The week continued. Harry continued to observe his classes and seethe silently about the inadequacy of the education here. Hermione put more effort into raising and training Noch than any of her classes, though her grades didn't dip. Harry and Draco cared for their eggs, but didn't have much to do on that front until their eggs were ready to hatch. While Draco left his in its enchanted box in his dorm, Harry kept his in his cloak pocket.

"Harry," Hermione said, prodding him awake. "Harry."

"Mmm?"

"I have to add someone to our date."

"Huh?"

"Noch. She communicated with me telepathically for the first time."

"Good. Good."

"So I've got to bring her in case she does it again."

"'Ight. Time is it?"

"Six."

He groaned.

"Go back to sleep. I'll wake you up before we have to leave."

They collected a bleary eyed but perfectly groomed Draco from the dungeons at quarter to nine.

"The Slytherin dorms are in the dungeons? Who the hell thought of that? It's like Dumbledore wanted you lot to turn dark."

"Yea, well. We didn't choose it and a lot of us have lodged formal complaints."

"We'll see about making them stick." The trio headed for Hogsmeade with Noch alternating through jumping through puddles, launching into quick fluttery flights, or riding on one of their shoulders. Despite snakes, tigers, and falcons all being solitary creatures, Nochnaya Strakh formed close family groups and Noch seemed to have accepted Harry and Draco into hers. That said, Hermione was first for her and she knew she'd kill the boys without a thought if it meant protecting her mother figure.

The conversation was light and cordial as the trio discussed all the changes they would make at Hogwarts if they were in charge. Despite the joking nature, his friends came up with a few ideas that Harry added to his mental to-do list.

After about twenty five minutes, they reached the Shrieking Shack. Draco and Hermione seemed hesitant to approach, but between Harry's coaxing and the inviting orange light pooling from the windows, they made a cautious approach.

Sirius greeted them at the door.

"Welcome! Come on in for a cuppa."

"We'll be back later," Harry said. "Just dropping off Draco."

"I smell snakes," Noch said. "I not hurt the old two leg. Meet snakes. Stay with Draco." She waltzed in between Sirius's legs to make herself at home.

Harry translated for Sirius and Hermione left him with a couple doses of antidote. Just in case.

Free from the others, Hermione held Harry's hand as they walked down the lane toward town. He gave a squeeze and a grin.

"Almost a shame to go back into society now that I have you to myself," he said.

Hermione blushed. "Even after all our late night talks?"

"All two? Yes. You should spend the night more often."

"It's completely inappropriate and should never have happened in the first place," she said with a firm nod.

Harry stopped and pulled her to face him. She stumbled and caught herself on his chest. The intensity of his jade gaze kept her from pulling away. "You regret that time together?"

"No. It's not that."

"I acted too forward. Made you uncomfortable."

"No. Of course not. You've been a perfect gentleman."

"Then?"

"I'm Head Girl! What sort of example am I setting by breaking curfew and sleeping in a boy's room?"

"I was under the impression I could have guests."

"Of course."

"And we didn't do anything untoward."

"But people think- "

"I don't care what people think. Wild gossip springs from every facet of my life." He paused. "But I'm a bloody fool for not thinking about how it would affect you. I'm sorry." He twirled a lock of her hair around his finger.

"That's okay. There would be rumors anyway."

"You'll tell me right? If it gets to be too much. I can back off."

"I want to see where this goes."

He held her to him, tucking her head under his chin. Lavender and leather bound books.

"Me too."

After a moment, they began walking again. This time, Hermnione looped her arm through his for an excuse to walk against his side. She told herself the wind bit too brisk to deny herself his warmth.

"Your birthday is close right? Would it make you feel better if we held off on our late night conversations until then?"

"My birthday won't stop the gossip."

"No. But you'll be of age so you won't be setting a bad example."

She burst out laughing. "That does actually make me feel better."

"So, where are we going first?"

Back at the house, Draco sat with Harry's snakes, listening to their stories about him.

"Why you call him king?" Draco asked in his broken parseltongue.

"He bested a basilisk," Apollo answered. "The venom runs in his veins. Makes him impervious to most venoms, poisons, and toxins."

"Plus," Violet added, "he is a dragon."

"Hey cousin."

A week ago, Draco would have cringed at the familiarity and denied their relation. Now, he turned to Sirius with a smile.

"They're telling me about Harry."

"I can tell by the goofy grin on your face. Put them away for now and come have a cup with me."

As Harry and Hermione left Honeydukes, a crack and brilliant light had him shoving Hermione behind him as six shields sprang up around them.

"Step right up!"

"One day only, 70% off all merchandise!"

"Get your must have tools for everyday pranking!"

"Harry, "Hermione said, peeking over his shoulder on tiptoes. "It's just the Weasley twins. They're not dangerous. Well, not right now. They're rule breaking Scoundrels, but most of their gimmicks are to get a laugh."

He let her out and dropped all but one shield. The last was undetectable and laced with triggers to boost the creation of more shields if it detected danger.

"Sounds like a good time. Let's check it out."

"Still causing mischief boys?" Hermione called as they approached the red headed twins.

"Going to tell McGonagall on us Hermione?"

"Not that the old cat can do much to us now, eh George?"

"You think so, Mr Weasely?" McGonagall's voice rang out. Both twins jumped and looked about in a near panic.

Harry burst out laughing. "Couldn't resist. Mimicry charm. Harry Potter." He offered his hand to shake both their hands.

"Fred Weasley."

"George. That was a good one mate. Didn't even notice you casting!"

The twins eagerly talked to him about pranks, specifically tales of their antics at Hogwarts.

"Now you're encouraging the younger generation to become hellions, giving them your damned tricks and profiting to boot." Hermione gave their products a disapproving look. "Why the sale anyway?"

"Got no roof," Fred said.

"Walls," George added.

"Or heating. Miserable winters in Scotland."

"Got no choice but to pack up for the season."

"Only Mum won't let us store our supply at home."

"So we've got to sell it off."

"Might do you some good to cause a little mischief your last year."

"Loosen up. "

"Go out with a bang."

"No one would expect it."

"I'm just fine, thanks," she said.

"What do you do during the off season?" Harry asked.

"Odd jobs," they answered.

"You're quite clever. You might be just the thing for my dad's company. What are you doing for dinner?" They made plans to come back for the twins before the couple headed off for lunch.

"I'm not sure you want to suggest those two for anything important," Hermione said once they were out of earshot. "They don't have a serious bone between the two of them."

"Dads' been talking about starting a practical joke company for years. They'll be the motivation he needs."

They poked around the other shops before sitting down for lunch at the Three Broomsticks. Hermione had suggested the Tea Shop as a more romantic location, but Harry took one look at the gaudy decor and overwhelming number of couples and walked out.

"Thanks for coming out with me," he said as they sipped their butter beer and looked over the menu. "I know they haven't made it easy at school."

"That's their problem. You're right. We can't live our lives to please others. Not all the time."

"Not ever."

She smiled. They both looked for reasons to brush the other's hand as they ate and talked.

After lunch, Harry pulled her to the one place she had avoided all morning. Tomes and scrolls.

"Really Harry, let's not. I didn't bring you out here to watch me look at books."

"We've seen everything else. Besides, watching you in your element sounds amazing. You took me to the three Broomsticks instead of making me stay in that aweful shop. I'm in your debt."

Hermione didn't need any more prompting. Soon Harry was flipping through an old book with brittle yellowed pages on Japanese runes while Hermione's pile grew beside him. She let out a little squeak or breathy sigh whenever she found an interesting book. The shopkeeper, a gnarled wizard missing the thumb and pointer finger of his left hand, knew Hermione too well to interrupt his best customer.

Once the stack of books reached Harry's hip and Hermione's arms were laden with scrolls, she called it quits and began sorting her treasures into three piles.

"What're you doing?"

"These are the ones I can afford, the ones I want in case there's room left in the budget, and these are ones I'll have to add to the list and put back." She looked sadly at the growing pile of books. Several of them she'd reshelved more than ten times over the years.

"Nonsense. This is your last year." Harry began marching stacks to the front counter despite Hermione's flustered protests. Once all the books were piled around the counter and the wide eyed owner had given them a total that renewed Hermione's protests, Harry paid for the books and called two house elves to pop Hermione's items to her room. His own book on Japanese runes he stowed in his cloak.

"Oh, is it really that late? "Hermione asked as they walked out under the purples, pinks, and vibrant orange of the setting sun. "You must have been bored to tears. I'm so sorry Harry."

"Nonsense. I couldn't think of a better way to spend an afternoon." He took her hand and began to lead her back through the village.

"Still," she said, "that was far too generous. You've got to let me pay you back."

"And that's why I won't let you." He grinned. It soon became apparent that several of the small groups of students passing them on their way back to the castle were whispering about them. "I'm sorry. This can't be easy for you."

"I have a feeling you're worth it." She pulled him to a stop in the middle of town and flung her arms around his neck. Their lips met. His arms went around her waist. As each opened up, the kiss deepened and their tongues danced. For several minutes, all that mattered to either was how the other felt against them.

Then they heard a too loud scoff.

"Bloomin inappropriate that is. Snoggin in the street."

"Bugger off Weasel," Harry said. "You're just jealous." He continued to watch Hermione as he spoke, but also readied shields he could call at a moment's notice.

"What sorta example are you setting Granger?" Hermione flinched, but otherwise didn't react and began walking hand-in-hand with Harry.

"Oi! I'm talking to you. Who let the most self-centered full of themselves gits get together."

Harry squeezed Hermione's hand. She took a deep breath and they continued walking.

"As if they weren't insufferable enough alone."

The hair along the back of Harry's neck rose. He threw up a reflecting sheild a second before Ron sent a curse flying towards them. The pale yellow spell rebounded and struck Ron in the chest.

With a yell, he fell back into a puddle of slush. The pair turned to make sure he was alright. Ron twitched in the puddle and clutched at his face, moaning. Vicious green boils grew all over his face. They darkened and grouped together on his forehead to spell 'whore'.

Harry's expression darkened. "Only a coward curses a witch's back. Volky!" When a middle aged house elf appeared with a bow, Harry continued. "Please take Mr Weasley to madam Pomfrey in the castle. Please also inform Professor McGonagall and the Headmaster that he attacked another student in the street. I'll meet with them this evening."

"Yes Sir. Miss." Volky bowed to each of them before popping away with Ron.

The previously gossiping groups were silent as Hermione and Harry continued to the twins stand. They had paused to watch the confrontation and hurried back to closing up.

"Sorry about that," Harry said. "I know he's your brother. I hope you'll still give my dad a chance."

"Course we will," Fred said.

"And it should be us apologizing. Clearly we failed to teach the git some manners."

"You alright Hermione? "Fied asked.

"Nothing got through," she said.

"Still. I never would have thought he'd try." George said shaking his head.

"I would," Fred said in a rare moment of disagreement with his twin. "Ron's a jealous git. He's the baby boy. Mom means well, but she spoils him and he feels entitled."

"Well when you put it that way."

"Shall we go? "Hermione asked, trying to shake off the encounter.

The twins finished closing up. grabbed a case full of samples for their potential employer, and went on their way with the couple. Rather than being put off by the Shrieking Shack, the twins' enthusiasm increased.

Sirius welcomed them all in and immediately forgot about dinner in favor of talking with the twins.

"My snakes are anxious to meet you," Harry said. At her nod, Harry led Hermione up the stairs and down the hall to his room.

Draco let them in and eagerly told Harry of his progress. When he noticed Hermione's amused and patient smile, he stuttered to a stop.

"But that's uh we can talk later. I'll leave you to it."

"Nonsense," Hermione said. "We've been alone all day. Plus, if the way we left the other three is any indication, Harry will have to go cook for us. It would be nice to have someone who can talk to them around."

Draco wiped the surprise from his face, nodded, and leaned against the wall by the door. Harry smiled and squeezed Hermione's hand before introducing her to the snakes.

Apollo and Artemis were particularly taken with her. When Noch came wandering into the room, all three of the snakes greeted her like an old friend. Apollo and Artemis fawned over Noch even more than they did over Hermione.

After she seemed well established with the snakes. Harry excused himself to start on dinner.

"You're making it yourself?" Draco asked.

"Of course. The house elves complain, but I like taking care of myself now and again." He left the two alone in uncomfortable silence.

"My father beat and raped my mother," Draco blurted out.

"That's not exactly something you just tell someone, Draco." Despite her words, Hermione's voice was a degree or two warmer than it had been before. While her own parents weren't particularly affectionate toward her or each other, she couldn't imagine either performing such violence in their more or less happy home.

"You and Lord Potter are close. You're brilliant. I know you'll figure it out sooner or later and, well, I'd rather tell you. This way you might believe me when I tell you I'm trying to be … friendly toward you."

Hermione gave him a sharp nod before busying herself with Apollo, Artemis, and Noch to give him a semblance of privacy as he visibly collected his thoughts.

"He did terrible things to her. Their marriage was arranged, you know? Almost all pureblood marriages are. My father is hunting for a wife for me."

She shivered at the choice of words. Lucius definitely had a predatory aura and the thought of him stalking any girl her age like a doe to the slaughter sent chills down her spine.

"She got pregnant in the honeymoon stage, before he showed his colours. Around the time I started kindergarten he dropped the facade. Forced her to join the Death Eaters. Beat her as she had miscarriage after miscarriage and 'refused' to give my father more children. More pawns."

"Draco. Stop."

"This is why I'm loyal to Harry. You want to know."

She nodded, though he hadn't asked it as a question. He was too cunning not to see the curious looks she flashed him whenever he seemed a hair too subservient to Harry.

"I'm almost there. Fifth year, he almost killed her. I helped her leave. Forced her to leave. I wanted to go with her. He never would have stopped hunting us. But she could get away. Harry and his father took her in and hid her.

On the train, Harry gave me a note from her. For the first time in more than a year I knew she was alive and safe. Because of Harry. I'd spent over a year not knowing what happened to her. Over a year with him alone."

"So you swore your allegiance."

"He took me as his liegeman, which is more than I deserve."

"Fifth year. Harry killed Voldemort in fifth year."

"Like I said, brilliant."

"Draco." She knelt in front of the blond boy on the floor. In a move more tender than either of them were expecting, she held his chin so she could meet his pale blue eyes. "Did he transfer that rage to you?"

She read the answer in his eyes and threw her arms around his neck. His wrapped automatically around her waist. They sat that way, stiff and uncomfortable in an embrace neither had meant to start nor knew how to break.

"Krum raped me."

"What?" His shock broke them apart. "That's not something you just tell someone."

She couldn't meet his eyes.

"Yule ball. Their ship. I don't want to talk about it. I just - Well your confession was so personal and I would like to trust you. For Harry."

"I'm not my father."

"What?"

"He's a monster. I learned that this year. I revile every prejudiced and elitist principle he holds dear and tried to teach me. None of that excuses how I treated you in the past, but I swear it is the past. I would never do what Krum-"

"I didn't think you would. Not now."

"Not just because of Harry."

She gave him a long considered look. "I believe you."

Silence.

"Who knows?" he whispered.

"No one."

"Not even Harry?"

"No."

"I won't tell him."

"Thank you."

"He'd kill him you know."

"Yes."

"Slowly."

"I'lll kill him," Noch swore, but she didn't have the energy to struggle with telepathy. Though Draco had made significant progress with Harry's snakes that day, he was not skilled enough to translate the broken parseltongue.

Together they put the snakes away, except for Apollo and Artemis, who insisted on coiling around Hermione's neck.

"Oh let them stay," Hermione said as Draco tried, unsuccessfully, to reason with them. "Fred and George are always scaring the crap out of other people for laughs. Let's see how they are with snakes."

They made their way downstairs and followed the smell of garlic and seared beef to the kitchen. Sirius and the twins were perched at the table. Even with six of them, they would only use half the table.

The three men were so absorbed in their conversation that they barely spent the time to give the newcomers a quick nod. The pair walked through to the kitchen were Harry flicked cut and lightly oiled veggies in a skillet as he poked at charred steaks sizzling on the grill that took up half the stovetop.

His smile when he turned encompassed them both.

"Finally. People who will talk about something other than vanishing trousers and portable swamps."

Draco had his fingers smacked away when he tried to snag a piece of broccoli from the skillet.

Hermione fought back a giggle and offered to set the table.

Fred noticed halfway through dinner that Hermione wore the two headed snake around her neck. Rather than be put off, the magical creature only added to the prank focused conversation. Draco, Harry, and Hermione chatted now and then, mostly to offer Harry praise on the tender steaks and crisp veggies. Mostly, they watched the other three become more and more animated.

The twins stayed much later than the three students and agreed to close up their kiosk in the morning to work exclusively with Sirius. None of them noticed when the others cleared the table and headed upstairs.

As Harry had pushed the paperwork through for each of his animals during the week, the other two helped him pack up their enclosures and held onto them and the snakes for Harry to apparate them back to Hogwarts.

They appeared in his sitting room and helped set the enclosures up along one wall. Draco soon excused himself.

"Thank you for today," Harry said once the other boy left. "I had a wonderful time." He took both her hands.

"Me too. Would you like to go again next weekend?"

"You're going to make me wait that long?"

Hermione grinned, her shoulders relaxed. She hadn't been certain he'd want to go out again. "Well I'd be willing to go on another date sooner, but there aren't many romantic spots on campus."

"I'm sure I can find something." Harry's grin twinkled in his eyes. "Come out with me on Tuesday."

"Alright."

He bent his neck. She rose onto her toes, her chest brushed against his. Once his lips were a bare inch of hers, he paused.

"May I kiss you Mio?"

His breath made her lips tingle and a thrill shot down her spine at the affectionate nickname.

"Yes."

Their lips met warm and soft. Unlike their first kisses, there was no urgency and very little nervousness. Slow gentle heat built up between them. They stumbled backwards until Harry's calves hit the couch. He sunk into it, pulling Hermione down into his lap. She knelt, her knees on either side of his thighs. As their kiss continued to heat, she pressed herself closer.

As their tongues tasted and explored each other, she felt a hard bulge growing in his trousers below her. Caught in the passion of the moment, she rocked her hips against his. Harry growled against her lips before breaking the kiss, though he continued to hold her firmly to his chest.

"I only have so much self control, Mio. You're burning through it quickly."

She worried her bottom lip between her teeth, pulling another groan from Harry before he slipped both hands into her hair and began kissing her again with a fervent edge.

With a distinct effort, she kept her hips still, though the bulge continued to grow. One hand trailed down her neck and paused to make sure she didn't pull away before he gently cupped the side of her breast.

Hermione gasped against his lips and shifted to offer more of herself to his wandering hand. He began massaging her through her shirt and bra. With a little guesswork, he found her sensitive nipple and squeezed gently. At her moan and involuntary thrust of her hips he pinched harder and went back to kneading her breast.

Before she could talk herself out of it, Hermione broke the kiss to sit up on his lap and lock eyes as she pulled her shirt over her head. To his credit, Harry kept her gaze a few moments longer before racking over her generous bosom and down her smooth, yet soft stomach. She felt the heat of his gaze.

"You're beautiful," he said. His jade eyes met her golden brown, shining with awe and honesty. Hardly believing how bold his gaze made her, she reached behind herself to unclasp her sensible black bra and slowly let it drop from her shoulders. His eyes widened as he took in her bare chest.

With slow motions, he cupped the underside of both breasts, feeling their weight and smooth warm skin. He rubbed his thumbs around the outside of her large light brown areolas before finally passing over the darker nubs of her nipples. She groaned and leaned into his touch. He rolled her nipples under his thumbs, making them pucker and sending sparks tingle through her, centering between her legs as heat and moisture began to accumulate behind her panties.

"Absolutely gorgeous," he whispered while lowering his head to catch her left nipple between his lips. He delighted in the excited mewing noises she made while he sucked and nipped at one and then the other. Meanwhile, his hands worked her breasts.

She ground her hips against his. "Harry," she moaned. "I've never felt- "

A soft pop interrupted her and set Harry's quick reflexes to wrap the throw blanket on the back of the couch around her shoulders.

The house elf fell to his face with a squeal. "Dobby is sorry Master and Miss. Dobby didn't know. Bad Dobby will punish- will take break for this."

"That's quite alright Dobby," Hermione said, her voice muffled as she buried her face against Harry's chest.

"What is it Dobby? "Harry asked. It took considerable effort to keep the frustration from his voice.

"Dobby not come Master, only Harly be having the baby early."

Harry leapt to his feet, bringing Hermione with and throwing her shirt over her head.

"I'm sorry. I'd never leave you like this, but house elf babies are never early. It's very dangerous for them both."

"Let's go," Hermione said, taking his hand as soon as she worked her arms through her sleeves.

They apparated away, appearing back in Harry's room in the Shrieking Shack.