Disclaimer: look chapter one

A/N: Sorry it took me so long to update. While I was inspired to write "Call of the Siren" in record time during my exam period my brain was practically drained after it. I had a hard time to concentrate on writing and I'm afraid this isn't my best chapter so far. It's more like a filler, but none the less I needed it to go on with my plotline. Hopefully you still enjoy it.

Let me hear what you think!

Big thanks to Shakari for beta(ing?) this chapter.

Chapter 8:

19. December – 30. December

"Daddy!" Remus awoke with a start as someone landed on him with full force.

"Uh..." he choked and embraced his son who was the cause of the rough wake up call and tried to hold him still.

"Daddy, wake up! Wake up! Santa was here," Teddy cried excitedly wiggling in his arms.

Ignoring the knees that were pressed-rather painfully into his tummy he opened his eyes and looked at his son who was still in his Rudolph the Reindeer pyjama. His messy mob of hair was changing rapidly from purple to yellow- a safe sign that he was overly exited. Remus was instantly reminded of Dora who tended to do the same thing but as quickly as the memory crossed his mind he pushed it aside. This was not the time to get depressed while thinking of his dead wife. Not while their perfect little son was so eager to get to his gifts.

"How do you know he was there?" he asked even though he knew the answer.

"I looked."

Arching a brow he watched as Teddy's hair changed to a blending, guilty, orange before he added hastily, "only a bit."

"Of course," the werewolf nodded and tried his best to hide his grin. "But I think we have to wait for Hermione before we can have another look."

"Mi's here," his son grinned and wiggled some more. "She said I can have presents when you wake up," Teddy told him. "You awake now. Can I have them now?"

Laughing Remus tousled his hair. "Alright, mate. Let me get dressed and we will look what Santa brought you."

"Yah!

He allowed him to get out of his arms and from his body so he could stand up. "How about you asked Mione for a cup of hot cocoa?"

The mention of chocolate seemed to fulfil its purpose and Teddy's eyes lit up at the prospect of getting a cup of his favourite drink. Like his father he had a fable for sweets especially chocolate. A second later the toddler was out of his bed and room and called loudly for Hermione who hopefully was in a better mood than yesterday night.

The three of them and Andromeda had a nice and calm day together, that was as far as any activity with Teddy could be described as calm and uneventful. His son surly had been in hyper mode yesterday. He had spent the day decorating their room, baking cookies with Hermione and listening to Andromeda who told him funny stories about his mum when she was young, even though the older witch had a hard time to suppress her tears.

Later that night they enjoyed a wonderful meal which Hermione had prepared for them and Teddy even got her so far to sing some Christmas carols for him. It was late when they finally managed to put Teddy into his bed, who was barely able to close his eyes because he was so full of excitement and even thought about staying awake and look out for Santa Clause. Finally sleep won over and the three of them had allowed themselves a glass of the red wine Andromeda had brought with her. With Teddy around earlier one always had to fear that he would take a sip out of curiosity when no one looked.

Andy had left soon after she finished her glass but Hermione and he drank one or two glasses more. Looking back at it he felt a little bit guilty that he didn't stop her but on the other hand he knew her well enough to know that she didn't took it lightly when someone told her what to do.

Nonetheless he should have known that the wine would make her a bit more emotional. Considering everything that had happened in the last weeks. First Ron, then Fawkes and now Harry finding his way back to sanity it was all a bit much, he knew but he had not thought about the fact that Christmas would remind her so strongly of the death of her parents. Last year they only had a small feast for Teddy's sake but everything was still too fresh to enjoy a happy Christmas together.

But after three glasses of strong red wine the tears started to flow and he had felt utterly helpless as he held her against him, much like he did to his son when he had a bad dream, and tried to sooth her pain away. Of course Remus knew from personal experience that nothing could take the pain away but it helped when there was somebody near. Just a warm hug and a few soft words could do much more than most people thought possible.

She had done the same thing for him. More often than she should have. He was the adult -it should be him soothing her, taking her pain away and promise her that everything would be better and brighter some day but after the war a lot of things hadn't been the way they should be.

Where were Ron and Harry to hold her? The way she had hold them, after Fred died? After Sirius died? After all this years she had spend looking after them?

Harry was finally coming around again and Remus was glad about it but the boy expected too much. He came to him, to see Teddy -just another thing he had neglected as his godfather -but Remus wasn't vengeful, especially when he saw how distressed he was.

Much like his father Harry tended to forget everything around him as soon as he fixed his mind on something -meaning Ginny.

Harry had spent a day with him and Teddy and they had talked a lot. Remus knew from Mione that Harry came to apologise after he realised that he had acted like a complete idiot. But it was obvious to him that he had expected everything would be like before now that Hermione had forgiven him. Harry couldn't understand that it wasn't done with a simple apology and act like nothing ever happened afterwards.

Remus hoped that the boy took his words to his heart and realised that he had to earn her trust again. Hermione was such a kind-hearted and forgiving person that people tended to forget that she could be hurt easily. And Harry had hurt her, maybe even more than Ron.

Sighing he changed into a pair of comfortable black trousers and a red jumper before he left his room and headed toward the kitchen where he could hear Hermione and Teddy laughing. So she was better today. He smiled at the scene that greeted him when he stepped through the door. His son was sitting on her lap and was squealing and laughing while he tried to get away from her hands which tickled him without mercy. For a moment he just watched them and allowed the sound of their laughter to warm his heart. But soon enough Hermione noticed him and stopped slowly in her action and as soon Teddy noticed him she allowed let him down.

"Can we go now?" the little boy asked still slightly breathless from all the laughing.

From the look on her face Remus could tell that Hermione was astonished about the sheer mass of gifts she received. Teddy was eager to help her unwrap each packet and was nearly as excited about her gifts as over his own.

Remus had given her a quill set with different inkstands and papers in different colours which brought a big smile to her face like he had hoped. From Teddy she got a framed picture of the two of them from the day they had all spent in the muggle zoo together which she promised to put on her night stand.

There were rare books from Harry, George and the Campell boy who had quite a crush on her since the start of the year and Remus had to give it to him that he wasn't that bad -for a Slytherin that is. And other than Fawkes he didn't use tricks to get her to do go out with him. On the other hand he felt nearly sorry for Nathaniel and couldn't deny that he was trying. Although he had to reconsider his methods.

The cursed man had made some faults and practically bribed Hermione into a date with him but Remus had the feeling that the man had no idea how to handle a woman like Hermione. Surly he had thought her to be like most of the witches her age, or even worse snobbish pureblood witches. More interested in money, fame and power than the person itself and three hundred years ago it must have been worse. So unfair practice probably looked like a safe way to get what he wanted, after the usual methods showed no effect.

Remus was curious what the former bird had chosen for her and watched carefully as the curly haired witch unwrapped the next packet. The dragon leather covered homework planner surely looked expensive enough to have come from him.

She must have noticed his curious look and grinned. "It's from Draco. I really hope he likes the Shakespeare collection I got him as much as I like his gift," Hermione told him and stroked carefully over the dark red leather.

"You got Malfoy a collection of muggle literature?" Remus asked astonished.

"He found Othello in my rooms and loved it," she shrugged. "So I thought he would enjoy his other work, too."

"Miracles never die!" he chuckled.

"Ah, Draco isn't all that bad, when you know him a little better. A bit whiny and demanding but you learn to live with that," she grinned. "But enough of that. I think Father Christmas has brought something for you too!"

"For Daddy?" Teddy asked eyeing the gift, which was wrapped in bright red and golden paper.

"Yes, honey, maybe you can help him unwrap it?"

"Sure," the boy nodded eagerly and grasped the packet before he rushed over to him and climbed on the couch beside him. Before he could even grasp the packet his son had it open.

"Look Daddy," Teddy cried and pressed a framed picture in his hands. "You and Unca Harry and Unca Siri."

Remus needed a moment to realise that it wasn't Harry Teddy was pointing at but James. It was a picture of him Sirius and James when they all were about seventeen. They all were dressed in their school uniforms and were standing in front of the black lake. Peter must have been the one taking this picture because he was nowhere to be seen. Remus had never seen it before and asked himself where Hermione might have found it.

He swallowed tightly as he watched his younger self laughing freely with his two best friends who died both before their time. Leaving him behind and alone.

Just as that thought crossed his mind his son snuggled closer to him and he was reminded that there were still things out there that were worth living for.

"That's James, Harry's dad," he finally corrected Teddy who was still staring at the picture. "I told you about him and Sirius in some of your bedtime stories. Do you remember?"

"Yes, he is the stag!" the toddler nodded instantly. He loved being told about the Marauders and their adventures at school. "And Unca Siri is the dog. But I like the wolf best!"

Hearing his son say that so easily made him breath soundly. "Why?" he asked stupidly.

"Cause you're the best daddy."

Ignoring the sudden tight feeling in his chest he pressed his lips against Teddy's head and hugged him tightly to his side but his eyes searched for Hermione's. She smiled at him but looked as if she had difficulties to hold back her tears as she watched the scene before her.

Remus didn't want her to get the wrong impression and mouthed a Thank you in her direction. Although there were a lot of painful emotions linked to his two best friends he was thankful for her thoughtful present. Most pictures of the Marauders were from all four of them and he couldn't bear looking at Peter's face. Not after all he had done to them.

"You're welcome." Hermione smiled softly before she took a deep breath and grasped the next packet from under the tree. It was small but wrapped so elegantly that it seemed nearly a crime to open it. Instantly Remus knew that it had to be Fawkes` present for Hermione.

With curious eyes he watched her staring down at it. Obviously Hermione had come to the same conclusion as he had and now seemed unsure if she should open it. The fact that she was biting her bottom lip though, showed him that she wanted to. In the end her curiosity won over and she hesitantly pulled at the golden white ribbons.

"I can help you Mi," Teddy had noticed her slow movements and like any other child his age couldn't understand how anybody could take so long to unwrap his Christmas present. Surely there had to be a law against it.

"No mate, I think Mione can handle this one alone. But I think there is another one which has your name on it." Instantly his hair turned purple again.

"For me? Really?"

Chuckling about the excited glow in his eyes he acciod a big green box over to them which was attacked instantly the moment it landed beside Teddy. Knowing his son would be busy with his own gift Remus turned around to Hermione again who was staring again. By now the paper was gone and he could see her holding a small jewel case but she still hadn't opened it.

For a few moments she continued to stare at the box before she suddenly shook her head and put the box in her pocket without looking inside.

"You're lying, filthy Mudblood, and I know it! You have been inside my vault at Gringott's! Tell the truth, tell the truth!"

The Cruciatus hit her square in the chest before she could even think about responding to one of Bellatrix´s demands. Not that she would even if she could. Hermione would die before she became a traitor to her side. To Harry.

Hermione had known what she was getting herself into when she decided to accompany Harry on his search for Horcrux. She knew that she could die and what Death Eaters were capable of. But the reality was much more painful than anything Hermione could have imagined.

"What else did you take? What else have you got? Tell me the truth or, I swear, I shall run you through with this knife!" Bellatrix screeched and Hermione tried desperately to shut out the pain and concentrate on her questions. Her head hurt and there wasn't a part of her body that didn't ache but Hermione knew it was important to understand why Bellatrix was questioning her and not simply torturing her for the fun of it. Or killing her for being a filthy Mudblood.

What was the crazy witch talking about? What was in the Lestrange vault that she was reacting this violating to it that she didn't even want her master to find out? Hermione's thoughts were interrupted abruptly the next second and she couldn't help but scream in agony as the crucio hit her again. This time stronger than before.

"What else did you take, what else? ANSWER ME! CRUCIO!"

Her mouth opened but the pain was so strong that she couldn't even find her voice to allow the scream to come out.

With a soundly gasp Hermione sat upright in her bed. One hand was pressed firmly against her wild beating heart while the other was pushing her damp hair out of her face. After she had calmed down a bit her shaky fingers searched for her wand to mutter a quick spell to lighten up the room. A few months before she would have slept with her wand under her pillow and at least one light source in the room but she had thought she was over it.

She was!

Not so long ago she would have screamed her lungs out after a dream like that and had she waken in a dark room afterwards she wouldn't have stopped till someone had assured her that she was safe and it was only a dream.

"I'm not weak any longer," she whispered. "I'm not weak!"

The fact that she was shuddering all over though, didn't make her sound very convincing. Even in her own ears. Gritting her teeth she pushed her blanket to the side and stood up. For a few minutes she simply walked up and down in her room before she let herself down on her bed, legs crossed and tried some of the breathing techniques she had read about in one of her meditation book. It did help clear her head and pushing the memories back in a deeper part of her mind but she still felt restless and unable to find peace.

Her eyes wandered around in her room and finally landed on the small jewel case on her night stand. She still hadn't opened it. Although there was no card she knew for sure that it was from Nathaniel. The expensive package was practically screaming his name and it only fuelled her anger. Was he really thinking he could buy himself back into her good graces with some stupid jewellery? After he had bribed her into going out with him? No way!

She was not one of those brainless hussies who would fall for a charming smile and some sweet talk and more so she was not one of those girls whose affection could be bought with expensive gifts. Still her fingers were itching and she couldn't unlock her eyes from it.

Biting her bottom lip she finally gave in to her curiosity and grasped the box. For a few more minutes she continued to stare at it in her lap while her fingers traced over the black velvet. Then after a deep breath she opened it.

Hesitantly she took the medallion out to have a better look at it. It was silver with a beautiful shaped sapphire on it. Did he know that it was her birthstone or did he just buy it because he thought it pretty? Well, she had to admit he wasn't like Harry or Ron who failed to have the slightest sense for details. No, she decided, Nathaniel would know the meaning of the stone and had chosen it well-considered.

A small smile hushed over her lips and she allowed her fingers to glide over the latch at the side to open it. The moment the lid sprung to the side a melody filled her ears and tears welled up in her eyes.

It was the same song Fawkes had sung for her in Dumbledore's office and like before the melody was as beautiful as it was sad. Hermione remembered the day, when he was still cursed in his bird form and sung for her with his unbelievable heart melting voice. Tears were running freely down her cheeks but she did nothing to stop them. Instead she closed her eyes and was sent back into her dreams.

Again she was dancing with the handsome stranger on the masquerade ball but this time she knew it was Nathaniel. He guided her over the dance floor after his own song and she felt free and happy as they practically floated through the room. He never once parted his eyes from hers and Hermione felt as if she was the centre of the universe.

His universe.

A feeling that left her light headed and giddy.

With a sigh she opened her eyes after the melody faded away and stared at the medallion.

For my fairy princess

The delicate words were engraved in the backside of the medallion and against her will she could feel her traitorous heartbeat quicken.

Nobody apart from her parents had ever presented her with jewellery and nothing had been as beautiful and thoughtful as this medallion. Everybody else got her books or something that had to with school and education and of course she loved every single present she got. But all her friends seemed to forget that she was a girl too and needed to be seen and treated as such. At least every now and then. Hermione wanted to be more than just one of the guys.

Nathaniel seemed to understand that but Hermione was not sure if it was enough. He was charming and intelligent, no question. Not to forget bloody handsome and funny. In his presence she really felt as if nothing else mattered for him apart from her. Unfortunately he had that effect on most females and didn't hesitate to made them feel special which in turn made her feel stupid that she allowed herself to fall for his tricks.

He was a prat! Worse even -Nathaniel was a charming, handsome and most definitely cunning pureblood Slytherin.

Merlin, he had bribed her into dating him!

What she still couldn't understand was why? Every girl in Hogwarts would gladly commit murder to get a date with him but he wanted to go out with her and got even so far to use dirty methods. Well, she wasn't sure if it counted as dirty methods for a Slytherin.

He couldn't very well want to date her out of pity. No, by now even she found that theory ridiculous. Someone who pitied her would find another way to reciprocate himself -not force her to a date.

Could he really like her? Just for herself?

Looking down at the medallion she traced the lines of the engraving with her finger.

For my fairy princess.

Nibbling at her bottom lip she struggled with herself. Should she give him a real chance even after their day in Hogsmeade and the way he bullied her into a date?

She closed and opened the medallion so that the melody filled the room again. Like before she closed her eyes and enjoyed the beautiful song and held them shut for a while even after the song faded away and left nothing but silence behind.

As she finally opened her eyes she had come to an conclusion. Everybody deserved a second chance, so she would desist to make his life hell during their 'date' but allow him to set things right. And maybe just maybe she would find out that not everything had to remain a dream.

Hermione closed the medallion and put the necklace over her head before she slipped back under the sleeves. She really hoped he wouldn't let her down again.

Her fingers never let go of the jewellery but continued to trace lines over it, while it laid beside her on her pillow. As if on their own they opened it again and like each time before Fawkes song could be heard. Hermione doubted that she would ever get tired of it and before long the soul touching song had lulled her into sleep.

This time she wasn't haunted by nightmares.

Nathaniel was nervous. So nervous in fact that he couldn't stop himself from pacing up and down in his library. Today was his date with Hermione and he was afraid the witch wouldn't like his plans for the day. Given the way he bribed her into their date she would probably regard him with the silent treatment or worse, he shuddered. In his life he had dated enough women to know that it was no fun to get on their bad side. Furthermore Hermione was a very capable witch who could easily make his life hell if she wished to do so.

Muttering to himself he checked the old grandfather clock and sighed. There was still some time before he could fetch her from Hogwarts where she was staying with Professor Lupin and his child. So he went over his plan once again.

His first idea had been something big and prosperous like something he would have done in the past but he quickly dismissed the ideas. Hermione wasn't like most witches. She wouldn't be interested in a show of power and wealth. If he wanted to impress her he would have to go for something thoughtful and personal. Something that would show her that he cared about her.

A muscle in his cheek twitched as he remembered the one other person he had spent time and energy for to leave a good impression. As soon as the memory hit him he pushed it way. This was not the time to think about his past.

As if there ever will be, he thought bitterly.

You should worry about your future, not your past! he admonished himself.

"Make sure that you will have a future..." he muttered quietly to himself before he shook his head and allowed his thoughts to drift back to Hermione and the day before.

Nathaniel had thought long and hard about it and finally decided to start their date with tea in the library. Every other girl would probably wrinkle her nose but when he knew one thing than that Hermione wasn't just every other girl. And she loved books.

Afterwards he wanted to show her his home. Not to show off but to assure her that it was perfect for her event. His house-elves surely were happy about hosting such a big event after the house stood empty for so long. Hopefully she was content with everything they had prepared so far.

As highlight of the day he had planned a long coach-drive though the snowscape. Checking on the Sleipnirs had been one of the first things on his list and he was happy to detect that Nox was still very much alive and recognised him. Though the beautiful creature was much too old to haul the carriage itself, his acceptance allowed him to get accepted by the herd. Caligo and Feroxtwo young and beautiful Sleipnirs would take over that role. Hermione would love them and he would love to have her beside him in the carriage under the thick blankets during their joyride.

And last but not least they would have dinner together. At first he was torn between a fancy restaurant in Diagon Alley and a private meal at his manor. In the end he decided for the latter simply because it offered them more privacy.

Nathaniel wouldn't deny that he was greedy and he wanted her for himself. At least for their date and the less people were around the less sticky situations could arrive. The former bird fully intended to get his kiss and he hoped like hell that it wouldn't be his last.

Another glance at the clock showed him that it was time -finally. With one last deep calming breath he marched over to the fireplace and grasped a handful of floo powder.

"Dumbledore's office!"

Hermione wasn't sure what she had expected but it surly wasn't something so thoughtful. Nathaniel had arrived punctual in front of her rooms at Hogwarts to pick her up for their date. The fact that he looked slightly nervous and uncomfortable had ironically calmed her own nerves down. She had to smile when she remembered the look of hope and excitement in his eyes as he noticed that she was wearing his medallion. Though his eyes wandered more than once to the jewellery he never mentioned it. Instead he made an effort to keep their talk easy and general without making it sound superficial. That alone was something she had to admire.

They had tea in the library and Hermione was barely able to concentrate on her tea and their talk with all the rare and old books around. Her fingers were twitching as if they had a life on their own and she wasn't able to fight the blush as he made a comment about it. It was a nice, teasing comment but still, she felt as if she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

He offered her to spent more time in his library in the future if she was interested, which she was without question. And even though she knew his offer was more a trick to get her back to his home than friendly courtesy she didn't find it in her to decline.

And she had decided to give him a second chance and so far he hadn't let her down.

After tea he showed her his manor and although she hadn't been in many pureblood homes she was sure that Fawkes manor was more luxurious and imposing than most. They couldn't have found a better place for their event and despite the fact that she wasn't happy about the way it had been offered to her she was pleased to have it. After all the event had a purpose and Hermione was determined to collect as much money for the war orphans as she could. Now with even Harry willing to help -in form of a Meet and greet with the famous Harry Potter -a whole day with your hero Hermione was looking a bit more optimistic into the future.

The preparations were in full swing and she was a little astonished that everything seemed to look fine. Nathaniel had informed her in a letter that he would take care of everything but she was positively surprised how serious he took that matter.

"Don't worry everything will be perfect!"

Well it definitely looked that way. The only thing that worried her a bit were the house-elves but the little creatures were downright beaming at the prospect of decorating the house for a big event that she didn't find it in her to say anything about paying them or worse setting them free. Normally they would start to cry or hit themselves because they thought they had done something wrong.

Over the years Hermione had come to understand that they didn't want things to change and she had learned to accept that. But she still thought that they had rights and should be treated with respect.

But from the look of it the house-elves in Fawkes manor were happy, well dressed and treated kindly. Nathaniel didn't pay much attention to them but when he addressed them his voice was calm and even. He never screamed at them or kicked them like she had seen other purebloods do. Of course she had only been in his manor for a few hours but she had never seen him as the violent type anyway.

"I have a surprise for you!" he had told her finally after they finished their round through the house and guided her into the garden though park was a more accurate word to describe it.

Hermione being Hermione couldn't help herself and saying, "I don't like surprises!" only to regret it the moment she saw the slightly dejected look in his eyes.

And now that she was standing right before the magnificent horses she felt bad for not biting her tongue. Although she really wasn't fond of surprises, which was mostly because the surprises in her past had rarely been enjoyable ones, she should have been polite and kept silent about it.

And she should have known better than to underestimate Nathaniel.

"They are beautiful," she whispered in awe and carefully extended her hand so the stallion next to her could get acquainted to her scent. As if to tell her that she was accepted he nuzzled her hand and wheezed quietly. Smiling brightly she patted it softly and repeated her action on the other stallion who seemed to accept her as easily as the first one.

She couldn't believe that she was standing in front of Sleipnirs. Real Sleipnirs and a whole herd at that. The two stallions, Caligo and Ferox she remembered, came over to them as soon as they noticed the two of them.

Nathaniel was smiling brightly, obviously happy that she liked his surprise.

"So are you ready then?"

"Ready?" She blinked. "Ready for what?"

"I thought you would enjoy a ride though the snowscape?"

"Really?" She squeaked excitedly and instantly blushed. She must have sound like a little girl who was told that she could have a pony, but Nathaniel only beamed at her and nodded.

"Of course," he grinned. "These two are all too eager to show you around. They see it as an honour and they obviously like you."

"They? As in the Sleipnirs?"

"Yes, they can communicate with witches and wizards. Didn't you know?"

Shaking her head her eyes flickered from the man in front of her to the stallions and back again. No she hadn't known. Hermione hadn't even known that there were still Sleipnirs out there. All she knew about this magnificent horses were a few references in her history of magic and care of magical creatures books. But that was barely more than a description of their appearance and the fact that they hadn't been seen in decades. To be standing in front of a whole herd was breathtaking, not to mention that she was touching two of them.

"And...and you're talking with them right now?"

"No," he shook his head and hold up his hand as he noticed she was about to protest. "It's a little more complicated than that. They have to grow up in close contact to wizards or witches to be able to do so. This herd hasn't seen a human being since my father died. They understand you when you talk to them or rather the deeper meaning of it but they aren't able to answer you the way they used to. The only exception is the oldest stallion in the herd. Nox. Come on," he offered his arm to her, "I will tell you more about them during the ride, if you like."

"Yes, please," Hermione nodded eagerly and smiled up at him as she linked her arm in his.

An hour later she felt more happy and carefree than she had in a very long time. She was sitting in the carriage close to Nathaniel and enjoyed their ride. Both of them were snuggling together under a thick blanket and although Hermione knew that he could have simply performed a heating charm she allowed him to get away with it. Truth was she didn't mind. It felt good to sit this near beside him with his arm protectively around her shoulder while the Sleipnirs carried them through the snow.

He had told her why there were so many Sleipnirs on his estate and the special history the creatures had with his family. Hermione was eager to hear more and for the first time since she knew him Nathaniel freely talked about himself and the life he had lived before. He told her about the creatures that lived on the estate and the soft spot his mother had had for them and how he had loved to explore the grounds on Nox´s back when he was a kid.

She liked this Nathaniel much more than the wizard she had get to know over the past weeks and was glad that she allowed herself to give him another change. There was so much more to the man than one could see at first and she really hoped she would see more of this side.

Hermione was pressed so firmly to him that she couldn't only hear him laugh as he told her about a happy memory from his childhood but feel it too and the deep rumble made her smile.

And that was just it -he made her smile, made her pensive, made her feel feminine but more than that he made her feel alive. And she hadn't felt alive for quite some time.

Leaning her head against his shoulder she was anxious about the rest of her date. And maybe -just maybe- a kiss wouldn't be as bad as she thought at first.

TBC

A/N: Next chapter will be the charity event. Like I said before there is more to all of this. I still have a little trouble to decide how much information I should put in each chapter. Hopefully everything will turn out the way I imagine it^^