Hermione Granger shook her head in frustration for what seemed like the fiftieth time. She had retreated to the very back of the library and ensconced herself at her favorite table immediately after dinner determined to make up for lost time. They had missed two days worth of class, and then with all the problems that had arisen while they had been celebrating, Hermione found the time late and her list of homework unusually long.
For now, her resources including the incredibly valuable book Ron had gotten for Christmas lay spread out on the table and to the casual observer it would seem that she was settled in for a long night of studying. The only thing was that her brain didn't agree with her plan. In fact the only thing she had managed to do was to open her book and then spend an hour thinking about Ron. She had enjoyed herself at the Castle, but her fears were surfacing once again now that they had returned to school. Unfortunately, a complete analysis of Ron was just not something she was going to have time for until she got caught up with more of her work.
Hermione looked down at the books before her, but her brain wouldn't become focused. Hermione decided that thinking about him was not a bad thing, but it was definitely keeping her from getting anything accomplished. The fact that he could distract her even when he wasn't around made the situation even more galling. Hermione shook her head one last time and made a resolution to herself. For the next week, she wasn't going to let anything distract her from exploring both the capabilities of the Circle and the power of the Cauldron. Nothing or no one was going to keep her from the work she needed to do. That included Ron.
With her new resolve, Hermione picked up the book and started on the chapter dealing with spell amplification of influence spells. For several hours the only sound in the library was the scratching of her quill as it flew across her parchment. As a result, when Ron flopped down in the chair across from her, she let out an uncharacteristically earthy oath in surprise. Ron, on the other hand, seemed quite pleased with Hermione's first foray into swearing.
"You know Hermione, for your first time that was quite a good effort."
Hermione fought back the urge to smile at him, and instead settled for a smirk, "Only you can make me swear like that."
Ron shrugged, "I bet it's not the only new thing I can get you to do," he teased.
Hermione sighed and then looked back up at Ron, "That brings up an important point. I need a week totally without distraction and I need your help to get it."
"You mean this week?" he asked a bit dejectedly.
Hermione nodded, uncertain why Ron seemed to take the statement poorly. "Honestly Ron, it's only a week. I need you to keep everyone from bothering me about what I'm doing. I also need you to not distract me yourself,"
"Exactly how do you want me to do that Hermione?" Ron snapped.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to answer him. "Well, first I need you to leave me alone when I'm in the library. Secondly, I want you to not bother me about working too much. Third, you are going to have to stop trying to pull me into empty classrooms for the next seven days. I also won't be able to spend time playing chess or any other silly games like that."
"So, basically you want me to ignore you for a week?"
"Well, you don't have to while we are at meals and we can interact in class, but for the most part yes, I'm asking you to ignore me for a week."
"Fine," Ron replied, the word clipped.
Hermione smiled at him, oblivious to the negativity in his words, and started to reach for him when he stood up and walked out of the library without saying another word.
Hermione stared at the spot he had just occupied for a moment and the turned back to the book as she started to plot out a particularly difficult diagram. The diagram reminded her of the intricate patterns she had learned in the dance only yesterday. Her eyes became unfocussed as she thought back…
It had felt like a day dream, somehow after the feast she had managed to push aside her worries about the future and just enjoyed the present. The very idea that Ron had danced with her amazed her to no end. That wasn't the best part of it though; he had wanted to dance with her. Truthfully, he wasn't the best dancer there by far. That award was easily given to Flourish. Still, it hadn't kept either of them from thoroughly enjoying the evening. In a night full of surprises, perhaps the biggest had been when Ron told Harry that he couldn't dance with her.
Harry, and Hermione herself, had been a bit shocked until Ron told him, with a smile, that he wasn't letting her go for anything that night. Harry had just chuckled and called Ron a selfish git. Hermione had admonished Ron about it, but he had ignored her and given her one of his patented smiles, before pulling her along. Hermione had let it drop at the time. As it was a small part of her had been very happy despite the fact that he had been just a touch rude to Harry. Even Val's aloof friend had tried to cut in on them while Val and Harry took a turn, but Ron had just smiled at him and said "Sorry mate, she's all mine tonight." All in all, it had been one of the best moments of her life and she was a bit regretful that they had returned to reality to find rather quickly just a short time later.
In the middle of the evening Hermione pieced together whom Val and her mysterious friend were. She kicked herself for not recognizing it sooner. Not too mention the additional problems with Malfoy, Luna and Neville that had started right before they returned.
Hermione frowned, worried once more when someone cleared their throat nearby. She blinked her eyes, surprised to find herself back in the library with Madame Pince gesturing towards the door.
"I'm sorry Madame Pince," Hermione murmured as she gathered her books, suddenly finding herself tired. She promised herself she would begin again early in the morning. She had to make some progress soon.
Hermione returned to the Common Room to find Ginny studying at one of the tables.
"How are Luna and Neville?" Hermione asked setting her pile of books down on the table near the red head.
"Neville came back from detention with Snape about half an hour ago. Madame Pomfrey released Luna just before supper. Where did you run off to earlier? I haven't seen you all night," Ginny asked looking up from her homework.
Hermione reddened, "I had something with Professor McGonagall that I had to see to yesterday and I've been trying to catch up with my homework tonight."
Ginny shook her head holding up a hand, "It's OK. There were more than enough people involved anyway. Neville is still livid and Susan is right along with him. Luna's hard to describe, but I think she's fine. Harry's practicing being the overprotective boyfriend, which can be nice on occasion, but he's got about another half a day before I politely tell him to bugger off. Daphne and Blaise are the same as always."
"So, what did happen with Neville and Luna? I know Malfoy was involved. Did anything ever happen to him?" Hermione asked suddenly curious.
"Well, you already know that Malfoy poisoned Luna at dinner right before you came back Tuesday night. Neville got her to the infirmary and Madame Pomfrey told him what had happened. He asked me to stay with Luna for awhile, but wouldn't say a word about where he was going. Honestly, he lied right to my face and I didn't even pick up on it.
"Anyway, he went right after Malfoy as soon as he left the infirmary. Of course Neville didn't have any real proof that Malfoy did it, so he got a lot of detentions for hexing the shite out of Malfoy."
"How did he get caught?" Hermione asked.
"Well, Neville not only took on Malfoy, but Crabbe, Goyle, and Nott as well. You should have seen them all. Neville walloped them a sound one, but four on one eventually evened the score and then Professor Snape heard all the fracas and well. . . he put an end to the entire thing. The next thing I knew all six of them were trooping into the infirmary and Neville was handed two weeks of detention."
"Where did Daphne, Blaise and Susan come into all of this?" Hermione asked.
"Just as soon as the three of you left, Susan walked in absolutely furious. She let in on Neville just as soon as Professor Snape and the other Slytherins left. She was incensed with him for not finding her before he went down there. Can you believe it? Not only is Neville acting all out of sorts, but Susan as well. Something odd must be happening in their little morning training sessions," Ginny kept going picking up speed.
"Neville didn't even get upset with her. He just got a funny look on his face and then hugged Susan. That shut her up double quick and then he just told her and I quote, 'Sue, we agreed and I'm sorry.'"
"They agreed?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, that's all he said, but she understood him. You know with all their training and how Harry and Ron are about that type of stuff. I think Susan and Neville are the same way. Anyway, Susan just told him not to do it again and that she wasn't going to feel sorry for him if Luna was angry because of his stupid antics. He laughed and everybody seemed to be getting along.
"That's when Daphne and Blaise came in. Neville turned on both of them and accused them of hiding how bad everything is. He said that when he went down into the dungeons to find Malfoy he said it looked like a war zone down there. He even bumped into some sort of patrol of Slytherins who told him how to find Malfoy. Daphne and Blaise were pretty cryptic, but they always are. Susan didn't seem very surprised though. Anyway, the three of them left shortly afterwards all muttering between themselves. Susan seemed pretty upset and Blaise and Daphne were doing some quick talking between them. Do you know anything about what's going on down there, Hermione?" Ginny finished.
Hermione nodded, "I know a little Ginny, but I can't tell you until I find out a few things first."
"Secrets," Ginny growled. "There are too many secrets."
"Ginny," Hermione began sympathetic.
"Hermione, don't. It's been this way forever. Everyone's got them, myself included. If you ever hear what happened with Blaise and Susan though, I am pretty curious. Can you imagine Blaise apologizing?" Ginny asked as she yawned and began piling her books together.
"I'll let you know," Hermione promised. "She and I usually study for Herbology together on Thursdays. I'll see what I can find out tomorrow," Hermione replied gathering up her own books and heading for her dorm and bed.
Thursday sped by quickly for Hermione as she spent every possible second studying back in her dorm room. She was late meeting Susan when she entered the library with her school books. She walked towards Susan's favorite table and noticed Blaise studying with six first and second year Slytherins nearby. He ignored them all as he sat looking over towards the windows where Susan sat talking with another first year Slytherin. Blaise caught Hermione's gaze and nodded in her direction as he returned to the books and papers spread before him.
"That's great Caleb," Susan smiled at the younger boy. The blond Slytherin returned her smile before looking over at Hermione and frowned. Hermione stopped herself from rolling her eyes in response, they learned to distrust strangers so early. There had to be a Slytherin manual somewhere.
Caleb walked away as Susan looked up at Hermione, "I'm surprised. I expected to find you in here already."
Hermione set her books down and shook her head, "I've been studying in the Common Room," she replied. Hermione looked around closely and then whispered, "We are ready to try the Circle Friday night. We'll meet in the Entrance Hall at nine. Bring your broom."
Susan nodded, "I've got the first two done. Only eight more varieties of the Stenolyne vine, and their various properties, to go. I found a good book on various vines, if you want to take a look," Susan offered pushing over one of the large volumes spread before her.
"Thanks," Hermione replied ignoring her own annoyance with herself. She promised she would do be sure to return the favor the following week. Hermione paused and noticed that Susan quickly scribbled a note on a parchment and chuckled. Something about the girl was different and the first thing Hermione noticed was the change in Susan's hair. She wore it in soft waves rather than her usual ponytail or braids.
"You did your hair different," Hermione observed remembering Ginny's words from the night before.
"Yeah," Susan replied looking over Hermione's shoulder towards Blaise before turning her gaze back to the other girl. "I had extra time this morning."
"It looks good," Hermione smiled reassuring her friend. Susan was also wearing subtle make up and Hermione knew that it all had something to do with the dark-haired Slytherin sitting behind her.
Susan turned back to her report as Hermione began on her essay as well. Hermione worked through her own assignment as her concentration was broken by Susan's random, quiet chuckles. On the third time, Hermione set down her quill.
Hermione knew she wouldn't get very far if she asked the obvious question, so she chose another route. "So, what did Blaise say to you on Sunday? I never did ask. Did he apologize?"
"Actually, he didn't," Susan replied.
"What?" Hermione whispered. "Then what happened if he didn't apologize?"
Susan looked past Hermione again and then back to her, "We went up to the Divination Classroom. I read his fortune and then we talked."
Hermione raised one eyebrow, "Talked?"
"Talked," Susan confirmed. "We agreed to try to be friends, but Blaise wants to keep it low key. He's worried that us being seen together may instigate some sort of Malfoy evil plot. Unfortunately that plot hit Luna and Neville instead, the cowards."
"So, you're friends in private and stay away from each other in public?" Hermione asked.
Susan rolled her eyes, "I know. It sounds awful. Half the time I can't believe I agreed to this, but he can be quite persuasive and thoughtful when he wants to be."
Talking about it again brought it all back to Susan in a rush.
Blaise looked down at the card, "I would have us be friends Susan, but there are complications."
Susan moved her hand to the next card, "I know," she replied lifting the card and returning it to her deck.
Susan gathered the others, but Blaise took the Ace of Swords and inspected it further, wishing he could see which of the outcomes it predicted.
"Susan," Blaise began returning the last card to her as she bound everything away back into her box.
"I know your concerns Blaise, but you have to recognize that I know what I am doing," Susan replied closing the box with a snap. She watched as Blaise frowned again.
"I am more than willing to agree to that, but you must concede the Malfoy is dangerous and that there are reasons for us not to be seen together," Blaise returned.
Susan frowned and crossed her arms, "Then what are you suggesting? How can we maintain a friendship if you won't be seen with me? Truly, why would I even want that?"
Blaise stood up and moved his chair so he sat within arms reach of her, "When have you ever denied someone your friendship?" he asked leaning towards her, his voice a whisper.
Susan opened her mouth to reply, but found she could not. He was right.
Blaise pulled two pieces of parchment from his robes, "This one is for you," he offered handing Susan a blank parchment.
"Thank you?" she responded looking at him with a question on her face, she kept her voice low to match his own.
"These parchments are charmed," Blaise replied looking around the room. "What I write on mine will appear on yours until you turn the scroll over. Then you can respond. The message before disappears and if you want to hide the entire message you just turn it over in your hands."
Susan looked at the paper and back to Blaise, "I've never heard of this before."
Blaise shook his head, "It's a family secret," he explained. "It's faster and more secure than the post and it doesn't leave anything to trace."
Susan nodded, but looked back at Blaise, "This," she said holding up the paper, "still doesn't feel right. I thought it was a good thing to be seen together?"
"It is, but Susan, Malfoy knows Daphne and I are at the heart of his problems. With your, shall we say, discussion in the Great Hall, you've made yourself a target as well. If we start studying together every night, it's going to make it worse," Blaise argued. "Besides, do you really see yourself eating dinner at the Slytherin table or me joining you, Abbot, and that Ernie Macmillon character at the Hufflepuff table?"
"You know you would be welcome," Susan countered.
"Right," Blaise's voice dripped with sarcasm. "I can see Abbot and Boot loving that you and I are sitting at the Hufflepuff table together. It will just make things worse for you and can you imagine what my standing with the Slytherins would be?"
"Blaise, but I thought that was what we were after? Understanding between all of the houses, and that includes yours," Susan hissed.
Blaise shook his head, "Susan, one step at a time. With everything else going on, do you really want to deal with the judgments and the rumors?" Blaise pressed. "Let's see how the next few weeks go, and then we will see. In the meantime, we can use the parchment and work around our schedules."
"So, we ignore each other around everyone else?" Susan asked. "Once again, what's the point?"
Blaise turned Susan's chair so she faced him and their faces were inches apart. Blaise and Susan looked at each other closely and Susan found herself once again too sensitive to him, she fought to keep her focus. Blaise smiled, the same open smile he had given her in the Room of Requirement, and he reached out to brush her hair away from her face, "You're just going to have to trust me with this. This is just a start. If there aren't any problems, we'll take this further. Right now, isn't the best time for us," he explained motioning from her to him.
Susan once again saw the raw sincerity in his face and found herself agreeing, "We can try, but I am not making any promises."
Blaise nodded, satisfied with her answer and rose to his feet. He offered her his hand, "Very well. We should go."
Susan blinked and looked back at Hermione who was waiting for her to finish, "You should have heard him make Lenore apologize to me after implying that he and I were shagging in the Divination Classroom."
"She did that?" Hermione hissed.
"Oh, that and more. It was disgusting. It was right after he carried me down the stairs. My hair was loose from my braid and he was all flustered from the climb down. She just jumped to conclusions." Susan replied. "She was the ex-girlfriend Daphne told us about. I'm almost sure of it."
Susan and Hermione grew quiet again and started back on their essays. Hermione watched the Hufflepuff closely and was sure that she was writing notes of some kind as well as the essay. Susan hadn't told her everything.
"Have you spoken with him since Sunday?" Hermione asked as Susan smiled once again to herself as she turned the paper over before her.
"Yes, a few times. He was gone Tuesday and we've been corresponding," Susan replied her cheeks reddening. "Honestly Hermione, was this a mistake? It all seems so, so juvenile. I can't help but wonder."
Hermione smiled at the girl, "Susan, you're just getting to know one another. Besides, I don't think notes can hurt you."
"You're right. Forget I asked," Susan replied. "Hermione, don't mention the notes to anyone, alright? Like I said, Blaise and I don't really need any rumors starting about us."
"Of course," Hermione replied. She watched Susan look back at her books and then turned around in her seat to catch Blaise watching them intently. Hermione knew Susan was dreaming if she thought what was happening between her and Blaise would remain unnoticed forever. The signs were all there that Blaise and perhaps Susan, herself, were interested in being more than friends.
Susan sat staring at her essay, only three more variations to find, when images of Sunday came unbidden as she replayed it all again in her mind.
Susan followed him to the door and groaned aloud thinking of the climb back down to the hall. Blaise looked over at her and then back to the narrow stairs. "I can't believe this," he muttered. Blaise looked back at the limping girl, "We can do this one of two ways. I can carry you or I can levitate you. Which do you prefer?"
Susan frowned, "I'd rather you not levitate me, if it's all the same to you," she replied.
Blaise shrugged and knelt down before her, "Let's not repeat this to anyone," he muttered as Susan climbed on his back. "There are more gallant ways, but not the room," he muttered as he rose back to his feet.
"Thanks Blaise," Susan smiled, her arms wrapped around his shoulders, careful not to cut off his air.
Blaise reached the Hallway below and set Susan back on her feet. Susan brushed her hair out of her face. "Thank you," she smiled up at him, relieved that they hadn't fallen.
Blaise nodded, but said nothing as he caught his breath. She hadn't been heavy, but it was a distance from the Divination classroom to the Hall.
"Blaise," a feminine voice interrupted them. Blaise looked up to find Lenore walking towards them.
Susan glanced towards Blaise and watched as the mask settled back over his face once more, "Lenore," Blaise acknowledged her.
Lenore looked over Susan closely and then back to Blaise. Blaise's frown deepened as he watched her analyze two of them. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I Blaisey?" Lenore cooed taking Blaise's arm as she pinned Susan with a glare.
"No, not at all," Blaise replied.
Lenore looked over to Susan and offered her hand, "Bones, isn't it?" she asked smiling at the Hufflepuff.
Susan took her hand, "Susan," she corrected glancing quickly up to Blaise.
"Blaisey? Why, I think Bones here changed her hair," Lenore cooed with a smile on her face.
Blaise looked at Susan and knew where Lenore's mind had taken her, "I don't know what you are talking about," he snapped.
"Oh, I think you do," Lenore argued. "With how worried you were when you heard about her little scene in the Great Hall and now, look at her. Was he as good as I remember, Bones? Blaisey always was quite considerate with the ladies."
Susan reddened, but said nothing. Lenore's smile increased, where she stood with her arm linked with Blaise, "Was he the reason for the big scene with Draco over dinner? He is excellent at keeping the ladies happy. I'm sure it was just payment for services rendered though. Blaise doesn't really care for anybody, but himself. Do you Blaisey?"
Susan stiffened, "No Lenore, I actually meant what I said. You see, I'm not some slag that will do whatever someone asks me for a quick shag," she replied.
Lenore released Blaise and glared up at Susan, "Are you implying something?"
"Hardly," Susan snapped glaring down at the smaller girl. "You see, Blaise and I at least saw the potential in a bunch of Slytherins that were being stuffed into the same Malfoy trash. Unfortunately, it looks like my faith in that potential may have been mistaken."
"Susan," Blaise interrupted her, stepping between the two girls. "While every man would enjoy seeing the two of you continue; this needs to stop. Lenore, Susan did us a favor today and you need to apologize to her for your rather callous insinuations."
Lenore looked back up at Blaise and blinked, "You want me to apologize to a Hufflepuff?"
Blaise crossed his arms, "You insulted my friend, Lenore, and I expect you to apologize, especially since you are both on the same side of this particular debate."
Lenore frowned at Blaise and then turned to Susan, "I apologize," she muttered glaring first at Susan and then back to Blaise. "We need to be going. Everyone is waiting."
Blaise nodded, "I'll meet you there," and motioned for Lenore to leave them.
Lenore looked from one to the other and turned on her heel stalking away.
Blaise leaned over to Susan whispering in her ear, "Do you see what I mean? Watch the parchment. We'll start tonight."
Blaise left Susan in the hallway and didn't look back as he walked away. Susan sighed and watched him go, wondering if she had lost her mind agreeing to be his friend.
Blaise's latest note in her hand brought her back to reality, "What did she want to know?" it read.
Susan jotted down, "Nothing. She just wanted to know if you had apologized."
Susan waited a moment and the reply came, "Hardly. Slytherins and Zabini's don't apologize."
Susan looked up at Hermione and scratched a quick reply, "Your words and your actions are two different things, Blaise. I know the difference."
"You changed your hair today," was Blaise's response.
"Do you like it? I had extra time. Luna didn't leave Neville in a good enough state to run very far this morning. I took it easy on him," Susan replied pretending to work on her essay. Still three more variations to go.
Blaise's neat hand responded, "It is a lucky bloke that has an over-zealous girlfriend as his worst problem."
"Jealous?" Susan wrote back.
"Every man would be jealous. Why do you run every day? A broom is faster."
Susan wrinkled her nose, "I like to run. It helps my stamina and improves my game. Do you want to try? If you didn't like my hair, you could have said so."
Blaise frowned nearby when he read her response. Watching Susan and Neville out run him did not sound like his idea of fun. Blaise wasn't about to be out done by Longbottom in any area. "I'd rather play Quidditch. I never said I didn't like your hair. Will you have time later tonight? I wanted to continue working with the youngsters on their defense spells."
Blaise looked over where Susan and Hermione sat studying. She looked beautiful sitting there with the evening sun glistening off of her hair. She read his note and then met his gaze. She smiled at him and he couldn't believe that he had ever thought her plain. She brushed her hair back over her shoulder and nodded once before turning back to her studies.
Susan scribbled, "Tonight, but Hermione's suspicious. I'm glad you like my hair."
Susan looked back to her friend and decided that it was her turn, "How's Ron doing since this weekend? I haven't noticed anything odd with the students from the article in the paper."
Hermione looked up and nodded, "Yes, you're right. He's fine, I think."
"He's been withdrawn the past couple of days. I would have thought he would be excited about this coming weekend, but he doesn't really seem to care," Susan offered. Ron had seemed particularly sad this entire week. His birthday was on Saturday and Susan hadn't heard of any plans to celebrate it.
"The Quidditch final isn't for a couple of weeks yet," Hermione replied focusing on her essay.
"Oh, well I thought there would be something planned, but if not I'll make sure to catch him on Saturday," Susan replied giving Hermione an odd look.
Hermione nodded and continued scribbling as quickly as possible. Half an hour later, she and Susan wrapped up their essays and left the library with plans to meet the following night. Blaise and his group had left half an hour before.
"Next week?" Susan asked as they left the library.
"Same time," Hermione replied. "The book was a lifesaver. I owe you one."
Susan laughed, "Hardly, that's just one less I owe you. Have a good evening, Hermione."
The sun that shone through Hermione's dorm window Friday morning was bright, as if heralding the coming spring. This, however, did not distract Hermione in the least. Hermione had finally made some rather amazing progress, if she did say so herself. She had spoken to the other members of their circle and made plans to meet that night. This would be their first attempt at using the Circle and Hermione had already mapped out how she wanted to try and use its power to amplify their own.
In addition, she had not only caught up with the two days worth of school work she had missed, but she was now eight days ahead in both her reading and lessons. This past afternoon had been dedicated to reading all the information she could lay her hands on regard enchanted Cauldrons and potion making.
As she took a moment to stretch she noticed that several crimson and gold flashes were darting around the Quidditch pitch and she remembered that there was a game coming very soon. She allowed herself a minute or two to gaze out of the window and then she turn resolutely back to her writings.
The longer Hermione pondered the possibilities the more she thought that it might be possible to combine the effects of the Circle and the Cauldron. If that were true, then she thought that some of the spells in the book Ron had given her might be even more powerful than what was expected.
Hermione's face twisted with worry as she thought of the upcoming test of the Circle. Normally she would have been thrilled at the thought of learning the secrets of a powerful artifact, like the Circle. Now, however, she was worried about the level of sharing she would have to under go with the other girls and with Ginny and Daphne in particular. Hermione hated that she had to keep anything from Ginny, but she was certain that Ginny would tell Ron about her plan to keep him safe. Daphne, on the other hand, might well use that same information to try and take Ron for herself.
Pushing the troubling thoughts to the side, she studied the diagram once again seeking for any weaknesses she might have missed before. The one thing she was certain of was each girl's role in the Circle. Hermione would, of course, be the center. She simply wouldn't risk anyone else in that position. Ginny would stand in the South, representing power and passion. Daphne would stand in the North, where she would represent cool reason and logic. Susan will stand for the east, for compassion ands strength come from the East. For the West where whimsy and innocence dwell, the Circle would have Luna. Those five would be basis for their Coven and the foundation upon which they cast. The others would stand between the Cardinal directions to complete the Circle.
Hermione was confident of the power and abilities of the four witches who stood in the positions of power. It was the ones who would fill in that concerned her the most. At times like this she regretted that the boys couldn't take part in this with her. After almost six years of constantly leaning on each other, it was a bit lonely having to go through something like this with out them. Hermione sighed and turned back to the task at hand. It would take at least two hours to prepare all the components needed for the first use of the Circle. It would have been nice if she could have felt comfortable enough to leave this task to someone else, but in the end her need for perfection outweighed the time constraints and she took care of the task herself.
Hermione really wanted to tell the other girls why she was doing this, but she was certain it would only work if Ron didn't know what was going to happen. Ginny might never talk to her again when it was all said and done, but that was a risk Hermione was aware of. She had tried to tell him how worried she was about him, but it didn't change anything. This past weekend had decided it for her. Two separate incidents where he could have died. Two reckless acts. Hermione couldn't allow anything to happen to Ron and if she had to break a few rules, well then so be it. Hermione's fingers gently traced the binding rune as her thoughts wandered, once the word was spoken the compound in the cauldron would transform form a mere mingling of various ingredients into a complex potion capable of magic only the most powerful wizards would attempt.
For a brief moment, Hermione was concerned that Luna might not be ready for such a powerful first attempt, but brushed her own doubts aside at she realized how unworthy they were. Luna would want to be there as much as Hermione needed her to be there. Of course, Hermione would have to work a charm of silence into the spell so the others couldn't simply tell Ron what was going to happen. Hermione was certain that the Circle would realize the ramifications as soon as the spell was completed. If she was lucky, Hermione might be able to conceal it's purpose from Ginny, but that would take almost as much effort as the spell itself.
Only one more thing and the plan would be set into motion. All she had to do was make another trip into Snape's storage closet.
"Ron I think we should call practice for now, what do you think?" Harry called out trying to be heard over the rising winds.
"Too right mate. It's getting a bit dangerous up here and our lighter players are getting blown around too much."
With a signal from Harry, all the Quidditch players descended and headed for the locker room and broom shed. "We better hurry mate. It looks like it's going to rain any second," Ron called out to Harry over the wind.
"Don't tell me that the big, brave shape-shifter is afraid of a little rain," Harry shot back with a grin.
Ron laughed and then smirked, "I just don't want to give Filch any reason to give me a detention. I've been pretty luck so far and I don't want to risk it this weekend."
"What's so special about this weekend?" Harry teased.
"Oh nothing really, just the seventeenth anniversary of the birth of the only boy to be a better Quidditch player than the Boy Who Lived," Ron called over his shoulder.
"You really need to introduce me to that boy some time, Ron. Maybe he can play Keeper for me. Now that my Keeper has gotten such a big head, it might affect his flying."
Ron burst out in laughter as he headed towards the Castle, "Well, since I have such a big head, then you won't mind if I go drink the last butterbeer we have." That said, Ron took off for the Castle at a run. Harry only waited a moment before he started to chase after him, determined not to let that big prat drink his last butterbeer.
Once they were both safely inside Gryffindor Tower, Ron and Harry split the last butterbeer and sat in silence for a while, until Ron turned to look at Harry, "You know mate, I think this is going to be a really great weekend."
Harry nodded, but as soon as Ron looked away, he frowned and wondered what he and Ginny were going to do if Hermione continued to hide out for the rest of the weekend. Ginny had mentioned that she thought Hermione didn't realize that it was Ron's birthday. If that was the case, Harry had less than a day to figure out what to do. Ron wouldn't get his good weekend if Hermione wasn't a big part of wishing him a happy birthday the following day.
The wind had really started to pick up since they had left the castle and the simple robes that all the girls whipped around in the gusting wind. All the girls had taken up their positions and hermione was ready to start the call their power. Only one thing remained and Hermione was dreading it. As Hermione looked around the Circle she found all eyes were looking for her as the other waited for her signal.
With a sigh Hermione reached up and undid the clasp of her robes and let them fall to the earth. Hermione flushed with embarassment as she saw the other follow her lead and soon they were all standing at their positions totally naked. This part of the ritual had not pleased Hermione in the least but the texts had been quite specific about how they would be able to more freely share power when as the book stated "Unfettered by the restrictions of convention.".
As she looked to make certain everyone was ready Hermione coudn't help but compare her own body unfavorablly to the other girls. to her eyes they all seemed so beautiful and she felt more than a little intimidated. She shook her head and focused on the task at hand. With a nod to Ginny she chanted the incantation to activate the circle and instantly she felt the stones begin to throb with power.
The whipped through Ginny's hari as she raised her arms and called out. "I call on the fires of the south, let their passion and fury power our quest for justice."
"Where is the lover?" Hermione called out to her.
"He is not needed here but we honor him." Ginny replied.
As Ginny spoke a silvery mist formed infront of her and briefly took the shape of a stag before being dispursed by the wind. Hermione smiled at the sight and then turned to the north and faced Daphne. As soon as she had turned around Daphne lifted her arms and cried out. "Let the powers of the North grant us their cool logic and wisdom."
"Where is the Bard?" Hermione challenged.
"He is not needed here but we honor him." Daphne smiled as the silver mist took the shape of a harp before dispating.
As Hermione faced Susan she was warmed by the gentle smile the other girl gave her in greeting.
"In the East dwells the strength of a mother love and the compassion of the noble victor. Let it guide is in all that we do." Susan smiled as she too lifted her arms.
Returning her smile Hermione asked her. "Where is the Nobleman?"
"He is not needed here but we honor him." came the reply.
Hermione turned to face Luna and as always she seemed to know something the rest of them didn't. "Let us be like children in all that we do. Let the wonder in the West keep our hearts light and spirts strong."
"Where is the Tiller of soil?"
Luna smiled "He is not needed here but we honor him."
As soon as the last word had left Luna's mouth Hermione flet her body tingle as their joined power surged into her and her mind reeled with all the new knowledge and sensations that flood her mind. Dimly she new that the others were having a similar if less intense experience as she was. Hermione struggled and managed to clear her mind to complete her part of the joining.
"In center are all things blended so that the excesses may be avoided for the good of all. Let us be always willing to share for the greater good." she gasped.
All the voices of the Circle save Hermione's joined togerher to ask one question. "Where is the warrior?"
Hermione felt a rush of passion as she answered "He is not needed here but we honor him."
The silver mists parted and for a moment the outline of a golden lion prowled in front of her and then the power became to much to bear and everything went black.
Hermione woke up early on Saturday morning. She hurried to dress and make it to the Great Hall for breakfast before she was scheduled to meet with Professor Snape to continue their work on the Cauldron. As she entered the Hall she found Neville and Harry happily eating their way through a mountain of food between the two of them.
"Good morning, Hermione," Neville announced motioning for her to join them.
"Have you seen Ron this morning?" she asked as she watched Harry load his plate with pancakes and fruit.
This question caused both Neville and Harry to start laughing again, "Ron lost today. His luck finally ran out and he got to go with Susan for one of her long runs. Madame Pomfrey finally allowed her to increase her distance back up to what she had been running before the Darken Wolves."
"Then why are you both here? I thought you all ran together?"
"Some days," Harry replied. "Neville's leg isn't healed yet and I've been keeping up with my running during the week. Ron's been behind though and truthfully he's the best one of us at keeping up with her."
"So, what are your plans for today?" Harry asked her.
"None," Hermione replied, "Just more research. I am still rather behind on a number of different things."
"Good morning," Ginny and Luna greeted the group before Harry could ask another question.
"Morning," they chorused. Hermione grabbed another bite of toast and rose to her feet eager to get back to work on the Cauldron, "I have to be going. I will see you all later."
The two couples watched her go and Harry whispered, "I don't think she realizes that today's Ron's birthday."
"I warned you," Ginny replied.
Harry shook his head, "We need to plan a party, and fast, for tonight. Ron's going to be down right depressed if everyone, but Hermione, remembers. If we make it a surprise party, and everyone pretends to have forgotten about his birthday, then he won't be suspicious of Hermione."
Ginny frowned, "We should let her and Ron work this out for themselves. I don't particularly like covering for her."
"They will work it out, but it's his birthday. Do you really want to wreck it for both of them?" Harry pressed.
"Fine, but I'm going to talk to Hermione again. She's making a big mistake," Ginny replied. "In the meantime, we throw him a party. We owe both of them at least that much."
"Well, there's four of us here," Neville interrupted. "Let's get a plan going while he and Susan are out. If we can warn everyone before they get back, we may be able to pull off the surprise."
The day flew by for everyone. Harry and Ginny organized their friends into preparing the Room of Requirements for the surprise later that night. Even Daphne and Blaise made a trip into Hogsmeade of supplies for the event. Neville and Luna kept Ron busy throughout the day and no one saw Hermione to tell her of their plans. Thus the hours sped by as Ron's mood progressively darkened, Hermione progressed on her research, and everyone else prepared for the night's entertainment.
Daphne and Blaise left the dungeons together on their way to Ron's surprise party. Blaise found himself hurrying, glad that tonight he would be able to see Susan in a more relaxed atmosphere than the lessons they had been giving to the first years or in those short notes in between classes. Daphne levitated a large box of supplies along behind them, for a rare instance, without complaint.
"So, did you apologize to her?" Daphne asked with a smirk. "You're walking a little fast."
"Of course not," Blaise replied. "Why would I?"
"Oh, I don't know," Daphne smiled. "So, what did you say?"
Blaise stopped, the prediction Susan had made in the Divination Classroom had disturbed him for some time. "She read my fortune," he answered Daphne who looked up at him puzzled.
"What?" she asked. "You hate Divination. You think it is rubbish."
"And most of it is," Blaise replied. "Her predictions though, the whole thing seemed too accurate to dismiss outright."
Daphne quirked an eyebrow and pulled Blaise into a nearby classroom, lowering the box to the floor, "Start from the beginning."
Blaise paced around the room recalling each moment in detail from that night.
Blaise watched as Susan walked into the room. Her limp even more pronounced and her face tinged with red from exertion. Blaise frowned, annoyed that she hadn't said anything, "Sit," he told her pulling out a chair at one of the nearby tables.
Susan looked at him closely for a minute, but eventually took the seat he was offering, "Thank you."
Blaise walked around the table suddenly unsure of how to begin. He watched Susan look around the room and brush some loose hair out of her face. She unwound her braid running her hands through its waves as if straightening it before pulling it back from her face once more.
Susan glanced at him briefly and he realized that she was waiting for him to start. "Don't," Blaise told her as she started to fasten her hair back once more.
"Excuse me?" Susan asked her face incredulous.
"Don't. It looks better down," he replied mentally kicking himself. What had possessed him to come up with that rubbish?
Susan looked at him and shrugged, but stopped playing with her hair. Blaise's frown deepened, he needed to talk to her, but was unsure of how to begin. "I can't think of the last time I was in this room," he offered looking around to the small tables and chairs. Blaise inhaled the ever present smell of incense, heavy in the air.
"Thursday afternoon," Susan replied shortly reaching her hand into her pocket.
"You're in Divination still? I thought it was a small class?" Blaise asked surprised that Susan would waste her time with such rubbish.
"It is. There are only fifteen sixth years that are taking Advanced Divination," Susan replied her hand.
Blaise nodded, not really caring. His estimation of Susan had admittedly declined, "Why waste your time with such a useless class?"
Susan looked up at him sharply, "I am taking all of the coursework required for Healer training and this class," she snapped.
Blaise's amusement returned at her annoyance, "I see. Once again, why waste your time?"
Susan reached into her pocket and pulled out a wooden box and set it in the middle of the table. "Those," she said pointing at the box. "Most of this stuff doesn't work for me, but Professor Trelawney and Firenze said I show a lot of promise with those."
Blaise looked at the box with interest, it meant nothing to him, "What is it?"
"Tarot," Susan replied. "I can read tarot cards."
Blaise snorted, "Tarot? Susan, honestly."
Susan's eyes narrowed at Blaise's mockery, "When was the last time you had your fortune told?"
"Never," Blaise replied. "What makes you think they work?"
"Well, I knew to take the Blood Replenishment tablets with me today for Ron, I knew that Draco and I were going to have a certain discussion in the Great Hall, and a number of confusing readings I have had regarding a wavering relationship could be attributed to one other person I know," Susan replied placing her hand protectively over the box as she realized what she said.
"There are many different meanings to the word relationship," she growled her face tinged with red.
Blaise looked at her with interest once more. He had not missed her reference to him and their predicament, but he still wasn't sure of how to move forward.
"Very well then. Read mine," Blaise spoke up waving towards the box. "Let's see what my future holds."
Susan looked at him, "This isn't a joke, Blaise. If you want to, we can, but I'm not going to do this unless you're serious. The cards will know if you don't believe them."
"The cards will know? Why do you have them with you at all?" Blaise countered.
Susan blushed and looked down, "They are mine and are imprinted to me. Professor Trelawney says to keep them with you and it will help them become more sensitive."
Blaise nodded, "Thus you'd rather me not hurt their feelings?" he laughed.
"Forget it," Susan finished, stuffing the box back in her robes. "I'm sorry I mentioned it. What did you want to talk about so we can leave?"
Blaise's frown returned, this was definitely not going well, "No, Susan, truly, I will be serious. Why don't you try reading my fortune? It will be good practice."
"Blaise," Susan argued rising to her feet.
Blaise frowned, he didn't want her to leave. "Honestly Susan, no jokes. I'll be serious. Just sit down."
Susan looked at him, unsure whether to stay or to leave. Blaise rose to his feet, determined to convince her to stay. He motioned back towards her chair, "Please."
Susan hesitated for a moment and then resumed her seat and Blaise relaxed following suit.
Blaise shook his head, "It started with an innocent comment about the last time I had been in the Divination classroom, when she told me she was still taking the class. I told her that I thought the idea of it was rubbish, but she convinced me enough to just try having her read my fortune. In her own words, she said most of the mediums were nothing to her, but her Professors thought that she had some talent with the cards."
"So, she read your fortune," Daphne prompted with a smile.
"No, she read a fortune focused on finding the answer to a question," Blaise corrected.
"What was the question?" Daphne asked finding Blaise's behavior very peculiar. It gave her the chills. Very little affected Blaise, and this must have been good.
"I wanted to know what needed to be done to solve the split in our House," Blaise replied.
Daphne nodded, "What did she find?"
Susan opened the box and removed a bundle wrapped in blue silk. She spread it across the table to reveal a pile of slightly worn cards. Here she hesitated looking back up at him, "Blaise, there are a number of different variations on spreads and what they are telling a person. I think we will start with one that answers, 'What is to be done?' It's not too complicated and probably the most 'useful.' I am going to shuffle the deck and I want you to focus on a question you want the answer to. Keep the question in mind. I am going to spread the cards out on the table, and then I want you to select seven at random."
Blaise nodded watching Susan as he considered what he should ask. Susan wanted him to ask a question and two were on his mind. Since one involved her rather intimately, he chose the second.
Susan watched him carefully and he closed his eyes to keep from being distracted, "What is to be done with the split in the Slytherin House?" he asked the cards repeating the question in his mind. He felt ridiculous, but Susan's focus prevented him from making a joke.
When Blaise felt like he had his question firmly in mind, he opened his eyes to see the cards spread before him, "Please choose seven," Susan told him intent on his reactions.
Blaise reached forward and kept his hand above the cards concentrating on his question. He slid seven cards towards him and out of the deck.
"Very good," Susan spoke gathering the unselected cards and moving them away. She gathered the last seven and again she shuffled them in her hands, this time her eyes were closed and her forehead was creased in concentration.
She stopped and opened her eyes. She took one card from her hand and placed it on the table to her left, "This card signifies that which is ending. Justice reversed represents bias, lies, intolerance, unfairness and abuse." Blaise nodded, the problems with the Slytherin House came to mind for him and his issues with Malfoy's crew.
Susan turned over another card, "This card represents the Present. The three of swords, this card signifies a possible civil war, affections experiencing 'stormy weather' or possible a separation of lovers."
Blaise nodded again, luck and chance could have pulled those two cards. A Civil War described what had started that day with Susan's outburst and affections wavering, Blaise chose to ignore that implication.
Susan continued, "The third card is the Future, or more appropriately, 'That which is beginning.'" Susan turned over the Seven of Wands, "This card warns of us of an upcoming fight or battle, stiff competition, and the ability to meet your adversaries on an even playing field. However, this card also has positive connotations of courage and victory."
"So, she pulled up cards regarding Malfoy in the past, a Civil War in the present, and stiff competition in the future?" Daphne asked. "Blaise, lots of those cards have similar meanings. Did you tell her your question before she began?"
"No," he snapped. "I'm telling you Daphne, it was odd. It didn't feel like some big joke or something to be ignored. No, it wasn't because of the girl either, don't even think that!"
Daphne quirked an eyebrow, "I wasn't, but was that all? It hardly seems like something you should concern yourself with."
"No, it became even stranger," Blaise replied.
Blaise nodded, an upcoming battle was definitely a concern of his. He found himself more and more curious to see the other four cards.
"The fourth gives us hints towards the direction to follow," Susan explained as she turned up the fourth card. "Strength upright is another powerful card. This card explains that the way to reach your goal is by strength, courage, determination, action, and conviction."
Blaise leaned forward, four out of four disturbed him, but he chose not to say anything until she had finished.
"The fifth is rather ambiguous. It warns of influences on your path, but they may be helpful or harmful," Susan explained turning over the next card. "The King of Wands reversed; severe quarrels, prejudice and intolerance affect the path to reach your goal."
Susan continued, "The sixth represents your hopes and fears. The Nine of Pentacles reversed, warns of the possibility of loss, danger from thieves or villains, and above all caution."
Here Susan paused looking at the previous six, "The final card is the outcome," she warned Blaise and placed the card on the table. "The Ace of Swords, upright," she finished. "The beginning of a victory, the ability to love or hate with passion, and the third meaning. . . a valiant leader may be born."
"The beginning of a victory? That's the solution? A beginning is no victory," Daphne interrupted.
"I agree," Blaise replied as he continued his pacing.
"The ability to love or hate with passion? One of the Gryffindors perhaps?" Daphne asked.
"I thought Divination was joke?" Blaise asked his sarcasm returning.
"It doesn't hurt to look at all of the angles," Daphne replied.
"A valiant leader is born," Daphne finished. "Potter or Weasley?" she guessed.
"I considered it, but it doesn't feel right that it would be either of them. Nor do I think a Slytherin is the key," Blaise replied.
"I have to agree," Daphne replied. "We need to find a valiant leader."
"I am sure they run around with signs on them," Blaise replied running his hand through his dark hair in frustration.
"You believe this reading," Daphne stated. "It wouldn't be bothering you so much if you didn't."
Blaise shook his head, "I won't say that I believe it, but I don't think we should ignore it either."
Daphne nodded, "Information is key." She stood back up and looked at her friend, "Why don't we go see your fortune teller? The party will be underway soon."
Blaise opened the door for Daphne as they returned to the hallway, "In the end, did she know what your question was?"
"She knew," Blaise replied with a small smile that he hid as quickly as it had come.
Hermione trudged up the last steps to the entrance to the Common Room. She was tired, the first trial with the Circle had taken more out of her than she had expected. That and skipping lunch and dinner had sapped what little strength she had left. All she wanted was a sandwich and her bed in short order. Hermione reminded herself to get Blaise to go over the wards to the room that she and Professor McGonagall had set as an extra precaution.
Although, as Hermione reached the last few steps she saw Susan sitting outside waiting for her, she knew that bed would be a long time in coming. Susan wore muggle clothing as if she was going into Hogsmeade, but she wasn't smiling.
"Hermione, sit down, will you?" Susan asked taking the books away from her as she motioned for Hermione to sit next to her.
"What's the occasion?" Hermione asked. "You look nice."
"Thanks," Susan smiled. "Lavender talked me into buying the skirt earlier this year."
Susan smoothed her skirt and then pushed her long hair back over her shoulder, "Hermione, do you know what today is?"
"Susan, it's March 1. That's the third time you've asked me," Hermione replied. "What is it that you are so concerned that I am missing? Can we talk about it in the morning? I've had a rather long day," Hermione replied trying to keep the annoyance from her voice as she rose once again.
"Hermione, Ron turns 17 today," Susan told her, ignoring the touch of temper. Through the Circle, Susan had become much more aware of how hard Hermione had been pushing herself. She saw the signs of it the dark circles undernearth Hermione's eyes and signs of strain in her movements.
For her part, Hermione couldn't believe it. How could she have forgotten? So many things made sense to her all in one moment and the guilt that came from that one sentence threatened to bury her alive. Hermione's eyes filled with water and she looked up at the ceiling willing the tears not to flow.
Susan rose and put one hand on her shoulder, "Harry and Ginny realized you had forgotten earlier and we have all thrown a surprise party for Ron in the Room of Requirement. Luna is delaying a rather unhappy Ron until we get you to the party."
"Then why are you here?" Hermione asked. "Where's Harry or Ginny?" Hermione winced as she realized how rude the question had seemed. "Susan, I didn't mean it like that."
"Hermione," Susan shook her head, "Forget it. Everyone is waiting in the Room of Requirement," Susan replied. Susan knew Ginny was in a right state, and didn't need to ruin Hermione's day any further. She needed to get her dressed and ready. Telling her about Ginny's anger would not get her to the party any sooner. "I told them I would wait for you. They were busy wrapping up a few last minute details," Susan replied.
"They must think I am horrible," Hermione murmured. "Merlin, Ron must be furious with me," Hermione wiped her eyes again. "I can't go in there, they will all know."
"No, they won't. Only a few of us have any idea, it's a surprise party and as long as you beat Ron to the party, then he will have no idea. You just need to smile and enjoy yourself," Susan explained picking up Hermione's books. "We need to get moving, Hermione or everyone's efforts will be for nought."
Hermione hesitated and then nodded before walking towards the entrance with Susan at her heels. "Sue, how could I have forgotten this?" she murmured as she entered the Common Room.
"It happens," she replied. "Let's get you looking spectacular and get to the party. Ron will have a wonderful night and you can help give him that. Everything else we can deal with later."
"Where the hell is she?" Ginny huffed as she helped Harry set up the last bit of the decorations.
"Calm down Ginny, Susan will find her and get her here as soon as possible."
"Maybe so Harry, but why should Susan have to do it in the first place? Shouldn't Hermione remember Ron's birthday on her own?" Ginny pressed.
"Come on Gin, you're not being quite fair. We all lean on Hermione too much and we expect a lot from her. So sometimes she's going to get caught up in what she's doing and forget things."
"Sure, I can see that, but she never forgets a class does she? She doesn't forget to study for a test or do her Prefect duties. No, she forgets my brother's birthday and I have every right to be angry with her."
"Ron's a big boy now Gin, I think he could handle a little disappointment. Fortunately, he's not going to have to, because we have everything under control," Harry said calmly as he tried to reassure her.
"You don't get it, do you Harry? I know Ron has come into his own a good bit this year, but deep down inside he's still the same little boy who always worried about not being good enough. That's why he always throws himself into the things he does. The crazy thing is that Hermione worries about him being to reckless, but this is just the kind of thing that might make him even more so."
Harry shook his head, "Of all the things that may or may not cause him to act reckless, forgetting a birthday isn't one of them."
Ginny was about to retort when the door to the Room of Requirement opened and Blaise and Daphne walked in trailing a large box behind them.
"What's in the box?" Harry questioned.
Daphne grinned and reached down and flipped open the top, revealing several dozen bottles of butterbeer. Blaise reached down and grabbed a pair of the bottles and tossed two of them to each of the Gryffindors.
"We thought it would be nice to have some since I remember Ron asking that the two of you had run out," Daphne smiled while getting one for herself and Blaise.
A comfortable silence feel over the four of them, and after a few minutes they could her several voices singing that seemed to be getting closer. A minute later the door opened again and several students burst through, singing at the top of their lungs. Seamus, Dean, Colin and Neville seemed to be singing some sort of Irish folk song, because only Seamus seemed to know all of the words. After a rousing flourish at the end, Seamus reached into his robes pulled out a half full bottle of a clear liquor and took a healthy swig and then passed it over to Dean who followed suit.
"Great Merlin they're trolleyed," Ginny laughed.
Seamus straighten up and fixed Ginny with a mock glare, "I'll have you know that I'm only a bit tipsy." As soon as he said the words he broke out into gales of laughter with Dean, Colin and Neville joined him.
"It's a good thing Filch didn't catch them moving around the Castle. McGonnagll would give them a years worth of detentions, at the very least, Harry noted.
"Colin, I'm surprised at you," Ginny admonished. "Besides, what are your girlfriends going to say when they catch you like this?"
Colin lurched over to Ginny and kissed her cheek, "Oy, Ginny, don't worry. I have my camera, it's just a bit of harmless fun."
Ginny laughed and shrugged him off. "You're all going to regret it in the morning and I'm not going to be nice about it."
"It's just a bit of harmless fun?" Daphne asked taking the bottle from Seamus and taking a long drink herself. "Just as I suspected."
"What are you drinking?" Blaise asked, his curiosity overcoming him.
Daphne handed the bottle to Blaise with a hiccup. Seamus laughed and explained while Blaise smelled the bottle, but detected nothing wrong, "It's called Potcheen and it's the finest thing to come from my lovely birthplace," Seamus paused for a moment, and then looked at Daphne. "Well, one of the finest things anyway."
Blaise looked over at Daphne and to his surprise, she was smiling back at the Irishman with a grin of her own. This unnerved Blaise and to cover his confusion, he took a healthy drink of the clear Irish liquor. He quickly forgot about Daphne's reaction when the harsh burning liquid hit the back of his throat and he started to cough as his eyes watered.
"You could clean out cauldron bottoms with that stuff Finnegan," he managed to cough out.
"Just because you don't have a taste for the finer things in life, doesn't mean you should be cruel about it," Seamus retorted and then reached in his robes and pulled out a full bottle. "Where is the man of the hour? I have another bottle for him. When a boy becomes a man he should not have to drink butterbeer."
"If you give Ron that bottle Hermione will never forgive you Seamus." Daphne said with a smirk.
"Well then, Ron will have to deal with his little collen then. I've had it with bossy women. Bloody Lavender."
Ginny frowned at Seamus, "Something happen between you and Lavender?"
Seamus waved her off dismissively, "I've just had it with not being appreciated. Just because a lass has a pretty face, doesn't mean she can treat a bloke like he's lucky to be with her."
Ginny and Harry looked at each other and then back to Dean for a translation, "They are on the splits. I would call it mutual," Dean explained. "Speaking of, where are the girls at? Seriously? Six blokes and two birds don't make much of a party."
"I'm sure more people will be here soon," Ginny smiled as the door opened once more.
By the time Hermione had finished showering and changing, her guilt had resurfaced. She sat, dressed and ready to go, but couldn't find the strength to regain her feet.
"Susan," Hermione began looking at her reflection in the mirror, "I can't do this. You should just go without me."
Susan sighed, and moved so that she stood before Hermione where she sat on the bed. "Hermione, these are your friends and they are all waiting on you. Ron's thinking that everyone has forgotten his big day and his happiness is hinging on you being there. You owe it to him to be there. I know you feel bad, but at least be there, allow your friends to help you for a change, and try to have fun for all of our sakes. That includes your own. You looked like you were ready to drop when you got back here," Susan stated, her hands upon her hips frowning down at Hermione.
"You're right, I just hate this," Hermione exclaimed rising to her feet once more.
"I know, but you have got to learn to trust other people Hermione. You don't have to do everything yourself. How ever do you expect to handle being Head Girl without using others to help you plan? It's just the same thing. You have to learn to work with other people. You'll end up killing yourself if you don't," Susan admonished once again.
"How did you get so wise?" Hermione asked Susan trying to relax and focus on something other than her own failings.
"My Aunt knows more about working with people than I will ever understand. I just listen and try to follow her advice; it's worked so far," Susan replied.
"Let's talk about something else," Hermione continued as they walked towards to the Room of Requirement. Discussing her schedule wasn't going to help distract her from the butterflies in her stomach. "So, are you looking forward to seeing Blaise tonight? Is everything going well with him?"
Susan laughed, "Hermione, what did you expect to happen in two days? I guess everything is just like it was. I invited Ernie to come with me tonight though. Blaise and I are friends, but he is always with Daphne. Since a number of other people were going to be here, I thought Ernie and I would have a few laughs and enjoy ourselves."
Hermione blinked, "You're kidding! You invited Ernie?"
"Just as friends," Susan replied. "If Blaise wants us to keep up this secret friendship, then I have every right to invite whomever I want. Ernie's fun, and a good friend of mine. Besides, he likes to dance and that is always nice to have in a date."
"Susan, I'm impressed," Hermione chuckled. "You know Blaise isn't going to like that you are there with Ernie."
"Sure," Susan replied with a smile and wink. "Since we're 'not friends' in public, what does it matter to him? He's always got his back up female friend, why can't I bring a man for me?"
"Oh, this will be worth it. If nothing else, just to watch the two of you!"
"Well, I am glad I am here for your amusement," Susan laughed in response. "I just think that my favorite Slytherin should be taken down a peg or two. I will admit I agreed to his plan for now, I just want him to be aware of the drawbacks to it as well. This won't work forever."
Susan and Hermione turned the final corner and Hermione's laughter died as she saw the door. "Susan," Hermione whispered.
Susan and Hermione stopped in front of the door. Sounds of loud music and people's voices behind the door could be heard. "Only a few of us know you forgot, to everyone else, everything is fine. Just put a smile on your face, snog Ron senseless when you see him, promise to give him his present later, in private, and try to have fun. If you need to talk, you know where I am."
Hermione nodded, "Thanks," she whispered as she opened the door.
Silence fell as they entered the room, Hermione paled, but Susan smiled and laughed, "Surprise! Luna and Ron should be here in about five more minutes,"
Hermione looked around and saw all of the sixth year Gryffindors, the members of the Gryffindor quidditch team, everyone in Ron's defense group, Daphne and Blaise, and a number of other people dancing, eating, playing Exploding Snap, or just gossiping.
Harry approached them, "Susan, I see you found our missing girl. You're developing a talent for it,"
"Everyone needs at least one talent," Susan smiled as she looked past Harry.
Ernie walked over and slung an arm across Susan's shoulders, "I thought you had forgotten."
"Not at all," Susan replied. "I was just helping Hermione get ready."
Hermione noticed Blaise nearby with a frown across his features, but Susan ignored him. "Let's get something to eat. I missed dinner at some point. Hermione, do you want anything?"
Hermione smiled, "Sure, I'll catch up to you."
Susan looked from one to the other and nodded, allowing Ernie to lead her away.
"Thank you," Hermione whispered not wanting to look at Harry.
"Hey," he exclaimed, "Hermione, look at me."
Hermione looked up to him, "Yes?"
"It was nice to help you out for a change. I know you've been pushing yourself extremely hard. You've got to find some sort of balance though. It's going to hurt your friendships, especially with a couple of red heads you know."
"Ron?" Hermione asked biting her lip.
"Doesn't know a thing and will be pleasantly surprised when he gets here."
"Who then?" Hermione asked before putting it together herself, "Ginny."
"I'm afraid she isn't as happy. You're going to need to speak to her, but she's the only one that's upset. Just remember that," Harry warned her.
"Thanks," Hermione replied relieved and worried. "I'll speak to her after Ron gets here."
Harry nodded, "I think Susan's making a plate for you. Which reminds me, what's Ernie doing with her? I thought she and Blaise were an item of some sort."
Hermione shook her head, "She and Blaise are officially a non-item and I think Susan is making a point in regards to that. She and Ernie are just friends."
Harry shook his head, "Girls."
"Don't worry, we say the same thing about you," Hermione replied. "I'm going to go catch up with her."
"They are almost here!" Ginny called out coming back into the room, "Everyone, get quiet!"
The music died and everyone grew quiet as the door swung open, "Luna, I'm telling you, I really would rather head back to the Common Room."
"Just one more," Luna replied as she stepped into the room.
"Surprise!" everyone shouted and the lights came on to reveal a stunned Ron and a smiling Luna.
"What is going on here?"
Ginny walked forward and hugged her big brother. "It's a surprise party, you prat. You didn't think we forgot your birthday, did you?"
Ron blushed a bit, "Well, I just reckoned everyone was so busy with all the things going on, that it slipped everybody's mind."
Seamus half stumbled over to Ron and threw his arm around him, "Rubbish mate, we'd never forget the birthday of one of Gryffindors finest." Seamus lowered his voice for a moment and turned to face Ron, "So tell me mate, do you think I could get Daphne to go out with me?"
Seamus's question caught Ron by surprise, "What about Lavendar?"
"Ancient history," Seamus slurred his reply, "So? What about Greengrass?"
Ron coughed for a moment before he could respond, "I think Daphne would be crazy not to go out with you, Seamus. I will say this though, I have become very fond of Daphne and I would hate to see her get hurt. Don't screw it up."
Seamus nodded at him seriously, "Not for all the gold at the end of the rainbow, mate."
Ron laughed as Seamus stumbled a bit and slowly walked over to where Daphne and Blaise stood talking. Ron greeted everyone as he started looking for a certain dark haired Gryffindor. He found her talking to Susan and Ernie MacMillon. She looked uncomfortable and tired, but she was trying to put on a good face. Ron walked up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, "Alright there, love?"
Hermione tensed and spun around, "I, yes. Happy birthday."
Ron smiled and kissed her cheek, "Thanks, hon."
"Let's give these two love birds some privacy," Ernie spoke up. "Happy birthday, Ron."
"Thanks Ernie," Ron spoke up taking the Hufflepuffs hand.
Ron looked from Ernie to Susan with a question on his face. Susan shook her head and gave Ron a hug and whispered, "Ask Hermione to explain it."
"Happy birthday Ron," Susan added. "OK, let's go say catch up to Luna."
Ron watched Ernie and Susan walk away, "What's going on with that?" he asked Hermione.
Hermione stared off in the distance and didn't reply until he asked her a second time. She blinked and looked up at him, "Sorry just wrapped up in thought."
"You weren't thinking about a certain, extremely attractive Gryffindor Keeper, were you?" Ron teased.
Hermione smiled at the easy banter Ron always seemed to slip into, "As hard as it might be for you to imagine, I don't always think about you every minute of the day."
Ron laughed, but he never noticed that Hermione's smile never reached her eyes. Ginny and Harry came to join them and caught the tail end of Hermione's teasing. Ginny frowned at Hermione before offering Ron a bottle of butterbeer and a plate full of his favorite sweets.
Ron reached out and gave his sister a hug, her hands full of food, before taking a pull at his bottle of butterbeer, "I reckon I owe you all for setting this up. You had me fooled."
"You're welcome," Ginny replied pointedly ignoring Hermione at his side as she walked away from the couple.
Some one turned on the Wizarding Wireless broadcast and several couples started dancing, including Susan and Ernie, Lavendar and Blaise, and even a drunk Seamus and an amused looking Daphne. Well, they were dancing as well as one perfectly sober person and one very drunk person can. Nevertheless, Ron thought they looked happy and really, that was all that mattered.