Beltane Night
I: Dreamtide

She sat upon her counter with a book in hand: The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Hermione clutched the book tightly in her grasp, and let her fingers absentmindedly wander the old pages. They danced along the small bit of cover that showed when the book was held open on her lap. Occasionally she would bite her lip or crinkled her nose. These were in response to the good parts or the most tragic in her book. Hermione was a great fan of the fairy tale author and aspired to write as he did, and have her stories immortalized into legends.

Hermione had some success writing about her life with her friends during their years at Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She wrote tall tales, and some that were more truthful than others would like to believe. She was not world renowned, but she had gained a fan-base and following in Britain. She was more than content with having them; they were unrelenting with their support of the brightest witch of her age. That title had been thrust upon her by the professors and Minister of Magic during her years at Hogwarts; it was a large expectation to live up to.

She didn't look up when the bell on the door of her shop rang. Her focus was unshaken while she soaked up the words from one of her favorite fairy tales. The idea of the Deathly Hallows still hung in the air and she knew them to be more than just a fairytale now.

The Deathly Hallows had been revealed to her at the end of her seventh year at Hogwarts. The Death Eaters were clear with their intentions; that they wanted Voldemort to rise to power again and with the threat looming over the Orders heads it couldn't be ignored. They knew what Voldemort wanted to possess, and with the help of Ollivander and Xeno Lovegood they were now aware of the artifacts locations.

"Excuse me, Miss Granger," said a small house elf, "we have the shipment of your books that you've ordered." The house elf stared up at Hermione with a smile; they were old friends. Hermione was startled from her reading by the small voice and looked down at her old companion with a large smile. She gently placed her book down before sliding off of the counter; landing with a light thud.

"Good morning, Peony, thank you for bringing in the shipment. How are you?" asked Hermione. She had always been fond the little house elf, but especially after she attempted to set her free. Hermione ended up with three stitches while Peony hit herself into oblivion for hurting a young witch. The two had a strange friendship, but after Peony explained to Hermione why she didn't want to be set free things became better. Hermione become embarrassed for trying to set them free and instead fought for equal rights, mainly pay with time off for the house elves.

"Splendid Miss, Peony will bring in your shipment!" the little elf cried happily before disapparating out of the store. She came back moments later with a resounding crack, and she stood next to the large box of rare and unidentified books that Hermione had requested. "Here, Miss Hermione," Peony said.

"Help yourself to the cookies in the back before you go, you deserve it," Hermione smiled down at the elf and patted her awkwardly on the head. Hermione watched as Peony scampered into the back of the shop.

She knelt down next to the box and opened it up; dust flew up from the books inside, and she waved it away wordlessly. She had special ordered a few books that a wizard had asked for last week. She catered to wealthy wizards and witches and found books that you would never find at Flourish and Blott's. She prided herself on having rare and unusual works which included things like Dark Magic, but those were only sold to particular customers. She denied having books on the subject to the outside world despite this. She couldn't risk accidentally selling them to a witch or wizard in affiliation with Death Eaters.

Finally, in her grasp was a book by Godric Gryffindor; one that she longed for. He was one of the four founders of Hogwarts, and he had written in a journal about the construction of the school. She had been fascinated by the construction since the opening of the Chamber of Secrets in her second year.

Hermione had every edition of Hogwarts: A History, and with this she was almost finished with her collection of Hogwarts dedicated books. She knew almost everything about the school, and after she read this she would now know every secret that the founders had planned out.

She sat once again, this time cross-legged, on the rug in front of her cash register and counter. She was enthralled to be touching the same journal that her house founder once had in his hands. Hermione had Gryffindor pride that influenced her even after school. This pleased the Princess of Gryffindor; his name had been signed under every journal entry and blue print. She was truly holding a piece of Hogwarts history, but she couldn't find it in her heart to keep it. It belonged rightfully in the school at the Headmistress's desk, but nothing said that she couldn't keep it for a short time to read it herself.

She touched the pages as one would caress a lover's cheek. This was what satisfied her heart, knowing that she would have knowledge that others did not. Hermione prided herself on her brain and quick thinking; it had been useful for the Golden Trio on more than one occasion. It was what set her apart from the others during school; at least in the Gryffindor household.

Hermione's head snapped up towards the door when the ringing caught her attention. Her face brightened exponentially, if that was possible, when she saw Narcissa Malfoy standing in her doorway. She had gotten quite close to the pure-blood witch since they met in Diagon Alley seven years ago.

~o~

August 12th, 1991

An eleven-year-old Hermione weaved through crowds of people in Diagon Alley, it was her first time being on her own and it was the first time that she was in Diagon Alley; the wizards shopping area. She had received her letter at her orphanage the summer of 1991 and was quick to jump into learning about magic. She had never felt right among Muggles; non-magical folks. She was an outcast at her orphanage and school, so she was grateful to be given the opportunity to start over.

Minerva McGonagall was sent to her orphanage to bring Hermione to the Hogwarts castle- considering that she was a Muggle-born and didn't know a thing about navigating her new world. McGonagall set Hermione up with a Gringotts account and helped exchange the Muggle money, which her parents had left her, into wizard currency.

McGonagall couldn't help her with supply shopping; she had to help Dumbledore set up Hogwarts for the new arrivals. Hermione was set on doing everything right and quickly learned how to use the Floo Network to go to Diagon Alley. She was given a purse that would house all of her books thanks to an extending charm on it from her teacher; since she had to go alone.

She purchased her wand; 10 3/4th inches long and made of vine wood with a dragon heartstring core. Ollivander treated her like an adult, and explained to her how wands chose their owners. He taught her that wands responded to their chosen witch or wizard when picked up; almost like a connection that had finally been made. She purchased her very first wand at the price of seven Galleons and proudly kept it in her cloak.

Now she was in Flourish and Blott's looking for textbooks; which were on a long list McGonagall had supplied. She was on the end cap of an aisle reaching up to grab one of the books that she needed for her transfiguration classes. Hermione had yet to use her wand and wasn't sure how to use a levitating charm correctly.

"Do you need help?" she heard a musical voice behind her and looked up to see a woman with bright platinum blonde hair standing behind her. She nodded, and opted to stay mute until the woman pointed to the book that she needed. Hermione nodded again and didn't say a word to her. The woman smiled at her and brought the book down to Hermione's extensive collection. Despite the costs, Hermione wanted to be prepared and was willing to buy any books that she needed and some that she wanted, as well.

"Thank you misses…" Hermione trailed off.

"Mrs. Malfoy, but you may call me Narcissa. Now, where are your parents, sweetie?" Narcissa asked politely, but Hermione still watched her with cautious eyes. The woman knelt down as best she could in her tight dress robes, and her smile never faltered despite the uncomfortable position.

Hermione was weary of her, but said curtly, "They aren't here. I'm on my own."

"Well shouldn't they be here? You are going to Hogwarts, are you not?" She questioned Hermione and she nodded once again to the older witch.

"My parents are not alive Mrs. Malfoy; it's just me. I live at the castle now with Professor McGonagall. You see, I'm a Muggle-born witch and I don't know much about these things," Hermione said. She watched as the woman's face changed momentarily before it changed back into a smile. Hermione recognized the face she made before—it was pity and she didn't want it from anyone.

"A Muggle-born you say? Well we will have to just help you now. Would you like to shop with myself and my family? I assure you that you will be looked after, and we can make the boys do all of the carrying." She joked with the young girl and held out her hand. Hermione looked at the hand curiously before placing her small hand in the older witch's. Narcissa, with a flick of her wand, levitated the copious amount of books that Hermione planned on getting and helped her walk through the book store. It was always crowded the month before school started with bustling families.

She kept a tight hold on Narcissa's hand; she was starting to feel less intimidated by the large shopping alley now that she had someone with her who knew their way around. Narcissa had suddenly become a person of comfort to Hermione; she didn't want to let go of her hand.

Hermione felt the older witch's eyes on her as they approached a tall man with long silvery hair and a young boy who looked around her age. She noted how he resembled Narcissa in appearance, but for the most part he looked like the man standing next to him, and she couldn't miss the scowl that was on his face.

"My love, this is—well I don't quite know your name, dear," Narcissa said, and looked down at young Hermione.

She debated in her head if she should give them her real name, but if he was going to be attending Hogwarts with her he would know eventually. "Hermione—Hermione Granger," she replied, and beamed up at the witch; trusting her completely. She was blissfully unaware of the prejudices that her name would come with in the wizarding world.

"Narcissa, what is this nonsense," the older man spat out at his wife. Narcissa stepped in front of Hermione, and shielded her away from her own husband and son.

"That ship sailed a long time ago. I am helping her, and if you do not like it then Merlin help you!" Narcissa spat out at her husband. Hermione watched the exchange in fascination.

"We do not—"

"—What Lucius, what do we not do? Help children? Do not fight with me on this one, we both know who will win."

Hermione examined the boy in front of her; he looked embarrassed by his parents bickering in public. His cheeks were tinted pink and he leaned against one of the book shelves with his arms crossed. Hermione followed his gaze down to the floor; his face set in a hard glare. She wondered if the boy heard them argue often, or if it just had to do with the subject they were arguing about.

The adults talked for a few more minutes until Narcissa said it was time for them to head out and purchase their textbooks. They waited in line, and Hermione noticed the stares that she was getting from the older wizards and witches around her. A few times they would stop by and sneer at her new found companion, but she watched as Narcissa handled them with grace and dignity.

Narcissa helped her pay for the books, and Hermione placed each of them neatly inside of her purse. They were thankfully tucked away safely, for when she needed to Floo home.

She was helped the rest of the day by the family, and soon learned the names of Narcissa's husband and son. She believed that Lucius Malfoy and Draco Malfoy were stubborn cows when they complained to Narcissa nonstop over things that couldn't be controlled. They did not take to well to her at first, but became cordial as the day went on. Narcissa insisted that Hermione owl her whenever she needed anything, even if it was just for a pleasant chat.

It was a strange friendship that had formed, but a friendship none the less.

~o~

"Hermione, what are you doing on the ground?" Narcissa asked, amused at the young witch in front of her. Hermione was a lady in some sense of the word except when books came into play, then everything Narcissa had taught her would go out the window.

"Reading, I have a new shipment in, and I couldn't help it," Hermione smiled while getting up; she brushed the dust off of her pants. She smiled sheepishly up at her friend and picked up the large box, placing it on the countertop gingerly.

"Could you be persuaded to come with me for coffee? We simply must catch up," Narcissa questioned; her tone was motherly like always.

"Is a blueberry muffin in the deal of this persuasion?" Hermione questioned with a smirk, she had learned that one from the Malfoys.

"It can be arranged," Narcissa laughed, and Hermione walked over; sliding her arm through Narcissa's. She quickly locked up her shop and put the wards up, before they walked down the street. They walked wordlessly through the snow towards the new café that had recently opened up. The restaurants and eateries were mainly on the south side of Diagon Alley.

"So, how have things been dear? Do you miss your classes?" Narcissa asked when they were a bit of a way from the café. Hermione blushed and shook her head laughing with the witch. Everyone knew of her love for learning. She felt that, because she was a Muggle-born, she was gifted something beautiful and shouldn't waste her time not absorbing everything that she could. It was a rare trait that drew Narcissa to her in the first place. Hermione remembered how every report card she would show Narcissa what she had learned just as Narcissa's own son did.

Hermione motioned with her left hand, "it's great not to have to wake up extra early every day, and as much as I miss Minerva; I can still visit her whenever I want. I love Hogwarts, and it will always be my home, but it's not so bad living on my own with Crooks." She adored her cat to no end; he was an intelligent half kneazle who loved her dearly.

"Finally, you've stepped away from studying so much. Draco used to tell me all the time that you had your nose in a book, and he didn't know if you could survive without one," she teased Hermione.

"Yes, well it was important—"Hermione saw one of the many passing wizards sneer towards her and Narcissa, making her pause mid-sentence and start in a new direction "—do you think that it will ever end? I thought by now that they would have something new to act offended by," she huffed. It irritated her to no bounds when people looked down upon her or Narcissa because of who they hung out with.

"You mean the disgusting vultures who stare? No, we will always be in the papers and in the public eye; it's easier to pay them no mind though. Besides, can they really help it? We are two very attractive women out for a stroll; we're bound to cause attention," she winked at Hermione and covered her mouth with her other hand laughing. Hermione felt better and squeezed her arm slightly around Narcissa's.

They finally arrived at the café and sat inside near the windows, so they could see the snow falling outside. Hermione believed that Diagon alley was beautiful in snow fall; despite the large amounts of footprints and dirt in the snow. Most didn't dawdle outside in the cold, so she could appreciate the sheer size of Diagon Alley when it was partially empty.

Both ordered coffee and blueberry muffins; it was just their thing that they shared together. The day after one of the boys in Slytherin called her a Mudblood, she wrote to Narcissa asking what it was. Ron wouldn't tell her, for fear of hurting her feelings she suspected, and Harry was oblivious to what it meant due to him being raised by Muggles as well. Narcissa had taken Hermione to Hogsmeade and explained what it meant. It was the first time that she realized there were blood prejudices in the world, and she cried for hours. She didn't fit into the muggle world and was now considered an outcast in the world she thought she was meant for.

"Are you excited for Beltane this year? I was so excited for my first time at the celebration as a woman, and nervous," Narcissa laughed, and picked at her muffin.

Hermione looked up from her muffin startled, "Beltane?" she questioned.

"Yes, didn't you, hasn't—why didn't anyone tell me that you didn't know?" Narcissa took a small breath before continuing. "It's something that we do in the wizarding community. Beltane is May 1st, it celebrates giving new life and magic to the world. We celebrate it every year just like Samhain," Narcissa said.

"I've heard of it in theory, but I didn't know anyone celebrated it," Hermione admitted; she thought it was more archaic than modern. Her cheeks were tinted red now, because it wasn't frequent that she didn't know something from all of the reading that she had done.

"Lucius and I have a party every year to celebrate it; most of the wizarding community in Britain comes to the Manor. Oh you will come, won't you?" Narcissa urged her and took Hermione's hand in both of hers.

"I don't know anything about it; I would probably stand out like a sore thumb. I haven't found any books that talk about it explicitly—they all only reference it," Hermione rambled.

"We're not allowed to write it down; this is something that must be passed from generation to generation. If you would permit me, I would love to be a stand-in matriarch for you. Lucius is handling Draco and his needs, and I don't have a daughter of my own. I'll teach you everything, oh you must come, Hermione—it's like a witch or wizards coming of age!" she exclaimed.

"I don't know, Narcissa…"Hermione trailed off. She wanted to be part of everything that the wizarding world did, this was her world; she had to keep reminding herself. People had become more accepting of her because of her association to Harry, but it wasn't always enough.

Narcissa rubbed soothing circles against Hermione's hand and finally she nodded her head in consent. Hermione prayed silently in hopes that she wouldn't regret making this decision; she knew that Narcissa could easily push things past the point of no return. Narcissa sat on the other side of the table beaming at the young witch.

"What is it that we are celebrating?" Hermione asked carefully.

"Beltane is the celebration of fertility and purity. The crops grew better and women became mothers, oh—it is the night of all nights to fall in love. That's how Lucius and I fell in love, you know. The Mother Goddess is united with her Horned God finally after his acts of becoming a man. He proves his worth to her and because he proves himself to be worthy she takes him into her bed; it's beautiful," Narcissa explained.

"You are alright to help me though, there's nothing against it?" Hermione asked.

"Of course I'm alright to help you, there were many times that witches took the place of another to help and because you are Muggle-born it is necessary, don't you fret. I will teach you everything and prepare you. Then when you have children, you may pass it down to them; only the girls of course," she smiled.

"Then yes, please help me," both women now smiled at one another. Hermione then decided to change the subject and asked how she was going to prepare her garden after the snow melted. Narcissa's face lit up as she went into full details.

Their lunch was interrupted a few moments later by Narcissa's son. Draco stood awkwardly near their table, he coughed once to get his mother's attention and she smiled up at him. She quickly moved out of her seat to embrace her son. "Draco dear, I'm so glad that you could make it. Please sit down" She offered the seat next to her which he took politely and nodded his head towards Hermione. It was no surprise that the two acted cordially towards one another. They had never been friends at Hogwarts, but instead ignored each other.

That was when Hermione became aware of the blood prejudice that had been held by this world. This was yet another prejudice that people couldn't help about themselves; she couldn't change the blood that ran through her veins. The Slytherins loved to mistreat her and do more harm than good with their name calling and bullying.

It had resulted in her punching Draco in the nose third year, because of his attitude towards Hagrid. Afterwards he left her alone, it wasn't that they were cordial after, but they had come to a silent understanding. She had believed that he disliked her because of her blood status until the night that Ron snogged Lavender Brown. Harry had left her to seek out Ginny, and Draco had been in the astronomy tower; she didn't know what for, but also didn't question it. Instead of his usual sneers and remarks he sat with her silently while she cried for the last time over Ronald Weasley. Part of her believed that he tried to make amends by the end of sixth and seventh year, because of his mother. Narcissa didn't like them fighting, but understood that her husband had demanded Draco follow in his path, but Lucius had even started to make an exception for Hermione.

She hadn't had a conversation with him without him sneering at her until her seventh year. Narcissa explained that Hermione was top of her class and that no blood supremacy could be truthful if a Muggle-born witch was top of her class, and more advanced than most. Lucius, only then, began to treat her like a human, instead of someone or something beneath him, and his fondness for her had grown ever since. He had even gotten to the point where he smiled at her just last month.

"How is my favorite boy?" she smiled and kissed his forehead once more, this earned a laugh from Hermione. Narcissa loved her son more than anything in the entire world, and she was fiercely loyal to her immediate family.

"Well, mother, was there any specific reason that you have asked me to"—his gaze fell over Hermione while she sipped her cup of coffee—"this lunch." Hermione kept her eyes on her coffee afterwards, because she knew of Narcissa's fondness for both her and Draco just as she knew of Molly Weasley's want to obtain her as a daughter-in-law.

"I wanted to see you darling, is that a crime?" she scoffed at her son.

"It is when you have been scheming again, how Granger puts up with your ways, I shall never know. I love you mother, but your Slytherin is showing," he laughed, and signaled for the waitress to bring over more coffee.

Narcissa was wandlessly stirring her coffee; a habit she had picked up from Hermione. She had told Narcissa to try it out, because it soothed and relaxed her with the small gesture.

"Oh poppycock, my Slytherin is always showing," she protested. Hermione looked up at Narcissa when Draco went white at his mother's swearing: she never swore around her son. It was improper and un-lady like, she was always the poised and calm one among her family; at least that was what Hermione noticed.

"You have something to do with this," he accused, and pointed his finger at Hermione.

"Your Mother has in fact, always talked like that, but she just chooses to be polite around her son. I can't help it if she finally realized that you're just as much of a prat as I've always believed you to be," Hermione jested, and took another sip of her coffee.

"You wonder why we don't get along," Draco was talking to the air.

"Are you still sore that I punched your beautiful face?" Hermione questioned and placed her coffee down on the table.

"You think my face is beautiful?" He retorted, and she flushed; looking away from him quickly.

"I was kidding. I meant it as an insult. You know, referring to your—vain qualities," she waved him off and covered her face with one of her hands.

"No, I think we need to talk about how beautiful you think I am," he replied charmingly, the famous Malfoy smirk was plastered on his face. He gave Hermione a once over before cocking his brow, but it only made her scowl deepen.

"Oh stop teasing the poor girl, some are immune to the Malfoy charm," Narcissa came to her rescue. Hermione wasn't a fool, any woman who wasn't blind could see that Malfoy was attractive; he used it to his advantage whenever he was given the chance. He had charmed many teachers in Hogwarts and had gained a reputation from most of his 'conquests' through the years.

"Yes, some of us are very immune to it Malfoy," Hermione replied. It never felt odd calling him by his last name around Narcissa. If anything it was almost a term of endearment by now that they called each other by their last names. She couldn't imagine calling him Draco, and she bet that he wouldn't feel comfortable calling her, Hermione.

"Now children, get along," Narcissa ordered playfully.

"Yes," they both said at the same time and glared at each other before looking away. Neither of them was amused even though it happened often that they would say the same thing at the same time. They couldn't agree on much except for the fact they were comfortable with their bickering and the non-friendship that they had formed.

"And here comes Potter and the Weasel," Draco muttered. Hermione looked through the glass to see her friends walking up towards them. She waved excitedly and got up from her seat to greet them, Ginny had hugged her in a flash and they each said their hello's to each other.

"How are you all, you haven't written in weeks," she slapped Harry's arm in frustration. Her friends were wonderful, but they were not diligent in keeping her informed. She only saw Ginny every day because she lived in the flat above her, after graduating from Hogwarts a year early. She had shown mastery of all skills above her grade when she became part of the DA. Hermione was proud of what they were able to teach Dumbledore's Army and especially one of her best girlfriends, Ginny.

"I know, but Auror training is taking its toll, I feel like an old man now," he laughed and Hermione invited them to sit down at their table. Draco looked sick and Narcissa kept her smile plastered on her face; she wasn't ignorant to the fact her friends didn't like each other. However, for the most part they acted cordial to one another if it was just Narcissa, because they knew it was no use arguing with Hermione when her mind was made up.

"I'm not sitting with Death Eaters," Ron snapped.

Hermione had enough with his foolishness and the rest of the worlds today, and after having to see the sneer that some people would throw their way she was ready to yell. Her relationship with Narcissa had always been questioned and her only defense was that she was a good woman. She may not be able to talk about Narcissa's son and husband, but Narcissa Malfoy had never uttered a foul word towards her.

"Then don't sit here, I was asking Harry and Ginny," Hermione retorted, and sat down in her seat across from the pair of blondes.

"They aren't going to be sitting here either, and if you knew anything then you wouldn't be with them." Ron stated firmly, and started to walk away from the table. Hermione knew that Ron expected Harry and his sister to follow suit.

"Ronald Bilius Weasley, how dare you! They haven't said two words to you, and do not insult my intelligence because you cannot get over your own prejudices," she hissed out at him. That stopped him in his tracks and he turned around; he was visibly upset and his face was slowly turning the same shade as his wild red hair.

"My prejudices, you're bloody joking! Have you forgotten what their kind has done to you and your people? Why do you even entertain the idea of them? As soon as you are no longer entertaining then the silly bint will turn her back on you," he sneered out at Hermione. Harry quickly stepped between them and pressed his palm against Ron's shoulder. Hermione had gotten more upset, and now was standing again. They were already causing a scene in the café, and it would surely be on the front page of the Daily Prophet.

Draco stood up as well, and moved from around his mother to stand nose to nose with Ron. His malicious intent was evident. Ron had insulted his Mother and that just wouldn't do, Hermione had witnessed what he was capable of before, and as much as she was irritated with Ron she didn't want him to get hurt.

"Yes Ronald, you do have prejudices. They have been nothing but nice to me now, and Narcissa has helped me so don't go around calling her names. You forget that you are a pure-blood too, and if that is what you are basing this on then I shouldn't be talking to you either. They are good people, but you are too blind to see it. I'm so sorry Narcissa, Malfoy," she said and looked at both of them. She was embarrassed by her close friend, if she could call him that anymore. He had always looked out for her and she had admired him for years until sixth year. They still remained friends, but the rift in their friendship was widening and it scared her.

"Weasel, it's best if you leave—now," the tone in his voice laced with venom for Ron. Hermione was even startled by his voice. She moved her hand to reach out to Draco, but quickly pulled it back, she knew that she would regret it if she touched him and he got upset.

"Hermione, let's just go." Ron reached out his hand to grab Hermione's upper arm, and when he started to pull her she struggled against him.

"Ronald, let go." she commanded. If there was one thing she hated more than her intelligence being insulted, it was being man-handled.

Draco grabbed Ron by the shirt and pushed him far away from them before stepping in front of Hermione. She was in shock that he had done something for her, but she knew it was mostly out of his loyalty to his family: that and she knew he wanted to hit Ron.

Draco never took his eyes off of Ron, "Potter, take your little friend here and leave. I won't say it again," he demanded. Hermione watched as Harry took their friend by the back of his shirt and dragged him away. She saw the apologetic look on his face and Ginny's while she apologized profusely for her brother's lack of manners, and went after the boys' moments after.

Hermione went to thank Draco, but his hands were in his now messy hair. He threw money down on the table without a word to her.

"My apologies for ruining lunch, Mother," he muttered, almost too quiet for Hermione to hear, and he left without a glance back at them. She stood there awkwardly, and unsure of herself. Narcissa stood up, and took Hermione's arm in hers before pulling her out into Diagon Alley.

"No need to fret, dear. I wasn't offended by some silly boy's meaningless words. Let's go find some herbs and potion ingredients that we need for our Beltane traditions. I'm in need of some Dreamtide; it's what makes the potion extra special," she assured Hermione, and dragged her through the various shops.

Slug and Jiggers Apothecary was their main store until Narcissa was pleased with everything they had. She told Hermione that she would need to go home and get a good night's rest before they start brewing the potions, and educating her in the Beltane rites and rituals.

Hermione arrived home later than expected and found her cat on the counter with his canned food already sitting there. Her kneazle was a very smart boy, but he was a handful. If she ever arrived late, he was already waiting for her like a parent. He would never fall asleep at night without her in the bed unless Hermione sent Ginny down to tuck him in; he was just like a baby.

"Oh Crooks, I'm so sorry," she apologized, and ran her fingers through his soft fur. She opened his can and the cat quickly began to devour the food like he hadn't eaten in years. She was happy to see him not too upset with her; Crooks could hold grudges for months.

She flung off her shoes to the corner of her small flat and laid down on her couch, thinking about the day. She was fortunate that she was be taken in by Narcissa, and given the opportunity to participate in Beltane. She pulled one of her books from the coffee table and turned on the telly.

She read a few chapters before the book made its way to her chest, and she fell asleep on her couch; exhaustion was taking over and soon she was snoring lightly. Crookshanks looked at his master, and scurried over to snuggle into her side.

This was the life.

Thank you for reading. I will be updating as soon as possible/whenever my stories are validated. It would mean a lot for you to review and any constructive criticism is welcome.

Banner and Chapter Photos are made by me.

K
xxx

Beta Readers: A Thousand and One Hours