around him.

Blaise sighed. He wanted them to have at least a piece of what he had with Rosalyn. He was going to find a way to push those two stubborn souls together. 'Let's move onto the things I have a semblance of control over.' He stated as he stared thoughtfully into the piece of parchment within his hands. The words were comforting to him. 'My dear Rosalyn.'

She was looking forward to his visit over Christmas break. She was waiting. He could picture her sweet smile, her laughter and feel her embrace. It brought him a sense of peace. It made him happy. He never thought that simply having someone see him could be so soothing. He had spent most of his life awkwardly following his duty as a pureblood. He had to show a certain amount of dignity, a certain air of arrogance, a certain amount of emotion. It bothered him at first that she could see through his facade. It still bothers him.

Rosalyn had endeared herself to him. She was his reason for questioning what he had been taught since he was young. It had bothered him that Hermione had also endeared herself to him when he thought she was Muggleborn. It was as if everything in the universe was trying to contradict the traditional pureblood ideas of what it meant to be a wizard or witch.

It was not just blood. It was the actual person as well. Every person's magical talent varied. The confidence, belief in one's power also seemed to play a major factor as well. The strongest wizards and witches were the ones who knew that they were the best. He was sure that everyone had the potential for magic. It was an unlucky draw to be a squib. Blaise groaned. Even being a squib could potentially allow you to expand your magical horizons into the occult.

He felt that Rosalyn was magical in her own way. She understood things in a different light. She was a Muggle, but she viewed the supernatural in a way that made him envious. Magic was beautiful to her. Magic was a rare gift that allowed for opportunity. Magic wasn't that much of a surprise anymore. It was normal. Blaise can see that specific joyous look on Hermione's face too, whenever she learns something new. He can also see the look in her eyes as she experiences the dark side as well.

He didn't want to share that side with Rosalyn. He didn't want to share the darkness in magic. He wanted her to believe that everything about magic was beautiful. Blaise wanted to keep her and magic separate, but there was no way of taking that part of him out of the equation. He was who he was because of the magic in his life. It was asking to stop the sun from rising in the east and setting in the west.

"What happens if one day, the Earth stops rotating west to east?" a voice asked quietly.

"La Figlia del Dono (The Daughter of the Gift)" Blaise cursed with a twitch of annoyance. "Hershey, we've been through this conversation. I-"

"Have we?" Hermione interrupted with a smile in her voice. "Because I'm sure we've also had another coversation before too."

"What?" Blaise asked staring over to Hermione with a coy smile.

Hermione waved a hand. "I really wish you wouldn't use my room as your own personal haven. You know, sometimes I want to nap in my own bed too. We've talked about how you shouldn't just plop yourself upon my bed whenever you've felt like it."

"But Hershey, dearest, you know how I love to gossip about my affairs with you. It makes you feel so much closer to me," Blaise replied in a teasing voice as he pulled Hermione down beside him.

Hermione sighed as she made herself more comfortable beside Blaise. The two both were lying down on the bed staring off into their own worlds for a moment. It had become a sporadic yet familiar action when the two just needed the presence of another being since Hermione awoke a couple weeks ago. Hermione felt comfortable with Blaise just being there. It felt safe.

"Where'd you run off to?" Blaise asked in wonder.

"Business with the one I call Father," Hermione replied closing her eyes picturing the beautiful atrium.

"Want to let me in on the secret?" he asked tilting his head over to stare at Hermione's peaceful face.

"Maybe…it's something that I don't need to reveal right now." She answered after some thought. She wanted to keep that place her own Haven. She knew that once she let the more people know about the atrium, the less special and magical the place would become. That and she needed a place no one could find her.

"Now, back to the topic beforehand," Blaise started looking away. "I absolutely hate that you can read my mind, girl."

"Yep," Hermione replied already knowing what he would say.

"Any young bloke would want his mind to be private, you see. There are some things you needn't see or hear. I can't often at times control the engine to the train of my thoughts. So I don't need you fiddling on tuning in to give commentary."

Hermione laughed, opening her eyes to stare at Blaise's somewhat embarrassed face. Hermione smiled turning slightly to lean her forehead into his shoulder and grab his arm.

"I don't go around ease dropping. I just caught onto the last bit because you were projecting some interesting thoughtmotion (BTW thought emotion if you thought I made a weird typo)." Hermione stated nonchalantly. "It was a mix of conviction, acceptance and love."

"Well, let's leave the analysis of my thoughtmotion to another day. I have that every day, what are you really going to do with Draco?"

Draco Malfoy was conflicted. After his conversation with Professor Snape, he took it upon himself to plan something idiotic. He could not do it, but then…If his mother could see what he was about to do. She would wonder whether or not he was the boy she raised. She was soft on him, but this was going beyond the pride that one holds to a Black or Malfoy. He wasn't exactly sure how he ended up in this situation. Now, he had to figure out his exact plan of action or things would be disastrous.

"Mr. Malfoy is there a particular reason you're face planting into that table," a voice asked. "Doing so several times isn't particularly good for the table."

Draco was surprised to see Loren Luther eyeing him in what looked to be a probing expression. They never interacted this directly with one another. They acknowledge that the other existed and respected them for who they are. Well, Draco respected Loren in a way; it was a matter of whether or not she even cared for who he was. He knew that she was a peculiar person, friends with Hermione yet devoted to You-Know-Who on the offshore.

"It's a sturdy table," he replied, "A little trauma, does the body good. Is there any particular reason you're invested in my affairs?"

"I'm personally invested, thank you for asking. The table may look sturdy, but it's been around awhile. It already has kinks in it. It would be best to take care of these things," Loren replied. "It's fragile, even when it appears that it isn't."

She was giving him an odd look. He knew that she wasn't speaking about the table. It was so obvious she wanted to talk to him about Hermione. He could play the game too.

"This table and I have been through so much. I think the last seven years has given me knowledge on the state of its wellbeing. You've only been around the last few months. I've been around this table and that table; I know the limitations for each one. I'm not sure how well you do, considering the time you've spent getting to know them. I take care of what is mine. I don't intend on doing further damage. I'm trying to figure out a way to mend the splintered pieces. You should be more concerned about the actions you might take against this table. An unforeseen blow always stings the worst. I'm neither the first nor the last to do more damage," Draco replied staring at Loren intently. He was looking for some sort of response from her.

Loren just smirked. "You should worry about yourself. The table is slowly doing as much damage to you as you are to it. You're already bruised. I would look into getting some sort of protection against that. The table might outlast you. Anyway, since, I've done my duty, I shall bid you adieu. I'll see you later for the show."

Draco tilted his head in acknowledgement and began to go over some of the notes on the table as she made her way out of the library. He shook his head trying to go over what he needed to do and what he could use to help him.

Loren Luther was no fool. She wanted to believe that the young man's words were truthful. She really did want to believe it. Loren was a cynic when it comes to Malfoys. She believed they were emotionally stunted. They just weren't developed enough to understand the feelings of another being since they were so self involved. Of course, this was her prejudice speaking. She could comprehend what Draco Malfoy was trying to get at. It was only because he insulted her relationship with Hermione that she was peeved beyond expectations.

Of course, it wasn't a known fact to him that she and Hermione were cousins. He was still out of that loop and it was because he was such a prat that he would forever stay out of it. Loren was glad that she was quick-witted enough to think on her feet. However, she almost wanted to scream in an unladylike fashion that he was a boob and they were family, so that trumps everyone and everything else.

"You look extremely busy glaring into space, dear," Remus joked wrapping his arms around her frame.

Loren leaned against his touch. He was warm and real. He was one of the strongest men she knew. She really admired the strength that Remus had to bear his transformations and still keep an approachable disposition. He always thought about others. And his loyalty above all else was her favorite trait of his. Sometimes, he could be a little bashful, but she adored that Hufflepuff in him.

"Did you have a nice chat with Draco," Remus asked.

"Nice wouldn't be the right word," Loren stated. She turned to look into his eyes. "I have a bit of hunch that he will be doing something to gain Hermione's forgiveness soon."

"That's good. It would be nice if we could get him on our side. It will make it easier for you and Severus," Remus stated. He had a thoughtful expression on his face.

She sighed softly as she leaned into him until their foreheads were touching one another. "I will be fine. You shouldn't worry."

"I know, but I have to."

"Well, don't. I knew what I was getting into."

"Still, it would make things easier."

"The easiest way isn't always the best way."

"The best way will be the one that returns you to me always."

Loren smiled softly before leaning into Remus' kiss.

Meanwhile, there were individuals who were having a grand old time watching from afar as the events were laid out before them.

"I do really like Blaise," Chloe whispered to herself though she knew almost everyone around her could hear her.

"He's spot on that one," Katrina stated. "It's too bad, that he's already in love with another woman."

"That shouldn't stop them, if they really wanted to be together," Helen replied.

"Of course, you would know," Orwen stated.

"Now, Orwen, don't get your knickers in a twist. You always knew, didn't you?" Julius stated.

Chloe sighed as the elders began to get into another petty argument. You would think that after the time they've spent together dead that they would've resolved these issues long ago. She hated the unlucky fortunate curse of two loves. It was such a beautiful disaster. Chloe did not like that she was watching her daughter suffer. It was a battle between her heart and her mind. Obviously, Chloe had chosen her mind and did not continue her relationship with Severus, even though they were meant to be together.

Hermione was suffering from the duty she had to fulfill and her heart's desire. How would she choose? What would she choose? She might lose her heart either way. She was silently rooting for a champion that would keep her daughter safe and love her. Even if that champion was not the ideal candidate for the light. There were unexpected and less likely heroes all around. Her dearest daughter might just fall in love with that Neville Longbottom fellow for all the Fates were to know. It was a decision to be made. The future was not set in stone and she dare not look, to be tempted by what could be.

"I think this is beneficial for us to know." Harry Potter stated as he pointed out different spells to Ron Weasley from a book he had received from Loren earlier that day.

"It seems a little complex," Ron replied trying to motion himself through the wand movements and incantation.

"Practice makes perfect, boys," Ginny Weasley replied as she attempted the movements as well.

Harry smiled at Ginny. She was really fierce about being a better duelist. He loved that attitude about her. She was sweet when she needed to be and forceful when the times were right.

"I want to at least get it right a few times, before I get ready for the show," Ginny stated doing a little victory dance.

"I think that the competition is pretty stiff," Ron replied. "You haven't seen Lavender's act."

"I don't need to know her act to know that my only competition is Daphne Greengrass," Ginny stated.

Ron turned a bright red as he huffed. "Gin!"

"Ron," Harry spoke gently, "I think, we should let Ginny practice alone for a while. Let's go see what Mione is up to."

Harry wanted to be the peacemaker. He really couldn't stand his best mate and girlfriend arguing regardless of the fact that they were siblings. It put him in an awkward position. He kissed Ginny on the cheek before grabbing Ron and forcing him out of the Room of Requirement.

There was a sudden popping noise that got Harry's attention. "Master Potter," a squeaky voice called.

"Hey Dobby," Harry replied back.

"Headmaster want Dobby to tell Master Potter that his presence is required in his office."

"Thanks," Harry said as Dobby popped away in a hurry after delivering his message. It was a little strange.

"I'll head to Mione's. You head over to Professor Dumbledore," Ron stated as their different paths emerged.

I think I'll stop it here, because it's late and I have work in the morning. I wanted to keep going; but I got to a good stopping point to post this chapter up. I've been writing for a while and I think it turned out well enough. I wanted to update the story with a new pretty decent length chapter to let people know that I am serious about trying to get this story back on the road to completion. I will try to update at least weekly, but if my writing inspiration flows maybe more than that. I just wanted to get into the swing of things. So, what do you think? I do want feedback, so please review. It makes me a happier author to know what people think. Oh and ps, I'm going to start a new story sometime between this chapter and my next chapter. So stay tuned to find out what it's about.

1-19-2012 1:20AM