In the middle of the square, the iron clock tower strikes the bell ten times in the crisp early morning. The winter holidays are just around the corner, the snow has blanketed Hogsmeade, like a specter Hermione drifts from one shop to another. Visiting for old times' sake, seeing old hauntings that once was so precious, now are just indifferent memories. Building blocks of her childhood to her young adulthood. She sighs as the birds from the forest are disturbed by the carriages carrying the inbound students. Checking her watch, she quickly ducks into what was once Gladrags Wizardswear is now Riverbloom Stitchers.

The ringing of the overhang bell gains the attention of one of the shop keepers. One of the young proprietors, Avelot comes to greet her.

"Oh, Dona Castillejo, one right on time. Linnet, come here dear, we have a guest."

A young girl with dark curls and bright brown eyes scurries from the back. Stopping shortly next to her mother, her eyes widen as she recognizes the woman in front of her. Feeling a soft tap to her arm Linnet remembers her manners and curtsies.

Removing her coat and gloves Hermione chuckles at the star-struck child. "Such innocence." Bending to meet the child at eye level and tapping her nose, "Do you know what I am here for?" Nodding in excitement Linnet squirms as she looks to her mother for permission to speak. Avelot smiles and nods, "Yes, madame you are going to ward the shop so we can be safe." Looking around Hermione begins to make the calculations of what and where the wards should be and situated.

Looking down Hermione stretches her hand towards the girl, "Very good, now why don't you show me the best hiding spots? Children tend to know the building much quicker and thorough that us adults. I think it because children can fit anywhere." Linnet's infectious giggles warm the room as Hermione allows herself to be pulled away for an adventure.

Two hours and a tea party later Hermione leaves the shop. A little lighter Hermione makes her way to the apparition point, hears her name. Pausing she searches for the person; Neville comes up with a smile as he opens his arms to embrace his oldest friend.

Gripping his strong shoulders Hermione squealed as she was lifted off her feet.

The crisp autumn air stirs as their magic sought a place to hold, joyous laughter echoes as leaves swirl. Catching the eyes and ears of both the students and adults in the square. Gently their forehead touches as a calm spread through them with smiles, eyes open, Neville brushes a kiss on her temple as Hermione kisses his chin. Tucking her hand in the crook of his arm they turn towards Three Broomsticks.

Family magic was comfort, security, and love.

In one word, Home.

Opening the door, Neville scans the room before letting Hermione enter. Nudging him over they indulge in teasing quips, "Overprotective gerbil."

"Bucktooth know it all"

"Creepy naked mole-rat!"

"Only if you're a wild-haired troll."

"Keeper of all things toady"

Neville signals Rosemarta to order without looking at Hermione, 'That was bad."

Freely laughing, "That's the point, besides you haven't heard my Harry Potter jokes, yet."

Rosemerta saunders up with water and a friendly smile and open arms, "Well look here, I haven't seen you in an age." Hermione quickly rises to be embraced, "Now look at you all grown up. What brings you back here?"

Settling Hermione looks up, "Good company." as she bumps shoulders with Neville, "And even better food."

"Well you two catch up, my lovelies and I get today's special. It's a simple fair: Lentil soup with potato scones and Plum muffins for dessert. Now how does that sound?"

Hermione perked up as Neville patted her arm, "Delicious as always Rosie."

Refocusing on Neville, her mischievous began to show, "So want to hear a bad joke?

"I'm afraid to ask."

"Knock, Knock"

Already cringing, Neville pulls back, "Who's There?

Hermione's eye glint with humor, "You Know!"

Confused, Neville, "You Know Who?"

"Exactly."

Face palming, he groans then chuckles as Hermione cackles.

Rosemerta chuckles as she sets their food down.

"Oh, you had to have heard this one. How do Death Eaters freshen their breath?" Hermione paused, "With Dementos."

"Sweet Merlin."

Shaking her head, Hermione shrugs, "That was from France, I think. You should hear the 'your mamma' jokes I heard from a couple of American blokes."

Neville chokes on his drink, then snorts. "What?!"

Quickly they tuck into their plates as they shared, stories from their last get together. Far too soon, the returning warning bell was heard triggering the remaining students to scramble to make the last carriages back to Hogwarts.

Neville with Hermione's help checks for any stragglers within the stores or streets. A few or six stinging hexes later, they heard the lost 'ducklings' to the carriage port, "Why are there always a few who didn't hear the ring that can be heard for miles?"

"Raging hormones, Nev."

Giving his trademark rugged smile, Charlie Weasley, flirts shamelessly with Hermione, "You remember that Hermione?"

Cool amber eyes lock with crystal blue, then slowly trail her eyes from his feet to his lips, she purrs, "No, Mr. Weasely, I was too busy at the time." That pale freckle skin blushes so prettily.

Bringing up the hood of her cape, Hermione's eyes sparkle in mischief, Neville smirks as he brushes a farewell kiss on her temple. "See you at Grand's?"

Hermione nods. Kissing his chin in return, she winks at the male students. With a graceful turn, she disappears without a sound.

The students instantly react,

"Cor!"

"I only heard the most powerful can only do that!"

"Holy hell, who was that!"

"Who cares, is she single and teaching this term?"

Charlie erupts, "Shut your gobs and get in the carriages!"

That made Neville's term. Mousy Hermione Jean 'Know it all' Granger made Charles 'knicker picker' Weasely blush. He couldn't wait to tell Grand and Hannah.