Hermione had sent off her letter to Adrian, and had asked him to attend Slughorn's Christmas Party with her. After her rather surprising conversation with Malfoy, she figured it would be good to see Adrian before leaving for the Holidays.
As the weeks passed leading up to the event, Hermione noticed that while he was still friendly and engaging, Malfoy seemed rather subdued.
Even when they'd finished his Polyjuice and had brought Blaise along (he'd lost some bet that neither wizard would cop to) and morphed into Malfoy...thereby proving the end result a success...Hermione couldn't help but feel that something was off.
Even her magic was feeling unsettled again.
That Saturday, she'd chosen a beautiful gold dress that had a delicate lace overlay and was fitted to just above her knee. The neckline was demure but the back was not. The shoes she'd chosen were a pair of Muggle heels she'd gotten during the Christmas Holidays over fifth year. Red heel, gold straps and a jeweled buckle...they were flashy but fun.
She'd loved them immediately and this would be the first time wearing them.
Her hair she left down, and slightly pulled back to the side with a single gold comb, leaving the right side of her neck visible.
Her earrings were starbursts in simple gold and crystals. Nothing fancy, just something her Mum and Dad had given her fourth year at Christmas.
She still thought of the Granger's from time to time and missed them too. It was difficult to admit to herself even now, that they were gone from her life. She had grown to care deeply for her Grandmother, and was thrilled to have the Weasley's and Theo as family...but it didn't take the place of her parents.
With Christmas coming, and remembering back to this time last year, her eyes filled with reluctant tears at the thought of them not remembering her nor their happy times together...especially during the Christmas rush. Her Mum was always waiting until the last minute to do everything! From finding a tree to decorating it! While her Da would just snicker at how frazzled everything was, even if it did come together just fine come Christmas Eve.
Waving her hand over her face, Hermione took a calming breath and tried to keep her emotions at bay. Tonight wasn't the night to dwell on the what if's. Tonight was to determine what was to come. She needed to know if her feelings for Adrian were truly enough where her magic was concerned, or if what she was feeling for Malfoy was more than just a passing phase.
Harry was waiting for her in the common room with a huge grin, and together they made their way to Slughorn's offices.
When they got there, it appeared as if they were the last to arrive. Malfoy was already there and he was talking to some witch Hermione didn't immediately recognize. She looked to be about their age, and Hermione had to wonder if Malfoy had brought a date.
Shaking her head, she decided that wasn't a question she was going to concern herself with right now.
Then she noticed Adrian talking with Professor Slughorn and a witch that looked an awful lot like Amelia Bones, the current Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. The final person speaking with them was the new Minister for Magic, Rufus Scrimgeor.
There were several other people present that were rather notable and famous. Heathcote Barbary and Myron Wagtail from the Weird Sisters, Damocles Belby the inventor of Wolfsbane Potion and Tiberius McLaggen, Cormac's Uncle and Head of the Department of Magical Transportation.
"It's a who's who." Harry murmured into her ear, and Hermione sighed and nodded.
There were several other wizard's and witches too that she didn't know or recognize, but was fairly certain she'd get a chance to meet by the end of the night.
"I think I'll go and say hello to Adrian." She whispered and Harry nodded—leading her in that direction.
Once they'd properly entered the room, Hermione could feel the weighted stares of several of those present, focused on her.
Adrian however, just smiled warmly as he moved over immediately when he noticed her. His expression was heated and he thanked Harry for escorting her, before firmly placing her arm possessively within his.
From the expressions on the new Minister's face and that of Amelia Bones, it was clear that the primary reason for their attendance this evening was to meet her and Harry.
"Ah, Mr. Potter." Minister Scrimgeour nodded to Harry politely, "I was hoping I'd get a chance to meet you formally this evening."
Harry bowed in welcome. "Minister."
"Harry, m'boy." Slughorn clapped his meaty hand on Harry's shoulder in greeting. "Good of you to come. As I'm sure you're aware, this is our new esteemed Minster for Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour and this lovely witch is Madam Amelia Bones. Current head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
Harry bowed to the witch too, and then nodded to Adrian, who was more than happy to make the proper introductions.
"Minister, Madam Bones...might I introduce you to Miss Hermione Prewett."
Both of the older adults smiled in welcome.
"Miss Prewett," Amelia said kindly, "My Niece, Susan—has so many wonderful things to say about you."
Hermione smiled at the mention of her friend.
"Susan is a good friend."
"She says the same thing about you. I'm sure these past few months have been quite a challenge for you."
Hermione nodded. "It has been, but I've been more fortunate than most in that I've had my Grandmother returned to me and now Harry is officially part of my family. It's been hard with the season drawing near not to miss my parents...the Granger's. They were always so supportive of my magic and proud of me."
Amelia's expression softened and her eyes filled with sympathy. "Dumbledore did tell me about their memories being taken when the glamour over your appearance fell. I am truly sorry for your loss."
Hermione felt Adrian's arm tighten around her waist as she swallowed uncomfortably, but did manage a tremulous smile. "Thank you for those kind words, Madam Bones."
"Nonsense my dear," Amelia gripped Hermione's hand within her own and gave it a firm squeeze. "Call me Amelia. And if you ever require anything, please don't hesitate to call upon me. I don't suppose you've spoken with your Grandmother about the vacant Prewett seat on the Wizengamot yet?"
Hermione's eyes widened in shock and a brief glance at Adrian, and his single nod, let her know that this indeed was something that was correct even if she hadn't been told about it yet.
"I can see by your expression of surprise, Muriel hasn't mentioned it yet." Madam Bones voice was tinged with apology, "You are of age now, and whilst you're not done with school, you are the Heiress to House Prewett."
"I didn't know." Was all Hermione could get out and Amelia just hummed thoughtfully.
"Well, hopefully Muriel won't be too cross with me for bringing it up."
Hermione's smile was wan, as she noticed both Professor Slughorn and the Minister chuckling to themselves.
"She probably just wanted to wait until I've had a bit more time to adjust to all these changes."
"As she should." The Minister offered with a firm tone. "Gawain mentioned Mr. Potter's plans to possibly join the Auror Corps after graduation, but that you weren't thinking about joining the Ministry. Having a seat on the Wizengamot, your position within the Ministry is assured Miss Prewett, and you wouldn't need to take a position in any department if you don't feel it a good fit but whatever you decide, the Ministry will be happy to support that."
Brow furrowing, Hermione felt like she was missing something vital, but all she could do was nod and reply, "That's kind of you Minister."
"Perhaps if you'll excuse us, I might show Hermione around the room and introduce her to a few more people." Adrian decided to change the subject, sensing Hermione's unease. "I did see that Heathcote Barbary was here this evening."
"Yes, yes...Mr. Pucey." Slughorn's reply was affable as he waved them on. "Do enjoy the rest of the evening."
"Thank you, Sir." Adrian bowed in parting and led Hermione...with Harry following...over to meet a few other people.
The rest of the evening was a blur of smiles, polite chit-chat and perfunctory introductions and Hermione was a bit surly that her evening with Adrian had been more about schmoozing than potential snogging.
She'd also lost sight of Malfoy after the first hour and had no idea where he'd gone to.
Not that she was consciously keeping track too closely.
Harry had found Gwenog Jones, and was picking her brain about Quidditch while Adrian finally led her out of Slughorn's offices and down the sixth floor corridor.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Adrian inquired softly and Hermione sighed.
"I suppose it was interesting to meet so many notable witches and wizards."
Adrian nodded as he led her into an empty classroom and transfigured a large desk into a love seat. Hermione's eyebrows lifted in appreciation of the fine display of magic and then giggle when Adrian pulled her down to sit next to him.
"We are unchaperoned, Mr. Pucey."
"Yes we are, Miss Prewett." He admitted with a wolffish grin. "But I haven't seen you in months and I was hoping that perhaps you might indulge me for a bit of snogging before I have to take my leave?"
Hermione blushed but didn't stop Adrian as he leant his head down and kissed her.
Adrian deepened the kiss quickly and she felt her body relax into the kiss, and while she was enjoying it...it was clear that her magic wasn't responding to the wizard snogging her the ways in which she'd hoped it would.
It had even changed from September, which was odd.
The kiss was nice and enjoyable...but it didn't fill her with wanton passion nor fire.
After a moment more, she pulled back and sighed sadly.
When her gaze lifted, she saw slight disappointment flash through Adrian's eyes before he pulled her into his side and kissed her on the crown of her head sweetly.
Several minutes of silence went by until Adrian said hesitantly, "Is this goodbye?"
Hermione's blue eyes shot up to Adrian's deep brown ones with shock and then seeing the way in which he was bracing himself she cupped his face within her hands, as she moved into a kneeling position on the loveseat so she could face him better.
"Is that what you want?"
"Merlin, no!" His reply was earnest and heartfelt, but Hermione could see the difficulty he was having with his emotions. "You know, I had desperately hoped that your magic would choose me. I had spent years watching you from afar, but probably in earnest after Krum took you to the Yule Ball. I listened to others within my House talk about you as if somehow, your perceived Blood Status was the only cognizant thing about you and it was difficult for me not to speak up and say my peace. When your heritage was revealed, selfishly I saw it as my chance to court you and I'd hoped that perhaps, I'd be enough. I can see now, that perhaps that was a foolish wish on my part."
Hermione's eyes filled with reluctant tears at the heartbroken expression on Adrian's face.
"We don't know that my magic won't choose you." She whispered achingly, but Adrian just shook his heat in defeat.
"Little witch, you are many things but delusional isn't one of them." He admonished playfully. "You're smarter than anyone I've ever known and have the kindest heart...the most beautiful heart of any witch I've ever met. I would give every galleon I have to be the wizard for you. I hope you know that."
Hermione sniffled and watched as Adrian took a handkerchief from his robes and lovingly wiped her eyes, nose and cheeks with it...before handing it to her.
"I don't want to end this." She pleaded and Adrian could feel his resolve waver as he stared into perfect blue eyes that were begging him not to do this.
"My Hermione...I promised myself that I wouldn't force this. Whatever this is between us. And I also made myself a vow that if I ever suspected that this wasn't..." his voice broke on the last word as he cleared his throat several times to get himself a bit more under control... "If I wasn't the perfect match for you, I'd walk away with no hard feelings. I needed to know if this, what we've had, was an option. I needed to see for myself and accept whatever the outcome, because I would always wonder..."
"If we were meant to be?"
Adrian nodded. "Yes."
Wiping her eyes, Hermione felt her chin quivering as she sat back in sad resignation. "Now what?"
Adrain pulled her again into his side and kissed her on her temple in calm reassurance. "Now, we go our separate ways hopefully, the best of friends. I will always be here for you, little witch. Whomever ends up being your chosen wizard...I reserve first rights to hex the blighter if he ever hurts you and doesn't give you every good thing you deserve."
"You're too good for me." Hermione's voice was emotional, and there was a part of her that wished that things between her and Adrian could be different.
But there was a larger part of her that sadly knew it just wasn't meant to be.
"Just promise me one thing?"
"Anything." Adrian replied easily.
Hermione paused, then said pleadingly, "Don't sell yourself short Adrian. Witches like Shardlow aren't worth your time. I know I don't have any right to be jealous..."
This earned a chuckle. "Trust me Hermione, that's one witch I would never seek to make a permanent fixture in my life. Wizard's Oath."
"Good." Her reply was petty and Hermione knew it—but she couldn't help it.
She very much detested that witch.
Adrian stood and pulled her up with him, giving her one more sweet chaste kiss on the lips before leading them both from the safety of the empty classroom and back to the party.
When they got outside Slughorn's office, Hermione shook her head.
"I'm going to head back to Gryffindor Tower. I don't think I can face anyone else tonight."
Adrian nodded. "I understand." He enveloped her into a hug and kissed the crown of her head.
"Promise me little witch, that you'll be safe and happy." Adrian whispered emotively into her ear and Hermione just nodded silently in response as tears threatened to fall again. Pulling away she cupped his cheek and placed a final kiss on his lips before she turned around and swiftly moved back towards the staircase...tears falling in earnest as she reached the Gryffindor common room.
Her heart was hurting and she didn't want to see Adrian hurting either.
He really was a wonderful wizard and she cared for him immensely.
Life was truly unfair sometimes.