Hullo der! My God it's been a while hasn't it? No one could understand how hard I've been trying to update, but when you haven't got an internet supply its pretttty impossible... I even struggled writing this chapter as I couldn't reread my last chapter to get the information correct, and when you have as much spare time as I did then it sucks, big time. THEN TO MAKE MATTER'S WORSE- MY LAPTOP BROKE. Grr, apart from getting a job this has not been my month...
Seeing as I didn't speak to any of you before, HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! This extended chapter is of course, my present to you all ;)
I've added another story which is the result of my over active imagination, so please if you have the time, read and tell me what you think?:-)
Okay, so enough of my rambling, but OH one more thing! I've been in need of a good read, and being a diehard Dramione fan, could anyone message me with some good story names you would recommend? Or if you've wrote your own then message me and tell me to read! I'd be soooo grateful
ON TO ZEEE STORY!
"McGonagall has been called away on important matters, so we're going to tell you what she wanted you to know and leave you to plan. Afterwards your ideas will be merged with the seventh year prefect's ideas to plan out the party. That's pretty much how it will work every week.
Include any idea you come up with, no matter how silly or over the top it may sound, they could work really well along with someone else's idea" Eddie explained, smiling at the group of sixth year prefects around him before taking a seat on a spare chair.
"Okay, if you want to take note on what I tell you then I suggest you do, It'll make things a hell of a lot easier" laughed Katie who sat on the edge of the main desk. Once everyone had taken out a quill and piece of parchment, she continued. "Now some of this is simply a recap, but other parts you won't have heard of yet so are important to get down.
Firstly, you're all aware that it is going to be held on Friday 1st of November in the Great Hall from eight pm until midnight for fourth years and below, and one am for fifth years and above. You, as prefects, will be required to help ensure that the night goes smoothly, but the seventh years will play more of a role, meaning you can enjoy yourselves and just stop trouble if you happen to see it. Professors will be stationed around the room to help out at any point.
Butter beer is the only alcoholic beverage available, for the fifth years and above. Fifth and sixth year are limited to a maximum of three drinks, while seventh years are allowed free access.
The grounds will be open, but invisible wards will make it so you can only go into certain parts. One main detail that needs to be planned is how the grounds and hall will look. The tables will of course be removed from the hall, but other than that no other decisions have been made. Professor Dumbledore has specified that he wants something interesting on the grounds which will give students somewhere to go in privacy, Merlin knows why though... This is my favourite part; the Black Lake will serve as an outdoor dance floor. It will be charmed to have a floor so that it gives you the illusion that you are dancing on the water. A heating charm will also be cast so that the night temperatures aren't a problem. The Professor's would like a band for inside and outside, which we have the privilege of picking.
Madam Pomfrey will be on call throughout the entire night, but all safety precautions are in place so I don't see anything going wrong.
The main entrance is to be lightly decorated, to match the Great Hall and Grounds.
That leaves these things to be planned; the food and drinks that are available, the rules and the music. If you come up with anything else that you feel is important then you can include that with your plans.
The Hogsmeade weekend for costume shopping is to be announced in all common rooms once a definite date has been decided. Now, that's everything we know so any questions will have to wait for Professor McGonagall unfortunately. You're all allowed until ten pm to discuss ideas, but may leave once you feel you have given your all. Goodnight" Katie smiled, walking out of the room, followed by a waving Eddie.
"So... do we just write down everything we can think off?" Neville asked, turning a Gryffindor red when all eyes turned to him.
"I guess. We could discuss things as well?" Hermione added, looking over the notes she had just taken. "I think for the theme it should be old fashioned, dimmed lights and diamond chandeliers, seeing as though it's based on historic couples..."
"I agree." Draco added, resting his elbows on the table, his chin in one of his hands as he eyed Hermione happily. He would agree with anything she had to say seeing as in his eyes she had the best taste of anyone in this room, but he did find that idea to be slightly intriguing.
"Yeh, I like the chandelier idea... there shiny" Luna announced dreamily, staring off into the corner of the room.
Shaking his head at his partner, Blaise decided to add to the conversation. "I'd go with that. I think it'd be awesome if they could make the Great Hall's roof clear so you could see the actual sky rather than some shitty imitation stars" he shrugged.
Hermione began to quickly jot down their ideas.
"Maybe we could have... some erm... flower gardens outside... with big trees..." Tracy whispered to Hermione, an angel like expression on her face.
"Okay?" Blaise blurted, eyebrows raised. An eruption of laughter echoed around the seemingly silent room, Tracy and Luna staring off unaware.
"Okay so food wise..."
oooooo
Fay approached Luna with a cheery smile on her face and a spring in her step. It had been almost three weeks since she had told Hermione about her crush on Harry and things were coming along perfectly.
"Hey Luna!" she beamed, hugging her blonde friend tightly.
"Oh, hello Fay" Luna replied in her free flowing tone. "How're you today?"
"Great thanks, what about you?"
"I'm good... I was just about to go and look for pixies by the lake, would you care to join me?" she asked, tilting her head to the side slightly, a graceful upturning of her lips luring Fay to say yes. As much as she enjoyed being alone with her thoughts, she would more than gladly have a friend follow her around, even if they thought her to be slightly mad.
"Sure, I need to ask you something anyway" Fay shrugged, as the two girls began their walk outside, the sun setting above their heads giving off a purple sheen.
"Marvellous isn't it" Luna cooed, their eyes trained on the slowly disappearing source of light.
"Um" she muttered. "So, tomorrow's Hermione's birthday" she stated, looking over at Luna.
"Ah yes... I was going to get her a necklace to defend her from the Nargel's but Neville suggested I just put money towards a hat and scarf set she liked..." Luna said with no hint of hurt or disappointment in her tone. She found that protection against Nargel's would be much handier, but Neville was sometimes better at the whole idea of exchanging gifts then her... Maybe she'd give it to her for Christmas.
"That's sweet. Draco, Blaise and Daphne asked me to put to for a necklace, anyway I wanted you to do something for me" Fay smiled softly.
"I shall certainly try my hardest."
"Well, the Gryffindor's are having a party for her, but only the Gryffindor's are invited, and obviously they wouldn't like Slytherin's in their common room... But I thought that you could ask the Slytherin's to join us by the lake at ten, that way everyone gets to see her" she suggested, watching as Luna stared blankly out across the lake.
"That sounds lovely, I shall go once I've drawn a few more pixies" Luna grinned, waving as Fay turned and skipped away.
oooooo
"Looney Lovegood's walking over to us... and she looks awfully happy" Blaise groaned, attempting to dodge out of her eyesight in the student packed corridor. He and Draco were currently on their way to dinner, and Blaise did not let anyone get in the way of his appetite, especially daydreaming Ravenclaw's.
"Shut-up" Draco hissed, when Luna stopped right in front of them.
"Hello I'm Luna" she smiled, holding her hand out to Draco.
Taking her hand in his, Draco shook it as he smiled back, "Hi Luna, I'm Draco, this is Blaise" he replied, nodding in Blaise's direction, who grunted.
"You should have your friend taken to the hospital wing, I think his voice box has been cursed, that noise was quite worrying..." she said, concern etched into her features. "I think you're aware that tomorrow is Hermione's birthday?"
Both boys nodded.
"Fay plans on having a small party at ten tomorrow night, out by the Black Lake, for the Slytherin's and me. It would be nice if you could tell any other Slytherin's she speaks to, but don't mention it to Hermione" she whispered the last part, bending forward and looking around with squinted eyes. Furrowing her brows, she walked away muttering about how some odd creature would be out at that time and Blaise's 'pig' voice would attract them.
"I'll tell Daph" Draco muttered once they were walking again.
"Odd one she is, pigs voice? Seriously!" Blaise sneered, shaking his head at the girl. "I know one thing though; I have an appetite of a pig now. I'm bloody starving" he moaned.
"Fat shit" Draco mumbled Blaise stopping dead in his tracks at his friends comment.
"You did not just call me fat!" he screeched, either uncaring or not unknowing that they were stood at the entrance to the Great Hall. Every student had now turned to watch one of Blaise Zabini's over dramatic tantrums, sniggering at the show.
"Fucking girl" Draco laughed, walking away from his temperamental best-friend who was now screaming and begging for him to apologise. His overly proud ego was way to easily hurt.
oooooo
Lately, Hermione had found herself spending more and more time with the Slytherin's, much to Ronald's disappointment. For the past three weeks she had continued her study sessions with Blaise and Draco, occasionally joined by Fay or Daphne. Her studies had been going exceptionally well, with her gaining full marks on every piece of work she completed, while staying on top of her prefect duties, homework and attending all prefect meetings. Time was always made for her fellow Gryffindor's, even Ron. She would spend hours sitting with them each night discussing the day's events, falling asleep on Harry's lap on endless occasions and wrote to her father twice a day. The worst part of the otherwise joyful time, was the discussion she had had with Dean...
"So... How are you Hermione?" Dean asked, turning a crimson red as he sat next to her in the Library.
"I'm positively dying from heart failure at seeing Dean Thomas in the library! Otherwise, I'm great" she smiled brightly, toying softly with his hair as she had done for years.
Dean closed his eyes and smiled at her usual actions, hoping maybe there was more to them then he expected. "Well, I wanted to speak to you about something... Its kinda important to me" he half stammered, half shouted.
"Anything Dean" she had replied, removing her hand and watching him carefully. Dean, as everyone knew, was always calm and collected, so this was an unusual site for her.
"Well the night in the room of requirement. I knew you were really drunk, but we played truth or dare, which you remember, the bit you don't seem to remember is being dared to kiss me, twice, and doing it on both occasions... And I brought it up because Hermione, I think I love you. Not just as a friend but as something so much more. I can't take my mind off of you! It's like you're this part of me, and I just can't control my feelings anymore. I had to tell you... But I completely understand if you don't feel the same. I mean I ignored your feelings for four years, so I have no right to demand anything. But I never like lying to you so I just had to tell you. I always want you as my friend, I want nothing to change between us, and I simply don't know what I'd do without you..." he murmured, looking down to where Hermione's hand rubbed soothing circles on his knee.
"Dean, I'm so sorry, I really didn't know that happened. I used to like you in that way, but I was young and now I couldn't imagine you as more then my best friend. You're always there for me like the brother I never had. I'm sorry if it seemed I led you on, but it truly wasn't my intention. I hope you'll forgive me" she had answered, hoping to ease the situation. She couldn't say she regretted kissing him, because he was beyond good looking, but she currently already had feelings for two people that she couldn't just throw away. If he had of sprung this on her at any other time then well, maybe that would have been a different story...
"No need to apologise Herm's, I'm just glad I got it off of my chest. I would never hold anything against you, you know that. Just know that I'm always here for you, I love my best friend" and with that said, he had stood, kissed her forehead and left.
So, suffice to say, she found it slightly odd to be around Dean at the moment, but hid it to keep him happy. He was, after all, one of her best friends- so to spare him from being hurt was good enough for her.
Over the course of three weeks, she had received twelve full length letters and 21 notes from her secret admirer, some containing sweets which she had never even heard of before yet hadn't disliked any so far.
Putting it simply, she had had a typical month for Hermione Granger.
Jam packed, and slightly confusing.
Hermione lay lifelessly on her bed, watching the moon and stars through the open window in a desperate attempt to sleep. Ginny moaned in her sleep, and tossed occasionally, while Amato laid, like Hermione, lifelessly between their two beds- the only difference being that he was soundly sleeping. Glaring unhappily at the two for being able to sleep so easily, while she struggled to even drift off, she returned her direction of sight towards the window.
"I'm such a child" Hermione groaned, bringing her arms up to cover her face.
She had been in bed for well over two hours now, had counted approximately 2463 sheep and had even taken a muggle sleeping remedy. Nothing, however, seemed to be working.
No matter how old she got, Hermione could never sleep the night before either her birthday or Christmas.
She was turning seventeen.
She would finally be legal to do magic out of school, and apparate (not that she planned to mind you, but the idea still thrilled her).
A large grin spread across her face, excitement coursing through her veins at the idea of finally being able to rely on her magic away from Hogwarts.
Grumbling unhappily, she climbed out of her bed, pulled on her dad's hoody and walked to the window. Sitting on the soft window seat, she pulled the windows too and watched the grounds. Nothing seemed to move, giving of the illusion that time had stopped, which knowing Hermione's luck it had.
Maybe tomorrow her mum would finally write to her, maybe she'd wake up to a lengthy letter telling her how she was sorry and loved her more than anything... with that thought, Hermione drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
oooooo
Gentle, yet continuous shoves to Hermione's side pulled her from her 'nap' on the window seat. Groggily, she rubbed her eyes and looked around for the cause of her rude awakening.
Amato sat by her seat, a single red rose held between his beak, looking happily up at her. Cooing softly, he dropped the flower onto her lap and nuzzled her face affectionately.
"Thank-you Amato!" she grinned, smelling the beautiful flower. "I love you boy" she whispered, stroking his smooth feathers.
Squawking his love for her into her ear, he proudly left his girl to get ready for the day.
After preparing herself for what she thought would be a typical school day, she added a bit of makeup and straightened her hair. Hermione made her way back to her dorm with a smile on her face, she was seventeen.
"Happy birthday!" Ginny screeched at her when she opened the door. Laughing, she embraced her pyjama clad friend tightly. "You look bloody gorgeous Mione! Okay, open my present, I want it to be the first one you see" Ginny beamed, handing over a baby blue wrapped gift.
Eagerly tearing into the gift, she smirked at how well her friend knew her.
Ginny had bought her a gold and red hardback notebook, with intriguing patterns carved into the cover.
"It's charmed to never run out of pages, I thought of you when I saw it. You're always complaining about running out of pages" she informed her, boasting about her idea.
"It's amazing Gin! I love it, thankyou so much" Hermione squealed, enveloping Ginny in her arms, accidentally smacking the book off of her head in the process. "Sorry..." she mumbled, turning a bright red.
"It's all good. There's a letter for you on your bed by the way."
Skipping to her bed, Hermione pushed her new notebook into her bag and picked up the now familiar envelope.
'Happy birthday beautiful!
Seventeen finally aye? I myself believe today to be a most fantastic day, for it is the day that you were brought into this world, and what could be better than that?
I'm so not jealous that you can use magic outside of Hogwarts legally now... okay maybe a little... or a lot. Either way, you're beyond lucky!
I hope you have an amazing day and get everything you desire, you definitely deserve it.
I wanted to get you something useful that you would enjoy but also be able to use a lot, so I put a lot of thought into deciding what you might like. I know you're going to be unimpressed that I bought you something, but I just had to.
I'm going to have it delivered along with the rest of the post at breakfast, just to get you wondering- cunning I know.
Enjoy your day, don't let anyone ruin it for you, I look forward to seeing your angelic face this morning, and there better be a smile on it!
All of my love,
X'
Hermione giggled as she put it back into its envelope. Whoever it was, they were certainly a charmer.
"Gin?"
"Hmm?" she replied, brushing her long red hair away from her face.
"I think I'm in love with a stranger. Is that odd?" Hermione asked, twiddling the rose between her fingers. Running her fingers up and down the stem, she wondered why it had no thorns...
"It would be odd if they weren't a complete and utter sweet heart. I think I love him and he's not even sending me the letters!" Ginny laughed, picking up her things for the bathroom and leaving the room.
Throwing her bag over her shoulder, she decided she would wait in the Common Room and get some early morning reading done.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Harry and Ron shouted when they saw her descending the stairs.
They had got up earlier then they had ever thought possible just so that they could be in the Common Room before her, bearing gifts for their best friend.
"This is from us both, the Weasley's and the Order members" Harry winked, handing her a small box after she had hugged them both.
As much as she despised Ron at the moment, he was still her best friend and it was her birthday so she was willing to drop her anger towards him for the day.
Smiling, she took the box and pulled the pink ribbon from it, undoing the bow slowly. Inside was a thick gold bracelet, filled with different charms. The main ones which caught her eye were a large fluffy cat, an open book and a wand. The charms were mostly silver with gold detail, a single diamond on each charm.
Hermione gasped at its beauty, she had never been much of a jewellery loving girl, but this was definitely one of the very few things she would actually wear.
"This is... it's just so... guys its beautiful! Thankyou so much, I love it!" she squealed, pecking each of their cheeks.
"I'm glad you like it, me and Harry picked it and Ginny approved that you would like it. Each charm is off a different person. I picked the frog, cause yano, I like chocolate frogs a hell of a lot" Ron grinned, finding the correct charm which now hung from Hermione's wrist.
"I tried to convince him to pick something else but he was insistent... I chose the lightning bolt" he winked again, pulling back his hair to show off his scar.
Hermione chuckled at the two boys. She now had a permanent reminder of them on her wrist, which she loved.
"Well I think there amazing, you're both the best friends ever, have I ever told you that?"
"I don't think you have..." Harry teased, throwing an arm over her shoulder.
"I'm starving, Ginny needs to hurry up" Ron groaned.
"Shut up you fat shit" Ginny mumbled as she joined the three stood in front of the fireplace.
"Aye!" Ron shouted, looking down at his semi-toned stomach. "I'm well fed, not fat."
All four of them laughed while they walked towards the Great Hall, stomach's rumbling unhappily.
oooooo
Hermione received several gifts from her Gryffindor friends when she sat eating her breakfast that morning. From Neville and Luna, she got a hat and scarf set she had wanted since her third year. From Dean and Seamus, she got a slightly erotic statue of Cleopatra, but loved it all the same. Her bag was now full with sweets of all kinds; mentally she was thanking Draco for the extension charm each time she added a present. From Fay, Blaise, Daphne and Draco she got a silver and gold chain with an old fashioned styled key on it, a silver snake coiled around the gold key. Reminding herself to give each of her Slytherin pals a hug later, she clipped the necklace around her neck.
"Erm Fay... The clasp has disappeared?" she muttered, feeling about the now secured necklace.
"Yeh, Draco's idea, it's so it can't get broken. When you want to take it off you tap the key three times with your wand, but only you can get it off" she smiled, continuing with her breakfast.
Hermione beamed at the idea, when owls began to fly through the open windows.
A large pile of cards were dropped onto her forgotten toast and it seemed as if every member of the Order had written an individual one for her.
Next, three packages were placed onto the table, a rectangular box from Omorfos, and two large boxes from her father's owl.
Opening the ones from her father first, she chuckled at the large frosted cakes with the words 'happy birthday baby' iced onto the top. He had obviously made it himself, like her mother usually did for her. Dipping her finger into the frosting, she licked the creamy substance from her finger. Her father definitely knows how to cook. Repackaging it, she cast a protection charm on the box to stop it from being tossed around and slipped it into her bag.
"No fair, I wanted some" Ron groaned, looking longingly into Hermione's bag after the cake.
"Tough, daddy made it just for me" she teased, picking up the next box.
Untying the gold ribbon from the outside, she ripped off the accompanying red wrapping paper. He had bought her the entire hardback Shakespeare collection, a photo album and a wizard camera.
Hermione squealed, pulling out the books first and checking they were all there. Next she traced the patterns on the photo album with her finger, before picking up the camera.
"Smile!" she joked, snapping a picture of Harry, Ron, Ginny, Dean, Seamus, Neville and Fay who all pulled funny faces.
"Lav, take a picture for us" Ron said, everyone crowding around Hermione, pulling disturbingly funny faces as Lavender took the picture.
Pulling out the note from the bottom of the box, she read the messy small writing.
'Hermy.
I can't believe you're seventeen! I remember it like it was yesterday that I was swinging you in my arms as a toddler. God I miss those days, when all you wanted was your mum and dad.
I'm getting emotional over here. A sodding old man getting upset over his baby girl growing up! I may have to take you to Neverland so you stop getting older, soon you'll be moving out! Oh why did I have to put that thought into my head...
I had a good talk to Arthur Weasley about what I could get you. I remembered you saying you liked Wizarding cameras, so he helped me pick out the best one. He said to process the photos you just tap it and say 'processo'. I think that means process, but I'm not too sure.
I got the album from Barney's photo shop, he gave it me at a discount because it's for you, and he also wrote you a card which I sent with some other stupid owl, along with cards from other family and friends. I added some of your favourite photos into the first few pages.
The Shakespeare collection is from Granny, she insisted that you finally had the whole hardback collection, she said something about 'not giving her girl a sh***y paperback collection'. She's wrote a letter and sent a card, and Dumbledore is arranging for you to go and visit her.
Enjoy your day darling, hope you liked the presents, oh and the cake. I was up 'til four this morning making that! But it was worth it for you poppet.
Owl me tonight if you're not too busy.
All of my love for my darling birthday girl,
Daddy x'
Even though no mention of her mother had been given, Hermione was beyond happy, and smiled at her father's love. Never could she ask for a better person to be in her life, without him she didn't know what she would do.
Pushing her presents and the stack of cards into her bag, she turned to Omorfos.
"Hello" she cooed, feeding her a piece of toast. With a flap of her wings, she flew off out of the window.
A single piece of silver ribbon held the box closed. Sliding her finger gently under it, she pulled open the lid and gasped.
A large golden Phoenix feather sat shining up at her. Towards the tip, her name was engraved into the delicate looking quill. Moving her finger over her name, she admired the elegant script that it was engraved with.
Replacing the lid, she added that to the collection in her bag.
"Oh aye, someone bloody likes you! Phoenix quills aren't half expensive" Seamus teased, nudging her with his elbow.
Hermione giggled at his observation, those types of quill were as expensive as they got. She had always wanted one due to the durability of them, but couldn't afford it. Now at least she could chew her quill without worrying about damaging it... "Just a friend."
"No added benefits?" he grinned.
"No Seamus" she laughed, slapping him around the side of his head playfully, following them all to first lesson.
oooooo
Hermione found that lessons seemed to fly by quickly today. She was in an extremely good mood; even Snape's deduction of points because she smiled didn't bother her like it should have.
Skipping towards the Great Hall for dinner, she was pulled around a corner by bear like hands, which were surprisingly familiar.
"All aboard birthday girl!" Dean grinned, kneeling in front of her.
"Dean, I'm going to dinner" she began, but he interrupted her quickly.
"Oh no sweets, we have something planned, now on!" he instructed.
Laughing at his persistency, she climbed onto his back and found herself laughing hysterically as he ran boisterously through the corridors.
Whispering the password to the Fat Lady, who wished Hermione a happy birthday, he carried her into a pitch black common room.
"Dean, the lights are off..." she started, as they flickered on and her friends jumped up.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" They all yelled. The common room had been cleared of most furniture, and music now played in the background. A long table at the back of the room held a vast collection of food and drinks, with chairs scattered around it.
"This was Fay's idea, brilliant it is" Harry smiled, Fay turning a beet red.
Harry had been acknowledging her a lot more lately, and every time he did she couldn't help but blush, her heart fluttering maniacally in her chest. The boy who lived finally paid her some heed, and Merlin's knickers was she happy about it.
"This is amazing! Thankyou so much!" she smiled, mentally hugging her best friend.
"Go get changed Mi, we'll all wait here for you" Dean told her, setting her down carefully on her feet.
Hermione rushed off to her bedroom and put on a loose, yet short red and gold dress she had bought on a shopping trip with Ginny. She had never wore it before and found now to be the perfect opportunity. Slipping her feet into gold flats, she messed up her hair a bit and added a touch more mascara and pink lipstick. Happy with her reflection, she pulled her camera from her bag and skipped down the stairs.
After receiving a vast amount of comments on how nice she looked, she danced with Ron, Harry and Ginny for a while, and was then dragged off to dance with Neville, Fay, Dean and Seamus.
"Mione, I want a picture with you" Dean grinned, pulling her into his arms. Smiling brightly, she allowed Fay to take the picture. At the site of her camera, everyone insisted on getting a picture with the birthday girl.
"Hey Mi, does it have a timer on it?" Harry quizzed while they stood by the food, stuffing their faces.
"Yeh" Hermione answered, opening her mouth to put in a sugar mouse.
"We should get a picture of everyone together!" Ginny grinned, realising where Harry's train of thought was currently heading.
Hermione smirked at the idea, and began to fiddle with her camera. "Get everyone to stand by the wall facing the fireplace" she said, placing her camera above the mantle.
Once everyone was in place, she clicked the shutter button and ran to stand between Fay and Harry.
"Its set to take two, so smile then pull a face" Hermione winked.
Everyone smiled brightly as the camera flashed, then pulled a strange face when it flashed again.
After almost two hours of dancing, Hermione looked up at the time. It quarter to ten and people were slowly disappearing to their dorms due to having lessons the next day.
"Come with me" Fay whispered into her ear from behind, making Hermione jump. "But shh, we don't want anyone to see" she giggled, pulling Hermione after her and out of the portrait before she had a chance to object.
"Fay, where are we going?" she hissed, the cold air hitting her bare arms and legs, her dress riding up her thighs as she ran.
"Wait and see little miss impatient" she scolded, pushing open the main doors.
"Fay, its freezing! Where on earth are you taking me?" Hermione moaned hugging her shoulders tightly in an attempt to keep warm.
Fay shook her head, continuing to drag the girl towards the Black Lake. Weren't best friends supposed to trust one another?
"Wait, are you going to drown me?" she asked sceptically, trying to plant her feet firmly on the floor.
"Oh ha ha, I'm really going to drown my best friend aren't I?" she laughed, bringing her to a stop.
"Happy birthday!" Four voices shouted, stepping out from behind a tree. Draco, Blaise, Daphne and Luna all embraced her, clad in their outer wear.
"Bit cold to not be wearing a robe don't you think birthday girl?" Draco teased, draping his cloak over her goose bump covered shoulders.
Hermione smiled shyly, "Thanks, I didn't know I was coming outside..."
"Oh well, you look beautiful" he told her, watching his feet which he nervously began to shift.
"Thankyou Draco" she grinned, kissing him softly on the cheek. Draco looked up with a large smile on his face.
"Hey Hermione, did you like the necklace?" Daphne smirked, eyeing it as it sat between her cleavage. It was slightly longer then she had expected, but pretty none the less.
"I love it, thankyou all so much."
"Weasley not moan that you're wearing a snake on your neck?" Blaise teased, picking up her hand and eyeing the bracelet she wore.
"Either they haven't noticed it, or they just didn't mention it. They're obviously not pervs, looking at my chest" she joked, winking at Blaise as he put on a mock hurt expression.
"Me? A pervert? Much the opposite my dear!"
The six of them laughed at his playful banter. Spending her birthday with every one of her friends was perfect in Hermione's eyes. The way they smiled so genuinely at her warmed her heart and she knew that everyone she had been with today cared deeply for her and her happiness, as she did them.
Draco watched Hermione with wide eyes. The dress she was wearing accentuated her perfect curves, making her look much older than she was. It was revealing, yet not overly revealing, making her look sophisticated rather than slutty. The red and gold made her skin look an intoxicating brown, and the flat gold shoes showed of her short yet graceful legs. She didn't have the biggest boobs out there, but her cleavage was definitely the main point the dress showed off. It dipped with a loose fitting around her chest, showing off the top of her moderately round breasts. Her hair was straight and flowing freely with the wind, hanging down over shoulders and skimming the top of her chest. Her brown eyes were rimmed with long eyelashes, the chocolate brown looking out innocently. Her pink and pouty lips curved upwards into a delicate smile, the happiness reaching her eyes.
Looking at her wearing his robe felt perfect to him. She suited Slytherin colours, and he couldn't imagine anyone else looking as good as she did in it. Occasionally, she would pull it closer to her body, rubbing it up against her bare skin. He knew that when she returned it, it would hold her scent. Draco smirked at the idea.
"I thought maybe you'se would take some pictures with me? I got a camera for my birthday and I want to fill some of my photo album" she explained, holding up the camera she had yet to let go of since she'd left the common room.
"I think that's a brilliant idea" Luna replied dreamily, pulling off her robes to show her slightly strange outfit.
"I want one with each of you, then one of us all, it has a timer so I can just levitate it" she told them, pulling Blaise into her side and handing the camera to Fay.
They both smiled brightly at the camera, with Blaise towering over the petite Gryffindor.
Daphne opted for a different pose, kissing Hermione on the cheek as the photo was taken, capturing Hermione's happiness as she laughed.
Next, Hermione stood by Luna, who wrapped an arm over Hermione's shoulder and grinned widely.
Draco took hold of Hermione as she stood near him, whispering something into her ear, making her smile. Unknowingly, Fay took a picture, before instructing them to smile. Arm wrapped around her waist, Hermione leant into Draco's body with her head against his chest and smiled in content. Draco also towered over her much like Blaise, but she found their tallness and strength created a safe aura.
"Now me!" Fay squealed, thrusting the camera into Draco's hand.
Fay, being slightly taller than Hermione, wrapped her arms around her and placed her chin on her shoulder.
"Smile ladies" Draco teased, catching their laughter on picture.
Smiling as lady like as they could, Draco took the picture and handed Hermione her camera.
"I have an idea!" Blaise smirked.
"And that would be..." Daphne added.
"Daph, get on Luna's shoulders cause you're the smallest of us all. Fay on mine, and Hermione on Draco's, I personally want that picture, so you can take it and make a copy for me" He told them, happy with the idea he had come up with.
The girls laughed, and Hermione set up the camera, charming it to levitate in the air.
Climbing onto their intended partners shoulders, they laughed as they swayed on the taller ones shoulders. Draco gripped Hermione's thighs softly, the feeling of her lace underwear rubbing at the back of his neck making him smirk.
The clicking of the camera signalled that the photo had been taken. The boys and Luna helped the girls to get down carefully.
Draco's arm was firmly around Hermione's waist while Blaise's was resting over her shoulders. Fay, Luna and Daphne all kneeled in front of them; everyone smiled as the camera clicked again.
"I think I'll make a fire, I have marshmallows" Luna smiled dreamily, pulling her wand from her sleeve.
Sitting around the fire, the six pupils delved into conversation, roasting marshmallows on the end of sticks they had found.
"I wish you had of stabbed Weasel, made my day when he screamed!" Blaise chortled, blowing heavily on his marshmallow as it set on fire.
"I can't even remember what it was over. But I don't think I would have actually hurt him..."
"You cursed him in the middle of your charms class and got away with it. I'm pretty sure that hurt" Draco laughed, chewing on his brown coloured sweet.
"I found it all to be quite fascinating" Luna smiled, winking at Hermione.
"Aye, stop attempting to get my best friend expelled!" Fay hissed, pushing her hand into the bag of mallows.
"I think Dumbledore would have been glad to get rid of such a pig, he eats way too much" Daphne shivered.
"This is my best friend you're all talking about" Hermione giggled, swallowing the remainder of her sweet.
"So, what did everyone get you Mione?" Draco asked, quickly changing the subject before she got unhappy.
"I'll show you all" she smiled. Pulling her wand from being tucked somewhere in her dress, she accio'd her bag. She took out all of her presents, including the cake.
"I want some of that" Blaise stated, opening the box the cake was in. Greedily, everyone began to scoop cake out with their fingers, the marshmallows forgotten about.
Hermione got Luna to take a picture of them eating it prove to her dad that she enjoyed it, their faces coated in the frosting.
"Merlin, this is bloody amazing. Where did you get it from?" Draco asked, taking a big scoop full and shoving it into his mouth.
"My dad made it" she replied between mouthfuls. It really was delightful, if it hadn't looked so unprofessional, she would have thought he'd bought it.
"The mans a genius" Blaise praised.
"So, why don't you show us your presents Hermione?" Luna said, taking a neat scoop of the cake. Blushing, Hermione wiped all evidence of the cake from her face and opened the boxes.
"Ron, Harry, the Weasley's and other Wizarding friends all put money to get me this charm bracelet, each charms from a different person" she explained, dangling her arm in front of them for everyone to see. "My dad got me the camera and this photo album. My granny got me the Shakespeare collection, Neville and Luna got me this hat and scarf set I've always wanted, Dean and Seamus got me this statue and everyone else got me sweets" she informed them, pointing out each present as she went along.
"What about this one?" Daphne asked, picking up the long rectangular box.
Hermione turned a shocking crimson, snatching the box back.
"It's a phoenix quill, it's from my erm... well it's from..."
"It's from a close friend of hers" Fay finished, smiling at them all.
Blaise opened the box, letting out a gasp. Daphne grinned at the feather.
"These are frigging expensive! Whoever it's from is an amazing friend I'd say, or he's trying to buy his way into your pants" she teased.
"Or they have more money than they know what to do with. No seriously, whoever got it you is one amazing person" Blaise shrugged, passing the box to Luna.
"It's quite beautiful. I like the way your name's engraved into it, it makes it special" she admired, handing the box to Draco.
"Yep, they're definitely one thoughtful person" he nodded, passing it to Fay.
"They are" Hermione grinned.
"You so fancy him" Daphne stated. "There's no doubt about it!"
Hermione's face flushed at the declaration. Daphne was right, but wouldn't she seem like a fool to admit she fancied a stranger? Stuttering her response, she knew that she was found out. "No... No, it's just... I just... He's really sweet- urgh" she groaned, covering her face with her hands.
Unseen by anyone, Draco winked at Blaise who smirked back at him. Daphne knew it was from him as well as Blaise did, but he definitely wouldn't have thought to ask if she liked 'him'.
"Ahh, so it is a boy. I was just teasing. Hermione Granger's got a crush!" Daphne teased loudly.
"Daph, shut up" Hermione groaned, hiding a chuckle.
"She wants his babies! Little Granger babies, awrh!" she joked, squealing when Hermione launched herself onto her, covering her mouth with her hands.
"I don't want anyone's baby's I'll have you know, I'm way too young!" she laughed, rolling off of her friend.
She wouldn't deny that she liked him, but having his baby's? She didn't even know who it was! Damn Daphne putting that thought into her mind...
"I feel I must ask you something" Luna said quietly, eyeing the three Slytherin's curiously.
"Shoot" Blaise replied, wondering what she was about to say.
"Are you all Death Eaters?" she asked, not caring that she was being forward.
Blaise, Draco and Daphne all burst out into hysterics at the question.
"Merlin's no! Mine and Draco's family's are, but we're on the light side, Dumbledore knows this. And Merlin forbid if Blaise's mum let him get involved in a war! She's way too protective for that" she chuckled.
"Ahh, that's good to know" she smiled, dipping her finger into the cake and licking it.
"Our parents don't know that we're not involved, they'd skin us alive. But really, Voldermorts such a hypocrite, why would we want to be servant's to some insane guy who's died Merlin knows how many times" Draco said, eyeing Hermione closely.
"Does it not worry any of you that soon we'll be fighting a war against him? I'm bloody friends with Harry Potter, and I get dragged along everywhere, so I'm kind of crapping myself" Hermione sighed. She really wanted to help Harry as much as she could, but Voldermort was the craziest and scariest person she'd ever met. The idea of going into war against him sent chills up her spine.
"Well yeh, more then you could imagine. We're going against our families for what we believe to be right, we may even see them die for such a stupid cause... I'll be trying to protect my friends while trying to persuade my sister and Theo to fight with me not against me. Its fucked up if you ask me" Daphne told them. Theo still stood strongly by Voldermorts cause, but refused to tell them that Daphne had betrayed them. She wanted to be with him, not have him killed or locked up in Azkaban for his entire life span. And as for her sister, the girl was way too young to be making these kinds of decisions. She couldn't even decide how to get her hair cut by herself for Merlin's sake!
"It's the same with me. My whole family from both sides is part of the Dark, but my friends are part of the Light. I'd stay neutral but I want to make it known that I am not a stereotypical Malfoy."
"I have to help Harry with pretty much everything, and I have to... I'll have to erase my parent's memory soon to protect them. It's so complicated. I don't see what his problem is though; Muggle's are nowhere near as bad as he makes out. They're the same as us except they can't do magic. He's just a power crazy idiot. I don't want my friends to die, but in the end that's what it comes down to.
It's what McGonagall told me, this is going to be war. Every war has deaths, they're dying for what they believe in, and knowing you died helping your cause is supposedly the best way" she shrugged.
For a few minutes, everyone let Hermione's message sink in. It was war, and death was inevitable.
"It could... It could be one of us that die's. Or all of us for that matter" Fay mumbled.
"I don't care, so long as Harry defeats him, I couldn't care less whether I live or died. I'd be with my mother" Luna smiled, the image of her mother swimming around in her head.
"That's so sweet!" Daphne grinned. "I'd be with my Grandmother. She died fighting against Voldermort, she was so brave."
"I remember her! She used to always pinch my face when I was little" Draco grimaced, remembering the little old woman that used to fuss over him as if he was her own.
"She used to always spank me, odd woman" Blaise admitted, dark features reddening slightly.
"Hey! She was getting old okay?" Daphne said. Everyone laughed at her statement.
"It's getting late Mione, we should head back" Fay told Hermione who was currently re-bagging her presents.
"I'll get Amato" she grinned, whistling up towards her window.
Seconds later, Amato sat before her, leaning his head into her. Scratching behind his ears as he seemed to love so much, she cherished his warmth for a moment.
"Holy shit! Where did that thing come from?" Blaise yelped, stepping away from the Griffin.
"He doesn't bite Blaise, bloody hell" Hermione laughed. "He's quite sweet really."
"We should start walking back anyway. I hope you had a good birthday Mione" Draco whispered, hugging her closely.
After her four friends hugged her, she began to take off Draco's robe. "No, keep it until tomorrow, I'll get it back after breakfast" he grinned.
"Thanks Draco" she smiled, pecking his cheek.
Fay and Hermione watched as they all walked away, before climbing onto Amato's back. Fay uneasily clutched onto Hermione's hips, eyes squeezed tightly shut as she waited for them to take off. Hermione looked over her shoulder at her and chuckled softly. Leaning forward she whispered something into Amato's ear, who took off at a soft pace.
"Fay, open your eyes" Hermione told her, patting her hand in reassurance.
"Are... are you sure?" Fay whimpered, loosening her hold slightly.
"Yes!" Hermione called out in excitement.
Slowly, Fay opened an eye and looked out over the surroundings lighted up by the moon light.
Hermione had instructed Amato to take them to the field she had become so fond of.
"I have somewhere to show you" Hermione beamed at Fay, who stared wide eyed and open mouthed at the scenery.
"This is beautiful Mi!"
"I know he brought me here when I was upset" she explained when they began to lower.
oooooo
Hermione helped Fay climb from Amato's back, and walked around the small field. Flowers still bloomed, bringing her to the conclusion that they were magical. The smell lingered through the grass, rising as they walked through the long blades.
"McGonagall's right yano? People are going to die and there's nothing we can do to stop it. But it's for the greater good isn't it? I mean, if I die knowing that, I don't think it will bother me too much. I'd rather go out like that then it be pointless and for nothing.
Like when you got petrified, it happened for a reason, you had figured it out, so it wasn't pointless, you could still help... I want to be like that. I want to go out knowing I did everything I could" Fay smiled, running a hand lazily over each flower as she passed them.
"I won't let anything happen to you Fay, I'll be right there with you I promise. I won't let anyone die who isn't supposed to" she explained, hugging her friend tightly. "It's scary the idea of that happening with us being so young, but we're going to do everything we can. You're already helping anyway, you're best friends with a muggle born" she winked.
Fay laughed, watching Hermione with admiring eyes. "You're so brave Mione. Erasing your parent's memory to keep them safe, I couldn't do that, I'm too selfish."
"In a way I'm brave, but Dumbledore told me sometimes strong erasing cannot be reversed. I wouldn't know what to do if that happened" she admitted. The possibility was very high, she knew that, but if living without her meant that they were safe, she'd do it a thousand times over.
"I'm always here" Fay beamed. "I think you should get a picture with Amato, you said your dad's interested in him?"
"Oh yeh! Could you take it?" she begged, a twinkle back in her eye.
Hermione stood happily beside Amato, a hand stretched out across his back. His head was leant affectionately against hers as Fay took the photo, his eyes watching Hermione's every movement.
"I'll send it now and write him a quick letter" she decided, pulling a roll of parchment out of her bag.
Thanking him and her Granny for the presents, she attached a copy of the photo with her and Amato and the one of her and her friends eating the cake.
"Your dads going to think we're all fat slobs" Fay giggled, looking at the cake picture. Each of them had cake smeared across their faces and their fingers were either in the cake or in their mouths.
"Agreed" she chirped, pushing the package into her bag, "ready to go back?" she asked happily. Nodding in agreement they both climbed back onto Amato and rode back to Gryffindor tower.
oooooo
Fay had left Hermione's room and gone back to her dorm as quietly and quickly as she could when she noticed that Ginny was asleep.
Hermione was now proof reading her letter, with the owl ready to take it. Once it was attached to the bird and instructed with where to go, it flew out of the window and disappeared from eye sight.
Unable to sleep, she processed the photos from the day and began to slot them into her photo album, looking at the moving pictures with happy eyes.
Ron, Ginny, Harry, Fay, Dean, Seamus and Neville pulling funny faces at breakfast.
Her, Ron, Ginny, Harry, Fay, Dean, Seamus and Neville doing the same again.
Photo's the boys had obviously taken jokingly, one looked like it was the inside of Dean's nose...
Dean holding her tightly to his side, looking down lovingly at her.
Her and Fay grinning.
Seamus hugging her tightly with a triumphant look on his face.
Neville smiling shyly to the camera with an arm draped over her shoulder.
Lavender grinning, head pressed against hers.
Parvati and Padma both with an arm around her waist, tongues stuck out.
Dancing with Harry and Ron.
Dancing with Ginny.
Dancing with everyone...
Her on Harry's back laughing with him.
Pecking Ron's cheek, a cheesy grin plastered on his face showing of his teeth.
Ginny smiling happily at Hermione.
Several photo's with younger years.
Whole of Gryffindor smiling, and then posing.
Blaise grinning in front of the lake, arm draped over her shoulder.
Daphne kissing her cheek while she laughed.
Luna smiling cutely next to her.
Draco whispering into her ear while she smiled... She hadn't known this was being taken, but it was by far her favourite.
Draco smiling brightly, her head against his chest.
Fay with her chin on her shoulder laughing.
Fay and her smiling.
Fay, Daphne and Hermione on Blaise, Luna and Draco's shoulders laughing.
Blaise and Draco, arms around her possessively, Fay, Luna and Daphne smiling while they knelt on the floor.
Several photos of them eating marshmallows by the fire.
Messily eating cake.
Her and Amato looking lovingly at one another.
With a large grin spread across her face, Hermione fell asleep in her position on the floor, photo album full of her photographs, floor scattered full of copies and Draco's cloak wrapped tightly around her body.
Review thanks next chapter, I cant access emails atm to do it...