A/N: This chapter had a life of its own, but I'm happy with the way it turned out! I had a plan for this story but I think now I'll just write and see where the characters take me. The good news is that you get an extra long chapter this time around!

And now we introduce one of my absolute favorite characters!!

As always, I own nothing, I'm just here to use these characters for my own enjoyment.

Special thanks to my best friend for helping me with this, despite not knowing anything about Harry Potter at all.

TW: PTSD and abuse references

Review, review, review!!


Returning to Hogwarts for her final year was nothing like Hermione Granger expected. Instead of having her two best friends at her side, she was often seen alone in the solitude of the library, keeping mainly to herself. The only exceptions to this were her fellow 8th years: Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, and unexpectedly, fellow 8th year and Slytherin, Theo Nott.

Only 20 students had returned to complete their 8th year. Many others, including Harry and Ron had chosen to pursue careers instead of return to the castle. Harry and Ron had both been offered positions as Auror trainees, and had been fast tracked through the program. Hermione had pled with her friends to return with her to finish their education to no avail.

Her return to the castle had been bitter sweet. It was almost as if nothing had changed. Almost. The castle while fully repaired, could not erase the battle scenes that haunted Hermione's memory around every corner, which is why she often found solace in the library. Nothing to haunt her there. Suits of armour missing from the hallways, walls bare where paintings were still being restored. The air around the castle felt heavy and somber. Hermione herself was something of a spectacle, being dubbed with the monicker: The Golden Girl, much to her dismay. Her first week back she had been accosted by so many students that she had owled Harry to send her the Marauders map so she could avoid crowed areas. She had taken to travelling through hidden passageways whenever possible.

The Great Hall was sparse of students, numbers noticeably missing from the upper years. Many parents had elected to not have their children return to Hogwarts, but send them abroad instead. The Patil sisters had been sent to Beauxbatons, and many Slytherins, like Gregory Goyle, sent to Drumstrang.

Hermione sat at the end of the Gryffindor bench and ate quickly, paying no mind to what was on her plate, but instead focused on re-reading the letter she had received from Harry earlier in the day.

Mione-
How are you? Hope classes are going alright and the first years have stopped stalking you.


Ron and I are doing great. Auror training is a breeze compared to hunting Horcruxes. The only part Ron seems to be struggling with are the written exams and the stealth/dissolution spells. You're probably just as surprised as I was when I found this out... I'm having trouble with the written exams too, but mostly because I find them boring, not because I don't know what I'm doing. I never realized how much we relied on your constant nagging to keep us up to snuff for our exams until we had to fend for ourselves. Thanks for loaning me a sample of your scheduling time table
, it's actually really helped (Don't worry about saying ' I told you so' I can hear you saying it in my head
just fine after all these years.)

We miss you loads, it's weird not to see you every day. Hope you're able to come to the Burrow for Christmas.
I have a room all set up for you in Grimmauld for after graduation. Don't even try to argue with me about
this Mione, it's a done deal and I'll be glad for the company. This place is way too bloody big for just me... and Kreacher.

I hope you're managing to finally get some sleep.

Say hello to Hagrid for me.
Love,
Harry


p.s Ron sends his love too. He would write you himself but he's broken his arm and is currently trying to choke down some Skele-gro
.

Hermione let out a soft snort reading the last line and shook her head. It was comforting to know that some things didn't change. Gathering up her books and the letter she made her way out of the Great Hall and to the library.

The library was empty except for the librarian Madame Prince. Hermione made her way to the back of the room to her favorite table and sat so she could look out at the rest of the library. Pulling out parchment and ink she began her own missive in reply to Harry. She was halfway through her letter when the chair in front of her was yanked back loudly and a body flung into the seat. The body belonged to one Theodore Nott. Tall and well built, with dark hair and green eyes full of mischief, Theo Nott had become Hermione's friend against all odds.

In reality, he had accosted her in the library on her second day back at school and had decided that they were going to be friends. Leaning against her desk and holding his hand out to her, he had introduced himself as though she had not been in classes with him since first year and asked if she had a bench partner in Potions. To which she had stammered out a confused no and Theo had shot her the biggest grin, an honest to Merlin dimple breaking out on his cheek before he declared their partnership final. Hermione had no say in the matter, as Theo decided the conversation over and disappeared before she had even had a chance to refute.

Since then, they had formed an unlikely friendship, Hermione quickly realizing that he was not a typical pureblood. Theo would often sit with her in the library, he somehow always knew when she was there. Sometimes he would study with her, but more often than not, he would provide social commentary on everything, from their classes to what he thought about her hair- had she ever heard of Sleakeazy's hair potion??

Hermione at first found him distracting and dutifully tried to ignore him, but Theo was not one to be deterred once he set his mind to something and had ignored the looks she pointedly shot him until she had relented and accepted his presence in her life.

"Granger do you ever leave this damn library?" Theo bemoaned.

Hermione rolled her eyes but didn't look up. "I just got here Theodore."

"You're finishing that letter to Potter later. What is that, your fourth draft? We're going outside to do something fun before the clock strikes midnight and you turn back into an old lady."

Fighting a smile Hermione raised her eyes to see Theo, elbows on the table, his head in his hands, eye sparkling and a silly smile on his face. "What sort of fun Theodore?"

"Only my grandmother calls me Theodore, and she's a right shrew." Theo grimaced. "Qudditch pitch! It's still light enough out for flying."

"I don't fly. Brooms and I have come to a mutual understanding that we will respect each other from a distance."

"Maybe you just haven't been riding the right brooms, Granger." He wiggled his eyebrows and shot her a wink.

Hermione flushed pink and covered her face with her hand. Merlin help me, the charming bastard. Theo barked out a laugh and began to scoop up her belongings, dumping them unceremoniously in her bag. Hermione scowled and grabbed her half finished letter, smoothing the crumpled parchment. "Alright, I'll join you outside, you absolute heathen, if you stop wrecking my things!"

Theo shouldered her bag and placed a hand under her elbow, steering her towards the library exit. They made their way down the hall when he veered off course in the direction of the dungeons. He grabbed her hand and pulled her along, ignoring her protests. "Stop whining Granger, minor detour! How do you expect to fly without a broom? Don't have one hidden in that ugly bag of yours, do you?" He said motioning to her blue beaded bag that she still kept firmly strapped to her shoulders, a habit she had yet to break from her time on the run.

"My bag isn't ugly! And what do you know about what I keep in my bag!" Theo stopped abruptly and turned around to face Hermione, eyebrows raised.

"Think you're the only one who can cast and Undetectable Extension charm, Granger? Ministry approved, I'm sure."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at him. "Have you been gossiping about me Theodore Nott?"

"Wouldn't dream of it. Besides, I don't need to do much gossiping. It pays to have friends in low places sometimes. All I need to do is listen." He smirked.

"Ah. Been spending time with Moaning Myrtle again Theo?" He scowled and stuck his tongue out at her before tugging on her hand again and leading her to the down the hall again. He stopped in front of a bare stretch of wall before turning to glance at her. Hermione raised her eyebrows and gestured for him to get on with it.

"Severus Snape." He said to the wall and passage materialized before their eyes. He glanced at Hermione again and winked. "I trust you'll keep that to yourself. But anytime you want to sneak in and take advantage of me, feel free to Granger."

Hermione smacked him across the chest with the back of her hand before following him into the Slytherin common room. "Honestly Theo. Do those lines ever work on anyone?"

Theo chuckled and led the way through the common room and down a hallway to what Hermione assumed was the Slytherin dorms. Theo opened one of the doors and motioned for her to follow him inside. Her eyes widened as she stepped through the doorway. Inside the room was quite spacious and surprisingly bright for being under the Black Lake. There were only three beds in the room, one neatly made and two with clothing and books haphazardly strewn across them. Hermione sat on the edge of the least offensive bed and watched as Theo rummaged through his trunk, until he let out a triumphant noise and turned around to face her, brandishing a sleek broomstick. He threw it on the bed next to her and started rummaging through his trunk again.

"I'll just change out of school robes and we can be on our way." He said as he threw a jumper and some old sweatpants at her. She huffed indignantly and threw them back at him, flipping him off. Theo laughed and returned the gesture as he closed the door to the bathroom.

Hermione lay back on the bed she was sitting on and closed her eyes while she waited for Theo. The bed was comfortable and smelled strongly of fresh linens and sandalwood. There was something comforting about the smell that reminded her of Harry and Ron. Boys just smell nice in general. She mused to herself. She had often found that breathing in Ron's scent helped calm her from a nightmare or panic attack.

Her musings were interrupted by the bedroom door banging open, and she sat up hastily. Into the room strode a tall, lanky figure with a shock of white blonde hair. He stopped dead upon noticing Hermione in the room. She gave a small wave from where she sat as he eyed her with confusion.

"Granger?"

"Hello, Malfoy." Hermione felt her face heat up as he continued to stare at her incredulously.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

She narrowed her eyes at his tone. "What does it look like I'm doing?"

Draco let out a small snort. "It looks like you're sitting on my bed." Hermione scrambled to get up off the bed, picking up Theo's broom. "It also would appear as though you're robbing Theo. What, no more dragons to steal?" He made his way over to what evidently was his bed and dumped his bag on the desk next to it. Toeing off his shoes, he laid down on the bed, arms casually resting behind his head. Hermione couldn't help but eye the strip of pale skin that was exposed as his shirt rode up. Draco cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow at her obvious staring.

Hermione was saved from having to say anything by Theo bursting out of the bathroom. "Ready to go Granger? You're growing grey hair by the minute!" He slowed to a halt as he took in the scene before him. "Everything okay here, love?" Hermione nodded, shoved his broom into his hands and turned on heel striding out of the room.

"Nice of you to drop in Granger!" Draco called as Theo closed the door behind him. Hermione leaned against the dungeon wall, pinching the bridge of her nose between her fingers. She looked up at Theo as he reached her side.

"You arse! You could have told me that wasn't your bed!"

"Where's the fun in that Granger? Besides, I didn't know Draco would be back so early. Normally he doesn't grace us with his presence until almost curfew. Now stop stewing and let's go-while there's still daylight!"

Theo flung an arm around her shoulder and ruffled her hair as they walked out of the dungeons.

"Would you knock it off you great brute!" She grumbled.

Theo's booming laugher followed them as it echoed down the halls.


Hermione dutifully made her way up the Quidditch stands to find a seat. Crossing her legs as she sat down, she leaned back on her elbows, revelling in the sunshine and the slight warmth it brought to her face. She was momentarily distracted by Theo who let out a whoop of excitement and sped past her. She sat up and snorted as he ducked down into a steep dive and pulled up just meters before crashing. Laughing he made his way back over to her and hovered not far away.

"Come flying with me Granger!" He whined.

"No, Theo. You couldn't pay me enough to get on that thing with you." She said sternly.

"I think you're severely underestimating just how big the coffers of the Ancient House of Nott actually are."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Piss off Ancient House of Nott."

Theo shot her a pitiful look before taking off again.

They spent the remainder of the evening outside, Hermione conjuring golf balls for Theo to catch on his broom and laughing as he missed every single one. Twilight came and went and eventually Hermione found herself laying down on the bench, looking up at the stars. She had been so focused on determining the various constellations, she didn't notice Theo join her on the bench.

"See anything interesting?" She started and sat up, wand in hand, not expecting his deep timber right next to her head.

"Bloody hell Theo! Give me some warning why don't you! I almost hexed you!"

"Merlin Granger, I didn't realize you were so damn jumpy!"

"Yes well, hiding from Voldemort and his followers for months tends to make one rather jumpy." She huffed before laying back down on the bench, trying to calm her pounding heart.

Theo leaned forwards to look down at her, his face apologetic. "I'm sorry Granger... I forgot what things were like for you last year."

Hermione closed her eyes and there was a beat of silence. "I wish I could forget." She whispered. She felt Theo brush his hands over her curls and down her cheek. Hermione opened her eyes, not used to such an intimate gesture by someone other than Ron or Harry.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He pressed gently. Hermione shook her head and closed her eyes again. They sat in silence, which was a strange occurrence for Theo.

"I'll leave you to your thoughts Granger. Don't stay out too late." Whatever she had been expecting from him, it wasn't that. She heard Theo stand and make his way down the stands until slowly his steps were no longer audible. She opened her eyes again and followed the different constellations- allowing her mind to wander, ignoring the tears tracking down her cheeks.


Night had fallen and the chill of the evening settled. Hermione, lost in her own thoughts didn't realize how late it was until she noticed she could see her own puffs of breath in the air.

Exhaustion from the day hit, and she found herself with eyes heavily lidded, trying to conjure up the will to stand up and make her way back to the castle.

Sleep, she knew would be a fruitless venture, as it was every night. Hermione hadn't had a full nights rest since returning to the castle. There was no one to wake her from her nightmares anymore, so she often slept sporadically and fitfully. The first night back in the castle without the safety of Ron's arms she had been screaming so loud from a nightmare she woke up Ginny who had been in the bedroom next to her. She had burst into Hermione's room, wand drawn, eyes wide. Ginny had held Hermione while she cried, smoothing her hair down and rocking her gently as she sobbed into her shoulder. Ginny had given Hermione worried glances the whole week following that night. Since then Hermione had cast silencing charms to prevent her from waking Ginny up again.

I should sleep. I also could use a bath... Maybe I could sleep in the bath? I wonder how long I've been out here.... Ginny's probably noticed I've been gone by now. I really should finish that letter to Harry. I hope-

Hermione was interrupted from her musings by the sound of footsteps making their way up the stairs. She made no effort to sit up, however, deciding that if it was Ginny she would probably tell Hermione off for worrying herby being out so late. Better to pretend to be sleeping and feign innocence rather then than face the wrath of Ginny Weasley head on.

"Hiding from Weaslette?" A low voice inquired.

Hermione opened her eyes but refused to sit up and dignify the question with an answer. Instead she focused on mapping out the constellation of Perseus willing the voice to go away.

To her disappointment, a dull thud indicated that the voice (and body attached) had deigned to sit next to her on the bench instead of buggering the hell off.

"She's been marching around the castle interrogating anyone who dares cross her path on your whereabouts, you know. Shall I tell her you've frozen to death? Or that you've taken a positively uncontainable liking to Quidditch, which is why you've been out here for five hours?"

Five hours?

She remained silent, her eyes moving along the constellation of Ursa Major all the while contemplating the likelihood that Ginny would threaten her with a Bat-Bogey hex if she didn't go back inside soon.

"Theo's worried about you. He was in a pathetic state when he came back in. Said he'd left you out here a few hours ago practically comatose."

A small snort escaped Hermione.

"Ah, so you aren't frozen to death. That's good, I won't be accused of anything for once."

Hermione tilted her head backwards and squinted at the mass next to her. Draco's face was turned up to the sky, he too was looking at the stars. She studied his face. He seemed relaxed sitting there in silence; the usual smirk gone, and all the hard lines of his face seemed to soften. As if he felt her eyes on him, he turned and looked over at her, his eyes silver in the moonlight.

"You look like shit Granger." She sat up and turned to face him.

"Always the charmer Malfoy."

He rolled his eyes. "I'm surprised you didn't try to punch me this time."

"There's still time." She retorted.

He narrowed his eyes at her before turning to look up at the stars again. He gestured with his hand towards the constellation of his namesake. "Do you know the story of Ladon?" Hermione shook her head. "Ladon was a dragon that guarded a golden apple tree. It was a gift to Hera from her husband Zeus. The hero Heracles was ordered to complete what is known as the 12 labors as recompense for murdering his family while under a spell. One of the 12 labors was that he was tasked with was to steal a golden apple from Hera'a tree. He killed Ladon with poisoned arrows, and Hera was so saddened by his death that she placed his image in the sky for all eternity."

Hermione quirked an eyebrow up. "You know your mythology."

"Yes, well it comes with being a member of the Black family."

"Also comes with being self absorbed." Hermione muttered under her breath. Draco shot a glare at Hermione, who clearly had not muttered the words as quietly as she thought she had.

"So. Why is Theo so worried that you're going to jump off the top of the Quidditch stands?"

Hermione wrapped her arms around herself, finally having noticed just how cold it was outside. "I think Theo sometimes forgets that we fought on opposite sides of the war." Draco's face remained passive, so she continued on. "He scared me and I pulled my wand on him. I made a snap comment about my time on the run and it got to him... I'm not upset with him. It's just... that's not in the past for me. Not yet. I have to relive it every day and every night, over and over. It's like my brain hasn't quite figured out that I'm not in danger anymore."

"So the Golden Girl is not as shiny as everyone thinks."

Hermione clucked her tongue and rolled her eyes. "I'd like to hex whoever came up with that bloody name."

"He doesn't forget you know. Theo, I mean. He will never forget what side of the war he was on." Draco sighed and carded a hand through his hair. "Growing up... Theo didn't have it easy. His mother died when he was four and his father took a few pages out of Aunt Bella's book of discipline. Theo was groomed to be a Death Eater, the exact same way I was. The only difference was that even when we were kids Theo never bought into that bullshit. He's always been a genuinely good person. And his father tried to beat that out of him every single moment he could. It's honestly a miracle Theo is still alive... it was touch and go in fifth year for a while." he looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "It's also a miracle that Theo is who he is, in spite of his Father and the Dark Lord. It's not in the past for him either."

Hermione felt her eyes filling with tears and she began to shiver, but wasn't quite sure if it was from the cold. Turning away from Draco she swiped hastily at her eyes, embarrassed to be crying in front of him. She was startled by something heavy and soft hitting her in the side of her head. Pulling the offending fabric away from her body she realized Draco had thrown his jumper at her. She glanced over at him but he was looking up at the stars again. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth she put the jumper on, which was at least two sizes too big for her. She let out a small contented sigh at the warmth, tucking her hands inside the sleeves. She pulled the collar up to her nose and took a breath. Mmmm, sandalwood.

"Do you know why Theo came up to you that day in the library? He'd been planning it since he heard you'd be returning to finish your final year, you know. It's because he will never forget what side of the war he was forced to be on. Partially to piss of his father, because I'm sure he's gotten word of it, even in Azkaban. But also because he wanted to have a friend that wasn't around him only because of what his father and the Nott fortune could bring them. He wanted someone to give him a chance to like Theo for Theo."

Hermione smiled softly.

"You're in my spot again you know," he mused. "I come here when I can't sleep most nights."

"You don't have a monopoly on the Quidditch stands Malfoy." Hermione sniffed. "I don't sleep either." She added softly. Hermione mulled her next question over in her head a few times before the words slipped out. "Why are you here Malfoy? Why are you here with me, I mean."

Draco shrugged. "Someone had to make sure you didn't freeze to death. And I thought Theo was going to eat his broom he's so worried. I'm pretty sure he's sitting on my bed ripping pages out of my Transfiguration textbook as we speak."

"You haven't opened that book once in class. I doubt you'll miss a few pages."

"Keeping an eye on my study habits, Granger?" Draco drawled.

Hermione scoffed lightly "You should try to sleep." She said instead.

Draco turned to face her, his eyes narrowed. "Have you forgotten I was a big bad Death Eater? The horrors of war were not just reserved for you and your merry band of golden idiots, Granger. I had the delight of watching our Muggles Studies teacher be eaten by a fucking snake on my dining room table. Do not presume to know me Granger, because you won't like what you find. I've seen things that would make your skin crawl. Make no mistake, there is a reason I do not sleep. I no longer have a choice. The war is not the only thing I lost because of that sick bastard." Hermione was taken aback by the venom in his voice, and visibly recoiled from him, eyes wide. It had been a long time since she had been on the receiving end of the anger of Draco Malfoy. Her eyes filled with tears again at his sudden outburst. Tears threatening to break she turned her head away from his angry gaze and hastily started to gather her things

Guilt churned in her stomach for dredging up what she could tell he was so desperately trying forget.

Well done Hermione. Of course he's bloody angry. It's not as if we're friends.

Slinging her book bag over her shoulder and hurriedly jogging down the steps of the Quidditch stands, stumbling slightly as tears blurred her vision. She heard him curse softly behind her and call out for her, but she ignored it.

Falling into her bed in Gryffindor tower, she allowed the sobs to break free from her chest. She cried for Theo and Malfoy and their lost childhoods, victims of a war their parents started. She cried for Charity Burbage, their Muggle Studies teacher and every other person claimed by the war. But mostly she cried for herself. With the hollow void she constantly held in her chest since the day she sent her parents away, and her carved up arm that had not stopped burning since that day in Malfoy Manor, Hermione felt utterly broken.

Sobs wracked her body until finally she was exhausted and fell into a fitful sleep.


A pounding on her bedroom door woke Hermione up the next morning. Eyes puffy and red, tears dried on her face, and the beginnings of a headache forming she got up slowly and shuffled across the floor to open her door.

The beaming face of Ginny Weasley greeted her.

"HAPPY BIRT-!"

Ginny's words died on her tongue as she took in Hermione's blotchy face and matted hair. Grabbing her arm she pushed into Hermione's room, tugging her towards the bed. Ginny drew Hermione's hands into her own and made soothing circles across her palms. They sat in silence for a few minutes, Hermione refusing to meet Ginny's descerning gaze as she took in her rumpled clothes from the day before.

"Hermione. What happened?" Ginny murmured.

Hermione shook her head mutely.

"Does this have to do with where you were last night?" Ginny pressed gently.

Fresh tears washed down Hermione's face as she nodded.

Ginny's eyed the sweater that Hermione was still wearing.

"Does it have to do with who you got this jumper from?" She said tugging on the sleeve lightly.

Hermione who had completely forgotten she still wore Draco's sweater widened her eyes and looked down at the oversized garment. She pulled it away from her body and looked back up at Ginny.

"It's not what it looks like." She said, her voice gravelly and hoarse from the night before. She cleared her throat a few times and summoned a glass of water, sipping slowly until her throat no longer felt raw. Ginny eyed her skeptically and Hermione shook her head again. "Really Gin, it's not what it looks like. You know I love Ron. I would never do something like that."

Ginny quirked a small smile. "Well you know even if something did happen you can tell me, right? Ron may be blood, but you are my sister."

Hermione smiled gratefully and used Draco's sleeve to brush the tears off her cheeks. "Thanks Gin. I'm okay though. It was just a hard night." Ginny frowned slightly.

"Who am I hexing? Is it Nott?"

Hermione smiled sadly and squeezed Ginny's hands. "Don't go Bat Bogey-ing Theo just yet." Hermione launched into the tale of her encounter with Draco the night before, and how he had snapped at her.

Ginny listened patiently the entire time she was talking, waiting until Hermione was done speaking before letting out a low whistle. "Good Godric Hermione. Well I suppose It was to be expected. You know the snakes keep things close to the vest..." She paused for a beat "I'm surprised he was actually talking with you if I'm honest. Malfoy doesn't talk to anyone who isn't Nott or Zabini." Hermione nodded sadly.

"Hermione," Ginny said gently. "You have to understand... Malfoy is probably quite angry. Not at you, but just at life. His entire world has turned upside down and his future has been destroyed. The entire foundation of who Malfoy is as a person is just gone. You probably prodded an open wound. He has just as many scars as the rest of us from the war. And not all of them are on the surface."

Hermione squinted at her friend. "When did you become the Slytherin whisperer?"

"When your boyfriend is Harry Potter you learn a lot about what it entails to be a broody git." She rolled her eyes. "Now come on. This is no way to spend your birthday and I won't have you wasting any more tears on a Slytherin! Shower and breakfast!" She tugged Hermione to her feet and pushed her unceremoniously into the bathroom.


Once Hermione had showered and dressed in weekend clothes, she re-emerged from the bathroom toweling off her hair. Ginny immediately sprang into action pulling Hermione into her desk chair and began casting charm after charm on her hair until it was laying in soft and shiny waves down her back.

"You're perfect!" Ginny declared as Hermione ran her fingers through her hair. They were interrupted by a knocking at the door. Ginny wrenched the door open and was met face to face with a third year.

"Sorry to bother you Hermione. But Theo Nott is at the portrait hole and demanding to be let in to see you. Should I tell him to bugger off?" The third year wrinkled her nose in obvious distaste at the Slytherin.

Ginny smirked and looked at Hermione with an eyebrow raised. Stifling a laugh Hermione shook her head and stood up. "No thats quite alright, thank you. I'll go meet him."

Quickly gathering the last of her things, she followed Ginny as she flounced down the dormitory stairs to the portrait hole. The portrait door opened to reveal an anxious looking Theo who was pacing back and forth, muttering under his breath. Hermione let out a small snort at the sight of his agitation, which made Theo stop short and whipped his head up to stare at her.

"Granger!!" He exclaimed, sweeping her up into a bear hug.

Hermione let him hug her for a few beats before she started swatting at his arms. "Yes yes, I'm fine Theodore. You can let go of me now."

Theo dropped Hermione back on to her feet, pulling away from her. "Granger... look, I'm sorry about yesterday. I should have realized. It was bloody stupid of me and I-" he stopped when she held up a hand.

"Theo it's fine."

"Granger, it really isn't-"

"Theo. It's fine. I promise, okay?" Hermione said firmly.

Theo frowned but nodded. Ginny clapped Theo on the back briskly. "Come on Nott, Hermione has birthday waffles waiting for her in the Great Hall. You can join us."

"It's your birthday? Why didn't I know today was your birthday?"

Hermione rolled her eyes "Because I didn't want to celebrate. Gin vetoed that." Ginny beamed at Hermione and circled her arm around Hermione's, tugging gently towards the Great Hall.

Theo joined Ginny and Hermione at the Gryffindor table with Luna and Neville. At first Neville seemed unsure of Theo's presence, but Luna soon eased the tension by informing everyone that Theo was free of wackspurts, so he was very good company to have on ones birthday indeed.

Breakfast was an enjoyable affair even with Theo pointing out "Melin Granger, you almost look like a girl with your hair like that!" To which Hermione retaliated by throwing a strawberry from her waffle at Theo's face. She couldn't help by stifle a giggle as Theo plucked the strawberry off his cheek and popped it in his mouth, winking at her.

Maybe today won't be such a terrible birthday after all.


Nightfall found Hermione back on the Quidditch stands, wearing an over large jumper that did not belong to her and staring at the stars; seeking solace after a day filled with a visit to Hogsmead and a few rounds of Exploding Snap where Hermione was throughly beaten. Ginny's plan to distract her had worked, until she was laying in bed that night. Hermione had tossed and turned before giving up and making her way outside. She now sat on the stands, fighting against her mind as it brought up memory after memory of birthdays long gone, celebrating with her parents who no longer knew they even had a daughter to celebrate. Bringing her knees to her chest she leaned her forehead against them and closed her eyes, willing her brain to please stop.

... Her 6th Birthday when her father had attempted to build her a tree fort, but ended up giving up halfway through and they went out for ice cream instead... Her 8th Birthday when her parents had taken her to the petting zoo and she had gotten chased by the chickens, her father laughed so hard he had tears running down his face. ... Her 10th Birthday when she had begged and pleaded with her parents to buy her a new bike which she fell off of and broke her wrist within the first ten minutes of riding. ... Her 11th Birthday when Hermione answered the door and there was Professor McGonagall, letter in hand. Hugging her mother as she cried because finally she knew that she wasn't abnormal. She was special.

Hermione heard the telltale sound of footsteps making their way up the steps and the gentle groan of wood as someone sat next to her.

"That's my jumper you're wearing Granger."

"Brilliant deduction Malfoy," She mumbled. "Now if you would please leave."

"You don't have a monopoly on the Quidditch stands Granger." He said, mocking her words from the night before.

Does he not have anything better to do?

She whipped her head up to glare at him. "If you've come to yell at me some more Malfoy, could you please save it until tomorrow. I would rather you didn't ruin my night again."

Draco rolled his eyes. "I'm not here to put a damper your birthday Granger. I dare say you're doing that spectacularly all on your own."

"Well, I would appreciate if you left me to ruin my own birthday in peace, thanks."

"Purposefully ruining your own birthday? Aren't you quite the martyr. Poor Granger, too many adoring friends on ones birthday. The travesty."

She flipped him off and stood up, making her way down the stands.

The nerve of this git.

"Granger! Hey Granger, wait!"

"Fuck off Malfoy." She muttered under her breath as she head him race down the steps after her.

"Come on Granger! Would you please stop?"

A warm hand landed on her arm, pulling her to a stop. She glared at the offending hand, which hastily let her go. Draco held up both his hands in mock surrender.

"Don't you have anything better to do than go out of your way to make my night worse Malfoy?"

Draco frowned and carded a hand roughly through his hair.

"Listen Granger... I'm not trying to be an arse. At least not on purpose." Hermione rolled her eyes and turned away. Draco's hand found her arm again and pulled her to face him. "Granger would you stop running away? I'm trying to apologize here."

"Well you're off to a terrible start."

Draco scowled. "Look, I may have overreacted yesterday. I don't talk about the war. With anyone."

"I was being pushy, so we can just forget about it, okay?"

"You're not very good at accepting apologies, Granger."

"I would be if you had given me an actual apology, you wanker." She muttered rolling her eyes. Not sparing another glance, Hermione continued back to the castle.

"Look I'm sorry, okay?" Draco called softly from behind her.

Hermione paused and turned to face him, an eyebrow raised and arms crossed. "Like I said Malfoy, just forget it, okay?" He gave a single nod and looked away.

She had made it ten more paces before his voice called out again. "Hey Granger, you can keep the jumper!" Consider it a birthday present." She flipped him off again and continued on her way without stopping, his deep baritone laugh following behind her.