AN: Good news! I may have a beta, so updates will definitely slow, but the quality of this should rise if we can work out an agreement.

"Ginny, that's…so very you." Hermione breathed, holding her friends left hand in her own gently, admiring the surprisingly large cushion cut diamond upon her finger. The ring was simple, a white gold band with the lone diamond, unfussy; but large enough that it most certainly got the point across. She was engaged to Harry Potter; and the Weasley's were most certainly moving up in the world.

"I think it's a bit much, but…it's so damn sparkly, I just couldn't take my eyes off it. Harry noticed, and even though I thought we should go for something smaller…" She shrugged, clearly pleased with her latest, and most important piece of jewellery. "I can't say I'll be complaining about wearing this for the rest of my life!"

Hermione laughed with her, admiring the seventeen year olds investment once more. She looked at her carefully, sensing that despite their extremely young ages; neither of them were actually rushing into marriage.

"Mum wants us to start organising the wedding immediately," Ginny said quietly, reading Hermione's expression flawlessly, her tone taking on an urgent note as she spoke, "It's…that's not going to happen. I don't want to get married until I'm at least in my twenties. Being engaged for three years is just going to happen. Get the house sorted, and a job; then let's think about a wedding; but Mum…" she sighed, chewing her lip slightly worriedly, as Hermione nodded sorrow escaping her like birds scared from a field.

"How is she?" Hermione asked gently, squeezing Ginny's hand.

"Not good. It's great Ron is getting help but…"

"She should go too?"

"Yeah…you know…as horrible as this is; Fred…dead, I really thought that if one of us died in the war; it would bring us even closer together but…" her voice cracked, and Hermione took her other hand in her own, running her thumbs comfortingly over that backs of her hands, as Ginny's eyes filled with tears. "None of us can handle being around one another properly, it just hurts so much; we can't bear being around Mum because she smothers us so much, but if you're not around her…" she blinked, and the tears slipped from her eyes; sparkling silver streams from a chocolate pool. Hermione pulled Ginny into an embrace as the window of the Burrow became shaded, the silhouettes of several birds coming into view.

"I think we've got post," she said to Ginny, giving her a final squeeze before letting her go, and walking over to the bedroom window to let the four owls in. Ginny pulled herself together, glancing out the window and left quickly, noticing the water dish for owls was empty, and the treats were running low, as the birds landed with a soft flump on Hermione's bed, each of them jutting their leg out. Hermione set to releasing the birds from their messages and they each fluffed themselves up, hoping to the perch; breathing heavily. Ginny returned, and placed the dish of water towards the owls, as Hermione offered her two of the letters.

"Two each," Hermione smiled, as they set about unfurling the parchment; a badge falling from their letters. The pair squealed, suddenly elated as the reality they would be returning to Hogwarts set in.

"Captains badge!" Ginny grinned, as Hermione held up her Head Girl's badge with an identical beam.

"I can't believe I have my last Hogwarts letter." Hermione said, holding it in her hands with a reverence she hadn't expected.

"Yeah, then after this year you'll have to be an adult, careful, people will expect something of you then. Almost like you have to defeat a dark wizard." Ginny joked as Hermoine grinned once more. Ginny was already unfurling her other letter, the dreamy scribble of Luna clearly visible as Hermione glanced over. Picking up her other letter, she looked at it in amazement, realising that it was almost identical to hers only the top line of it read 'Dear Mr Draco Malfoy'. She blinked, before realising there was another curled up parchment that she'd somehow missed on top of it, and she unfurled it; shaking her head at her idiocy.

Hermione,

I know this is a lot to ask of you, but as I am still under house-arrest at Hogwarts, it is rather illegal of me to get to Diagon Alley and buy next years' school equipment without being arrested. I am asking if you would be kind enough to buy my supplies for me; and upon receiving them, I will reimburse you fully: with profit should you demand it. I've included the list of items I need with this message; please let me know if you can do it, so I can beg someone else.

I would go myself of course, but I am unable to find supervision to do so.

I look forward to seeing you again.

Draco

The message was brief, and an odd mix of formal and casual that Hermione had sometimes come to expect from the man. She twisted her mouth, wondering if he could get supervision to see Teddy the time she'd run into him at Andromeda's, he could most certainly do it again. The last line melted her heart, as she realised that she was actually beginning to miss him when she visited the Weasley's for a night or two, and even if he didn't miss her too; she could pretend with his last words.

"Hermione?" Harry asked her worriedly, and she jumped, looking up at him startled.

"Harry! I didn't realise you'd come in, sorry; hello! Did you need something?" She asked feeling slightly flustered all of a sudden. The owls suddenly started to flap, taking their leave, save one regal looking bird with a disgruntled stare. She looked at it, realising she recognised the owl as Draco's and figured it was waiting for a reply.

"You ok?" Harry asked, as Ginny looked at her with a confused expression.

"I'm fine, look…Harry; do you still want to…clear the air with Malfoy? Because I think I've found you a chance to do so without things looking like you've gone out of your way to do it." She said to him, holding up Draco's letter with a serious look. Harry took it from her, reading it carefully; his expression tightening as he lowered the note, and an odd look flickered behind his eyes as he regarded Hermione.

"I could supervise, as could Ginny, and you." He said finally. "As I understand it, he just has to be supervised by someone else. They don't view him as much of a threat in the auror department thanks to McGonagall's updates." A strange expression, one tinged with torment flickered over his features again; "send him a reply, tell him if he's ok with me being his supervisor, we'll go tomorrow. I can clear this with Shacklebolt." He finished, turning to Ginny as Hermione began to grab for parchment, writing a harried reply, her heart singing with the idea of possibly seeing Draco again tomorrow. She attached the message to his owl, and it left immediately, flying with a speed Hermione began to admire.

"Harry…" Ginny was saying as Hermione started to pay attention once more.

"You're going to be my wife Ginny, better get used to spending my cash."

"But…"

"No buts."

"Oh Gin, just do it." Hermione broke in; figuring out what Harry was trying to do immediately. "You're going to be a Potter, you might as well realise you will never want for money ever again, if he trusts you with his finances now, it bodes well if you can learn to manage them together as soon as possible." She said pointedly as Ginny sighed; Hermione's own brains ticking over as she realised just how much stuff she would need for Hogwarts. Her trunk had been lost, and so had her robes; thankfully all her books had been saved, but she knew dress robes were a likely possibility that year as well.

"Fine Harry, you can pay for me." She begrudged him, as Harry grinned delightedly.

:: :: ::

The owl belonging to Draco made an appearance once more at dinner, and Hermione gasped realising how much work the bird had had to do that day. She rushed to it, jumping up from the table with surprise as the Weasley's looked at her curiously.

"That's the second time I've seen that bird today!" Ginny exclaimed jumping up with Hermione and taking it in, as Hermione took the note off its leg. Harry looked at them curiously, as if they were making plans without him, until Hermione's face contorted with a mix of amusement, horror and pride.

"Harry," She said, looking up at him, "It's from Malfoy, he says; and I quote 'See you at nine a.m tomorrow morning then; tell Potter to come to McGonagall's office to collect me, she has to sign me out there, and I have to sign myself back in. Let him know I won't give him any trouble, I don't want to go to Azkaban. If he feels more comfortable transfiguring me into a teapot for the trip, let him do it. I just want my school supplies.' Seriously. He said you can make him a teapot." She grinned, passing Harry the note as the Weasley's fell into a shell shocked silence.

"I'll get him at nine a.m then." Harry said his face a picture of surprise. "I'll meet you and Ginny in the Leaky Cauldron at ten past at the latest. If he isn't in the office at nine, I will leave him there." He warned as Hermione nodded, thinking her friend was doing more than she'd ever expected for an old nemesis.

"Fair enough," she replied, sitting down as Draco's owl observed them all quietly; apparently settling down for a sleep, the Weasley's staring at their two honorary children with wary eyes.

:: :: ::

"Hermione," He said warmly, the weight of his eyes upon her in a way he'd never done before, a slight curl of a smile on his lips, his hands in his suit pockets. He dragged his eyes away from her, nodding to Ginny stiffly. "…Ginny." He acknowledged, and Hermione blinked at him, as Ginny's jaw dropped.

"Nice to see you too." Ginny replied, as Harry's hand slipped into hers. The weight of a thousand eyes seemed to fall upon Hermione suddenly, as a flashbulb went off, as bright as a supernova and Harry sighed heavily.

"The bloody press are here," he said grimly, pulling Ginny into him in a protective stance, as Draco seemed to step closer to Hermione, so close that his fresh grassy, earthy scent began to wash over her.

"I suggest we make for the first shop and not hang about much at all," Draco said quietly, raising his brows suggestively as he looked at Harry. He nodded, his face still grim, and guided them out of the Leaky Cauldron as whispers began to erupt like bubbles of lava, expressions of hatred co-mingling with glances of admiration, respect, and love. People stepped back from them, pressing themselves against the tables as they walked past. Harry's expression set and determined, as if he were back on a mission, and Hermione realised Ginny was allowing herself to be protected for the sake of Harry's sanity. She looked at him as Draco touched the small of her back with his fingertips, making her breath hitch in her throat as he guided her through the crowd, and another series of bulbs went off; this time, more. She understood Harry's request for privacy deeply. A man grabbed at Ginny's left hand and she screamed, Harry whipping around immediately as the press sensed a throng of drama. They converged on her, as Harry's wand found its way into his hand. Ginny's own wand out and a look of familiar fury on her face.

"Let 'em pass." Came the voice of the bartender Tom, who was watching with a warning expression on his face, a tinge of respect there too. The whispers continued to explode, and the bodies still thronged about her; the feeling of helplessness increasing. The tension began to fade as Tom spoke, the man who had grabbed at Ginny stepping back, a leering grin still on his face, as Harry gently pushed Ginny away; out to the back of the pub and the wall.

The idea that she had become something famous in her own right had shocked her. It wasn't the first time she'd encountered the press, the day of the conference had swarmed her, and the aftermath of her fainting had been politely not brought up by those she loved. Draco seemed to be closer to her again, and she took in a deep breath, drowning in his earthy smell as his low, distinct drawl reached her ears.

"Look like you've got something to do, and somewhere to be, like none of this isn't happening." He advised her, his own expression one of a schooled distaste and boredom as he looked ahead. She quickly pulled her own expression into one she hoped was vaguely similar, focusing her eyes upon the copper hues of Ginny's hair, Harry's raven mop just ahead of her. The wall to Diagon Alley was blessedly open, and they ducked through it quickly, spying Madam Malkin's ahead.

"In we go," Harry said briskly, his hand on the small of Ginny's back as he pushed her gently into the shop. Hermione rushed after, the enclosed space of the shop suddenly feeling safe as the door closed. Madam Malkin appeared almost immediately at the sound of new customers, her jaw dropping in a way it had never done before the moment she laid eyes upon them.

"Oh Merlin, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger…and Mr Malfoy." She exclaimed as Ginny rolled her eyes, "And Ginny Weasley," Madam Malkin continued, the pause only so she could gasp for breath. Ginny's cheeks flushed immediately, and she looked stunned at the sudden reverence her name held upon the woman's lips. She was bustling past them, her wand out and flicked at the door closing it immediately, the sign in the window flipping around to 'closed' as Harry, Hermione and Ginny looked at her astounded, only Draco stepped forward, as if he were used to the treatment.

"We need three sets of school robes." He told her expectant face as he continued to walk into the shop, aiming for the little podium she measured her clients on. The three of them remained glued to the spot, unaware of what was happening, as Harry closed his eyes in a painful realisation. She'd closed the shop for them. So they could shop in privacy. His eyes flew open again as Hermione came to the same conclusion; a surprising benefit to the sudden fame and wealth they'd accumulated.

"Ladies first," Draco drawled as Ginny stepped forward, boldly and proud. He moved to the side for her, and she threw him another startled glance as she realised he meant what he said, and wasn't holding an undercurrent of malice to his tone. He really was giving her the podium first, and not implying she was a bossy and demanding Weaselette. Draco looked up at Harry and Hermione, still standing in the doorway with stunned expressions and a smirk developed as they walked towards him.

"You don't know how to be rich." He observed with amusement as the pair of them looked awkward. "Get used to it," he advised, "I don't think this will go away soon." He gestured to the window where members of the press had pressed themselves up against the glass windows, their cameras forward and flashing as they took picture after picture, their actions creating a bubbling crowd.

"I can't believe it's like this," Hermione bemoaned, staring at them glumly.

"Why?" Draco said amused, "you only helped kill a huge tyrant and bring the wizarding world into what they're now calling a new era. Of course it's going to be like this." He chuckled, "you've made it worse by hiding away at Hogwarts, and where ever you've been Potter. This is the first time they've seen you out and about; they've been starving for you three. The headlines tomorrow are going to be great, they're going to be all about you ditching Weasley, probably accuse you of cheating on him with me; I'll be painted either tragically or as a complete murderer, who knows…" Draco continued clearly amused by the entire situation as Ginny stood on the podium, the measuring tapes swarming about her. Her own face a picture of sheer annoyance as she glared out the window.

"I guess you've a point, we really should have at least made an effort to go to Fortescues or something," Hermione said sighing as Harry threw her a pained look.

"We're not a bloody show Hermione!" He exclaimed as Hermione closed her eyes.

"We aren't, but Malfoy is right, we…we did kill a Dark Wizard, when we should have been in school…of course they're going to be interested, and the only way to keep them at bay is to show us out and about, control what they see and when they see it, instead of them turning up at Hogwarts like they have been, and probably searching for the Burrow."

Malfoy tipped his head at Harry, and began to saunter off into the shop, looking at sets of shirts as if he hadn't just caused both Harry and Hermione internal breakdowns.

"Merlin I hate being me sometimes," Harry commented staring out at the chaos as Ginny finished her turn on the podium.

:: :: ::

Hermione and Ginny browsed the racks of clothing as Draco was fitted for his robes, pretending they couldn't hear the boys from the other side of the empty shop. They exchanged a furtive glance, both recognising that they were eaves dropping, and grinned.

"I dunno how to say this," Draco was saying as the measuring tapes flitted about him like humming birds, "I guess…sorry. I've been a complete dick. Would be nice if we could maybe start…fresh." He said awkwardly, the effort of the words causing him a real pain. Hermione bit her lip, stifling a giggle as Ginny looked at her from the corner of her eye, her own jaw dropping as she pretended to look at what could only be described as a hideous dress.

"I'm sorry too. Especially for…" Harry made a slashing motion across his chest and the two girls stopped their fake rummaging for a moment, before going back to it hurriedly; hoping the men hadn't noticed.

"I'm alive." Draco responded gruffly.

"I've been a dick too though." Harry admitted his voice rough; the sheer effort the conversation was requiring of the two almost comical to the girls.

"Hermione says we're similar," Draco said as if he didn't know whether he should be pleased or not at the comparison.

"How so?" Harry asked, suddenly interested; but his own tone reflected Draco's and Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Says we both had our choice removed from us, that we're both leaders, both talented, both rich and famous. Sounds like we should be best buds Potter." Draco drawled lightly, the now familiar richness to his voice that he showed so often about Hermione slipping back into his tones, as if the apologies were out the way, everything was suddenly easier.

"Sounds like it," Harry agreed, his expression one of torment as Hermione dismissed another dress she'd been faking interest in. "I do wonder what it would have been like if I'd shaken your hand that day." Harry admitted as Draco raised his eyebrows.

"Probably would have worked out the same Potter; remember, our choice was removed." He grunted, as Harry nodded.

"Yeah, but according to the reports McGonagall sends the ministry, and how Hermione now speaks of you, seems like you're actually becoming tolerable."

"I'm…trying." Draco said in a pained tone, a measuring tape snapping against his elbow.

"I can't help but think it's a bit suspicious though Malfoy, that you're suddenly all sweetness and light." Draco sighed, and the tiredness that Hermione so often felt came to surface on his visage, that same familiar fatigue surprisingly evident in Harry's own expression.

"How do you feel now you've defeated the Dark Lord?" Draco asked him; his tone dry, dull, worn.

"Like I'm free I guess, only now I don't know what to do with myself." Harry admitted, screwing his face up with irritation.

"Sounds familiar," Draco replied in his droll tone, "all of a sudden I don't have to hate all the time, and you would not believe how easy it is to just…talk to people." He explained as Harry looked at him stunned. "Expectations of me have been lifted, I'm free of Azkaban; thanks…to you and Hermione, and now all I want to do is survive it." He said his tone picking up the steely confidence Hermione recognised from so many years before.

"Is this a clean slate for the pair of us?" Harry asked, "Especially as Hermione seems to be regarding you…highly lately, and if you're going to be friends with her; I don't want to fight with people she likes. Unless you're McLaggen; because you're a dick Malfoy, but you've never cracked my skull."

"That's bloody loyal of you," Draco remarked, as Harry scowled, his attempt at a joking fresh start apparently rebuked. "But I think it is. It could take some work for us to consider each other…friends; but I'm willing to give it ago if you are." He said sincerely. Harry nodded, and held out his hand, which Draco clasped immediately. Their grip was strong, tough and Ginny threw a smirk to Hermione, as she smiled.

"He's making friends with Harry for you Hermione," Ginny whispered lowly, her eyes glittering with knowing as Hermione blushed. The men let go and nodded, Harry stepping away from Draco as if their conversation had been enough work for him that day.

:: :: ::

They'd left Madam Malkin's almost unwillingly, bags in their hands, dragged up to their chests as if it were armour. The throng had stepped back, as they'd stepped out of the shop, so that their pictures would be in focus, and questions could be screamed at them. Harry had stepped behind Ginny immediately, his stance protective, as self-consciously, Ginny twisted her ring on her hand so that the gem was hidden. Draco stepped behind Hermione, and his hand once again touched the small of her back softly, his bodily warmth revealing just how close he was to her as he nudged her gently forward. Hermione fought to keep her expression impassive, as if nothing had happened as Harry began to lead them into Flourish and Blotts. She jogged slightly to keep up with them, as Ginny pushed the door open, ducking inside, Harry behind her. Draco's hand managed to remain on her back as she rushed to join them; and as the camera flashes popped, the shouts of press assaulted her ears, it was the soft pressure of his fingertips that kept her sane.

The welcome smell of parchment washed over her as she entered the shop, the instant muffled quiet that came from people carefully choosing their books was welcome and familiar. It was almost calming given the cacophony of noise that was now following them as they attempted to shop. Harry seemed as if the whole outing was a complete and utter night mare.

"Right, let's just get the list out, get the books and go. I want to go into Quality Quidditch Supplies, and finish getting everything else so we can escape." Harry said tensely as a delighted cry came from behind them. Hermione spun around, shocked, as the door was blocked once more, the press that had just been about to come in barred to their furious cries.

"Miss Hermione Granger!" A shop assistant called with joy, completely ignoring Harry, Ginny and Draco who shared grins behind her, "how can we help you?" the assistant seemed to ask rapturously as Hermione opened and closed her mouth, at a loss for words.

"We need school books," she managed, handing over the three book lists to the man who immediately rushed off to comply.

"You're famous here Hermione," Draco drawled, his silver eyes alight with mirth.

"Oh gosh." Hermione moaned, as books began to fly off the shelves, straight to the counter at the front of the shop, and she realised she was receiving the celebrity treatment once more.

"Get me my aurors books while you're at it Hermione," Harry grinned, handing her a sheet of paper with a long list, and thoroughly enjoying the spotlight being on her instead of him, "you know I'll be paying for it myself."

"Yes, yes," she sighed, taking the slip of parchment and handing it to the assistant who was now scurrying back, his watery blue eyes still sparkling with delight, his mouth open as if he were literally about to ask if there was anything else he could help them with. Spying the new list, his eyes began to water; as if their very demand for so many books was quite simply the best moment of his life, and once more, books flew off the shelves to the front of the shop. The small group began to amble on over, ready to pay as the books were wrapped of their own accord.

:: :: ::

Ok, Harry, Draco, go to Quality Quidditch Supplies, Ginny and I will get the potions supplies, Harry knows what to get Ginny; then we'll meet in Wizeacre's Wizarding Equipment." Hermione was saying after they'd paid and sorted out the packages of books by the door; where the shop assistant was dutifully waiting for them to sort out their plan before unlocking the door, and unleashing them on the hungry pack animals outside. She'd spied Draco casually removing several galleons from his wallet, so subtly that she wasn't sure anyone else had noticed, and realised he planned to tip the man; despite it not being customary, because Flourish and Blotts was not a shop used to closing off custom for a small group of people. His kindness momentarily stunned her as the others nodded, their expressions set and resolute, as Hermione checked she had Draco's supply letter with hers, and she nodded back to them, her heart sinking as she realised she was to be separated from him momentarily.

"You are ready Miss Granger?" The shop assistant asked her dutifully, and she smiled warmly at him, pouring as much gratitude as she could into her expression. The man blushed and looked bashful as he unlocked the door.

"Yes, thank you," she smiled as he let the outside in, Harry leading the group as Draco went to shake the man's hand, a large amount of gold pressed into his palm.

"Thank you," he said to the man, passing the money off to him as the assistants watery eyes widened. Draco let him go, leaving the shop as Hermione scurried to reach Ginny, inwardly beaming at the thought of the man discovering how much he'd earned for his kindness. Ginny was waiting for her, a determined set to her build, and Hermione fell into step beside her, as the press seemed to realise the group was splitting; seeming troubled as to who to follow. Deciding Harry with an old enemy was far more interesting than his fiancé and a member of the golden trio, the majority of the press began to block their path to the quidditch shop; the girl's path to Slug and Jiggers Apothecary easier to walk. They slipped into the shop, breathing easier as the weight of the press was lessened, and set to measuring and weighing ingredients immediately.

"If we could speed up here and pop into Scribbulus's, that would be brilliant," Ginny said to her as they weighed newt eyes, "I desperately need a new quill or ten. Harry will be forever in that shop, even if he is with Malfoy," Ginny grinned.

"Actually, the whole idea of new stationary sounds great to me, and far more interesting than this." Hermione smiled, holding up lacewing's and rolling her eyes with boredom as Ginny laughed.

"Let's get sorted then." Ginny decided for them as a shop assistant headed for them; a look of elated recognition across her youthful features, and Ginny threw Hermione a look, as if Christmas had come early.

:: :: ::

"They've…they've released a new broom in honour of me." Harry said awkwardly, holding up two long thin packages in the distinctive shape of a broomstick. He passed one to Ginny, who looked as though she wished to unwrap it right then and there as Draco looked at her with an amused smirk. "It's called the Starfire, and it's the fastest on the market," Draco told her as she held it tighter to her body, looking at Harry with a knowing expression.

"They pretty much gave you these brooms didn't they?" She asked him as Harry flushed and nodded, seeming ever so awkward at the sheer amount of free stuff they had been receiving that day. The moment the girls had stepped into Scribbulus's, they'd received free quills and ink bottles, and Harry had revealed the moment the shop assistant had realised he was Harry Potter, all his auror's books had been given to him for nothing, despite him quietly insisting. Ginny had also admitted their potion's supplies were half price, and she was now eyeing a trunk decorated with leaves and vines longingly. The four of them had once again managed to get the shop shut for them, once they'd all regrouped in Wizeacre's, and the peace was allowing them the chance for the conversation; as they browsed the goods.

"Do you want it Gin?" Harry asked her as Ginny flushed immediately, looking embarrassed.

"Well…I do need my own trunk, not Bill's old one that is…well; it's falling apart." She admitted, biting her lip shame faced; the idea of spending so much money frivolously was new to her, and Hermione could tell the whole idea of getting so much new stuff in one day that wasn't second hand was overwhelming for the girl; even if most of it had been free. Draco was looking astonished at Ginny's words, but extremely interested in a trunk that had several locks on the front of it. Harry had noted the same, and a thoughtful expression was crossing over his features.

"Hey," he said to the shop assistant who seemed to be hoping they'd need him, despite his hovering on the other side of the shop in a respectful manner. "Is there any chance you have one of these," He began, pointing to one of the chests with several locks on the front, "decorated like that?" he finished, gesturing to the trunk with the vines. Ginny's jaw dropped, and she looked flat out mortified as Draco's eyes began to search for Hermione's. They locked gazes, and he raised his eye brow, asking her something she couldn't quite work out silently. Ginny seemed to be protesting as the shop assistant had brought out a catalogue, and was showing Harry all the designs the trunk with the locks came in; and was picking one out for himself. Draco stepped forward, realising Hermione hadn't picked up what he was trying to say.

"Would you like one Hermione?" He asked her quietly, as Harry and Ginny were absorbed in picking out a trunk, Harry over stepping Ginny's weak protests with her own admittance earlier as a weapon.

"Me?" Hermione gasped, "Well, yeah, I suppose I would, they're unbelievably useful…all that space…" She sighed, already planning a compartment for potions, several for books, one for her stationary…

"What one?" Draco asked her, as her jaw dropped.

"Don't be silly! I'll buy one myself; if I can afford one." She conceded, realising that her mental planning actually meant she'd now really like such a frivolous spend.

"Hermione. I saw how many blasted books came from your room in Gryffindor to our rooms, I don't think you will actually have space in your bedroom if things continue, and I'll be damned if I let you clutter up our sitting room. I'm buying you one." He insisted lowly, stepping yet closer to her, his face blazing and determined; a blush blooming upon Hermione's cheeks. "Pick one or I'll pick one for you, and my choice will be awful." He threatened, as Hermione bit her lip. She nodded, sensing a battle about to be lost as the shop assistant began ringing up Harry and Ginny's purchases. Draco signalled to the man, as Hermione picked up the now abandoned catalogue and began flicking through it, until a mahogany coloured chest stood out, a gold trim to it, and a simple carving of a lion in one corner of its lid. It was simple, beautiful, and called out to her house loyalty.

"That one?" Draco asked, pointing to the one Hermione had paused at, and she nodded as the shop assistant joined them.

"Can I help you?" He asked carefully, hopefully sensing another sale about to be made as Ginny stared at her ochre chest with leaves with such adoration Hermione thought she would laugh, until she saw the look on Harry's face; his expression filled with so much love as he gazed at Ginny, her heart melted.

"Yes, we'd like this chest, and this one." Draco was saying, pointing to Hermione's choice and one that had been polished black with silver trimmings, even more simple than her own. The shop assistant's eyes widened with joy as Draco made strides towards the till, withdrawing his wallet as Harry and Ginny came over to her.

"Malfoy is buying you a trunk?" Harry asked absolutely stunned as Ginny's eyes sparkled knowingly.

"Apparently so." She admitted, watching the blond haired man hand over money, and the two trunks begin to levitate through a door; her new possession carefully handled.

"The world is going mad," Harry sighed as Ginny laughed.