When Hermione awoke on Sunday morning, she crept from Ryan's bedroom to retrieve the Daily Prophet, knowing that the article about Harry's Light magic was in it. Harry had told her he'd read Rita's draft and that it looked good, but he had become increasingly reckless and she didn't entirely trust his judgment.

'THE SEXIEST MAGIC YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF: Harry Potter Has It, and You Can Get It,' blared the headline, and Hermione rolled her eyes. But she caught her breath when she saw the cover photograph, in which a glowing Harry gazed directly at the viewer with overwhelming love. And seduction, she thought, with a flutter. It's a good thing I'm taken, otherwise I might be tempted to revise my 'He's like a brother to me,' policy.

She made tea and brought the newspaper back to the bedroom, where Ryan was beginning to stir. And her heart fluttered again, seeing his heavy eyelids and bed-mussed hair. 'I hope I didn't wake you,' she said, setting her tea on the night table and crawling in next to him.

'No, not at all,' he replied, wrapping an arm around her. 'Is Harry's Light magic article on the cover?'

'What?' she asked, completely distracted by Ryan's warm, sleepy presence. 'Oh, yes. The headline is appalling, but Harry approved it for some reason.' Ryan only nodded, and for a while she was content lying next to him. But her curiosity became too strong, so she sat up and reached for the paper.

To her relief, the article itself wasn't bad. 'Other than the headline and the ten superfluous paragraphs about Light magic's effect on the libido, Rita did a surprisingly good job,' she told Ryan. 'But oh my god, this sidebar!'

'What's in it?' he asked sitting up. '"The Light Lord and his Ladies?" I'll admit the headline's a bit naff, but what's the problem–whoa, there it is!' He looked more closely at the photograph and said, 'Harry can't possibly have done that in public, right?'

'I can no longer answer that question with confidence,' said Hermione, frowning. 'Now that he has no secrets left, he's become remarkably uninhibited.' She read the accompanying article and exclaimed, 'Really, Harry—in the restaurant?! With both witches?'

'I blame Darren,' said Ryan. 'He tried luring me to the dark side during our first year on the team. Obviously I was hopeless in that regard, but Harry is clearly more trainable.'

Hermione was examining the photograph, and she gasped when Harry removed one of the witches' shoes and began sucking her toes. 'It has to be the Light magic!'

'Of course it's the Light magic,' replied Ryan, but she shook her head.

'No, the photograph. His Light magic must be interfering with the photograph and depicting his desires rather than his actual behaviour.'

'Good lord, you're right!' Chuckling, he added, 'Poor Harry ... not only doesn't he have any secrets left, but now he's literally displaying his innermost desires. Honestly, we should be grateful they're so vanilla.'

'I can't believe they ran this photo,' said Hermione, shaking her head. 'Clearly the photographer knew it wasn't accurate! Those witches have grounds for a lawsuit, and so does Harry!'

'I agree, although I'm told there's a certain type of witch who relishes this type of exposure, or will do when the full story comes out.'

Hermione sighed. 'I suppose if they snogged Harry in a posh restaurant they can't be too attached to their privacy. But he must be mortified—I'll send him my otter,' she announced, pulling out her wand.

Ryan looked at her sceptically. 'Do you want to think that through for a moment?'

'Hmm, good point. Either he's currently in flagrante with two witches, or he's out reassuring the Malfoys he hasn't lost his mind. I should probably just owl him.'

She dashed off a short message offering her support and dispatched the letter with Ryan's owl. When she returned from the roof, Ryan was preparing breakfast. 'How many eggs do you want?'

'Just one—we're having lunch with your parents, and it's already past ten.'

They read the newspaper and enjoyed a leisurely morning together. Hermione practised the left-handed charms Davina had given her, even though she'd mastered them days earlier. 'Have you noticed whether your overall magic has changed, now that you've got those charms working?' Ryan asked.

'No, but I haven't done anything particularly challenging at work lately. Other than Summoning books from the shelves and using charms to organise my notes, I may as well be a Muggle.'

'Perhaps, but they'd have to Obliviate you every five minutes, which seems impractical.'

At noon, they Apparated together to the shed in Ryan's parents' back garden. 'All clear,' he said, indicating the green flame in the glass bell. 'No Muggles on the premises. Except for Dad, of course.'

It had become Hermione's routine to bring in a small bouquet from the garden, and she put it in a vase that was waiting on the table. 'Ryan, is that you?' called Lucinda.

'Yes, and Hermione.'

'I only need you,' she replied. 'I have a task requiring a hulking beast, and Hermione would be no use at all.'

Ryan and Hermione smirked at each other, and they followed Lucinda's voice into the lounge. Hermione's jaw dropped, and Ryan said, 'What do you need me for? Clearly you already have a hulking beast.'

'Is that a bloodhound?' asked Hermione nervously.

'Yes, and his name is Lucifer—Walter insisted on naming him after me. I plan to use him in my Healing, once I've trained him up a bit. Which you can see is necessary.' She was holding Lucifer by a lead, and he was pulling against it in a desperate attempt to follow a scent.

'Is he full-grown?' asked Ryan.

'No, he's just a puppy. The veterinarian says he'll probably gain at least four stone. But I wanted a young dog so I can establish myself as alpha, which I haven't quite done yet.'

'It's only a matter of time,' said Hermione. 'But what do you need from Ryan?'

'I want someone to hold him still while I perform charms on him. I asked Walter, but Lucifer kept squirming, and I didn't want to accidentally charm the wrong creature. But Ryan can magically resist my charms, hence my request.'

'Why didn't you body-bind him?' asked Hermione.

'I tried, but it was horrible. Lucifer didn't understand what was happening, and he looked completely terrified, so I decided to wait until Ryan could help. But here you are—make yourself useful.'

Ryan approached Lucifer and introduced himself. 'I suppose we're brothers, after a fashion. Mind if I subdue you for a minute?'

Lucifer sniffed Ryan eagerly, and after a tentative palm-licking he allowed Ryan to scoop him into his arms. Lucinda instructed Ryan to defend himself against coercive magic and performed a series of complicated charms, none of which were familiar to Hermione.

'What did you do to him?' she asked.

'The first two were to help along my alpha status. Nothing too emasculating, but you can see why I didn't want to accidentally hit Walter with them. The third charm was to establish a link with the amulet on his collar, which will change colours depending on what smells he detects.'

'And how is that useful?' asked Ryan, no longer holding the struggling bloodhound.

'Diagnostics, specifically on unsuspecting Muggles. It turns out dogs can detect certain diseases as reliably as laboratory tests can, which means Lucifer can tell me whether our friends and relations are sick before they even know it themselves. Then I can cure them without the authorities getting too nosy about spontaneous remission.'

'That's amazing!' said Hermione. 'Is that a common practise among Healers?'

'Not in recent years, but I decided it was overdue for a revival. Furthermore, having a large dog will get me out of the house several hours a day, which is a necessary break from all my brewing. Other than bicycling everywhere I've been bone idle of late.'

Walter entered through the front door, carrying a mesh bag containing fresh bread, fruit, and cheese. 'Oh good, you're here,' he said. 'And I see you've met Satan.'

'I thought his name was Lucifer,' replied Hermione.

'It is, but I like to cycle through all the devil's aliases. And it's only appropriate, since he'll be Lucinda's familiar.'

'I thought you were her familiar,' joked Hermione.

'No, he's my mate. If he were my familiar he'd primarily perform tasks,' replied Lucinda, inspecting the groceries Walter had purchased. 'Didn't they have the seeded loaf?' she asked, disappointed.

'No, they were out of seeded, so I bought the plain instead.'

'Ah well,' she sighed, leading Lucifer through the kitchen, where he sniffed eagerly at the potions cupboard. 'The early bird catches the worm. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, and so forth. Just let me cut up the fruit and we'll be ready to eat.'

Hermione was enough of a fixture at the Bellamys' that they no longer cleared more of the dining table than necessary, which meant several spellbooks were open, including two that Lucinda had borrowed from the Black family library. 'Are you ready for more books?' asked Hermione. 'I'm visiting Harry tomorrow evening, and you'll be welcome to pop in if you like.'

'Yes, I'd love to,' replied Lucinda, setting out food. 'Nine-tenths of his library should be doused in petrol and cast into a volcano, but the remaining ten percent is pure gold.'

'That was quite an article about him in this morning's Prophet,' remarked Walter. 'And he clearly had a good time last night.'

'That photograph was inaccurate—I'm sure of it!' insisted Hermione. 'The Light magic has to be interfering with the photograph somehow—even Harry isn't that indiscreet.'

'I assumed it was something like that,' chuckled Lucinda. 'Poor lad ... I'll definitely start "Mothers For Harry Potter" and hold a banner for him next week.'

'I'd like to point out that you've never held a banner for me,' said Ryan stiffly.

'Why should I have?' asked Lucinda, with apparent sincerity. 'I gave you life and magic, and I didn't drown you when you turned the house into bedlam for years on end. If anything, you should trail a banner for me and your father, only I suspect that's against league regulations.'

'I'll hold a banner for you,' declared Hermione, and Ryan lit up. 'Sorry, I meant for your parents. But I can hold one for you the following week.'

'Don't worry about us,' said Lucinda. 'It seems your dear block of granite has a fragile ego, and you'd best nurture it. It's the cross we powerful women have to bear.'

'Dad, why exactly do you put up with her?' asked Ryan.

'She's never boring. Which, after twenty-five years of marriage, is a cardinal virtue.'

They continued talking throughout the meal but near the end, as they were munching on fruit and cheese, a light near the kitchen door flashed three times. 'Muggles incoming,' said Lucinda casually, tucking her wand up her sleeve. 'Walter, were we expecting anyone?'

'No, but you're always telling people to drop in, presumably to test the Muggle-detection wards.'

'The wards never get tested anymore,' grumbled Lucinda. Turning to Hermione, she said, 'I used to employ a wide array of Muggle-detection charms, but we were getting too many false positives. But then Walter had the bright idea of making the front latch extra fiddly and using that to trigger the changeover.'

By that point, the house had converted entirely to Muggle mode, and the doorbell rang. Lucifer barked loudly, and Lucinda had to grab his lead to keep him from running after Walter, who had gone to open the door.

Hermione cautiously peered through the kitchen to see who had arrived, and Ryan whispered, 'It's my Aunt Louise and cousin Zoe. Louise is my father's sister.'

'What's this?' said Louise, indicating Lucifer, who was still barking.

'My new familiar,' replied Lucinda. 'At least that's what Walter calls him, since he's named Lucifer.'

'You named your dog after the devil?' exclaimed Zoe, who Hermione guessed was maybe thirteen. 'That's so cool!'

Louise was looking sceptically at Lucifer. 'Aren't bloodhounds usually terrible droolers?'

'So I've heard, but apparently Lucifer is the rare exception,' said Lucinda innocently. 'And believe me, I'm not complaining.'

'And the house doesn't have that dog smell either,' observed Louise. 'But I shouldn't be surprised—the house is always immaculate.'

Hermione avoided catching Ryan's eye, knowing she'd start laughing, since the house had been anything but tidy moments earlier.

'But pardon my manners,' said Lucinda, 'I haven't introduced Ryan's girlfriend, Hermione.'

Introductions were made, and Louise said, 'No need to apologise, Lucinda—we're the ones who turned up unannounced. We were in the car already, and Zoe decided she wanted to see Aunt Lucinda.'

Louise and Zoe sat down, and Lucinda brought plates and insisted they help themselves to whatever was on the table. 'You're doing me a favour,' she assured them. 'When Ryan was still at home we never had a problem with uneaten leftovers, but now they tend to pile up.'

The conversation initially centred around Hermione, whom Louise and Zoe were eager to learn more about. But eventually the adults fell into their own discussion, and the younger generation chatted amongst themselves. 'I love your hair!' Zoe told Hermione. 'Is it naturally like that?'

'It's naturally curly, but I have to help it along to make it behave.'

'Mine is hopelessly straight,' said Zoe forlornly. 'Some of the girls at school call me "Drainpipe" because my hair makes me look like I got caught under one.'

'What?' exclaimed Hermione, outraged. 'Your hair is beautiful, and I'd have done anything for straight hair until I finally figured out how to manage mine.'

'I'm sure it looks good regardless,' insisted Zoe.

'It looks great,' said Ryan enthusiastically, but Hermione scowled at him.

'Ignore him, he's biased,' she told Zoe. 'It's an absolute fright on its own, and I always just wore it tied back.'

'Still, you're so pretty,' continued Zoe. 'I'm sure the boys noticed you anyway.'

Hermione could tell what Zoe had left unsaid: And I'm plain, so nobody notices me. 'You're very pretty,' she said truthfully. 'And you're tall like Ryan—the boys are probably cross because they haven't caught up yet.'

'I'm taller than most of them,' she admitted. 'But they still ignore me—it's only the pretty, popular girls who have boyfriends.'

'That's how it was at my school too, when I was your age,' said Hermione. 'And believe me, nobody thought I was pretty, and I definitely wasn't popular. None of the girls liked me, which was especially bad because it was a boarding school and I lived with two of them. I only had two friends—both boys—and they barely even realised I was a girl.'

Zoe looked sceptical. 'Were they blind?'

'Admittedly Harry had poor eyesight, but no, they weren't blind. Not only was my hair awful, but my teeth were as well. Let's just say I owe a lot to the magic of orthodontia.'

'Oh,' replied Zoe, surprised. Her mouth was closed, but Hermione could see she was running her tongue over her teeth. 'I suppose my teeth are all right. I'm lucky that way, at least.'

'You're lucky lots of ways,' said Ryan. 'What Zoe hasn't told you is that she's an incredibly good artist, and she even won a prize last spring.'

'That's amazing!' said Hermione. 'I can't draw to save my life.'

'It's not just drawing,' said Zoe, trying to hide her excitement. 'I mean, I like drawing, but I also do collage, and linoleum prints, and ceramics—that's what I won the prize for, actually.'

Hermione felt unexpectedly tender towards Zoe as she began talking about art. It's like sunlight hitting a jewel, she thought, watching the girl light up. Even more surprising was that Hermione simultaneously felt affection for herself as an adolescent, imagining how she must have lit up while talking about books or magic.

'How are you doing that?' gasped Zoe.

Hermione froze. 'Doing what?'

'With your hair! There are little blue sparks—look, Mum! Hermione's hair is glittering.'

'We went to a rave last night,' blurted Ryan. 'They were throwing glitter everywhere, and a ton got in Hermione's hair. It must not have all washed out.'

Alarmed, Hermione patted her hair. 'You're right, I can feel it.' Blast! Is this accidental Light magic? she wondered. 'I should go wash it again,' she said, standing.

'No, it's pretty! I can't believe I didn't notice it before,' said Zoe admiringly.

How do I stop this? thought Hermione in a panic. She glanced at Lucinda, who was subtly nodding at her. Just relax, she seemed to be saying. It'll blow over.

'Do you want to pick some flowers to take home?' she asked Zoe and Louise. 'I'll get some shears and we can go outside—I'm certain Lucifer is keen to stretch his legs.'

'Aren't you afraid he'll tear up the garden?' asked Louise.

'No, he avoids the flowers for some reason. He's very clever that way.'

Hermione was impressed by how Lucinda used her natural air of command to sweep Ryan's aunt and cousin outside, along with Walter and Lucifer. 'That was quick thinking,' she told Ryan when they were alone. 'And Lucinda took it perfectly in stride.'

'Years of practice,' said Ryan. 'She'll do anything to avoid having to Memory Charm someone. But what happened? Your hair was sparking, just as she said.'

'I think this was my first manifestation of accidental Light magic. At least it's more subtle than Harry's version.'

'Does it have anything else in common with Harry's version,' he asked suggestively.

'That's a good question,' she replied. 'I suppose we could go back to your flat and find out.'

'What I wouldn't do to see your hair start sparking when it's in seventies glamour model mode,' he began, when suddenly they were interrupted by the arrival of Prongs.

In Harry's voice, the stag said, 'Hermione, I can't tell you how much I appreciate that you gave me the benefit of the doubt. Yes, I spent all morning reassuring people I'm not hopelessly indiscreet, and Rita has already drafted a follow-up piece that completely absolves me. But I'd be grateful if you could tell Minerva, Arthur and Molly, and Bill and Fleur.'

'Oh. My. God!' exclaimed Zoe, and Louise's jaw dropped.

'Starete Lignum!' cried Ryan, aiming his wand, and the two Muggles froze. Lucifer was barking loudly at Prongs, who hadn't yet faded, and Lucinda sighed.

'Oh, blast,' she said. 'And here you'd handled Hermione's sparks so perfectly. Do you want to do it or shall I.'

'I can do it,' replied Ryan. 'Should I remove the spark memories as well?'

'No, they bought it. And then I'd have to explain where the flowers came from—just erase the Patronus.'

Prongs was gone, and Walter took Lucifer back outside. 'Obliviate,' said Ryan, casting a single charm for both of them, and then he ended their stasis with a Finite incantatem.

Louise and Zoe looked dazed. 'What just happened?' asked Zoe.

'Lucifer started barking for no reason,' said Lucinda. 'But I'll train it out of him—bloodhounds are supposed to be intelligent.'

The two Muggles exchanged glances but then relaxed. 'We should put these in water,' said Louise, as if to remind herself why they'd come inside.

'Yes,' said Lucinda, leading them to the kitchen. 'And Ryan, you two should leave soon if you want to catch your bus. Remember it's Sunday, and the next one isn't for an hour.'

Ryan looked at his wristwatch and said, 'Good point.' He and Hermione said goodbye to Louise and Zoe, and Hermione said how much she'd enjoyed meeting them.

'Next time I want to see some of your artwork,' Hermione told Zoe, and the teenager gave her a hug.

They left through the front door and walked down the road until they reached a clump of trees. 'We can Apparate from here,' said Ryan, and they returned to his flat.

'Ugh, I'm so sorry,' said Hermione. 'That was my fault entirely—I should never have told Harry to send Prongs.'

'You didn't know my aunt and Zoe were going to turn up. And I only had to erase thirty seconds—that wasn't bad at all.'

'Still, I know how much you hate performing memory charms.'

'What's done is done. At least I didn't have to erase your whole conversation with Zoe, which she obviously appreciated.'

'So did I,' said Hermione. 'I think that's why my hair started sparking‚ because I felt so much affection for her.' And for myself, she added internally.

'Then why doesn't your hair spark for me?' he asked playfully. 'Should I feel insulted?'

'The rest of me sparks for you,' she said. 'Oh! That reminds me—I need to reply to Harry. Is it all right if I disappear for a few hours? Hopefully we'll still have time together before your Charms meeting.'

'Can't I come with you?' he asked hopefully. 'I've never seen Hogwarts, after all.'

'I'll ask Minerva, but in principle yes, of course.' Hermione sent her otter first to Harry, and then to Minerva asking to speak to her and whether Ryan might come.

Minerva's cat replied less than a minute later. 'Yes, you can both Floo to my office. Although I'm not sure whether to allow Ryan Bellamy to wander the corridors—the students have only just recovered from seeing Sirius Black.'

'What on earth is she talking about?' asked Hermione. 'Never mind—we'll find out. Shall we go?'

'Yes, although I might get emotional if you point out all the places you nearly died.'

'There are only a few places like that: the bathroom with the troll, the corridor where the Basilisk saw me, the Great Hall, the Room of Hidden Things, the edge of the Lake–'

Ryan blanched. 'That's not "a few!"'

'No, I suppose not,' she admitted. 'But I was there for seven years, and there was a war on.'

'A war you ended,' he said admiringly.

'Harry ended it.'

'Yes, and you carried him over the finish line.'

She waved her hand dismissively. 'You don't need to reassure me—I received plenty of credit, and I'm delighted not to be anywhere near as famous as Harry is.'

'That's fortunate, because I'm not willing to share you,' he said smiling.

'You mean I can't lure you and Darren into a threesome?' she laughed. 'Or maybe we could find a C-cubed who fancies me.'

'Chaser chaser chaser?' he asked, furrowing his brow. 'Believe me, you're not a C-squared.'

'There's still time,' suggested Hermione. 'Maybe I could ask Harry's new friends where they bought their dresses.'

After bantering a bit longer, they travelled by Floo to Minerva's office, and Hermione quickly explained why they'd come. 'Harry wanted me to assure you that the picture taken last night was inaccurate—apparently Light magic interferes with how photographs behave.'

'So he wasn't groping those witches in public?' asked Minerva.

'I think he was in the restaurant, but not in front of the camera.'

Minerva sighed. 'I suppose that's mildly comforting, but he never should have behaved like that in public in the first place.' She glanced at Snape's portrait, which was sleeping, and said, 'I'm starting to think Severus is right about his need for attention.'

'He attracts attention regardless,' argued Hermione. 'The only change is that he no longer cares what people think.'

'Clearly he does, if he sent you here to reassure me.'

'You're not everybody—he only asked me to talk to you and several of the Weasleys. There's going to be an article in tomorrow's Prophet setting the record straight, thanks to his bizarre new relationship with Rita Skeeter. Did he tell you about that?'

'Yes, and I still can't believe it. Did he really approve that headline?'

'Apparently. I can't say I agree with everything he's done, but you have to admit he keeps coming out on top.'

'So it seems,' replied Minerva. 'I suppose this is why you and I weren't Sorted into Slytherin. The Hat reassigned him on Thursday, you know.'

'What?' gasped Hermione. 'I know it wanted to put him into Slytherin years ago, but I assumed that was the–' She stopped herself before saying Horcrux. 'His link with Voldemort.'

'No, he's a Slytherin now—not that it matters. Fortunately we needn't worry he'll go Dark,' she added with a chuckle. 'And he's never had a taste for power.'

'He really hasn't,' agreed Hermione. 'Honestly, we're lucky he has such a good heart, because at this rate he could probably influence people to do anything.'

'Make love, not war,' quoted Minerva. 'The portraits are reporting considerably less duelling in the corridors this year, but a good deal more broom-cupboard shenanigans. And Poppy and the heads of houses are being more proactive than in the past about teaching Contraception Charms.'

'Did you have to confiscate today's Prophet?' asked Hermione.

'Really, Miss Granger, you of all people should remember how successful Dolores Umbridge was when she tried banning the Quibbler,' admonished Minerva. 'And decades of teaching have shown me there's no getting around teen hormones. Did you hear about Sirius Black last week?'

'No, what happened?'

'Harry's friend Alex is an absolute genius at Transfiguration, and when he brought her to Hogwarts on Thursday they decided he'd somehow be less conspicuous disguised as pre-Azkaban Sirius Black.'

'Oh dear,' said Hermione, recalling how she'd reacted at age fourteen to an old photograph of him. 'I daresay Harry himself would have been less conspicuous.'

'You're right. And if you thought Harry's robes were daringly cut, you haven't seen his Muggle wardrobe. After he and Alex paraded through the Great Hall at dinner, Prefects from all four houses came to the high table to ask who in Merlin's name that was.'

'What did you tell them?'

'I made up a name and said he'd recently finished his studies at Blockhurst,' admitted Minerva. 'I claimed that he and Alex were part of a task force seeking to establish relations between Hogwarts and the other schools, now that the wards are gone. Unfortunately, all four Prefects immediately volunteered to join the task force, so now I have a new problem on my hands.'

'It's not a bad idea,' said Ryan. 'I'm seeing my former Charms professor at Widgington this evening—would you like me to mention it?'

'Yes, please. So far the Ministry hasn't taken action, unsurprisingly, and any change will have to come from the schools themselves. Now that the flurry of activity surrounding the start of the term has settled, I'd love to work with my counterparts at the other schools. If you'll give me a moment, I'll write a letter you can pass along to your professor.'

Hermione showed Ryan around the office while Minerva wrote. 'I'd show you Pensieve memories of my time here, but I'm afraid you'd scold me for taking so many risks.'

'Like when you took Polyjuice Potion and were stuck as a half-cat, half-human hybrid?'

'For example. But perhaps we can Sort you. Minerva, may Ryan try on the Sorting Hat?'

'Be my guest,' she replied, still writing. 'It's been on a Sorting spree of late.'

Hermione led Ryan to the Hat. 'Just how old is it?' he asked dubiously.

'As old as Hogwarts,' said Hermione. 'The Founders created it, which makes it roughly a thousand years old.'

Ryan looked at it before trying it on. 'Do you know what charms they used? Is it sentient? Does it have its own cognition, or does it just borrow the wearer's?'

'I don't know,' admitted Hermione. 'And I can't believe I never considered those questions myself. But try it on.'

He placed the Hat on his head, and Hermione had to bite her lips to keep from giggling at how silly he looked. After nearly a minute, the Hat cried, 'RAVENPUFF.'

'Ravenpuff?!' exclaimed Hermione. 'That's not a real house!'

'What on earth have you done to the Sorting Hat?' asked Minerva, alarmed.

Ryan, who was once again hatless, said, 'I don't think I broke it, but it was initially a bit cross about doing another theoretical Sorting. It said, "What's the point of Sorting people when it won't make any difference?" so I tried to convince it that self-knowledge was always useful, and that I'd appreciate any insight into my own mind. The Hat seemed to respect that, but then it said I was hard to place, so I asked what goes into a decision. It explained that the wearer's mind normally resonates with the charms cast by one of the Founders, which results in an instant verdict. But in cases where there are either multiple resonances, or none at all, the Hat has to dig deeper. He mentioned that Minerva's Sorting resulted in a Hatstall, and that Hermione's was near to it. I asked if I was Hatstall material, and the Hat said I might have been, had it been a real Sorting, but that this was only a theoretical Sorting, which meant he could place me into a theoretical house. Hence, Ravenpuff.'

'That's perfect!' exclaimed Hermione. 'Clever and hard-working!'

'And loyal,' he said, looking fondly at her. 'But are you disappointed I'm not in Gryffindor?'

'Of course not. I've had my fill of Gryffindor, thank you very much.'

Minerva had finished her letter and was casting a Drying Charm over it. 'Hermione, will you want to show Ryan around Hogwarts, as Harry did with Alex?'

'Yes, if that's all right. What was Alex like, by the way? I haven't met her.'

'I was very impressed, which made today's Prophet all the more disappointing. She seemed like a good influence, but apparently they've split up.'

'No, they haven't,' said Ryan. 'They're not dating exclusively, and she was in Ireland over the weekend, so he was free to look elsewhere. But they're seeing each other again this week, and I get the impression he's rather keen on her.'

Hermione was astonished. 'I don't think I've ever heard you gossip that much! Minerva, there you have it—apparently Alex is still in the picture.'

'That's a relief,' said Minerva. 'Perhaps I'm excessively tribal when it comes to fellow Transfigurers, but I was upset he'd spurned her so publicly. I wouldn't have thought him capable of it, but he's been so hard to predict recently.'

'Yes and no,' said Hermione. 'Ryan says he's very consistent in practice, right?'

'Other than unexpected bouts of glowing, yes,' replied Ryan. 'He works as hard as anyone, and he even makes a point of turning up early on mornings after everyone knows he has a date. He does miss lunch occasionally, for meetings with the legal or publicity departments, or for Wizengamot business, but nobody questions his commitment to the team.'

'I'm glad to hear it. But what's he doing at the Wizengamot, now that he's allied with Rita Skeeter?' asked Minerva.

'He's advocating for Draco Malfoy's early release,' replied Hermione. 'What's more, he's taking a huge risk, because if Malfoy breaks the law before next July, Harry will receive the same punishment.'

'Has he gone mad?' exclaimed Snape's portrait.

'That's an excellent question, Severus,' said Minerva. 'Hermione, why on earth is he risking going to Azkaban just to shorten Draco's house arrest?'

'He has legal and magical protections in place,' explained Hermione, both to Minerva and to Snape's portrait. 'Remember, he's a Slytherin now.'

'Don't remind me!' grumbled Snape. 'Phineas Nigellus of all people bragged about it, claiming that the Black family magic is slowly taking control of him.'

'No, it isn't,' replied Hermione. 'If anything, it's the other way around, and Harry's taken control of the Black family magic.'

Snape shook his head in disgust. 'How on earth did such a mediocre wizard take control of anything? He can't even take control of his penmanship.'

'Actually, it's improved,' said Hermione. 'He spends hours every week responding to fan mail, and I think he's making an effort to write more legibly.'

'And it never occurred to him to write legibly when he was inflicting essays on his professors?' asked Snape archly.

'Apparently not,' said Minerva. 'But getting back to Draco Malfoy, does this mean he and Harry are on good terms?'

'I wouldn't necessarily say that, but Harry says they've found common ground. And he's completely serious about wanting to prevent the next war.'

'Typical Potter arrogance,' scowled Snape. 'And here I thought his father was unsurpassable in that regard, but clearly he was just the opening act.'

'I admire what he's doing,' said Minerva. 'And if he's really taken adequate measures to prevent Draco from breaking the law, it's absolutely the right thing to do, and it could profoundly affect the future of wizarding Britain.'

'It's not surprising, really,' said Phineas Nigellus. 'The Blacks have always been highly influential.'

'Are you actually taking credit for something Harry's doing?' asked Hermione incredulously. 'Even though he's pledged to undo your entire legacy?'

'I can't say I see eye to eye with him, but I've decided to set aside our differences and accept him as family. Admittedly his parentage is a travesty, but with any luck he'll choose a wife more wisely than his father did.'

Hermione and Minerva automatically looked at Snape to see his reaction. 'I'll ask you not to insult Lily Evans,' he said through clenched teeth.

Phineas Nigellus affected confusion. 'Lily Evans? I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with that name. Oh, did you mean Lily Potter?' he asked innocently. 'The one who married James Potter and bore his child? Do you think they conceived quickly, or did they have to put in a lot of effort?'

'Phineas, stop tormenting Severus!' commanded Minerva. Turning to Hermione and Ryan, she said, 'I'm sure you have better things to do than listen to cantankerous portraits. I know I do.'

'Yes, you're right. I'll give Ryan a quick tour and then go reassure the Weasleys that Harry hasn't lost his mind.'

After saying goodbye to Minerva, Hermione showed Ryan around the castle. Eventually he asked, 'How does anyone survive this place? From what I can tell, the faculty-student ratio is appallingly low, unless you count the portraits.'

'There are also ghosts,' said Hermione, but unfortunately Peeves appeared moments later with a full bucket of water, which he overturned on a group of first-years. Ryan raised an eyebrow at her, and they dutifully performed Drying Charms on the drenched students.

'Is that Ryan Bellamy?' exclaimed a boy within earshot.

'Yes,' said his companion, 'he's with Hermione Granger and everything.'

The two young Hufflepuffs dug through their bags for parchment and quills. 'May I have your autographs?' they asked. Naturally, Ryan and Hermione obliged and soon a crowd formed around them.

There was a hum of questions, and Ryan and Hermione smirked when they heard the same two words repeated. One girl had a particularly loud voice, and her question was followed by attentive silence: 'What's Harry Potter really like?'

'That's a broad question,' said Hermione, 'but the first thing you should know is that the photograph of him with those two witches was influenced by his Light magic, and that he wasn't doing that in real life.'

'He wasn't?' gasped the students.

'No, but I get the impression that's what he was thinking about.'

Several of the boys turned pale, and another one swallowed. 'Are you saying that he was standing there looking perfectly normal, but because of his Light magic the camera showed he was thinking about, you know ... er,' said one of the boys, trailing off.

'Doing it?' supplied his friend.

'Yeah,' said the boy, nodding.

'So it seems,' said Hermione. 'But we only have one photograph to base the theory on, and it might change once there's more data.'

'That's it, I'm not going anywhere near Light magic,' announced one of the boys. 'I don't need photographic evidence of what's going on up here,' he said, pointing to his head.

'They'd throw you in Azkaban,' said one of the girls knowingly.

'They'd throw all the boys in Azkaban, I suspect,' said Ryan. 'But that's no reason to avoid Light magic. In answer to your question about what Harry is like, he's incredibly happy whenever he's glowing, and it makes him wonderful to be around. And he's a solid bloke the rest of the time.'

'Are you sure?' asked an older girl. 'I heard he was a huge snob, and that his behaviour on the radio is just an act.'

'That's not true at all!' insisted Hermione. 'Admittedly he used to sneer a lot while playing Quidditch, but that was because of Seeker taunting, which he's given up. He's really an absolute sweetheart.'

'I told you so,' said another girl. 'I wrote to him in care of the Cannons, and he sent me a signed photograph within a week, and a handwritten letter as well. Colleen said he just has a secretary who forges his signature, but Harry would never do that.'

'He does have a secretary, but she doesn't forge his signature,' said Hermione. 'He spends hours every week replying to kids who write to him, and if something is signed by him, it's because he wrote it personally.'

'Is it true he never wears the same robes twice?'

'What? No!' exclaimed Hermione. 'He's not often photographed in the same outfits, but he definitely keeps wearing them.'

'I'm starting to wonder if Harry needs to take Veritaserum on a monthly basis,' remarked Ryan.

'Don't even think of suggesting that,' said Hermione, even though all the students nodded eagerly.

'What did he say when they censored him?'

'That's no one's business but his own,' said Hermione. 'And we need to leave now.'

She dragged Ryan into a classroom. 'That was mayhem! For years people have asked me about Harry, but you'd think they were talking about Prince William or something.'

'I was disappointed they didn't want to hear more about the beautiful and brilliant Hermione Granger. Personally I never tire of her.'

She smiled affectionately at him. 'I feel the same way about the impossibly amazing Ryan Bellamy. Of Ravenpuff,' she added with a smirk. 'But we should really talk to Molly and Arthur next.'

Hermione sent her Patronus to ask if they might visit, and Arthur's weasel replied in the affirmative. So they made their way beyond the castle grounds and Apparated just outside the Burrow. 'This house!' exclaimed Ryan. 'Clearly they're not even trying to pass among Muggles!'

'No, the Weasleys have scarcely met any Muggles, other than my parents. But Arthur is fascinated by them, so you might get some probing questions.' She knocked on the door, and Molly opened it.

'Hermione!' she said warmly. 'How wonderful to see you! And this must be Ryan—do come in.'

She greeted Hermione with a hug, and Arthur did the same. 'It's a pleasure to meet you, Ryan,' he said, shaking his hand. 'We think the world of Hermione, of course.'

'I do as well,' replied Ryan.

'Oh my goodness, what happened to the house?' asked Hermione. 'It looks fantastic!'

'Harry loaned us Kreacher last weekend,' began Arthur, but Molly interrupted him.

'Don't even talk about that boy! I can't decide whether to scold the living daylights out of him or cry my eyes out! When I think about what a mess he's been ever since Ginny deserted him.' She raised a handkerchief to her eyes and added, 'I'm still furious at how heartless she was, to cast him aside after he literally gave his life for her.'

'Technically speaking, he gave his life for everyone, and not just Ginny,' noted Hermione.

'Nonsense, it was Ginny he loved. He didn't even look at another girl that year they were apart, and they immediately reconciled when the war ended,' insisted Molly. 'Those two were made for each other, and Ginny committed a crime against Magic itself when she threw him over.'

'A crime against Magic itself?' repeated Hermione with disbelief.

'Harry's the child of prophecy! Clearly different rules apply when we're talking about him! You can't claim he's not one in a million.'

'He is,' said Hermione, 'but so is everyone else. And the prophecy didn't mention Ginny at all.'

'Be that as it may, there were obviously powerful forces drawing them together. Did you know she was the first girl Weasley in generations? And our seventh child, of course. Who else would be an appropriate match for someone like Harry.'

'Molly, he's not the Second Coming!' scolded Arthur.

'Of course not, that's blasphemy!' replied Molly. 'But he and Ginny were meant for each other, and he's been in a tailspin ever since she spurned him. Did you see that photograph this morning, with the two witches?'

'Yes, and that's why I'm here,' said Hermione. 'He wasn't actually groping those women in public—he was posing normally, but his Light magic interfered with the photograph somehow and showed his intentions instead.'

Arthur's eyes shot open, and Molly threw a hand over her mouth. 'You mean the article wasn't true, and he didn't actually misbehave in public?' asked Arthur.

'Er, no,' replied Hermione. 'The article was true, and he did misbehave in the restaurant. But the photograph was inaccurate.'

Molly frowned and said, 'Then my opinion stands. Harry is out of control, and Ginny is entirely to blame.'

'No she's not!' said Hermione. 'She had sound reasons for breaking up with Harry, even though he'd done nothing wrong. And he's dated some lovely witches since then.'

'I hope you're not referring to Lydia Travers!'

'No,' said Hermione slowly. 'Lydia wasn't as bad as I expected, and she has considerable strength of character. But she's rather spoilt, and her worship of Harry wasn't good for him. Helena was lovely, though, and Minerva speaks highly of his current girlfriend, Alex.'

'His current girlfriend!' exclaimed Molly. 'Which one of the witches was that?'

'Er, neither. She's in Ireland this weekend, and they're not dating exclusively.'

Molly shook her head in disapproval. 'Call me old-fashioned, but in my day wizards didn't say they had a girlfriend but then sleep with someone else the minute she turned her back.'

'I'm fairly certain wizards have always done that,' said Hermione. 'The only difference is that it's all in the open, and Alex is free to do the same.'

'I could just strangle Ginny,' continued Molly. 'First she turns sweet Harry into a libertine, and now she's taken up with another witch.'

'What's wrong with that?' said Hermione sharply.

'Oh, nothing in principle,' replied Molly. 'People should be free to love whoever they like, as long as it's consensual. But she's choosing the life of an outcast, and now she'll never have children.'

'Molly, you know that's not true,' began Arthur.

'Of course it's true!' snapped Molly. 'How do you expect two witches to make a child? There's no charm for that.'

'No, but there are wizards,' replied Hermione. 'And there are Muggle techniques for artificial insemination, which don't require intercourse.'

'Do you really think Ginny is going to deliberately choose motherhood if it doesn't happen by accident?'

'Not right now, because she's only eighteen,' said Hermione. 'But when she's older, and she and her partner want children, then of course she might. And furthermore, they'll have two wombs to choose from, so Ginny needn't give up flying if she doesn't want to.'

'But then it wouldn't be our grandchild!' wailed Molly.

'Of course it would be,' replied Arthur. 'You've considered other children your own, even though they weren't technically yours. Harry, for example.'

Molly's tears began flowing again. 'Don't talk to me about Harry—he's completely lost to us. Now that he's a Black, he's no longer interested in mere Weasleys. Prewetts, perhaps, but ...'

'That's completely untrue!' said Hermione. 'Ron is still his best mate, and he's also close with George and Bill. And I know he's very independent, but he specifically asked me to come reassure you this afternoon, because he didn't want you to worry.'

'Harry sent you?' asked Molly, her voice surprisingly girlish.

'Yes, and to Bill and Fleur as well. Admittedly he has a broader social circle than he used to, but he'll always cherish his old friends. And you're the closest thing he has to a family.'

'But Ginny ruined that,' sniffled Molly.

'They'll never marry, but they're well on their way to becoming friends again. And it probably helps that she's dating another witch, because Harry won't be jealous the same way.'

'That's true,' admitted Molly. 'And maybe she'll even let him father her children!'

'Molly, you're getting ahead of yourself,' said Arthur sternly. 'They're too young, and I'm certain Harry will want a family of his own.'

'But he's head of two houses,' continued Molly, her eyes wide. 'His own children can be Potters, and Ginny's can be Blacks and inherit the title ...'

'Lordships are bollocks,' grumbled Hermione.

'But Wizengamot seats aren't,' said Molly. 'The Weasleys sold theirs generations ago, and people are predicting Harry will eventually have two.'

'Stop listening to gossip!' ordered Arthur. 'The boy is nineteen and has a full-time Quidditch career. And besides, you seem to have forgotten how much our children have accomplished. George runs a successful business, Bill is well-established at Gringotts, and Percy is finally back on track at the Ministry. And Ron, of course ...'

'Ronald!' she said affectionately. 'Order of Merlin, First Class! And his Auror supervisors have nothing but praise for him.' Her expression soured, however, and she said, 'But I worry for Charlie. He's nearly twenty-seven and still hasn't met a nice witch. I blame Romania, but he shows no interest in moving home.'

'He seems very happy,' countered Arthur. 'Last weekend he told us he'd joined an amateur Quidditch league, and he's also working on an article for publication.'

'But what good is it without someone to share it with? I'm grateful we have a large family, and I highly recommend you have one as well, Hermione, but more children means more people to worry about. And I'll never stop grieving Fred.'

'Of course not, dear,' said Arthur tenderly, reaching for her hand. 'None of us will.'

After a silence, Hermione said, 'Molly, what can I do to reassure you about Harry? Would it help to know that I'm studying Light magic with him?'

'That's what Arthur told me, but I'm still worried. Are you sure you can trust this Davina Hampton? She was a Slytherin, after all.'

Technically, so is Harry, thought Hermione. 'Yes, I definitely trust her. She evaluated us before accepting us as students, and I did the same.'

Molly seemed consider Hermione's endorsement. 'What about the vampire? Arthur said Harry found this teacher through him.'

'I've met Alistair, and he's fine. He was a Gryffindor centuries ago, and he helped the resistance during the war. And as far as I know, Harry hasn't spent much time with him, so it's not as if they're best mates.'

'He doesn't even go to Penumbra anymore,' said Ryan. 'And I'm convinced that his adventures yesterday were heavily influenced by our teammate Darren, who's a shameless skirt-chaser.'

'I'm certain Harry will settle down when the time comes,' Hermione assured her. 'The whole reason Helena made him take that vow is because he's so eager to fall in love, and she wants him to grow up first. He's actually very romantic, so it's much better if he waits until he's past the accidental Light magic phase.'

'I just hope a good witch will have him, when the time comes,' said Molly. 'Those two he was photographed with looked like floozies.'

'Molly, that's unjust,' scolded Arthur. 'They were wearing Muggle clothing, which is, er, more provocative than wizarding dress.'

Hermione was actually on Molly's side, but she simply said, 'They were dressed for a night on the town, and Arthur's right about Muggle styles.'

'I just don't want anyone taking advantage of him.'

'I don't either,' agreed Hermione, 'but he has a good head on his shoulders, and an exceptionally good heart. I'm confident this is just a phase, and that he'll get through it.' On an impulse, she added, 'More than anything he appreciates when his old friends have faith in him. I owled him this morning to say I was certain that photograph was inaccurate, and you should have heard the relief in his voice when he sent his Patronus. So if you make a habit of giving him the benefit of the doubt, he'll be less likely to push you away.'

Arthur was nodding. 'She's right, Molly. He didn't appreciate my lecture last weekend, that's for certain. And he claims Andromeda Tonks and Marjorie Tuttle are both keeping an eye on him.'

'I can vouch for Tuttle,' said Ryan. 'She's tough on him, but Harry respects her.'

Molly finally softened. 'Hermione, thank you for taking the time to explain. I suppose I'm just scared of losing him, or of someone hurting him. I still remember that lost little boy who didn't know how to get onto platform nine and three-quarters.' She was silent for a moment before adding, 'But how are you, dear? You've come to visit, and we've done nothing but talk about Harry.'

'Don't worry, I'm used to it,' replied Hermione. 'And I'm well.' She told the Weasleys about her work at the Ministry, and also about how she'd reconnected with her grandparents. 'I've had to tell some lies, but Ryan convinced me that was better than losing contact entirely.'

'Did I hear that your father is a Muggle?' asked Arthur excitedly. 'What sort of job does he have?'

'He's an engineer, which is a broad field, but he personally works on developing new types of batteries.'

'Really!' exclaimed Arthur. 'I have an entire box full of batteries in the shed. Did he work on any of those?'

'Probably not,' replied Ryan. 'He mainly works on much larger batteries, which they hope will make electric cars more feasible in the future.'

'An entire car powered by a battery? Marvellous! But what about the petrol? I thought cars needed petrol.'

'If you think about it, petrol is just a different kind of battery,' explained Ryan. 'It contains energy that was captured from the sun millions of years ago, and that energy is used to power an internal combustion engine. But with enough photovoltaic panels and a large enough battery, the sun can power an induction motor, which is far more efficient, and non-polluting.'

Hermione could see that Arthur had got lost, probably when Ryan said photovoltaic. 'Fascinating!' he replied. 'I'd enjoy seeing that sometime.'

They chatted a while longer until Hermione politely announced they needed to talk to Bill and Fleur. 'Do you mind if I send a Patronus from here, to let them know we're coming?'

'There's no need,' Molly assured them. 'They're family, and I just Floo right over—I'm sure you can do the same.'

Hermione was certain Fleur didn't appreciate unannounced visits, particularly from belle-mère Weasley. 'No, I'd hate to interrupt them—I'll send my otter.'

She sent a short message from the kitchen, and a minute later Bill's head popped from the fireplace and said, 'Yes, please come over, but just you and Ryan. Fleur is under the weather and can't handle a crowd.'

'Under the weather?' said Molly excitedly. 'Flu-like symptoms? Nausea? Or is she just tired all the time?'

'She has a headache,' replied Bill, and Molly's face fell.

'Oh, all right. Let me know if I can send any potions over.'

'I will, Mum.'

Hermione and Ryan said goodbye and then travelled by Floo to Shell Cottage, where they were greeted by a radiant Fleur. 'Hermione, I am very happy to see you,' she said, kissing her on both cheeks. 'And you as well, Ryan.'

'I'm sorry to hear about your headache,' said Hermione. 'May I help somehow?'

'No, I told Bill to lie to his mother, because I did not want her to come over.'

'Does she really just Floo in unannounced?'

'Yes, and it will only get worse,' sighed Fleur.

Bill laughed and said, 'That's Fleur's way of sharing our very good news, which is that she's pregnant.'

Hermione squealed and hugged them both, and Ryan offered his congratulations. 'But do not tell belle-mère,' Fleur cautioned them.

'At this rate, I suspect Fleur won't tell Mum until the baby receives their Hogwarts letter,' said Bill. 'But she's not due until the end of April, and we'd rather wait.'

They chattered about the baby for a while, and Fleur offered them tea and pastries. 'I have finally found a good source for croissants,' she declared. 'There is a French family who moved to Manchester and opened a bakery. They even deliver by Floo, so I now have baguettes and batards just like in France.'

'I'll have to tell Harry,' replied Hermione. 'He's been unsatisfied with Kreacher's pastries ever since his trip to Paris last month.'

Bill frowned. 'Is Harry all right? He looked like he might have been drunk in that photograph this morning.'

Hermione explained what had happened, and Bill and Fleur both chuckled. 'Poor Harry,' said Fleur. 'He has no intimate secrets left.'

'No, none at all,' agreed Hermione. 'On the whole I think he's happier for it, but it's occasionally mortifying.'

Bill and Fleur asked Hermione about her work, her family, and how she and Ryan were doing, and she was oddly touched that they didn't ask her any more about Harry. Is this what it's like for people who aren't best friends with the world's most famous wizard? she wondered.

They were thrilled to hear that she was studying Light magic, and with her permission Ryan revealed what had happened with her hair. 'That must have been beautiful,' said Fleur. 'I would love to see it one day.'

'It was beautiful,' Ryan confirmed. 'Hermione, do you think you can make it happen again right now?'

'I have no idea, since it wasn't on purpose. But I can try.' She brought Zoe to mind and attempted to recall how she'd felt listening to her describe her artwork. 'Anything?' she asked Ryan.

'No, but don't worry, I'm sure you'll get it in no time.'

Bill asked Ryan about Quidditch, and Hermione found herself looking at Fleur's abdomen, even though she wasn't showing yet. Their baby will be brought up magical from day one, she thought enviously. It won't have to struggle with accidental magic and see Bill and Fleur furtively reading about demonic possession and wondering whether to find a priest. She recalled her own fear and confusion as a girl, and how she'd simultaneously convinced herself she'd imagined her magic and desperately hoped it was real.

And you were bullied, on top of everything else, she told herself, and she felt the deep tenderness she'd experienced with Ryan's cousin. 'Hermione, you're doing it!' exclaimed Ryan. 'Fleur, look!'

'Mon dieu! C'est si beau! Bill, do you see it?'

'That's remarkable! Hermione, how do you feel?'

She was momentarily at a loss for words, and she was afraid she might cry. 'Your baby!' she said. 'She'll never have to wonder why it's happening. It'll just be magic, and everyone will be happy.'

'Zut alors! Are you a Seer?'

Hermione laughed. 'No, I promise. And I don't know whether you're having a girl or not—I think I was confusing her with myself.'

'Her?' repeated Ryan, amused. 'You seem fairly convinced.'

'It's just a feeling,' scoffed Hermione, 'and I'm hardly seeing the future, since she received her two X chromosomes at conception.'

Ryan had to explain rudimentary human genetics to Bill and Fleur, which Hermione found delightful. He's my half-Muggle Ravenpuff, she thought fondly, pulling a ringlet before her eyes so she could watch the sparks. They were subtle, and even though she'd wanted to glow like Harry, this was perfect somehow.

'We should probably leave,' she blurted, prompting Bill and Fleur to laugh.

'Are you off to a posh restaurant, to see if you can outdo Harry?' joked Bill.

'No, of course not,' she began, but Fleur just kissed her and pushed her towards the fireplace.

'Go and be happy,' she ordered. 'And I will sing French lullabies to my little girl. Bill sings her English lullabies, but they are horrible.'

Hermione and Ryan said hasty goodbyes and then travelled by Floo back to Ryan's flat. 'You have to uncharm your hair,' he insisted, and he gasped when he saw it. 'It's so much brighter!' he exclaimed. 'Go look!'

They went to the bathroom mirror, and Hermione gasped as well. It's like a halo, she thought with amazement, and she threw her arms around Ryan. 'I love you,' she said, and he replied with a kiss.

'My beautiful Light warrior,' he murmured. 'My perfect, amazing Hermione.'

'Don't be silly—I'm not perfect,' she said, brimming with affection.

'You are to me,' he replied, and she didn't protest, choosing to kiss him instead.