A/N - I hope everyone in the states had a good Thanksgiving. I spent it with my parents. My brother's family didn't come as my nephew now has some rash. So, it was totally low key. I hope everyone (states or not) is staying safe.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
After the success of their first Transfiguration class the third years split as Draco and Blaise had a free period while the pair of Gryffindors had Herbology. "See you at lunch." Hermione leaned into Draco and gave him a quick kiss as she grabbed her bag from his shoulder.
"Enjoy class and see you later." Draco and Blaise made their way back to the dungeons and were met with the fourth years explaining how they'd already earned house points and there would be more once the other fourth years had their class.
"Thanks to Malfoy and Zabini, we are in the lead since there are the same number of Hufflepuffs as us." They went on to describe how the stars relate to points and many stars equals one point. "Now, we want to win, let's go over those spells to make sure all of you are able to perform them. We also want to have as many stars as possible for proficiency." The Slytherins settled around the table and those who'd already had the class helped those who would later in the day. The incantation and wand movements were reviewed before the group started practicing. By the time lunch rolled around, each of the remaining Slytherin were more than confident in their ability to cast the spells and therefore earn as many stars as possible.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
While the Slytherins worked with their housemates, Hermione and Harry discussed how to handle it with theirs. "I don't think any of the fourth years would be upset with us being moved up, it doesn't really impact them. But I almost don't want to say anything until they've had their class."
Harry agreed and then added his perspective. "Yeah I was thinking that as well, but then I thought what will they think when they found out we knew and didn't tell them. Points are points Hermione. They aren't difficult spells, but you know Slytherin is practicing with their housemates right now."
"I know and I'm sure my boyfriend is in the middle of it." They settled in the greenhouse where they would share the class with Hufflepuff this year.
"Boyfriend huh? Did you finally make it official?" Susan Bones, a Hufflepuff, settled at the table in front of the two Gryffindors and spun on her stool. "Tell me everything." Hermione laughed and told Susan all about their vacation and how it happened on the beach on their last night in Greece. "That is perfect. I think the whole girlfriend/boyfriend thing will be exploding this year. I know three from Hufflepuff have jewelry and there were a few from Ravenclaw as well. I'm not sure about your house, but we're getting to the age where dating will be more common."
Hermione nodded knowing both the Patil girls started into relationships over the summer and the wizards presented them with something before school started. Apparently the wizards weren't from Britain because they attend different schools. When Professor Sprout appeared the class quieted and started their third year in greenhouses. The less than enthusiastic class learned the first part of the term studying the bubotuber plant, its uses and how to extract the pus. Most of the class shuddered on hearing the practical included actually extracting pus.
"I'll admit it, that is one practical I'm not looking forward to." With a bit of a grimace Harry and Neville chuckled at Hermione.
"The pus is quite valuable, I'm sure Professor Sprout will get more into that. It's a rare plant and the habitat is a bit of an unknown. She actually got some to grow in the greenhouses but, told me it flourishes in the Forbidden Forest. I found some on holiday this year too. I haven't told anyone where since they would be harvested without care for the plant's survival." The two Gryffindors smiled at their friend, as he settled in his element.
"Neville, I don't want this to sound mean, but why are you still with the third years? Couldn't you have been moved up to one of the higher classes?" Neville smiled with a fair bit of redness coloring his cheeks.
"It was offered and I thought about it, and while I'm pretty confident on the theories we learn this year, I haven't had the ability to practice them. I am working with Professor Sprout. She told me her plan is for me to be placed in the fifth year class next school year. I think she wants to have me work with her over the summer too. I heard Dad talking with Mum and it sounds like they agreed I could sit for the NEWT when Professor Sprout thought I was ready. If I do that, well I'll done before we are done with school and might be able to start my mastery with her after that. I have to admit it's something I want to do."
Nodding, Hermione understood, Harry and Draco would more than likely begin a mastery in Potions during the last half of their time at Hogwarts as well. Hermione didn't know ing which course she wanted to complete her mastery, but she get one. "Professor Sprout also mentioned doing some extra work for the Potions classes and helping to grow some of those specimens. Real life experience before I have to really decide on my future."
After class ended, the trio made it to the Great Hall and met Draco and Blaise. The two Slytherin melted into the group and they group easily found a table. They chatted about their day so far as the table slowly filled with other classmates.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
After their classes and finishing dinner, Harry and Hermione made their way to the shared common room for the third years. When they entered they found most of the other third years there with the exception of the Slytherins. The group settled and began to catch on their summers and first day of classes. One of the Hufflepuffs mentioned hearing the fourth years talk about their Transfiguration class and how there were some third years in it.
Harry answered, as Hermione fell into a discussion with one of the Ravenclaws about some muggle book or another. "Yes, I was moved up to the fourth year class along with Hermione, Draco and Blaise. They've introduced the option to advance students if the professor feels the student has sufficient knowledge. I know we aren't the only ones, but I don't have any specific names." When no one complained, and in fact a few were glad they hadn't been advanced, Harry relaxed.
It was an hour later before the Slytherin contingent arrived and settled themselves around the room. Draco leaned in and gave Hermione a kiss before sitting next to her. She turned and looked at her boyfriend with a worried eye making him laugh. "We had a house meeting and then Marcus wanted to talk about Quidditch. Those who aren't on the team didn't want to leave until we could all leave. You know, house unity and all." Hermione was about to interrupt and tell him that wasn't what house unity was at all.
"You love to rile her up don't you? She's preparing her argument and it will last until curfew. Since this is our first night back, just laugh and tell her you were joking." Harry, who half listened to Draco, pipped in before turning his full attention back to his own conversation with Daphne.
"He's right, I was joking on the house unity thing, but the rest was true. How was the rest of your day?" Hermione rolled her eyes at him before he settled next to her on the couch. The couple discussed their day and things they hadn't talked about yet. Harry shook his head, he had no idea what the other couldn't have said yet, dinner was just a little bit ago.
While Hermione and Draco remained in their own little world, the rest of the third years quickly got up to speed on the couple's relationship status change. Quite a few found it hilarious since the couple hadn't changed anything except were now a bit more affectionate. Everyone was in agreement the new couple wasn't a surprise.
Blaise and Harry sat a bit from the other students when Blaise perked up. "Harry did you bring those two Yule presents? The ones Reg gave you?" Harry, who hadn't much thought about them with everything that happened at the end of the year before, had to think about it.
"Yeah, they are in the bottom of my trunk why?"
"Just wondering, since we are back in the castle it might be fun to break them out." Harry was confident that wasn't the real reason but didn't want to push. Blaise seemed to be back to his old self, but Harry suspected it was an act. Or at least, partially an act.
"Yeah, that could be fun. Maybe on the weekend we can try the map and see what we can find."
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
The first weekend came quickly since classes started on Wednesday and Blaise found himself worried about what they could see on Harry's map. None of them though much of the map since they didn't return to Hogwarts after Yule the year before. Now that Blaise remembered it, he hoped it would give him some peace of mind.
After the discussion on the night they arrived, Blaise remained a bit on edge and he knew his friends noticed. Draco knew it whatever was bothering Blaise was something his friend couldn't tell. In keeping his promise, Draco hadn't said anything to Harry or Hermione and it was eating him up. He'd never kept a secret from Harry and knew keeping one from Hermione was probably a bad idea.
Blaise, sensing how difficult this was for his friend, tried to put on a better act. If they all believed the reason he acted as he did on the train was due to exhaustion, then maybe Draco wouldn't have to lie to his best friend and girlfriend. Blaise also suspected Hermione planned to interrogate him if given the chance. To thwart that plan, Blais thought if they were all together Draco could help defuse any questions he was positive Hermione would ask.
Draco's impatient voice pulled Blaise from his thoughts, "Blaise, Daphne's ready, let's go." With the weather still great, the group agreed to meet on the lawn instead of the common room after breakfast on Saturday morning. Draco seemed to be amped to go and Blaise assumed it was due to Hermione.
"You know she'll be there and excited to see you. And you just saw her at breakfast like less than an hour ago." Blaise looked to Draco with a mischievous grin, "But since you love her, I understand. I'm ready." Draco sputtered a bit.
"Love? We're kids and yes she accepted my bracelet and is my girlfriend, but I don't think we are near that level. Plus, she'd be the first to know. Not you." Draco quickly left the room with Blaise remaining to savor the victory of the distraction he put into play. Chuckling he joined the two waiting for him and they made their way out of the castle.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
Harry and Hermione were easy to locate, off to the side of the lawn and away from everyone else. Their heads were together as they looked closely at something. Hermione looked up quickly and waved at the other three beckoning them to hurry. Hermione started talking before they even sat, with her voice barely a whisper.
"This map is quite amazing. What Remus told us, I didn't really believe it you know. How could a map, a single page, show everything and everyone at Hogwarts? But it does. We just watched you three from Draco leaving Blaise in the dorm room to you meeting up in the common room with Daphne and then walking out here." Draco was a bit surprised at it, he hadn't really thought it was as impressive as his cousin's boyfriend said.
They spent the rest of the morning watching various people move around the castle using unknown passageways or hidden rooms. The information was something no adult would want children to have. No wonder Remus was so shocked when he discovered Harry's gift.
Draco was the first to really put together what the map and cloak could do. "You realize we could go anywhere in the castle with those two presents. The map will help us avoid patrols but if we miss one, the cloak would hide us. Just wow." The pranks now on tap were endless. "Could you image what the Weasley twins would have given to have either of these?"
The children laughed and talked about the pranks they witnessed. Blaise continued to watch the edge of map for any person who shouldn't be there. By the time lunch rolled around, Blaise gained some level of comfort, no unusual names appeared, he was still safe. Severus noticed Blaise seemed more relaxed as they spent a few hours in the afternoon discussing fourth year topics.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
The first weekend passed quickly and soon Hermione had the quidditch training schedule for both Slytherin and Gryffindor. All of the boys were still on their house teams and seemingly looked forward to the new season. There was the expected taunting between Draco, Blaise and Harry but Hermione knew it was all in jest. The most surprising thing was how Severus and Minerva made sure there were no conflicts with the boys extra classes.
The group's meeting with Professor Flitwick would be Sunday right before lunch. This allowed for them to attend the first year matches on those Sundays. Knowing when the boys were free, she was able to help them schedule their time with Professor McGonagall before picking her own time.
Now that her timetable was set, Hermione felt relief. She hadn't liked not having her schedule finished. The others laughed when she relaxed but knew it was a good thing. Blaise still seemed more tense than usual but Draco kept saying it was nothing so neither of the Gryffindors pushed too much.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
The boys spent the remainder of the time before curfew Sunday night whispering about when they were going to test out the map and cloak. Hermione already told them she didn't want any part in that plan and she had more than enough to do without adding detentions to the mix. The boys however were confident they wouldn't be caught.
On the decided night, Harry used the cloak and map to make his way to the dungeons and waited until Draco and Blaise slipped out of their dorm. The trio, all under the cloak, made their way toward their private room only to be blocked by Severus and Aurora. The boys plastered themselves against the wall and in the shadows. As the pair of professors made their way past the hidden trio, Severus paused and looked over his shoulder. All three boys knew they'd been caught. As they were about to remove the cloak, Aurora pulled on Severus's hand. "What is it?"
The blonde witch looked over her shoulder and saw nothing but the stone walls of the dungeon. "I thought…it must be nothing." Severus watched where the boys stood frozen for another few seconds before shaking his head. The professors resumed their walk and soon were around the far bend. It took the boys another couple of minutes before they were sure it was safe. They quickly made their way to the room and slipped in.
All three silenced the room and blocked light from pouring into the hall around the edges of the door. "That was close. I swear Severus was looking straight at me." Harry plopped on the couch while the other two nodded and settled in their seats. "He just appeared, I was watching the map. One second there was no one and then boom Severus is almost on top of us."
Draco spread the map on the low table before using his wand to trace their path and the approximate location of where Severus appeared. When the tip of his wand touched that part of the map a passageway appeared. "I've never seen this before." The boys followed the passageway noticing how it cut off many of the moving staircases and hallway trips between where they were and seventh floor of the castle.
"Do you know how much time this will save?" Blaise ran his wand along a split in the passageway and found it ended near the Charms classroom. "We can't tell anyone about this or Severus will know how we found it." Harry and Draco agreed.
"So we know the cloak works and the map is just amazing. I'm not sure how long it's been, but I think it's probably time to not push our luck." Harry began to search for Aurora and Severus, he found the pair settled in Severus's private quarters. "Let's get you back before Aurora leaves. I'll let you know about the passageway tomorrow." The boys extinguished the lights before removing their silencing charms and slipped back under the cloak before opening the door. Harry kept his eyes on the map and Draco led the way.
After dropping off his friends, Harry checked his path was clear and made it to the entrance of the passageway without a problem. Once in the new area, he removed the cloak and got to the seventh floor as quickly and quietly as he could. They were right, the passageway cut massive amounts of time off and he arrived at the seventh floor in less than five minutes. Checking the map one final time, Harry saw the patrols were on the lower levels and the short distance to the portal was clear. Unfortunately Harry also noticed the Fat Lady was not in her portrait.
Harry remained hidden in the passageway waiting for the Fat Lady for what felt like at least an hour. He heard footsteps behind him. Luckily, the lights in the passageway created larges swaths of shadows and Harry slunk into one of them. He pulled himself into the smallest shape he could muster and tucked the ends of the cloak around him. He glanced at the map and noticed it was Aurora and Severus. Harry wanted to groan but knew that would give him away. From his position he could see the portrait of the Fat Lady and saw it was still empty but even if she returned, he didn't have enough time to get back into the dorm.
As the professors got closer Harry heard Severus chuckle, it wasn't a sound he heard all that often but it never happened at school. "I had a good time as well. Thank you for spending the evening with me." Harry realized the couple must have been on a date or something and he was witnessing the end of it. The couple came around the corner and Harry noticed Severus's arm slung over the witch's shoulders and how she leaned into him. It was almost more than Harry could take. "Now let's get you safely back to your quarters. No need to risk getting a detention for being out after curfew."
Aurora's cheeks blushed and as they passed Harry, he heard her whisper "Well Professor, I have been awful naughty." Just before they stepped from the passageway, Severus pulled Aurora close and kissed her. Harry only witnessed kisses like that when Lucius and Narcissa were feeling loving. He and Draco typically left as quickly as they could. The only problem was he couldn't leave.
Harry couldn't see Aurora's arms, as her back was to him. But he did know only one was around Severus's neck and maybe her other was on his chest. Her other arm certainly didn't look high enough to be much higher than his waist. Harry suddenly had a very bad thought on where it might be. To distract himself, Harry looked to Severus.
Changing to the other professor didn't make it any better. Severus's one hand was in full view as he grabbed the Transfiguration Professor's behind and squeezed it. Harry closed his eyes and wished he could silence the sounds the pair were making. He didn't hear what Severus said next but he did know Aurora's response was more breathy sounding than usual.
The pair quickly left the passageway, passing the Fat Lady's portrait along the way. Harry watched as Severus tapped the frame once and before the couple were more than a few steps away, the Fat Lady reappeared. The portrait watched the pair until they were gone and then she settled with a fresh glass of wine. Harry kept his eyes on the map and when Severus and Aurora were both in her private quarters, and not near the door, Harry risked it and made a dash for the portrait.
After whispering the password and giving the portrait a look, the Fat Lady opened the door and Harry quickly jumped through the portal. He made it, just barely, but he made it. He'd ask Hermione if there were any ways to remove painful memories. He didn't want to think about what he'd seen and heard with Severus.
"It's about time you got back here. Did you get caught?" Harry looked up to find Hermione sitting on the couch nearest the fire. The rest of the common room was empty.
"No, I just barely made it back. Do you know anyway to remove memories?" When Hermione gave her friend a questioning look, Harry sat next to her and laid the map on the table. After pointing to where Severus and Aurora were still, Harry wiped it clean and folded it. "They, uh, were quite friendly in the passageway."
"Passageway? I think you need to start at the beginning." So Harry did. He told her about how easily he made it to the Slytherin dorm. He told her about all three of the boys fitting under the cloak and finally how Severus just appeared. He went into great detail on how the cloak worked but it still felt like Severus knew they were there. Finally he explained how they found the passageway. Harry opened the map again and showed Hermione the find and how it bypassed all the convoluted paths the students had to take to get from place to place.
"That is amazing. So what took you so long if you think you were only in the room downstairs for twenty or so minutes? It's been almost three hours."
"When I got up here the Fat Lady wasn't in her portrait and I was forced to wait for her to get back before I could get in. Then Severus and Aurora were in the passageway. I hid under the cloak and in the shadows. This time Severus didn't even look my way but I think it's because he was pretty, um, pretty focused."
Harry shook his head. "They kissed Hermione, like Lucius kisses Cissy. You know those kisses Draco and I hate. Yeah just like that and then. Merlin, I can't even say it." He paused and squeezed his eyes shut, in a shocked voice he continued, "Then he grabbed her bottom." Hermione laughed at the outraged wizard. "It wasn't a little squeeze either, like his full hand and I want to forget. She's our Professor! How can I look her in the eye now?"
Hermione was still laughing when they noticed Severus heading toward the Gryffindor common room. The pair hid the map and Harry stuffed the cloak into Hermione's bag. She moved her Transfiguration between them and they pretended to be working. "What are you two still doing awake?" Severus raised one eyebrow not realizing his normally straight hair was quite mussed and robes weren't quite as crisp. What the children didn't notice, was the mark blooming on the side of his neck with a bit of bright red lipstick on his collar.
"Working on a bit of Transfiguration and didn't realize what time it was." Hermione looked around the common room and acted as if she'd just noticed how empty it was. "I guess it's time to go to sleep." Hermione stood and rubbed her eyes in a manner than gave the impression she was tired but also getting her hair from her face. "Is there something you need Professor?"
Severus watched Hermione, whose face remained placid, before shaking his head. "No Miss Granger, but I do agree it's time for you both to head to your beds." The two Gryffindors quickly left the room and were in their beds not long after. Severus stood in the room for a few minutes longer before he left the dorm. Once the portrait closed, Severus looked at the Fat Lady, "And Harry entered just after you returned?" The portrait nodded and Severus shook his head.
He knew Harry had been in the dungeon and suspected Draco and Blaise were with him. All three started wearing cologne over the summer and none of them yet mastered the light hand needed. That was something he'd mention over the Yule holiday, maybe. No need to lose his advantage just yet. But the unexpected part was Hermione. As Severus made his way to the dungeons he came to the conclusion the witch waited for Harry to return and was probably hearing what happened.
With a fond shake of his head, Severus entered his quarters and made his way to his own bed. The rumpled blankets and sheets made him smile. Living separately in the castle was difficult after being almost inseparable from Aurora over the summer. He glanced at the drawer of the side table and nodded at the thought of the small velvet box hidden therein. He had been nervous in how quickly the relationship blossomed, but after tonight there was no question. He loved the witch and intended on proposing to her soon. As soon as he came up with a plan. Maybe Lucius would have an idea.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
The next morning found the quartet of students settled around one of the smaller tables in the Great Hall whispering to each other. Breakfast was finished and they had a bit of time until they needed to get to class. "If I'd known the Fat Lady was missing, I would have opened the portal for him. We need to figure out a way to communicate. I was reading in one of the charm books and there is an enchantment that could work. It's a bit complicated and will take some time to get it right."
"I've been thinking the same thing, I have an idea as well. At the beginning of first year I saw the Weasley twins doing a spell and sending messages to someone else. I asked about it but they said I wasn't ready. I'll send them a note and ask about it. With what we were doing over the summer I think our cores are a bit stronger than they would have been otherwise."
"So we are on the same page about the communication thing. But the question is what do we do next?" Hermione groaned as the boys dove into the possibilities. The witch looked around the Great Hall and noticed Severus still at the professor's table watching the Hall but obviously focused on their table.
"May want to be careful what you say, Severus is watching us." Hermione tilted her in head in a manner Narcissa would approve and the boys all looked up. "He doesn't look exactly thrilled."
"We should hold off for a few days before going out again. No reason to risk it. Plus I do have a ton of work and a detention would not be good." Harry's comment was in line with what Draco and Blaise were also thinking, the other two boys nodded slowly in agreement. It actually suited Hermione quite nicely so she didn't say anything.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
Aurora sat next to Severus and laughed quietly at his expression. "You still think they were out last night don't you?" The historically dour man just looked at the witch in question. It was a look that would have sent the bravest of student scurrying away but to this particular witch, she just smiled making Severus growl. "That look doesn't work on me."
"Insufferable witch. You are ruining my rep." At this the witch barked out a loud laugh and those left in the hall turned at the noise. When the hall grew silent again, everyone turned back to the what they were doing before. "And to answer your question, yes, the three of them were in the dungeon when we went to my quarters. After I left your quarters I stopped by the Fat Lady and she said Harry returned just after we passed. I don't know what they were doing for that long but when I went into the dorm Harry and Hermione were sitting on the couch. Hermione pulled some story about Transfiguration and not realizing how late it was. They didn't hover when I told them to get to their beds."
Aurora's laugh, not as loud as before, bubbled out of her mouth. "At least they don't know about the passageway. I would have been mortified if Harry had been in there." Aurora gave a pretend shudder but Severus's expression changed making the witch stop. "If you tell me you knew he was in there and you still grabbed my arse like that…you'll…I'll… I don't know what I'm going to do, but I will do something very uncomfortable."
The potions master shook his head. "No, I didn't notice him when we were in there, but my attention had been diverted to a naughty witch, her wandering fingers, and the sudden need to assign a detention." Severus smirked when Aurora blushed a little at the reminder, "When I went back after leaving Gryffindor, I noticed his cologne in the air. It was near the staircase and the entrance to the passageway, I thought it was coming from the stairs but maybe not. Don't worry about it now, we are fine."
Aurora gave him a look that told him she didn't quite believe him. "Fine, I'll not worry now. I just remember what it was like at their age and how curious I was about everything." The only response she received was a sound that could be taken as an agreement, if you didn't think too much on it.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
With the return to school and all the excitement therein, it wasn't until he received a letter from his father that Draco remembered Hermione's birthday was nearing. This year he'd thought long and hard about what he wanted and regardless of what he'd said to Blaise, the feelings he felt for Hermione were quite serious. When he asked his mum about a new charm for the bracelet Hermione religiously wore, Narcissa smiled and agreed to help with its design.
Lucius informed Draco of the charm completion and Narcissa thought it turned out quite well. Draco, relieved knowing his mum approved, knew if it wasn't to her satisfaction she'd not allow it to be gifted. In addition to discussing the charm, Lucius recommenced Draco give Hermione a small bouquet of flowers, but didn't elaborate on which flowers. Draco heard some good things about the florist in Hogsmeade from a few of the older Slytherin students.
When Draco unpacked his trunk on arriving, he noticed a small book he thought his mum slipped in, but now wondered if it was his dad. Being raised in this world, Draco learned flowers represented feelings and used the book to decide which flower to use for the charm. He never thought about using it for live flowers. Now he was thankful for the interference as he didn't really remember all the other flowers he thought as other options. He'd figure out what he wanted tonight before bed and get the order sent tomorrow morning. Given the time until her birthday, Draco expected perfection.
After placing the letter in his bag, Draco noticed Hermione watching him. Giving the witch a bland smile, she rolled her eyes and shook her head. He knew she'd ask about it later, but she knew he'd not say anything if she asked him right now. He'd just have to distract her until she forgot about it when they were alone. Sometimes that was easier said than done, but with how busy their schedules were, he might be able to pull it off.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
That evening was Draco and Harry's first evening class and Severus warned them he planned to pick up exactly were they had left off before they left for Hogwarts. However, they didn't immediately start the lesson. "Draco, Lucius sent something and asked I deliver to you when Hermione wasn't present. I assume you know what it is?" The blond nodded and waited until the small package and letter were placed on the desk in front of him.
He quickly opened the brown paper covering the box and opened the case to find a beautifully designed charm. Lifting it from the box he examined it and found it looked exactly as he had asked. The petals were pearls with the tips slightly thinner than the base. They were fastened with platinum, each petal tipped in a dull silver cap with the platinum continuing in a thin line on the back. The center, a small yellowish-brown stone, Draco didn't recognize. Draco smiled as he handed the charm to Severus, whose hand was out to examine the charm himself.
While Severus and Harry looked at the present, Draco opened the letter from Lucius. It was a quick note telling him the center stone was one of the citrine crystals Draco's grandmother, Marguerite, inherited from her own mother. Narcissa thought it would be a good choice since Hermione and Marguerite got on so well. Lucius continued to explain how pleased his mother was about the idea, Marguerite told him how much she liked the young witch. Finally, he noted if there was any issue with the charm to let him know right away as time was running out before Hermione's birthday.
"Severus, if you speak with Father, please let him know the charm is perfect. I think she will love it." Severus nodded in agreement to both statements and placed the charm back in the box and closed the lid.
"Well done Draco. Now put it away and let's get on with the lesson." The two boys settled ready to start the lesson.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
The morning of Hermione's birthday dawned and her roommates wished her a happy day as they all got ready for breakfast. The first two weeks flew by and what surprised Hermione was how busy she had been. She was more than happy about only taking three electives. She began to wonder if she shouldn't have just settled for the two considering everything else she had going on. But she did enjoy the first lesson on magical creatures.
Harry met Hermione in the common room and gave the witch a hug before they left the dorm for the Great Hall. "Happy Birthday!" Harry handed Hermione a card and he blushed a little when she gave him a second hug and kissed his cheek. "Don't let Draco see you kiss me. He'll avada me first and ask questions later."
At the joke, Hermione sighed. "I know, it's something we've discussed but he hasn't had to really share me or have anyone appear to be interested in me. I worry he's going to get jealous at the most inopportune moment." Harry nodded, the pair discussed what they noticed but didn't have any idea on how to make it better.
Hermione pulled the card from its envelope and found it shot a small burst of fireworks and sang the 'Birthday Song'. She opened it to find a gift certificate to the small bookstore in Hogsmeade. "Harry, you didn't have to get me anything. Really the card is excellent." Harry shrugged.
"You're as close to a sister as I'm going to have, of course I'm going to get you something. I'm sorry that it's so plain. I wasn't sure what books you actually had so I figured this would be easier." The boy shrugged and picked up his pace a bit to avoid the emotions. Hermione placed her hand on his shoulder and hugged him a bit tighter than before.
"You're my brother as well."
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
