Hermione POV

"Hermione could we talk for a minute? Not here." Hermione looked up with surprise. Having noticed Adrian was in the library too, and blushing like an idiot when he caught her eyes on him, she had studiously ignored her surroundings and forced herself to finish this potions essay so she could go over her notes on vows again. Harry standing beside her and looking serious stopped her hand mid word.

"Of course Harry. I can always take a break." She smiled up at the friend and began packing away her scrolls and books. Some she sent to the cart to be put away and some she shelved with her wand from where she was. Not being able to hold in the grin at being able to do something that she had often dreamed of as a little girl. Harry smiled back at her, they had talked about being able to do things with magic that they had only imagined when they were children.

"Give me that bag, I doubt you packed it for carrying." Harry spoke with slight condescension at her habit of only packing lightly when she knew they would be walking quite a bit. With that they were teasing each other and heading out of the library, she was sure that she could feel Adrian's gaze on her as she left the room.

Reaching a staircase the pair headed down to a door that went out through the gardens, closer to the greenhouses. Weaving through the students around the warm building they headed toward the hills that blocked the lake from view.

"What is it Harry?" Now that they could freely talk her friend was exhibiting one of his sometimes annoying tendencies. Having decided he would talk to her, after overthinking it, he had come straight to her. Now that the moment was here he hadn't thought through how to say whatever it was.

"I've told you before that you can just blurt out whatever you are thinking so hard about. I will let you revise your phrasing before overreacting." She kept her tone light but met his eyes for a moment so he knew she meant it. There was that smile, the gentle especially Harry smile. It was so wonderful to see it, to have this moment with him. There she went being maudlin again, right now everything was okay, or close enough.

"It's a couple things really. I know that I haven't been spending as much time with you, no let me finish, since ron started talking to us again. Just don't disappear okay? I mean, I still want to talk about things with you, even study. I didn't have fun in the library, usually, but I did learn things. It was nice to be there with you. I sound mental." Harry was speaking a bit haltingly.

"Harry, really it is okay. I don't feel like you dropped me or anything. You were due some fun, whatever you and Ron do while I am in the library. I'll be happy to arrange a time that works for both of us, or you could come with me when you find you want to." Hermione was relieved. This was nothing, well she was sure it was a real concern of her friend and she appreciated the thought for her feelings.

"That's good. Maybe we could do Thursday evenings? After Krum." There was a look on his face that made it clear her friend thought he had her, that she was doing something scandalous. There was no trace of judgement or anything, just his joy at having caught her.

"Or you could come to those meetings, Petrov usually attends too. Last week it was potions ingredients and the next one is freshwater plants and their uses. Rapid fire flash cards. Exhaustive lists. You will love it." She kept her face straight and enjoyed the faint look of horror on Harry's face. Eventually they both lost the battle and began laughing.

"Hermione, about Ron. I don't know how to explain. It's not the same as it was. Also something is going on with you. You know you can tell me anything, right?" There was another stumbling explanation of what he was thinking.

"That's understandable Harry. He really disappointed you, it was kind of you to let it go as quick as you did. For myself I just can't forget. It just seems to easy for him to turn on me. I am glad he is speaking to us again, but more for you than for me. I will keep my issues to myself, I promise. I just can't let myself care to much. I didn't do anything wrong at the ball or being friends with Victor and didn't deserve his tantrum. You don't have a problem with me being friends with him, do you? Victor I mean."

"No of course not. I am glad you have someone new to study and learn with. I know you say you are only friends and I believe you, but I have seen him look at you. He would be more if you wanted it to be. I just, you should do what you want. I don't want to hold you back from someone you like, or really anything you want to do." Harry was blushing, bless him. This was one of those moments that reminded her of the brilliant friend he was, and how much she didn't want to leave him.

"Oh Harry. Thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that. I truly don't care for Victor that way, I enjoy his company but, even if he wants to which I haven't noticed, I have no interest in kissing him. There is someone though. A boy. I didn't think he knew I existed but lately, well." Hermione broke off, she hadn't thought about telling Harry anything about Adrian. Maybe though, maybe she could. Just not who he was or the other things they had talked about. It would be nice not to be hiding all of this from her best friend. "After Ron yelled at me and you two went up to the tower I had a good cry with Victor, then he, I don't want to tell you who right now, he came and talked to me for a while. It really helped with some of the things I've been worrying about lately. Anyways I can't believe he would like me, like I like him anyways, whatever his reason it did make me feel a bit better about myself. I had felt pretty and had a good time before Ron tried his best to ruin it. Don't apologize for him Harry, not your fault." And with that they chatted about the ball and some of what he had thought about the egg clue. Also they rehashed what Bartemius Crouch has been doing here that night. Another thing to worry about, another thing to add to the list of events she didn't understand.

Later that evening she was back in the library and had moved from the earlier potions essay to her own research. It was hard to keep her mind from wandering away from the words explaining Unbreakable vows and to the reason she needed something like it. While walking back to the castle she had seen him and for a moment they had locked eyes. Her blush hadn't faded until they reached Gryffindor tower. Harry hadn't said anything about it, if he had noticed. Never could tell with him.

After she had met his mother in Honeydukes she hadn't been able to look him in the face at all without almost crippling embarrassment. Merlin, what must his mother think of her. If Adrian had told her all she had said to him then the woman probably thought her too much trouble. It would be safer for her son not have anything to do with the muggleborn witch. Sighing she tried to push those thoughts from her mind. He hadn't spoken to her about really anything outside of their one hurried conversation, he had met her in the stacks and practically begged her to be allowed to tell his mother. Offering to put her under the same vow he was. This had been so surprising, but she could see that he really felt they needed an adult, outside of the school. It was an obvious point so she listened to the one magic again and gave her consent. Now she was waiting again.

As her quill kept scribbling notes and reference numbers for pages she nearly dropped it in shock. On the page in front of her we're words in penmanship that wasn't hers.

"Same spot, come when you can." It took all of her effort not to immediately slam her book shut and run from the library. With what she hoped was normal behaviour, she flipped a page and noted the chapter title and its important points. Then looking up at the big clock behind the librarians desk she began packing up. Trying to keep her movements natural and not a jerky hurried mess. Not wanting to walk straight there she took a roundabout route through the corridors and came at the landing from the upper floors.

There was the magic, the one, leading her to him. At first this fanciful thought made her grin privately but only for a moment. What was going on? Why did the magic want her to speak to Adrian? It couldn't be his magic, that would just be some kind of fairytale. Trying to push this from her mind she listened for any sounds. Nothing. Maybe she was wrong and her magic just wanted her to wait there. Turning the last corner she nearly let the big smile that wanted to bloom across her face. Adrian Pucey was standing there, waiting for her. He looked so good. School robes off and only his white shirt and tie had his house affiliations. He was so tall and she wanted to press against his chest and breathe in the smell of him. She hadn't been close enough to surround herself in it last time. Probably wouldn't this time either, this was a chiding inner thought.

"Hello Pucey." Hermione was proud of the even tones that came out of her mouth and she thought his eyes flashed something delicious at hers, for a moment at least. A small shiver passed over her and a corner of his mouth kicked up.

"Hermione, I hope I can call you by your given name." Oh yes, there was something in his gaze the brought the colour onto her cheeks and made her heart beat a little faster.

"Of course. Why did you want to speak to me?" Hermione was desperate to keep this on track. If she let herself, she was sure that she would get so caught up in the moment that she wouldn't be able to keep a conversation going normally.

"I hope you will call me Adrian. My mother. She has sent you something, through me so you didn't have to explain it on the spot to your friends." With that he flicked his wand at the floor beside him and a lovely silver carrying cage was visible on the floor. Perched atop it was the most gorgeous owl she had ever seen. Dark chestnut coloured feathers, except the mask on its face. That was a caramel colour, with orange tints. Intelligent amber eyes looked between the two and Hermione couldn't help the gasp of delight.

"For me? I don't know what to say, this is too much." Hermione couldn't say more. After meeting his eyes once she looked away. Something was different this time, she felt it. His gaze on her felt different and he seemed to be closer.

"She is a Pucey owl, trained to be reliable and most of all, loyal. There are enchanted jesses, she can not feel them and they don't affect her flight or comfort. I could see you didn't like the idea. My mother's elf, Pinny, has an affinity with owls. Raises them from owlets and chooses the best ones to train specially. Mother thought this would help you. It was all she could do immediately anyways." He broke off and Hermione realised she had been watching his lips form words again, though she had been listening.

"An elf trains your owls? That's fascinating. I have been trying to learn more about house elf's, there isn't much documentation and the instances I have seen are terrible. Not that your elf's are treated the same, it's just-." Hermione was shocked when his finger touched her mouth.

"Shhhh little witch. I have heard about your house elf campaign. Not the right way to go about it at all. We don't have time to talk about it today but I suggest you meet some elves and talk to them. Listen to what they have to say. I'm not trying to tell you no one abuses their elves. Merely that most elves will not be happy with you trying to free them, against their will. Think about it Hermione." She was so surprised by him touching her, her lips, that she just nodded. His eyes were so close to her and she could smell the cedar and bergamot. She had been right. More time than she would ever admit had been spent trying to identify the individual scents that made his up unique one.

Trying to make sure the flash of disappointment she felt when he took his finger away didn't show on her face, she missed what he was doing. Quietly he handed her a letter and looked back at the owl.

"You don't have to read it now, I only have a minute. My transfiguration project is due tomorrow. I will disillusion the cage so you can take it to your room. Give her a name and take her to the owlery tonight. Try and spend time with her for the next month or so, more so in the next few days." Hermione nodded again. A name for the regal creature, something that before her bearing. Unable to express in words how much this gift meant to her. She better try.

"Would it be appropriate to write your mother and thank her for the gift? She is beautiful and I think I will call her Athena. Thank you Adrian." Making herself meet his eyes while thanking him was all she could do. Never had she felt so aware of her own body. She could feel her heart beating and she felt as if her lips were tingling. The mad desire to tunnel her fingers into his hair was strong. For a moment he just watched her and then a smile creased his face, it looked strained.

"Athena is a good choice for her. I am glad you like the gift and mother will be too. Yes, I am sure the letter will encourage you forcefully to write. Mother was charmed by you, oh and here." Hermione was further surprised when he handed her a box of chocolates. She blushed hotly remembering how she had basically ran from the sweet shop.

"Thank you, again." Not another word could she get to come from her mouth. This time instead of a strained smile he gave her a grin. Such a charming grin that she felt her knees weaken. Unable to look anymore she shoved the box of chocolates and the letter in her bag and moved slowly towards the owl.

"Hello girl. I'm Hermione and I hope we can be good friends. I have a cat but you know cats, and he is a boy. Nice to have some female companionship. What do you think of Athena. Suits you, a goddess' for a lovely lady like you." By the time she had finished speaking the owl had moved from her perch on top of the cage to Hermione's arm. As dainty as you please. When she looked down at the cage after feeling it's handle in her hand she couldn't see it and she grinned at the Slytherin. He was watching her and that made goosebumps race across her skin.

"Goodnight. Sweet dreams little witch."

"Goodnight and thank you again Adrian." She bit her lip and met his gaze for as long as she could. Cursing her blush she watched him turn and head towards the stairs heading down. She gave herself a quick mental shake and headed up toward the owlery, murmuring to the owl on her arm.

After leaving Athena on a perch with treats and many affectionate words and touches she made her way back to Gryffindor tower. It was about an hour before curfew and the room was packed. She spotted Harry and Ron playing chess and waved when Harry did. She gestured that she would be in her dorm and headed up the right spiral stairs. A shower and her most comfortable pajamas, they just happened to be Slytherin green, found her on her bed allowing her hair to dry as it willed. She popped one of the chocolate covered almonds into her mouth and examined the letter.

The paper was the palest lilac, nearly white and so smooth. Hermione loved stationary and admired the gorgeous penmanship. Miss Hermione Granger, was written on the front with lovely flourishes on the capital letters. Slowly she opened the seal of gold wax and scanned the page and noticed the loose paper included before she began to read.

Miss Granger,

I hope in your return letter that you will give me leave to address you by your given name, until then I will keep to the formalities of address. However dispense with them from here for this letter's duration.

It was lovely to meet you, after Adrian spoke so highly of you at our lunch. I must thank you for trusting his judgement and allowing him to speak to me of your conversation. It was difficult for him to speak of such things with me and I could see the worry he has for you.

Of all of the things mentioned the only one I felt I could address immediately was your lack of reliable communication. In two days, please reply to this letter, this will be your owls test flight. When she returns to Pucey Hall I will have Pinny examine her. This will tell us whether our security precautions and the owls own bonds are satisfactory.

The note I have slipped in explains our House charm for sealing letters. I had Adrian unseal this one for you, if you follow the directions it will be only our magics involved. This will work with all first time correspondents. After that you can use the shortened version I have included. All the details are with the charm.

Did you enjoy the Ball? Adrian assures me you are not a heartless hussy, as Skeeter has been saying. Be careful about all mail you receive and if you can have an elf check it first, that is safest. I did see a photo of you dancing with Victor Krum and your dress was beautiful. Did you get it in the muggle world? I haven't seen anything exactly like it before. I must admit I do love a shopping trip, perhaps I must venture out of my usual haunts if that dress is an example of what can be found. Do you have any recommendations?

Speaking of recommendations I have several for your lovely curls. First of all, learn to embrace them. Please believe me when I say that you are a beautiful young woman who has no need to be any way other than what you are. That said, a bit of reliability is a fine thing. Vestibulum is an anti static charm, use it on your towel and try to avoid brushing out your curls. Finger comb and scrunch them before leaving them to dry. I will include a smoothing potion in my next letter. I do need to know whether you prefer to wash your hair in the morning or the evening. The long dry formula quells frizz better but takes hours to dry, quick dry is the opposite. Please feel free to write with any questions you may have.

In fact please write, often. I am sure you have women in your life that would happily have you come to them for advice or guidance. Only do consider me when you find yourself in need of a woman or witch's advice. I look forward to receiving your letter and hope this is the beginning of a long friendship.

Yours

Cynthia Pucey

Hermione reread the letter several times. Unable to believe the level of friendliness and what seemed to her the older witches open manner. Surely it wasn't normal for a witch to gift her son's classmate with a family owl and offer a House charm for security. Adrian and her had never had a conversation before that momentous one, surely he hadn't spoken of her before their lunch. The more she considered it, the owl was a very helpful gift, especially when you considered the enchantments and the secure charm. She could write Sirius, and this summer she could write to Harry. Maybe even letters that no one else could open. Mrs Pucey had liked her dress and done her best to make Hermione comfortable. Even mentioning Krum and the papers. An elf. She would have to learn more about house elves it seemed. Maybe she could ask Mrs Pucey if she could recommend anything that might help Hermione to see a more balanced view of the problem. Adrian clearly thought his elves didn't need rescuing and Mrs Pucey spoke of hers as a trusted part of the family.

To keyed up to consider beginning her letter back, she had one last chocolate and lay back on her bed. Petting Crookshanks when he started sniffing her hands and arms.

"That is Athena, our new owl. She is lovely and seems to have a nicer disposition than you handsome fella. Meet her soon please and keep an eye out for her? I know you see more than most humans. Good boy." Apparently her familiar had enough of her overt affection by then as he brushed her with his tail and hopped off her four poster.

Now she let herself take a minute to think about all the feelings she had, being so close to him. Quickly she decided not to try and puzzle out his expressions and what she thought that look in his eyes meant. Instead she thought about her reactions to him. It was a bit embarrassing, the thoughts that her mind went to. Maybe she would have liked to kiss that finger touching her lips, or lick it even. His hair, she wanted to touch it. Wondered if he would push into her touch, the way she wanted to get closer to him. How would it feel to have that finger trace her lips instead of just resting there. The goosebumps she had earlier returned and she felt her nipples tighten under her loose pajama top. Biting back a grown she carefully ran her hands over her lips then down and around her nipples. Merlin, this was the feeling she had read about so often. Her body was aroused. She could feel the slickness in her folds and the heightened sense of touch. Having read heaps of historical romance novels, she did know a bit about sex. Out of curiosity she had pleasured herself before and found it an occasional destresser. This was different though. Her body had heated up on its own, in reaction to Adrian Pucey.

Lower lip tight between her teeth, she closed her eyes and pictured his face then his hands while hers rubbed circles on her nub. Next her mind quickly went from gently kissing, to him pressing her against the wall, his hardness rubbing her through her knickers. She couldn't keep in the small whimper when her orgasm crashed over her. For a moment her eyes opened and she fuzzily thought that it was way better to picture him than some faceless man in one of her books.