Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the wonderful wizarding world and all credit must be given to Ms. JK Rowling, however, anything unrecognisable is of my own creation.
Chapter 18: Hermione's Birthday
Today's my seventeenth birthday, and I was woken by the sound of a distressed Crookshanks attacking Sirius.
'Argh! Crookshanks! Little buddy, I'm sorry! Ouch!' I opened the curtains around my bed to find Sirius wrestling to get Crookshanks off of him. The next second, I'd sprung out of bed and grabbed Crookshanks, before he could claw Sirius's face. Crookshanks jumped out of my arms onto the bed, as I spoke.
'Are you okay?!' I grabbed Sirius's arms, casting a healing charm without letting Sirius respond. 'Vulnera Sanentur.' I watched the charm leave my fingertips, and work its way up Sirius's arms, healing the scratches. Sirius spoke.
'Thanks.' I continued questioning him.
'What happened?'
'I stepped on Crookshanks's tail, by mistake... oh, and happy birthday.' Sirius kissed me, and I let go of his arms: we were interrupted as everyone shouted.
'Surprise! Happy birthday, Mynee!' I glanced around the room to find everyone was here. I flushed red, as Sirius chuckled.
'Not exactly as we planned, but yeah.' The next I knew, Lily was dragging me over to my presents. She pulled me to the floor, whilst everyone else sat around me: Sirius took a seat beside me, speaking again. 'Go ahead, Mynee?' I couldn't believe the amount of presents that were in front of me. I stared at each one of my friends in turn, before speaking.
'Guy's you didn't have to.' Lily shook her head.
'Don't be ridiculous, here... open mine first.' Lily shoved a present into my lap, and I didn't argue with her. Lily's present contained two muggle novels: Carrie, by Stephen King; and Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice. I smiled, hugging Lily.
'Thanks, Lil. These look good.' Lily nodded.
'They are, I've read both of them.' I then reached for my next present. I opened the next few presents quickly: Dorcas and Marlene brought me a selection of muggle sweets and a cute dress, which I loved; Peter brought me Honeydukes sweets; Remus brought me another novel, though this one was from the wizarding world; and James brought me an origami self-delivering note set. James spoke as I examined his gift.
'Mum said you'd like it, you write notes, then they fold themselves up into origami animals and deliver themselves to the recipient.' I grinned.
'That's really neat. Thanks James.' James smiled, before handing me my next present. 'It's from mum and dad.' I sort of expected a present from Dorea and Charlus. I unwrapped the present slowly, finding a small box with a note. I read the note.
Happy Birthday, Hermione. We hope the present isn't too much. Love Dorea and Charlus. I opened the small box to find a delicate gold ring with a single ruby. I was speechless when I saw the ring: it's very understated, so would suit me perfectly, but I couldn't accept such a gift from Dorea and Charlus. I glanced towards James.
'James, I can't accept this.' James smirked.
'Mum thought you'd say that... but she's told me under no circumstances am I to let you give it back.' I glanced back towards the ring, and as I did, Sirius spoke.
'Really Mynee, the Potters love you.' James agreed with Sirius, meaning I gave in and slipped the beautiful ring onto my finger. I grabbed the next gift, which surprisingly was from Dumbledore: I read the attached note.
Miss. Granger, Congratulations on your 17th Birthday. Just a little something to help the celebrations. I also wish to speak with you, I suggest next Wednesday evening. Let me know if that's suitable for you. Albus Dumbledore. I opened the present from Dumbledore, and was surprised to find a bottle of mead: Sirius spoke.
'That's from Dumbledore?' I nodded. 'Sweet... that man's a legend.' I smirked. There was one final present left, which was from Sirius. I took the present and unwrapped it slowly, as Sirius watched for my reaction. Inside Sirius's present was a mirror: I glanced towards him.
'Two-way mirrors?' Sirius nodded.
'Yep. I said we needed a set... now I never have to have a detention without you.' I laughed, shoving Sirius; though, after I'd shoved him I pressed my lips to his.
'It's wonderful, thank you.' Sirius smiled, kissing me again.
'Happy Birthday, Mynee. I love you.' After unwrapping my presents, the rest of my birthday was pleasant. It's a school day, so I wasn't expecting much; though, Sirius surprised me at lunch with a birthday cake, made by the house elves. I'd flushed bright red as the whole of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff sang happy birthday to me.
This evening is Slug Club, so everyone has disappeared off to dinner, except for Lily, Sirius, and I. The three of us made our way down to the dungeons, as Slug Club takes place in Slughorn's personal living quarters. Lily knocked on the door: Slughorn answered.
'Ah Mr. Black, you've decided to join us... and you've brought Miss. Evans and Miss. Granger. Splendid... well, my boy, come in, come in. The house elves are just about to serve the first course.' Slughorn returned to the room: Sirius gestured towards the door.
'Ladies first.' Lily smirked.
'Don't know what you've done with Black, but you're not him.' Sirius frowned as I chuckled, following Lily into Slughorn's living quarters. We took the last remaining seats around the large round table, which was a prominent feature in the room. I glanced around the table, taking in the other member's of Slug Club: Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Black, Snape, Regulus Black, and a couple of Ravenclaw students whom I couldn't name. Sirius pulled out my chair as I went to sit down. I'd noticed that Regulus was very surprised to see his brother. Sirius, on the other hand, just smiled at Regulus.
'Evening, little bro.' Regulus looked like he wanted to respond, but obviously decided he shouldn't. Lily and Sirius then sat either side of me, as Slughorn sat down between Lucius and Snape.
'Marvellous, time for introductions.' Slughorn proceeded to introduce each of us, starting with Lucius. 'This is Lucius Malfoy, his father is an old friend of mine, and works closely with the Minister... next to Mr. Malfoy, is the lovely Narcissa Black, I do hope your parents are well, my dear.' Narcissa nodded.
'They're very well, Horace... I shall let them know you asked.' Horace grinned.
'Please, send them my apologies, for not being able to attend your sister's wedding.' Narcissa nodded, meaning Horace continued. 'Next... we have Regulus and Sirius Black. Their father is very high up in the Ministry... and they're both naturals with brewing potions. I'm very pleased you decided to finally join us, Sirius.' Sirius grinned, thanking Slughorn for the invitation; and as he did, I heard Regulus mutter under his breath.
'Foolish muggle-loving traitor, follows Granger around like a lost puppy.' Slughorn didn't hear Regulus, and just moved on.
'Then there's Hermione Granger, who is Albus's second cousin, twice removed: and has exceptional talent for potion brewing, as well as being an accomplished seer... and next to Miss. Granger we have Lily Evans, who again is an exceptionally talented young witch.' Slughorn then introduced the two Ravenclaw students as Orla Edgecombe and Xander Boot; I recognised both these surnames from Ravenclaw students I'd once been at school with... and finally, Slughorn introduced Snape, whom he praised for his potion skills. The house elves served the first course once the introductions were out of the way: the first course was vol-au-vents, which were lovely. The food at Slug Club was just as spectacular as I remembered, and the conversation just as boastful. We listened to Slughorn talking extensively about Abraxas Malfoy throughout the first course, and it lead on to a conversation about the Black family as the main course arrived. The main course was minted rack of lamb with steamed vegetables and a red wine jus: it was exquisite. I felt stuffed by the time dessert arrived, though, I couldn't pass up the profiteroles; meaning I made Sirius carry me back to Gryffindor Tower, because I didn't want to move. Plus, I think I may have had one too many glasses of wine. I kissed Sirius's cheek, as we climbed the Grand Staircase.
'Wasn't so bad, was it?' He smirked.
'No, it's always good to keep up with Black family gossip.' I grinned, as Sirius continued. 'Did you have a nice birthday?' I nodded.
'The bestest... I love you guys.'
A/N: Hope you all enjoy this chapter... the next chapter will probably be short again, it's going to be Hermione's meeting with Dumbledore: and then the following chapter is when she tells Sirius the truth. I might get the next two chapters up tonight, if I can get the meeting with Dumbledore chapter written. I've already got the chapter where she tells Sirius written, wrote it a while ago, and I'm excited about letting you all read it. Remember to leave me a review, Love RoxannetheLaugh x
