Author's note :

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! From whatever part of the world you're in and also whichever holiday you are celebrating! Happy New Year's in advance also

Just wanted to tell you all this story is coming along quite well, I have another few chapters written ahead but am still working on editing. While on a weekend vacation with the family, I had a surge of imagination and now I can't wait to write it all, much action to come !

No more babbling now, here's the chapter! Don't forget to review if you have the time!

Last chapter on Circa Mundi :

"I know, I know," Ginny smiled. "At least tell me you'll be at the Gala tomorrow night?"

"As much as it pains me to say, yes I'll be there." Hermione replied.

"Great! So what would you say to a little shopping trip tomorrow afternoon then? I'm sure Blaise won't mind if I leave a bit earlier than planned. And anyways, we need to find you a nice looking dress to woo you some wizards!"

Chapter 4

The following morning, Hermione got up late once again. She admitted to herself she might finally need to invest in a muggle alarm clock if she wanted to chase away that nasty habit. As she made her way to her kitchen, she outlined her day in her head, thinking of how much work she would be able to complete before Ginny's arrival later that afternoon. As she waited for her coffee to be ready, she dug out her bag near the table and took out a copy from her file on the runes she had discovered prior to her return to London. It wasn't long before her dining room table was filled to the brink with muggle papers and wizarding parchments, a mess laid out only she would be able to find herself in.

She had been away for the past three months on her latest assignment from the Ministry. Hermione used the term Wizarding archeologist whenever anyone would ask about her career. Following the end of the war, she had flown to Australia for a few months to track down her parents and had restored their memories. Alexander and Jean Granger had been more than surprised and a tad angry to say the least. After a few days spent in the company of her parents, Hermione had come back to London, begrudgingly leaving them to live there after they had voiced their request to keep a normal, quiet life in the land down under.

Sure, she had missed her parents, but she still had another sort of family in London, and without them, she would not be the witch she was today. Upon her return, she had been offered many jobs in the Ministry, and a lot of offers from various companies deserving the Wizarding community had been laid in front of her. However, she had decided to go back to her muggle roots and decided to continue her studies at a muggle university. Three years later, she was awarded with her diploma, claiming her to be a graduate in majoring Archeological studies, with a minor in Geography and Environment. She had always loved history when she was a child, and always thought there was more to some historical sites around the world that those muggles let on.

After coming back to wizarding London, she had taken an internship under the wing of Avery Bode, who was an unspeakable for the Department of Mysteries. He was one of the few wizards who often worked outside of the Ministry walls and in the field, cooperating with various muggle associations throughout Europe, while they dug more deeply for magical traces in certain historical sites. When Hermione was the one who helped him uncover a magical trace in the site of Birka, Sweden, Bode could only marvel at the young witches' intelligence and encourage her to continue on the same career path. Later though, following a disagreement with older Unspeakables, Hermione had decided to work individually as an advisor to the Ministry, working closely with muggle entities such as the British Archeological Association and others. Over the years, a few wizards had voiced their interest in being a part of her studies, and so it found her today with a small team of four other witches and wizards, all advisors to their own associations across Great Britain. Sometimes, they would work together or break down in teams, and on other projects, Hermione preferred working alone as some of her colleagues also liked doing once in a while. They were currently though in a project with the Ministry, as Hagpipe was the one who had asked Hermione to follow up on some weird-looking hieroglyphic markings found at a site in Southern Egypt.

Even if they were currently on hiatus due to the reception of a threatening letter that Hagpipe had gotten earlier that month, Hermione was still working in her flat, trying to get ahead and decrypt the meaning behind the Runes they had found located near the glyphs.

It seemed that only minutes had passed since she had been awake, but when Ginny popped into her flat, Hermione let out a cry of surprise as she had been too absorbed in her work to notice the time go by.

"You really have to work less Hermione," said the younger witch as she took a seat next to her friend. "At the rate you're going, you'll have gray hair on your thirtieth birthday!"

"Thank Gin! You sure know how to reassure a witch." Hermione got up to hug her friend and resigned herself to the fact she wouldn't get as much research done as she would have liked for that day.

"So tell me 'Mione, do you by any chance have a date for the Ministry event yet?"

At this, Hermione scoffed. "Ginny, even if I had the time for a date, you know I prefer going to these events alone. Having to endure small talk with people you haven't seen in months and then having to sit through the most agonizing speeches our dear Minister bestows upon his crowd is something I wouldn't wish on any poor wizard."

"Hermione, you've got to be kidding me. There are more than a handful of wizards in London that would do anything in their power to spend even the tiniest part of an evening with you, even if that means having to endure the worst of all socialising wizarding events."

With a roll of her eyes, Hermione answered, "And pray tell, Mrs. Potter. Why the sudden interest in my dating life? You are still not forgiven for hinting at matchmaking Malfoy and I, and now you're more than keen on the fact that I need a date for tonight. I've been single for the past two years, why the renowned interest ?"

"Every one of our friends is in a relationship Hermione, hell, even Ron managed to find himself a witch. Although, we do have bets on how long that relationship will last… Anyways, Harry and I, you have to understand, we just can't wait for you to find your true love."

"You know I don't believe in that bullcrap everyone calls destiny."

"Well maybe if you believed in it a bit more, you'd have more chance in your romantic life. Don't you miss the feel of coming home to someone you've thought about all day, only to then be cherished and loved while he whisks you away the bedroom and-"

"Gin! Enough! Have you been reading some of those romance novels I've lent you? Or seriously, you're going to have to pop that baby out as soon as possible because I think pregnancy is messing with your brain!"

Ginny laughed at Hermione's sudden outburst and at seeing her friend so happy and carefree, Hermione couldn't help but join in the laughter. Both girls had missed each other and were quite content to be in each other's company, even if only for a few weeks.

"We still have a few weeks to go, don't we little James," said Ginny while stroking her belly gently.

"I wouldn't mind him coming out a few days earlier so I could greet the little fella!"

"And now you just jinxed it!" said Ginny amused. "Seriously though, Parkinson isn't quite finished yet with my order for his baby clothing. You could always postpone your return to work a few days and go back after I give birth?"

"Oh!" Hermione exclaimed. "I completely forgot to owl Ron about that. What is this about you and Parkinson all being chummy now? Trying to replace me, you evil witch!"

Ginny bellowed a great laugh and then softly put her hand on Hermione's as she leaned closer to her. "You know no one will ever be able to replace you. However, Parkinson does fill in your spot as designated friend when you're off to Merlin knows where!"

Hermione's eyes narrowed and she sighed angrily. "What is it with all of you being friends with Slytherins now! I leave a few months at a time, and suddenly you all up and make new friends and Slytherins at that!"

"Hermione," the red-haired witch sighed, taking her hand away as she starting absentmindedly playing with the closest parchment. "I regret to say, you indeed missed out on a few things while you've been gone, but there's no time like the present to re-acquaint yourself with some of those people. When you went to Oxford to continue your studies, you missed out on a lot of ex-deatheaters apologising for their errors, and they've almost all completed their wizarding community service sentence in one way or the other."

"Wizarding community-service? What's that all about. I've never heard of such a thing! And you can't tell me they tell you they're sorry and that you can so easily put the past in the past."

Hermione got up angrily and started to put away her files vigorously as she awaited Ginny's answer. When the other witch failed to answer her questions, Hermione banged her hand on the table, startling her friend. "Well?" she begged Ginny.

"What do you want me to tell you Hermione? It's not like you've been very present these last years, and any time you come back, you're gone no more than two weeks later. It's not like you've really had a chance to talk to any of the people we grew up with since you've started those projects of yours," Ginny accused with a harsh voice.

"That's cause I prefer spending my time with my friends when I'm home, rather than lose an evening to some suck-up ex-deathers who are trying to reclaim their place!"

"Did you even give them a chance?"

"No need to Ginny. I think their actions speak for themselves."

At this, Ginny once again roared in laughter. Hermione's eyebrows furrowed together as she tried to understand the rather abrupt change in the atmosphere. As she sat back down at the table, Ginny started speaking again.

"Mione. Do you even know half of what these people were up to in the last five years or so? Zabini is now replacing me as Quidditch professor at Hogwarts, I think that goes in saying that he cares enough for the future of the students that he wants to be a part of their education, so they wouldn't follow in his footsteps. Parkinson, she's still a bitch sometimes, but that's how we like her. She's been running fashion shows all over Europe, and most of the proceeds of her sales go to some charity or the other. Theodore Nott even helped Neville and Padma set up an orphanage for the children who lost their parents and relatives to the war. Hell, even Malfoy's been up to some good lately, donating whatever historical artefact he finds on his missions and he's been giving the profits of most of his auctions to St-Mungo's."

After Ginny's outburst, Hermione couldn't help but be speechless. She had to admit, she would have never guessed that these people would do any good in their lives.

"What about their parents and families? I'm sure they haven't changed their old Pureblood ways or did a complete 180 degree personality switch," Hermione asked incredulously.

"Most of their parents are in Azkaban serving their sentences. Many of the older Purebloods did far too much bad to stay out in the open, and so they've been locked behind bars, some sentences longer than others. Blaise's mother was never actively part of the war so she's been pardoned, as was Narcissa Malfoy for helping Harry that night in Malfoy Manor. Also, Theodore Nott's parents were killed but his uncle Jackson Nott has been forgiven for he had been imperiused almost the whole part of the Second War. The Crabbes and the Goyles though are all in Azkaban, including both Vincent and Gregory."

Hermione kept on staring at Ginny with an expression that was hard to read. After opening and closing her mouth several times, attempting to get a few words out, she admitted to herself that she had been rendered speechless and so stayed put at her place, choosing instead to look down to the floor.

"While you process all that 'Mione, I'll be right back. The loo is calling! Seriously, I can't wait for this baby to be out!" Ginny stood and made her way out of the kitchen while Hermione was left alone at the table.

It made sense, what Ginny said about her missing out on the last few years. But had she been away for so long she had missed so much change? Surely, there was no way that her best friends and enemies had gotten that close together, no?

"Hermione!" screamed Ginny from down the hall. "You're thinking too loud, I can hear you all the way from here!"

The brown-haired witch smiled and shook her head. Some things never changed and Hermione was glad that Ginny's temper and personality was one thing that remained the same since their Hogwarts days. After putting away her imaginary files on the ex-deatheaters students-now-wizards in a corner of her head, Hermione resigned herself to admit she could at least try and be polite if these people were to cross her way.

Hugs and kisses though, still way out of the question.

"OOH!" suddenly exclaimed a high-pitched voice from the hall. Hermione got up as quick as she could and ran to the bathroom where Ginny was found half leaning on the counter, a hand to her belly.

"Dear Merlin Ginny, is everything alright?"

"No worries, little James just can't wait to come out! It's just a small contraction, Mum said this could happen in the last month." Her eyebrows were furrowed in concentration and she was letting out small puffs of air through mouth.

"Well, eh, is there anything I can do for you?" Hermione's eyes were roaming all over Ginny's sweating face. The younger witch was still concentrating on her breathing and shook her head negatively. She held up the hand that was clutching her belly, while the other remained in a vice-grip on the counter.

"Is this even normal, Ginny?"

She nodded.

"Would you like a glass of water at least?"

Another nod.

Hermione quickly summoned a tall glass of water and put it on the vanity counter just as Ginny seemed to regain control of her breathing. Her muscles finally released tension and she let out one long breath. After downing the glass of water, she slowly sat down onto the closed toilet and wiped her forehead clear of the small beads of sweat that had accumulated.

"Ginny, how many contractions have you already had?"

"This is the sixth, although as I've said, my mother had warned me of the possibility of this leading up to birth."

"That was intense though Gin, you have to admit!"

"Ha, 'Mione, don't worry. It's completely normal, and they're only going to get more intense until little James comes out."

"Still, that was nerve-wracking. Dear Merlin, I'm not ready to be pregnant!"

The two burst out laughing at Hermione's comment and any earlier words concerning deatheaters and past errors and mistakes were all but forgotten.

"Now help me up 'Mione, we need to find you a new dress! And maybe a wizard too," she winked at her friend. Hermione chuckled and proceeded to help Ginny up and both witches made their way out of the flat moments later.

"You're crazy if you think I'm wearing that out in public, much less a Ministry event!" came the harsh voice of Hermione as Ginny reluctantly put the dress she had shown her, back on the rack.

"Gosh, you're such a prude Granger, no wonder you don't have a date!"

"Stop it with my love life! And I'm no prude, Ginevra Weasley Potter. I just don't wear shiny, translucent dresses that barely cover my arse to Ministry events."

Ginny laughed once more and kept on browsing in another rack. It was late afternoon and the witches once again found themselves in Diagon Alley on a shopping trip.

"If we don't find a dress here, we're going back to my flat Gin! I'm starting to get sick of seeing all this fabric."

Hermione sighed and turned on herself, looking at all the dress racks from her vantage point in the middle of the shop. There were so many colorful robes and gowns, only she couldn't seem to find anything that fit her correctly. Either the gowns were of the right fit but wrong color, or vice versa.

"It's helpless Gin, I'm going to have to go naked!" she exclaimed from the middle of the sales floor. A few paces to her right, Ginny grinned at her as she shook her head. "See! No prude!"

"Might it be possible for me to show you some diamonds or pearls to go with your bold choice of outfit, Miss?" said a small voice right behind Hermione. She jumped at the sound and turned around, sporting two bright-red stains on her cheeks.

"It is in my nature to assume you will be attending the Ministry even, am I correct?" asked the small, plump witch now in front of Hermione. "My name is Isla Graphook, nice to meet you Mrs. …?"

"Oh no, it's Miss Granger, ma'am," she replied as she extended her hand towards the older witch.

"Well then, Miss Granger, you stay put and I'll be right back," said Ms. Graphook as she completely ignored Hermione's extended hand and turned on her heel to disappear as quickly as she had appeared only moments earlier.

Meanwhile, Ginny had rejoined Hermione's side after hearing the commotion. The two girls looked at each other with raised eyebrows as they patiently waited for the older witch's return. A few moments later, Mrs. Graphook came back with a large box in her hands. The box was one of the darkest shades of grey Hermione had seen and intricate carvings decorated the sides. There even seemed to be a smell that radiated from the package the witch held in her hands, but Hermione brushed it off, thinking it must've been a fragment of her imagination.

"I don't usually go through my personal antique collection, but a young witch in Paris gave me this dress once, and to this day, I thought I would never find it a good owner," said the owner of the shop as she handed Hermione the package. "As soon as I lay eyes on you earlier my dear, I simply knew that no other dress would do the thing on a body such as sweet as yours." And then she winked at Hermione.

Ginny stood to the side trying to stifle her laughter. Something about the owner radiated mischief but she also remind the young witches of a grandmother figure. Her eyes twinkled with stars as she nodded and went back to stand behind her counter.

As the two girls sat on the nearest bench, Hermione put the box between them and could only stare at the marvel of the box design. If only the box was this beautiful, she could only imagine the dress.

"Merlin, will you open it already? Any more staring and there'll be a hole in the dress!" exclaimed Ginny impatiently.

Hermione laughed and followed her friend's request. As she slid the top of the box on the side, she gasped quite audibly at the beauty of the fabric. She slowly extracted the whole dress from the package and stood up as it fell to the floor, hanging from both her hands.

Ginny whistled and looked up at Hermione's face. Her entire face showed amazement and she was simply put, awestruck at the dress.

As Hermione kept gaping at the dress, Ginny stood up and ushered her to the nearest dressing stall. "Try that beauty on!" she gushed.

In the rush to put on the dress and show her friend, Hermione completely forgot to look herself in the mirror, which is a good think or else her face would've been glued to her own reflection. As she stepped out of the stall, Ginny's own mouth gaped open and Hermione immediately felt self-conscious.

"Too much skin?" she asked timidly.

"Are you crazy, woman? It's perfect! It's like it was made for you!"

Hermione finally turned around and looked at her reflection. She indeed stared at herself as she saw that she filled out the dark gown quite nicely.

The dress itself fell to the floor in a mix of black lace and dark gray satin. The satin bodice underneath was covered with the lace and flared widely at Hermione's ankles. As it crept up her body, it hugged her hips and stomach where the pattern consisted of medium-sized floral design. A few designs hugged her breast area as the sleeves went over shoulders and completed the sheer neckline. The overall look was one of elegance and sophistication.

"A few wizards are going to drop dead if you wear that to the Gala," said Ginny as she inspected the dress closer. She whistled again as Hermione spun around with both her hands on either side of her body.

"I feel like a princess."

"Yet you look like a queen dear," Ms. Graphook had returned and was looking at Hermione with a motherly look. She nodded positively and clapped her hands together as she walked closer to the two girls.

"Shall I prepare it for you, Miss Granger, then?"

Hermione nodded, still dumbfounded at the beauty of the gown and went back to her dressing stall to change back into her clothes.

"So," Ginny started on the other side of the curtain. "Still keen on the idea of going to the Gala alone? Because I know a few wizards who would enjoy taking that piece of ass back to their flat at the end of the evening!"

"Oh gosh, you're so crass Gin!"

The red-haired witch laughed as she made her way to the counter.

Hermione followed a few minutes later and the two waited for Ms. Graphook to have the dress prepared. The older witch came back only a few moments later with the same gorgeous box and set it in Hermione's hands.

"How much, Madam," she asked politely.

"Payment has been arranged, my dear. No need to worry."

"But-"

"You heard the witch, Hermione. Say thank you and let's get you back home!" argued Ginny on the side of her.

"Merlin, Ginny, tell me you did not-"

"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't."

"You didn't have to pay that for me you little-"

"Hermione," Ginny started more slowly this time. She took her friend's hand and led her out the shop after she nodded her thanks to the owner. "Consider this an early birthday present! From Harry and me!"

Hermione stopped abruptly only a few steps in front of the shop and pulled on the hand Ginny was still holding.

"That dress was probably worth an entire month's salary! Ginevra Weasley Potter, I insist on paying that dress, now how much was it?"

"Nonsense Hermione. You should know the Potter vault at Gringotts can afford more than one of those gowns. Now shut up and be happy about your gift and let's get back to your flat. We still need to prepare for tonight and I am seriously craving some pickles right now!"

The two laughed at Ginny's last statement as they made their way down the street. Before apparating back to the flat, Hermione turned to her best friend and engulfed her in a hug. They then popped back to Hermione's flat and Ginny left after a quick snack, promising Hermione to seek her out later at the Gala.

Author's Note :

Here is the 'link' to Hermione's dress. I had to put it on my pinterest board since I was struggling to upload the long original link, so just go in the board titled "Dresses" and it should be there! Just delete the 'periods' in the adress, including in the 'lamontak' and you should be good.

p.i.n.t.e.r.e.s.t.c.o.m./.l.a.m.o.n.t.a.k.

I thought it fit well with Hermione'sstyle and was simple yet a bit daring for our little Gryffindor princess.

Reviews ?